Friction welding of thin walled zircaloy-4 tubes for the nuclear industry
- Authors: Koloi, Nthatisi Dinah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Friction welding Zirconium alloys
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18794 , vital:28724
- Description: This work reports on the process development of solid state welding as an alternative joining process for assembling Zircaloy-4 fuel rod components for the nuclear industry. A typical fuel rod consists of a thin tube that is blocked at both ends by end-caps. The welding of the thin wall tubes onto the end-caps is currently accomplished by employing fusion techniques. Due to limited thin wall Zircaloy-4 tube supplied, preliminary welding was initially performed with thin wall 316L stainless steel tube for the development of a joint geometry and establishment of an experimental welding and testing setup. A suitable joint geometry that would achieve higher static strength equal or above that of the parent material, as well as complete circumferential bonding was investigated through welding a tube on different volume interface geometries of the end-caps. Higher joint efficiency was obtained from a tube-to-tube joint geometry that allowed sufficient frictional heat input at the interface. Consequently, the successful joint geometry was employed to develop a friction welding process for the joining of thin wall Zircaloy-4 tubes. The influential process parameters, axial force, rotational speed and upset distance were varied during the investigation. The completed weld joints were evaluated by visual, metallurgical and mechanical means. Successful welds showed complete circumferential bonding and high joint efficiency that was above the parent plate material as well as parent tube material. The evaluation of the microstructure showed transformation of grain structure on the heat affected zone (HAZ) and friction weld zone when compared to the parent materials. Even though, this work could not resolve inner flash formation, there is enough evidence that friction welding can be used for assembling fuel rod components in the nuclear industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Koloi, Nthatisi Dinah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Friction welding Zirconium alloys
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18794 , vital:28724
- Description: This work reports on the process development of solid state welding as an alternative joining process for assembling Zircaloy-4 fuel rod components for the nuclear industry. A typical fuel rod consists of a thin tube that is blocked at both ends by end-caps. The welding of the thin wall tubes onto the end-caps is currently accomplished by employing fusion techniques. Due to limited thin wall Zircaloy-4 tube supplied, preliminary welding was initially performed with thin wall 316L stainless steel tube for the development of a joint geometry and establishment of an experimental welding and testing setup. A suitable joint geometry that would achieve higher static strength equal or above that of the parent material, as well as complete circumferential bonding was investigated through welding a tube on different volume interface geometries of the end-caps. Higher joint efficiency was obtained from a tube-to-tube joint geometry that allowed sufficient frictional heat input at the interface. Consequently, the successful joint geometry was employed to develop a friction welding process for the joining of thin wall Zircaloy-4 tubes. The influential process parameters, axial force, rotational speed and upset distance were varied during the investigation. The completed weld joints were evaluated by visual, metallurgical and mechanical means. Successful welds showed complete circumferential bonding and high joint efficiency that was above the parent plate material as well as parent tube material. The evaluation of the microstructure showed transformation of grain structure on the heat affected zone (HAZ) and friction weld zone when compared to the parent materials. Even though, this work could not resolve inner flash formation, there is enough evidence that friction welding can be used for assembling fuel rod components in the nuclear industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Improving the supply of subsidised housing in South Africa
- Authors: Bekker, Jakobus Petrus
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Housing -- South Africa Housing subsidies -- South Africa , Low-income housing -- South Africa Public housing -- South Africa Housing development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19553 , vital:28893
- Description: Despite South African citizen’s constitutional right to adequate housing, Government’s housing delivery has been described as a complex, multi-stakeholder, multi-phase problem, exacerbated by political interference and corruption. Housing delivery in South Africa is ideologically and politically designed and executed. However, the government subsidised housing sector remains plagued by: huge and increasing backlogs; corruption; quality concerns, and recipient and stakeholder dissatisfaction. This includes the government subsidised housing construction sector, which faces issues such as: established contractors leaving the sector; late and failed completion; substandard quality; rework; cost overruns; late progress payments; and insolvencies. Moreover, government subsidised housing officials, which forms part of this sector, must contend with abandoned projects and appointing new contractors; shoddy workmanship from sub-standard contractors; remedial work, including demolition and rebuilding; and systemic problems such as staff shortages and under qualified staff. The process of Government’s ideological and political designed and execution may therefore not have considered certain practicalities relative to construction principles and practice. It therefore appears that there may be some relationship between the compatibility of Government’s housing ideological and political designed (policy) and execution and general construction principles and practice. It is clear from the related literature that government subsidised housing construction has mostly been investigated as an exercise observing from the outside in, and not from a construction sector perspective. The main purpose of this study is thus to explore housing policy and practice compatibility as a major obstacle to housing delivery in general and assess whether the current housing policy is sufficiently responsive to the requirements of the government subsidised housing sector by specifically describing and exploring the effects of Government’s housing procurement policies relative to the ability of the construction sector to supply government subsidised housing. More specifically, the study describes and explores corruption, quality; contractors and worker competency, and government capacity as specific consequences of housing policy and practice incompatibility, as well as factors contributing to recipient dissatisfaction and the housing backlog. Finally, based on the finding, a proposed framework for improving the supply of subsidised housing in South Africa has been developed. The methodology for this study adopted a post-positivist philosophy, embracing a quantitative approach using questionnaires, which incorporated mainly five-point Likert type scale, but also multiple-choice questions, as instruments for data collection. Three surveys were conducted, starting with a pilot study and followed by a primary study, during which a total of 2 884 potential participants within the construction sector across South Africa were randomly sampled and solicited to participate, of which 284 responded. The respondents consisted of four groups: general contractors (76); government housing officials (34); built environment professionals (137), and built environment suppliers (37). An electronic questionnaire was sent by email to all potential participants and allowed four weeks to complete the survey. Furthermore, a housing recipient survey was conducted among 100 randomly selected recipients of government subsidised housing in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area, by means of a structured interview using a paper based questionnaire, over a period of two weeks. The primary outcome measures used for this study were the ranked mean scores for mainly descriptive analysis and the Chi-square test, the 𝑡-test, Cohan’s d test, ANOVA and Scheffé test, using Cronbach's alpha as a measure of internal consistency of scale and validity, for inferential analyses and hypotheses testing. Hypothesis testing was founded upon Government’s worldview that its policies will not influence the operations of the construction sector relative to housing construction, and therefore tested respondents’ perspectives with respect to the impact that government policies have in terms of contractor operations and contractor success, as well as its contribution towards the housing backlog, substandard housing, recipient dissatisfaction and corruption. The following results were obtained by means of the hypothesis testing:Government housing procurement policies are inappropriate for application in the government subsidised housing sector. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that government policy and practices do not impact contractor operations and contractor success, and thus the supply of houses; The application of government housing procurement policies leads to inadequate quality. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that government preferential procurement policies do not impact quality; Government’s housing procurement policies inappropriately target emerging contractors. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that Government’s targeting of emerging contractors does not impact housing supply; Government has inadequate capacity to address subsidised housing construction sector requirements in terms of housing projects. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that Government has the capacity to address subsidised housing construction sector requirements in the supply of housing, and Government subsidised houses do not meet recipients’ expectations. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that government subsidised houses do meet recipients’ expectations. It thus became apparent that housing supply is mostly inhibited by Government’s housing procurement policy, contributing to various factors, such as quality capability, contractor capability, systemic and administrative capacity, and resulting in recipient dissatisfaction. Using Pearson’s product moment correlation, a framework model was developed to illustrate the process flow, which revealed definitive statistical and practical relationships between these factors, and indeed reflects complex relationships between factors inhibiting supply and resulting in recipient dissatisfaction. To find an appropriate framework model for the purpose of improving housing supply, various sources were consulted. Based on the research question, together with the aims and objectives for this study, as well as the realisation that the problems associated with housing supply relate to the project management of the construction phase, which requires interventions for improving supply, it was decided that a results framework would be the most appropriate for this purpose. The proposed framework is therefore a graphical depiction of how the research process may be used to identify problems in the government subsidised housing sector, questioning how these may be resolved, setting strategies to improve the situation, evolving hypotheses and testing these hypotheses to establish the critical factors to be considered in the process of resolving the problem in the housing sector, by means of implementation and feedback.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Bekker, Jakobus Petrus
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Housing -- South Africa Housing subsidies -- South Africa , Low-income housing -- South Africa Public housing -- South Africa Housing development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19553 , vital:28893
