'n Analise van die gebruik van satire in enkele tekste van Marlene van Niekerk
- Authors: Stoltz, Wessel
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Van Niekerk, Marlene -- Criticism and interpretation , Satire
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8477 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018804
- Description: Through the ages satirists have exposed and ridiculed certain malpractices in society in their texts. They have often done so in a language filled with irony and exaggeration. For the purpose of this dissertation I wish to focus on three texts by Marlene van Niekerk, the eminent Afrikaans author, and analyse the way in which she uses satire to comment particularly on contemporary South African society and address issues such as violence, the 2010 World Cup, corruption and violence against women and children. The three texts under discussion are the two lengthy poems, ―Suid Afrika and ―Brief aan president Motlanthe [―Letter to President Motlanthe] and her play Die kortstondige raklewe van Anastacia W [The brief shelf-life of Anastacia W]. She bases her writings on real life incidents and events written about in the newspapers and these clippings serve as intertexts for her critique of society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Stoltz, Wessel
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Van Niekerk, Marlene -- Criticism and interpretation , Satire
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8477 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018804
- Description: Through the ages satirists have exposed and ridiculed certain malpractices in society in their texts. They have often done so in a language filled with irony and exaggeration. For the purpose of this dissertation I wish to focus on three texts by Marlene van Niekerk, the eminent Afrikaans author, and analyse the way in which she uses satire to comment particularly on contemporary South African society and address issues such as violence, the 2010 World Cup, corruption and violence against women and children. The three texts under discussion are the two lengthy poems, ―Suid Afrika and ―Brief aan president Motlanthe [―Letter to President Motlanthe] and her play Die kortstondige raklewe van Anastacia W [The brief shelf-life of Anastacia W]. She bases her writings on real life incidents and events written about in the newspapers and these clippings serve as intertexts for her critique of society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
'n Ontleding van die reisgedigte van Joan Hambidge in 'Visums by verstek'
- Authors: Koen, Dewald
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: African literature , Authors, African , Travel writing
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8462 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010652 , African literature , Authors, African , Travel writing
- Description: Reisbeskrywings, en veral die reispoësie as genre, het met die aanbreek van die twintigste eeu „n opbloei binne die Afrikaanse letterkunde beleef. Talle Afrikaanse skrywers en digters het na verskillende kontinente gereis en hul ondervindinge in roman, dagboek of joernaalvorm aangeteken. Die Afrikaanse skrywers sluit hulself gevolglik aan by die tradisie van die reisbeskrywing wat reeds eeue lank deel vorm van die globale literêre kanon. Reispoësie kom veral voor in die werk van digters soos C. Louis Leipoldt, Uys Krige, W.E.G. Louw, N.P. van Wyk Louw, D.J. Opperman, Breyten Breytenbach, Lina Spies, Petra Muller, Joan Hambidge en meer onlangs Melt Myburgh. Dit is veral Hambidge wat oor reis in haar poësie skryf. In 2011 verskyn „n versameling van Hambidge se reisgedigte wat sedert 1985-2010 in van haar bundels verskyn het onder die titel Visums by verstek – ‘n Keur uit die reisgedigte van Joan Hambidge. Hambidge bespreek sekere deurlopende temas in haar gedigte. Die temas sluit in: die poësie en die verhouding tussen die liefde en die poësie, die mens as alleenreisiger deur die wêreld, die dood en die huldiging van gestorwenes asook die beskrywing van sekere gebeurtenisse in die wêreldgeskiedenis. In hierdie skripsie word gefokus op die ontleding van Hambidge se reisgedigte wat onder drie verwante temas bespreek word naamlik die stad as vreemde rumite, reis as metafoor vir ontvlugting van die geliefde en reis as kreatiewe stimulus. Hierdie ondersoek geskied aan die hand van onder meer Pratt se konsep van “kontaksones”. Reispoësie word binne die konteks van globalisasie as „n belangrike bron van inligting en inspirasie beskou aangesien dit tot „n nuwe geslag wêreldreisigers spreek wat opnuut die literêre waarde van die reisbeskrywing- en poësie ontdek het.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Koen, Dewald
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: African literature , Authors, African , Travel writing
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8462 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010652 , African literature , Authors, African , Travel writing
- Description: Reisbeskrywings, en veral die reispoësie as genre, het met die aanbreek van die twintigste eeu „n opbloei binne die Afrikaanse letterkunde beleef. Talle Afrikaanse skrywers en digters het na verskillende kontinente gereis en hul ondervindinge in roman, dagboek of joernaalvorm aangeteken. Die Afrikaanse skrywers sluit hulself gevolglik aan by die tradisie van die reisbeskrywing wat reeds eeue lank deel vorm van die globale literêre kanon. Reispoësie kom veral voor in die werk van digters soos C. Louis Leipoldt, Uys Krige, W.E.G. Louw, N.P. van Wyk Louw, D.J. Opperman, Breyten Breytenbach, Lina Spies, Petra Muller, Joan Hambidge en meer onlangs Melt Myburgh. Dit is veral Hambidge wat oor reis in haar poësie skryf. In 2011 verskyn „n versameling van Hambidge se reisgedigte wat sedert 1985-2010 in van haar bundels verskyn het onder die titel Visums by verstek – ‘n Keur uit die reisgedigte van Joan Hambidge. Hambidge bespreek sekere deurlopende temas in haar gedigte. Die temas sluit in: die poësie en die verhouding tussen die liefde en die poësie, die mens as alleenreisiger deur die wêreld, die dood en die huldiging van gestorwenes asook die beskrywing van sekere gebeurtenisse in die wêreldgeskiedenis. In hierdie skripsie word gefokus op die ontleding van Hambidge se reisgedigte wat onder drie verwante temas bespreek word naamlik die stad as vreemde rumite, reis as metafoor vir ontvlugting van die geliefde en reis as kreatiewe stimulus. Hierdie ondersoek geskied aan die hand van onder meer Pratt se konsep van “kontaksones”. Reispoësie word binne die konteks van globalisasie as „n belangrike bron van inligting en inspirasie beskou aangesien dit tot „n nuwe geslag wêreldreisigers spreek wat opnuut die literêre waarde van die reisbeskrywing- en poësie ontdek het.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A case study of the implementation of science process skills for grades 4 to 7 learners in natural sciences in a South African primary school
- Authors: Ambross, Johannes Nikolaas
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Primary) , Science -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation , Education -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9501 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1411 , Science -- Study and teaching (Primary) , Science -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation , Education -- Evaluation
- Description: With the publication of the National Curriculum Statement (2002) (NCS) the use and development of science process skills have become a critical part of the teaching and learning of the Natural Sciences in South Africa. This study sought to evaluate the implementation and development of these basic skills by four grade 4-7 educators at classroom level at a primary school in the northern areas of Port Elizabeth. Qualitative data for this evaluation were collected through educator interviews, classroom observation as well as a focus-group interview. Quantitative data were gathered by means of a Science Process Skills Observation Scale and through examining the learners' assessment activities. An Assessment Activity Science Process Skill Rating-Scale was used to evaluate assessment activities. Data generated from this study were carefully analysed and on the basis of their interpretation it was concluded that the implementation and development of science process skills were strongly influenced by the educators' understanding of these basic concepts, the belief held by each educator about their role and how their learners learn, the presence of quality support and effective training programmes as well continuous professional development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ambross, Johannes Nikolaas
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Primary) , Science -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation , Education -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9501 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1411 , Science -- Study and teaching (Primary) , Science -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation , Education -- Evaluation
- Description: With the publication of the National Curriculum Statement (2002) (NCS) the use and development of science process skills have become a critical part of the teaching and learning of the Natural Sciences in South Africa. This study sought to evaluate the implementation and development of these basic skills by four grade 4-7 educators at classroom level at a primary school in the northern areas of Port Elizabeth. Qualitative data for this evaluation were collected through educator interviews, classroom observation as well as a focus-group interview. Quantitative data were gathered by means of a Science Process Skills Observation Scale and through examining the learners' assessment activities. An Assessment Activity Science Process Skill Rating-Scale was used to evaluate assessment activities. Data generated from this study were carefully analysed and on the basis of their interpretation it was concluded that the implementation and development of science process skills were strongly influenced by the educators' understanding of these basic concepts, the belief held by each educator about their role and how their learners learn, the presence of quality support and effective training programmes as well continuous professional development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A comparative analysis of the development of performers' rights in the United Kingdom and South Africa
- Authors: Wagenaar, Tanya
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Copyright -- Performing rights -- Great Britain , Copyright -- Performing rights -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10215 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1442 , Copyright -- Performing rights -- Great Britain , Copyright -- Performing rights -- South Africa
- Description: Although performers have been rife for centuries, no legal regime was required for their protection owing to the fact that the nature of their performances was transitory. It was not until the invention of the phonogram in 1877, that the need to provide performers with the means to protect the unauthorised uses of their performances became an issue. The subsequent development of performers' rights has been fuelled by the rapid technological developments of the modern age which has prompted the international community to respond through various international instruments. Performers initially sought protection in terms of the Berne Convention in 1886, but it was not until the Rome Convention in 1961 that performers were first accorded international recognition. This was followed by the TRIPs Agreement in 1994 and the WPPT in 1996. This work involves an investigation into the historical development of performers' rights in the United Kingdom and South Africa. This is followed by a comparative analysis of the current state of performers' rights as between the United Kingdom and South Africa with a view to proposing recommendations for improving the level of protection accorded performers in South Africa. Arguments in favour of a regime of performers' rights as well as possible counter-arguments have been advanced. The general development of performers' rights as a related or neighbouring right to copyright is focussed on. The development of performers' rights in the United Kingdom is discussed with reference to the first English legislative form of protection, namely the Dramatic and Musical Performers' Protection Act, 1925. This Act only provided performers with criminal remedies, a view that prevailed through several subsequent enactments designed to protect performers as a result of ratification of the Rome Convention. It was not until 1988 when the decision in Rickless v United Artists Corp prompted the legislature to grant performers with enforceable civil remedies through the enactment of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988. Several European Union Council Directives aimed at harmonising the law relating to performers' rights throughout the Union were issued, mainly in response to the TRIPS Agreement. In order to comply with these Directives, the United Kingdom passed Regulations to bring about the necessary amendments to the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act. Performers in the United Kingdom were granted moral rights in 2006 as a result of the United Kingdom's ratification of the WPPT. The development of performers' rights in South Africa has been slow when compared to that of the United Kingdom. It was not until 1967 that performers were first legally recognised in South Africa. Although South Africa has yet to ratify the Rome Convention, it was stated in South African Broadcasting Corporation v Pollecutt that the Act was clearly passed with a view to complying with the Convention. South Africa's ratification of the TRIPs Agreement brought about amendments to the Act, particularly regarding the duration of protection which was increased from 20 to 50 years. Although South Africa played an active role in the conclusion of the WPPT, it has yet to ratify it. However, amendments were made to the Act in line with this Treaty, such as the incorporation of “expressions of folklore” within the ambit of protection, and the granting of a right to receive royalties whenever a performer's performances are broadcast. This is commonly known as needletime. South Africa's reluctance to grant performers with moral rights as provided for by the Treaty is noteworthy. The introduction of needletime into South African law has resulted in a fierce debate between collecting societies (who represent authors and performers) and the NAB (who represent users of performances). Mainly as a result of this dispute, performers in South Africa have, to date, not received any royalties due to them. The protection of traditional knowledge has also received attention of late with the Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill, 2010 which aims to bring traditional knowledge inter alia within the ambit of the Performers' Protection Act. The current state of performers' rights in the United Kingdom and South Africa are compared in order to identify ways in which the level of protection accorded performers in South Africa could be improved. The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act is compared with the Performers' Protection Act through emphasis being placed on the definition of a “performer”; the definition of a “performance”; the nature of performers' rights; exceptions to infringement; the term of protection; the retrospectivity of the legislation; and the enforcement measures in place. Upon analysis, it was found that the Performers' Protection Act can be amended in several ways in order to increase the level of protection accorded performers in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Wagenaar, Tanya
