Simulation and visualization platform integrated under hardware control systems for a reconfigurable process control
- Zata, Ngonidzashe Munyaradzi, Fernandes, John Manuel
- Authors: Zata, Ngonidzashe Munyaradzi , Fernandes, John Manuel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mechatronics -- Students Engineering students User interfaces (Computer systems)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13349 , vital:27177
- Description: Simulation and visualization platform integrated under hardware control systems for a reconfigurable process control.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Zata, Ngonidzashe Munyaradzi , Fernandes, John Manuel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mechatronics -- Students Engineering students User interfaces (Computer systems)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13349 , vital:27177
- Description: Simulation and visualization platform integrated under hardware control systems for a reconfigurable process control.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Social networking services in support of patient centred care: a South African perspective
- Mentoor, Allisson Catherine Ebony
- Authors: Mentoor, Allisson Catherine Ebony
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Online social networks -- Research -- South Africa , Medical care -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Patient-centered health care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7334 , vital:21321
- Description: In an effort to improve the South African healthcare system, the Department of Health in South Africa is investing in National Health Insurance to support and deliver access to quality healthcare services within affordable boundaries. Enhanced delivery and quality of care to patients is supplemented through an increased emphasis on the adoption of eHealth technologies and systems. Within the context of efforts to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare services, there is also increasing awareness of the need to adopt a patient centred care approach as a means of caring for the patient, rather than only caring for the disease. Patient centred care emphasises the need for patients to be actively involved in the decision making process with regards to their needs and treatment. Social networking is viewed as a useful tool to support patient centred care and to improve on healthcare delivery. The use of social networking services beyond the healthcare context has increased exponentially. This has lead to increased interest in the application of social networking in healthcare. This leads to the problem statement of this research, which is the proliferation of social networking services and the lack of understanding of the prospect of social networking services for patient centred care in South Africa. In order to address this problem, the research investigates three areas of focus, namely patient centred care, the South African healthcare sector and social networking services. This generates an understanding of the meaning of patient centred care in general, and also in this study; the status quo in South African healthcare and the incorporation of patient centred care within selected strategic healthcare directives; social networking services in general as well as its application in healthcare; and the factors affecting the use of social networking services for patient centred care in the South African healthcare context. The factors are analysed to explore the prospects of social networking services for patient centred care in South African healthcare. The outcome of this analysis represents a useful input for healthcare providers and administrators in government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mentoor, Allisson Catherine Ebony
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Online social networks -- Research -- South Africa , Medical care -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Patient-centered health care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7334 , vital:21321
- Description: In an effort to improve the South African healthcare system, the Department of Health in South Africa is investing in National Health Insurance to support and deliver access to quality healthcare services within affordable boundaries. Enhanced delivery and quality of care to patients is supplemented through an increased emphasis on the adoption of eHealth technologies and systems. Within the context of efforts to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare services, there is also increasing awareness of the need to adopt a patient centred care approach as a means of caring for the patient, rather than only caring for the disease. Patient centred care emphasises the need for patients to be actively involved in the decision making process with regards to their needs and treatment. Social networking is viewed as a useful tool to support patient centred care and to improve on healthcare delivery. The use of social networking services beyond the healthcare context has increased exponentially. This has lead to increased interest in the application of social networking in healthcare. This leads to the problem statement of this research, which is the proliferation of social networking services and the lack of understanding of the prospect of social networking services for patient centred care in South Africa. In order to address this problem, the research investigates three areas of focus, namely patient centred care, the South African healthcare sector and social networking services. This generates an understanding of the meaning of patient centred care in general, and also in this study; the status quo in South African healthcare and the incorporation of patient centred care within selected strategic healthcare directives; social networking services in general as well as its application in healthcare; and the factors affecting the use of social networking services for patient centred care in the South African healthcare context. The factors are analysed to explore the prospects of social networking services for patient centred care in South African healthcare. The outcome of this analysis represents a useful input for healthcare providers and administrators in government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
South African public sector property management: a performance model
- Mali-Swelindawo, Bongiwe Lorreta, Yan, Bingwen
- Authors: Mali-Swelindawo, Bongiwe Lorreta , Yan, Bingwen
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa Performance standards -- South Africa , Public buildings -- South Africa Real estate management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21185 , vital:29454
- Description: This research was conducted with the intention of accomplishing effective property management (PM) in order for public sector properties in South Africa (SA) SA to fulfil more remarkably, public sector property stakeholders’ requirements. In particular, this study was concluded within a South African municipal environment with the specific purpose of alleviating South African municipalities from problems associated with overall poor operational performance, dissatisfied public sector property stakeholders, and inadequacies in competitiveness and global alignment. The primary objective of this study was to develop a performance model deemed necessary for the effective management of public sector properties in SA. This was achieved by developing a performance model for effective management of public sector properties, a model to systematically monitor, measure and control current expectations and changes within a public sector property management function. Herewith, performance model for effective management of public sector properties in South Africa. At the time of conducting this study, there was no conceptual model developed for performance management of public sector properties. In order to develop the performance model, the conceptual model identified key elements that included: 1) obsolescence and strategic factors; 2) global alignment; 3) finance and cost control; 4) PESTEL impact; 5) transformation and sustainability; 6) leadership and governance; and 7) monitoring, measurement and control as influences that directly impact a perceived successful management of public sector properties in SA. The study also took the form of a quantitative research project that included a formal survey of the identified population sample. The main statistical procedure employed was Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Originally, the study offered 24 hypotheses; however, only 11 hypotheses could be confirmed by SEM measurement. Therefore, through SEM, the significance of the relationships between variables could be tested. Appropriate quantitative data were collected from public and private South African Built Environment professionals, students and other academics. The research made use of snowball sampling through questionnaires, with a sample size of 171. It is anticipated that findings of this study will be acknowledged by public sector PM in an effort to resolve PM problems through the incorporation of pertinent recommendations. Likewise, since the performance model for effective management of public sector properties was not extant prior to this study, this research is cutting-edge and therefore pioneering to PM, especially within the public sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mali-Swelindawo, Bongiwe Lorreta , Yan, Bingwen
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa Performance standards -- South Africa , Public buildings -- South Africa Real estate management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21185 , vital:29454
- Description: This research was conducted with the intention of accomplishing effective property management (PM) in order for public sector properties in South Africa (SA) SA to fulfil more remarkably, public sector property stakeholders’ requirements. In particular, this study was concluded within a South African municipal environment with the specific purpose of alleviating South African municipalities from problems associated with overall poor operational performance, dissatisfied public sector property stakeholders, and inadequacies in competitiveness and global alignment. The primary objective of this study was to develop a performance model deemed necessary for the effective management of public sector properties in SA. This was achieved by developing a performance model for effective management of public sector properties, a model to systematically monitor, measure and control current expectations and changes within a public sector property management function. Herewith, performance model for effective management of public sector properties in South Africa. At the time of conducting this study, there was no conceptual model developed for performance management of public sector properties. In order to develop the performance model, the conceptual model identified key elements that included: 1) obsolescence and strategic factors; 2) global alignment; 3) finance and cost control; 4) PESTEL impact; 5) transformation and sustainability; 6) leadership and governance; and 7) monitoring, measurement and control as influences that directly impact a perceived successful management of public sector properties in SA. The study also took the form of a quantitative research project that included a formal survey of the identified population sample. The main statistical procedure employed was Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Originally, the study offered 24 hypotheses; however, only 11 hypotheses could be confirmed by SEM measurement. Therefore, through SEM, the significance of the relationships between variables could be tested. Appropriate quantitative data were collected from public and private South African Built Environment professionals, students and other academics. The research made use of snowball sampling through questionnaires, with a sample size of 171. It is anticipated that findings of this study will be acknowledged by public sector PM in an effort to resolve PM problems through the incorporation of pertinent recommendations. Likewise, since the performance model for effective management of public sector properties was not extant prior to this study, this research is cutting-edge and therefore pioneering to PM, especially within the public sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Strain behaviour of an eco-car wheel rim designed through topology and composite layup optimization
- Authors: Badenhorst, Martin Wessel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Wheels -- Design and construction Mechanical engineering
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/16066 , vital:28317
- Description: This research aimed to reduce the mass of a purpose built eco-car wheel through the sequential use of structural topology and composites optimization software packages while investigating the changes in mass and strain behaviour resulting from altering component geometry, lamina shape, and stacking sequence. The strain behaviour of a commercially available wheel constructed using pre-tensioned steel spokes was established through the comparison of measured physical and FEA strains resulting from applied pressure, radial, lateral, torsional, and combined loads. Structural topology optimization software was then utilized to produce 48 different wheel geometries corresponding to a combined loading scenario consisting of pressure, radial, and lateral loads. The variables controlled during this process included the objective optimization function, safety factor, target design volume, split-draw constraint, and degrees of cyclic symmetry. The optimum geometry was determined by means of evaluating specific stiffness and potential towards being manufactured as a composite component. Three composite wheel FEA base models, with uni-directional laminae stacked at different fibre orientation intervals, were created according to this geometry and lightened by means of composite free size optimization. Composite sizing and shuffling optimizations were then utilized to further enhance the mass and strain characteristics of the lightest of these three solutions Two composite wheels were manufactured according to the wheel geometry, lamina shapes, and stacking sequences determined by means of structural topology and composites ptimizations. The physical mass and strain behaviour of these wheels were measured and compared to those corresponding to the optimized FEA model, as well as the commercially available wheel. This comparison showed that structural topology and composites optimization software packages can be sequentially utilized to produce an adequately stiff composite wheel of lower mass than a commercially available wheel constructed using pre-tensioned steel spokes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Badenhorst, Martin Wessel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Wheels -- Design and construction Mechanical engineering
