Case-based research on the fedup model for self-help housing
- Authors: Qumbisa, Nolwazi
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Community participation , Human settlements , Informal settlements
- Language: English
- Type: doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62199 , vital:72007
- Description: In South Africa, the government subsidises the building of starter homes to meet the demand for housing for people with lower incomes. However, it is necessary for the state to revise its efforts to meet the demand for housing in the country. Self-help housing is a model that can be used as an alternative to state housing subsidies. The present research study investigates the essential aspects of sustainable self-help housing in the central region of South Africa. The present study aimed to address the central research topic by eliciting responses from participants: How can self-help provision become sustainable in the central region of South Africa? In response to the question, an effective self-help housing support model was developed, the aim of which is to outline how self-help housing projects could be improved. The literature findings demonstrate the potential of this model as a viable alternative to the existing housing delivery mechanism in South Africa. This assertion is supported by a study of self-help housing trajectories and an examination of relevant South African housing policies. However, there has been a lack of emphasis on the simplification of current models to accommodate the needs of implementers, government entities, and beneficiaries of self-help housing initiatives. This study aimed to address the highlighted gaps by utilising a qualitative methodology and drawing upon the data obtained. The data collection techniques included semi-structured interviews, structured observations, and focus-group discussions. A total of 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders in human settlements, while the focus-group discussions involved 50 participants. A total of 5 focus group discussions were conducted with each group consisting of 10 participants. Moreover, the researcher conducted a document analysis, observations, and questionnaire survey. The data collected were analysed thematically. The results revealed that there are still challenges with implementing self-help housing. Moreover, the results are attributed mainly to a mismatch of the roles and responsibilities and not understanding the Enhanced People’s Housing Process (EPHP) policy. The principal contribution of the thesis is that housing policies, programmes and sector plans must encourage beneficiaries to play an active role. This study found that weak or unclear project vi specifications lead to contractor misunderstandings or discrepancies in housing project implementation, resulting in poor-quality work or delays. The conventional contractor-driven housing-delivery model also has issues like poor construction, corruption and mismanagement, profit-driven contractors, high contractor rates, project delays/incomplete projects, illegal occupation of incomplete projects, riots and disputes, ineffective project specifications, and beneficiary disengagement. In this study, it is demonstrated how a positive social impact on housing could be the outcome of an improved self-help approach. Consequently, the research suggests the adoption of an effective self-help housing support model, which may effectively address the challenges posed by informal settlements while enhancing the execution of self-help housing projects. The model has the potential to make contemporary contributions to the public housing policy model in South Africa. This study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable housing alternatives, providing insights into the various obstacles, potential advantages, and recommended strategies within the realm of selfhelp housing. The study's qualitative approach facilitated a comprehensive examination of the lived experiences and viewpoints of diverse stakeholders. This yielded valuable insights that can inform policymakers, practitioners, and communities in their efforts to improve the sustainability of self-help housing solutions in the central region of South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Engineering, Built Environment and Technology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Qumbisa, Nolwazi
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Community participation , Human settlements , Informal settlements
- Language: English
- Type: doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62199 , vital:72007
- Description: In South Africa, the government subsidises the building of starter homes to meet the demand for housing for people with lower incomes. However, it is necessary for the state to revise its efforts to meet the demand for housing in the country. Self-help housing is a model that can be used as an alternative to state housing subsidies. The present research study investigates the essential aspects of sustainable self-help housing in the central region of South Africa. The present study aimed to address the central research topic by eliciting responses from participants: How can self-help provision become sustainable in the central region of South Africa? In response to the question, an effective self-help housing support model was developed, the aim of which is to outline how self-help housing projects could be improved. The literature findings demonstrate the potential of this model as a viable alternative to the existing housing delivery mechanism in South Africa. This assertion is supported by a study of self-help housing trajectories and an examination of relevant South African housing policies. However, there has been a lack of emphasis on the simplification of current models to accommodate the needs of implementers, government entities, and beneficiaries of self-help housing initiatives. This study aimed to address the highlighted gaps by utilising a qualitative methodology and drawing upon the data obtained. The data collection techniques included semi-structured interviews, structured observations, and focus-group discussions. A total