The impact of customer relationship management on retail banking using self-service channels
- Authors: Bothma, Tracy
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Customer services , Service industries -- Technological innovations , Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9346 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013654
- Description: If you do not own the latest technology today it is thought that you are left behind in this technology driven age. More businesses use Self- Service channels to accommodate the increasing demands of customers. It has been said that the use of self-service channels can reduce input costs, increase efficiency and improve customer service. Unfortunately, many customers are left unsatisfied because retail banks are moving away from the human interaction when visiting a branch or advise customers to use their self-service channels, sometimes without any assistance. This causes customers to move banks, complain and in so doing reduce profits and customer relationships with their banks.This research’s main objective was to determine the impact of customer relationship management on retail banks that make use of self-service channels. A theoretical overview of self-service channels and customer relationship management was given. Advantages and disadvantages of each option were explored. The researcher wanted to explore the relation between customers using self-service channels and the assistance and protection provided by retail banks. The customer experience questionnaire used in this research asked retail banking customers from the South African population to determine how customers perceive and experience their banks’ self-service channels and customer service. Many questions relating to their needs and wants with regards to banking have been explored. The results show that most customers are satisfied with their banks in general but do feel that the banks can improve their customer service and assistance with regards to using self-service channels like ATM’s, online and telephone banking and E-Wallet. It has concluded that most customers choose their banks based on advertisements and other media, not customer service, product range or word-of-mouth. The general perception is that customers say that their bank charges do justify the customer service received.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Bothma, Tracy
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Customer services , Service industries -- Technological innovations , Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9346 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013654
- Description: If you do not own the latest technology today it is thought that you are left behind in this technology driven age. More businesses use Self- Service channels to accommodate the increasing demands of customers. It has been said that the use of self-service channels can reduce input costs, increase efficiency and improve customer service. Unfortunately, many customers are left unsatisfied because retail banks are moving away from the human interaction when visiting a branch or advise customers to use their self-service channels, sometimes without any assistance. This causes customers to move banks, complain and in so doing reduce profits and customer relationships with their banks.This research’s main objective was to determine the impact of customer relationship management on retail banks that make use of self-service channels. A theoretical overview of self-service channels and customer relationship management was given. Advantages and disadvantages of each option were explored. The researcher wanted to explore the relation between customers using self-service channels and the assistance and protection provided by retail banks. The customer experience questionnaire used in this research asked retail banking customers from the South African population to determine how customers perceive and experience their banks’ self-service channels and customer service. Many questions relating to their needs and wants with regards to banking have been explored. The results show that most customers are satisfied with their banks in general but do feel that the banks can improve their customer service and assistance with regards to using self-service channels like ATM’s, online and telephone banking and E-Wallet. It has concluded that most customers choose their banks based on advertisements and other media, not customer service, product range or word-of-mouth. The general perception is that customers say that their bank charges do justify the customer service received.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A comparative analysis of factors affecting the purchasing decisions of cleaning rag buyers in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Shearer, David Charcles
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Purchasing -- Decision making , Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020928
- Description: The objectives of this research project were to identify and compare factors that influence the purchasing decisions of Multifibres’ customers active in each channel. Multifibres manufactures and distributes industrial cleaning rags to three channels or client categories, these being industrial resellers, industrial end-users and the walk-in customers. An extensive literature review revealed that purchasing decisions are influenced by, amongst other factors, the buyer’s role, the internal cognitive processes of the buyer, as well as factors present in the buyer’s business and external environment. An empirical study was conducted utilising in-depth interviews. The most prevalent, emergent themes that buyers attached the greatest weight to when purchasing cleaning rags were: price; quality; service; relationships; and, convenience. These factors were probed, analysed and compared, based on each buyer category’s unique set of characteristics. When motivating their purchasing preferences, resellers emphasised the importance of the business relationship and trust as being paramount, while end-users viewed price and service as the most important factors. Walk-in customers valued the combination of price and convenience as the most important reasons influencing their purchasing decisions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Shearer, David Charcles
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Purchasing -- Decision making , Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020928
- Description: The objectives of this research project were to identify and compare factors that influence the purchasing decisions of Multifibres’ customers active in each channel. Multifibres manufactures and distributes industrial cleaning rags to three channels or client categories, these being industrial resellers, industrial end-users and the walk-in customers. An extensive literature review revealed that purchasing decisions are influenced by, amongst other factors, the buyer’s role, the internal cognitive processes of the buyer, as well as factors present in the buyer’s business and external environment. An empirical study was conducted utilising in-depth interviews. The most prevalent, emergent themes that buyers attached the greatest weight to when purchasing cleaning rags were: price; quality; service; relationships; and, convenience. These factors were probed, analysed and compared, based on each buyer category’s unique set of characteristics. When motivating their purchasing preferences, resellers emphasised the importance of the business relationship and trust as being paramount, while end-users viewed price and service as the most important factors. Walk-in customers valued the combination of price and convenience as the most important reasons influencing their purchasing decisions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Management perceptions regarding skills shortages in gold mines
- Authors: Xingwana, Lumkwana
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Labor supply--South Africa , Professional employees--South Africa , Occupational training--South Africa , Gold mines and mining--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9279 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007959 , Labor supply--South Africa , Professional employees--South Africa , Occupational training--South Africa , Gold mines and mining--South Africa
- Description: The skills shortages in mining and mineral sector had existed for a decade and had a widespread effect on South Africa economy. It affects the level of economic productivity and reduces the country’s capacity to develop a knowledge society. This, in turn, affects the country’s functioning in the global economy. Despite the sector’s best efforts, the shortages continue to grow and threaten the delivery of projects and growth plans. Some researchers contend with the view that the persistence of skills shortages in mining and mineral sector is largely due to entrenched attitudes among both the industry and the community. They claim that employers have the means to change the educational profile of the subsectors by appointing recruits with higher levels of schooling. However, owing to the limited number of higher educated people living in the communities surrounding the mining operations and lack of interest in mining of people with higher levels of education, to name but few, employers are perceived to have a habit of employing people with little skills. The current study was aimed at investigating the impact of skills shortage on organisational performance, propensity to leave, competitive advantage and sustainability, from the management perceptive. The main objective of this study was to incorporate and embed previous research findings and theories into a comprehensive hypothetical model. A hypothetical model showed various factors that may influence skills shortage. Four independent variables (working environment, employment conditions, resources and education and training) were identified as variables that may influence skills shortage; and mediating variable (skills shortage) was also identified as a variable that have potential to affect dependent variables (organisational performance, propensity to leave, competitive advantage and sustainability) of gold mining sector. Furthermore, eight hypotheses were developed to test the relationship between independent, mediating and dependent variables. All these variables were clearly defined and operationalized with various items obtained from measuring instruments used in other similar studies. A purposive sample of 343 respondents was drawn from the population. A seven-point Likert scale and structured questionnaire were administered in person to the respondents and of which 300 were usable and subjected further to several statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was evaluated using significant effect p< = 0.001 and Pearson’s correlation test (α = 0.05). Data gathered were fed to and analysed by STATISTICA (version 10) and factor analysis and regression analyses were the statistical procedures used to test the significance of the relationships between the various independent and dependent variables. Consequently, working environment, resources and education and training were three independent variables that were identified as having ability to predict propensity to leave, competitive advantage and sustainability. An attempt was made to establish whether various demographic variables have an influence on mediating and dependent variables through the introduction of gender and position in the organisation while conducting an Analysis of Variance and Multiple linear regressions, but they obtained negative values. The conclusion is that demographic variables do not have over mediating and depended variables. The findings of this study states that with conducive working environment, availability of resources, the high levels of education and training, the country could produce skills that would reduce propensity to leave, drive competitive advantage and sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurship, create competitive advantages and boost employment sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Xingwana, Lumkwana
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Labor supply--South Africa , Professional employees--South Africa , Occupational training--South Africa , Gold mines and mining--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9279 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007959 , Labor supply--South Africa , Professional employees--South Africa , Occupational training--South Africa , Gold mines and mining--South Africa