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Copyright -- Performing rights -- Great Britain , Copyright -- Performing rights -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10215 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1442 , Copyright -- Performing rights -- Great Britain , Copyright -- Performing rights -- South Africa
- Description: Although performers have been rife for centuries, no legal regime was required for their protection owing to the fact that the nature of their performances was transitory. It was not until the invention of the phonogram in 1877, that the need to provide performers with the means to protect the unauthorised uses of their performances became an issue. The subsequent development of performers' rights has been fuelled by the rapid technological developments of the modern age which has prompted the international community to respond through various international instruments. Performers initially sought protection in terms of the Berne Convention in 1886, but it was not until the Rome Convention in 1961 that performers were first accorded international recognition. This was followed by the TRIPs Agreement in 1994 and the WPPT in 1996. This work involves an investigation into the historical development of performers' rights in the United Kingdom and South Africa. This is followed by a comparative analysis of the current state of performers' rights as between the United Kingdom and South Africa with a view to proposing recommendations for improving the level of protection accorded performers in South Africa. Arguments in favour of a regime of performers' rights as well as possible counter-arguments have been advanced. The general development of performers' rights as a related or neighbouring right to copyright is focussed on. The development of performers' rights in the United Kingdom is discussed with reference to the first English legislative form of protection, namely the Dramatic and Musical Performers' Protection Act, 1925. This Act only provided performers with criminal remedies, a view that prevailed through several subsequent enactments designed to protect performers as a result of ratification of the Rome Convention. It was not until 1988 when the decision in Rickless v United Artists Corp prompted the legislature to grant performers with enforceable civil remedies through the enactment of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988. Several European Union Council Directives aimed at harmonising the law relating to performers' rights throughout the Union were issued, mainly in response to the TRIPS Agreement. In order to comply with these Directives, the United Kingdom passed Regulations to bring about the necessary amendments to the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act. Performers in the United Kingdom were granted moral rights in 2006 as a result of the United Kingdom's ratification of the WPPT. The development of performers' rights in South Africa has been slow when compared to that of the United Kingdom. It was not until 1967 that performers were first legally recognised in South Africa. Although South Africa has yet to ratify the Rome Convention, it was stated in South African Broadcasting Corporation v Pollecutt that the Act was clearly passed with a view to complying with the Convention. South Africa's ratification of the TRIPs Agreement brought about amendments to the Act, particularly regarding the duration of protection which was increased from 20 to 50 years. Although South Africa played an active role in the conclusion of the WPPT, it has yet to ratify it. However, amendments were made to the Act in line with this Treaty, such as the incorporation of “expressions of folklore” within the ambit of protection, and the granting of a right to receive royalties whenever a performer's performances are broadcast. This is commonly known as needletime. South Africa's reluctance to grant performers with moral rights as provided for by the Treaty is noteworthy. The introduction of needletime into South African law has resulted in a fierce debate between collecting societies (who represent authors and performers) and the NAB (who represent users of performances). Mainly as a result of this dispute, performers in South Africa have, to date, not received any royalties due to them. The protection of traditional knowledge has also received attention of late with the Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill, 2010 which aims to bring traditional knowledge inter alia within the ambit of the Performers' Protection Act. The current state of performers' rights in the United Kingdom and South Africa are compared in order to identify ways in which the level of protection accorded performers in South Africa could be improved. The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act is compared with the Performers' Protection Act through emphasis being placed on the definition of a “performer”; the definition of a “performance”; the nature of performers' rights; exceptions to infringement; the term of protection; the retrospectivity of the legislation; and the enforcement measures in place. Upon analysis, it was found that the Performers' Protection Act can be amended in several ways in order to increase the level of protection accorded performers in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A comparison of the Botswana and South African labour dispute: resolution systems
- Koorapetse, Michael Moemedi Sean
- Authors: Koorapetse, Michael Moemedi Sean
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Labor disputes , Labor relations , Conflict management , Dispute resolution (Law)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9429 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010556 , Labor disputes , Labor relations , Conflict management , Dispute resolution (Law)
- Description: The purpose of this study was to compare the dispute resolution systems of Botswana and South Africa. As far as the South Africa dispute resolution system is concerned extensive literature on the system was carried out to describe its functioning. As for the Botswana dispute resolution system there was not much written about it in the literature, so in order to find out more about this system semi-structured interviews with labour relations experts which include mediators, arbitrators, lecturers, labour lawyers, trade unionists, employers and government officials held. The framework of comparison was developed to compare the elements of dispute resolution systems against each other and secondly to compare each system against the criteria of performance to the system. The two labour relations systems were compared in terms of elements of the system and the performance of the two systems. In the comparisons of the elements of the systems it was found out that in both systems the nature of disputes was collective and individual disputes both of which can be referred to the initial process of mediation or conciliation. However, in Botswana collective disputes can only be referred to arbitration if they remain unresolved in mediation while in South Africa only collective disputes on essential services go to arbitration while others lead to a strike or lockout if unresolved at conciliation. As for coverage both systems have incorporated public service sector employees in the systems after being excluded from the system for a very long time. The only difference is that in Botswana the Police force is not included while in South Africa they are included in the system. Differences in the avenues of disputes in the two countries were noted, in Botswana the rights/individual disputes go to either arbitration or Industrial Court if unresolved at mediation, inter-est/collective disputes can only go to arbitration while in South Africa the route of disputes is specified in the legislation. As for the human resources of the two countries it was found that the South African system has more qualified, trained and sufficiently experienced staff than the Botswana system. As for the processes it was found that for South Africa the initial process is conciliation while in Botswana it is mediation but these two processes were similar in many ways, from mediation/conciliation the next step in both systems is arbitration and just like the conciliation/mediation, arbitration in both countries was found to be similar except that in South Africa it is a public hearing. The two systems were also compared in terms of their performances and the research has established that between the two systems the South African system proved to be more superior on three of the criteria; efficiency, accessibility and legitimacy than the Botswana system. Therefore, the research proposes a number of recommendations for Botswana to implement namely; establishment of a legislated mixed process of mediation-arbitration, making the dispute resolution system independent from government, recruitment of high qualified and experienced staff for mediation and arbitration, accreditation to private agencies, effective case management system and proper routing of disputes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Koorapetse, Michael Moemedi Sean
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Labor disputes , Labor relations , Conflict management , Dispute resolution (Law)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9429 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010556 , Labor disputes , Labor relations , Conflict management , Dispute resolution (Law)
- Description: The purpose of this study was to compare the dispute resolution systems of Botswana and South Africa. As far as the South Africa dispute resolution system is concerned extensive literature on the system was carried out to describe its functioning. As for the Botswana dispute resolution system there was not much written about it in the literature, so in order to find out more about this system semi-structured interviews with labour relations experts which include mediators, arbitrators, lecturers, labour lawyers, trade unionists, employers and government officials held. The framework of comparison was developed to compare the elements of dispute resolution systems against each other and secondly to compare each system against the criteria of performance to the system. The two labour relations systems were compared in terms of elements of the system and the performance of the two systems. In the comparisons of the elements of the systems it was found out that in both systems the nature of disputes was collective and individual disputes both of which can be referred to the initial process of mediation or conciliation. However, in Botswana collective disputes can only be referred to arbitration if they remain unresolved in mediation while in South Africa only collective disputes on essential services go to arbitration while others lead to a strike or lockout if unresolved at conciliation. As for coverage both systems have incorporated public service sector employees in the systems after being excluded from the system for a very long time. The only difference is that in Botswana the Police force is not included while in South Africa they are included in the system. Differences in the avenues of disputes in the two countries were noted, in Botswana the rights/individual disputes go to either arbitration or Industrial Court if unresolved at mediation, inter-est/collective disputes can only go to arbitration while in South Africa the route of disputes is specified in the legislation. As for the human resources of the two countries it was found that the South African system has more qualified, trained and sufficiently experienced staff than the Botswana system. As for the processes it was found that for South Africa the initial process is conciliation while in Botswana it is mediation but these two processes were similar in many ways, from mediation/conciliation the next step in both systems is arbitration and just like the conciliation/mediation, arbitration in both countries was found to be similar except that in South Africa it is a public hearing. The two systems were also compared in terms of their performances and the research has established that between the two systems the South African system proved to be more superior on three of the criteria; efficiency, accessibility and legitimacy than the Botswana system. Therefore, the research proposes a number of recommendations for Botswana to implement namely; establishment of a legislated mixed process of mediation-arbitration, making the dispute resolution system independent from government, recruitment of high qualified and experienced staff for mediation and arbitration, accreditation to private agencies, effective case management system and proper routing of disputes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A comprehensive evaluation framework for system modernization : a case study using data services
- Authors: Barnes, Meredith Anne
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Computer architecture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10460 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1499 , Computer architecture
