A survey of employee preferences in the design of a performance management system
- Authors: Keshave, Hiten
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:863 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021180
- Description: This thesis begins with an introduction to performance management and the intended aim and objective of the research. Thereafter literature findings relative to performance management and performance management systems are discussed. In the review of literature, three processes that could be implemented in a performance management system were highlighted, namely; (1) the planning process, (2) the monitoring and development process, and (3) an annual summative and feedback process. Performance management functions deemed important to employees during each process of the performance management system were identified and discussed. Subsequent to the literature review, the research methodology was described and involved the implementation of quantitative research within a post-positivist paradigm in the form of a close-ended survey questionnaire. Analysis of the data involved a gap analysis and needs analysis. The gap analysis study was based on the opinion of management respondents in comparison to the opinion of non-management respondents. Results of the gap analysis were determined based on the calculation of an importance score for each sub-group. The needs analysis study was based on the overall opinion of all respondents, and results were determined based on the calculation of an overall importance score. In light of the literature review that was conducted to inform the questionnaire design, the survey results supported the literature review of each discussed performance management function with no evident contradictions. The results of the gap analysis and needs analysis were satisfactorily met for each performance management function. On the basis of these findings, it was assumed that all the performance management functions identified in the literature are important and could be implemented in the design of a performance management system. The results highlighted the importance of a performance plan and development plan to underpin the performance management system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Keshave, Hiten
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:863 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021180
- Description: This thesis begins with an introduction to performance management and the intended aim and objective of the research. Thereafter literature findings relative to performance management and performance management systems are discussed. In the review of literature, three processes that could be implemented in a performance management system were highlighted, namely; (1) the planning process, (2) the monitoring and development process, and (3) an annual summative and feedback process. Performance management functions deemed important to employees during each process of the performance management system were identified and discussed. Subsequent to the literature review, the research methodology was described and involved the implementation of quantitative research within a post-positivist paradigm in the form of a close-ended survey questionnaire. Analysis of the data involved a gap analysis and needs analysis. The gap analysis study was based on the opinion of management respondents in comparison to the opinion of non-management respondents. Results of the gap analysis were determined based on the calculation of an importance score for each sub-group. The needs analysis study was based on the overall opinion of all respondents, and results were determined based on the calculation of an overall importance score. In light of the literature review that was conducted to inform the questionnaire design, the survey results supported the literature review of each discussed performance management function with no evident contradictions. The results of the gap analysis and needs analysis were satisfactorily met for each performance management function. On the basis of these findings, it was assumed that all the performance management functions identified in the literature are important and could be implemented in the design of a performance management system. The results highlighted the importance of a performance plan and development plan to underpin the performance management system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A text-critical analysis of potentially conflict-provoking genres of the Christian bible
- Authors: Grigor, Pierre
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Church history , Transformation groups , Conflict management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11289 , vital:26906
- Description: This dissertation wants to understand the church history regarding the divide which resulted in the so called fundamentalist and the liberal movements in the church being birthed in identifying the reasons for the conflict between the aforementioned groups. It then presents principles of conflict transformation and management in order to understand and to help transform and manage potential confrontational situations between the aforementioned groups effectively. It further propose alternative interpretations to potential conflict-generating Bible texts by extrapolating new information from those texts in order to stir the potential of birthing a second naïve love for the discredited texts by offering new meanings to those same texts. Unfortunately, this objective can’t effectively be measured within the scope of this dissertation, but will nevertheless remain as an objective of hope.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Grigor, Pierre
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Church history , Transformation groups , Conflict management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11289 , vital:26906
- Description: This dissertation wants to understand the church history regarding the divide which resulted in the so called fundamentalist and the liberal movements in the church being birthed in identifying the reasons for the conflict between the aforementioned groups. It then presents principles of conflict transformation and management in order to understand and to help transform and manage potential confrontational situations between the aforementioned groups effectively. It further propose alternative interpretations to potential conflict-generating Bible texts by extrapolating new information from those texts in order to stir the potential of birthing a second naïve love for the discredited texts by offering new meanings to those same texts. Unfortunately, this objective can’t effectively be measured within the scope of this dissertation, but will nevertheless remain as an objective of hope.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A web-based repository for student mobility data in Africa
- Authors: Ferreira, Darren Bradley
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Student mobility Students, Transfer of -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Education, Higher Foreign study
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12605 , vital:27098
- Description: The number of international students studying abroad has doubled since the year 2000 and there are nearly five million students that are enrolled outside their country of origin. Over the past ten years new insights and approaches to the internationalisation of higher education have arisen which has influenced global research and education. Student mobility data is a component of internationalisation data. internationally mobile students are defined as students who have crossed international borders from their countries with the objective to study. Currently, there are several international organisations and projects that manage student mobility data from various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the globe and report on this data. Two of these organisations are the Open Doors Report and Project Atlas. The organisations collect Data for Africa, although it is not as detailed and useful as the data provided about other countries. Since the number of students studying abroad has doubled since the year 2000, the amount of student mobility data kept by data collection agencies and HEIs has also increased. The data collected is not always accurate and this poses a data management problem. This study conducted a survey sent to international offices at various HEIs in South Africa and Africa. The survey investigates the current state of student mobility data management in HEIs. The survey results revealed that the international offices are currently dissatisfied with student mobility data management and will be willing to provide international student data to an African data repository. This study proposes the design and development of a web-based student mobility data repository, known as the African International Portal (AIP). The study identified design guidelines and requirements for a web-based data repository. The requirements, design and design guidelines were used to guide the development of the prototype. Heuristic evaluations were conducted on the prototype in order to identify any major usability problems. Findings revealed that the overall perceptions of the prototype were positive and can be attributed to the design considerations and guidelines used during the development phase. The prototype was evaluated using a full usability evaluation that determined the usefulness, effectiveness and efficiency of the prototype when users are in the process of managing student mobility data. The results indicate that the participants found the AIP to be an effective, efficient and a satisfactory means of managing student mobility data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ferreira, Darren Bradley
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Student mobility Students, Transfer of -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Education, Higher Foreign study
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12605 , vital:27098
- Description: The number of international students studying abroad has doubled since the year 2000 and there are nearly five million students that are enrolled outside their country of origin. Over the past ten years new insights and approaches to the internationalisation of higher education have arisen which has influenced global research and education. Student mobility data is a component of internationalisation data. internationally mobile students are defined as students who have crossed international borders from their countries with the objective to study. Currently, there are several international organisations and projects that manage student mobility data from various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the globe and report on this data. Two of these organisations are the Open Doors Report and Project Atlas. The organisations collect Data for Africa, although it is not as detailed and useful as the data provided about other countries. Since the number of students studying abroad has doubled since the year 2000, the amount of student mobility data kept by data collection agencies and HEIs has also increased. The data collected is not always accurate and this poses a data management problem. This study conducted a survey sent to international offices at various HEIs in South Africa and Africa. The survey investigates the current state of student mobility data management in HEIs. The survey results revealed that the international offices are currently dissatisfied with student mobility data management and will be willing to provide international student data to an African data repository. This study proposes the design and development of a web-based student mobility data repository, known as the African International Portal (AIP). The study identified design guidelines and requirements for a web-based data repository. The requirements, design and design guidelines were used to guide the development of the prototype. Heuristic evaluations were conducted on the prototype in order to identify any major usability problems. Findings revealed that the overall perceptions of the prototype were positive and can be attributed to the design considerations and guidelines used during the development phase. The prototype was evaluated using a full usability evaluation that determined the usefulness, effectiveness and efficiency of the prototype when users are in the process of managing student mobility data. The results indicate that the participants found the AIP to be an effective, efficient and a satisfactory means of managing student mobility data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Absorptive capacity for responding to environmental: change an assessment of three public-sector agencies
- Authors: Mc Culloch, Samantha
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Global environmental change Absorptive capacity (Economics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11762 , vital:26966