- Description: The skills shortages in mining and mineral sector had existed for a decade and had a widespread effect on South Africa economy. It affects the level of economic productivity and reduces the country’s capacity to develop a knowledge society. This, in turn, affects the country’s functioning in the global economy. Despite the sector’s best efforts, the shortages continue to grow and threaten the delivery of projects and growth plans. Some researchers contend with the view that the persistence of skills shortages in mining and mineral sector is largely due to entrenched attitudes among both the industry and the community. They claim that employers have the means to change the educational profile of the subsectors by appointing recruits with higher levels of schooling. However, owing to the limited number of higher educated people living in the communities surrounding the mining operations and lack of interest in mining of people with higher levels of education, to name but few, employers are perceived to have a habit of employing people with little skills. The current study was aimed at investigating the impact of skills shortage on organisational performance, propensity to leave, competitive advantage and sustainability, from the management perceptive. The main objective of this study was to incorporate and embed previous research findings and theories into a comprehensive hypothetical model. A hypothetical model showed various factors that may influence skills shortage. Four independent variables (working environment, employment conditions, resources and education and training) were identified as variables that may influence skills shortage; and mediating variable (skills shortage) was also identified as a variable that have potential to affect dependent variables (organisational performance, propensity to leave, competitive advantage and sustainability) of gold mining sector. Furthermore, eight hypotheses were developed to test the relationship between independent, mediating and dependent variables. All these variables were clearly defined and operationalized with various items obtained from measuring instruments used in other similar studies. A purposive sample of 343 respondents was drawn from the population. A seven-point Likert scale and structured questionnaire were administered in person to the respondents and of which 300 were usable and subjected further to several statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was evaluated using significant effect p< = 0.001 and Pearson’s correlation test (α = 0.05). Data gathered were fed to and analysed by STATISTICA (version 10) and factor analysis and regression analyses were the statistical procedures used to test the significance of the relationships between the various independent and dependent variables. Consequently, working environment, resources and education and training were three independent variables that were identified as having ability to predict propensity to leave, competitive advantage and sustainability. An attempt was made to establish whether various demographic variables have an influence on mediating and dependent variables through the introduction of gender and position in the organisation while conducting an Analysis of Variance and Multiple linear regressions, but they obtained negative values. The conclusion is that demographic variables do not have over mediating and depended variables. The findings of this study states that with conducive working environment, availability of resources, the high levels of education and training, the country could produce skills that would reduce propensity to leave, drive competitive advantage and sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurship, create competitive advantages and boost employment sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Substantive equality and affirmative action in the workplace
- Authors: Nconco, Mpumelelo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Equality before the law -- South Africa , Discrimination in employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Affirmative action programs -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10196 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1617 , Equality before the law -- South Africa , Discrimination in employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Affirmative action programs -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Description: During the apartheid era in South Africa there was an unequivocal commitment to white supremacy, segregation and inequality. Discrimination but not on the basis of race was entrenched by the pre-democratic government. The 1980‟s saw the first steps towards reversing such practices through various measures, in the form of formal equality. Formal equality holds that the state must be act neutrally in relation to its employees and must favour no one above another. It assumes that all people are equal and that inequality can be eradicated simply by treating all people in the same way. Formal equality is therefore blind to structural inequality. Substantive equality in contrast to formal equality holds the value that equality is not simply a matter of likeness, that those who are different should be treated differently. The very essence of equality is to make distinction between groups and individual in order to accommodate their different needs and interests. It considers discrimination against groups which have been historically advantaged to be qualitatively aimed at remedying that disadvantage. The Constitution Act 108 of 1996 confers the right to equal protection and benefit of the law and the right to non discrimination. Prohibition of unfair discrimination in itself is insufficient to achieve true equality in a historically oppressed society. Hard affirmative action measures are required, the Constitution further explicitly endorses such restitutionary measures. Affirmative action is a systematic, planned process whereby the effects of colonialism and racial discrimination are being reversed in all areas if life. It is designed to achieve equal employment opportunities. In order to achieve this goal the barriers of the workplace which restrict employment and progressive opportunities have to be systematically eliminated through proactive programmes. Affirmative action is a delicate instrument of social engineering which must be used with caution. The Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 gives effect to the constitutional provisions and to regulate affirmative action measures in employment. The Employment Equity Act spells out the beneficiaries, who should do the protection, and advancement and what may happen to employers if they fail to comply in the view of the Director-General of the Labour. However the explicit constitutional and legislative endorsement of affirmative action comes with its controversy and legal challenges and it has been left to the courts to resolve tension on the one hand and to ensure equal treatment on the other. , Abstract
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Nconco, Mpumelelo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Equality before the law -- South Africa , Discrimination in employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Affirmative action programs -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10196 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1617 , Equality before the law -- South Africa , Discrimination in employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Affirmative action programs -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Description: During the apartheid era in South Africa there was an unequivocal commitment to white supremacy, segregation and inequality. Discrimination but not on the basis of race was entrenched by the pre-democratic government. The 1980‟s saw the first steps towards reversing such practices through various measures, in the form of formal equality. Formal equality holds that the state must be act neutrally in relation to its employees and must favour no one above another. It assumes that all people are equal and that inequality can be eradicated simply by treating all people in the same way. Formal equality is therefore blind to structural inequality. Substantive equality in contrast to formal equality holds the value that equality is not simply a matter of likeness, that those who are different should be treated differently. The very essence of equality is to make distinction between groups and individual in order to accommodate their different needs and interests. It considers discrimination against groups which have been historically advantaged to be qualitatively aimed at remedying that disadvantage. The Constitution Act 108 of 1996 confers the right to equal protection and benefit of the law and the right to non discrimination. Prohibition of unfair discrimination in itself is insufficient to achieve true equality in a historically oppressed society. Hard affirmative action measures are required, the Constitution further explicitly endorses such restitutionary measures. Affirmative action is a systematic, planned process whereby the effects of colonialism and racial discrimination are being reversed in all areas if life. It is designed to achieve equal employment opportunities. In order to achieve this goal the barriers of the workplace which restrict employment and progressive opportunities have to be systematically eliminated through proactive programmes. Affirmative action is a delicate instrument of social engineering which must be used with caution. The Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 gives effect to the constitutional provisions and to regulate affirmative action measures in employment. The Employment Equity Act spells out the beneficiaries, who should do the protection, and advancement and what may happen to employers if they fail to comply in the view of the Director-General of the Labour. However the explicit constitutional and legislative endorsement of affirmative action comes with its controversy and legal challenges and it has been left to the courts to resolve tension on the one hand and to ensure equal treatment on the other. , Abstract
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Sketch-based digital storyboards and floor plans for authoring computer-generated film pre-visuals
- Authors: Matthews, Timothy
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Computer graphics , Computer vision
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10463 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008430 , Computer graphics , Computer vision
- Description: Pre-visualisation is an important tool for planning films during the pre-production phase of filmmaking. Existing pre-visualisation authoring tools do not effectively support the user in authoring pre-visualisations without impairing software usability. These tools require the user to either have programming skills, be experienced in modelling and animation, or use drag-and-drop style interfaces. These interaction methods do not intuitively fit with pre-production activities such as floor planning and storyboarding, and existing tools that apply a storyboarding metaphor do not automatically interpret user sketches. The goal of this research was to investigate how sketch-based user interfaces and methods from computer vision could be used for supporting pre-visualisation authoring using a storyboarding approach. The requirements for such a sketch-based storyboarding tool were determined from literature and an interview with Triggerfish Animation Studios. A framework was developed to support sketch-based pre-visualisation authoring using a storyboarding approach. Algorithms for describing user sketches, recognising objects and performing pose estimation were designed to automatically interpret user sketches. A proof of concept prototype implementation of this framework was evaluated in order to assess its usability benefit. It was found that the participants could author pre-visualisations effectively, efficiently and easily. The results of the usability evaluation also showed that the participants were satisfied with the overall design and usability of the prototype tool. The positive and negative findings of the evaluation were interpreted and combined with existing heuristics in order to create a set of guidelines for designing similar sketch-based pre-visualisation authoring tools that apply the storyboarding approach. The successful implementation of the proof of concept prototype tool provides practical evidence of the feasibility of sketch-based pre-visualisation authoring. The positive results from the usability evaluation established that sketch-based interfacing techniques can be used effectively with a storyboarding approach for authoring pre-visualisations without impairing software usability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Matthews, Timothy
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Computer graphics , Computer vision
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10463 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008430 , Computer graphics , Computer vision