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/16066 , vital:28317
- Description: This research aimed to reduce the mass of a purpose built eco-car wheel through the sequential use of structural topology and composites optimization software packages while investigating the changes in mass and strain behaviour resulting from altering component geometry, lamina shape, and stacking sequence. The strain behaviour of a commercially available wheel constructed using pre-tensioned steel spokes was established through the comparison of measured physical and FEA strains resulting from applied pressure, radial, lateral, torsional, and combined loads. Structural topology optimization software was then utilized to produce 48 different wheel geometries corresponding to a combined loading scenario consisting of pressure, radial, and lateral loads. The variables controlled during this process included the objective optimization function, safety factor, target design volume, split-draw constraint, and degrees of cyclic symmetry. The optimum geometry was determined by means of evaluating specific stiffness and potential towards being manufactured as a composite component. Three composite wheel FEA base models, with uni-directional laminae stacked at different fibre orientation intervals, were created according to this geometry and lightened by means of composite free size optimization. Composite sizing and shuffling optimizations were then utilized to further enhance the mass and strain characteristics of the lightest of these three solutions Two composite wheels were manufactured according to the wheel geometry, lamina shapes, and stacking sequences determined by means of structural topology and composites ptimizations. The physical mass and strain behaviour of these wheels were measured and compared to those corresponding to the optimized FEA model, as well as the commercially available wheel. This comparison showed that structural topology and composites optimization software packages can be sequentially utilized to produce an adequately stiff composite wheel of lower mass than a commercially available wheel constructed using pre-tensioned steel spokes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The development of a good governed costing management model for Mandela Bay Development Agency projects within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal boundaries
- Authors: Martin, Monica
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Activity-based costing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cost accounting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18584 , vital:28684
- Description: The purpose of this single case study was to investigate the variables that determine the perceived success of the costing management of Mandela Bay Development Agency Projects (MBDA). Eleven propositions namely Strategic Planning, Stakeholders, Procurement Processes, Contracts, Design Management, Implementation Management, Internal Regulatory Structures, Outside Advice, Human Behaviour, Risk Management and Governance Structure, were identified that could influence costing management of MBDA projects. By using qualitative research methods, the MBDA was compared with three other agencies with similar mandates, by means of four semi-structured interviews, in order to identify similarities and differences between the organisations in terms of costing management. The results of nine in-depth interviews with MBDA project role players, with open ended questions about the participants’ views on the factors that influence costing management, were used to discover themes that were overlooked in the proposed model of perceived success of costing management of MBDA projects. Most of the propositions as per the proposed model for the perceived success of costing management of MBDA projects were confirmed to have a positive relationship to the costing management of MBDA projects. The model was revised after the results were presented to include two ante-ceding variables that were overlooked in the literature review, but emerged from the data namely Funding Model and Compliance to Legislation. The identification of the additional variables namely Team Dynamics (replacing Human Behaviour) and Planning Model are important aspects to be considered in relation to the costing management of MBDA projects. With the focus on good governance and the MBDA’s good record of clean and unqualified audits, it is to be noted that the performance of government projects is usually measured against progress and expenditure and not necessarily against the value for money and the quality of the completed project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Martin, Monica
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Activity-based costing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cost accounting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18584 , vital:28684
- Description: The purpose of this single case study was to investigate the variables that determine the perceived success of the costing management of Mandela Bay Development Agency Projects (MBDA). Eleven propositions namely Strategic Planning, Stakeholders, Procurement Processes, Contracts, Design Management, Implementation Management, Internal Regulatory Structures, Outside Advice, Human Behaviour, Risk Management and Governance Structure, were identified that could influence costing management of MBDA projects. By using qualitative research methods, the MBDA was compared with three other agencies with similar mandates, by means of four semi-structured interviews, in order to identify similarities and differences between the organisations in terms of costing management. The results of nine in-depth interviews with MBDA project role players, with open ended questions about the participants’ views on the factors that influence costing management, were used to discover themes that were overlooked in the proposed model of perceived success of costing management of MBDA projects. Most of the propositions as per the proposed model for the perceived success of costing management of MBDA projects were confirmed to have a positive relationship to the costing management of MBDA projects. The model was revised after the results were presented to include two ante-ceding variables that were overlooked in the literature review, but emerged from the data namely Funding Model and Compliance to Legislation. The identification of the additional variables namely Team Dynamics (replacing Human Behaviour) and Planning Model are important aspects to be considered in relation to the costing management of MBDA projects. With the focus on good governance and the MBDA’s good record of clean and unqualified audits, it is to be noted that the performance of government projects is usually measured against progress and expenditure and not necessarily against the value for money and the quality of the completed project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effect of the integration of design, procurement, and construction relative to health and safety
- Authors: Deacon, Claire Helen
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Management Building -- Safety measures , Industrial safety
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15038 , vital:28115
- Description: The rates of fatalities, injuries and diseases from work, has been a longstanding challenge for centuries. The challenge is validated by the fact that there is not a paper, or publication, that appears to have been written worldwide, without discussion regarding the extent of the problem in the construction industry. Despite there being prescriptive statutory requirements applicable to the sector, all attempts to reduce the reduce the accident rates in South Africa appear to have been largely unsuccessful. The review of literature indicates that most research has focused on design, designers, roles of stakeholders, inter alia that relate to construction health and safety. Given the situation noted, the research investigated design, various aspects of the construction process and stakeholders, and the inclusion of procurement as a major component of the construction process. A triangulated, or mixed methods research methodology was utilised for the thesis. The qualitative methodology utilised in Action Research (AR) and a total of three FGs’ sought to develop a theoretical model that would identify multi-stakeholder policies, practice and education requirements. An extensive international, African and South African literature review was conducted as part of the secondary research and the grounding for the mixed methodology of research. The information sought to contextualise the South African paradigm and practices. Two quantitative, multi-stakeholders’ studies were conducted during the development of the research. The quantitative aspect considers the perceptions of those practicing or involved in H&S, the interface regarding the stakeholders and ‘issues’ experienced in the challenges relating to daily work. Themes were developed, inter alia: a general; workers; management (including supervision, responsibilities and pricing); a stakeholders’ theme (including project managers; design and designers, and client), and the construction H&S theme (including the CHSA, construction H&S Manager (CHSM), construction H&S Officer (CHSO)). A total of 22 hypotheses were tested. The hypotheses considered all the stakeholders, within the framework of the research. Only 1 hypothesis was not supported, and hypothesis was partially supported. Three AR FGs’ were held in the Sarah Baartman District (a building focus) and at the Bhisho offices (a civil engineering focus) of the ECDRPW. The research considered the procurement processes that underpins a project, with some elements relative to the interface of H&S, design, the stages of work, and the current legislative framework. A validated theoretical model, the ‘Deacon Procurement, Design and Health and Safety Model’ emerged from the qualitative aspect of the research. The salient findings indicate a tendency in the industry to operate in silos, adhere to minimum levels of compliance, and not determining other aspects that could possibly reduce project and financial risk. Therefore, stakeholders need to work together, across the stages of work. Level of confidence is low among clients and built environment groups regarding H&S across the project life cycle, resulting in the non-compliance, and increased project risk. Clients such as the National Treasury do not identify H&S risks during project planning, resulting in the lack of adequate resources for projects, with supply chain management and procurement not ensuring compliance and technical expertise. Due to lack of knowledge CHSAs’, CHSMs’, and CHSOs,’ are not appointed timeously, resulting in noncompliance, and increased project risk. The construction H&S practitioners level of confidence is affected by lack of experience, not knowledge, in contrast to the lack of H&S knowledge of built environment professionals. A range of recommendations are provided that include, inter alia: development of policy, guidelines and practice notes regarding H&S, supply chain management and procurement; education and training, continuing professional development, training and workshops, and further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effect of the integration of design, procurement, and construction relative to health and safety
- Authors: Deacon, Claire Helen
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Management Building -- Safety measures , Industrial safety
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15038 , vital:28115
- Description: The rates of fatalities, injuries and diseases from work, has been a longstanding challenge for centuries. The challenge is validated by the fact that there is not a paper, or publication, that appears to have been written worldwide, without discussion regarding the extent of the problem in the construction industry. Despite there being prescriptive statutory requirements applicable to the sector, all attempts to reduce the reduce the accident rates in South Africa appear to have been largely unsuccessful. The review of literature indicates that most research has focused on design, designers, roles of stakeholders, inter alia that relate to construction health and safety. Given the situation noted, the research investigated design, various aspects of the construction process and stakeholders, and the inclusion of procurement as a major component of the construction process. A triangulated, or mixed methods research methodology was utilised for the thesis. The qualitative methodology utilised in Action Research (AR) and a total of three FGs’ sought to develop a theoretical model that would identify multi-stakeholder policies, practice and education requirements. An extensive international, African and South African literature review was conducted as part of the secondary research and the grounding for the mixed methodology of research. The information sought to contextualise the South African paradigm and practices. Two quantitative, multi-stakeholders’ studies were conducted during the development of the research. The quantitative aspect considers the perceptions of those practicing or involved in H&S, the interface regarding the stakeholders and ‘issues’ experienced in the challenges relating to daily work. Themes were developed, inter alia: a general; workers; management (including supervision, responsibilities and pricing); a stakeholders’ theme (including project managers; design and designers, and client), and the construction H&S theme (including the CHSA, construction H&S Manager (CHSM), construction H&S Officer (CHSO)). A total of 22 hypotheses were tested. The hypotheses considered all the stakeholders, within the framework of the research. Only 1 hypothesis was not supported, and hypothesis was partially supported. Three AR FGs’ were held in the Sarah Baartman District (a building focus) and at the Bhisho offices (a civil engineering focus) of the ECDRPW. The research considered the procurement processes that underpins a project, with some elements relative to the interface of H&S, design, the stages of work, and the current legislative framework. A validated theoretical model, the ‘Deacon Procurement, Design and Health and Safety Model’ emerged from the qualitative aspect of the research. The salient findings indicate a tendency in the industry to operate in silos, adhere to minimum levels of compliance, and not determining other aspects that could possibly reduce project and financial risk. Therefore, stakeholders need to work together, across the stages of work. Level of confidence is low among clients and built environment groups regarding H&S across the project life cycle, resulting in the non-compliance, and increased project risk. Clients such as the National Treasury do not identify H&S risks during project planning, resulting in the lack of adequate resources for projects, with supply chain management and procurement not ensuring compliance and technical expertise. Due to lack of knowledge CHSAs’, CHSMs’, and CHSOs,’ are not appointed timeously, resulting in noncompliance, and increased project risk. The construction H&S practitioners level of confidence is affected by lack of experience, not knowledge, in contrast to the lack of H&S knowledge of built environment professionals. A range of recommendations are provided that include, inter alia: development of policy, guidelines and practice notes regarding H&S, supply chain management and procurement; education and training, continuing professional development, training and workshops, and further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effectiveness of health and safety service providers' relative to construction