of 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders in human settlements, while the focus-group discussions involved 50 participants. A total of 5 focus group discussions were conducted with each group consisting of 10 participants. Moreover, the researcher conducted a document analysis, observations, and questionnaire survey. The data collected were analysed thematically. The results revealed that there are still challenges with implementing self-help housing. Moreover, the results are attributed mainly to a mismatch of the roles and responsibilities and not understanding the Enhanced People’s Housing Process (EPHP) policy. The principal contribution of the thesis is that housing policies, programmes and sector plans must encourage beneficiaries to play an active role. This study found that weak or unclear project vi specifications lead to contractor misunderstandings or discrepancies in housing project implementation, resulting in poor-quality work or delays. The conventional contractor-driven housing-delivery model also has issues like poor construction, corruption and mismanagement, profit-driven contractors, high contractor rates, project delays/incomplete projects, illegal occupation of incomplete projects, riots and disputes, ineffective project specifications, and beneficiary disengagement. In this study, it is demonstrated how a positive social impact on housing could be the outcome of an improved self-help approach. Consequently, the research suggests the adoption of an effective self-help housing support model, which may effectively address the challenges posed by informal settlements while enhancing the execution of self-help housing projects. The model has the potential to make contemporary contributions to the public housing policy model in South Africa. This study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable housing alternatives, providing insights into the various obstacles, potential advantages, and recommended strategies within the realm of selfhelp housing. The study's qualitative approach facilitated a comprehensive examination of the lived experiences and viewpoints of diverse stakeholders. This yielded valuable insights that can inform policymakers, practitioners, and communities in their efforts to improve the sustainability of self-help housing solutions in the central region of South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Engineering, Built Environment and Technology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
A framework to assess apomediation in social networking sites: a case of individuals with autoimmune disease
- Van de Westhuizen, Eldrigde Werner
- Authors: Van de Westhuizen, Eldrigde Werner
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Social nertworking , Content sharing
- Language: English
- Type: Doctolral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66334 , vital:74634
- Description: Over the past couple of years there has been a major change in the health-related information available to patients. The modern patient typically researches online before consulting a doctor, leading to more independence for patients regarding their medical care. Doctors continue to play a pivotal role in the medical profession due to their medical education and experience, however, patients are progressively turning to online information to understand their condition. They also check online, following consultation with their doctor, to confirm that the information provided is correct; and frequently ask for advice from people with the same condition. Clearly, patients are changing their normal health seeking behaviour by supplementing what they hear from healthcare professionals through searches for additional sources of information. Unfortunately, online health-related information is not always factual. The misinformation could cause potential problems in the doctor-patient relationship because the doctor has all the information about the patient’s condition, therefore any indication that the patient is trying to undermine the authority of the doctor could be devastating. There is a need for people, or tools, that can support the patient to direct them to high quality information regarding their condition. This concept, known as apomediation, was discussed in detail in this research, as well as the effect on patients. Unfortunately, there is a lack of understanding of the extent to which these tools or people support the apomediation process for patients. This research focused on social networking sites, which is the tool to be used, while the patients were individuals with an autoimmune disease. The purpose of this research is to construct a framework to understand the extent to which social networking sites support apomediation for individuals with autoimmune disease. Research was conducted on existing models and theories that supports apomediation, as well as investigating which social networking sites are available that best support apomediation based on the core features of these sites. The research then focused on the requirements of individuals with autoimmune disease in respect of apomediation. These building blocks led to the construction of a framework artefact 6 that can guide patients on how to determine the extent to which social networking sites support apomediation. An assessment tool was also developed, based on the framework artefact, to evaluate the framework’s effectiveness in executing its designed intention. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Technology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Van de Westhuizen, Eldrigde Werner
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Social nertworking , Content sharing
- Language: English
- Type: Doctolral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66334 , vital:74634