- Description: In a time of global environmental instability, public-sector organisations that manage and protect natural resources, which are needed for human wellbeing, play an increasingly important role. These organisations frequently have to weigh up the costs and benefits of managing natural resources and their services for the public good. Management of social-ecological systems is commonly characterised by uncertainty, disagreement and trade-offs. In South Africa, these challenges are compounded by the fact that mandated organisations are often inadequately resourced in terms of finances, skilled staff and infrastructure. In order to maintain the resilience and robustness of social-ecological systems, public-sector organisations need to cultivate a set of dynamic capabilities, with strong emphasis on learning from their experiences and adapting their management strategies, to innovate and improve their performances. Absorptive capacity (AC) has been described as the ability of an organisation to recognise the value of new external information, acquire it and assimilate it within the organisation, transforming it by applying it with existing knowledge and exploiting the new knowledge for benefit. Organisations with good AC are able to recognise rapidly changing environments and address them by renewing and building on their levels of skill, knowledge and capability to deal with change. This construct has been extensively researched in industries related to business and technology, where its development has been found to stimulate innovative capabilities. There has, however, been little research into its relevance for public-sector organisations or organisations with environmental mandates. This study used methodological triangulation to assess the perceptions of employees on the current state of AC in three public-sector organisations with environmental mandates. This was done to gain insight into their capacity to absorb information and apply their new knowledge in decision-making, in a manner that navigates through environmental change. The key findings of this research suggest that knowledge transformation and exploitation are enhanced by in-house research capabilities and cross-functional interface between internal departments. These findings also suggest that the acquisition of knowledge is not only determined by the in-house research capacity but also depends on the resources available to these departments in terms of time, finances and skilled staff. There was minimal evidence of knowledge exploitation; however, obstacles that were highlighted as hindering this process included individual responsibility and motivation, as well as general organisation capacities, such as communication hierarchies, funding, time and organisational silos. This research found that the well-studied concept of AC can be used as an institutional mechanism to assess and promote adaptive capacity in public-sector organisations with environmental mandates to navigate and innovate through the Anthropocene.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mc Culloch, Samantha
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Global environmental change Absorptive capacity (Economics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11762 , vital:26966
- Description: In a time of global environmental instability, public-sector organisations that manage and protect natural resources, which are needed for human wellbeing, play an increasingly important role. These organisations frequently have to weigh up the costs and benefits of managing natural resources and their services for the public good. Management of social-ecological systems is commonly characterised by uncertainty, disagreement and trade-offs. In South Africa, these challenges are compounded by the fact that mandated organisations are often inadequately resourced in terms of finances, skilled staff and infrastructure. In order to maintain the resilience and robustness of social-ecological systems, public-sector organisations need to cultivate a set of dynamic capabilities, with strong emphasis on learning from their experiences and adapting their management strategies, to innovate and improve their performances. Absorptive capacity (AC) has been described as the ability of an organisation to recognise the value of new external information, acquire it and assimilate it within the organisation, transforming it by applying it with existing knowledge and exploiting the new knowledge for benefit. Organisations with good AC are able to recognise rapidly changing environments and address them by renewing and building on their levels of skill, knowledge and capability to deal with change. This construct has been extensively researched in industries related to business and technology, where its development has been found to stimulate innovative capabilities. There has, however, been little research into its relevance for public-sector organisations or organisations with environmental mandates. This study used methodological triangulation to assess the perceptions of employees on the current state of AC in three public-sector organisations with environmental mandates. This was done to gain insight into their capacity to absorb information and apply their new knowledge in decision-making, in a manner that navigates through environmental change. The key findings of this research suggest that knowledge transformation and exploitation are enhanced by in-house research capabilities and cross-functional interface between internal departments. These findings also suggest that the acquisition of knowledge is not only determined by the in-house research capacity but also depends on the resources available to these departments in terms of time, finances and skilled staff. There was minimal evidence of knowledge exploitation; however, obstacles that were highlighted as hindering this process included individual responsibility and motivation, as well as general organisation capacities, such as communication hierarchies, funding, time and organisational silos. This research found that the well-studied concept of AC can be used as an institutional mechanism to assess and promote adaptive capacity in public-sector organisations with environmental mandates to navigate and innovate through the Anthropocene.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Abstract art and the contested ground of African modernisms
- Authors: Mumba, Patrick
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2515 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021165
- Description: This submission for a Masters of Fine Art consists of a thesis titled Abstract Art and the Contested Ground of African Modernisms developed as a document to support the exhibition Time in Between. The exhibition addresses the fact that nothing is permanent in life, and uses abstract paintings that reveal in-between time through an engagement with the processes of ageing and decaying. Life is always a temporary situation, an idea which I develop as Time in Between, the beginning and the ending, the young and the aged, the new and the old. In my painting practice I break down these dichotomies, questioning how abstractions engage with the relative notion of time and how this links to the processes of ageing and decaying in life. I relate this ageing process to the aesthetic process of moving from representational art to semi-abstract art, and to complete abstraction, when the object or material reaches a wholly unrecognisable stage. My practice is concerned not only with the aesthetics of these paintings but also, more importantly, with translating each specific theme into the formal qualities of abstraction. In my thesis I analyse abstraction in relation to ‘African Modernisms’ and critique the notion that African abstraction is not ‘African’ but a mere copy of Western Modernism. In response to this notion, I have used a study of abstraction to interrogate notions of so-called ‘African-ness’ or ‘Zambian-ness’, whilst simultaneously challenging the Western stereotypical view of African modern art. I have also related the theoretical and practical analysis of abstraction to scholarly debates on abstraction and ‘African Modernism’, arguing for multiple African Modernisms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mumba, Patrick
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2515 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021165
- Description: This submission for a Masters of Fine Art consists of a thesis titled Abstract Art and the Contested Ground of African Modernisms developed as a document to support the exhibition Time in Between. The exhibition addresses the fact that nothing is permanent in life, and uses abstract paintings that reveal in-between time through an engagement with the processes of ageing and decaying. Life is always a temporary situation, an idea which I develop as Time in Between, the beginning and the ending, the young and the aged, the new and the old. In my painting practice I break down these dichotomies, questioning how abstractions engage with the relative notion of time and how this links to the processes of ageing and decaying in life. I relate this ageing process to the aesthetic process of moving from representational art to semi-abstract art, and to complete abstraction, when the object or material reaches a wholly unrecognisable stage. My practice is concerned not only with the aesthetics of these paintings but also, more importantly, with translating each specific theme into the formal qualities of abstraction. In my thesis I analyse abstraction in relation to ‘African Modernisms’ and critique the notion that African abstraction is not ‘African’ but a mere copy of Western Modernism. In response to this notion, I have used a study of abstraction to interrogate notions of so-called ‘African-ness’ or ‘Zambian-ness’, whilst simultaneously challenging the Western stereotypical view of African modern art. I have also related the theoretical and practical analysis of abstraction to scholarly debates on abstraction and ‘African Modernism’, arguing for multiple African Modernisms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Academic literacy and the decontextualised learner
- Boughey, Chrissie, McKenna, Sioux
- Authors: Boughey, Chrissie , McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64651 , vital:28585 , http://www.DOI:10.14426/cristal.v4i2.80
- Description: The literacy practices that are valued in the university emerge from specific disciplinary histories yet students are often expected to master these as if they were common sense and natural. This article argues that the autonomous model of literacy, which sees language use as the application of a set of neutral skills, continues to dominate in South African universities. This model denies the extent to which taking on disciplinary literacy practices can be difficult and have implications for identity. It also allows disciplinary norms to remain largely opaque and beyond critique. Furthermore, the autonomous model of literacy is often coupled with a discourse of the ‘decontextualised learner’ who is divorced from her social context, with higher education success seen to be resting largely upon attributes inherent in, or lacking from, the individual. Sadly, alternative critical social understandings have not been widely taken up despite their being well researched. Indeed, such understandings have often been misappropriated in ways that draw on critical social terminology to offer autonomous, decontextualised, remedial student interventions. We argue that these issues are implicated in students’ accusations that universities are alienating spaces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Boughey, Chrissie , McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64651 , vital:28585 , http://www.DOI:10.14426/cristal.v4i2.80
- Description: The literacy practices that are valued in the university emerge from specific disciplinary histories yet students are often expected to master these as if they were common sense and natural. This article argues that the autonomous model of literacy, which sees language use as the application of a set of neutral skills, continues to dominate in South African universities. This model denies the extent to which taking on disciplinary literacy practices can be difficult and have implications for identity. It also allows disciplinary norms to remain largely opaque and beyond critique. Furthermore, the autonomous model of literacy is often coupled with a discourse of the ‘decontextualised learner’ who is divorced from her social context, with higher education success seen to be resting largely upon attributes inherent in, or lacking from, the individual. Sadly, alternative critical social understandings have not been widely taken up despite their being well researched. Indeed, such understandings have often been misappropriated in ways that draw on critical social terminology to offer autonomous, decontextualised, remedial student interventions. We argue that these issues are implicated in students’ accusations that universities are alienating spaces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Accelerated development programmes for Black academics: Interrupting or reproducing social and cultural dominance?