- Description: Despite South African citizen’s constitutional right to adequate housing, Government’s housing delivery has been described as a complex, multi-stakeholder, multi-phase problem, exacerbated by political interference and corruption. Housing delivery in South Africa is ideologically and politically designed and executed. However, the government subsidised housing sector remains plagued by: huge and increasing backlogs; corruption; quality concerns, and recipient and stakeholder dissatisfaction. This includes the government subsidised housing construction sector, which faces issues such as: established contractors leaving the sector; late and failed completion; substandard quality; rework; cost overruns; late progress payments; and insolvencies. Moreover, government subsidised housing officials, which forms part of this sector, must contend with abandoned projects and appointing new contractors; shoddy workmanship from sub-standard contractors; remedial work, including demolition and rebuilding; and systemic problems such as staff shortages and under qualified staff. The process of Government’s ideological and political designed and execution may therefore not have considered certain practicalities relative to construction principles and practice. It therefore appears that there may be some relationship between the compatibility of Government’s housing ideological and political designed (policy) and execution and general construction principles and practice. It is clear from the related literature that government subsidised housing construction has mostly been investigated as an exercise observing from the outside in, and not from a construction sector perspective. The main purpose of this study is thus to explore housing policy and practice compatibility as a major obstacle to housing delivery in general and assess whether the current housing policy is sufficiently responsive to the requirements of the government subsidised housing sector by specifically describing and exploring the effects of Government’s housing procurement policies relative to the ability of the construction sector to supply government subsidised housing. More specifically, the study describes and explores corruption, quality; contractors and worker competency, and government capacity as specific consequences of housing policy and practice incompatibility, as well as factors contributing to recipient dissatisfaction and the housing backlog. Finally, based on the finding, a proposed framework for improving the supply of subsidised housing in South Africa has been developed. The methodology for this study adopted a post-positivist philosophy, embracing a quantitative approach using questionnaires, which incorporated mainly five-point Likert type scale, but also multiple-choice questions, as instruments for data collection. Three surveys were conducted, starting with a pilot study and followed by a primary study, during which a total of 2 884 potential participants within the construction sector across South Africa were randomly sampled and solicited to participate, of which 284 responded. The respondents consisted of four groups: general contractors (76); government housing officials (34); built environment professionals (137), and built environment suppliers (37). An electronic questionnaire was sent by email to all potential participants and allowed four weeks to complete the survey. Furthermore, a housing recipient survey was conducted among 100 randomly selected recipients of government subsidised housing in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area, by means of a structured interview using a paper based questionnaire, over a period of two weeks. The primary outcome measures used for this study were the ranked mean scores for mainly descriptive analysis and the Chi-square test, the 𝑡-test, Cohan’s d test, ANOVA and Scheffé test, using Cronbach's alpha as a measure of internal consistency of scale and validity, for inferential analyses and hypotheses testing. Hypothesis testing was founded upon Government’s worldview that its policies will not influence the operations of the construction sector relative to housing construction, and therefore tested respondents’ perspectives with respect to the impact that government policies have in terms of contractor operations and contractor success, as well as its contribution towards the housing backlog, substandard housing, recipient dissatisfaction and corruption. The following results were obtained by means of the hypothesis testing:Government housing procurement policies are inappropriate for application in the government subsidised housing sector. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that government policy and practices do not impact contractor operations and contractor success, and thus the supply of houses; The application of government housing procurement policies leads to inadequate quality. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that government preferential procurement policies do not impact quality; Government’s housing procurement policies inappropriately target emerging contractors. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that Government’s targeting of emerging contractors does not impact housing supply; Government has inadequate capacity to address subsidised housing construction sector requirements in terms of housing projects. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that Government has the capacity to address subsidised housing construction sector requirements in the supply of housing, and Government subsidised houses do not meet recipients’ expectations. Respondents therefore disagree with the notion that government subsidised houses do meet recipients’ expectations. It thus became apparent that housing supply is mostly inhibited by Government’s housing procurement policy, contributing to various factors, such as quality capability, contractor capability, systemic and administrative capacity, and resulting in recipient dissatisfaction. Using Pearson’s product moment correlation, a framework model was developed to illustrate the process flow, which revealed definitive statistical and practical relationships between these factors, and indeed reflects complex relationships between factors inhibiting supply and resulting in recipient dissatisfaction. To find an appropriate framework model for the purpose of improving housing supply, various sources were consulted. Based on the research question, together with the aims and objectives for this study, as well as the realisation that the problems associated with housing supply relate to the project management of the construction phase, which requires interventions for improving supply, it was decided that a results framework would be the most appropriate for this purpose. The proposed framework is therefore a graphical depiction of how the research process may be used to identify problems in the government subsidised housing sector, questioning how these may be resolved, setting strategies to improve the situation, evolving hypotheses and testing these hypotheses to establish the critical factors to be considered in the process of resolving the problem in the housing sector, by means of implementation and feedback.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A framework for m-voting implementation in South Africa
- Authors: Mpekoa, Noluntu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Electronic voting -- South Africa Voting -- Technological innovations , Voting-machines -- South Africa -- Reliability Elections -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19662 , vital:28927
- Description: Voting enables certain formal decisions to be made through the participation of a given population; and it is the vital part of a democratic process. The method of voting used in South Africa (SA) today is derived from the Australian ballot system. This paper-based voting system, however, is slow, convoluted and inaccurate because of human errors; it is costly and largely inefficient. In the early 1900s, election officials overwhelmingly decided to use electronic voting (E-voting) systems to solve some of the problematic issues of paper-based voting systems. Mobile voting (M-voting) is a subset of E-voting; and it allows citizens to use their mobile phones to cast their votes. Very few countries have endeavoured to implement M-voting, in order to improve mobility and simplify the election procedures. Despite several M-voting initiatives reported worldwide; insufficient attention has been devoted to understanding the factors that influence the success or failure of M-voting implementation. It is also important to note that the implementation of M-voting may be very difficult; if the different modalities that aid successful M-voting implementation are not in place. This study seeks to develop a framework that has the potential to enable the successful implementation of M-voting in SA. The proposed framework is an IT artefact that endeavors to improve human experiences for voting. This study followed a Design-Science approach; and it made use of a case study to collect the data via a literature review, observations, questionnaires, focus groups and expert reviews. The study revealed that there is no institutional, legal and regulatory framework for the proliferation of M-voting in SA. Successful M-voting implementation depends on a compendium of factors, which may be unique in the local context where it is implemented. The framework that resulted from the above was assessed for validity and applicability; after which a modified framework was presented. The research concludes with specific implementation guidelines, as well as areas for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mpekoa, Noluntu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Electronic voting -- South Africa Voting -- Technological innovations , Voting-machines -- South Africa -- Reliability Elections -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19662 , vital:28927
- Description: Voting enables certain formal decisions to be made through the participation of a given population; and it is the vital part of a democratic process. The method of voting used in South Africa (SA) today is derived from the Australian ballot system. This paper-based voting system, however, is slow, convoluted and inaccurate because of human errors; it is costly and largely inefficient. In the early 1900s, election officials overwhelmingly decided to use electronic voting (E-voting) systems to solve some of the problematic issues of paper-based voting systems. Mobile voting (M-voting) is a subset of E-voting; and it allows citizens to use their mobile phones to cast their votes. Very few countries have endeavoured to implement M-voting, in order to improve mobility and simplify the election procedures. Despite several M-voting initiatives reported worldwide; insufficient attention has been devoted to understanding the factors that influence the success or failure of M-voting implementation. It is also important to note that the implementation of M-voting may be very difficult; if the different modalities that aid successful M-voting implementation are not in place. This study seeks to develop a framework that has the potential to enable the successful implementation of M-voting in SA. The proposed framework is an IT artefact that endeavors to improve human experiences for voting. This study followed a Design-Science approach; and it made use of a case study to collect the data via a literature review, observations, questionnaires, focus groups and expert reviews. The study revealed that there is no institutional, legal and regulatory framework for the proliferation of M-voting in SA. Successful M-voting implementation depends on a compendium of factors, which may be unique in the local context where it is implemented. The framework that resulted from the above was assessed for validity and applicability; after which a modified framework was presented. The research concludes with specific implementation guidelines, as well as areas for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Modelling the effect of graphitization on the fracture toughness (JIC) of service exposed ASTM A-515 Gr. 65 material by the small punch test method
- Authors: Grewar, Stephen James
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Graphitization Fracture mechanics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18849 , vital:28737
- Description: Small Punch Testing is a recent testing methodology with numerous favourable applications in engineering assessments. The advantages of this small specimen method are utilised to derive fracture toughness measurements on service exposed and graphitized steel designated ASTM A-515 Gr. 65. The EPRI-FAA “innovative method”, involving finite element analysis, is applied to obtain fracture toughness estimates and investigate the effect of localised graphitization on localised fracture toughness. The method is described in a stepwise manner and validated favourably against standard fracture toughness testing methods as well as the work of forerunners in this field. Analysis of twenty tested small punch disk specimens extracted from a service exposed welded pipe coupon showed that toughness decreases logarithmically with increased graphitization volumetric percentages in the small samples. Therefore graphitization is found to have a significant influence on local fracture toughness (JIC) of ASTM A-515 Gr. 65 steel under room temperature conditions. The possibility of documenting the effect of microstructural changes on other static properties such as yield strength and strain hardening exists provided that analysis of each disk specimen is performed prior to punch testing. A relationship between percentage graphitization and material toughness has been proposed for ASTM A-515 Gr. 65 at room temperature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Grewar, Stephen James
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Graphitization Fracture mechanics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18849 , vital:28737
- Description: Small Punch Testing is a recent testing methodology with numerous favourable applications in engineering assessments. The advantages of this small specimen method are utilised to derive fracture toughness measurements on service exposed and graphitized steel designated ASTM A-515 Gr. 65. The EPRI-FAA “innovative method”, involving finite element analysis, is applied to obtain fracture toughness estimates and investigate the effect of localised graphitization on localised fracture toughness. The method is described in a stepwise manner and validated favourably against standard fracture toughness testing methods as well as the work of forerunners in this field. Analysis of twenty tested small punch disk specimens extracted from a service exposed welded pipe coupon showed that toughness decreases logarithmically with increased graphitization volumetric percentages in the small samples. Therefore graphitization is found to have a significant influence on local fracture toughness (JIC) of ASTM A-515 Gr. 65 steel under room temperature conditions. The possibility of documenting the effect of microstructural changes on other static properties such as yield strength and strain hardening exists provided that analysis of each disk specimen is performed prior to punch testing. A relationship between percentage graphitization and material toughness has been proposed for ASTM A-515 Gr. 65 at room temperature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Guidelines for secure cloud-based personal health records
- Authors: Mxoli, Ncedisa Avuya Mercia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cloud computing -- Security measures , Computer security Data mining Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14134 , vital:27433