- Description: Modernization is a solution to migrate cumbersome existing systems to a new architecture for improved longevity of business processes. Three modernization approaches exist. White-box and black-box modernization are distinct from one another. Grey-box modernization is a hybrid of the white-box and black-box approaches. Modernization can be utilised to create data services for a Service Oriented Architecture. Since it is unclear which modernization approach is more suitable for the development of data services, a comprehensive evaluation framework is proposed to evaluate which of the white- or black-box approaches is more suitable. The comprehensive framework consists of three evaluation components. Firstly, developer effort to modernize existing code is measured by acknowledged software metrics. Secondly, the quality of the data services is measured against identified Quality of Service criteria for data services in particular. Thirdly, the effectiveness of the modernized data services is measured through usability evaluations. By inspection of the combination of application of each of the evaluation components, a recommended approach is identified for the modernization of data services. The comprehensive framework was successfully employed to compare the white-box and black-box modernization approaches applied to a case study. Results indicated that had only a single evaluation component been used, inconclusive results of the more suitable approach may have been obtained. The findings of this research contribute a comprehensive evaluation framework which can be applied to compare modernization approaches and measure modernization success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Barnes, Meredith Anne
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Computer architecture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10460 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1499 , Computer architecture
- Description: Modernization is a solution to migrate cumbersome existing systems to a new architecture for improved longevity of business processes. Three modernization approaches exist. White-box and black-box modernization are distinct from one another. Grey-box modernization is a hybrid of the white-box and black-box approaches. Modernization can be utilised to create data services for a Service Oriented Architecture. Since it is unclear which modernization approach is more suitable for the development of data services, a comprehensive evaluation framework is proposed to evaluate which of the white- or black-box approaches is more suitable. The comprehensive framework consists of three evaluation components. Firstly, developer effort to modernize existing code is measured by acknowledged software metrics. Secondly, the quality of the data services is measured against identified Quality of Service criteria for data services in particular. Thirdly, the effectiveness of the modernized data services is measured through usability evaluations. By inspection of the combination of application of each of the evaluation components, a recommended approach is identified for the modernization of data services. The comprehensive framework was successfully employed to compare the white-box and black-box modernization approaches applied to a case study. Results indicated that had only a single evaluation component been used, inconclusive results of the more suitable approach may have been obtained. The findings of this research contribute a comprehensive evaluation framework which can be applied to compare modernization approaches and measure modernization success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A conjoint choice experiment analysing water service delivery in three Eastern Cape Municipalities
- Authors: Hosking, Phillipa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Municipal service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Marketing , Water Supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9357 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1378 , Municipal service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Marketing , Water Supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study considers the nature of South African municipal water service delivery, and how marketing strategies can provide a framework for better management of this service. It reflects on the elements that guide municipal decision making and evaluates user preferences for levels of the municipal “water service mix” by employing conjoint analysis. Particular attention is paid to consumer willingness to pay for improvements in the “water service mix”. The study argues that the values municipal consumers attach to the variables of the water service mix need to be better incorporated into decision making regarding water service delivery, and that conjoint analysis is an informative method to assist in generating this information. The study outlines a water service marketing challenge and methods of research followed to deal with it (Chapter One) and the nature of the laws and institutions governing water service provision in South Africa (Chapter Two). The task of providing water services is delegated to Water Service Providers (municipalities). The key variables of the water service mix from the consumers perspective include; quality of the water, rate of flow from tap, interruption of water flow, sewerage disposal, assurance of supply, and water service tariffs (Chapter Three). The study covers the areas of Amathole, Kouga and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipalities' (Chapter Five). The method of marketing analysis applied is conjoint analysis, alternatively known as choice experiment analysis. An overview of the method is provided and its application to three samples of one hundred residents at each of the study sites is described in Chapter Four. The responses of the three hundred residents provide the basis for the results. Respondents were requested to make a series of choices between alternative water service mixes consisting of six variables differentiated by three levels (Chapter Three). In making these choices they implicitly compared and weighed up the relative worth of the selected variables against each other. The findings of the analysis were diverse (Chapter Six); two of the three estimated models did not yield significant results. An interpretation of these results showed that the respondents of the Kouga municipality were willing to pay R65.05 more (per 10 xii Kilolitres of water) than their current monthly tariff for a marginal improvement in water quality, R57.29 more (per 10 Kilolitres of water) per month for a marginal improvement in sewerage disposal and R21.90 (per 10 Kilolitres) per month for marginal improvements in assurance of water supply. Findings showed that willingness to pay for reduced interruptions and improved flow rates was lower and not as highly valued as the abovementioned variables. Most of these findings were consistent with similar international and national studies showing their reliability. Although there has been significant improvement in extending the reach of the network since 1994, the standards of water service provision in South African municipalities do not appear to have improved. The results of this study mirror a number of concerns that have been expressed about the standards of service, particularly sanitation (in publications like the Green Drop Report). Municipal service delivery in these areas would appear to be constrained by a number of issues including a lack of public involvement, legislation, limited financial resources and institutional capabilities. However, it is a service that is too vitally important to be allowed to deteriorate. Marketing analyses can make a valuable contribution to allocating and managing the scarce resources to best satisfy the consumers of water services (Chapter Seven). When consumer orientation is formally introduced as the main objective into the thinking of the service provider, it becomes untenable to offer poor service delivery. But that is exactly what many municipalities appear to be doing. There is a need to get back to the basics – where the consumer is king. This analysis concludes that consumers want, above all else, assurance of water supply, a high quality of water, and safe environmentally sensitive disposal of waste water. It is recommended that municipalities not lose sight of the fact that price is an important part of the marketing mix. From the paying consumers perspective, when the government incorporate too many other considerations into pricing of water services they are, in effect, disengaging price from the marketing mix by not being sensitive to consumer needs. This approach shows a weak marketing strategy, and may result in dissatisfied consumers who may become unwilling to pay for their water services – an outcome that the researcher would discourage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Hosking, Phillipa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Municipal service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Marketing , Water Supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9357 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1378 , Municipal service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Marketing , Water Supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study considers the nature of South African municipal water service delivery, and how marketing strategies can provide a framework for better management of this service. It reflects on the elements that guide municipal decision making and evaluates user preferences for levels of the municipal “water service mix” by employing conjoint analysis. Particular attention is paid to consumer willingness to pay for improvements in the “water service mix”. The study argues that the values municipal consumers attach to the variables of the water service mix need to be better incorporated into decision making regarding water service delivery, and that conjoint analysis is an informative method to assist in generating this information. The study outlines a water service marketing challenge and methods of research followed to deal with it (Chapter One) and the nature of the laws and institutions governing water service provision in South Africa (Chapter Two). The task of providing water services is delegated to Water Service Providers (municipalities). The key variables of the water service mix from the consumers perspective include; quality of the water, rate of flow from tap, interruption of water flow, sewerage disposal, assurance of supply, and water service tariffs (Chapter Three). The study covers the areas of Amathole, Kouga and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipalities' (Chapter Five). The method of marketing analysis applied is conjoint analysis, alternatively known as choice experiment analysis. An overview of the method is provided and its application to three samples of one hundred residents at each of the study sites is described in Chapter Four. The responses of the three hundred residents provide the basis for the results. Respondents were requested to make a series of choices between alternative water service mixes consisting of six variables differentiated by three levels (Chapter Three). In making these choices they implicitly compared and weighed up the relative worth of the selected variables against each other. The findings of the analysis were diverse (Chapter Six); two of the three estimated models did not yield significant results. An interpretation of these results showed that the respondents of the Kouga municipality were willing to pay R65.05 more (per 10 xii Kilolitres of water) than their current monthly tariff for a marginal improvement in water quality, R57.29 more (per 10 Kilolitres of water) per month for a marginal improvement in sewerage disposal and R21.90 (per 10 Kilolitres) per month for marginal improvements in assurance of water supply. Findings showed that willingness to pay for reduced interruptions and improved flow rates was lower and not as highly valued as the abovementioned variables. Most of these findings were consistent with similar international and national studies showing their reliability. Although there has been significant improvement in extending the reach of the network since 1994, the standards of water service provision in South African municipalities do not appear to have improved. The results of this study mirror a number of concerns that have been expressed about the standards of service, particularly sanitation (in publications like the Green Drop Report). Municipal service delivery in these areas would appear to be constrained by a number of issues including a lack of public involvement, legislation, limited financial resources and institutional capabilities. However, it is a service that is too vitally important to be allowed to deteriorate. Marketing analyses can make a valuable contribution to allocating and managing the scarce resources to best satisfy the consumers of water services (Chapter Seven). When consumer orientation is formally introduced as the main objective into the thinking of the service provider, it becomes untenable to offer poor service delivery. But that is exactly what many municipalities appear to be doing. There is a need to get back to the basics – where the consumer is king. This analysis concludes that consumers want, above all else, assurance of water supply, a high quality of water, and safe environmentally sensitive disposal of waste water. It is recommended that municipalities not lose sight of the fact that price is an important part of the marketing mix. From the paying consumers perspective, when the government incorporate too many other considerations into pricing of water services they are, in effect, disengaging price from the marketing mix by not being sensitive to consumer needs. This approach shows a weak marketing strategy, and may result in dissatisfied consumers who may become unwilling to pay for their water services – an outcome that the researcher would discourage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A critical analysis of Global Warning coverage in the National Geographic (2000-2010)
- Authors: Apostolis, Juanita Joleen
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: National geographic magazine , Global warming , Climatic changes -- Environmental aspects , Global warming -- Political aspects , Discourse analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8381 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1607 , National geographic magazine , Global warming , Climatic changes -- Environmental aspects , Global warming -- Political aspects , Discourse analysis
- Description: National Geographic is a magazine that inspires people to care about the planet through its articles of exploration, education, and conservation. Magazines are a significant source of knowledge and compete with a variety of other media, constantly rethinking where they can improve in comparison to other media. Research in this dissertation shows that some magazines offer high quality imagery for artwork, photos and advertisements, which remains critical for industries and readers. They often offer greater depth than radio, TV, or even newspapers, so that people interested in an analysis of news and events still depend on magazines for informative and general news. People often turn to media—such as television, newspapers, magazines, radio, and Internet—to help them make sense of the many complexities relating to environmental science and governance that (un)consciously shape our lives. Global warming, as a subject, demands both political and personal responses in all parts of the world, and effective decision making at both scales depends on timely, accurate information, according to Shanahan (2009:145). The quality and quantity of journalism about climate change will therefore be key in the coming years. National Geographic comprises a variety of themes, such as environment, science, wildlife, travel and photography. This study is an analysis of the writing and photography related to one theme - global warming. It provides a critical analysis of the coverage of the global warming discourse in one magazine, examined over an eleven-year period from 2000 to 2010. This theme is powerful in that it represents ethical responsibility and concern for nature and our world and the analysis attempts to define the objects of discourse within the coverage, thus, evaluating if the format of the coverage informs and educates the audience about global warming.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Apostolis, Juanita Joleen