- Authors: Ayesu-Koranteng, Emma
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Health aspects -- South Africa Industrial safety -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15149 , vital:28151
- Description: The construction industry (CI) is well known to be one of the most dangerous industries in South Africa (SA) due to the complex nature of construction activities, advancement in technologies and an aging workforce, emphasising the need for training. Over the past two decades, the industry has come under the spotlight regarding Health and Safety (H&S). The Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Act 85 of 1993 and Construction Regulations (CR) 2014 as amended are the statutes that govern the H&S in the construction workplace. These statutes aim to provide minimum guidelines by which all operating in the industry should abide by in order to ensure the safety of all persons at work. A fundamental aspect of the OH&S Act and CR is for construction employers to assess occupational hazards and conduct risk assessments with remedies to mitigate or prevent such risks. Furthermore, employers are compelled by law to ensure that employees are made aware of the risks at the induction stage, in addition to preventative measures associated with their work activities. Therefore, training forms the structure by which H&S in the workplace can be improved. Training in itself is not enough if it is not based on the employees’ needs as assessed. Training needs to be relevant and effective if it is to have a significant effect in the prevention and possible reduction in the number of occupational injuries and fatalities in the CI. A question that led to the basis of this research was why there were such poor H&S practices in the CI when the statutes clearly require the importance of training. This research is aimed at establishing the effectiveness of service providers relative to construction. Service providers offer services such as training, auditing, SHEQ management, and other H&S related matters. Of fundamental importance is that training has a direct or indirect influence on the health and safety (H&S) of employees in the workplace. Thus, this research aims to determine the effectiveness of training offered by these service providers relative to construction. The researcher utilised the quantitative data collection method to collect primary data from a sample surveyed through a questionnaire, whilst collecting secondary data from books, the Internet, professional journals, and articles. The sampled population consisted of service providers, health and safety practitioners, construction managers, supervisors, and workers, all from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal Area. The data was analysed quantitatively using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), ANOVA and the one-sample t-test. The literature reviewed and findings of this quantitative research amongst construction personal such as top, senior, middle management (TSMM), and general workers and labourers (GWL) in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal area formed the basis of this study. The study reveals that training offered by service providers was indirectly unrelated to construction. Furthermore, the study also showed that management concurred that there was a strong belief that language did not influence their ability to understand the contents of the training, which is mainly provided in English. The group believed that training from service providers were at the correct level. Alternatively, GWL were of the belief that language influenced their ability to understand the training received. The study also indicated that procurement of these service providers were not based on their skills, knowledge and background in construction. This may be attributed to the fact that management are more advanced in terms of education than GWL. Lastly, the study revealed that a significant number of Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) officers are in the process of registering with the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), the professional body responsible for the registration of Construction Health and Safety (CH&S) professions. This study will conclude with findings, conclusions, and recommendations that will be valuable to construction companies relative to the services of service providers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ayesu-Koranteng, Emma
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Health aspects -- South Africa Industrial safety -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15149 , vital:28151
- Description: The construction industry (CI) is well known to be one of the most dangerous industries in South Africa (SA) due to the complex nature of construction activities, advancement in technologies and an aging workforce, emphasising the need for training. Over the past two decades, the industry has come under the spotlight regarding Health and Safety (H&S). The Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Act 85 of 1993 and Construction Regulations (CR) 2014 as amended are the statutes that govern the H&S in the construction workplace. These statutes aim to provide minimum guidelines by which all operating in the industry should abide by in order to ensure the safety of all persons at work. A fundamental aspect of the OH&S Act and CR is for construction employers to assess occupational hazards and conduct risk assessments with remedies to mitigate or prevent such risks. Furthermore, employers are compelled by law to ensure that employees are made aware of the risks at the induction stage, in addition to preventative measures associated with their work activities. Therefore, training forms the structure by which H&S in the workplace can be improved. Training in itself is not enough if it is not based on the employees’ needs as assessed. Training needs to be relevant and effective if it is to have a significant effect in the prevention and possible reduction in the number of occupational injuries and fatalities in the CI. A question that led to the basis of this research was why there were such poor H&S practices in the CI when the statutes clearly require the importance of training. This research is aimed at establishing the effectiveness of service providers relative to construction. Service providers offer services such as training, auditing, SHEQ management, and other H&S related matters. Of fundamental importance is that training has a direct or indirect influence on the health and safety (H&S) of employees in the workplace. Thus, this research aims to determine the effectiveness of training offered by these service providers relative to construction. The researcher utilised the quantitative data collection method to collect primary data from a sample surveyed through a questionnaire, whilst collecting secondary data from books, the Internet, professional journals, and articles. The sampled population consisted of service providers, health and safety practitioners, construction managers, supervisors, and workers, all from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal Area. The data was analysed quantitatively using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), ANOVA and the one-sample t-test. The literature reviewed and findings of this quantitative research amongst construction personal such as top, senior, middle management (TSMM), and general workers and labourers (GWL) in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal area formed the basis of this study. The study reveals that training offered by service providers was indirectly unrelated to construction. Furthermore, the study also showed that management concurred that there was a strong belief that language did not influence their ability to understand the contents of the training, which is mainly provided in English. The group believed that training from service providers were at the correct level. Alternatively, GWL were of the belief that language influenced their ability to understand the training received. The study also indicated that procurement of these service providers were not based on their skills, knowledge and background in construction. This may be attributed to the fact that management are more advanced in terms of education than GWL. Lastly, the study revealed that a significant number of Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) officers are in the process of registering with the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), the professional body responsible for the registration of Construction Health and Safety (CH&S) professions. This study will conclude with findings, conclusions, and recommendations that will be valuable to construction companies relative to the services of service providers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The risk of borrowed capital for commercial, industrial and residential property developments
- Authors: Loock, Morne
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Commercial buildings -- Finance Industrial sites -- Finance , Real estate developers -- South Africa Financial institutions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18288 , vital:28615
- Description: Most property development firms who invest in property will need to raise some extra financial support. Unforeseen or unexpected expenses can arise at any point in time during the development process. Calculated decisions should be taken with regards to the financial circumstances for any property development project. Decisions should be taken not only for the present but for the future as well. It is therefore important to understand the market and the current economic conditions before applying for capital to fund a property development project. There several types of finance available to fund property development, these include long term borrowing, short term borrowing, construction loans property development investment trust, second mortgages. There is risk to all of the aforementioned finance available.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Loock, Morne
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Commercial buildings -- Finance Industrial sites -- Finance , Real estate developers -- South Africa Financial institutions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18288 , vital:28615
- Description: Most property development firms who invest in property will need to raise some extra financial support. Unforeseen or unexpected expenses can arise at any point in time during the development process. Calculated decisions should be taken with regards to the financial circumstances for any property development project. Decisions should be taken not only for the present but for the future as well. It is therefore important to understand the market and the current economic conditions before applying for capital to fund a property development project. There several types of finance available to fund property development, these include long term borrowing, short term borrowing, construction loans property development investment trust, second mortgages. There is risk to all of the aforementioned finance available.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The sustainability of South African construction small, medium and micro enterprises
- Authors: Anugwo, Iruka Chijindu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15259 , vital:28194
- Description: The construction industry is one of the strategic sectors that drive the economic sustainability and competitiveness of any nation. However, the chronic business failure amongst the start-ups and Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the construction industry globally is of great concern to economic prosperity for both developed and developing countries. This challenge is significantly high in the South African construction industry, where SMMEs account for 95% of the business entities, of which about 80% are most likely to exit from the market within their first five years of operation. Previous studies in this field centred on the factors that lead to construction-business failure. However, the actual operational elements of surviving SMMEs have rarely been addressed and are little understood. Thus, this research aimed to explore the strategic drivers that offer significant solutions to the challenges facing start-up contractors in the South African construction industry. The review of the related literature revealed the strategic drivers and business survival characteristics that foster SMME economic sustainability and competitiveness in the construction market. The qualitative research approach that is rooted in the phenomenological paradigm was adopted for this study. Port Elizabeth, located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa was the selected geographical scope for this research. Thirty-four (34) construction organisations were purposively selected from the Port Elizabeth construction industry development board (cidb) register of contractors in grades 4-6. The purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting respondents based on the snowball approach. The research data were collected through in-depth interviewing. It was found that the SMME contractors who succeeded in their first 5 years of operation possessed the following qualities: “fundamental educational qualifications”; “experience and knowledge of construction works”; “a clear understanding of competitive business strategies and characteristics”; “critical skills and multi-skills (functional project teams)”; and “rely on strategic resources, competencies and capabilities”. Also, the significant factors contributing to the SMME contractors’ competitiveness were: “entrepreneurship skills”; “innovation and technological skills”; “leadership skills”; “education, skills training, and investment in Research and Development (R&D)”; as well as “strategic-alliance advantage”. Moreover, globalisation and internationalisation, and government support have significant potential to impact on the success and sustainability of SMME contractors. Unfortunately, these factors are under-utilised or un-strategically adopted by most of the South African SMME contractors. The research has also developed a conceptual model for sustainable performance of SMMEs based on the results and informed by the theoretical framework. The research has also developed a business-survival strategy and model for SMME contractors in the South African construction industry. The study has achieved its aim of identifying the strategic business practices, models and concepts that the surviving and active SMME contractors employed to thrive within and beyond the first five years in the industry. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the start-ups and SMME contractors should gain an insightful and strategic business knowledge on how to develop and grow a competitive and economically sustainable organisation in the industry. This should form part of their competitive business strategic models, their business review plans; and set the benchmark for performance evaluation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Anugwo, Iruka Chijindu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15259 , vital:28194