- Description: Pre-visualisation is an important tool for planning films during the pre-production phase of filmmaking. Existing pre-visualisation authoring tools do not effectively support the user in authoring pre-visualisations without impairing software usability. These tools require the user to either have programming skills, be experienced in modelling and animation, or use drag-and-drop style interfaces. These interaction methods do not intuitively fit with pre-production activities such as floor planning and storyboarding, and existing tools that apply a storyboarding metaphor do not automatically interpret user sketches. The goal of this research was to investigate how sketch-based user interfaces and methods from computer vision could be used for supporting pre-visualisation authoring using a storyboarding approach. The requirements for such a sketch-based storyboarding tool were determined from literature and an interview with Triggerfish Animation Studios. A framework was developed to support sketch-based pre-visualisation authoring using a storyboarding approach. Algorithms for describing user sketches, recognising objects and performing pose estimation were designed to automatically interpret user sketches. A proof of concept prototype implementation of this framework was evaluated in order to assess its usability benefit. It was found that the participants could author pre-visualisations effectively, efficiently and easily. The results of the usability evaluation also showed that the participants were satisfied with the overall design and usability of the prototype tool. The positive and negative findings of the evaluation were interpreted and combined with existing heuristics in order to create a set of guidelines for designing similar sketch-based pre-visualisation authoring tools that apply the storyboarding approach. The successful implementation of the proof of concept prototype tool provides practical evidence of the feasibility of sketch-based pre-visualisation authoring. The positive results from the usability evaluation established that sketch-based interfacing techniques can be used effectively with a storyboarding approach for authoring pre-visualisations without impairing software usability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The relationship between health and safety and human risk taking behaviour in the South African electrical construction industry
- Authors: Du Toit, Willem Johannes
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Electrical engineering -- Safety measures , Electrical engineering -- Health aspects , Construction industry -- Safety measures , Psychology, industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9691 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009529 , Electrical engineering -- Safety measures , Electrical engineering -- Health aspects , Construction industry -- Safety measures , Psychology, industrial
- Description: Mankind, and the development of people, exists due to risk-taking behaviour. It is not that humans should not take risks, but rather the ability to identify the magnitude of risk exposure in order that mankind‟s actions would be so selected as to mitigate exposed risk factors, that no harm should befall them. The approach to health and safety (H&S) has always been to manage H&S environmental factors that could have a negative impact on people, capital, and organisational systems. However, the critical component of human risk-taking behaviour that would have a far greater impact has rarely been acknowledged as part of the drivers that increase risk exposure. Human behaviour is a major contributing factor in accident causation. Although human error cannot be completely eliminated, it should be identified and correctly managed according to each individual‟s risk-taking profile. The reason people decide to take certain risks under certain conditions and the effect it has on H&S management systems is a key component to managing organisational risk exposure. To quantify the value of individual risk-taking behaviour could provide management with better opportunities of lowering the organisational risk exposure. Human risk-taking behaviour is influenced by each individual‟s perception of risk. Such perception of risk will influence decisions on risk-taking behaviour, which in turn is influenced by the individual‟s psychological profile and environmental factors, including character and the impact of a cultural environment. The electrical construction and maintenance industry differs from other similar industries in that the physical entity of electricity requires not only sensory perception for the identification and evaluation of risk factors, but also requires specialised knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate the parameters of electrical installation, plant or equipment. Without such competence, direct exposure to most electrical installations could be fatal. The optimum human resource (HR) solution for managing the risk potential of high risk-taking behaviour is the rating and allocation of specific job tasks that can match and limit the individual potential for risk-taking behaviour and the impact on organisational incident statistics. Maintaining and optimising employee job performance enables organisations to better achieve pre-set goals and missions. Such improvements being a catalyst for better job performance by setting limitations on high risk-taking behaviour, that will improve H&S performance by lowering incident rates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Du Toit, Willem Johannes
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Electrical engineering -- Safety measures , Electrical engineering -- Health aspects , Construction industry -- Safety measures , Psychology, industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9691 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009529 , Electrical engineering -- Safety measures , Electrical engineering -- Health aspects , Construction industry -- Safety measures , Psychology, industrial
- Description: Mankind, and the development of people, exists due to risk-taking behaviour. It is not that humans should not take risks, but rather the ability to identify the magnitude of risk exposure in order that mankind‟s actions would be so selected as to mitigate exposed risk factors, that no harm should befall them. The approach to health and safety (H&S) has always been to manage H&S environmental factors that could have a negative impact on people, capital, and organisational systems. However, the critical component of human risk-taking behaviour that would have a far greater impact has rarely been acknowledged as part of the drivers that increase risk exposure. Human behaviour is a major contributing factor in accident causation. Although human error cannot be completely eliminated, it should be identified and correctly managed according to each individual‟s risk-taking profile. The reason people decide to take certain risks under certain conditions and the effect it has on H&S management systems is a key component to managing organisational risk exposure. To quantify the value of individual risk-taking behaviour could provide management with better opportunities of lowering the organisational risk exposure. Human risk-taking behaviour is influenced by each individual‟s perception of risk. Such perception of risk will influence decisions on risk-taking behaviour, which in turn is influenced by the individual‟s psychological profile and environmental factors, including character and the impact of a cultural environment. The electrical construction and maintenance industry differs from other similar industries in that the physical entity of electricity requires not only sensory perception for the identification and evaluation of risk factors, but also requires specialised knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate the parameters of electrical installation, plant or equipment. Without such competence, direct exposure to most electrical installations could be fatal. The optimum human resource (HR) solution for managing the risk potential of high risk-taking behaviour is the rating and allocation of specific job tasks that can match and limit the individual potential for risk-taking behaviour and the impact on organisational incident statistics. Maintaining and optimising employee job performance enables organisations to better achieve pre-set goals and missions. Such improvements being a catalyst for better job performance by setting limitations on high risk-taking behaviour, that will improve H&S performance by lowering incident rates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Analysis of models of development in Ethiopia on ADLI policy after Ethio-Eritrean war of 1998-2000
- Authors: Masomelele, Mviko
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Economic development -- Developing countries , Postwar reconstruction -- Ethiopia , Agriculture -- Ethiopia , Eritrean-Ethiopian War, 1998- -- Ethiopia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9109 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014623
- Description: In this research, the researcher is analysing the models of development in Ethiopia on ADLI policy after the Ethio-Eritrean War of 1998-2000. As a post- conflict country it is always important to know how a country reconstructs its economy after the war. The researcher will give a brief background of Ethiopia with her different regime changes. Ethiopia is a landlocked country and is found in the Horn of Africa. Her boarders are Eritrea on the north and north east, and Djibouti and Somalia on the East, Kenya on the south, on the west and south west by Sudan. (BCC) Ethiopia has been under three remarkably different political regimes; the feudal imperial era under Emperor Haile Selassie; the socialist military dictatorship of Colonel Mangistu’s Derg; and the marketoriented Western aligned democracy of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.(Devereux et al,2005:121 ) Each regime had applied different policies on agriculture which employs 80 percent of the population. Feudal policies where the land was in the hands of the landlords failed during Selassie’s regime and this was proved by the famine of 1974. He was overthrown by Derg in a coup in 1974. Derg introduced a “radical agrarian transformation based on land redistribution. His policies on agriculture were based on the Marxist egalitarian ideology and by conviction that feudal relations in agriculture had exposed millions of highland Ethiopians to intolerable levels of poverty and vulnerability.” (Devereux et al, 2005:121-122). According to Derg’s agricultural policy land was confiscated from the landlords and was redistributed to the rural farmers and it was trying to break inequalities over land control and it aimed at achieving agricultural productivity and rural incomes. Derg’s regime was overthrown by Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) in 1991. EPRDF further continued with land redistribution in the wake of 1990s and it gave farmlands to demobilised soldiers and tried to correct the inequalities that emerged with time as farming families were growing. (Devereux et al, 2005:122) In all these regimes, land was owned by the state. Ethiopian economy is based on agriculture which contributes 47 percent to GNP and more than 80 percent of exports, and employs 85 percent of the population. Ethiopia’s agriculture is plagued by periodic droughts, soil degradation emanating from poor agricultural practices and overgrazing, deforestation, high population density, underdeveloped water resources and poor transport infrastructure which makes extremely difficult and expensive to get goods to the market. (BCC, 07) The EPRDF came up with the new agricultural policy in the beginning of 1991 and it was known as Agriculture Development Led Industrialisation (ADLI). ADLI is the policy that emphasised on modernising smallholder agriculture and intensifying yield productivity through the supply of appropriate technology, certified seeds, fertilizers, rural credit facilities and technical assistance. (Getachew, 2003:9) This policy introduced some reforms in agriculture as it introduced a nationwide agricultural extension program, the propagation of laws that liberalised the purchasing and distribution of inputs and to increase and to make credit facilities available to rural farmers. In 1995 Minister of Agriculture (MoA) introduced a vehicle to drive the policy, which was called the Plan for Accelerated and Sustained Development to End Poverty (PADETES). The PADETES started with 32047 farmers on board. The aim was to educate farmers in new farming methods which will increase productivity and make farmers self sufficient. Agriculture Sample Survey 2009/10 states that ‘country’s experience showed that farmers’ attitude and tendency to adapt and accept new innovations, modern agricultural techniques and technologies, such as use of fertilizers, irrigation, improved seeds and pesticides that help to improve their living standards through attaining enhanced productivity, do have positive impact on the development on the agricultural sector as a whole.’(Central Statistical Agency, 2010: i) Teshome (2006:1) shows complexity of Ethiopian agriculture when he says that it largest contributor to the GDP, exports and foreign earnings and it employs almost 85 percent of the population. On the contrary, despite its socio-economic importance its performance continues to be low due to many natural and manmade factors which will be discussed in this research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Masomelele, Mviko