- Authors: Booi, Masixole
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3338 , vital:20483
- Description: A wide body of research literature on transformation of higher education institutions in South Africa has focused on institutional reform and restructuring, change in employment legislation and policies, transforming institutional culture(s) and student and staff demographics (Portnoi, 2009:373; Viljoen and Rothmann, 2002:3; Badat, 2007; 2010; Cloete, Muller, Makgoba and Ekong, 1997; Nieman, 2010). The literature on transformation of higher education institutions shows that the underrepresentation, recruiting and retaining of blacks and women in senior posts is still the major challenge faced by the project of transforming higher education, particularly in Historically White Institutions (HWIs). Universities have introduced a variety of ‘accelerated development’ programmes to meet this challenge and accelerate the entry into academia of black academics. The present study draws on Pierre Bourdieu’s notions of cultural capital, field and social capital to interpret the lived experiences of participants in the Accelerated Development Programme (ADP) of one HWI. In particular the study is interested in how, in the participants’ experience, they, as members of the programme, have or have not been able to contribute to the transformation of the culture(s) of the institution. The study critically examines the assumption that the institutional practices, values and norms can be changed only by socialising ‘new’ lecturers into an already existing dominant culture rather than seeing the need to socialise existing lecturers into a new culture informed by a democratic ethos.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Booi, Masixole
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3338 , vital:20483
- Description: A wide body of research literature on transformation of higher education institutions in South Africa has focused on institutional reform and restructuring, change in employment legislation and policies, transforming institutional culture(s) and student and staff demographics (Portnoi, 2009:373; Viljoen and Rothmann, 2002:3; Badat, 2007; 2010; Cloete, Muller, Makgoba and Ekong, 1997; Nieman, 2010). The literature on transformation of higher education institutions shows that the underrepresentation, recruiting and retaining of blacks and women in senior posts is still the major challenge faced by the project of transforming higher education, particularly in Historically White Institutions (HWIs). Universities have introduced a variety of ‘accelerated development’ programmes to meet this challenge and accelerate the entry into academia of black academics. The present study draws on Pierre Bourdieu’s notions of cultural capital, field and social capital to interpret the lived experiences of participants in the Accelerated Development Programme (ADP) of one HWI. In particular the study is interested in how, in the participants’ experience, they, as members of the programme, have or have not been able to contribute to the transformation of the culture(s) of the institution. The study critically examines the assumption that the institutional practices, values and norms can be changed only by socialising ‘new’ lecturers into an already existing dominant culture rather than seeing the need to socialise existing lecturers into a new culture informed by a democratic ethos.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Accomodation managers' perceptions towards disability service provision
- Authors: Ferreira, Erika
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: People with disabilities--Travel--South africa People with disabilities--Services for--South africa Tourism--Social Aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5473 , vital:20848
- Description: It is increasingly recognized that travellers with disabilities are becoming an important emerging market segment in the tourism industry worldwide. As the demand for accessible tourism increases, the need for accessible accommodation and disability service provision grows. A search of the international and South African tourism literature revealed few studies with a focus on the supply side of accessible accommodation for persons with disabilities, in particular from the perspective of accommodation managers towards disability service provision. To obtain a broad understanding of the perceptions of accommodation managers towards disability service provision in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipal area is a challenge which needs to be investigated. From the literature overview it was possible to conceptualize disability; provide a background on existing international and national policies as well as legislative frameworks required in creating an accessible environment that is conducive for persons with disabilities; identify commonalities that exist in supply side literature findings of accessible tourism and to ascertain South African initiatives introduced to create accessible tourist accommodation. This enabled the researcher to develop a research instrument to explore the perceptions of accommodation managers towards servicing the needs of persons with disabilities and the perceptions of accommodation managers towards the importance of disability provision.The primary objective of this exploratory study is to investigate the perceptions of accommodation managers towards disability service provision. A framework to investigate this was developed and three hypotheses formulated and empirically tested. The results of the descriptive statistics showed that, overall, the different aspects of disability service provision were perceived positively and as important. Further data analysis revealed a statistical significant relationship between the respondents’ employment position or function within the accommodation establishment, and the perceptions of accommodation managers towards disability service provision. A statistical significant relationship between the age of respondents, and the perceived importance of disability service provision was shown. Two of the three hypotheses were accepted. The data gathered in this study is important as it indicated that accommodation managers are aware that people with disabilities require certain levels of accessibility when planning trips. As all exploratory research, this study proposes further research to discover the constraints faced by accommodation managers to service the needs of persons with disabilities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ferreira, Erika
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: People with disabilities--Travel--South africa People with disabilities--Services for--South africa Tourism--Social Aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5473 , vital:20848
- Description: It is increasingly recognized that travellers with disabilities are becoming an important emerging market segment in the tourism industry worldwide. As the demand for accessible tourism increases, the need for accessible accommodation and disability service provision grows. A search of the international and South African tourism literature revealed few studies with a focus on the supply side of accessible accommodation for persons with disabilities, in particular from the perspective of accommodation managers towards disability service provision. To obtain a broad understanding of the perceptions of accommodation managers towards disability service provision in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipal area is a challenge which needs to be investigated. From the literature overview it was possible to conceptualize disability; provide a background on existing international and national policies as well as legislative frameworks required in creating an accessible environment that is conducive for persons with disabilities; identify commonalities that exist in supply side literature findings of accessible tourism and to ascertain South African initiatives introduced to create accessible tourist accommodation. This enabled the researcher to develop a research instrument to explore the perceptions of accommodation managers towards servicing the needs of persons with disabilities and the perceptions of accommodation managers towards the importance of disability provision.The primary objective of this exploratory study is to investigate the perceptions of accommodation managers towards disability service provision. A framework to investigate this was developed and three hypotheses formulated and empirically tested. The results of the descriptive statistics showed that, overall, the different aspects of disability service provision were perceived positively and as important. Further data analysis revealed a statistical significant relationship between the respondents’ employment position or function within the accommodation establishment, and the perceptions of accommodation managers towards disability service provision. A statistical significant relationship between the age of respondents, and the perceived importance of disability service provision was shown. Two of the three hypotheses were accepted. The data gathered in this study is important as it indicated that accommodation managers are aware that people with disabilities require certain levels of accessibility when planning trips. As all exploratory research, this study proposes further research to discover the constraints faced by accommodation managers to service the needs of persons with disabilities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Accountability and transparency deficits and the problem of non-tariff barriers in the Southern African Development Community : a critical assessment of intra-regional trade promotion initiatives
- Authors: Muleza, Charles
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community Non-tariff trade barriers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18812 , vital:42735