- Description: Traditionally, health records have been stored in paper folders at the physician’s consulting rooms – or at the patient’s home. Some people stored the health records of their family members, so as to keep a running history of all the medical procedures they went through, and what medications they were given by different physicians at different stages of their lives. Technology has introduced better and safer ways of storing these records, namely, through the use of Personal Health Records (PHRs). With time, different types of PHRs have emerged, i.e. local, remote server-based, and hybrid PHRs. Web-based PHRs fall under the remote server-based PHRs; and recently, a new market in storing PHRs has emerged. Cloud computing has become a trend in storing PHRs in a more accessible and efficient manner. Despite its many benefits, cloud computing has many privacy and security concerns. As a result, the adoption rate of cloud services is not yet very high. A qualitative and exploratory research design approach was followed in this study, in order to reach the objective of proposing guidelines that could assist PHR providers in selecting a secure Cloud Service Provider (CSP) to store their customers’ health data. The research methods that were used include a literature review, systematic literature review, qualitative content analysis, reasoning, argumentation and elite interviews. A systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis were conducted to examine those risks in the cloud environment that could have a negative impact on the secure storing of PHRs. PHRs must satisfy certain dimensions, in order for them to be meaningful for use. While these were highlighted in the research, it also emerged that certain risks affect the PHR dimensions directly, thus threatening the meaningfulness and usability of cloud-based PHRs. The literature review revealed that specific control measures can be adopted to mitigate the identified risks. These control measures form part of the material used in this study to identify the guidelines for secure cloud-based PHRs. The guidelines were formulated through the use of reasoning and argumentation. After the guidelines were formulated, elite interviews were conducted, in order to validate and finalize the main research output: i.e. guidelines. The results of this study may alert PHR providers to the risks that exist in the cloud environment; so that they can make informed decisions when choosing a CSP for storing their customers’ health data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mxoli, Ncedisa Avuya Mercia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cloud computing -- Security measures , Computer security Data mining Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14134 , vital:27433
- Description: Traditionally, health records have been stored in paper folders at the physician’s consulting rooms – or at the patient’s home. Some people stored the health records of their family members, so as to keep a running history of all the medical procedures they went through, and what medications they were given by different physicians at different stages of their lives. Technology has introduced better and safer ways of storing these records, namely, through the use of Personal Health Records (PHRs). With time, different types of PHRs have emerged, i.e. local, remote server-based, and hybrid PHRs. Web-based PHRs fall under the remote server-based PHRs; and recently, a new market in storing PHRs has emerged. Cloud computing has become a trend in storing PHRs in a more accessible and efficient manner. Despite its many benefits, cloud computing has many privacy and security concerns. As a result, the adoption rate of cloud services is not yet very high. A qualitative and exploratory research design approach was followed in this study, in order to reach the objective of proposing guidelines that could assist PHR providers in selecting a secure Cloud Service Provider (CSP) to store their customers’ health data. The research methods that were used include a literature review, systematic literature review, qualitative content analysis, reasoning, argumentation and elite interviews. A systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis were conducted to examine those risks in the cloud environment that could have a negative impact on the secure storing of PHRs. PHRs must satisfy certain dimensions, in order for them to be meaningful for use. While these were highlighted in the research, it also emerged that certain risks affect the PHR dimensions directly, thus threatening the meaningfulness and usability of cloud-based PHRs. The literature review revealed that specific control measures can be adopted to mitigate the identified risks. These control measures form part of the material used in this study to identify the guidelines for secure cloud-based PHRs. The guidelines were formulated through the use of reasoning and argumentation. After the guidelines were formulated, elite interviews were conducted, in order to validate and finalize the main research output: i.e. guidelines. The results of this study may alert PHR providers to the risks that exist in the cloud environment; so that they can make informed decisions when choosing a CSP for storing their customers’ health data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Strain behaviour of an eco-car wheel rim designed through topology and composite layup optimization
- Authors: Badenhorst, Martin Wessel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Wheels -- Design and construction Mechanical engineering
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/16066 , vital:28317
- Description: This research aimed to reduce the mass of a purpose built eco-car wheel through the sequential use of structural topology and composites optimization software packages while investigating the changes in mass and strain behaviour resulting from altering component geometry, lamina shape, and stacking sequence. The strain behaviour of a commercially available wheel constructed using pre-tensioned steel spokes was established through the comparison of measured physical and FEA strains resulting from applied pressure, radial, lateral, torsional, and combined loads. Structural topology optimization software was then utilized to produce 48 different wheel geometries corresponding to a combined loading scenario consisting of pressure, radial, and lateral loads. The variables controlled during this process included the objective optimization function, safety factor, target design volume, split-draw constraint, and degrees of cyclic symmetry. The optimum geometry was determined by means of evaluating specific stiffness and potential towards being manufactured as a composite component. Three composite wheel FEA base models, with uni-directional laminae stacked at different fibre orientation intervals, were created according to this geometry and lightened by means of composite free size optimization. Composite sizing and shuffling optimizations were then utilized to further enhance the mass and strain characteristics of the lightest of these three solutions Two composite wheels were manufactured according to the wheel geometry, lamina shapes, and stacking sequences determined by means of structural topology and composites ptimizations. The physical mass and strain behaviour of these wheels were measured and compared to those corresponding to the optimized FEA model, as well as the commercially available wheel. This comparison showed that structural topology and composites optimization software packages can be sequentially utilized to produce an adequately stiff composite wheel of lower mass than a commercially available wheel constructed using pre-tensioned steel spokes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Badenhorst, Martin Wessel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Wheels -- Design and construction Mechanical engineering
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/16066 , vital:28317
- Description: This research aimed to reduce the mass of a purpose built eco-car wheel through the sequential use of structural topology and composites optimization software packages while investigating the changes in mass and strain behaviour resulting from altering component geometry, lamina shape, and stacking sequence. The strain behaviour of a commercially available wheel constructed using pre-tensioned steel spokes was established through the comparison of measured physical and FEA strains resulting from applied pressure, radial, lateral, torsional, and combined loads. Structural topology optimization software was then utilized to produce 48 different wheel geometries corresponding to a combined loading scenario consisting of pressure, radial, and lateral loads. The variables controlled during this process included the objective optimization function, safety factor, target design volume, split-draw constraint, and degrees of cyclic symmetry. The optimum geometry was determined by means of evaluating specific stiffness and potential towards being manufactured as a composite component. Three composite wheel FEA base models, with uni-directional laminae stacked at different fibre orientation intervals, were created according to this geometry and lightened by means of composite free size optimization. Composite sizing and shuffling optimizations were then utilized to further enhance the mass and strain characteristics of the lightest of these three solutions Two composite wheels were manufactured according to the wheel geometry, lamina shapes, and stacking sequences determined by means of structural topology and composites ptimizations. The physical mass and strain behaviour of these wheels were measured and compared to those corresponding to the optimized FEA model, as well as the commercially available wheel. This comparison showed that structural topology and composites optimization software packages can be sequentially utilized to produce an adequately stiff composite wheel of lower mass than a commercially available wheel constructed using pre-tensioned steel spokes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The development of a good governed costing management model for Mandela Bay Development Agency projects within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal boundaries
- Authors: Martin, Monica
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Activity-based costing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cost accounting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18584 , vital:28684
- Description: The purpose of this single case study was to investigate the variables that determine the perceived success of the costing management of Mandela Bay Development Agency Projects (MBDA). Eleven propositions namely Strategic Planning, Stakeholders, Procurement Processes, Contracts, Design Management, Implementation Management, Internal Regulatory Structures, Outside Advice, Human Behaviour, Risk Management and Governance Structure, were identified that could influence costing management of MBDA projects. By using qualitative research methods, the MBDA was compared with three other agencies with similar mandates, by means of four semi-structured interviews, in order to identify similarities and differences between the organisations in terms of costing management. The results of nine in-depth interviews with MBDA project role players, with open ended questions about the participants’ views on the factors that influence costing management, were used to discover themes that were overlooked in the proposed model of perceived success of costing management of MBDA projects. Most of the propositions as per the proposed model for the perceived success of costing management of MBDA projects were confirmed to have a positive relationship to the costing management of MBDA projects. The model was revised after the results were presented to include two ante-ceding variables that were overlooked in the literature review, but emerged from the data namely Funding Model and Compliance to Legislation. The identification of the additional variables namely Team Dynamics (replacing Human Behaviour) and Planning Model are important aspects to be considered in relation to the costing management of MBDA projects. With the focus on good governance and the MBDA’s good record of clean and unqualified audits, it is to be noted that the performance of government projects is usually measured against progress and expenditure and not necessarily against the value for money and the quality of the completed project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Martin, Monica
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Activity-based costing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cost accounting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18584 , vital:28684
- Description: The purpose of this single case study was to investigate the variables that determine the perceived success of the costing management of Mandela Bay Development Agency Projects (MBDA). Eleven propositions namely Strategic Planning, Stakeholders, Procurement Processes, Contracts, Design Management, Implementation Management, Internal Regulatory Structures, Outside Advice, Human Behaviour, Risk Management and Governance Structure, were identified that could influence costing management of MBDA projects. By using qualitative research methods, the MBDA was compared with three other agencies with similar mandates, by means of four semi-structured interviews, in order to identify similarities and differences between the organisations in terms of costing management. The results of nine in-depth interviews with MBDA project role players, with open ended questions about the participants’ views on the factors that influence costing management, were used to discover themes that were overlooked in the proposed model of perceived success of costing management of MBDA projects. Most of the propositions as per the proposed model for the perceived success of costing management of MBDA projects were confirmed to have a positive relationship to the costing management of MBDA projects. The model was revised after the results were presented to include two ante-ceding variables that were overlooked in the literature review, but emerged from the data namely Funding Model and Compliance to Legislation. The identification of the additional variables namely Team Dynamics (replacing Human Behaviour) and Planning Model are important aspects to be considered in relation to the costing management of MBDA projects. With the focus on good governance and the MBDA’s good record of clean and unqualified audits, it is to be noted that the performance of government projects is usually measured against progress and expenditure and not necessarily against the value for money and the quality of the completed project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The risk of borrowed capital for commercial, industrial and residential property developments