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Economic development -- Developing countries , Postwar reconstruction -- Ethiopia , Agriculture -- Ethiopia , Eritrean-Ethiopian War, 1998- -- Ethiopia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9109 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014623
- Description: In this research, the researcher is analysing the models of development in Ethiopia on ADLI policy after the Ethio-Eritrean War of 1998-2000. As a post- conflict country it is always important to know how a country reconstructs its economy after the war. The researcher will give a brief background of Ethiopia with her different regime changes. Ethiopia is a landlocked country and is found in the Horn of Africa. Her boarders are Eritrea on the north and north east, and Djibouti and Somalia on the East, Kenya on the south, on the west and south west by Sudan. (BCC) Ethiopia has been under three remarkably different political regimes; the feudal imperial era under Emperor Haile Selassie; the socialist military dictatorship of Colonel Mangistu’s Derg; and the marketoriented Western aligned democracy of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.(Devereux et al,2005:121 ) Each regime had applied different policies on agriculture which employs 80 percent of the population. Feudal policies where the land was in the hands of the landlords failed during Selassie’s regime and this was proved by the famine of 1974. He was overthrown by Derg in a coup in 1974. Derg introduced a “radical agrarian transformation based on land redistribution. His policies on agriculture were based on the Marxist egalitarian ideology and by conviction that feudal relations in agriculture had exposed millions of highland Ethiopians to intolerable levels of poverty and vulnerability.” (Devereux et al, 2005:121-122). According to Derg’s agricultural policy land was confiscated from the landlords and was redistributed to the rural farmers and it was trying to break inequalities over land control and it aimed at achieving agricultural productivity and rural incomes. Derg’s regime was overthrown by Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) in 1991. EPRDF further continued with land redistribution in the wake of 1990s and it gave farmlands to demobilised soldiers and tried to correct the inequalities that emerged with time as farming families were growing. (Devereux et al, 2005:122) In all these regimes, land was owned by the state. Ethiopian economy is based on agriculture which contributes 47 percent to GNP and more than 80 percent of exports, and employs 85 percent of the population. Ethiopia’s agriculture is plagued by periodic droughts, soil degradation emanating from poor agricultural practices and overgrazing, deforestation, high population density, underdeveloped water resources and poor transport infrastructure which makes extremely difficult and expensive to get goods to the market. (BCC, 07) The EPRDF came up with the new agricultural policy in the beginning of 1991 and it was known as Agriculture Development Led Industrialisation (ADLI). ADLI is the policy that emphasised on modernising smallholder agriculture and intensifying yield productivity through the supply of appropriate technology, certified seeds, fertilizers, rural credit facilities and technical assistance. (Getachew, 2003:9) This policy introduced some reforms in agriculture as it introduced a nationwide agricultural extension program, the propagation of laws that liberalised the purchasing and distribution of inputs and to increase and to make credit facilities available to rural farmers. In 1995 Minister of Agriculture (MoA) introduced a vehicle to drive the policy, which was called the Plan for Accelerated and Sustained Development to End Poverty (PADETES). The PADETES started with 32047 farmers on board. The aim was to educate farmers in new farming methods which will increase productivity and make farmers self sufficient. Agriculture Sample Survey 2009/10 states that ‘country’s experience showed that farmers’ attitude and tendency to adapt and accept new innovations, modern agricultural techniques and technologies, such as use of fertilizers, irrigation, improved seeds and pesticides that help to improve their living standards through attaining enhanced productivity, do have positive impact on the development on the agricultural sector as a whole.’(Central Statistical Agency, 2010: i) Teshome (2006:1) shows complexity of Ethiopian agriculture when he says that it largest contributor to the GDP, exports and foreign earnings and it employs almost 85 percent of the population. On the contrary, despite its socio-economic importance its performance continues to be low due to many natural and manmade factors which will be discussed in this research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The integrated development plan as a developmental tool: the case of Amahlathi Municipality
- Sokopo, Bongiwe Annette Patience
- Authors: Sokopo, Bongiwe Annette Patience
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8355 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020919
- Description: The study is about the Integrated Development Plan as a developmental tool for the Amahlathi municipality. The main focus of the study is to assess whether the Integrated Development Plan is used as a developmental tool in the Amahlathi municipality. Local government in South Africa has been mandated by the Constitution and other pieces of legislation like the White Paper on local government, the municipal Structures Act and the municipal Systems Act to improve the socio-economic conditions of communities to deliver services to the people and encourage communities to participate in the process of developing the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Service delivery remains a challenge in the municipality despite the initiative of introducing the IDP to support this local municipality in fulfilling its mandate of taking services to communities. This is reflected in the municipal IDP Mayor‟s foreword where it is indicated that the infrastructure backlogs are still visible in the municipality to the extent that there are areas where there are no operations at all. Also, the report by the Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs in 2009 indicated that Amahlathi local municipality is among 57 municipalities in the country that have been identified as the most vulnerable and which therefore needed support for sustenance. This study details these challenges and places particular focus on the utilisation of the IDP as a developmental tool for Amahlathi Local Municipality. From the literature and responses by the respondents, it is clear that local government has to be committed to work with citizens and groups within the communities to find sustainable ways to meet their social, economic and material needs and improve their quality of life. The study is both qualitative and quantitative and questionnaires have been used as a method of collecting data. The responses and results suggested that the community members in the Amahlathi municipality were aware of the existence of the IDP. However, a lot of work still has to be done to ensure that there is development in the communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Sokopo, Bongiwe Annette Patience
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8355 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020919
- Description: The study is about the Integrated Development Plan as a developmental tool for the Amahlathi municipality. The main focus of the study is to assess whether the Integrated Development Plan is used as a developmental tool in the Amahlathi municipality. Local government in South Africa has been mandated by the Constitution and other pieces of legislation like the White Paper on local government, the municipal Structures Act and the municipal Systems Act to improve the socio-economic conditions of communities to deliver services to the people and encourage communities to participate in the process of developing the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Service delivery remains a challenge in the municipality despite the initiative of introducing the IDP to support this local municipality in fulfilling its mandate of taking services to communities. This is reflected in the municipal IDP Mayor‟s foreword where it is indicated that the infrastructure backlogs are still visible in the municipality to the extent that there are areas where there are no operations at all. Also, the report by the Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs in 2009 indicated that Amahlathi local municipality is among 57 municipalities in the country that have been identified as the most vulnerable and which therefore needed support for sustenance. This study details these challenges and places particular focus on the utilisation of the IDP as a developmental tool for Amahlathi Local Municipality. From the literature and responses by the respondents, it is clear that local government has to be committed to work with citizens and groups within the communities to find sustainable ways to meet their social, economic and material needs and improve their quality of life. The study is both qualitative and quantitative and questionnaires have been used as a method of collecting data. The responses and results suggested that the community members in the Amahlathi municipality were aware of the existence of the IDP. However, a lot of work still has to be done to ensure that there is development in the communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A psycho-educational programme to facilitate the mental health of adolescent girls who are victims of verbal bullying
- Authors: Jacobs, Ruwayda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Teenage girls -- Mental health -- South Africa , Psychoanalysis , Bullying
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9946 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014579
- Description: Bullying appears to be a worldwide phenomenon. It occurs within schools, homes, and in the community too. Bullying is a form of aggressive behaviour. Female bullying is not so easily noticed, as girls hardly ever use physical forms of aggression. Bullying can have a detrimental effect on the mental health of the victim. The victims of bullying experience symptoms of mental discomfort, which include low self esteem, feelings of helplessness, feelings of worthlessness and inferiority, lack of confidence, isolation, self-conscientiousness; and lastly, this can lead to suicide. Some form of intervention is necessary to provide adolescents with skills to combat bullying and help them to become mentally healthy again. The overall goal of the study was to develop, implement and evaluate a psycho-educational programme for female adolescents in a secondary school setting, in order to assist them in coping with bullying. The objectives of the research study were to: Conduct asituational analysis to identify the mental health needs of adolescent girls, as victimsof bullying. Develop a psycho-educational programme to facilitate the promotion of mental health of those adolescent girls who are victims of bullying. Implement the psycho-educational programme to facilitate coping by adolescent girls who are victims of bullying. Assess whether the adolescent girls have benefitted from attending the psycho-educational programme. The researcher used a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The research methodology consisted of four phases. In phase one of the research, a situational analysis was done; and the characteristics of mental discomfort exhibited by the victim were identified. The needs of the adolescent girl who has been bullied have already been described. Phase two involved the development of a psycho-educational programme. The information from the situational analysis was used to develop the conceptual framework. The six concepts in the survey list of Dickoff et al. (1968:422) were described as follows: the recipient is the adolescent girl who has been bullied, the agent is an advanced psychiatric nurse, the context is the community and the secondary school where bullying takes place, the dynamics of the intervention constitute the mental discomfort experienced by the adolescent girl. This is what motivates her to participate in the programme. The procedure was identified as the psycho-educational programme, while the terminus or outcome of the intervention for the adolescent girl would be for her to experience mental health after being exposed to the psycho-educational programme. The relationship between the concepts was used to form the mind map of the conceptual framework. This guided the development of the psycho-educational programme. The content of the programme has already been described. In phase three the psycho-educational programme is implemented and in phase four the programme is evaluated. The psycho-educational programme taught the teenage girls skills and it provided them with knowledge to cope better with the bullying. Attending the programme made the teenagers aware that they needed to change to experience mental health and happiness. The empirical study took place in phase four. The data-gathering method in phase four included the conducting of semi-structured interviews with the adolescent girls who participated in the programme, as well as the teachers of these adolescent girls and their parents. Naïve sketches, reflective journals, observations made and field notes formed part of this database. The data was analyzed by means of Tesch‟s descriptive analysis (in Creswell, 2003:192). The participants had to comment on how they were coping after the implementation of the psycho-educational programme. In conclusion, an intervention in the form of the psycho-educational programme was shown to be beneficial to adolescent girls who were victims of bullying, to assist them in coping with the aftermath of being bullied. Recommendations were made to enhance nursing practice, as well as nursing education and nursing research. Keywords: Adolescent girls, bullying, secondary schools, advanced psychiatric nurse, psycho-educational programme, mental health.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Jacobs, Ruwayda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Teenage girls -- Mental health -- South Africa , Psychoanalysis , Bullying