- Description: The Southern African Development Community (SADC) was established with a view to pursuing economic growth and development in the region. However, even after the establishment of the Free Trade Area (FTA), the presence of significant non-tariff barriers (NTBs) has contributed to the lack of progress in achieving these objectives. Therefore, the premise of this study is that the successful realisation of the economic goals of SADC can only be accomplished on the basis of a legal and institutional framework that promotes accountability and transparency at the national and regional level. It is undeniable that this approach is gaining prominence worldwide as more attention is directed towards the removal of NTBs. For the purposes of advancing trade liberalisation within the context of a more transparent and predictable trade regime, this study analyses the strengths and weaknesses of the SADC legal and institutional framework. To that end, it addresses pertinent issues such as, inter alia, the effectiveness of supranational or intergovernmental approaches in regional institutions, the appropriate status of community law within Member States’ jurisdictions and the role of state sovereignty in regional integration. To achieve a clearer understanding of these issues, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is assessed to obtain insights on the multilateral standards that it sets for the accountability and transparency measures of regional trade agreements (RTAs). The comparative analysis of the European Union (EU), which is viewed as the gold standard for regional integration, also assists in enabling this study to draw lessons for SADC, particularly in the determination of recommendations for legal and institutional reform.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Muleza, Charles
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community Non-tariff trade barriers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18812 , vital:42735
- Description: The Southern African Development Community (SADC) was established with a view to pursuing economic growth and development in the region. However, even after the establishment of the Free Trade Area (FTA), the presence of significant non-tariff barriers (NTBs) has contributed to the lack of progress in achieving these objectives. Therefore, the premise of this study is that the successful realisation of the economic goals of SADC can only be accomplished on the basis of a legal and institutional framework that promotes accountability and transparency at the national and regional level. It is undeniable that this approach is gaining prominence worldwide as more attention is directed towards the removal of NTBs. For the purposes of advancing trade liberalisation within the context of a more transparent and predictable trade regime, this study analyses the strengths and weaknesses of the SADC legal and institutional framework. To that end, it addresses pertinent issues such as, inter alia, the effectiveness of supranational or intergovernmental approaches in regional institutions, the appropriate status of community law within Member States’ jurisdictions and the role of state sovereignty in regional integration. To achieve a clearer understanding of these issues, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is assessed to obtain insights on the multilateral standards that it sets for the accountability and transparency measures of regional trade agreements (RTAs). The comparative analysis of the European Union (EU), which is viewed as the gold standard for regional integration, also assists in enabling this study to draw lessons for SADC, particularly in the determination of recommendations for legal and institutional reform.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Accountability mechanisms of locally owned versus non -locally owned NGOs in South Africa
- Authors: Van Zyl, Winston Hyman
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa Economic development -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45602 , vital:38917
- Description: This paper reports the results of an exploratory semi-mixed methods study entailing triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data to explore differences in the implementation of accountability mechanisms between locally and non-locally owned non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The study involved NGOs in the Eastern Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces of South Africa. Comparisons were made between individual as well as grouped (upward, downward and horizontal) accountability mechanisms implemented. Other NGO characteristics such as age, size and donor type were also compared with NGO accountability mechanisms as well as with NGO ownership type (local/non-local). It was found that locally owned NGOs more often claimed to implement downward and horizontal accountability mechanisms and also to implement such mechanisms better than non-local NGOs. As established by means of chi-square tests, the above-mentioned differences were statistically significant. Thereupon, non-local NGOs more often claimed to implement upward accountability mechanisms and to implement such mechanisms better than local NGOs. Nonlocal NGOs were found to be significantly older, bigger and better resourced than local NGOs.Previous research found a correlation between local ownership, downward accountability and aid effectiveness and has also shown that the large majority of NGOs struggle to implement downward accountability mechanisms and focus mostly on upward accountability. Very little research was done on local NGOs. The findings of this paper show that the strategies employed by local NGOs to account downwards could inform the strategies of most non-local NGOs, and thereby improve aid effectiveness. This research suggests that an ideal balance between local and non-local ownership of an NGO exists and if such a balance could be achieved, an NGO would excel in both the facilitation of local ownership and acquisition of resources and thereby optimise aid effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Van Zyl, Winston Hyman
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa Economic development -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45602 , vital:38917
- Description: This paper reports the results of an exploratory semi-mixed methods study entailing triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data to explore differences in the implementation of accountability mechanisms between locally and non-locally owned non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The study involved NGOs in the Eastern Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces of South Africa. Comparisons were made between individual as well as grouped (upward, downward and horizontal) accountability mechanisms implemented. Other NGO characteristics such as age, size and donor type were also compared with NGO accountability mechanisms as well as with NGO ownership type (local/non-local). It was found that locally owned NGOs more often claimed to implement downward and horizontal accountability mechanisms and also to implement such mechanisms better than non-local NGOs. As established by means of chi-square tests, the above-mentioned differences were statistically significant. Thereupon, non-local NGOs more often claimed to implement upward accountability mechanisms and to implement such mechanisms better than local NGOs. Nonlocal NGOs were found to be significantly older, bigger and better resourced than local NGOs.Previous research found a correlation between local ownership, downward accountability and aid effectiveness and has also shown that the large majority of NGOs struggle to implement downward accountability mechanisms and focus mostly on upward accountability. Very little research was done on local NGOs. The findings of this paper show that the strategies employed by local NGOs to account downwards could inform the strategies of most non-local NGOs, and thereby improve aid effectiveness. This research suggests that an ideal balance between local and non-local ownership of an NGO exists and if such a balance could be achieved, an NGO would excel in both the facilitation of local ownership and acquisition of resources and thereby optimise aid effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Acoustic biosensors
- Fogel, Ronen, Limson, Janice L, Seshia, Ashwin A
- Authors: Fogel, Ronen , Limson, Janice L , Seshia, Ashwin A
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431648 , vital:72793 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1042/EBC20150011"
- Description: Resonant and acoustic wave devices have been researched for several decades for application in the gravimetric sensing of a variety of biological and chemical analytes. These devices operate by coupling the measurand (e.g. analyte adsorption) as a modulation in the physical properties of the acoustic wave (e.g. resonant frequency, acoustic velocity, dissipation) that can then be correlated with the amount of adsorbed analyte. These devices can also be miniaturized with advantages in terms of cost, size and scalability, as well as potential additional features including integration with microfluidics and electronics, scaled sensitivities associated with smaller dimensions and higher operational frequencies, the ability to multiplex detection across arrays of hundreds of devices embedded in a single chip, increased throughput and the ability to interrogate a wider range of modes including within the same device. Additionally, device fabrication is often compatible with semiconductor volume batch manufacturing techniques enabling cost scalability and a high degree of precision and reproducibility in the manufacturing process. Integration with microfluidics handling also enables suitable sample pre-processing/separation/purification/amplification steps that could improve selectivity and the overall signal-to-noise ratio. Three device types are reviewed here: (i) bulk acoustic wave sensors, (ii) surface acoustic wave sensors, and (iii) micro/nano-electromechanical system (MEMS/NEMS) sensors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Fogel, Ronen , Limson, Janice L , Seshia, Ashwin A
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431648 , vital:72793 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1042/EBC20150011"