- Authors: Loock, Morne
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Commercial buildings -- Finance Industrial sites -- Finance , Real estate developers -- South Africa Financial institutions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18288 , vital:28615
- Description: Most property development firms who invest in property will need to raise some extra financial support. Unforeseen or unexpected expenses can arise at any point in time during the development process. Calculated decisions should be taken with regards to the financial circumstances for any property development project. Decisions should be taken not only for the present but for the future as well. It is therefore important to understand the market and the current economic conditions before applying for capital to fund a property development project. There several types of finance available to fund property development, these include long term borrowing, short term borrowing, construction loans property development investment trust, second mortgages. There is risk to all of the aforementioned finance available.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Loock, Morne
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Commercial buildings -- Finance Industrial sites -- Finance , Real estate developers -- South Africa Financial institutions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18288 , vital:28615
- Description: Most property development firms who invest in property will need to raise some extra financial support. Unforeseen or unexpected expenses can arise at any point in time during the development process. Calculated decisions should be taken with regards to the financial circumstances for any property development project. Decisions should be taken not only for the present but for the future as well. It is therefore important to understand the market and the current economic conditions before applying for capital to fund a property development project. There several types of finance available to fund property development, these include long term borrowing, short term borrowing, construction loans property development investment trust, second mortgages. There is risk to all of the aforementioned finance available.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Performance of project management units (PMUS): the case of Sarah Baartman District Municipality
- Authors: Monare, Thabang
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Evaluation , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management Construction industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19081 , vital:28771
- Description: The Municipal Infrastructure Grant programme (MIG) is South Africa’s largest local government infrastructure development funding. Designed to improve service delivery through financing the cost of eradicating basic services backlogs created by Apartheid’s legacy of ‘separate development’, MIG is also intended to be part of government’s overall strategy to eliminate the ‘triple challenge’ of poverty, unemployment and growing inequality. Through government’s active policy which sought to transform and enhance the municipal infrastructure service delivery capacity, effective project management was identified as an integral function of municipalities with a developmental role in terms of the Constitutional mandate. This led to the establishment of Project Management Units (PMUs) tasked with administering the MIG funds and managing the infrastructure projects effectively. Whilst MIG’s overall key principles were clearly defined in the MIG policy framework, the attainment of project success has proved elusive for most municipalities and this manifestation has only been partially examined. The purpose of this study is to explore factors affecting project success with the establishment of PMUs in Sarah Baartman District Municipality (SBDM) in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa, with the aim of contributing to the refinement of best-practice for project implementation. A multiple case study approach was preferred, preceded by an extensive review of relevant literature on the basic tenets of project success. This exercise culminated in the refinement of research questions which were then posed in interviews to a purposive sample of PMU managers within SBDM. The findings from the study revealed the centrality of the dominant features required to influence the probability of positive outcomes such as institutional capacity, organisational culture and infrastructure governance. The research concludes by proposing ways of improving on these three components in the delivery of municipal infrastructure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Monare, Thabang
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Evaluation , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management Construction industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19081 , vital:28771
- Description: The Municipal Infrastructure Grant programme (MIG) is South Africa’s largest local government infrastructure development funding. Designed to improve service delivery through financing the cost of eradicating basic services backlogs created by Apartheid’s legacy of ‘separate development’, MIG is also intended to be part of government’s overall strategy to eliminate the ‘triple challenge’ of poverty, unemployment and growing inequality. Through government’s active policy which sought to transform and enhance the municipal infrastructure service delivery capacity, effective project management was identified as an integral function of municipalities with a developmental role in terms of the Constitutional mandate. This led to the establishment of Project Management Units (PMUs) tasked with administering the MIG funds and managing the infrastructure projects effectively. Whilst MIG’s overall key principles were clearly defined in the MIG policy framework, the attainment of project success has proved elusive for most municipalities and this manifestation has only been partially examined. The purpose of this study is to explore factors affecting project success with the establishment of PMUs in Sarah Baartman District Municipality (SBDM) in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa, with the aim of contributing to the refinement of best-practice for project implementation. A multiple case study approach was preferred, preceded by an extensive review of relevant literature on the basic tenets of project success. This exercise culminated in the refinement of research questions which were then posed in interviews to a purposive sample of PMU managers within SBDM. The findings from the study revealed the centrality of the dominant features required to influence the probability of positive outcomes such as institutional capacity, organisational culture and infrastructure governance. The research concludes by proposing ways of improving on these three components in the delivery of municipal infrastructure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Towards a framework for the integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula
- Gomana, Lindokuhle Gcina, Thomson, Kerry-Lynn
- Authors: Gomana, Lindokuhle Gcina , Thomson, Kerry-Lynn
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology -- Study and teaching , Computer security -- Study and teaching Educational technology Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13691 , vital:27296
- Description: Information is an important and valuable asset, in both our everyday lives and in various organisations. Information is subject to numerous threats, these can originate internally or externally to the organisation and could be accidental, intentional or caused by natural disasters. As an important organisational asset, information should be appropriately protected from threats and threat agents regardless of their origin. Organisational employees are, however, often cited as the “weakest link” in the attempt to protect organisational information systems and related information assets. Additionally to this, employees are one of the biggest and closest threat-agents to an organisation’s information systems and its security. Upon graduating, computing (Computer Science, Information Systems and Information Technology) graduates typically become organisational employees. Within organisations, computing graduates often take on roles and responsibilities that involve designing, developing, implementing, upgrading and maintaining the information systems that store, process and transmit organisational information assets. It is, therefore, important that these computing graduates possess the necessary information security skills, knowledge and understanding that could enable them to perform their roles and responsibilities in a secure manner. These information security skills, knowledge and understanding can be acquired through information security education obtained through a qualification that is offered at a higher education institution. At many higher education institutions where information security is taught, it is taught as a single, isolated module at the fourth year level of study. The problem with this is that some computing students do not advance to this level and many of those that do, do not elect information security as a module. This means that these students may graduate and be employed by organisations lacking the necessary information security skills, knowledge and understanding to perform their roles and responsibilities securely. Consequently, this could increase the number of employees who are the “weakest link” in securing organisational information systems and related information assets. The ACM, as a key role player that provides educational guidelines for the development of computing curricula, recommends that information security should be pervasively integrated into computing curricula. However, these guidelines and recommendations do not provide sufficient guidance on “how” computing educators can pervasively integrate information security into their modules. Therefore, the problem identified by this research is that “currently, no generally used framework exists to aid the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula”. The primary research objective of this study, therefore, is to develop a framework to aid the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula. In order to meet this objective, secondary objectives were met, namely: To develop an understanding of the importance of information security; to determine the importance of information security education as it relates to undergraduate computing curricula; and to determine computing educators’ perspectives on information security education in a South African context. Various research methods were used to achieve this study’s research objectives. These research methods included a literature review which was used to define and provide an in-depth discussion relating to the domain in which this study is contained, namely: information security and information security education. Furthermore, a survey which took the form of semi-structured interviews supported by a questionnaire, was used to elicit computing educators’ perspectives on information security education in a South African context. Argumentation was used to argue towards the proposed framework to aid the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula. In addition, modelling techniques were used to model the proposed framework and scenarios were used to demonstrate how a computing department could implement the proposed framework. Finally, elite interviews supported by a questionnaire were conducted to validate the proposed framework. It is envisaged that the proposed framework could assist computing departments and undergraduate computing educators in the integration of information security into their curricula. Furthermore, the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula could ensure that computing graduates exit higher education institutions possessing the necessary information security skills, knowledge and understanding to enable them to perform their roles and responsibilities securely. It is hoped that this could enable computing graduates to become a stronger link in securing organisational information systems and related assets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gomana, Lindokuhle Gcina , Thomson, Kerry-Lynn
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology -- Study and teaching , Computer security -- Study and teaching Educational technology Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13691 , vital:27296