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9946 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014579
- Description: Bullying appears to be a worldwide phenomenon. It occurs within schools, homes, and in the community too. Bullying is a form of aggressive behaviour. Female bullying is not so easily noticed, as girls hardly ever use physical forms of aggression. Bullying can have a detrimental effect on the mental health of the victim. The victims of bullying experience symptoms of mental discomfort, which include low self esteem, feelings of helplessness, feelings of worthlessness and inferiority, lack of confidence, isolation, self-conscientiousness; and lastly, this can lead to suicide. Some form of intervention is necessary to provide adolescents with skills to combat bullying and help them to become mentally healthy again. The overall goal of the study was to develop, implement and evaluate a psycho-educational programme for female adolescents in a secondary school setting, in order to assist them in coping with bullying. The objectives of the research study were to: Conduct asituational analysis to identify the mental health needs of adolescent girls, as victimsof bullying. Develop a psycho-educational programme to facilitate the promotion of mental health of those adolescent girls who are victims of bullying. Implement the psycho-educational programme to facilitate coping by adolescent girls who are victims of bullying. Assess whether the adolescent girls have benefitted from attending the psycho-educational programme. The researcher used a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The research methodology consisted of four phases. In phase one of the research, a situational analysis was done; and the characteristics of mental discomfort exhibited by the victim were identified. The needs of the adolescent girl who has been bullied have already been described. Phase two involved the development of a psycho-educational programme. The information from the situational analysis was used to develop the conceptual framework. The six concepts in the survey list of Dickoff et al. (1968:422) were described as follows: the recipient is the adolescent girl who has been bullied, the agent is an advanced psychiatric nurse, the context is the community and the secondary school where bullying takes place, the dynamics of the intervention constitute the mental discomfort experienced by the adolescent girl. This is what motivates her to participate in the programme. The procedure was identified as the psycho-educational programme, while the terminus or outcome of the intervention for the adolescent girl would be for her to experience mental health after being exposed to the psycho-educational programme. The relationship between the concepts was used to form the mind map of the conceptual framework. This guided the development of the psycho-educational programme. The content of the programme has already been described. In phase three the psycho-educational programme is implemented and in phase four the programme is evaluated. The psycho-educational programme taught the teenage girls skills and it provided them with knowledge to cope better with the bullying. Attending the programme made the teenagers aware that they needed to change to experience mental health and happiness. The empirical study took place in phase four. The data-gathering method in phase four included the conducting of semi-structured interviews with the adolescent girls who participated in the programme, as well as the teachers of these adolescent girls and their parents. Naïve sketches, reflective journals, observations made and field notes formed part of this database. The data was analyzed by means of Tesch‟s descriptive analysis (in Creswell, 2003:192). The participants had to comment on how they were coping after the implementation of the psycho-educational programme. In conclusion, an intervention in the form of the psycho-educational programme was shown to be beneficial to adolescent girls who were victims of bullying, to assist them in coping with the aftermath of being bullied. Recommendations were made to enhance nursing practice, as well as nursing education and nursing research. Keywords: Adolescent girls, bullying, secondary schools, advanced psychiatric nurse, psycho-educational programme, mental health.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Value delivered by private game reserves in South Africa : a comparison of visitors' and managers' perceptions
- Authors: Theron, Elizna
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa , Ecotourism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9374 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019980
- Description: The uniqueness of the wildlife and the luxurious nature of South African private game reserves could be seen as a valuable niche in the South African tourism market and for this reason make South Africa a desired destination. Due to complex visitor needs and demands regarding price, service, social connection, authenticity, quality or image, value perceptions will differ in terms of visitors’ experiences. If managers do not understand these value requirements, differences might exist between consumers’ and service providers’ perceptions of value. To maintain visitor satisfaction, loyalty and intention for return to the reserves, managers should continue to provide valued offerings and improve their visitors’ wildlife experience. This research investigated visitors’ perceptions of the value delivered by private game reserves in South Africa and compared these with reserve managers’ perceptions of the value delivered. The results of this research study could contribute to a better understanding of perceived value, which in turn could enhance the success of the private game reserves. The literature contextualised the South African private game reserve as part of wildlife tourism, the wildlife tourism offering and the characteristics of wildlife visitors. An overview of customer value, customer value models showing their development over time, and the conceptual framework of the current study was provided. The resulting conceptual model was used to evaluate managers’ and visitors’ perceptions of Quality, Monetary price, Behavioural price, Reputation, Emotional response, Social value and Novelty value delivered by South African private game reserves. The empirical data was collected by means of a survey, using two structured self-administered electronic questionnaires administered to the managers of, and the visitors to, private game reserves. One hundred and sixty two visitors and 30 managers participated in the survey. By performing exploratory factor analysis it was found that the seven value factors were consistent with the value dimensions reported in the literature. These were labelled as Quality, Emotional response, Monetary price, Reputation, Novelty value, Social value and Behavioural price. Most of managers’ perceptions of value provided exceeded visitors’ perceptions of value received. Both managers and visitors rated value items related to Emotional response highly. Considerably more managers (17 percent) thought that the reserve experience can be associated with good service, opposed to only 4 percent of visitors who perceived the service to be good. On the other hand, a larger proportion of visitors (29%) than the managers (20 percent) perceived the reserve experience as relaxing. Managers rated eleven of the thirteen game reserve attributes more positively than what the visitors did. Of these attributes, accommodation services, protection of the natural environment, game drives and service delivery, showed significant differences. It is recommended that South African private game reserve managers: • conduct market research to get a better understanding of what delights visitors. Research should be conducted on a regular basis to ensure management stays current with visitors’ changing needs; • determine whether the prices charged reflect the quality of the physical offerings, service delivery and the time and effort visitors spent to obtain the offering; • use the adventurous activities offered at the reserves as part of their promotional campaigns to attract adventure tourists; • train service delivery staff and game drive guides to educate visitors on the history, culture and eco-friendly practices related to their reserve; • always deliver superior service to ensure memorable wildlife experiences, value for money and exceed visitors’ expectations; • continue using websites, social media and magazines to inform the target market about the reserve offerings; and • stay in regular contact with visitors through social media, newsletters, blogs, follow up emails/calls or face to face discussions at the reserve.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Theron, Elizna
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa , Ecotourism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9374 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019980
- Description: The uniqueness of the wildlife and the luxurious nature of South African private game reserves could be seen as a valuable niche in the South African tourism market and for this reason make South Africa a desired destination. Due to complex visitor needs and demands regarding price, service, social connection, authenticity, quality or image, value perceptions will differ in terms of visitors’ experiences. If managers do not understand these value requirements, differences might exist between consumers’ and service providers’ perceptions of value. To maintain visitor satisfaction, loyalty and intention for return to the reserves, managers should continue to provide valued offerings and improve their visitors’ wildlife experience. This research investigated visitors’ perceptions of the value delivered by private game reserves in South Africa and compared these with reserve managers’ perceptions of the value delivered. The results of this research study could contribute to a better understanding of perceived value, which in turn could enhance the success of the private game reserves. The literature contextualised the South African private game reserve as part of wildlife tourism, the wildlife tourism offering and the characteristics of wildlife visitors. An overview of customer value, customer value models showing their development over time, and the conceptual framework of the current study was provided. The resulting conceptual model was used to evaluate managers’ and visitors’ perceptions of Quality, Monetary price, Behavioural price, Reputation, Emotional response, Social value and Novelty value delivered by South African private game reserves. The empirical data was collected by means of a survey, using two structured self-administered electronic questionnaires administered to the managers of, and the visitors to, private game reserves. One hundred and sixty two visitors and 30 managers participated in the survey. By performing exploratory factor analysis it was found that the seven value factors were consistent with the value dimensions reported in the literature. These were labelled as Quality, Emotional response, Monetary price, Reputation, Novelty value, Social value and Behavioural price. Most of managers’ perceptions of value provided exceeded visitors’ perceptions of value received. Both managers and visitors rated value items related to Emotional response highly. Considerably more managers (17 percent) thought that the reserve experience can be associated with good service, opposed to only 4 percent of visitors who perceived the service to be good. On the other hand, a larger proportion of visitors (29%) than the managers (20 percent) perceived the reserve experience as relaxing. Managers rated eleven of the thirteen game reserve attributes more positively than what the visitors did. Of these attributes, accommodation services, protection of the natural environment, game drives and service delivery, showed significant differences. It is recommended that South African private game reserve managers: • conduct market research to get a better understanding of what delights visitors. Research should be conducted on a regular basis to ensure management stays current with visitors’ changing needs; • determine whether the prices charged reflect the quality of the physical offerings, service delivery and the time and effort visitors spent to obtain the offering; • use the adventurous activities offered at the reserves as part of their promotional campaigns to attract adventure tourists; • train service delivery staff and game drive guides to educate visitors on the history, culture and eco-friendly practices related to their reserve; • always deliver superior service to ensure memorable wildlife experiences, value for money and exceed visitors’ expectations; • continue using websites, social media and magazines to inform the target market about the reserve offerings; and • stay in regular contact with visitors through social media, newsletters, blogs, follow up emails/calls or face to face discussions at the reserve.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The sustainability of rural co-operatives within the Eastern Cape with reference to Mbhashe Local Municipality