- Description: The construction industry is one of the strategic sectors that drive the economic sustainability and competitiveness of any nation. However, the chronic business failure amongst the start-ups and Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the construction industry globally is of great concern to economic prosperity for both developed and developing countries. This challenge is significantly high in the South African construction industry, where SMMEs account for 95% of the business entities, of which about 80% are most likely to exit from the market within their first five years of operation. Previous studies in this field centred on the factors that lead to construction-business failure. However, the actual operational elements of surviving SMMEs have rarely been addressed and are little understood. Thus, this research aimed to explore the strategic drivers that offer significant solutions to the challenges facing start-up contractors in the South African construction industry. The review of the related literature revealed the strategic drivers and business survival characteristics that foster SMME economic sustainability and competitiveness in the construction market. The qualitative research approach that is rooted in the phenomenological paradigm was adopted for this study. Port Elizabeth, located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa was the selected geographical scope for this research. Thirty-four (34) construction organisations were purposively selected from the Port Elizabeth construction industry development board (cidb) register of contractors in grades 4-6. The purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting respondents based on the snowball approach. The research data were collected through in-depth interviewing. It was found that the SMME contractors who succeeded in their first 5 years of operation possessed the following qualities: “fundamental educational qualifications”; “experience and knowledge of construction works”; “a clear understanding of competitive business strategies and characteristics”; “critical skills and multi-skills (functional project teams)”; and “rely on strategic resources, competencies and capabilities”. Also, the significant factors contributing to the SMME contractors’ competitiveness were: “entrepreneurship skills”; “innovation and technological skills”; “leadership skills”; “education, skills training, and investment in Research and Development (R&D)”; as well as “strategic-alliance advantage”. Moreover, globalisation and internationalisation, and government support have significant potential to impact on the success and sustainability of SMME contractors. Unfortunately, these factors are under-utilised or un-strategically adopted by most of the South African SMME contractors. The research has also developed a conceptual model for sustainable performance of SMMEs based on the results and informed by the theoretical framework. The research has also developed a business-survival strategy and model for SMME contractors in the South African construction industry. The study has achieved its aim of identifying the strategic business practices, models and concepts that the surviving and active SMME contractors employed to thrive within and beyond the first five years in the industry. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the start-ups and SMME contractors should gain an insightful and strategic business knowledge on how to develop and grow a competitive and economically sustainable organisation in the industry. This should form part of their competitive business strategic models, their business review plans; and set the benchmark for performance evaluation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Tool wear monitoring in machining of stainless steel
- Authors: Odedeyi Peter Babatunde
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mechanical wear Machine-tools -- Monitoring
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15900 , vital:28288
- Description: monitoring systems for automated machines must be capable of operating on-line and interpret the working condition of machining process at a given point in time because it is an automated and unmanned system. But this has posed a challenge that lead to this research study. Generally, optimization of machining process can be categorized as minimization of tool wear, minimization of operating cost, maximization of process output and optimization of machine parameter. Tool wear is a complex phenomenon, capable of reducing surface quality, increases power consumption and increased reflection rate of machined parts. Tool wear has a direct effect on the quality of the surface finish for any given work-piece, dimensional precision and ultimately the cost of parts produced. Tool wear usually occur in combination with the principal wear mode which depends on cutting conditions, tool insert geometry, work piece and tool material. Therefore, there is a need to develop a continuous tool monitoring systems that would notify operator the state of tool to avoid tool failure or undesirable circumstances. Tool wear monitoring system for macro-milling has been studied using design and analysis of experiment (DOE) approach. Regression analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Box Behnken and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). These analysis tools were used to model the tool wear. Hence, further investigations were carried out on the data acquired using signal processing and Neural networks frame work to validate the model. The effects of cutting parameters are evaluated and the optimal cutting conditions are determined. The interaction of cutting parameters is established to illustrate the intrinsic relationship between cutting parameters, tool wear and material removal rate. It was observed that when working with stainless steel 316, a maximum tool wear value of 0.29mm was achieved through optimization at low values of feed about 0.06mm/rev, speed of 4050mm/min and depth of cut about 2mm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Odedeyi Peter Babatunde
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mechanical wear Machine-tools -- Monitoring
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15900 , vital:28288
- Description: monitoring systems for automated machines must be capable of operating on-line and interpret the working condition of machining process at a given point in time because it is an automated and unmanned system. But this has posed a challenge that lead to this research study. Generally, optimization of machining process can be categorized as minimization of tool wear, minimization of operating cost, maximization of process output and optimization of machine parameter. Tool wear is a complex phenomenon, capable of reducing surface quality, increases power consumption and increased reflection rate of machined parts. Tool wear has a direct effect on the quality of the surface finish for any given work-piece, dimensional precision and ultimately the cost of parts produced. Tool wear usually occur in combination with the principal wear mode which depends on cutting conditions, tool insert geometry, work piece and tool material. Therefore, there is a need to develop a continuous tool monitoring systems that would notify operator the state of tool to avoid tool failure or undesirable circumstances. Tool wear monitoring system for macro-milling has been studied using design and analysis of experiment (DOE) approach. Regression analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Box Behnken and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). These analysis tools were used to model the tool wear. Hence, further investigations were carried out on the data acquired using signal processing and Neural networks frame work to validate the model. The effects of cutting parameters are evaluated and the optimal cutting conditions are determined. The interaction of cutting parameters is established to illustrate the intrinsic relationship between cutting parameters, tool wear and material removal rate. It was observed that when working with stainless steel 316, a maximum tool wear value of 0.29mm was achieved through optimization at low values of feed about 0.06mm/rev, speed of 4050mm/min and depth of cut about 2mm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Towards a framework for the integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula
- Gomana, Lindokuhle Gcina, Thomson, Kerry-Lynn
- Authors: Gomana, Lindokuhle Gcina , Thomson, Kerry-Lynn
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology -- Study and teaching , Computer security -- Study and teaching Educational technology Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13691 , vital:27296
- Description: Information is an important and valuable asset, in both our everyday lives and in various organisations. Information is subject to numerous threats, these can originate internally or externally to the organisation and could be accidental, intentional or caused by natural disasters. As an important organisational asset, information should be appropriately protected from threats and threat agents regardless of their origin. Organisational employees are, however, often cited as the “weakest link” in the attempt to protect organisational information systems and related information assets. Additionally to this, employees are one of the biggest and closest threat-agents to an organisation’s information systems and its security. Upon graduating, computing (Computer Science, Information Systems and Information Technology) graduates typically become organisational employees. Within organisations, computing graduates often take on roles and responsibilities that involve designing, developing, implementing, upgrading and maintaining the information systems that store, process and transmit organisational information assets. It is, therefore, important that these computing graduates possess the necessary information security skills, knowledge and understanding that could enable them to perform their roles and responsibilities in a secure manner. These information security skills, knowledge and understanding can be acquired through information security education obtained through a qualification that is offered at a higher education institution. At many higher education institutions where information security is taught, it is taught as a single, isolated module at the fourth year level of study. The problem with this is that some computing students do not advance to this level and many of those that do, do not elect information security as a module. This means that these students may graduate and be employed by organisations lacking the necessary information security skills, knowledge and understanding to perform their roles and responsibilities securely. Consequently, this could increase the number of employees who are the “weakest link” in securing organisational information systems and related information assets. The ACM, as a key role player that provides educational guidelines for the development of computing curricula, recommends that information security should be pervasively integrated into computing curricula. However, these guidelines and recommendations do not provide sufficient guidance on “how” computing educators can pervasively integrate information security into their modules. Therefore, the problem identified by this research is that “currently, no generally used framework exists to aid the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula”. The primary research objective of this study, therefore, is to develop a framework to aid the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula. In order to meet this objective, secondary objectives were met, namely: To develop an understanding of the importance of information security; to determine the importance of information security education as it relates to undergraduate computing curricula; and to determine computing educators’ perspectives on information security education in a South African context. Various research methods were used to achieve this study’s research objectives. These research methods included a literature review which was used to define and provide an in-depth discussion relating to the domain in which this study is contained, namely: information security and information security education. Furthermore, a survey which took the form of semi-structured interviews supported by a questionnaire, was used to elicit computing educators’ perspectives on information security education in a South African context. Argumentation was used to argue towards the proposed framework to aid the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula. In addition, modelling techniques were used to model the proposed framework and scenarios were used to demonstrate how a computing department could implement the proposed framework. Finally, elite interviews supported by a questionnaire were conducted to validate the proposed framework. It is envisaged that the proposed framework could assist computing departments and undergraduate computing educators in the integration of information security into their curricula. Furthermore, the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula could ensure that computing graduates exit higher education institutions possessing the necessary information security skills, knowledge and understanding to enable them to perform their roles and responsibilities securely. It is hoped that this could enable computing graduates to become a stronger link in securing organisational information systems and related assets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gomana, Lindokuhle Gcina , Thomson, Kerry-Lynn