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: National geographic magazine , Global warming , Climatic changes -- Environmental aspects , Global warming -- Political aspects , Discourse analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8381 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1607 , National geographic magazine , Global warming , Climatic changes -- Environmental aspects , Global warming -- Political aspects , Discourse analysis
- Description: National Geographic is a magazine that inspires people to care about the planet through its articles of exploration, education, and conservation. Magazines are a significant source of knowledge and compete with a variety of other media, constantly rethinking where they can improve in comparison to other media. Research in this dissertation shows that some magazines offer high quality imagery for artwork, photos and advertisements, which remains critical for industries and readers. They often offer greater depth than radio, TV, or even newspapers, so that people interested in an analysis of news and events still depend on magazines for informative and general news. People often turn to media—such as television, newspapers, magazines, radio, and Internet—to help them make sense of the many complexities relating to environmental science and governance that (un)consciously shape our lives. Global warming, as a subject, demands both political and personal responses in all parts of the world, and effective decision making at both scales depends on timely, accurate information, according to Shanahan (2009:145). The quality and quantity of journalism about climate change will therefore be key in the coming years. National Geographic comprises a variety of themes, such as environment, science, wildlife, travel and photography. This study is an analysis of the writing and photography related to one theme - global warming. It provides a critical analysis of the coverage of the global warming discourse in one magazine, examined over an eleven-year period from 2000 to 2010. This theme is powerful in that it represents ethical responsibility and concern for nature and our world and the analysis attempts to define the objects of discourse within the coverage, thus, evaluating if the format of the coverage informs and educates the audience about global warming.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A critical analysis of the contribution of a poverty alleviatioon programme for youth development
- Authors: Sinukela, Patuxolo Otto
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Youth in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance, Domestic , Economic development projects , Youth -- Services for , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9099 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012081 , Youth in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance, Domestic , Economic development projects , Youth -- Services for , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Black youth in South Africa has for decades, been marginalized in development programmes and many young blacks are experiencing poverty. With the advent of the new South Africa in 1994, the government initiated poverty alleviation projects for youth development. These projects offered black youth an opportunity to participate in their own development. The current study aimed at critically analyzing the contribution of a „Poverty Alleviation‟ programme for youth development. The study was conducted at Cala in the Sakhisizwe local municipality in the Chris Hani District of the Eastern Cape. The study utilized qualitative and quantitative research methods and took the form of exploratory research. The study revealed factors that appear to contribute to the ineffectiveness of youth development projects. The identified factors include the lack of participation of project members, lack of a sense of ownership and commitment, insufficient skills and non-use of policy and guiding documents by project members during the implementation stage. Stakeholder participation and sharing of expertise was identified as another important factor in determining the contribution of poverty alleviation projects to youth development. Lastly, the study shows that monitoring and evaluation of the project functions are necessary to ensure that a project like this achieves the desired outcome. A key recommendation made is that project members must be involved and participate fully in all project phases to enhance a sense of ownership and commitment to fellow project members.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Sinukela, Patuxolo Otto
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Youth in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance, Domestic , Economic development projects , Youth -- Services for , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9099 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012081 , Youth in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance, Domestic , Economic development projects , Youth -- Services for , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Black youth in South Africa has for decades, been marginalized in development programmes and many young blacks are experiencing poverty. With the advent of the new South Africa in 1994, the government initiated poverty alleviation projects for youth development. These projects offered black youth an opportunity to participate in their own development. The current study aimed at critically analyzing the contribution of a „Poverty Alleviation‟ programme for youth development. The study was conducted at Cala in the Sakhisizwe local municipality in the Chris Hani District of the Eastern Cape. The study utilized qualitative and quantitative research methods and took the form of exploratory research. The study revealed factors that appear to contribute to the ineffectiveness of youth development projects. The identified factors include the lack of participation of project members, lack of a sense of ownership and commitment, insufficient skills and non-use of policy and guiding documents by project members during the implementation stage. Stakeholder participation and sharing of expertise was identified as another important factor in determining the contribution of poverty alleviation projects to youth development. Lastly, the study shows that monitoring and evaluation of the project functions are necessary to ensure that a project like this achieves the desired outcome. A key recommendation made is that project members must be involved and participate fully in all project phases to enhance a sense of ownership and commitment to fellow project members.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A critical analysis of the tax implications for small and micro businesses
- Authors: Mkhize, Vukani
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Small business -- Taxation -- Law and legislation , Taxation -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8953 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1338 , Small business -- Taxation -- Law and legislation , Taxation -- Law and legislation
- Description: The South African economy has seen an increase in small businesses since 1994. This increase has been caused by an increase in unemployment rate and government interventions to promote small businesses. The government has through the National Treasury introduced various tax legislations to simplify and facilitate the tax processes that small businesses have to comply with. The discussion contained in this treatise seeks to critically analyse the tax implications for small and micro businesses. One of the small business tax legislations, Small Business Corporations, is discussed in chapter 2. The Small Business Corporation legislation provides for two key concessions to qualifying small businesses. The first concession is the progressive tax rates that are lower than normal tax rates at taxable income level below R300 000. The second concession is the special capital allowances that the qualifying small business is entitled to. The tax amnesty for small businesses was introduced in July 2006 to provide an opportunity to small businesses which were not up to date with their tax affairs, to regularise their tax affairs. Small businesses had to meet certain requirements and pay an amnesty levy ranging from 2 to 5 percent of their taxable income. The tax amnesty on small businesses was not as effective as intended, however a slight increase in the South African taxpayer base was achieved. The voluntary disclosure programme has recently been introduced in November 2010, to provide an opportunity for all businesses to voluntarily disclose their previous defaults without being subjected to criminal prosecution and penalties. The government further attempted to simplify the tax compliance process by introducing turnover tax legislation. The turnover tax provides for a single tax system that does away with the need to account for normal tax, capital gains tax, secondary tax on companies and value added tax. The turnover tax system is optional to qualifying small businesses. The turnover tax is calculated by simply applying a tax rate to taxable turnover. Small businesses need carefully consider whether turnover tax will be beneficial to them. It is not advisable for small businesses that are making losses to adopt turnover tax. Another small business tax legislation that promises to be effective is the venture capital incentive. This legislation provides for deduction of expenditure actually incurred in the acquisition of shares by qualifying businesses. It appears that, given the challenges that small businesses still face, the government still has a lot more to do to simplify the tax process for small businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mkhize, Vukani
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Small business -- Taxation -- Law and legislation , Taxation -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8953 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1338 , Small business -- Taxation -- Law and legislation , Taxation -- Law and legislation
- Description: The South African economy has seen an increase in small businesses since 1994. This increase has been caused by an increase in unemployment rate and government interventions to promote small businesses. The government has through the National Treasury introduced various tax legislations to simplify and facilitate the tax processes that small businesses have to comply with. The discussion contained in this treatise seeks to critically analyse the tax implications for small and micro businesses. One of the small business tax legislations, Small Business Corporations, is discussed in chapter 2. The Small Business Corporation legislation provides for two key concessions to qualifying small businesses. The first concession is the progressive tax rates that are lower than normal tax rates at taxable income level below R300 000. The second concession is the special capital allowances that the qualifying small business is entitled to. The tax amnesty for small businesses was introduced in July 2006 to provide an opportunity to small businesses which were not up to date with their tax affairs, to regularise their tax affairs. Small businesses had to meet certain requirements and pay an amnesty levy ranging from 2 to 5 percent of their taxable income. The tax amnesty on small businesses was not as effective as intended, however a slight increase in the South African taxpayer base was achieved. The voluntary disclosure programme has recently been introduced in November 2010, to provide an opportunity for all businesses to voluntarily disclose their previous defaults without being subjected to criminal prosecution and penalties. The government further attempted to simplify the tax compliance process by introducing turnover tax legislation. The turnover tax provides for a single tax system that does away with the need to account for normal tax, capital gains tax, secondary tax on companies and value added tax. The turnover tax system is optional to qualifying small businesses. The turnover tax is calculated by simply applying a tax rate to taxable turnover. Small businesses need carefully consider whether turnover tax will be beneficial to them. It is not advisable for small businesses that are making losses to adopt turnover tax. Another small business tax legislation that promises to be effective is the venture capital incentive. This legislation provides for deduction of expenditure actually incurred in the acquisition of shares by qualifying businesses. It appears that, given the challenges that small businesses still face, the government still has a lot more to do to simplify the tax process for small businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A critical analysis on how policy and legislation influence the implementation of renewable energy in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Mkhonta, Gcebekile Tikhokhile
- Authors: Mkhonta, Gcebekile Tikhokhile
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Environmental policy -- South Africa , Renewable energy sources -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Energy policy -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8683 , vital:26420
- Description: Development in this century is facing the critical dilemma brought about by Climate Change and the misuse of natural resources which are being depleted faster than they are being reproduced. Sustainable development offers an on-going call for global action towards mitigating the impact of these changes to ensure that current generations live equitably without infringing on the needs of future generations. Ensuing from Sustainable Development are a variety of initiatives such as Renewable Energy, which are aimed at reducing the amount of greenhouse gases, the main culprits of Climate Change. Many countries around the globe have further tailored Sustainable Development principles into policy and legislation to ensure that development initiatives meet the needs of current generations without compromising those of future generations. This study embarked on a process to evaluate how such policies influence the implementation of Renewable Energy projects in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mkhonta, Gcebekile Tikhokhile