- Description: Information is an important and valuable asset, in both our everyday lives and in various organisations. Information is subject to numerous threats, these can originate internally or externally to the organisation and could be accidental, intentional or caused by natural disasters. As an important organisational asset, information should be appropriately protected from threats and threat agents regardless of their origin. Organisational employees are, however, often cited as the “weakest link” in the attempt to protect organisational information systems and related information assets. Additionally to this, employees are one of the biggest and closest threat-agents to an organisation’s information systems and its security. Upon graduating, computing (Computer Science, Information Systems and Information Technology) graduates typically become organisational employees. Within organisations, computing graduates often take on roles and responsibilities that involve designing, developing, implementing, upgrading and maintaining the information systems that store, process and transmit organisational information assets. It is, therefore, important that these computing graduates possess the necessary information security skills, knowledge and understanding that could enable them to perform their roles and responsibilities in a secure manner. These information security skills, knowledge and understanding can be acquired through information security education obtained through a qualification that is offered at a higher education institution. At many higher education institutions where information security is taught, it is taught as a single, isolated module at the fourth year level of study. The problem with this is that some computing students do not advance to this level and many of those that do, do not elect information security as a module. This means that these students may graduate and be employed by organisations lacking the necessary information security skills, knowledge and understanding to perform their roles and responsibilities securely. Consequently, this could increase the number of employees who are the “weakest link” in securing organisational information systems and related information assets. The ACM, as a key role player that provides educational guidelines for the development of computing curricula, recommends that information security should be pervasively integrated into computing curricula. However, these guidelines and recommendations do not provide sufficient guidance on “how” computing educators can pervasively integrate information security into their modules. Therefore, the problem identified by this research is that “currently, no generally used framework exists to aid the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula”. The primary research objective of this study, therefore, is to develop a framework to aid the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula. In order to meet this objective, secondary objectives were met, namely: To develop an understanding of the importance of information security; to determine the importance of information security education as it relates to undergraduate computing curricula; and to determine computing educators’ perspectives on information security education in a South African context. Various research methods were used to achieve this study’s research objectives. These research methods included a literature review which was used to define and provide an in-depth discussion relating to the domain in which this study is contained, namely: information security and information security education. Furthermore, a survey which took the form of semi-structured interviews supported by a questionnaire, was used to elicit computing educators’ perspectives on information security education in a South African context. Argumentation was used to argue towards the proposed framework to aid the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula. In addition, modelling techniques were used to model the proposed framework and scenarios were used to demonstrate how a computing department could implement the proposed framework. Finally, elite interviews supported by a questionnaire were conducted to validate the proposed framework. It is envisaged that the proposed framework could assist computing departments and undergraduate computing educators in the integration of information security into their curricula. Furthermore, the pervasive integration of information security into undergraduate computing curricula could ensure that computing graduates exit higher education institutions possessing the necessary information security skills, knowledge and understanding to enable them to perform their roles and responsibilities securely. It is hoped that this could enable computing graduates to become a stronger link in securing organisational information systems and related assets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Performance and throughput rates of quantity surveying students: a cohort analysis
- Authors: Dent, Sharon Peta
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cohort analysis Quantity surveying
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17581 , vital:28382
- Description: Performance and throughput rates at South African tertiary institutions are low, especially within the science, engineering and technology fields of study. The causes of this poor performance and throughput are difficult to predict, and incorrect assumptions are often made on which students are most likely to fail. The need to investigate this issue is vital in South Africa, where the contributing factors to poor performance and throughput are exacerbated by recent political and economic disparities in the diverse population. In order to better understand the issue within the built environment sector, this study evaluated the performance and throughput rates of fifteen first-year cohorts within the Department of Quantity Surveying at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The main aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the student population within the department, and to develop a framework for the future prediction of a student’s likelihood of success or failure. In order to achieve this objective, a retrospective longitudinal approach, i.e. a cohort study, was adopted. The study plotted the trends in performance and throughput rates over a period of time; it measured the strength of the relationships between several variables and performance and throughput; and it culminated in the establishment of predictors of performance and throughput rates. Ultimately, the prediction variables could be utilised in the development of influence diagrams as prediction frameworks. The research revealed that the performance and throughput rates of students in the department are improving. This highlights the importance of undertaking a narrow, departmental level analysis; as the findings in this smaller sphere do not match the general theory and assumptions covered in the literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Dent, Sharon Peta
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cohort analysis Quantity surveying
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17581 , vital:28382
- Description: Performance and throughput rates at South African tertiary institutions are low, especially within the science, engineering and technology fields of study. The causes of this poor performance and throughput are difficult to predict, and incorrect assumptions are often made on which students are most likely to fail. The need to investigate this issue is vital in South Africa, where the contributing factors to poor performance and throughput are exacerbated by recent political and economic disparities in the diverse population. In order to better understand the issue within the built environment sector, this study evaluated the performance and throughput rates of fifteen first-year cohorts within the Department of Quantity Surveying at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The main aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the student population within the department, and to develop a framework for the future prediction of a student’s likelihood of success or failure. In order to achieve this objective, a retrospective longitudinal approach, i.e. a cohort study, was adopted. The study plotted the trends in performance and throughput rates over a period of time; it measured the strength of the relationships between several variables and performance and throughput; and it culminated in the establishment of predictors of performance and throughput rates. Ultimately, the prediction variables could be utilised in the development of influence diagrams as prediction frameworks. The research revealed that the performance and throughput rates of students in the department are improving. This highlights the importance of undertaking a narrow, departmental level analysis; as the findings in this smaller sphere do not match the general theory and assumptions covered in the literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A scenario-based ICT risk assessment approach in local government
- Authors: Mcube, Unathi Unity
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Internet in public administration -- South Africa , Electronic commerce -- Government policy Municipal services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7598 , vital:21942
- Description: Information Communication Technology (ICT) has become an integral part of conducting business within enterprises including the local government. Local government relies on the use of ICT to ensure that its objectives and goals are accomplished. The effective use of ICT within the context of local government is fundamental for the support, sustainability and growth of municipalities. Benefits associated with the effective use of ICT in local government include but are not limited to accelerated service delivery, efficiency and accountability. While these benefits cannot be disputed, it is important to realise that the use of ICT presents potential risks. Thus, good governance of ICT should be addressed in local government. However, in recent years, the Auditor-General of South Africa (AG) has identified lack of good governance of ICT in local government. Various issues have been identified as emanating from the lack of good governance of ICT and lack of adequate ICT risk assessment is a case in point. In an attempt to address the good governance of ICT local government, various documents have been formulated. However, none of these address how effective management of ICT risks can be achieved. As such, local government lacks the means to effectively address the management of ICT risk which is core to the good governance of ICT. Local government still requires urgent intervention with regard to addressing the activities of managing ICT risks, particularly ICT risk assessment. Moreover, it was revealed that the lack of adequate ICT skills and financial resources in local government elevates this problem. The above-mentioned problem is what has motivated this research study. This dissertation aims to produce an artefact in the form of an approach for ICT risk assessment in local government. It is believed that a customised approach to ICT risk assessment in local government will contribute towards solving the identified problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mcube, Unathi Unity
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Internet in public administration -- South Africa , Electronic commerce -- Government policy Municipal services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7598 , vital:21942
- Description: Information Communication Technology (ICT) has become an integral part of conducting business within enterprises including the local government. Local government relies on the use of ICT to ensure that its objectives and goals are accomplished. The effective use of ICT within the context of local government is fundamental for the support, sustainability and growth of municipalities. Benefits associated with the effective use of ICT in local government include but are not limited to accelerated service delivery, efficiency and accountability. While these benefits cannot be disputed, it is important to realise that the use of ICT presents potential risks. Thus, good governance of ICT should be addressed in local government. However, in recent years, the Auditor-General of South Africa (AG) has identified lack of good governance of ICT in local government. Various issues have been identified as emanating from the lack of good governance of ICT and lack of adequate ICT risk assessment is a case in point. In an attempt to address the good governance of ICT local government, various documents have been formulated. However, none of these address how effective management of ICT risks can be achieved. As such, local government lacks the means to effectively address the management of ICT risk which is core to the good governance of ICT. Local government still requires urgent intervention with regard to addressing the activities of managing ICT risks, particularly ICT risk assessment. Moreover, it was revealed that the lack of adequate ICT skills and financial resources in local government elevates this problem. The above-mentioned problem is what has motivated this research study. This dissertation aims to produce an artefact in the form of an approach for ICT risk assessment in local government. It is believed that a customised approach to ICT risk assessment in local government will contribute towards solving the identified problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Social networking services in support of patient centred care: a South African perspective
- Mentoor, Allisson Catherine Ebony
- Authors: Mentoor, Allisson Catherine Ebony
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Online social networks -- Research -- South Africa , Medical care -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Patient-centered health care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7334 , vital:21321