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology -- Study and teaching , Computer security -- Study and teaching Educational technology Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13691 , vital:27296
- Description: Information is an important and valuable asset, in both our everyday lives and in various organisations. Information is subject to numerous threats, these can originate internally or externally to the organisation and could be accidental, intentional or caused by natural disasters. As an important organisational asset, information should be appropriately protected from threats and threat agents regardless of their origin. Organisational employees are, however, often cited as the “weakest link” in the attempt to protect organisational information systems and related information assets. Additionally to this, employees are one of the biggest and closest threat-agents to an organisation’s information systems and its security. Upon graduating, computing (Computer Science, Information Systems and Information Technology) graduates typically become organisational employees. Within organisations, computing graduates often take on roles and responsibilities that involve designing, developing, implementing, upgrading and maintaining the information systems that store, process and transmit organisational information assets. It is, therefore, important that these computing graduates possess the necessary information security skills, knowledge and understanding that could enable them to perform their roles and responsibilities in a secure manner. These information security skills, knowledge and understanding can be acquired through information security education obtained through a qualification that is offered at a higher education institution. At many higher education institutions where information security is taught, it is taught as a single, isolated module at the fourth year level of study. The problem with this is that some computing students do not advance to this level and many of those that do, do not elect information security as a module. This means that these students may graduate and be employed by organisations lacking the necessary information security skills, knowledge and understanding to perform their roles and responsibilities securely. Consequently, this could increase the number of employees who are the “weakest link” in securing organisational information systems and related information assets. The ACM, as a key role player that provides educational guidelines for the development of computing curricula, recommends that information security should be pervasively integrated into computing curricula. However, these guidelines and recommendations do not provide sufficient guidance on “how” computing educators can pervasively integrate information security into their modules. Therefore, the problem identified by this research is that “currently, no generally used framework exists to aid the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula”. The primary research objective of this study, therefore, is to develop a framework to aid the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula. In order to meet this objective, secondary objectives were met, namely: To develop an understanding of the importance of information security; to determine the importance of information security education as it relates to undergraduate computing curricula; and to determine computing educators’ perspectives on information security education in a South African context. Various research methods were used to achieve this study’s research objectives. These research methods included a literature review which was used to define and provide an in-depth discussion relating to the domain in which this study is contained, namely: information security and information security education. Furthermore, a survey which took the form of semi-structured interviews supported by a questionnaire, was used to elicit computing educators’ perspectives on information security education in a South African context. Argumentation was used to argue towards the proposed framework to aid the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula. In addition, modelling techniques were used to model the proposed framework and scenarios were used to demonstrate how a computing department could implement the proposed framework. Finally, elite interviews supported by a questionnaire were conducted to validate the proposed framework. It is envisaged that the proposed framework could assist computing departments and undergraduate computing educators in the integration of information security into their curricula. Furthermore, the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula could ensure that computing graduates exit higher education institutions possessing the necessary information security skills, knowledge and understanding to enable them to perform their roles and responsibilities securely. It is hoped that this could enable computing graduates to become a stronger link in securing organisational information systems and related assets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Urban resilience determinants with specific reference to the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, East London
- Authors: Ntakana, Khululekani
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: City planning -- South Africa -- East London Sustainable development -- South Africa -- East London , Regional planning -- South Africa -- East London Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa -- East London -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19495 , vital:28886
- Description: The year 1994 marked the dawn of the new democratic South Africa, bringing its own set of challenges to the country. Currently urban areas cover only one and a half percent of South Africa’s surface area. However, sixty one percent of South Africans live in urban areas. Furthermore, the average growth rate for urban areas has been consistently higher than the population growth rate during the period from 1998 to 2008. This resulted in larger towns and cities, growing at the expense of rural areas, with metropolitan areas experiencing the highest influx, followed by secondary cities. However, urban areas consume more water, food, energy, and durable goods, and have an impact far beyond the urban boundaries. This directly relates to urban decline. The rapid influx of people into urban areas that are already overcrowded with large service delivery backlogs, has led to the formation of informal settlements in exposed locations. Many of the informal dwellings in South Africa are subjected to environmental factors. The absence of basic services in overcrowded areas is linked to negative health outcomes and enhanced environmental degradation. This study is a critical review of a phenomenon named urban resilience. The report seeks to highlight the current status in cities and the transformation that cities need to undergo to enable them to become the cities of tomorrow. Indeed, “sustainable future cities and human settlements begin today”. The paper raises arguments on urban resilience by different theorists, philosophers, academics and scholars. The study proceeds to unpack the urban resilience determinants. Furthermore, the challenges cites will experience in responding to rapid urbanisation and their denial attitude to informal settlement and environmental degradation, which include how cities respond to climate change, are under investigation . The purpose of the study is to share the theoretical framework relative to the urban resilience determinants, with the intention to solicit criticism on gaps and blind spots. This is done with specific reference to Buffalo City Municipality. This study aims to contribute to the goals of municipalities by improving understanding of the drivers of urban resilience. This will, in turn, enable a city system to withstand and recover quickly from multiple and diverse shocks and stresses, and improve its performance over time. However, this study was conducted within a qualitative paradigm. The study followed a non-probability sampling technique. Categories of data sources were identified based on their probability to hold information that is crucial to the study. For each category, this study followed a 50 + 1 rule for sampling size when the population of the data sources were identified and access gained. he statistical software (SPSS) supported by a qualified statistician was used to analyse data qualitatively in attempt to answer the research question.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ntakana, Khululekani
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: City planning -- South Africa -- East London Sustainable development -- South Africa -- East London , Regional planning -- South Africa -- East London Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa -- East London -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19495 , vital:28886
- Description: The year 1994 marked the dawn of the new democratic South Africa, bringing its own set of challenges to the country. Currently urban areas cover only one and a half percent of South Africa’s surface area. However, sixty one percent of South Africans live in urban areas. Furthermore, the average growth rate for urban areas has been consistently higher than the population growth rate during the period from 1998 to 2008. This resulted in larger towns and cities, growing at the expense of rural areas, with metropolitan areas experiencing the highest influx, followed by secondary cities. However, urban areas consume more water, food, energy, and durable goods, and have an impact far beyond the urban boundaries. This directly relates to urban decline. The rapid influx of people into urban areas that are already overcrowded with large service delivery backlogs, has led to the formation of informal settlements in exposed locations. Many of the informal dwellings in South Africa are subjected to environmental factors. The absence of basic services in overcrowded areas is linked to negative health outcomes and enhanced environmental degradation. This study is a critical review of a phenomenon named urban resilience. The report seeks to highlight the current status in cities and the transformation that cities need to undergo to enable them to become the cities of tomorrow. Indeed, “sustainable future cities and human settlements begin today”. The paper raises arguments on urban resilience by different theorists, philosophers, academics and scholars. The study proceeds to unpack the urban resilience determinants. Furthermore, the challenges cites will experience in responding to rapid urbanisation and their denial attitude to informal settlement and environmental degradation, which include how cities respond to climate change, are under investigation . The purpose of the study is to share the theoretical framework relative to the urban resilience determinants, with the intention to solicit criticism on gaps and blind spots. This is done with specific reference to Buffalo City Municipality. This study aims to contribute to the goals of municipalities by improving understanding of the drivers of urban resilience. This will, in turn, enable a city system to withstand and recover quickly from multiple and diverse shocks and stresses, and improve its performance over time. However, this study was conducted within a qualitative paradigm. The study followed a non-probability sampling technique. Categories of data sources were identified based on their probability to hold information that is crucial to the study. For each category, this study followed a 50 + 1 rule for sampling size when the population of the data sources were identified and access gained. he statistical software (SPSS) supported by a qualified statistician was used to analyse data qualitatively in attempt to answer the research question.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
User experience guidelines for mobile natural user interfaces: a case study of physically disabled users
- Authors: Jacobs, Gershwin
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: User interfaces (Computer systems) Human-computer interaction , Mobile computing Augmented reality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17547 , vital:28377
- Description: Motor impaired people are faced with many challenges, one being the of lack integration into certain spheres of society. Access to information is seen as a major issue for the motor impaired since most forms of interaction or interactive devices are not suited to the needs of motor impaired people. People with motor impairments, like the rest of the population, are increasingly using mobile phones. As a result of the current devices and methods used for interaction with content on mobile phones, various factors prohibit a pleasant experience for users with motor impairments. To counter these factors, this study recognizes the need to implement better suited methods of interaction and navigation to improve accessibility, usability and user experience for motor impaired users. The objective of the study was to gain an understanding of the nature of motor impairments and the challenges that this group of people face when using mobile phones. Once this was determined, a solution to address this problem was found in the form of natural user interfaces. In order to gain a better understanding of this technology, various forms of NUIs and the benefits thereof were studied by the researcher in order to determine how this technology can be implemented to meet the needs of motor impaired people. To test theory, the Samsung Galaxy s5 was selected as the NUI device for the study. It must be noted that this study started in the year 2013 and the Galaxy S5 was the latest device claiming to improve interaction for disabled people at the time. This device was used in a case study that made use of various data collection methods, including participant interviews. Various motor impaired participants were requested to perform predefined tasks on the device, along with the completion of a set of user experience questionnaires. Based on the results of the study, it was found that interaction with mobile phones is an issue for people with motor impairments and that alternative methods of interaction need to be implemented. These results contributed to the final output of this study, namely a set of user experience guidelines for the design of mobile human computer interaction for motor impaired users.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Jacobs, Gershwin