- Description: Over the past couple of years there has been a major change in the health-related information available to patients. The modern patient typically researches online before consulting a doctor, leading to more independence for patients regarding their medical care. Doctors continue to play a pivotal role in the medical profession due to their medical education and experience, however, patients are progressively turning to online information to understand their condition. They also check online, following consultation with their doctor, to confirm that the information provided is correct; and frequently ask for advice from people with the same condition. Clearly, patients are changing their normal health seeking behaviour by supplementing what they hear from healthcare professionals through searches for additional sources of information. Unfortunately, online health-related information is not always factual. The misinformation could cause potential problems in the doctor-patient relationship because the doctor has all the information about the patient’s condition, therefore any indication that the patient is trying to undermine the authority of the doctor could be devastating. There is a need for people, or tools, that can support the patient to direct them to high quality information regarding their condition. This concept, known as apomediation, was discussed in detail in this research, as well as the effect on patients. Unfortunately, there is a lack of understanding of the extent to which these tools or people support the apomediation process for patients. This research focused on social networking sites, which is the tool to be used, while the patients were individuals with an autoimmune disease. The purpose of this research is to construct a framework to understand the extent to which social networking sites support apomediation for individuals with autoimmune disease. Research was conducted on existing models and theories that supports apomediation, as well as investigating which social networking sites are available that best support apomediation based on the core features of these sites. The research then focused on the requirements of individuals with autoimmune disease in respect of apomediation. These building blocks led to the construction of a framework artefact 6 that can guide patients on how to determine the extent to which social networking sites support apomediation. An assessment tool was also developed, based on the framework artefact, to evaluate the framework’s effectiveness in executing its designed intention. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Technology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Management strategies for reducing pathogens to improve project delivery in Thembisile Hani local municipality
- Authors: Sibuyi, Venus
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Strategic management , Development projects, in Thembisile Hani local municipality Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Mpumalanga (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65011 , vital:74007
- Description: This study focused on exploring management strategies that can be used to reduce pathogens in order to improve project delivery in Thembisile Hani Local Municipality (THLM). The main motivation behind this study is to identify the critical role that is played by municipalities in ensuring effective and efficient service delivery in the country. Municipalities are tasked with implementing service delivery and developmental projects in their communities with the aim of enhancing the quality of life of residents and contributing to economic development. However, the implementation of such projects often faces several obstacles which result in delays in their completion, ultimately incurring higher costs than initially budgeted for. The study sought to achieve the following objectives: to determine how people’s deliberate practices delay project delivery; to determine how project situations such as scope changes delay project delivery; to determine how the nature of task such as approvals by the client delay project delivery; to determine how THLM organisational structure or operations stall the smooth delivery of projects; and to recommend management strategies that will reduce pathogens and improve project delivery in THLM. The study was conducted using the quantitative approach, with a survey questionnaire being used to collect primary data from a sample of 78 employees from the municipalities. The sample was selected using the stratified sampling technique. The study found that there are a number of challenges that result in delays in the delivery of infrastructure projects in THLM. These include supply chain and procurement management challenges, lack of senior management support, lack of skills and competencies, changes in the scope of projects during implementation, delays in project approval, poor planning, and ineffective communication. The study recommended that THLM should enhance the skills of employees in the organisation to ensure that they have the right knowledge and skills that are required to implement infrastructure projects effectively. In addition, the project design stage should be carried out thoroughly to ensure that each project has a clearly defined scope. Furthermore, it is critical for the municipality to improve project planning and communication. Proper planning of projects ensures that the correct scope, schedule, and critical paths are developed, which ensures the smooth running of the project. Finally, management should improve supply chain and procurement management practices in the organisation as they are critical for the success of project delivery. Some limitations of this study relate to the focus on one municipality only as well as the use of only one method of data collection. iv Further research can be conducted on the same topic, focusing on a number of municipalities in the province in order to obtain better understanding of municipal project management and the overall challenges that affect project delivery in the organisations. The study can adopt a mixed-methods approach in order to obtain in-depth understanding of the research problem. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Technology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Sibuyi, Venus
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Strategic management , Development projects, in Thembisile Hani local municipality Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Mpumalanga (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65011 , vital:74007