- Description: In an effort to improve the South African healthcare system, the Department of Health in South Africa is investing in National Health Insurance to support and deliver access to quality healthcare services within affordable boundaries. Enhanced delivery and quality of care to patients is supplemented through an increased emphasis on the adoption of eHealth technologies and systems. Within the context of efforts to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare services, there is also increasing awareness of the need to adopt a patient centred care approach as a means of caring for the patient, rather than only caring for the disease. Patient centred care emphasises the need for patients to be actively involved in the decision making process with regards to their needs and treatment. Social networking is viewed as a useful tool to support patient centred care and to improve on healthcare delivery. The use of social networking services beyond the healthcare context has increased exponentially. This has lead to increased interest in the application of social networking in healthcare. This leads to the problem statement of this research, which is the proliferation of social networking services and the lack of understanding of the prospect of social networking services for patient centred care in South Africa. In order to address this problem, the research investigates three areas of focus, namely patient centred care, the South African healthcare sector and social networking services. This generates an understanding of the meaning of patient centred care in general, and also in this study; the status quo in South African healthcare and the incorporation of patient centred care within selected strategic healthcare directives; social networking services in general as well as its application in healthcare; and the factors affecting the use of social networking services for patient centred care in the South African healthcare context. The factors are analysed to explore the prospects of social networking services for patient centred care in South African healthcare. The outcome of this analysis represents a useful input for healthcare providers and administrators in government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mentoor, Allisson Catherine Ebony
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Online social networks -- Research -- South Africa , Medical care -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Patient-centered health care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7334 , vital:21321
- Description: In an effort to improve the South African healthcare system, the Department of Health in South Africa is investing in National Health Insurance to support and deliver access to quality healthcare services within affordable boundaries. Enhanced delivery and quality of care to patients is supplemented through an increased emphasis on the adoption of eHealth technologies and systems. Within the context of efforts to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare services, there is also increasing awareness of the need to adopt a patient centred care approach as a means of caring for the patient, rather than only caring for the disease. Patient centred care emphasises the need for patients to be actively involved in the decision making process with regards to their needs and treatment. Social networking is viewed as a useful tool to support patient centred care and to improve on healthcare delivery. The use of social networking services beyond the healthcare context has increased exponentially. This has lead to increased interest in the application of social networking in healthcare. This leads to the problem statement of this research, which is the proliferation of social networking services and the lack of understanding of the prospect of social networking services for patient centred care in South Africa. In order to address this problem, the research investigates three areas of focus, namely patient centred care, the South African healthcare sector and social networking services. This generates an understanding of the meaning of patient centred care in general, and also in this study; the status quo in South African healthcare and the incorporation of patient centred care within selected strategic healthcare directives; social networking services in general as well as its application in healthcare; and the factors affecting the use of social networking services for patient centred care in the South African healthcare context. The factors are analysed to explore the prospects of social networking services for patient centred care in South African healthcare. The outcome of this analysis represents a useful input for healthcare providers and administrators in government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
ICT readiness for business continuity in local government
- Authors: Koen, Ruan
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Internet in public administration -- South Africa , Electronic commerce -- Government policy , Municipal services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7025 , vital:21192
- Description: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has evolved into a pervasive commodity in modern enterprises. ICT enables enterprises, regardless of sector, to achieve their strategic objectives. Similarly, ICT is regarded as a critical enabler in South African municipalities to reach their objectives and ultimately deliver sustainable services to their communities. This dependence on ICT, therefore, necessitates a resilient ICT environment where minimal disruption to ICT is a primary goal. Unfortunately, as reported by the Auditor-General of South Africa, the majority of South African municipalities are neglecting to address the continuity of their ICT services. Failing to implement adequate ICT continuity controls restrict these municipalities from achieving their strategic goals and, as a result, fulfilling their constitutional mandate of service delivery. It is, therefore, the objective of this study to devise a method, consisting of a theoretical foundation and a supporting tool-set, to assist municipalities in addressing a real-world ICT continuity problem. This method aims to be scalable and usable within different municipalities, and be simplistic and comprehensible enough to implement. The theoretical foundation will introduce the concept of ICT Readiness for Business Continuity, based on the recommendations of international best practices and standards, for example, the ISO 27031 (2011) standard. Furthermore, by considering various challenges within local government, the tool-set will ultimately help municipalities to help themselves in this regard.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Koen, Ruan
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Internet in public administration -- South Africa , Electronic commerce -- Government policy , Municipal services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7025 , vital:21192
- Description: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has evolved into a pervasive commodity in modern enterprises. ICT enables enterprises, regardless of sector, to achieve their strategic objectives. Similarly, ICT is regarded as a critical enabler in South African municipalities to reach their objectives and ultimately deliver sustainable services to their communities. This dependence on ICT, therefore, necessitates a resilient ICT environment where minimal disruption to ICT is a primary goal. Unfortunately, as reported by the Auditor-General of South Africa, the majority of South African municipalities are neglecting to address the continuity of their ICT services. Failing to implement adequate ICT continuity controls restrict these municipalities from achieving their strategic goals and, as a result, fulfilling their constitutional mandate of service delivery. It is, therefore, the objective of this study to devise a method, consisting of a theoretical foundation and a supporting tool-set, to assist municipalities in addressing a real-world ICT continuity problem. This method aims to be scalable and usable within different municipalities, and be simplistic and comprehensible enough to implement. The theoretical foundation will introduce the concept of ICT Readiness for Business Continuity, based on the recommendations of international best practices and standards, for example, the ISO 27031 (2011) standard. Furthermore, by considering various challenges within local government, the tool-set will ultimately help municipalities to help themselves in this regard.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effectiveness of health and safety service providers' relative to construction
- Authors: Ayesu-Koranteng, Emma
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Health aspects -- South Africa Industrial safety -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15149 , vital:28151
- Description: The construction industry (CI) is well known to be one of the most dangerous industries in South Africa (SA) due to the complex nature of construction activities, advancement in technologies and an aging workforce, emphasising the need for training. Over the past two decades, the industry has come under the spotlight regarding Health and Safety (H&S). The Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Act 85 of 1993 and Construction Regulations (CR) 2014 as amended are the statutes that govern the H&S in the construction workplace. These statutes aim to provide minimum guidelines by which all operating in the industry should abide by in order to ensure the safety of all persons at work. A fundamental aspect of the OH&S Act and CR is for construction employers to assess occupational hazards and conduct risk assessments with remedies to mitigate or prevent such risks. Furthermore, employers are compelled by law to ensure that employees are made aware of the risks at the induction stage, in addition to preventative measures associated with their work activities. Therefore, training forms the structure by which H&S in the workplace can be improved. Training in itself is not enough if it is not based on the employees’ needs as assessed. Training needs to be relevant and effective if it is to have a significant effect in the prevention and possible reduction in the number of occupational injuries and fatalities in the CI. A question that led to the basis of this research was why there were such poor H&S practices in the CI when the statutes clearly require the importance of training. This research is aimed at establishing the effectiveness of service providers relative to construction. Service providers offer services such as training, auditing, SHEQ management, and other H&S related matters. Of fundamental importance is that training has a direct or indirect influence on the health and safety (H&S) of employees in the workplace. Thus, this research aims to determine the effectiveness of training offered by these service providers relative to construction. The researcher utilised the quantitative data collection method to collect primary data from a sample surveyed through a questionnaire, whilst collecting secondary data from books, the Internet, professional journals, and articles. The sampled population consisted of service providers, health and safety practitioners, construction managers, supervisors, and workers, all from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal Area. The data was analysed quantitatively using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), ANOVA and the one-sample t-test. The literature reviewed and findings of this quantitative research amongst construction personal such as top, senior, middle management (TSMM), and general workers and labourers (GWL) in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal area formed the basis of this study. The study reveals that training offered by service providers was indirectly unrelated to construction. Furthermore, the study also showed that management concurred that there was a strong belief that language did not influence their ability to understand the contents of the training, which is mainly provided in English. The group believed that training from service providers were at the correct level. Alternatively, GWL were of the belief that language influenced their ability to understand the training received. The study also indicated that procurement of these service providers were not based on their skills, knowledge and background in construction. This may be attributed to the fact that management are more advanced in terms of education than GWL. Lastly, the study revealed that a significant number of Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) officers are in the process of registering with the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), the professional body responsible for the registration of Construction Health and Safety (CH&S) professions. This study will conclude with findings, conclusions, and recommendations that will be valuable to construction companies relative to the services of service providers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ayesu-Koranteng, Emma
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Health aspects -- South Africa Industrial safety -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15149 , vital:28151