- Description: Resonant and acoustic wave devices have been researched for several decades for application in the gravimetric sensing of a variety of biological and chemical analytes. These devices operate by coupling the measurand (e.g. analyte adsorption) as a modulation in the physical properties of the acoustic wave (e.g. resonant frequency, acoustic velocity, dissipation) that can then be correlated with the amount of adsorbed analyte. These devices can also be miniaturized with advantages in terms of cost, size and scalability, as well as potential additional features including integration with microfluidics and electronics, scaled sensitivities associated with smaller dimensions and higher operational frequencies, the ability to multiplex detection across arrays of hundreds of devices embedded in a single chip, increased throughput and the ability to interrogate a wider range of modes including within the same device. Additionally, device fabrication is often compatible with semiconductor volume batch manufacturing techniques enabling cost scalability and a high degree of precision and reproducibility in the manufacturing process. Integration with microfluidics handling also enables suitable sample pre-processing/separation/purification/amplification steps that could improve selectivity and the overall signal-to-noise ratio. Three device types are reviewed here: (i) bulk acoustic wave sensors, (ii) surface acoustic wave sensors, and (iii) micro/nano-electromechanical system (MEMS/NEMS) sensors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Across developmental state and social compacting: the peculiar case of South Africa
- Authors: Fine, Ben
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions National Development Plan -- South Africa South Africa -- Social policy Economic development -- Political aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Book , Text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3082 , vital:20367 , ISBN 9780868106090
- Description: This paper is concerned with the shifting fortunes of the Developmental State Paradigm (DSP) and the Social Compacting Paradigm (SCP) and, with some reference to South Africa, how they do or do not have continuing presence and relevance. For each, there is a dual trajectory in terms of an evolving intellectual content, on the one hand, and an evolving set of global and national circumstances on the other. I show that both paradigms have increasingly diverged from the material realities that they are intended to confront. This is primarily because of the neglect of financialisation as the key characteristic of the past thirty years, which itself underpins neo-liberalism. Whilst, in the post-war boom, both developmentalism and neo-corporatism offered some purchase on material realities and the prospects for policymaking, this has been eroded or, more exactly, transformed by financialisation. Unless the latter is satisfactorily addressed, neither development nor compacting can be expected to succeed, or be progressive, in any meaningful sense.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Fine, Ben
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions National Development Plan -- South Africa South Africa -- Social policy Economic development -- Political aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Book , Text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3082 , vital:20367 , ISBN 9780868106090
- Description: This paper is concerned with the shifting fortunes of the Developmental State Paradigm (DSP) and the Social Compacting Paradigm (SCP) and, with some reference to South Africa, how they do or do not have continuing presence and relevance. For each, there is a dual trajectory in terms of an evolving intellectual content, on the one hand, and an evolving set of global and national circumstances on the other. I show that both paradigms have increasingly diverged from the material realities that they are intended to confront. This is primarily because of the neglect of financialisation as the key characteristic of the past thirty years, which itself underpins neo-liberalism. Whilst, in the post-war boom, both developmentalism and neo-corporatism offered some purchase on material realities and the prospects for policymaking, this has been eroded or, more exactly, transformed by financialisation. Unless the latter is satisfactorily addressed, neither development nor compacting can be expected to succeed, or be progressive, in any meaningful sense.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Active Layer Dynamics at Four Borehole Sites in Western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica
- Authors: Kotzé, Camilla
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021295
- Description: Permafrost and active layer dynamics in the Antarctic play an important role within terrestrial landscapes and ecosystems and as a climate change indicator. However, they remain less thoroughly researched than their Northern-Hemispheric counterpart. Despite advancements made by ANTPAS on the permafrost and active layer monitoring network in the Antarctic, observational gaps still exist. Western Dronning Maud Land (WDML) has been identified as one of these gaps, necessitating further research on permafrost dynamics and the influence of climate parameters thereon. Such elucidation is critical to both the cryospheric and life sciences. Variations in the surface climate of Antarctica can be seen as a result of inter-annual variations in atmospheric circulation, enhancing permafrost degradation and active layer thickening which directly affects soil processes, such as sorting and cryoturbation. Ground temperatures from four permafrost boreholes from WDML were analysed from 2007 to 2014. The study sites exhibit seasonal freezing, periglacial landforms, and altitudinal variation, ranging between ca. 450masl to ca. 1300masl. Using ground thermal regime and regional climate data, the spatial and temporal variability of the active layer in the Ahlmannryggen and Jutulsessen areas of WDML were characterised. 137 Cs tracing has revealed that the active layer and associated landforms have been active over the past half century. Further results show that active layer depths at each site vary inter-annually and are particularly influenced by snow cover, altitude and distance to the ice-shelf. Moreover, a correlation between the SAO (Semi-Annual Oscillation) and measured ground temperatures was found, principally during the transitional season of the SAO in May and September. The relationship between climate and ground thermal regimes, especially the influence of teleconnections thereon, is essential to improving the understanding of permafrost dynamics and landform morphology in continental Antarctica.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Kotzé, Camilla
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021295
- Description: Permafrost and active layer dynamics in the Antarctic play an important role within terrestrial landscapes and ecosystems and as a climate change indicator. However, they remain less thoroughly researched than their Northern-Hemispheric counterpart. Despite advancements made by ANTPAS on the permafrost and active layer monitoring network in the Antarctic, observational gaps still exist. Western Dronning Maud Land (WDML) has been identified as one of these gaps, necessitating further research on permafrost dynamics and the influence of climate parameters thereon. Such elucidation is critical to both the cryospheric and life sciences. Variations in the surface climate of Antarctica can be seen as a result of inter-annual variations in atmospheric circulation, enhancing permafrost degradation and active layer thickening which directly affects soil processes, such as sorting and cryoturbation. Ground temperatures from four permafrost boreholes from WDML were analysed from 2007 to 2014. The study sites exhibit seasonal freezing, periglacial landforms, and altitudinal variation, ranging between ca. 450masl to ca. 1300masl. Using ground thermal regime and regional climate data, the spatial and temporal variability of the active layer in the Ahlmannryggen and Jutulsessen areas of WDML were characterised. 137 Cs tracing has revealed that the active layer and associated landforms have been active over the past half century. Further results show that active layer depths at each site vary inter-annually and are particularly influenced by snow cover, altitude and distance to the ice-shelf. Moreover, a correlation between the SAO (Semi-Annual Oscillation) and measured ground temperatures was found, principally during the transitional season of the SAO in May and September. The relationship between climate and ground thermal regimes, especially the influence of teleconnections thereon, is essential to improving the understanding of permafrost dynamics and landform morphology in continental Antarctica.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Adaptable exploit detection through scalable netflow analysis
- Herbert, Alan, Irwin, Barry V W
- Authors: Herbert, Alan , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/429274 , vital:72572 , https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7802938
- Description: Full packet analysis on firewalls and intrusion detection, although effective, has been found in recent times to be detrimental to the overall performance of networks that receive large volumes of throughput. For this reason partial packet analysis technologies such as the NetFlow protocol have emerged to better mitigate these bottlenecks through log generation. This paper researches the use of log files generated by NetFlow version 9 and IPFIX to identify successful and unsuccessful exploit attacks commonly used by automated systems. These malicious communications include but are not limited to exploits that attack Microsoft RPC, Samba, NTP (Network Time Protocol) and IRC (Internet Relay Chat). These attacks are recreated through existing exploit implementations on Metasploit and through hand-crafted reconstructions of exploits via known documentation of vulnerabilities. These attacks are then monitored through a preconfigured virtual testbed containing gateways and network connections commonly found on the Internet. This common attack identification system is intended for insertion as a parallel module for Bolvedere in order to further the increase the Bolvedere system's attack detection capability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Herbert, Alan , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/429274 , vital:72572 , https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7802938