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Environmental policy -- South Africa , Renewable energy sources -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Energy policy -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8683 , vital:26420
- Description: Development in this century is facing the critical dilemma brought about by Climate Change and the misuse of natural resources which are being depleted faster than they are being reproduced. Sustainable development offers an on-going call for global action towards mitigating the impact of these changes to ensure that current generations live equitably without infringing on the needs of future generations. Ensuing from Sustainable Development are a variety of initiatives such as Renewable Energy, which are aimed at reducing the amount of greenhouse gases, the main culprits of Climate Change. Many countries around the globe have further tailored Sustainable Development principles into policy and legislation to ensure that development initiatives meet the needs of current generations without compromising those of future generations. This study embarked on a process to evaluate how such policies influence the implementation of Renewable Energy projects in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A cut and paste identity : an investigation of reality TV's role in postmodern identity construction with special reference to ordinary people as celebrities
- Authors: Le Roux, Janell
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Reality television programs -- Social aspects , Identity (Psychology) -- South Africa , Television personalities -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8383 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1462 , Reality television programs -- Social aspects , Identity (Psychology) -- South Africa , Television personalities -- Psychological aspects
- Description: This study aimed to examine the construction of the identity of the participants within the reality TV programmes (Style Her Famous, My Celebrity Home and How Do I Look) as well as examined the representation of that identity as reflected in the change in participants from the beginning to the end of the program. Drawing on literature from fields such as postmodernism and its influence on culture, identity constructions and ordinary people as celebrities, an analysis of the three American reality TV shows Style Her Famous, My Celebrity Home and How Do I Look was conducted. An indepth content analysis with specific reference to comparative analysis further aided this study. A total of 18 episodes (six episodes for each programme) were collected and thoroughly analyzed where the ‘cut and paste identity’ of ordinary people as ‘celebrities’ constituted the hermeneutical key of the study. The episodes and programs have been scrutinized and have been systematically classified to enable an analysis of the observations. This study attempted to not only describe, but also to foster change in the representation of the identity of the participants of the above mentioned reality TV programmes. The study found that reality television plays a role in shaping the postmodern identity of ordinary people as celebrities. The study also found that the participants involved in the above mentioned programmes found it easy to make someone else’s identity their own. It appeared that the postmodern mind is easily influenced and willing to adopt an identity especially that of a celebrity. The participants involved in these programs claimed this identity as their own and then believed that the new identity was in fact who they ‘really are’ but in actual fact it is a beginning of a new sameness with somebody else. Hence the participants possessed a ‘cut and paste identity.’
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Le Roux, Janell
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Reality television programs -- Social aspects , Identity (Psychology) -- South Africa , Television personalities -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8383 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1462 , Reality television programs -- Social aspects , Identity (Psychology) -- South Africa , Television personalities -- Psychological aspects
- Description: This study aimed to examine the construction of the identity of the participants within the reality TV programmes (Style Her Famous, My Celebrity Home and How Do I Look) as well as examined the representation of that identity as reflected in the change in participants from the beginning to the end of the program. Drawing on literature from fields such as postmodernism and its influence on culture, identity constructions and ordinary people as celebrities, an analysis of the three American reality TV shows Style Her Famous, My Celebrity Home and How Do I Look was conducted. An indepth content analysis with specific reference to comparative analysis further aided this study. A total of 18 episodes (six episodes for each programme) were collected and thoroughly analyzed where the ‘cut and paste identity’ of ordinary people as ‘celebrities’ constituted the hermeneutical key of the study. The episodes and programs have been scrutinized and have been systematically classified to enable an analysis of the observations. This study attempted to not only describe, but also to foster change in the representation of the identity of the participants of the above mentioned reality TV programmes. The study found that reality television plays a role in shaping the postmodern identity of ordinary people as celebrities. The study also found that the participants involved in the above mentioned programmes found it easy to make someone else’s identity their own. It appeared that the postmodern mind is easily influenced and willing to adopt an identity especially that of a celebrity. The participants involved in these programs claimed this identity as their own and then believed that the new identity was in fact who they ‘really are’ but in actual fact it is a beginning of a new sameness with somebody else. Hence the participants possessed a ‘cut and paste identity.’
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A factor analysis of the career adapt-abilities inventory
- Authors: Olivier, Ilze
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Adaptability (Psychology) -- South Africa , Career Assessment Inventory , Curiosity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9950 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015687
- Description: In understanding the importance of career adaptability in an individual‟s career development, career counsellors require a valid assessment technique for measuring career adaptability. The Career Adapt-Abilities Inventory (CAI) was originally developed by Mark Savickas (2008) as a measure of career adapt-abilities. The present study forms part of an international collaboration investigating the psychometric properties and construct validity of the CAI. The aims of the present study involved the following: conducting exploratory factor analysis in order to determine whether interrelationships within the items of the CAI can be explained by the presence of unobserved variables; conducting confirmatory factor analysis in an attempt to confirm the hypothesised factor structures of the CAI; and to explore and describe South African university students‟ perceptions of the underlying constructs of the CAI in terms of the language usage and comprehension of the inventory‟s item content. A sample of South African first-year university students were employed in this current study. In an exploratory factor analysis of the CAI, preference was given to the a priori criterion forcing the extraction of five factors. The oblique rotation method was employed using the OBLIMIN method provided by the statistical package in order to derive the simplest and most interpretable factor structure. Exploratory factor analysis supported a five factor solution after the fourth iteration, reflecting the underlying dimensions of Curiosity, Concern, Confidence, Cooperation and Control. These factors support the five scales presented by Savickas (2008). Confirmatory factor analyses were subsequently performed in order to test both the original CAI factor model as well as the factor model that emerged through exploratory factor analysis. After using several goodness-of-fit indices, it can be concluded that the inventory items adequately represent the five CAI scales based on the value obtained using the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation index. The factor model derived through EFA demonstrated a slightly better fit when compared to the original CAI factor model using other fit indices. In terms of the qualitative findings of this current study, participants indicated that the meaning of several items were unclear to them causing comprehension difficulty. Items 8 and 50 were marked by participants several times and can be viewed as the items causing most difficulty with regard to comprehension, with participants pointing out the words „keeping upbeat‟ (item 8) and „conscientious‟ (item 50). Participants were also asked to provide additional comments with regard to the readability, comprehension and applicability of the CAI. On investigation of these comments, three main themes were generated relating to: the comprehension and clarity of the CAI; the CAI enhancing participants‟ understanding of themselves; and the structure, length and general layout of the CAI. In essence, the current study provided useful information regarding the psychometric properties of the CAI using a sample of South African first-year university students. Factor analyses provided some support for the validity of the CAI while the qualitative results provided aspects for consideration in making the CAI more applicable for South African usage. Moreover, a foundation has been laid for further research to be conducted in South Africa regarding the validity and applicability of the CAI for South African populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Olivier, Ilze
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Adaptability (Psychology) -- South Africa , Career Assessment Inventory , Curiosity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9950 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015687
- Description: In understanding the importance of career adaptability in an individual‟s career development, career counsellors require a valid assessment technique for measuring career adaptability. The Career Adapt-Abilities Inventory (CAI) was originally developed by Mark Savickas (2008) as a measure of career adapt-abilities. The present study forms part of an international collaboration investigating the psychometric properties and construct validity of the CAI. The aims of the present study involved the following: conducting exploratory factor analysis in order to determine whether interrelationships within the items of the CAI can be explained by the presence of unobserved variables; conducting confirmatory factor analysis in an attempt to confirm the hypothesised factor structures of the CAI; and to explore and describe South African university students‟ perceptions of the underlying constructs of the CAI in terms of the language usage and comprehension of the inventory‟s item content. A sample of South African first-year university students were employed in this current study. In an exploratory factor analysis of the CAI, preference was given to the a priori criterion forcing the extraction of five factors. The oblique rotation method was employed using the OBLIMIN method provided by the statistical package in order to derive the simplest and most interpretable factor structure. Exploratory factor analysis supported a five factor solution after the fourth iteration, reflecting the underlying dimensions of Curiosity, Concern, Confidence, Cooperation and Control. These factors support the five scales presented by Savickas (2008). Confirmatory factor analyses were subsequently performed in order to test both the original CAI factor model as well as the factor model that emerged through exploratory factor analysis. After using several goodness-of-fit indices, it can be concluded that the inventory items adequately represent the five CAI scales based on the value obtained using the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation index. The factor model derived through EFA demonstrated a slightly better fit when compared to the original CAI factor model using other fit indices. In terms of the qualitative findings of this current study, participants indicated that the meaning of several items were unclear to them causing comprehension difficulty. Items 8 and 50 were marked by participants several times and can be viewed as the items causing most difficulty with regard to comprehension, with participants pointing out the words „keeping upbeat‟ (item 8) and „conscientious‟ (item 50). Participants were also asked to provide additional comments with regard to the readability, comprehension and applicability of the CAI. On investigation of these comments, three main themes were generated relating to: the comprehension and clarity of the CAI; the CAI enhancing participants‟ understanding of themselves; and the structure, length and general layout of the CAI. In essence, the current study provided useful information regarding the psychometric properties of the CAI using a sample of South African first-year university students. Factor analyses provided some support for the validity of the CAI while the qualitative results provided aspects for consideration in making the CAI more applicable for South African usage. Moreover, a foundation has been laid for further research to be conducted in South Africa regarding the validity and applicability of the CAI for South African populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A forecasting model for photovoltaic module energy production
- Authors: Swanepoel, Paul
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Photovoltaic power systems -- Forecasting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:10563 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1420 , Photovoltaic power systems -- Forecasting