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: User interfaces (Computer systems) Human-computer interaction , Mobile computing Augmented reality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17547 , vital:28377
- Description: Motor impaired people are faced with many challenges, one being the of lack integration into certain spheres of society. Access to information is seen as a major issue for the motor impaired since most forms of interaction or interactive devices are not suited to the needs of motor impaired people. People with motor impairments, like the rest of the population, are increasingly using mobile phones. As a result of the current devices and methods used for interaction with content on mobile phones, various factors prohibit a pleasant experience for users with motor impairments. To counter these factors, this study recognizes the need to implement better suited methods of interaction and navigation to improve accessibility, usability and user experience for motor impaired users. The objective of the study was to gain an understanding of the nature of motor impairments and the challenges that this group of people face when using mobile phones. Once this was determined, a solution to address this problem was found in the form of natural user interfaces. In order to gain a better understanding of this technology, various forms of NUIs and the benefits thereof were studied by the researcher in order to determine how this technology can be implemented to meet the needs of motor impaired people. To test theory, the Samsung Galaxy s5 was selected as the NUI device for the study. It must be noted that this study started in the year 2013 and the Galaxy S5 was the latest device claiming to improve interaction for disabled people at the time. This device was used in a case study that made use of various data collection methods, including participant interviews. Various motor impaired participants were requested to perform predefined tasks on the device, along with the completion of a set of user experience questionnaires. Based on the results of the study, it was found that interaction with mobile phones is an issue for people with motor impairments and that alternative methods of interaction need to be implemented. These results contributed to the final output of this study, namely a set of user experience guidelines for the design of mobile human computer interaction for motor impaired users.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A framework for enhancing trust for improved participation in electronic marketplaces accessed from mobile platforms
- Isabirye, Naomi Nabirye, Von Solms, R
- Authors: Isabirye, Naomi Nabirye , Von Solms, R
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Information technology -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Agricultural innovations -- South Africa Agricultural systems -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20019 , vital:29053
- Description: Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been widely researched as a mechanism for improving the socio-economic status of disadvantaged, rural communities. In order to do this numerous technology-based initiatives have been introduced into disadvantaged, rural communities to assist them in various aspects of their lives. Unfortunately, even when the proposed benefit of a particular technology is clearly evident to its initiators, the adoption by the target users is often uncertain. This has also been the case with e-commerce in agriculture. Despite the numerous benefits of e-commerce for agricultural producers, the uptake has been low. Trust is a critical pre-condition for the adoption of e-marketplaces. E-marketplaces expose consumers to the risk of non-delivery or misrepresentation of goods ordered and the misuse of personal information by external parties. Additionally, the time investment needed to make a shift to e-marketplaces and the opinions of important reference groups affects the user’s willingness to trust and depend on an e-marketplace. This study was undertaken to assess the extent to which rural users with limited ICT experience would trust and, consequently, adopt an e-marketplace to support agricultural trade. A pragmatic philosophy was adopted in this study, indicating that the researcher’s view of reality is founded on the practical implications and outcomes that are observed. This study used a Canonical Action Research strategy to design, develop and deploy a voice based e-marketplace to assist the trading activities of a Western Cape based aloe community. The community was allowed to utilise thee-marketplace over a period of eight weeks. Thereafter, interviews were held with the participants to investigate their perceptions of the technology. As a result, a model proposing the factors that must be in place for trust to be achieved in a voice based e-marketplace was proposed. The study found that the trustworthiness of a technology results from the technology’s technical capability to satisfy the needs of its users reliably. Usability and security were found to be important determinants of the trustworthiness of a technology. Furthermore, the requirements elicitation process was found to be central to achieving trust as it defines the necessary criteria for developing secure, usable, functional, and reliable technologies that meet the needs of their users.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Isabirye, Naomi Nabirye , Von Solms, R
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Information technology -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Agricultural innovations -- South Africa Agricultural systems -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20019 , vital:29053
- Description: Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been widely researched as a mechanism for improving the socio-economic status of disadvantaged, rural communities. In order to do this numerous technology-based initiatives have been introduced into disadvantaged, rural communities to assist them in various aspects of their lives. Unfortunately, even when the proposed benefit of a particular technology is clearly evident to its initiators, the adoption by the target users is often uncertain. This has also been the case with e-commerce in agriculture. Despite the numerous benefits of e-commerce for agricultural producers, the uptake has been low. Trust is a critical pre-condition for the adoption of e-marketplaces. E-marketplaces expose consumers to the risk of non-delivery or misrepresentation of goods ordered and the misuse of personal information by external parties. Additionally, the time investment needed to make a shift to e-marketplaces and the opinions of important reference groups affects the user’s willingness to trust and depend on an e-marketplace. This study was undertaken to assess the extent to which rural users with limited ICT experience would trust and, consequently, adopt an e-marketplace to support agricultural trade. A pragmatic philosophy was adopted in this study, indicating that the researcher’s view of reality is founded on the practical implications and outcomes that are observed. This study used a Canonical Action Research strategy to design, develop and deploy a voice based e-marketplace to assist the trading activities of a Western Cape based aloe community. The community was allowed to utilise thee-marketplace over a period of eight weeks. Thereafter, interviews were held with the participants to investigate their perceptions of the technology. As a result, a model proposing the factors that must be in place for trust to be achieved in a voice based e-marketplace was proposed. The study found that the trustworthiness of a technology results from the technology’s technical capability to satisfy the needs of its users reliably. Usability and security were found to be important determinants of the trustworthiness of a technology. Furthermore, the requirements elicitation process was found to be central to achieving trust as it defines the necessary criteria for developing secure, usable, functional, and reliable technologies that meet the needs of their users.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A framework to evaluate user experience of end user application security features
- Authors: Shava, Fungai Bhunu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: User interfaces (Computer systems) -- Design Web sites -- Design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12951 , vital:27137
- Description: The use of technology in society moved from satisfying the technical needs of users to giving a lasting user experience while interacting with the technology. The continuous technological advancements have led to a diversity of emerging security concerns. It is necessary to balance security issues with user interaction. As such, designers have adapted to this reality by practising user centred design during product development to cater for the experiential needs of user - product interaction. These User Centred Design best practices and standards ensure that security features are incorporated within End User Programs (EUP). The primary function of EUP is not security, and interaction with security features while performing a program related task does present the end user with an extra burden. Evaluation mechanisms exist to enumerate the performance of the EUP and the user’s experience of the product interaction. Security evaluation standards focus on the program code security as well as on security functionalities of programs designed for security. However, little attention has been paid to evaluating user experience of functionalities offered by embedded security features. A qualitative case study research using problem based and design science research approaches was used to address the lack of criteria to evaluate user experience with embedded security features. User study findings reflect poor user experience with EUP security features, mainly as a result of low awareness of their existence, their location and sometimes even of their importance. From the literature review of the information security and user experience domains and the user study survey findings, four components of the framework were identified, namely: end user characteristics, information security, user experience and end user program security features characteristics. This thesis focuses on developing a framework that can be used to evaluate the user experience of interacting with end user program security features. The framework was designed following the design science research method and was reviewed by peers and experts for its suitability to address the problem. Subject experts in the fields of information security and human computer interaction were engaged, as the research is multidisciplinary. This thesis contributes to the body of knowledge on information security and on user experience elements of human computer interaction security regarding how to evaluate user experience of embedded InfoSec features. The research adds uniquely to the literature in the area of Human Computer Interaction Security evaluation and measurement in general, and is specific to end user program security features. The proposed metrics for evaluating UX of interacting with EUP security features were used to propose intervention to influence UX in an academic setup. The framework, besides presenting UX evaluation strategies for EUP security features, also presents a platform for further academic research on human factors of information security. The impact can be evaluated by assessing security behaviour, and successful security breaches, as well as user experience of interaction with end user programs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Shava, Fungai Bhunu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: User interfaces (Computer systems) -- Design Web sites -- Design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12951 , vital:27137
- Description: The use of technology in society moved from satisfying the technical needs of users to giving a lasting user experience while interacting with the technology. The continuous technological advancements have led to a diversity of emerging security concerns. It is necessary to balance security issues with user interaction. As such, designers have adapted to this reality by practising user centred design during product development to cater for the experiential needs of user - product interaction. These User Centred Design best practices and standards ensure that security features are incorporated within End User Programs (EUP). The primary function of EUP is not security, and interaction with security features while performing a program related task does present the end user with an extra burden. Evaluation mechanisms exist to enumerate the performance of the EUP and the user’s experience of the product interaction. Security evaluation standards focus on the program code security as well as on security functionalities of programs designed for security. However, little attention has been paid to evaluating user experience of functionalities offered by embedded security features. A qualitative case study research using problem based and design science research approaches was used to address the lack of criteria to evaluate user experience with embedded security features. User study findings reflect poor user experience with EUP security features, mainly as a result of low awareness of their existence, their location and sometimes even of their importance. From the literature review of the information security and user experience domains and the user study survey findings, four components of the framework were identified, namely: end user characteristics, information security, user experience and end user program security features characteristics. This thesis focuses on developing a framework that can be used to evaluate the user experience of interacting with end user program security features. The framework was designed following the design science research method and was reviewed by peers and experts for its suitability to address the problem. Subject experts in the fields of information security and human computer interaction were engaged, as the research is multidisciplinary. This thesis contributes to the body of knowledge on information security and on user experience elements of human computer interaction security regarding how to evaluate user experience of embedded InfoSec features. The research adds uniquely to the literature in the area of Human Computer Interaction Security evaluation and measurement in general, and is specific to end user program security features. The proposed metrics for evaluating UX of interacting with EUP security features were used to propose intervention to influence UX in an academic setup. The framework, besides presenting UX evaluation strategies for EUP security features, also presents a platform for further academic research on human factors of information security. The impact can be evaluated by assessing security behaviour, and successful security breaches, as well as user experience of interaction with end user programs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A maturity grid-based method for assessing communication in business-IT alignment