- Description: Full packet analysis on firewalls and intrusion detection, although effective, has been found in recent times to be detrimental to the overall performance of networks that receive large volumes of throughput. For this reason partial packet analysis technologies such as the NetFlow protocol have emerged to better mitigate these bottlenecks through log generation. This paper researches the use of log files generated by NetFlow version 9 and IPFIX to identify successful and unsuccessful exploit attacks commonly used by automated systems. These malicious communications include but are not limited to exploits that attack Microsoft RPC, Samba, NTP (Network Time Protocol) and IRC (Internet Relay Chat). These attacks are recreated through existing exploit implementations on Metasploit and through hand-crafted reconstructions of exploits via known documentation of vulnerabilities. These attacks are then monitored through a preconfigured virtual testbed containing gateways and network connections commonly found on the Internet. This common attack identification system is intended for insertion as a parallel module for Bolvedere in order to further the increase the Bolvedere system's attack detection capability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Adaptations in allopatric populations of Triakis megalopterus isolated by the Benguela Current: steps towards understanding evolutionary processes affecting regional biodiversity
- Authors: Soekoe, Michelle
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5389 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021264
- Description: This study was initiated to gain a better understanding of evolution and adaptation of elasmobranchs by investigating how a putative biogeographic barrier, the Benguela Current, had influenced populations of a demersal shark species, Triakis megalopterus. It was hypothesized that the Benguela Current formed a biogeographic barrier in the distribution of T. megalopterus and was responsible for the divergence between South African (SA) and Angolan (AN) populations. Since elasmobranchs are generally characterized by a slow rate of evolutionary change and conservative morphology and life history traits, it was hypothesized that there would be limited genetic, morphological and life history divergence between the populations. Both mtDNA Control Region (mtCR) and microsatellites (nDNA) were used to assess population connectivity and structure of T. megalopterus. The mtCR predominantly showed a northern (Angola, AN, and Namibia, NA) versus southern (Western Cape, WC, and Eastern Cape, EC) Benguela subsystem arrangement. This suggested that the formation of the Benguela Current had an influence on the genetic structure of T. megalopterus during the early Pleistocene. The nDNA, however, showed a distinct transoceanic, Atlantic (AN, NA, WC) versus Indian Ocean (EC) arrangement, and this was attributed to the more recent exposure of the Agulhas Bank and reduced rocky shore habitat during the glaciations of the late Pleistocene. Traditional morphological analyses on full body and tooth morphology were used to assess phenotypic plasticity and/or adaptability of T. megalopterus. A novel method of geometric morphology, with potential for non-lethal application, was developed and tested to examine interpopulation divergence in shape. Traditional morphometrics showed significant divergence between populations and this variation was congruous with the mtCR haplotypes. However, the divergence in the truss variables was not concomitant to the haplotypes and suggested that differences in shape may be attributed to phenotypic plasticity. There was limited divergence in the tooth morphology between populations. The divergence in several morphological characters associated with swimming speed and manoeuvrability may be attributed to both habitat structure and dominant prey in the different biogeographic zones. The diet of T. megalopterus consisted primarily of crustaceans, teleosts and molluscs. The significant variation in the diet between populations suggested a generalist tooth configuration and broad trophic adaptability. There was significant divergence in the interpopulation life history parameters. The AN population had the fastest growth, smallest size at maturity, and shortest longevity. Individuals in the EC population had the youngest age at maturity, while the WC population had the earliest parturition. This divergence may be attributed to the contrasting thermal regimes in the three biogeographic regions and the dissimilar exploitation rates of the three populations. The results of this thesis demonstrated that a combination of the formation of the Benguela Current and sea level change most likely contributed to vicariance of three populations of T. megalopterus. The significant interpopulation morphological and life history divergence appeared to be both phenotypic and genetic, and suggested that contrasting environmental drivers can result in relatively rapid change in elasmobranchs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Soekoe, Michelle
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5389 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021264
- Description: This study was initiated to gain a better understanding of evolution and adaptation of elasmobranchs by investigating how a putative biogeographic barrier, the Benguela Current, had influenced populations of a demersal shark species, Triakis megalopterus. It was hypothesized that the Benguela Current formed a biogeographic barrier in the distribution of T. megalopterus and was responsible for the divergence between South African (SA) and Angolan (AN) populations. Since elasmobranchs are generally characterized by a slow rate of evolutionary change and conservative morphology and life history traits, it was hypothesized that there would be limited genetic, morphological and life history divergence between the populations. Both mtDNA Control Region (mtCR) and microsatellites (nDNA) were used to assess population connectivity and structure of T. megalopterus. The mtCR predominantly showed a northern (Angola, AN, and Namibia, NA) versus southern (Western Cape, WC, and Eastern Cape, EC) Benguela subsystem arrangement. This suggested that the formation of the Benguela Current had an influence on the genetic structure of T. megalopterus during the early Pleistocene. The nDNA, however, showed a distinct transoceanic, Atlantic (AN, NA, WC) versus Indian Ocean (EC) arrangement, and this was attributed to the more recent exposure of the Agulhas Bank and reduced rocky shore habitat during the glaciations of the late Pleistocene. Traditional morphological analyses on full body and tooth morphology were used to assess phenotypic plasticity and/or adaptability of T. megalopterus. A novel method of geometric morphology, with potential for non-lethal application, was developed and tested to examine interpopulation divergence in shape. Traditional morphometrics showed significant divergence between populations and this variation was congruous with the mtCR haplotypes. However, the divergence in the truss variables was not concomitant to the haplotypes and suggested that differences in shape may be attributed to phenotypic plasticity. There was limited divergence in the tooth morphology between populations. The divergence in several morphological characters associated with swimming speed and manoeuvrability may be attributed to both habitat structure and dominant prey in the different biogeographic zones. The diet of T. megalopterus consisted primarily of crustaceans, teleosts and molluscs. The significant variation in the diet between populations suggested a generalist tooth configuration and broad trophic adaptability. There was significant divergence in the interpopulation life history parameters. The AN population had the fastest growth, smallest size at maturity, and shortest longevity. Individuals in the EC population had the youngest age at maturity, while the WC population had the earliest parturition. This divergence may be attributed to the contrasting thermal regimes in the three biogeographic regions and the dissimilar exploitation rates of the three populations. The results of this thesis demonstrated that a combination of the formation of the Benguela Current and sea level change most likely contributed to vicariance of three populations of T. megalopterus. The significant interpopulation morphological and life history divergence appeared to be both phenotypic and genetic, and suggested that contrasting environmental drivers can result in relatively rapid change in elasmobranchs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Adaptive responses to heat stress, quality of hide and meat from indigenous Nguni and non-descript crossbred cattle
- Authors: Chikwanda, Denice
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Cattle -- Effect of temperature on Nguni cattle Beef cattle breeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agriculture)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10614 , vital:35635
- Description: The main objective of this study was to determine the adaptive responses of Nguni and non-descript crossbred cattle (NDCC) to heat stress, nutritionally-related blood metabolite profiles, fatty acid profiles, carcass and meat characteristics, physico-mechanical properties of automotive upholstery crust leather and the associated collagen fibre architecture of hides and crust leather. Forty steers (20 Nguni and 20 NDCC) which were approximately 14 months of age with live weights ranging between 153 kg and 203 kg at the beginning of the study were used. Environmental variables (ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind parameters, solar radiation) were collected from a weather station at the research farm. Temperature-humidity index (THI) values were computed. Rectal and skin temperature, skin traits and blood metabolites were determined at two-week intervals over 16 weeks. Hair coat scores ranged from extremely short (score 1) to very woolly (score 7). At slaughter, blood samples were collected after exsanguination. Meat samples were collected from the right muscularis longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and Triceps brachii (TB) muscles after 24 hours of chilling of carcasses for physico-chemical quality tests. Fatty acid profiles and physico-chemical quality of meat were determined on the LTL and TB. An additional fifty-four hides (27 Nguni and 27 NDCC) were obtained from a commercial abattoir at slaughter. The hides were tanned into automotive crust leather and tested for physico-mechanical quality. Results showed that week and environmental variables affected skin temperature; also, the rectal and skin temperatures were negatively correlated to body condition, skin pigment, coat score and skin thickness. Non-descript crossbred cattle had