- Description: Energy is of concern for governments and economies all over the world. As conventional methods of energy production are facing the prospect of depleting fossil fuel reserves, economies are facing energy risks. With this tension, various threats arise in terms of energy supply security. A shift from intensive fossil fuel consumption to alternative energy consumption combined with the calculated use of fossil fuels needs to be implemented. Using the energy radiated from the sun and converted to electricity through photovoltaic energy conversion is one of the alternative and renewable sources to address the limited fossil fuel dilemma. South Africa receives an abundance of sunlight irradiance, but limited knowledge of the implementation and possible energy yield of photovoltaic energy production in South Africa is available. Photovoltaic energy yield knowledge is vital in applications for farms, rural areas and remote transmitting devices where the construction of electricity grids are not cost effective. In this study various meteorological and energy parameters about photovoltaics were captured in Port Elizabeth (South Africa) and analyzed, with data being recorded every few seconds. A model for mean daily photovoltaic power output was developed and the relationships between the independent variables analyzed. A model was developed that can forecast mean daily photovoltaic power output using only temperature derived variables and time. The mean daily photovoltaic power model can then easily be used to forecast daily photovoltaic energy output using the number of sunlight seconds in a given day.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Swanepoel, Paul
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Photovoltaic power systems -- Forecasting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:10563 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1420 , Photovoltaic power systems -- Forecasting
- Description: Energy is of concern for governments and economies all over the world. As conventional methods of energy production are facing the prospect of depleting fossil fuel reserves, economies are facing energy risks. With this tension, various threats arise in terms of energy supply security. A shift from intensive fossil fuel consumption to alternative energy consumption combined with the calculated use of fossil fuels needs to be implemented. Using the energy radiated from the sun and converted to electricity through photovoltaic energy conversion is one of the alternative and renewable sources to address the limited fossil fuel dilemma. South Africa receives an abundance of sunlight irradiance, but limited knowledge of the implementation and possible energy yield of photovoltaic energy production in South Africa is available. Photovoltaic energy yield knowledge is vital in applications for farms, rural areas and remote transmitting devices where the construction of electricity grids are not cost effective. In this study various meteorological and energy parameters about photovoltaics were captured in Port Elizabeth (South Africa) and analyzed, with data being recorded every few seconds. A model for mean daily photovoltaic power output was developed and the relationships between the independent variables analyzed. A model was developed that can forecast mean daily photovoltaic power output using only temperature derived variables and time. The mean daily photovoltaic power model can then easily be used to forecast daily photovoltaic energy output using the number of sunlight seconds in a given day.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A framework for the adoption of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in higher education
- Authors: Scholtz, Brenda
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Curriculum change , Enterprise resource planning.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10485 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015961
- Description: Information Communication Technology (ICT) practitioners and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) specialists are highly sought after globally and in South Africa. In order to address this need for ERP specialists, several studies propose that ERP systems should be adopted in the Information Systems (IS) curricula in higher education institutions (HEIs) for instructional purposes. Whilst many HEIs in the United States, Australia and Europe have successfully adopted ERP systems into their curricula, less than 30% of South African HEIs have followed this trend. The adoption of ERP systems is a challenging process as such systems are resource-intensive, costly, complex, and have a steep learning curve. Educators are faced with resource problems and a dearth of options relating to the adoption process. In addition it is critical that the skills and knowledge competencies attained in these courses are industry-relevant. Several education frameworks have been recommended to assist educators with the process of adopting an ERP system in the curriculum, but these frameworks are not comprehensive since they do not consider all the factors relating to the adoption of an ERP system. In addition existing frameworks are not based on industry-relevant competencies but rather on educational objectives. This has resulted in a difference between the competencies required by organisations and those produced by higher education. Whilst there are several research studies on ERP education, empirical studies on frameworks supporting the adoption of ERP systems in HEIs for instructional purposes are limited, particularly on the impact of these frameworks on educational outcomes. The impact of the usability of the ERP system on educational outcomes has also not been fully explored. A survey of ERP consulting organisations in South Africa confirmed that these organisations struggle to obtain ERP specialists with the appropriate competencies. The survey results also contributed to a standardised, comprehensive, set of industry-relevant ERP competencies. The competency set forms part of a comprehensive Competency Framework for ERP System Adoption in IS Higher Education (ERPEd), which can assist educators with the decisions relating to the adoption of an ERP system into the IS curriculum. It includes all the categories of competencies relevant to industry and maps these onto a recommended ERP system adoption approach, an ERP learning tool, as well as the appropriate level of adoption. The application of the ERPEd framework to a case study, the Management Information Systems (MIS) course at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), resulted in the adoption of the SYSPRO medium-sized ERP system into the MIS course with the hands-on approach. The empirical results of the evaluation of the case study revealed that the hands-on use of a medium-sized ERP system, SYSPRO, can successfully contribute to the attainment of educational outcomes. These outcomes were mapped to the three core competencies addressed by the MIS course, which were ERP Theory and Concepts, ERP Transactions and Business Process Management (BPM). The educational outcomes evaluated were the measures of performance, self-efficacy and usability. Self-efficacy included satisfaction with the adoption approach. The results were positive in terms of all the metrics of performance, and all three competency categories had positive post-intervention self-efficacy ratings. In terms of growth in self-efficacy from pre-intervention to post-intervention, BPM was the only competency category that did not show a significant growth, however the satisfaction data indicated that students found that the use of SYSPRO improved their competencies in business process understanding. Usability was evaluated in terms of navigation, presentation and learnability. Learnability was the only usability measure in the neutral range, with the other measures falling in the positive range. This confirms related studies reporting that ERP systems are not designed for learning. Overall the students enjoyed the practical application of the theory by using SYSPRO. Several positive and negative features of the user interface were provided which can be used in the design of improved ERP systems for instructional purposes. The results of this investigation can assist in narrowing the gap between industry requirements and IS education programmes. The ERP competency set provides a standardised list of skills and knowledge which is the starting point for any skills improvement program. The ERPEd framework can improve the quality of ERP courses and the competencies of IS graduates. This in turn, can benefit the business community since it will improve the chances of ERP project success. This research is a major contribution to both government and academic initiatives in South Africa to address both the ICT skills problem as well as the need for ERP specialists.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Scholtz, Brenda
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Curriculum change , Enterprise resource planning.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10485 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015961
- Description: Information Communication Technology (ICT) practitioners and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) specialists are highly sought after globally and in South Africa. In order to address this need for ERP specialists, several studies propose that ERP systems should be adopted in the Information Systems (IS) curricula in higher education institutions (HEIs) for instructional purposes. Whilst many HEIs in the United States, Australia and Europe have successfully adopted ERP systems into their curricula, less than 30% of South African HEIs have followed this trend. The adoption of ERP systems is a challenging process as such systems are resource-intensive, costly, complex, and have a steep learning curve. Educators are faced with resource problems and a dearth of options relating to the adoption process. In addition it is critical that the skills and knowledge competencies attained in these courses are industry-relevant. Several education frameworks have been recommended to assist educators with the process of adopting an ERP system in the curriculum, but these frameworks are not comprehensive since they do not consider all the factors relating to the adoption of an ERP system. In addition existing frameworks are not based on industry-relevant competencies but rather on educational objectives. This has resulted in a difference between the competencies required by organisations and those produced by higher education. Whilst there are several research studies on ERP education, empirical studies on frameworks supporting the adoption of ERP systems in HEIs for instructional purposes are limited, particularly on the impact of these frameworks on educational outcomes. The impact of the usability of the ERP system on educational outcomes has also not been fully explored. A survey of ERP consulting organisations in South Africa confirmed that these organisations struggle to obtain ERP specialists with the appropriate competencies. The survey results also contributed to a standardised, comprehensive, set of industry-relevant ERP competencies. The competency set forms part of a comprehensive Competency Framework for ERP System Adoption in IS Higher Education (ERPEd), which can assist educators with the decisions relating to the adoption of an ERP system into the IS curriculum. It includes all the categories of competencies relevant to industry and maps these onto a recommended ERP system adoption approach, an ERP learning tool, as well as the appropriate level of adoption. The application of the ERPEd framework to a case study, the Management Information Systems (MIS) course at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), resulted in the adoption of the SYSPRO medium-sized ERP system into the MIS course with the hands-on approach. The empirical results of the evaluation of the case study revealed that the hands-on use of a medium-sized ERP system, SYSPRO, can successfully contribute to the attainment of educational outcomes. These outcomes were mapped to the three core competencies addressed by the MIS course, which were ERP Theory and Concepts, ERP Transactions and Business Process Management (BPM). The educational outcomes evaluated were the measures of performance, self-efficacy and usability. Self-efficacy included satisfaction with the adoption approach. The results were positive in terms of all the metrics of performance, and all three competency categories had positive post-intervention self-efficacy ratings. In terms of growth in self-efficacy from pre-intervention to post-intervention, BPM was the only competency category that did not show a significant growth, however the satisfaction data indicated that students found that the use of SYSPRO improved their competencies in business process understanding. Usability was evaluated in terms of navigation, presentation and learnability. Learnability was the only usability measure in the neutral range, with the other measures falling in the positive range. This confirms related studies reporting that ERP systems are not designed for learning. Overall the students enjoyed the practical application of the theory by using SYSPRO. Several positive and negative features of the user interface were provided which can be used in the design of improved ERP systems for instructional purposes. The results of this investigation can assist in narrowing the gap between industry requirements and IS education programmes. The ERP competency set provides a standardised list of skills and knowledge which is the starting point for any skills improvement program. The ERPEd framework can improve the quality of ERP courses and the competencies of IS graduates. This in turn, can benefit the business community since it will improve the chances of ERP project success. This research is a major contribution to both government and academic initiatives in South Africa to address both the ICT skills problem as well as the need for ERP specialists.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A framework for the development of a personal information security agent
- Authors: Stieger, Ewald Andreas
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Information storage and retrieval systems , Artificial intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9803 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012326 , Computer networks -- Security measures , Information storage and retrieval systems , Artificial intelligence