- Authors: Coertze, Jacques Jacobus
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business communication , Management information systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6740 , vital:21139
- Description: This thesis reports on the research undertaken to develop a method for organisations to assess human communication between their business and IT personnel as part of business–IT alignment. The research described in this thesis involves (i) a literature review in business–IT alignment and related fields, such as management studies and communication science; (ii) a Delphi study conducted among industry members, practitioners, and academics operating in the IT advisory, auditing and communication disciplines; and (iii) a case study of a public sector organisation in South Africa. By adopting a system-theoretic perspective on communication, this thesis proposes that communication in business–IT alignment can be seen as coordinating behaviour and a series of learning and reflection events, consequently culminating in increased mutual understanding. Various conceptualisations of communication are explored and, together with several industry elicited factors that influence communication in business–IT alignment, are incorporated into a conceptual model informing the assessment method. This research developed, applied, and tested a method whereby organisations can assess the quality of the human communication between their business and IT personnel as part of the business–IT alignment endeavour. The aim of this method is to trigger reflection on communication by considering communication philosophy and practices in business–IT alignment. The method, termed the ‘Business-IT Communication Alignment Maturity Improvement Communication Alignment Maturity Improvement (CAMI) method’, is based on a maturity grid-based approach, which stems originally from process improvement in software development and quality management. This thesis is most closely aligned with the research performed by Maier, Eckert, and Clarkson (2004, 2006), who successfully applied the maturity grid-based approach to investigate, audit and assess communication within the engineering design process. The question addressed in this thesis is whether this approach can be successfully extrapolated to the business–IT alignment context and whether it would yield similar benefits. Furthermore, the issue of whether it would offer a practical method for use in organisations is also addressed. Having applied the CAMI method at a public sector organisation, this thesis proposes that the maturity grid-based approach can indeed be extrapolated to iv the business–IT alignment context, consequently offering a viable and practical method for assessing communication in organisations. In particular, the CAMI method allows organisations to capture both their current and their desired communication situations and to expose discrepancies between the perceptions held by their business and IT personnel. These results form a basis for action planning, strategizing, and, ultimately, interventions for improvement. In conclusion, the thesis discusses further application and extension possibilities for the assessment method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Coertze, Jacques Jacobus
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business communication , Management information systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6740 , vital:21139
- Description: This thesis reports on the research undertaken to develop a method for organisations to assess human communication between their business and IT personnel as part of business–IT alignment. The research described in this thesis involves (i) a literature review in business–IT alignment and related fields, such as management studies and communication science; (ii) a Delphi study conducted among industry members, practitioners, and academics operating in the IT advisory, auditing and communication disciplines; and (iii) a case study of a public sector organisation in South Africa. By adopting a system-theoretic perspective on communication, this thesis proposes that communication in business–IT alignment can be seen as coordinating behaviour and a series of learning and reflection events, consequently culminating in increased mutual understanding. Various conceptualisations of communication are explored and, together with several industry elicited factors that influence communication in business–IT alignment, are incorporated into a conceptual model informing the assessment method. This research developed, applied, and tested a method whereby organisations can assess the quality of the human communication between their business and IT personnel as part of the business–IT alignment endeavour. The aim of this method is to trigger reflection on communication by considering communication philosophy and practices in business–IT alignment. The method, termed the ‘Business-IT Communication Alignment Maturity Improvement Communication Alignment Maturity Improvement (CAMI) method’, is based on a maturity grid-based approach, which stems originally from process improvement in software development and quality management. This thesis is most closely aligned with the research performed by Maier, Eckert, and Clarkson (2004, 2006), who successfully applied the maturity grid-based approach to investigate, audit and assess communication within the engineering design process. The question addressed in this thesis is whether this approach can be successfully extrapolated to the business–IT alignment context and whether it would yield similar benefits. Furthermore, the issue of whether it would offer a practical method for use in organisations is also addressed. Having applied the CAMI method at a public sector organisation, this thesis proposes that the maturity grid-based approach can indeed be extrapolated to iv the business–IT alignment context, consequently offering a viable and practical method for assessing communication in organisations. In particular, the CAMI method allows organisations to capture both their current and their desired communication situations and to expose discrepancies between the perceptions held by their business and IT personnel. These results form a basis for action planning, strategizing, and, ultimately, interventions for improvement. In conclusion, the thesis discusses further application and extension possibilities for the assessment method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Business problems facing potential emerging contractors in CIDB grades 5 to 7
- Pretorius, Albertus Johannes Hendrik
- Authors: Pretorius, Albertus Johannes Hendrik
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Building trades , Project management , Construction industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3459 , vital:20432
- Description: Considering the vital part which the construction industry plays in the economy of South Africa, as well as the objectives of the reconstruction and development thereof, the failure of contractors, despite all the interventions to identify and eradicate the root of the problem, is a matter of great concern. In November 2000, the Construction Industry Development Board Act (2000) was promulgated which led to the inception of the cidb with a mandate to implement an integrated strategy for the reconstruction, growth and development of the construction industry. The matter of contractor development has been widely studied and investigated since the inception of the cidb in 2000. However, the purpose of this study was to focus on the business problems faced by Grade 5 to 7 CE / GB Potential Emerging Contractors, with regard to construction organisations that make the move from small to medium businesses. The intention was to contribute to the successful transition from small to medium businesses by means of structured initiatives. In order to achieve this, a new business strategy must be adopted. It was therefore necessary to extensively consider the surface and core competencies required for making the transition. Liquidity problems that the transition entails were explored, as well as contractor misconceptions with regard to contractor development. In the course of the study, unethical practices and entitlement issues experienced in the built environment and the effect of this on contractor success were explored. The study aimed to recommend a structured framework for co-ordination between assistance, mentorship, contractor needs, client departments, cidb NCDP best practice guidelines and the most important of all, self-empowerment. This study further endeavoured to find possible solutions regarding the assistance requirements, as well as self-empowering objectives for emerging contractors taking the challenging step from small to medium business and by implication, becoming sustainable contractor enterprises in Grades 6 to 8. Political imperatives need to be weighed against the high unemployment rate. The Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) indicates that there are not enough sustainable contracting opportunities to allocate to Contractor Development Programmes (CDPs). This is aggravated by the tendency that too many hopeful aspirant entrepreneurs, lacking construction surface and core competencies, are seeing the built environment as an easy industry to enter. Just less than 50% of cidb registered contractors exited the register of active contractors during the last ten years ending 2nd quarter 2015. 45% exited during the last five years. This indicates that there is a serious sustainability problem in the built environment. Considering the GFCF contractor opportunities there are too many cidb registered contractors. However, enterprise failure is not only an Emerging Contractor (EC) problem, but occurs across the board. A dangerous notion that the large national construction firms should no longer qualify for public contracts can have disastrous implications for an already embattled industry. Large national firms are the trend setters in the built environment, which coach the much needed construction surface and core competencies. If upgrading is the measure of success the current CDP statistics do not confirm that the strategic objectives of the National Contractor Development Programme (NCDP) are being achieved. All contractors, including black owned contractors, are faring substantially better than their EC counterparts participating in CDPs. Upgrading should carry less weight and sustainability and high performance should become the focus. A serious lack of construction surface and core competencies was identified. If contractor development is the objective the structure of the cidb grading system should be reviewed. It is recommended that the broad CDP hierarchical structure should streamlined and partly privatised to focus on the core strategic objective of contractor development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Pretorius, Albertus Johannes Hendrik
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Building trades , Project management , Construction industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3459 , vital:20432
- Description: Considering the vital part which the construction industry plays in the economy of South Africa, as well as the objectives of the reconstruction and development thereof, the failure of contractors, despite all the interventions to identify and eradicate the root of the problem, is a matter of great concern. In November 2000, the Construction Industry Development Board Act (2000) was promulgated which led to the inception of the cidb with a mandate to implement an integrated strategy for the reconstruction, growth and development of the construction industry. The matter of contractor development has been widely studied and investigated since the inception of the cidb in 2000. However, the purpose of this study was to focus on the business problems faced by Grade 5 to 7 CE / GB Potential Emerging Contractors, with regard to construction organisations that make the move from small to medium businesses. The intention was to contribute to the successful transition from small to medium businesses by means of structured initiatives. In order to achieve this, a new business strategy must be adopted. It was therefore necessary to extensively consider the surface and core competencies required for making the transition. Liquidity problems that the transition entails were explored, as well as contractor misconceptions with regard to contractor development. In the course of the study, unethical practices and entitlement issues experienced in the built environment and the effect of this on contractor success were explored. The study aimed to recommend a structured framework for co-ordination between assistance, mentorship, contractor needs, client departments, cidb NCDP best practice guidelines and the most important of all, self-empowerment. This study further endeavoured to find possible solutions regarding the assistance requirements, as well as self-empowering objectives for emerging contractors taking the challenging step from small to medium business and by implication, becoming sustainable contractor enterprises in Grades 6 to 8. Political imperatives need to be weighed against the high unemployment rate. The Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) indicates that there are not enough sustainable contracting opportunities to allocate to Contractor Development Programmes (CDPs). This is aggravated by the tendency that too many hopeful aspirant entrepreneurs, lacking construction surface and core competencies, are seeing the built environment as an easy industry to enter. Just less than 50% of cidb registered contractors exited the register of active contractors during the last ten years ending 2nd quarter 2015. 45% exited during the last five years. This indicates that there is a serious sustainability problem in the built environment. Considering the GFCF contractor opportunities there are too many cidb registered contractors. However, enterprise failure is not only an Emerging Contractor (EC) problem, but occurs across the board. A dangerous notion that the large national construction firms should no longer qualify for public contracts can have disastrous implications for an already embattled industry. Large national firms are the trend setters in the built environment, which coach the much needed construction surface and core competencies. If upgrading is the measure of success the current CDP statistics do not confirm that the strategic objectives of the National Contractor Development Programme (NCDP) are being achieved. All contractors, including black owned contractors, are faring substantially better than their EC counterparts participating in CDPs. Upgrading should carry less weight and sustainability and high performance should become the focus. A serious lack of construction surface and core competencies was identified. If contractor development is the objective the structure of the cidb grading system should be reviewed. It is recommended that the broad CDP hierarchical structure should streamlined and partly privatised to focus on the core strategic objective of contractor development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Construction project manager health and safety interventions towards improving workers' performance