- Authors: Ndawule, Luvuyo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9126 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018555
- Description: Mbhashe Local Municipality is part of eight local municipalities that make up Amathole District Municipality. The study is conducted in Mbhashe local Municipality where two co-operatives have been sampled. The purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges faced by co-operatives in achieving its intended purpose (i.e. alleviating poverty, creating employment and generating income). It is the intention of the researcher to investigate the socio-economic role played by co-operatives in this afore mentioned local municipality. For the research to be able to examine and analyse the performance and challenges faced by co-operatives around Mbhashe certain key aspects were extensively taken into consideration. These aspects are co-operative leadership, management structures, external support from different stakeholders, like different government departments, communities where co-operatives are located, and the role of NGO’s. It was the intention of the researcher to analyse the type of support given by each of the above mentioned stakeholders. It was through the study that the research was able to deduce whether the support given by these various stakeholders was enough or not in ensuring viability and sustainability of co-operatives. In conducting the research a qualitative approach was used whereby various instruments were used to collect data. It was through the variety of instruments used that the researcher managed to capture the challenges faced by co-operatives. Apart from the challenges which were the main focus of the researcher, the findings also reveal that co-operatives play a vital role in socio-economic development. This is more evident in rural areas such as those at Mbhashe Local Municipality. There is undisputed evidence shown by co-operatives that community members do benefit from the produce created by co-operatives. If co-operatives can receive the type of support they deserve, poverty in rural areas can be put to absolute minimum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Ndawule, Luvuyo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9126 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018555
- Description: Mbhashe Local Municipality is part of eight local municipalities that make up Amathole District Municipality. The study is conducted in Mbhashe local Municipality where two co-operatives have been sampled. The purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges faced by co-operatives in achieving its intended purpose (i.e. alleviating poverty, creating employment and generating income). It is the intention of the researcher to investigate the socio-economic role played by co-operatives in this afore mentioned local municipality. For the research to be able to examine and analyse the performance and challenges faced by co-operatives around Mbhashe certain key aspects were extensively taken into consideration. These aspects are co-operative leadership, management structures, external support from different stakeholders, like different government departments, communities where co-operatives are located, and the role of NGO’s. It was the intention of the researcher to analyse the type of support given by each of the above mentioned stakeholders. It was through the study that the research was able to deduce whether the support given by these various stakeholders was enough or not in ensuring viability and sustainability of co-operatives. In conducting the research a qualitative approach was used whereby various instruments were used to collect data. It was through the variety of instruments used that the researcher managed to capture the challenges faced by co-operatives. Apart from the challenges which were the main focus of the researcher, the findings also reveal that co-operatives play a vital role in socio-economic development. This is more evident in rural areas such as those at Mbhashe Local Municipality. There is undisputed evidence shown by co-operatives that community members do benefit from the produce created by co-operatives. If co-operatives can receive the type of support they deserve, poverty in rural areas can be put to absolute minimum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Impact of economic freedom on CEMAC countries
- Authors: Ossono NII, Edith Gloria
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Free enterprise , Economic development , Monetary policy -- Africa, Central , Africa, Central -- Economic integration , Africa, Central -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9020 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019713
- Description: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of economic freedom on economic growth and investments in the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). The region was created in 1994 by the six states of Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. CEMAC countries comprise low and middle-income countries that share the same currency - the CFA Franc. The CEMAC countries were observed between 1995 and 2008 and panel regression methodologies were employed. A positive impact of economic freedom on economic growth was established using fixed effects method and the generalised method of moments. The impact of a unit increase in the economic freedom index on GDP per capita ranged between 72.65 and 124.51 units (dollars) increase on GDP per capita, ceteris paribus. Economic freedom was also found to Granger-cause economic growth. The results underline a significantly positive relationship between economic freedom and economic growth which is consistent with existing literature. The impact of economic freedom on domestic investment and foreign directs investment was then examined. With regard to domestic investment, economic freedom was found to be statistically significant and positive in all specifications of the model, thereby implying that a unit increase in the economic freedom index increases domestic investment by values of between 0.50 and 0.69 dollars in the CEMAC. The results obtained were consistent with most findings on the relationship between economic freedom and investments. With regard to the relationship between economic freedom and foreign direct investment inflows, economic freedom was unexpectedly statistically insignificant in most specifications of the model. The latter implies that economic freedom does not have a significant impact on foreign direct investment in the CEMAC. However, the study revealed that economic freedom Granger-causes foreign direct investment but foreign direct investment does not Granger-cause economic freedom. This means that economic freedom precedes foreign direct investments, and foreign direct investments do not precede economic freedom. The study strongly recommends an improvement of institutions in the CEMAC in order to enjoy greater levels of economic freedom and therefore foster economic growth and domestic investment in the region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Ossono NII, Edith Gloria
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Free enterprise , Economic development , Monetary policy -- Africa, Central , Africa, Central -- Economic integration , Africa, Central -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9020 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019713
- Description: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of economic freedom on economic growth and investments in the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). The region was created in 1994 by the six states of Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. CEMAC countries comprise low and middle-income countries that share the same currency - the CFA Franc. The CEMAC countries were observed between 1995 and 2008 and panel regression methodologies were employed. A positive impact of economic freedom on economic growth was established using fixed effects method and the generalised method of moments. The impact of a unit increase in the economic freedom index on GDP per capita ranged between 72.65 and 124.51 units (dollars) increase on GDP per capita, ceteris paribus. Economic freedom was also found to Granger-cause economic growth. The results underline a significantly positive relationship between economic freedom and economic growth which is consistent with existing literature. The impact of economic freedom on domestic investment and foreign directs investment was then examined. With regard to domestic investment, economic freedom was found to be statistically significant and positive in all specifications of the model, thereby implying that a unit increase in the economic freedom index increases domestic investment by values of between 0.50 and 0.69 dollars in the CEMAC. The results obtained were consistent with most findings on the relationship between economic freedom and investments. With regard to the relationship between economic freedom and foreign direct investment inflows, economic freedom was unexpectedly statistically insignificant in most specifications of the model. The latter implies that economic freedom does not have a significant impact on foreign direct investment in the CEMAC. However, the study revealed that economic freedom Granger-causes foreign direct investment but foreign direct investment does not Granger-cause economic freedom. This means that economic freedom precedes foreign direct investments, and foreign direct investments do not precede economic freedom. The study strongly recommends an improvement of institutions in the CEMAC in order to enjoy greater levels of economic freedom and therefore foster economic growth and domestic investment in the region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The distinction between types of commercial and residential property for value-added tax purposes in South Africa
- Authors: Ferreira, Melanie
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Property tax -- South Africa , Value-added tax -- South Africa , Tax assessment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8955 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008710 , Property tax -- South Africa , Value-added tax -- South Africa , Tax assessment -- South Africa
- Description: It is important to distinguish between types of commercial and residential property for value-added tax (VAT) purposes. The reason for this is because the supply of residential property may be exempt from VAT in certain cases, whereas the supply of commercial property is a taxable supply. One of the aims of this treatise was to generate some characteristics that can assist vendors to distinguish between types of commercial and residential property for VAT purposes. SARS proposed numerous changes to the VAT Act with regards to fixed property in 2011. This treatise explains the reason for the changes made and also comments on them. Firstly, property developers previously had to account for an output tax adjustment when they changed the use of their property i.e. from a taxable use (selling the completed units) to a non-taxable use (renting the completed units as a residential dwelling). This „output tax adjustment‟ sometimes places developers in a financial dilemma, especially in times of an economic depression. SARS therefore provided „developers‟ as defined with a short term solution. This short term solution provides property developers with a 36 month temporarily relief period, before they have to account for the „output tax adjustment‟. Therefore, the new section 18B was proposed to assist property developers in times of an economic recession. Secondly, in the past a vendor who acquired a property from a non-vendor to make taxable supplies was allowed a notional input tax deduction, limited to the transfer duty paid. SARS has however "delinked VAT from transfer duty‟, which means that the notional input tax deduction will no longer be limited to the transfer duty paid. This change may benefit vendors as they may now be allowed a bigger input tax deduction. Furthermore, the treatise also compares the VAT treatment of the above issues to that of the goods and services tax treatment in New Zealand. The treatise concludes with a summary of all distinguishing characteristics identified and other findings noted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Ferreira, Melanie