- Description: Nowadays information is everywhere. Organisations process, store and create information in unprecedented quantities to support their business processes. Similarly, people use, share and synthesise information to accomplish their daily tasks. Indeed, information and information technology are the core of business activities, and a part of daily life. Information has become a crucial resource in today‘s information age and any corruption, destruction or leakage of information can have a serious negative impact on an organisation. Thus, information should be kept safe. This requires the successful implementation of information security, which ensures that information assets are only used, modified and accessed by authorised people. Information security faces many challenges; and organisations still have not successfully addressed them. One of the main challenges is the human element. Information security depends to a large extent on people and their ability to follow and apply sound security practices. Unfortunately, people are often not very security-conscious in their behaviour; and this is the cause of many security breaches. There are a variety of reasons for this such as a lack of knowledge and a negative attitude to security. Many organisations are aware of this; and they attempt to remedy the situation by means of information security awareness programs. These programs aim to educate, train and increase the security awareness of individuals. However, information security awareness programs are not always successful. They are not a once-off remedy that can quickly cure information security. The programs need to be implemented effectively, and they require an ongoing effort. Unfortunately, this is where many organisations fail. Furthermore, changing individuals‘ security behaviour is difficult due to the complexity of factors that influence everyday behaviour. In view of the above, this research project proposes an alternative approach in the form of a personal information security agent. The goal of this agent is to influence individuals to adopt more secure behaviour. There are a variety of factors that need to be considered, in order to achieve this goal, and to positively influence security behaviour. Consequently, this research establishes criteria and principles for such an agent, based on the theory and practice. From a theoretical point of view, a variety of factors that influence human behaviour such as self-efficacy and normative beliefs were investigated. Furthermore, the field of persuasive technology has provided for strategies that can be used by technology to influence individuals. On the practical side, a prototype of a personal information security agent was created and evaluated through a technical software review process. The evaluation of the prototype showed that the theoretical criteria have merit but their effectiveness is largely dependent on how they are implemented. The criteria were thus revised, based on the practical findings. The findings also suggest that a personal information security agent, based on the criteria, may be able to positively influence individuals to be more secure in their behaviour. The insights gained by the research are presented in the form of a framework that makes both theoretical and practical recommendations for developing a personal information security agent. One may, consequently, conclude that the purpose of this research is to provide a foundation for the development of a personal information security agent to positively influence computer users to be more security-conscious in their behavior.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Stieger, Ewald Andreas
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Information storage and retrieval systems , Artificial intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9803 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012326 , Computer networks -- Security measures , Information storage and retrieval systems , Artificial intelligence
- Description: Nowadays information is everywhere. Organisations process, store and create information in unprecedented quantities to support their business processes. Similarly, people use, share and synthesise information to accomplish their daily tasks. Indeed, information and information technology are the core of business activities, and a part of daily life. Information has become a crucial resource in today‘s information age and any corruption, destruction or leakage of information can have a serious negative impact on an organisation. Thus, information should be kept safe. This requires the successful implementation of information security, which ensures that information assets are only used, modified and accessed by authorised people. Information security faces many challenges; and organisations still have not successfully addressed them. One of the main challenges is the human element. Information security depends to a large extent on people and their ability to follow and apply sound security practices. Unfortunately, people are often not very security-conscious in their behaviour; and this is the cause of many security breaches. There are a variety of reasons for this such as a lack of knowledge and a negative attitude to security. Many organisations are aware of this; and they attempt to remedy the situation by means of information security awareness programs. These programs aim to educate, train and increase the security awareness of individuals. However, information security awareness programs are not always successful. They are not a once-off remedy that can quickly cure information security. The programs need to be implemented effectively, and they require an ongoing effort. Unfortunately, this is where many organisations fail. Furthermore, changing individuals‘ security behaviour is difficult due to the complexity of factors that influence everyday behaviour. In view of the above, this research project proposes an alternative approach in the form of a personal information security agent. The goal of this agent is to influence individuals to adopt more secure behaviour. There are a variety of factors that need to be considered, in order to achieve this goal, and to positively influence security behaviour. Consequently, this research establishes criteria and principles for such an agent, based on the theory and practice. From a theoretical point of view, a variety of factors that influence human behaviour such as self-efficacy and normative beliefs were investigated. Furthermore, the field of persuasive technology has provided for strategies that can be used by technology to influence individuals. On the practical side, a prototype of a personal information security agent was created and evaluated through a technical software review process. The evaluation of the prototype showed that the theoretical criteria have merit but their effectiveness is largely dependent on how they are implemented. The criteria were thus revised, based on the practical findings. The findings also suggest that a personal information security agent, based on the criteria, may be able to positively influence individuals to be more secure in their behaviour. The insights gained by the research are presented in the form of a framework that makes both theoretical and practical recommendations for developing a personal information security agent. One may, consequently, conclude that the purpose of this research is to provide a foundation for the development of a personal information security agent to positively influence computer users to be more security-conscious in their behavior.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A framework to enhance the mobile user experience in an Mlearning interaction
- Authors: Botha, Adele
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Educational technology , Information technology , Educational innovations , Teaching -- Aids and devices
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9753 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008163 , Educational technology , Information technology , Educational innovations , Teaching -- Aids and devices
- Description: The new millennium is witness to a telecommunications world that is vastly different from even the recent past with developments in the mobile sector having dramatically changed the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) landscape. Mobile cellular technology has proliferated faster than any previous technology and is now the most ubiquitous technology in the world. The focus of this thesis is the development of a framework to enhance the Mobile User Experience in an Mlearning interaction. This research is contextualised by the goal-oriented use of mobile cellular technologies in a formal educational environment. As such the study, although residing in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), acknowledges issues arising in the Education Domain as a specific field of application. The aim of the research was to investigate the components of a framework to enhance the Mobile User Experience in an Mlearning interaction. The development of the framework was facilitated by the exploration of: the Mobile User Experience factors and their impact, on the Mobile User Experience of learners participating in a goal-oriented Mlearning interaction. These critical factors were documented in terms of the Mobile User Experience components, and the relationships of these components to each other as well as the Mobile User Experience of an Mlearning interaction. The research, grounded in a phenomenological research philosophy, applied an inductive reasoning approach, and was operationalised through a single case study methodology. A qualitative research strategy was considered appropriate, as the phenomenon of User Experience is linked to the hedonistic attributes of the interaction. This study was conducted in four phases with focus on three embedded units of analysis. The three units of analysis were identified as: The learner as end user in an Mlearning interaction; The educator as designer of the Mlearning interaction; and The Mlearning interaction. The research revealed that the Mobile User Experience of an Mlearning interaction is affected by the mobile user, mobile use, mobile device, mobile business practices, mobile networks, mobile interaction and mobile context. Within the Mlearning interaction the significant components are the learners as mobile users, the enhance interactions, removal of barriers to the interaction, goal-oriented nature of the interaction and the ducational context. Identifying these components and their associated Mobile User Experience factors and impacts, present the main contribution of this thesis. In conclusion, the limitations of the study are documented and topics for future research are outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Botha, Adele
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Educational technology , Information technology , Educational innovations , Teaching -- Aids and devices
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9753 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008163 , Educational technology , Information technology , Educational innovations , Teaching -- Aids and devices
- Description: The new millennium is witness to a telecommunications world that is vastly different from even the recent past with developments in the mobile sector having dramatically changed the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) landscape. Mobile cellular technology has proliferated faster than any previous technology and is now the most ubiquitous technology in the world. The focus of this thesis is the development of a framework to enhance the Mobile User Experience in an Mlearning interaction. This research is contextualised by the goal-oriented use of mobile cellular technologies in a formal educational environment. As such the study, although residing in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), acknowledges issues arising in the Education Domain as a specific field of application. The aim of the research was to investigate the components of a framework to enhance the Mobile User Experience in an Mlearning interaction. The development of the framework was facilitated by the exploration of: the Mobile User Experience factors and their impact, on the Mobile User Experience of learners participating in a goal-oriented Mlearning interaction. These critical factors were documented in terms of the Mobile User Experience components, and the relationships of these components to each other as well as the Mobile User Experience of an Mlearning interaction. The research, grounded in a phenomenological research philosophy, applied an inductive reasoning approach, and was operationalised through a single case study methodology. A qualitative research strategy was considered appropriate, as the phenomenon of User Experience is linked to the hedonistic attributes of the interaction. This study was conducted in four phases with focus on three embedded units of analysis. The three units of analysis were identified as: The learner as end user in an Mlearning interaction; The educator as designer of the Mlearning interaction; and The Mlearning interaction. The research revealed that the Mobile User Experience of an Mlearning interaction is affected by the mobile user, mobile use, mobile device, mobile business practices, mobile networks, mobile interaction and mobile context. Within the Mlearning interaction the significant components are the learners as mobile users, the enhance interactions, removal of barriers to the interaction, goal-oriented nature of the interaction and the ducational context. Identifying these components and their associated Mobile User Experience factors and impacts, present the main contribution of this thesis. In conclusion, the limitations of the study are documented and topics for future research are outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A framework to evaluate usable security in online social networking
- Authors: Yeratziotis, Alexandros
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Online social networks -- Security measures , Computer security , Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9807 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012933
- Description: It is commonly held in the literature that users find security and privacy difficult to comprehend. It is also acknowledged that most end-user applications and websites have built-in security and privacy features. Users are expected to interact with these in order to protect their personal information. However, security is generally a secondary goal for users. Considering the complexity associated with security in combination with the notion that it is not users’ primary task, it makes sense that users tend to ignore their security responsibilities. As a result, they make poor security-related decisions and, consequently, their personal information is at risk. Usable Security is the field that investigates these types of issue, focusing on the design of security and privacy features that are usable. In order to understand and appreciate the complexities that exist in the field of Usable Security, the research fields of Human-Computer Interaction and Information Security should be examined. Accordingly, the Information Security field is concerned with all aspects pertaining to the security and privacy of information, while the field of Human-Computer Interaction is concerned with the design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use. This research delivers a framework to evaluate Usable Security in online social networks. In this study, online social networks that are particular to the health domain were used as a case study and contributed to the development of a framework consisting of three components: a process, a validation tool and a Usable Security heuristic evaluation. There is no existing qualitative process that describes how one would develop and validate a heuristic evaluation. In this regard a heuristic evaluation is a usability inspection method that is used to evaluate the design of an interface for any usability violations in the field of Human-Computer Interaction. Therefore, firstly, a new process and a validation tool were required to be developed. Once this had been achieved, the process could then be followed to develop a new heuristic evaluation that is specific to Usable Security. In order to assess the validity of a new heuristic evaluation a validation tool is used. The development of tools that can improve the design of security and privacy features on end-user applications and websites in terms of their usability is critical, as this will ensure that the intended users experience them as usable and can utilise them effectively. The framework for evaluating Usable Security contributes to this objective in the context of online social networks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Yeratziotis, Alexandros