higher coat scores (2.1 ± 0.36 to 4.1 ± 4.20) than Nguni cattle (1.6 ± 0.36 to 4.1 ± 0.36). Body condition scores, blood creatinine, urea, total protein, albumin and globulin were affected by genotype and week of sampling. At the end of the trial, NDCC had higher slaughter and hide weights (285.9 ± 6.52 kg and 18.4 ± 0.54 kg, respectively) than Nguni cattle (232.6 ± 6.5 kg and 14.7 ± 0.54 kg, respectively). The majority of NDCC carcasses (73.7 percent) had a fatness level of 1 compared to Nguni carcasses (50 percent). Intramuscular fat was higher in Nguni (1.8 ± 0.09 percent) compared to NDCC (1.5 ± 0.09 percent) steers. Nguni steers had darker muscle colour (L*=33.6 ± 0.01) than NDCC (L*= 35.7 ± 0.54). Nguni and NDCC had similar thawing loss, cooking loss, WBSF tenderness, fat-free dry matter, moisture content, fatty acid profiles and health-related lipid indices. Ultimate muscle pH, meat colour and chroma were similar in the LTL and TB. Concerning the skin, Nguni and NDCC had similar physico-mechanical properties. However, breaking load and tensile strength were higher (1257.1 ± 70.72 N and 28.3 ± 1.23 MPa) in samples taken parallel to the backbone compared to that taken perpendicular to the backbone (979.5 ±70.72 N and 23.6 ±1.23MPa) across the two genotypes. Non-descript crossbred crust leather varied in physico-mechanical tests by direction of sampling. Collagen fibre orientation in hides and crust samples also varied between longitudinal and cross-sections. Collagen fibre diameters in the Nguni were similar in longitudinal and cross-sections (3.4 ± 0.12 μm and 3.2 ± 0.11 μm, respectively). From this study, it is concluded that THI, hair coat, skin traits and body condition affect skin temperature, but not rectal temperature, cortisol and CK activity in Nguni and NDCC reared extensively. The two genotypes differ in nutritionally-related blood metabolites, growth performance, hide weights and carcass traits. Beef from Nguni and NDCC differs in the IMF and meat lightness but is similar in the meat fatty acid composition and some physico-chemical quality parameters. Automotive crust leathers from the two genotypes were similar in some physico-mechanical properties. Collagen architecture varied among different regions of hides and crust leathers
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Chikwanda, Denice
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Cattle -- Effect of temperature on Nguni cattle Beef cattle breeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agriculture)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10614 , vital:35635
- Description: The main objective of this study was to determine the adaptive responses of Nguni and non-descript crossbred cattle (NDCC) to heat stress, nutritionally-related blood metabolite profiles, fatty acid profiles, carcass and meat characteristics, physico-mechanical properties of automotive upholstery crust leather and the associated collagen fibre architecture of hides and crust leather. Forty steers (20 Nguni and 20 NDCC) which were approximately 14 months of age with live weights ranging between 153 kg and 203 kg at the beginning of the study were used. Environmental variables (ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind parameters, solar radiation) were collected from a weather station at the research farm. Temperature-humidity index (THI) values were computed. Rectal and skin temperature, skin traits and blood metabolites were determined at two-week intervals over 16 weeks. Hair coat scores ranged from extremely short (score 1) to very woolly (score 7). At slaughter, blood samples were collected after exsanguination. Meat samples were collected from the right muscularis longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and Triceps brachii (TB) muscles after 24 hours of chilling of carcasses for physico-chemical quality tests. Fatty acid profiles and physico-chemical quality of meat were determined on the LTL and TB. An additional fifty-four hides (27 Nguni and 27 NDCC) were obtained from a commercial abattoir at slaughter. The hides were tanned into automotive crust leather and tested for physico-mechanical quality. Results showed that week and environmental variables affected skin temperature; also, the rectal and skin temperatures were negatively correlated to body condition, skin pigment, coat score and skin thickness. Non-descript crossbred cattle had higher coat scores (2.1 ± 0.36 to 4.1 ± 4.20) than Nguni cattle (1.6 ± 0.36 to 4.1 ± 0.36). Body condition scores, blood creatinine, urea, total protein, albumin and globulin were affected by genotype and week of sampling. At the end of the trial, NDCC had higher slaughter and hide weights (285.9 ± 6.52 kg and 18.4 ± 0.54 kg, respectively) than Nguni cattle (232.6 ± 6.5 kg and 14.7 ± 0.54 kg, respectively). The majority of NDCC carcasses (73.7 percent) had a fatness level of 1 compared to Nguni carcasses (50 percent). Intramuscular fat was higher in Nguni (1.8 ± 0.09 percent) compared to NDCC (1.5 ± 0.09 percent) steers. Nguni steers had darker muscle colour (L*=33.6 ± 0.01) than NDCC (L*= 35.7 ± 0.54). Nguni and NDCC had similar thawing loss, cooking loss, WBSF tenderness, fat-free dry matter, moisture content, fatty acid profiles and health-related lipid indices. Ultimate muscle pH, meat colour and chroma were similar in the LTL and TB. Concerning the skin, Nguni and NDCC had similar physico-mechanical properties. However, breaking load and tensile strength were higher (1257.1 ± 70.72 N and 28.3 ± 1.23 MPa) in samples taken parallel to the backbone compared to that taken perpendicular to the backbone (979.5 ±70.72 N and 23.6 ±1.23MPa) across the two genotypes. Non-descript crossbred crust leather varied in physico-mechanical tests by direction of sampling. Collagen fibre orientation in hides and crust samples also varied between longitudinal and cross-sections. Collagen fibre diameters in the Nguni were similar in longitudinal and cross-sections (3.4 ± 0.12 μm and 3.2 ± 0.11 μm, respectively). From this study, it is concluded that THI, hair coat, skin traits and body condition affect skin temperature, but not rectal temperature, cortisol and CK activity in Nguni and NDCC reared extensively. The two genotypes differ in nutritionally-related blood metabolites, growth performance, hide weights and carcass traits. Beef from Nguni and NDCC differs in the IMF and meat lightness but is similar in the meat fatty acid composition and some physico-chemical quality parameters. Automotive crust leathers from the two genotypes were similar in some physico-mechanical properties. Collagen architecture varied among different regions of hides and crust leathers
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Addressing gender-based violence in the age of Aids: rural youth engaging peers through social media
- Authors: Geldenhuys, Martha Maria
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in adolescence -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Attitudes , Violence -- Sex differences , Digital storytelling , Social media -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12469 , vital:27069
- Description: This study responds to the following research question: How might rural school youth engage peers using social media in a participatory cultures framework to contribute to addressing gender-based violence in their community? This question is supported by the following secondary questions: How do rural school youth understand gender-based violence in their community. how might rural school youth use social media within a participatory cultures framework to engage peers in addressing GBV How can rural school youth engage with their peers via social media to facilitate youth agency in a participatory cultures framework This qualitative study is positioned in a critical paradigm and employs a visual participatory research methodology to contribute to addressing gender-based violence in the age of HIV and AIDS. The participants in this study are five learners (3 boys and 2 girls) with five of their peers (3 boys and 2 girls) from a secondary school in rural Vulindlela in KwaZulu-Natal, purposively selected from Grade 9 classes. Digital storytelling was employed as the main visual method of data generation to express the participants’ understanding of, and solutions to, genderbased violence. The stories were used by the participants to engage their peers around the topic via social media and to enable them to reflect on their own agency. The study draws on Jenkins’ theory of participatory cultures as a heoretical framework. Thematic analysis was applied to make meaning of the findings. The findings show that rural school youth understand gender-based violence (GBV) as a complex problem. Youthful learners are able to competently apply social media to address GBV and engage their peers through social media – hifting the power to participate as agents of change.The findings have implications for youth, the school, and the community. The youth are seen as knowledgeable actors who should inform intervention programmes aimed at social change. Social media can offer an engaging environment for peer learning and support. For digital participation, the youth need to acquire digital skills at school which could be integrated throughout the curriculum, drawing on participatory cultures. In the community, youth as knowledge producers are competent in leading, guiding, and instructing community members using social media spaces as more people have access to inexpensive digital technology that allows them to participate in community intervention programmes aimed at social change. I conclude by arguing that youth can express lived realties on GBV and solutions to GBV through visual methods such as digital storytelling. Their engagement on social media such as Facebook can be viewed as intervention by assuming agency through a guided process of solving community problems collaboratively with peers through the process of participatory cultures. This democratic process strengthens agency for community benefit and highlights a new youth and peer culture where youth circulate new and self-made content aimed at social action through their continuous reflection – a shift in power as the voices and actions of youth are acknowledged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Addressing gender-based violence in the age of Aids: rural youth engaging peers through social media
- Authors: Geldenhuys, Martha Maria