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Property tax -- South Africa , Value-added tax -- South Africa , Tax assessment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8955 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008710 , Property tax -- South Africa , Value-added tax -- South Africa , Tax assessment -- South Africa
- Description: It is important to distinguish between types of commercial and residential property for value-added tax (VAT) purposes. The reason for this is because the supply of residential property may be exempt from VAT in certain cases, whereas the supply of commercial property is a taxable supply. One of the aims of this treatise was to generate some characteristics that can assist vendors to distinguish between types of commercial and residential property for VAT purposes. SARS proposed numerous changes to the VAT Act with regards to fixed property in 2011. This treatise explains the reason for the changes made and also comments on them. Firstly, property developers previously had to account for an output tax adjustment when they changed the use of their property i.e. from a taxable use (selling the completed units) to a non-taxable use (renting the completed units as a residential dwelling). This „output tax adjustment‟ sometimes places developers in a financial dilemma, especially in times of an economic depression. SARS therefore provided „developers‟ as defined with a short term solution. This short term solution provides property developers with a 36 month temporarily relief period, before they have to account for the „output tax adjustment‟. Therefore, the new section 18B was proposed to assist property developers in times of an economic recession. Secondly, in the past a vendor who acquired a property from a non-vendor to make taxable supplies was allowed a notional input tax deduction, limited to the transfer duty paid. SARS has however "delinked VAT from transfer duty‟, which means that the notional input tax deduction will no longer be limited to the transfer duty paid. This change may benefit vendors as they may now be allowed a bigger input tax deduction. Furthermore, the treatise also compares the VAT treatment of the above issues to that of the goods and services tax treatment in New Zealand. The treatise concludes with a summary of all distinguishing characteristics identified and other findings noted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Media and agriculture in Africa : a case study of agriculture radio programming in Malawi
- Authors: Manda, Levison Zeleza
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Radio in agriculture -- Malawi , Communication -- Agriculture -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:8434 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020925
- Description: This thesis argues that although participatory communication for development has been extolled to be more effective than the monologic or top-down communication approaches associated with the modernization development paradigm, its influence in making Malawian smallholder farmers adopt radio-mediated innovations and technologies seems to be minimal and ought to be reconsidered for more effective communication for development models. The study used mostly qualitative methodology, with focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and a semi-structured questionnaire to gather verbal and statistical from the primary beneficiaries in order data to understand why three mass media interventions in Malawi had similar effects when only one of them was strictly participatory. It found, inter alia, that in two sites food security was the overriding factor that influenced the community members to adopt radio messages while in the third the participants were mostly driven by the desire to earn money, essentially because the area is food-secure. Thus, participation in radio production was found not to have any significant role in the acceptance and adoption of radio-mediated innovations by the farming communities. Based on the above findings, the study recommends a) an integrated communication for development (IC4D) model that combines top-down information dissemination techniques and participatory communication approaches since the two reinforce more than they oppose each other, and b) the formation of a Communication for Development (C4D) pool fund in Malawi to finance C4D activities. The C4D pool fund is theorised to be resourced by the Malawi government departments, local farmers ‘organisations, international NGOs, and UN bodies such as UNICEF, WHO, and the FAO.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Manda, Levison Zeleza
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Radio in agriculture -- Malawi , Communication -- Agriculture -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:8434 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020925
- Description: This thesis argues that although participatory communication for development has been extolled to be more effective than the monologic or top-down communication approaches associated with the modernization development paradigm, its influence in making Malawian smallholder farmers adopt radio-mediated innovations and technologies seems to be minimal and ought to be reconsidered for more effective communication for development models. The study used mostly qualitative methodology, with focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and a semi-structured questionnaire to gather verbal and statistical from the primary beneficiaries in order data to understand why three mass media interventions in Malawi had similar effects when only one of them was strictly participatory. It found, inter alia, that in two sites food security was the overriding factor that influenced the community members to adopt radio messages while in the third the participants were mostly driven by the desire to earn money, essentially because the area is food-secure. Thus, participation in radio production was found not to have any significant role in the acceptance and adoption of radio-mediated innovations by the farming communities. Based on the above findings, the study recommends a) an integrated communication for development (IC4D) model that combines top-down information dissemination techniques and participatory communication approaches since the two reinforce more than they oppose each other, and b) the formation of a Communication for Development (C4D) pool fund in Malawi to finance C4D activities. The C4D pool fund is theorised to be resourced by the Malawi government departments, local farmers ‘organisations, international NGOs, and UN bodies such as UNICEF, WHO, and the FAO.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Teacher practices in the grade 10 first additional language classroom: a relevance study
- Authors: Naadirah, Abader
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Action research in education , Reflective teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9438 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011093 , Action research in education , Reflective teaching
- Description: Teachers are key figures in the English First Additional Language learning process, their influence is fundamental to their learners‟ progress, or lack thereof. I am of the opinion that literacy in itself is not sufficient, as success lies in the learners‟ application of appropriate learning techniques. The purpose of my study was to reflect on and improve my own teaching practice, improve my learners‟ participation and enhance their academic outcomes in the poetry classroom. My study required that I reflect on my classroom practice to facilitate the improvement thereof. Successful learning within the classroom therefore involves interaction and collaboration between the learner, the materials, the teacher and the context. Scaffolding is a technique I used to actualize my learners‟ potential. I chose action research, because I wanted to research an educational problem (as experienced by my learners and myself), critically reflect on my classroom practice, evaluate my teaching methods, and consider practical solutions. Action research allowed me to record the events and happenings in my location, my reflection, beliefs and teaching philosophies, my ideas and my insights about my practice. In my journal I reflected on the events that took place during my poetry lessons. Both positive and negative comments were noted and I tried to closely monitor my learners during the lessons. After marking my classroom assessments, I immediately shared my thoughts regarding the assessment outcomes. My reflections gave me a better understanding of my teaching practice. I used photovoice as a data collecting strategy which is the intermingling of images and words. The actions taken through photovoice, taking photographs and telling stories as they relate to the photographs, were empowering. My study enabled me to understand the many challenges of teaching poetry. I learnt that if I teach well, poetry can add important aspects to my learners‟ language skills, including understanding metaphors, connotations and symbolic meanings. The teaching of poetry should promote a pleasurable understanding of language. This means that the language of the poem is as important as the content of the poem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Naadirah, Abader
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Action research in education , Reflective teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9438 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011093 , Action research in education , Reflective teaching
- Description: Teachers are key figures in the English First Additional Language learning process, their influence is fundamental to their learners‟ progress, or lack thereof. I am of the opinion that literacy in itself is not sufficient, as success lies in the learners‟ application of appropriate learning techniques. The purpose of my study was to reflect on and improve my own teaching practice, improve my learners‟ participation and enhance their academic outcomes in the poetry classroom. My study required that I reflect on my classroom practice to facilitate the improvement thereof. Successful learning within the classroom therefore involves interaction and collaboration between the learner, the materials, the teacher and the context. Scaffolding is a technique I used to actualize my learners‟ potential. I chose action research, because I wanted to research an educational problem (as experienced by my learners and myself), critically reflect on my classroom practice, evaluate my teaching methods, and consider practical solutions. Action research allowed me to record the events and happenings in my location, my reflection, beliefs and teaching philosophies, my ideas and my insights about my practice. In my journal I reflected on the events that took place during my poetry lessons. Both positive and negative comments were noted and I tried to closely monitor my learners during the lessons. After marking my classroom assessments, I immediately shared my thoughts regarding the assessment outcomes. My reflections gave me a better understanding of my teaching practice. I used photovoice as a data collecting strategy which is the intermingling of images and words. The actions taken through photovoice, taking photographs and telling stories as they relate to the photographs, were empowering. My study enabled me to understand the many challenges of teaching poetry. I learnt that if I teach well, poetry can add important aspects to my learners‟ language skills, including understanding metaphors, connotations and symbolic meanings. The teaching of poetry should promote a pleasurable understanding of language. This means that the language of the poem is as important as the content of the poem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Implementing the integragrated development plan for effective service delivery : the case of Mnquma Municipality
- Siyaya, Nompendulo Vuyolwethu
- Authors: Siyaya, Nompendulo Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Public Administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8309 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020030