- Description: The construction industry (CI) is well known to be one of the most dangerous industries in South Africa (SA) due to the complex nature of construction activities, advancement in technologies and an aging workforce, emphasising the need for training. Over the past two decades, the industry has come under the spotlight regarding Health and Safety (H&S). The Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Act 85 of 1993 and Construction Regulations (CR) 2014 as amended are the statutes that govern the H&S in the construction workplace. These statutes aim to provide minimum guidelines by which all operating in the industry should abide by in order to ensure the safety of all persons at work. A fundamental aspect of the OH&S Act and CR is for construction employers to assess occupational hazards and conduct risk assessments with remedies to mitigate or prevent such risks. Furthermore, employers are compelled by law to ensure that employees are made aware of the risks at the induction stage, in addition to preventative measures associated with their work activities. Therefore, training forms the structure by which H&S in the workplace can be improved. Training in itself is not enough if it is not based on the employees’ needs as assessed. Training needs to be relevant and effective if it is to have a significant effect in the prevention and possible reduction in the number of occupational injuries and fatalities in the CI. A question that led to the basis of this research was why there were such poor H&S practices in the CI when the statutes clearly require the importance of training. This research is aimed at establishing the effectiveness of service providers relative to construction. Service providers offer services such as training, auditing, SHEQ management, and other H&S related matters. Of fundamental importance is that training has a direct or indirect influence on the health and safety (H&S) of employees in the workplace. Thus, this research aims to determine the effectiveness of training offered by these service providers relative to construction. The researcher utilised the quantitative data collection method to collect primary data from a sample surveyed through a questionnaire, whilst collecting secondary data from books, the Internet, professional journals, and articles. The sampled population consisted of service providers, health and safety practitioners, construction managers, supervisors, and workers, all from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal Area. The data was analysed quantitatively using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), ANOVA and the one-sample t-test. The literature reviewed and findings of this quantitative research amongst construction personal such as top, senior, middle management (TSMM), and general workers and labourers (GWL) in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal area formed the basis of this study. The study reveals that training offered by service providers was indirectly unrelated to construction. Furthermore, the study also showed that management concurred that there was a strong belief that language did not influence their ability to understand the contents of the training, which is mainly provided in English. The group believed that training from service providers were at the correct level. Alternatively, GWL were of the belief that language influenced their ability to understand the training received. The study also indicated that procurement of these service providers were not based on their skills, knowledge and background in construction. This may be attributed to the fact that management are more advanced in terms of education than GWL. Lastly, the study revealed that a significant number of Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) officers are in the process of registering with the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), the professional body responsible for the registration of Construction Health and Safety (CH&S) professions. This study will conclude with findings, conclusions, and recommendations that will be valuable to construction companies relative to the services of service providers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Guidelines for cybersecurity education campaigns
- Authors: Reid, Rayne
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Computer security Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14091 , vital:27416
- Description: In our technology- and information-infused world, cyberspace is an integral part of modern-day society. As the number of active cyberspace users increases, so too does the chances of a cyber threat finding a vulnerable target increase. All cyber users who are exposed to cyber risks need to be educated about cyber security. Human beings play a key role in the implementation and governing of an entire cybersecurity and cybersafety solution. The effectiveness of any cybersecurity and cybersafety solutions in a societal or individual context is dependent on the human beings involved in the process. If these human beings are either unaware or not knowledgeable about their roles in the security solution they become the weak link in these cybersecurity solutions. It is essential that all users be educated to combat any threats. Children are a particularly vulnerable subgroup within society. They are digital natives and make use of ICT, and online services with increasing frequency, but this does not mean they are knowledgeable about or behaving securely in their cyber activities. Children will be exposed to cyberspace throughout their lifetimes. Therefore, cybersecurity and cybersafety should be taught to children as a life-skill. There is a lack of well-known, comprehensive cybersecurity and cybersafety educational campaigns which target school children. Most existing information security and cybersecurity education campaigns limit their scope. Literature reports mainly on education campaigns focused on primary businesses, government agencies and tertiary education institutions. Additionally, most guidance for the design and implementation of security and safety campaigns: are for an organisational context, only target organisational users, and mostly provide high-level design recommendations. This thesis addressed the lack of guidance for designing and implementing cybersecurity and cybersafety educational campaigns suited to school learners as a target audience. The thesis aimed to offer guidance for designing and implementing education campaigns that educate school learners about cybersecurity and cybersafety. This was done through the implementation of an action research process over a five-year period. The action research process involved cybersecurity and cybersafety educational interventions at multiple schools. A total of 18 actionable guidelines were derived from this research to guide the design and implementation of cybersecurity and cybersafety education campaigns which aim to educate school children.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Reid, Rayne
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Computer security Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14091 , vital:27416
- Description: In our technology- and information-infused world, cyberspace is an integral part of modern-day society. As the number of active cyberspace users increases, so too does the chances of a cyber threat finding a vulnerable target increase. All cyber users who are exposed to cyber risks need to be educated about cyber security. Human beings play a key role in the implementation and governing of an entire cybersecurity and cybersafety solution. The effectiveness of any cybersecurity and cybersafety solutions in a societal or individual context is dependent on the human beings involved in the process. If these human beings are either unaware or not knowledgeable about their roles in the security solution they become the weak link in these cybersecurity solutions. It is essential that all users be educated to combat any threats. Children are a particularly vulnerable subgroup within society. They are digital natives and make use of ICT, and online services with increasing frequency, but this does not mean they are knowledgeable about or behaving securely in their cyber activities. Children will be exposed to cyberspace throughout their lifetimes. Therefore, cybersecurity and cybersafety should be taught to children as a life-skill. There is a lack of well-known, comprehensive cybersecurity and cybersafety educational campaigns which target school children. Most existing information security and cybersecurity education campaigns limit their scope. Literature reports mainly on education campaigns focused on primary businesses, government agencies and tertiary education institutions. Additionally, most guidance for the design and implementation of security and safety campaigns: are for an organisational context, only target organisational users, and mostly provide high-level design recommendations. This thesis addressed the lack of guidance for designing and implementing cybersecurity and cybersafety educational campaigns suited to school learners as a target audience. The thesis aimed to offer guidance for designing and implementing education campaigns that educate school learners about cybersecurity and cybersafety. This was done through the implementation of an action research process over a five-year period. The action research process involved cybersecurity and cybersafety educational interventions at multiple schools. A total of 18 actionable guidelines were derived from this research to guide the design and implementation of cybersecurity and cybersafety education campaigns which aim to educate school children.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An ICT strategy to support a patient-centred approach to diabetes care
- Authors: Petratos, Anastasia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medical care -- Technological innovations -- Developing countries Health services administration -- Developing countries -- Data processing , Telecommunication in medicine Diabetes -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14466 , vital:27650
- Description: Factors such as poverty, ethnicity, socio-economic status, poor infrastructure and governance, etc., are some of the reasons that effective and proven prevention and treatment interventions for most of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in the developing world continue to fail. Chronic diseases require complex interventions that these countries simply cannot maintain. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that is on the rise worldwide. This disease is a lifestyle disease, which means, that it is brought on by poor health habits. Statistics show that 285 million (6.4%) people aged between 20 and 79 years will be affected by Diabetes in 2010 and a staggering 439 million (7.7%) by 2030. This is a projected growth of 69% in developing countries and 20% in developed countries. The findings from studies conducted from 1993 to 2003 in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in South Africa, around the health care services for diabetes highlights many challenges. Sadly, the challenges 10 years after that study, are very similar. The conditions of people with Diabetes can be improved through regular monitoring of patients, improvement and monitoring of health care provided, education on healthy lifestyle, as well as education on the importance of adherence to treatment plans for the successful management of the condition. The diabetes endemic in South Africa is exacerbated by the manual functions that are performed in all aspects of monitoring and management of the disease. With the advancements that have been made in ICT and the many apps that already exist for healthcare, it is sensible to state that ICT can assist in the monitoring and management of diabetes. Another factor that is considered is that of patient-centred care. The huge number of people who need acute care and treatment in hospitals and clinics have forced a previously caring environment, to turn into a cold, almost production line affair. The sick wait in long queues and are ushered in and out of the consulting rooms as fast as possible without even as much as a “hallo”. This has left a void in the healthcare delivery to South Africans which should never have been removed in the first place, namely patient-centred care. This means that the patient is at the centre of the treatment and fully involved in the decisions about his/her health. Every patient deserves to be recognised as a human-being and treated with dignity and respect. Treatment plans for long term chronic care patients such as diabetics, should be thoroughly discussed with the patient and they should believe and comit themselves to the treatment plan. These plans are life-long and require dedication and as it is vital that patients are part of decision making and understand fully what they are expected to do. Bearing this in mind, this study has investigated the needs and care plans for people with diabetes. Specialist in the field of diabetes were interviewed and recognised care plans for diabetes such as those from WHO, IDF and SEMSDA were studied. This study also established, that by practising a patient-centred approach the adherence to a treatment plan is likely to be higher. The strategy developed involves the person with diabetes, the healthcare worker and the support structure in the care plan of the diabetic. The use of ICT as part of the solution must consider the patient-centred requirements for using IT so that the people using the strategy are comfortable and not intimidated by the technology. The need to incorporate e-health into governments’ healthcare plans has been growing over the last decade. The GSMA conducted research into mobile health opportunities in South Africa and found that SA now has a penetration of 98% and that this is the ideal medium to address the inaccessibility and inequality of healthcare in SA. The causes identified as playing a major role in the rise in diabetes were identified and it was determined that through the implementation of an ICT strategy for diabetes care, many of these can be addressed. These include the use of technology for, improved monitoring and management, increased diabetes awareness and education, and promotion of healthy lifestyle. The study focuses on the self-management aspect of diabetes and produces a strategy that incorporates various ICT solutions that would assist in the daily aspects of diabetes care, as well as follow a patient-centred approach to diabetes care. This strategy developed in this study does not need any intervention from government as it is driven by the people who have diabetes and their healthcare workers, with the aid of the technology that they currently have on hand.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Petratos, Anastasia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medical care -- Technological innovations -- Developing countries Health services administration -- Developing countries -- Data processing , Telecommunication in medicine Diabetes -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14466 , vital:27650