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in adolescence -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Attitudes , Violence -- Sex differences , Digital storytelling , Social media -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12469 , vital:27069
- Description: This study responds to the following research question: How might rural school youth engage peers using social media in a participatory cultures framework to contribute to addressing gender-based violence in their community? This question is supported by the following secondary questions: How do rural school youth understand gender-based violence in their community. how might rural school youth use social media within a participatory cultures framework to engage peers in addressing GBV How can rural school youth engage with their peers via social media to facilitate youth agency in a participatory cultures framework This qualitative study is positioned in a critical paradigm and employs a visual participatory research methodology to contribute to addressing gender-based violence in the age of HIV and AIDS. The participants in this study are five learners (3 boys and 2 girls) with five of their peers (3 boys and 2 girls) from a secondary school in rural Vulindlela in KwaZulu-Natal, purposively selected from Grade 9 classes. Digital storytelling was employed as the main visual method of data generation to express the participants’ understanding of, and solutions to, genderbased violence. The stories were used by the participants to engage their peers around the topic via social media and to enable them to reflect on their own agency. The study draws on Jenkins’ theory of participatory cultures as a heoretical framework. Thematic analysis was applied to make meaning of the findings. The findings show that rural school youth understand gender-based violence (GBV) as a complex problem. Youthful learners are able to competently apply social media to address GBV and engage their peers through social media – hifting the power to participate as agents of change.The findings have implications for youth, the school, and the community. The youth are seen as knowledgeable actors who should inform intervention programmes aimed at social change. Social media can offer an engaging environment for peer learning and support. For digital participation, the youth need to acquire digital skills at school which could be integrated throughout the curriculum, drawing on participatory cultures. In the community, youth as knowledge producers are competent in leading, guiding, and instructing community members using social media spaces as more people have access to inexpensive digital technology that allows them to participate in community intervention programmes aimed at social change. I conclude by arguing that youth can express lived realties on GBV and solutions to GBV through visual methods such as digital storytelling. Their engagement on social media such as Facebook can be viewed as intervention by assuming agency through a guided process of solving community problems collaboratively with peers through the process of participatory cultures. This democratic process strengthens agency for community benefit and highlights a new youth and peer culture where youth circulate new and self-made content aimed at social action through their continuous reflection – a shift in power as the voices and actions of youth are acknowledged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Administrative penalties
- Arendse, Jacqueline A, Clegg, David, Williams, Robert C
- Authors: Arendse, Jacqueline A , Clegg, David , Williams, Robert C
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/131225 , vital:36539 , https://store.lexisnexis.co.za/products/silke-on-tax-administration-skuZASKUPG1440
- Description: Provisions dealing with the levying of interest and penalties are contained in the Tax Administration Act and specific provisions also exist in the various tax Acts. Most of the specific penalty provisions in the various tax Acts have been replaced by the general provisions contained in the Tax Administration Act.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Arendse, Jacqueline A , Clegg, David , Williams, Robert C
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/131225 , vital:36539 , https://store.lexisnexis.co.za/products/silke-on-tax-administration-skuZASKUPG1440
- Description: Provisions dealing with the levying of interest and penalties are contained in the Tax Administration Act and specific provisions also exist in the various tax Acts. Most of the specific penalty provisions in the various tax Acts have been replaced by the general provisions contained in the Tax Administration Act.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
Adoption of cloud computing by the South African public sector
- Authors: Govender, Judian
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Information technology -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Cloud computing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6791 , vital:21142
- Description: Technology enables progress for individuals and organisations; however, adopting technology may not always be simple. Cloud computing technology has revolutionised how one consumes IT. Governments too can leverage the advantages of adopting cloud computing. A review of the literature reveals a gap in research on the adoption of cloud computing by the South African public sector. Limited research has been done on the topic of cloud computing and none of them are from a quantitative perspective. This study set out to answer the question, “What is the extent (current state, benefits, barriers and readiness levels) of the adoption of cloud computing by the South Africa public sector?” The study is of much value to the public sector of South Africa and other countries and organisations wanting to understand what to consider when adopting cloud computing. The study used a survey research strategy that was exploratory in nature. The sample comprised government CIO’s and government Senior IT management. Questionnaires were sent via a web link and 51 responses were completed. The results revealed that more than half of the South African public sector has adopted cloud computing; however there is a lack of visibility of government initiatives that promote cloud computing. The study shows that public organisations that have adopted cloud computing significantly perceive more benefits of cloud computing than organisations that are yet to adopt. The Technology Organisation Environment (TOE) framework tested the barriers to adoption, revealing areas of concern that are limiting successful cloud computing adoption and adoption rates. The study uncovers a timeline for further cloud computing adoption in the South African public sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Govender, Judian
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Information technology -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Cloud computing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6791 , vital:21142
- Description: Technology enables progress for individuals and organisations; however, adopting technology may not always be simple. Cloud computing technology has revolutionised how one consumes IT. Governments too can leverage the advantages of adopting cloud computing. A review of the literature reveals a gap in research on the adoption of cloud computing by the South African public sector. Limited research has been done on the topic of cloud computing and none of them are from a quantitative perspective. This study set out to answer the question, “What is the extent (current state, benefits, barriers and readiness levels) of the adoption of cloud computing by the South Africa public sector?” The study is of much value to the public sector of South Africa and other countries and organisations wanting to understand what to consider when adopting cloud computing. The study used a survey research strategy that was exploratory in nature. The sample comprised government CIO’s and government Senior IT management. Questionnaires were sent via a web link and 51 responses were completed. The results revealed that more than half of the South African public sector has adopted cloud computing; however there is a lack of visibility of government initiatives that promote cloud computing. The study shows that public organisations that have adopted cloud computing significantly perceive more benefits of cloud computing than organisations that are yet to adopt. The Technology Organisation Environment (TOE) framework tested the barriers to adoption, revealing areas of concern that are limiting successful cloud computing adoption and adoption rates. The study uncovers a timeline for further cloud computing adoption in the South African public sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Advance rulings
- Arendse, Jacqueline A, Clegg, David, Williams, Robert C
- Authors: Arendse, Jacqueline A , Clegg, David , Williams, Robert C
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/131195 , vital:36535 , https://store.lexisnexis.co.za/products/silke-on-tax-administration-skuZASKUPG1440
- Description: Chapter 7 of the Tax Administration Act, namely ss 75–90, deals with the formal system and process of the advance tax ruling system. It therefore follows that SARS may now issue advance rulings in respect of all tax types and tax Acts administered by the Commissioner. Procedures and guidelines, in the form of ‘binding general rulings’, for implementation and operation of the ‘advance ruling’ system may be issued by the Commissioner to give effect to the advance tax ruling system.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Arendse, Jacqueline A , Clegg, David , Williams, Robert C
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/131195 , vital:36535 , https://store.lexisnexis.co.za/products/silke-on-tax-administration-skuZASKUPG1440
- Description: Chapter 7 of the Tax Administration Act, namely ss 75–90, deals with the formal system and process of the advance tax ruling system. It therefore follows that SARS may now issue advance rulings in respect of all tax types and tax Acts administered by the Commissioner. Procedures and guidelines, in the form of ‘binding general rulings’, for implementation and operation of the ‘advance ruling’ system may be issued by the Commissioner to give effect to the advance tax ruling system.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016