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Online social networks -- Security measures , Computer security , Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9807 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012933
- Description: It is commonly held in the literature that users find security and privacy difficult to comprehend. It is also acknowledged that most end-user applications and websites have built-in security and privacy features. Users are expected to interact with these in order to protect their personal information. However, security is generally a secondary goal for users. Considering the complexity associated with security in combination with the notion that it is not users’ primary task, it makes sense that users tend to ignore their security responsibilities. As a result, they make poor security-related decisions and, consequently, their personal information is at risk. Usable Security is the field that investigates these types of issue, focusing on the design of security and privacy features that are usable. In order to understand and appreciate the complexities that exist in the field of Usable Security, the research fields of Human-Computer Interaction and Information Security should be examined. Accordingly, the Information Security field is concerned with all aspects pertaining to the security and privacy of information, while the field of Human-Computer Interaction is concerned with the design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use. This research delivers a framework to evaluate Usable Security in online social networks. In this study, online social networks that are particular to the health domain were used as a case study and contributed to the development of a framework consisting of three components: a process, a validation tool and a Usable Security heuristic evaluation. There is no existing qualitative process that describes how one would develop and validate a heuristic evaluation. In this regard a heuristic evaluation is a usability inspection method that is used to evaluate the design of an interface for any usability violations in the field of Human-Computer Interaction. Therefore, firstly, a new process and a validation tool were required to be developed. Once this had been achieved, the process could then be followed to develop a new heuristic evaluation that is specific to Usable Security. In order to assess the validity of a new heuristic evaluation a validation tool is used. The development of tools that can improve the design of security and privacy features on end-user applications and websites in terms of their usability is critical, as this will ensure that the intended users experience them as usable and can utilise them effectively. The framework for evaluating Usable Security contributes to this objective in the context of online social networks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A household survey of livelihood strategies in Helenvale township, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Kakembo, Juliet
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Unemployment -- Social aspects , Unemployment -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Working class
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9089 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011044 , Unemployment -- Social aspects , Unemployment -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Working class
- Description: A household survey of Helenvale Township in Port Elizabeth was conducted in order to gain an understanding of the strategies and activities that people in this poor community employ to sustain their livelihoods. The household profile, which entailed a survey of the household size, education levels and employment status was conducted. Dwelling units in terms of ownership, type, size, quality and building materials were also assessed. The income and expenditure of the Helenvale residents and community assets, as well as access to basic services were also assessed. The study found that the household size varied between 5 and 7 members. A more or less even distribution of the gender of household heads was noted, with 48 percent and 50 percent female male respectively. Among the HHs surveyed, no member had a higher qualification than Matric and quite a number were illiterate. Unemployment which stands at 54 percent was identified as the most serious problem plaguing Helenvale. A high level of home ownership (84 percent) was noted; of which 79 percent are formal dwellings and typically two-room structures of poor quality. Helenvale residents are largely dependent on child support grants as the major source of income. Casual jobs and disability grants are the other important sources of income identified. Human assets in the form of labour power are the most important assets that the community possesses. Physical assets are negligible, while financial ones are non-existent among all the respondents. Television and electric kettles are the most commonly owned appliances in the households. Basic services are readily accessible to the community, particularly water, health, refuse removal and sewage. Among the threats that the respondents identified, unemployment came to the fore as the biggest and major threat to households. Crime, teenage pregnancy and overcrowding are also considered as major threats, as are gangsterism and gambling violence. The study recommends the development of a long term plan for poverty alleviation. The creation of employment opportunities in the form of financing of small community projects which empower women and the youth is also recommended. All this should be underpinned by the expeditious delivery of housing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Kakembo, Juliet
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Unemployment -- Social aspects , Unemployment -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Working class
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9089 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011044 , Unemployment -- Social aspects , Unemployment -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Working class
- Description: A household survey of Helenvale Township in Port Elizabeth was conducted in order to gain an understanding of the strategies and activities that people in this poor community employ to sustain their livelihoods. The household profile, which entailed a survey of the household size, education levels and employment status was conducted. Dwelling units in terms of ownership, type, size, quality and building materials were also assessed. The income and expenditure of the Helenvale residents and community assets, as well as access to basic services were also assessed. The study found that the household size varied between 5 and 7 members. A more or less even distribution of the gender of household heads was noted, with 48 percent and 50 percent female male respectively. Among the HHs surveyed, no member had a higher qualification than Matric and quite a number were illiterate. Unemployment which stands at 54 percent was identified as the most serious problem plaguing Helenvale. A high level of home ownership (84 percent) was noted; of which 79 percent are formal dwellings and typically two-room structures of poor quality. Helenvale residents are largely dependent on child support grants as the major source of income. Casual jobs and disability grants are the other important sources of income identified. Human assets in the form of labour power are the most important assets that the community possesses. Physical assets are negligible, while financial ones are non-existent among all the respondents. Television and electric kettles are the most commonly owned appliances in the households. Basic services are readily accessible to the community, particularly water, health, refuse removal and sewage. Among the threats that the respondents identified, unemployment came to the fore as the biggest and major threat to households. Crime, teenage pregnancy and overcrowding are also considered as major threats, as are gangsterism and gambling violence. The study recommends the development of a long term plan for poverty alleviation. The creation of employment opportunities in the form of financing of small community projects which empower women and the youth is also recommended. All this should be underpinned by the expeditious delivery of housing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A knowledge management framework for automotive component manufactures in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Lingham, Nathan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Organisational learning , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8606 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1592 , Knowledge management , Organisational learning , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: It is estimated that each direct job in the automotive industry supports at least 5 indirect jobs in the global community, resulting in more than 50 million jobs to the global auto industry (Ellis, 2006). In South Africa the automotive sector, as an employer, is widely viewed to be second only to mining. In the automotive industry globally, it is being discovered that knowledge, as opposed to “data” or “information”, is becoming harder to locate as a knowledge-bleed is occurring due to the phenomenon of the “brain drain”, retirement of experienced professionals, changing work behaviours among the younger generations and the general lack of infusion of new talent into the South African automotive industry over the past decade (Liebowitz, 1999). This realisation has spawned a growing interest in the concept of knowledge management (KM). KM is the development of tools, processes, systems, structures and cultures explicitly to improve the creation, sharing and use of knowledge critical for decision making. The effective use of KM helps organisations to improve the quality of their decision making and correspondingly to reduce costs and increase efficiency (Kinicki and Kreitner, 2008). Most automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have made some attempt at KM initiatives, and these attempts have been well-documented. However, among the automotive component suppliers, limited evidence exists of attempts at KM (Piderit, 2007). No standard KM application framework could be established in the literature for industry practitioners in automotive component manufacturers within the Eastern Cape. The aim of this research study is therefore to develop a framework for the application of KM in automotive component manufacturers within the Eastern Cape. The research consisted of a study of the knowledge management literature and the subsequent development of a knowledge management framework and empirical evaluation of the framework in the automotive component supply industry of the Eastern Cape. In conclusion the report presents a knowledge management framework which converts a company assessment to recommended corrective actions to be implemented and also presents the author’s findings, conclusions and recommendations derived from the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Lingham, Nathan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Organisational learning , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8606 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1592 , Knowledge management , Organisational learning , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: It is estimated that each direct job in the automotive industry supports at least 5 indirect jobs in the global community, resulting in more than 50 million jobs to the global auto industry (Ellis, 2006). In South Africa the automotive sector, as an employer, is widely viewed to be second only to mining. In the automotive industry globally, it is being discovered that knowledge, as opposed to “data” or “information”, is becoming harder to locate as a knowledge-bleed is occurring due to the phenomenon of the “brain drain”, retirement of experienced professionals, changing work behaviours among the younger generations and the general lack of infusion of new talent into the South African automotive industry over the past decade (Liebowitz, 1999). This realisation has spawned a growing interest in the concept of knowledge management (KM). KM is the development of tools, processes, systems, structures and cultures explicitly to improve the creation, sharing and use of knowledge critical for decision making. The effective use of KM helps organisations to improve the quality of their decision making and correspondingly to reduce costs and increase efficiency (Kinicki and Kreitner, 2008). Most automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have made some attempt at KM initiatives, and these attempts have been well-documented. However, among the automotive component suppliers, limited evidence exists of attempts at KM (Piderit, 2007). No standard KM application framework could be established in the literature for industry practitioners in automotive component manufacturers within the Eastern Cape. The aim of this research study is therefore to develop a framework for the application of KM in automotive component manufacturers within the Eastern Cape. The research consisted of a study of the knowledge management literature and the subsequent development of a knowledge management framework and empirical evaluation of the framework in the automotive component supply industry of the Eastern Cape. In conclusion the report presents a knowledge management framework which converts a company assessment to recommended corrective actions to be implemented and also presents the author’s findings, conclusions and recommendations derived from the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011