- Description: Factors such as poverty, ethnicity, socio-economic status, poor infrastructure and governance, etc., are some of the reasons that effective and proven prevention and treatment interventions for most of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in the developing world continue to fail. Chronic diseases require complex interventions that these countries simply cannot maintain. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that is on the rise worldwide. This disease is a lifestyle disease, which means, that it is brought on by poor health habits. Statistics show that 285 million (6.4%) people aged between 20 and 79 years will be affected by Diabetes in 2010 and a staggering 439 million (7.7%) by 2030. This is a projected growth of 69% in developing countries and 20% in developed countries. The findings from studies conducted from 1993 to 2003 in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in South Africa, around the health care services for diabetes highlights many challenges. Sadly, the challenges 10 years after that study, are very similar. The conditions of people with Diabetes can be improved through regular monitoring of patients, improvement and monitoring of health care provided, education on healthy lifestyle, as well as education on the importance of adherence to treatment plans for the successful management of the condition. The diabetes endemic in South Africa is exacerbated by the manual functions that are performed in all aspects of monitoring and management of the disease. With the advancements that have been made in ICT and the many apps that already exist for healthcare, it is sensible to state that ICT can assist in the monitoring and management of diabetes. Another factor that is considered is that of patient-centred care. The huge number of people who need acute care and treatment in hospitals and clinics have forced a previously caring environment, to turn into a cold, almost production line affair. The sick wait in long queues and are ushered in and out of the consulting rooms as fast as possible without even as much as a “hallo”. This has left a void in the healthcare delivery to South Africans which should never have been removed in the first place, namely patient-centred care. This means that the patient is at the centre of the treatment and fully involved in the decisions about his/her health. Every patient deserves to be recognised as a human-being and treated with dignity and respect. Treatment plans for long term chronic care patients such as diabetics, should be thoroughly discussed with the patient and they should believe and comit themselves to the treatment plan. These plans are life-long and require dedication and as it is vital that patients are part of decision making and understand fully what they are expected to do. Bearing this in mind, this study has investigated the needs and care plans for people with diabetes. Specialist in the field of diabetes were interviewed and recognised care plans for diabetes such as those from WHO, IDF and SEMSDA were studied. This study also established, that by practising a patient-centred approach the adherence to a treatment plan is likely to be higher. The strategy developed involves the person with diabetes, the healthcare worker and the support structure in the care plan of the diabetic. The use of ICT as part of the solution must consider the patient-centred requirements for using IT so that the people using the strategy are comfortable and not intimidated by the technology. The need to incorporate e-health into governments’ healthcare plans has been growing over the last decade. The GSMA conducted research into mobile health opportunities in South Africa and found that SA now has a penetration of 98% and that this is the ideal medium to address the inaccessibility and inequality of healthcare in SA. The causes identified as playing a major role in the rise in diabetes were identified and it was determined that through the implementation of an ICT strategy for diabetes care, many of these can be addressed. These include the use of technology for, improved monitoring and management, increased diabetes awareness and education, and promotion of healthy lifestyle. The study focuses on the self-management aspect of diabetes and produces a strategy that incorporates various ICT solutions that would assist in the daily aspects of diabetes care, as well as follow a patient-centred approach to diabetes care. This strategy developed in this study does not need any intervention from government as it is driven by the people who have diabetes and their healthcare workers, with the aid of the technology that they currently have on hand.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A framework for information security management in local government
- Authors: De Lange, Joshua
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Computer security -- Management , Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7588 , vital:21932
- Description: Information has become so pervasive within enterprises and everyday life, that it is almost indispensable. This is clear as information has become core to the business operations of any enterprise. Information and communication technology (ICT) systems are heavily relied upon to store, process and transmit this valuable commodity. Due to its immense value, information and related ICT resources have to be adequately protected. This protection of information is commonly referred to as information security.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: De Lange, Joshua
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Computer security -- Management , Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7588 , vital:21932
- Description: Information has become so pervasive within enterprises and everyday life, that it is almost indispensable. This is clear as information has become core to the business operations of any enterprise. Information and communication technology (ICT) systems are heavily relied upon to store, process and transmit this valuable commodity. Due to its immense value, information and related ICT resources have to be adequately protected. This protection of information is commonly referred to as information security.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Analysis of factors affecting performance of a low-temperature Organic Rankine Cycle heat engine
- Authors: Kalua, Tisaye Bertram
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rankine cycle Heat engineering , Cogeneration of electric power and heat
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17844 , vital:28460
- Description: Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) heat engines convert low-grade heat to other forms of energy such as electrical and mechanical energy. They achieve this by vaporizing and expanding the organic fluid at high pressure, turning the turbine which can be employed to run an alternator or any other mechanism as desired. Conventional Rankine Cycles operate with steam at temperatures above 400 ℃. The broad aspect of the research focussed on the generation of electricity to cater for household needs. Solar energy would be used to heat air which would in turn heat rocks in an insulated vessel. This would act as an energy storage in form of heat from which a heat transfer fluid would collect heat to supply the ORC heat engine for the generation of electricity. The objective of the research was to optimize power output of the ORC heat engine operating at temperatures between 25℃ at the condenser and 90 to 150℃ at the heat source. This was achieved by analysis of thermal energy, mechanical power, electrical power and physical parameters in connection with flow rate of working fluid and heat transfer fluids.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Kalua, Tisaye Bertram
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rankine cycle Heat engineering , Cogeneration of electric power and heat
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17844 , vital:28460
- Description: Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) heat engines convert low-grade heat to other forms of energy such as electrical and mechanical energy. They achieve this by vaporizing and expanding the organic fluid at high pressure, turning the turbine which can be employed to run an alternator or any other mechanism as desired. Conventional Rankine Cycles operate with steam at temperatures above 400 ℃. The broad aspect of the research focussed on the generation of electricity to cater for household needs. Solar energy would be used to heat air which would in turn heat rocks in an insulated vessel. This would act as an energy storage in form of heat from which a heat transfer fluid would collect heat to supply the ORC heat engine for the generation of electricity. The objective of the research was to optimize power output of the ORC heat engine operating at temperatures between 25℃ at the condenser and 90 to 150℃ at the heat source. This was achieved by analysis of thermal energy, mechanical power, electrical power and physical parameters in connection with flow rate of working fluid and heat transfer fluids.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Property development in Mthatha: an interactive framework
- Authors: Bavu, Sonwabile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Real estate development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14553 , vital:27761
- Description: Property development (PD) is basically driven by the need or demand from the people. Sustainable property development has emerged in response to a global problem – and the need to maintain environmental integrity, according to Gurry (2011) cited by Botha (2013: 7). Keeping and Shiers (2004) state that property development, as a whole, has to balance social, economic and environmental needs. Emanating from the above, any successful development project must offer investors security, infrastructure and efficiency and should also put the needs of citizens at the forefront of all its planning activities. Availability of land, existing infrastructure, availability of finance, economic conditions, political influence and corruption always influence growth of property development in any area. This study aims to identify factors that contribute to lack of property development in Mthatha. Data collected shows that the challenges sometimes lead to failure and delays of the development. The purpose of this study is to identify these challenges, investigate the available literature, consider what has been done so far to address these challenges and make recommendations. It is essential to understand the state of the town and perceptions of the people in the area dealing with Property Development. Mthatha is the main focus of the study because of the perceived number of failed and delayed property development initiatives. The primary and secondary data collected provide the basis for understanding challenges that lead to such failures and delays. This research was conducted by means of a review of the related literature and an empirical study. The empirical study was conducted using a quantitative statistical approach by distributing research questionnaires to members falling within the sample population. The primary objective of the study is to develop a framework for successful implementation of property developments in Mthatha. The study’s findings reveal shortcomings which contribute to the study’s identified problems relating to property development in Mthatha, namely: decaying infrastructure, shortage of land, implementation of the IDP, availability of finance to promote real estate developments, political influence and corruption. Wikipedia defines Property Development as a “multifaceted business encompassing activities that range from the renovations and release of existing buildings to the purchase of land and the sale of improved land or parcels to others”. Harvey and Jowsey (2004), as cited by Botha (2013: 5), define Property Development as a process that involves changing or intensifying the use of land to produce buildings for occupation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Bavu, Sonwabile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Real estate development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14553 , vital:27761
- Description: Property development (PD) is basically driven by the need or demand from the people. Sustainable property development has emerged in response to a global problem – and the need to maintain environmental integrity, according to Gurry (2011) cited by Botha (2013: 7). Keeping and Shiers (2004) state that property development, as a whole, has to balance social, economic and environmental needs. Emanating from the above, any successful development project must offer investors security, infrastructure and efficiency and should also put the needs of citizens at the forefront of all its planning activities. Availability of land, existing infrastructure, availability of finance, economic conditions, political influence and corruption always influence growth of property development in any area. This study aims to identify factors that contribute to lack of property development in Mthatha. Data collected shows that the challenges sometimes lead to failure and delays of the development. The purpose of this study is to identify these challenges, investigate the available literature, consider what has been done so far to address these challenges and make recommendations. It is essential to understand the state of the town and perceptions of the people in the area dealing with Property Development. Mthatha is the main focus of the study because of the perceived number of failed and delayed property development initiatives. The primary and secondary data collected provide the basis for understanding challenges that lead to such failures and delays. This research was conducted by means of a review of the related literature and an empirical study. The empirical study was conducted using a quantitative statistical approach by distributing research questionnaires to members falling within the sample population. The primary objective of the study is to develop a framework for successful implementation of property developments in Mthatha. The study’s findings reveal shortcomings which contribute to the study’s identified problems relating to property development in Mthatha, namely: decaying infrastructure, shortage of land, implementation of the IDP, availability of finance to promote real estate developments, political influence and corruption. Wikipedia defines Property Development as a “multifaceted business encompassing activities that range from the renovations and release of existing buildings to the purchase of land and the sale of improved land or parcels to others”. Harvey and Jowsey (2004), as cited by Botha (2013: 5), define Property Development as a process that involves changing or intensifying the use of land to produce buildings for occupation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017