- Description: This study focused on exploring management strategies that can be used to reduce pathogens in order to improve project delivery in Thembisile Hani Local Municipality (THLM). The main motivation behind this study is to identify the critical role that is played by municipalities in ensuring effective and efficient service delivery in the country. Municipalities are tasked with implementing service delivery and developmental projects in their communities with the aim of enhancing the quality of life of residents and contributing to economic development. However, the implementation of such projects often faces several obstacles which result in delays in their completion, ultimately incurring higher costs than initially budgeted for. The study sought to achieve the following objectives: to determine how people’s deliberate practices delay project delivery; to determine how project situations such as scope changes delay project delivery; to determine how the nature of task such as approvals by the client delay project delivery; to determine how THLM organisational structure or operations stall the smooth delivery of projects; and to recommend management strategies that will reduce pathogens and improve project delivery in THLM. The study was conducted using the quantitative approach, with a survey questionnaire being used to collect primary data from a sample of 78 employees from the municipalities. The sample was selected using the stratified sampling technique. The study found that there are a number of challenges that result in delays in the delivery of infrastructure projects in THLM. These include supply chain and procurement management challenges, lack of senior management support, lack of skills and competencies, changes in the scope of projects during implementation, delays in project approval, poor planning, and ineffective communication. The study recommended that THLM should enhance the skills of employees in the organisation to ensure that they have the right knowledge and skills that are required to implement infrastructure projects effectively. In addition, the project design stage should be carried out thoroughly to ensure that each project has a clearly defined scope. Furthermore, it is critical for the municipality to improve project planning and communication. Proper planning of projects ensures that the correct scope, schedule, and critical paths are developed, which ensures the smooth running of the project. Finally, management should improve supply chain and procurement management practices in the organisation as they are critical for the success of project delivery. Some limitations of this study relate to the focus on one municipality only as well as the use of only one method of data collection. iv Further research can be conducted on the same topic, focusing on a number of municipalities in the province in order to obtain better understanding of municipal project management and the overall challenges that affect project delivery in the organisations. The study can adopt a mixed-methods approach in order to obtain in-depth understanding of the research problem. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Technology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Validation of Small Punch Testing Methodology to determine the variation in static properties over the build height of Ti-6Al-4V laser metal deposition samples.
- Authors: Viviers, Amy Bronwan
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Photovoltaic power generation , Mechanical properties , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66344 , vital:74637
- Description: Small Punch Static Testing is a testing methodology which has gained immense popularity in the power generation industry. With the drive to optimise material testing and use of expensive, lightweight materials in specialised engineering, Small Punch Static Testing has been standardised to determine standard mechanical properties of materials. Using the Small Punch Static Testing methodology as outlined in BS EN 10371, additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V samples were tested in order to determine their theoretical ultimate tensile strength and yield strength and to determine whether there was a significant change in mechanical properties across the build height of an interrupted build direct energy deposition sample. While extremely material specific, this method has been proven to be feasible in determining mechanical properties in samples where material is scarce and no significant relationship between the sample extraction height and mechanical properties is noted. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Technology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Viviers, Amy Bronwan
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Photovoltaic power generation , Mechanical properties , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66344 , vital:74637
- Description: Small Punch Static Testing is a testing methodology which has gained immense popularity in the power generation industry. With the drive to optimise material testing and use of expensive, lightweight materials in specialised engineering, Small Punch Static Testing has been standardised to determine standard mechanical properties of materials. Using the Small Punch Static Testing methodology as outlined in BS EN 10371, additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V samples were tested in order to determine their theoretical ultimate tensile strength and yield strength and to determine whether there was a significant change in mechanical properties across the build height of an interrupted build direct energy deposition sample. While extremely material specific, this method has been proven to be feasible in determining mechanical properties in samples where material is scarce and no significant relationship between the sample extraction height and mechanical properties is noted. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Technology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
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