- Authors: Ayessaki, Winn-Yam Houdou
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Management -- Health aspects Construction workers -- Health aspects -- South Africa Construction workers -- Safety measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12275 , vital:27050
- Description: Optimum construction worker (CW) performance is required to achieve project delivery within project parameters. It is not always the case as CWs are regularly exposed to hazards, involved in accidents, their productivity is poor, they suffer from ill health, suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and contractors lack resources to allocate towards H&S. However, the lack or the absence of health and safety (H&S) measures, which the aforementioned depend on, has a negative impact on workers’ performance. Two descriptive surveys were conducted among professional construction project managers (CPMs) registered with the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) and general contractors (GCs) registered with the East Cape Master Builders Association (ECMBA). Interviews were also conducted with CPMs registered with the SACPCMP residing in the Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan area. The salient findings include: • Accidents, which occur on construction sites, impact workers’ performance; • Inadequate H&S implementation affects both CW skills and motivation, which in turn affects their performance; • Poor constructability is relevant to H&S and CWs’ skills; • Provision and maintenance of welfare facilities are commonly inadequate and affect workers’ performance, and • Projects do not benefit from the adequate financial provision for H&S. It was concluded that exposure to hazards, poor site conditions, inadequate provision of welfare facilities, WMSDs, and insufficient financial provision for H&S affect workers’ performance by either incapacitating or demotivating them. Recommendations include : CPMs should make better use of their influence on clients; they should improve communication channels between project stakeholders; legislators need to raise awareness regarding H&S and worker welfare, and training and education institutions need to empower workers and professionals with H&S knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ayessaki, Winn-Yam Houdou
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Management -- Health aspects Construction workers -- Health aspects -- South Africa Construction workers -- Safety measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12275 , vital:27050
- Description: Optimum construction worker (CW) performance is required to achieve project delivery within project parameters. It is not always the case as CWs are regularly exposed to hazards, involved in accidents, their productivity is poor, they suffer from ill health, suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and contractors lack resources to allocate towards H&S. However, the lack or the absence of health and safety (H&S) measures, which the aforementioned depend on, has a negative impact on workers’ performance. Two descriptive surveys were conducted among professional construction project managers (CPMs) registered with the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) and general contractors (GCs) registered with the East Cape Master Builders Association (ECMBA). Interviews were also conducted with CPMs registered with the SACPCMP residing in the Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan area. The salient findings include: • Accidents, which occur on construction sites, impact workers’ performance; • Inadequate H&S implementation affects both CW skills and motivation, which in turn affects their performance; • Poor constructability is relevant to H&S and CWs’ skills; • Provision and maintenance of welfare facilities are commonly inadequate and affect workers’ performance, and • Projects do not benefit from the adequate financial provision for H&S. It was concluded that exposure to hazards, poor site conditions, inadequate provision of welfare facilities, WMSDs, and insufficient financial provision for H&S affect workers’ performance by either incapacitating or demotivating them. Recommendations include : CPMs should make better use of their influence on clients; they should improve communication channels between project stakeholders; legislators need to raise awareness regarding H&S and worker welfare, and training and education institutions need to empower workers and professionals with H&S knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Construction small and medium enterprise development
- Authors: Mbambe, Putumani
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Management Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Building -- Development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11681 , vital:26950
- Description: The objective of this treatise study was to determine the leading causes which limit the development of SMME contractors, to ascertain the accessibility of SMME incubators available to support SMME development and to identify the cause of poor management performance by SMME contractors based in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. A qualitative method was adopted for this study. The primary data was collected using a structured interview guide which incorporated the sub problems and the research questions. The salient findings of this study are: SMME contractors are unaware of the available business information and government support programmes designed to assist them; SMME contractors do not receive capital from banks when they don‟t have collateral; Desperation to secure projects among SMME contractors is the leading cause for under-pricing; SMME contractors are still paid later than the 30 day period for completed work; SMME owners who had started their construction companies lacked training and do not have the relevant experience and knowledge required to manage a construction company. In summary the study concluded that SMME who have access to capital have high growth prospects than those that have not. Accessibility to information and awareness of available opportunities remains significant for the growth of SMMEs. Construction related knowledge and training for SMME owners contributes vastly to the success of SMME companies. The study recommended that; Government needs to promote the accessibility of SMME incubators and ensure institutions designed to assist SMMEs with finance are accessible; The effectiveness of current development programs for small enterprises and skills development programs should be reviewed; MMBM should setup a mentoring program to help train SMME contractors theoretically and practically; NMBM local government should promote women to own SMMEs in order to close the gap of inequality in the built environment; Banks must work with government institutions to ensure that they are able to fund SMMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mbambe, Putumani
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Management Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Building -- Development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11681 , vital:26950
- Description: The objective of this treatise study was to determine the leading causes which limit the development of SMME contractors, to ascertain the accessibility of SMME incubators available to support SMME development and to identify the cause of poor management performance by SMME contractors based in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. A qualitative method was adopted for this study. The primary data was collected using a structured interview guide which incorporated the sub problems and the research questions. The salient findings of this study are: SMME contractors are unaware of the available business information and government support programmes designed to assist them; SMME contractors do not receive capital from banks when they don‟t have collateral; Desperation to secure projects among SMME contractors is the leading cause for under-pricing; SMME contractors are still paid later than the 30 day period for completed work; SMME owners who had started their construction companies lacked training and do not have the relevant experience and knowledge required to manage a construction company. In summary the study concluded that SMME who have access to capital have high growth prospects than those that have not. Accessibility to information and awareness of available opportunities remains significant for the growth of SMMEs. Construction related knowledge and training for SMME owners contributes vastly to the success of SMME companies. The study recommended that; Government needs to promote the accessibility of SMME incubators and ensure institutions designed to assist SMMEs with finance are accessible; The effectiveness of current development programs for small enterprises and skills development programs should be reviewed; MMBM should setup a mentoring program to help train SMME contractors theoretically and practically; NMBM local government should promote women to own SMMEs in order to close the gap of inequality in the built environment; Banks must work with government institutions to ensure that they are able to fund SMMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Energy management system for the diagnosis and control of an automatic guided vehicle
- Authors: Church, Stuart Michael
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Automated guided vehicle systems , Mechatronics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4798 , vital:20681
- Description: With the increase in electronic equipment implemented in various systems, as well as the increase in calculating power that these devices offer, designers are being empowered to make use of this power in real-time systems to diagnose and protect the systems themselves. This reasoning is too compounded by the focus on efficiency and safety in the design of complex systems, as well as the increasing expense and sensitivity of the electronic components themselves. With this in mind, this dissertation aims at developing a comprehensive measurement, control and reaction system for the electrical diagnosis and ultimately optimisation of complex electrical and electronic systems. This system will serve as a real-time diagnosis tool, which will enable the real-time diagnosis of various components in an electro-mechanical system, which can then be interpreted to determine the working state of the various components. Another sphere of this project will involve the accurate monitoring of the battery status as well as actively balancing the series connected batteries. The focus on the batteries will seek to prolong the life of the batteries, while being able to squeeze as much capacity out of them. The initial design and testing will be based on an AGV system implemented at VWSA, however a main goal throughout the design process will be modularity, i.e. the ease of implementation of this system in other systems. The key technologies used in the development of this system will still comprise of the components used in the original AGV, however new prototype components sourced from Microcare are used for the battery management system, while current sensors directly connected to the PLC’s analog input ports will be used for the active monitoring of currents distributed through the AGV.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Church, Stuart Michael
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Automated guided vehicle systems , Mechatronics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4798 , vital:20681
- Description: With the increase in electronic equipment implemented in various systems, as well as the increase in calculating power that these devices offer, designers are being empowered to make use of this power in real-time systems to diagnose and protect the systems themselves. This reasoning is too compounded by the focus on efficiency and safety in the design of complex systems, as well as the increasing expense and sensitivity of the electronic components themselves. With this in mind, this dissertation aims at developing a comprehensive measurement, control and reaction system for the electrical diagnosis and ultimately optimisation of complex electrical and electronic systems. This system will serve as a real-time diagnosis tool, which will enable the real-time diagnosis of various components in an electro-mechanical system, which can then be interpreted to determine the working state of the various components. Another sphere of this project will involve the accurate monitoring of the battery status as well as actively balancing the series connected batteries. The focus on the batteries will seek to prolong the life of the batteries, while being able to squeeze as much capacity out of them. The initial design and testing will be based on an AGV system implemented at VWSA, however a main goal throughout the design process will be modularity, i.e. the ease of implementation of this system in other systems. The key technologies used in the development of this system will still comprise of the components used in the original AGV, however new prototype components sourced from Microcare are used for the battery management system, while current sensors directly connected to the PLC’s analog input ports will be used for the active monitoring of currents distributed through the AGV.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016