- Description: This study is about implementing the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for effective service delivery: The case of Mnquma municipality. The need for improved standards of living and access to better infrastructure which are seen as crucial issues in addressing poverty have necessitated the introduction of the Integrated Development Planning. The IDP looks at the economic and social development. It aims to coordinate the work of the local government in a coherent plan to improve the quality of life of all the people living in an area. Many municipalities in South Africa are faced with the challenge of service delivery and Mnquma is one of those municipalities. There are still backlogs in service delivery in Mnquma. This study was triggered by the high level of poverty, high unemployment rate and the non service delivery in Mnquma municipality. It sought to understand whether the IDP is serving its purposes in the Mnquma Municipality. Questionnaires were used as a method of collecting data. The respondents were asked to give their opinions on the impact of IDP in Mnquma, the IDP implementation for effective service delivery, and highlight the challenges that they think hinder the IDP from realizing its intended goals. The results of this study show that there is lack of communication between the municipality and the community. The study uncovered that the communities do not understand the purpose and existence of the IDP document. IDP is a tool to fast track service delivery. The study argues that without its proper implementation, service cannot be rendered effectively and efficiently.The research findings also point out the need for sensitizing the community about the need to participate in the affairs of their development so that the IDP can be a true reflection of their needs. The mantra of this research is effective service delivery through the implementation of the IDP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Siyaya, Nompendulo Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Public Administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8309 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020030
- Description: This study is about implementing the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for effective service delivery: The case of Mnquma municipality. The need for improved standards of living and access to better infrastructure which are seen as crucial issues in addressing poverty have necessitated the introduction of the Integrated Development Planning. The IDP looks at the economic and social development. It aims to coordinate the work of the local government in a coherent plan to improve the quality of life of all the people living in an area. Many municipalities in South Africa are faced with the challenge of service delivery and Mnquma is one of those municipalities. There are still backlogs in service delivery in Mnquma. This study was triggered by the high level of poverty, high unemployment rate and the non service delivery in Mnquma municipality. It sought to understand whether the IDP is serving its purposes in the Mnquma Municipality. Questionnaires were used as a method of collecting data. The respondents were asked to give their opinions on the impact of IDP in Mnquma, the IDP implementation for effective service delivery, and highlight the challenges that they think hinder the IDP from realizing its intended goals. The results of this study show that there is lack of communication between the municipality and the community. The study uncovered that the communities do not understand the purpose and existence of the IDP document. IDP is a tool to fast track service delivery. The study argues that without its proper implementation, service cannot be rendered effectively and efficiently.The research findings also point out the need for sensitizing the community about the need to participate in the affairs of their development so that the IDP can be a true reflection of their needs. The mantra of this research is effective service delivery through the implementation of the IDP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A study of the coordination behaviour of the lanthanide series with oxygen-donor ligands
- Authors: Kuhn, Kirsti
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Chemical elements , Chemical reactions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10394 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009533 , Chemical elements , Chemical reactions
- Description: The reactions between the lanthanide nitrate salts and the ligand triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) gave rise to nine-coordinated complexes of the nature Ln(TPPO)3(NO3)3, for Ln = La – Dy, Er, Tm, in which the Ln(III) centre is coordinated to three phosphoryl oxygen atoms and three bidentate nitrate ligands. Generally, the geometry can be described as being mer-octahedral, where the nitrate ligands are considered as monoatomic species. The product of the reaction between Yb(NO3)3·5H2O and TPPO, however, was a highly symmetrical eight-coordinated complex, in which the Yb(III) centre was coordinated to two bidentate nitrate groups and four TPPO molecules. The geometry in this case is best described as being trans-octahedral, with the two nitrate ligands coordinated practically perpendicular to one another. The complexes isolated from the reactions of lanthanide nitrate salts with the ligand bis(pentamethylene)urea (PMU) had the general formula Ln(PMU)3(NO3)3, where Ln = La – Dy, Yb, Lu. The complexes were found to be nine-coordinated with distorted trigonal prismatic geometry, in which the one base of the prism is composed of the oxygen atoms of the three PMU ligands and the other base is made up by one oxygen atom from each of the bidentate nitrate groups. The second oxygen atoms of each of the nitrate groups protrude upward, occupying capping positions. The reactions of the La and Pr nitrate salts with the ligand 2,2’-dipyridyl-N,N’-dioxide (DPDO) produced two novel complexes of the nature [Ln(DPDO)(H2O)2(NO3)3]. These complexes are remarkable in that their crystal structures reveal the Ln(III) centres to be ten-coordinated. The geometry around the Ln(III) centres was complex, due to the presence of a seven-membered chelate ring, formed by the bidentate coordination of the oxygen atoms from the DPDO ligands to the metal centres. The chelate ring did not lie in a single plane, but was twisted at the pyridyl bridgeheads to lie above and below the coordination plane.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kuhn, Kirsti
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Chemical elements , Chemical reactions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10394 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009533 , Chemical elements , Chemical reactions
- Description: The reactions between the lanthanide nitrate salts and the ligand triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) gave rise to nine-coordinated complexes of the nature Ln(TPPO)3(NO3)3, for Ln = La – Dy, Er, Tm, in which the Ln(III) centre is coordinated to three phosphoryl oxygen atoms and three bidentate nitrate ligands. Generally, the geometry can be described as being mer-octahedral, where the nitrate ligands are considered as monoatomic species. The product of the reaction between Yb(NO3)3·5H2O and TPPO, however, was a highly symmetrical eight-coordinated complex, in which the Yb(III) centre was coordinated to two bidentate nitrate groups and four TPPO molecules. The geometry in this case is best described as being trans-octahedral, with the two nitrate ligands coordinated practically perpendicular to one another. The complexes isolated from the reactions of lanthanide nitrate salts with the ligand bis(pentamethylene)urea (PMU) had the general formula Ln(PMU)3(NO3)3, where Ln = La – Dy, Yb, Lu. The complexes were found to be nine-coordinated with distorted trigonal prismatic geometry, in which the one base of the prism is composed of the oxygen atoms of the three PMU ligands and the other base is made up by one oxygen atom from each of the bidentate nitrate groups. The second oxygen atoms of each of the nitrate groups protrude upward, occupying capping positions. The reactions of the La and Pr nitrate salts with the ligand 2,2’-dipyridyl-N,N’-dioxide (DPDO) produced two novel complexes of the nature [Ln(DPDO)(H2O)2(NO3)3]. These complexes are remarkable in that their crystal structures reveal the Ln(III) centres to be ten-coordinated. The geometry around the Ln(III) centres was complex, due to the presence of a seven-membered chelate ring, formed by the bidentate coordination of the oxygen atoms from the DPDO ligands to the metal centres. The chelate ring did not lie in a single plane, but was twisted at the pyridyl bridgeheads to lie above and below the coordination plane.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A study of the application of clinoptilolite as an ion exchange agent for selected metals in aqueous solution
- Authors: Dyeshana, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Ion exchange , Clinoptilolite
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10419 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013257
- Description: The aim of this study was to establish whether samples of South African-mined clinoptilolite could be used to remove selected metal cations from aqueous solution. The clinoptilolite samples supplied, (by Pratley SA) were in four different particle sizes. Batch study results revealed a decrease in the initial metal concentration in samples that were in contact with clinoptilolite. The finer particle size clinoptilolite had a greater capacity to remove metal cations from aqueous solution. However, ion-exchange results from atomic absorption analysis showed that the larger particle sizes, removed more magnesium ions. Magnesium was the only ion investigated in this study that was present as an exchangeable ion in the Pratley clinoptilolite chemical formula, (MgCaNa2K2)2.5(AlO2)7(SiO2)30.21H2O. Results from the ion-exchange studies showed that the decreasing order of percentage metal removal at pH 3.00 was as follows: Pb > Ni > Cu > Fe > Mg. The mass of metal ions that accumulated on one gram of clinoptilolite as determined from the isotherms was calculated to be 6.16 mg/g for lead and 0.74 mg/g for copper. Data from the lead equilibrium studies were fitted into Langmuir and Freundlich equations and linear regression was used to calculate linearity coefficients for the isotherms. The results showed that the removal of lead ions by clinoptilolite is complex as both monolayer and multilayer adsorption occurs on a heterogeneous surface.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Dyeshana, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Ion exchange , Clinoptilolite
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10419 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013257
- Description: The aim of this study was to establish whether samples of South African-mined clinoptilolite could be used to remove selected metal cations from aqueous solution. The clinoptilolite samples supplied, (by Pratley SA) were in four different particle sizes. Batch study results revealed a decrease in the initial metal concentration in samples that were in contact with clinoptilolite. The finer particle size clinoptilolite had a greater capacity to remove metal cations from aqueous solution. However, ion-exchange results from atomic absorption analysis showed that the larger particle sizes, removed more magnesium ions. Magnesium was the only ion investigated in this study that was present as an exchangeable ion in the Pratley clinoptilolite chemical formula, (MgCaNa2K2)2.5(AlO2)7(SiO2)30.21H2O. Results from the ion-exchange studies showed that the decreasing order of percentage metal removal at pH 3.00 was as follows: Pb > Ni > Cu > Fe > Mg. The mass of metal ions that accumulated on one gram of clinoptilolite as determined from the isotherms was calculated to be 6.16 mg/g for lead and 0.74 mg/g for copper. Data from the lead equilibrium studies were fitted into Langmuir and Freundlich equations and linear regression was used to calculate linearity coefficients for the isotherms. The results showed that the removal of lead ions by clinoptilolite is complex as both monolayer and multilayer adsorption occurs on a heterogeneous surface.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Public participation in local government municipalities in South Africa between 2006 and 2011 : lessons from Hibiscus Coast Municipality
- Authors: Memela, Siyabonga Ezra
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Economic development -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Municipal government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8284 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018176
- Description: There is an on-going debate in South Africa whether municipalities are an effective vehicle for deepening participatory democracy or not. Due to serious backlogs on services, the role of municipalities has largely been reduced to service delivery, to the detriment and total neglect of fundamental functions of local government. These are (Act 200, 1996):(a) To provide democratic and accountable government for local communities;(b) To ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner;(c) To promote social and economic development;(d) To promote a safe and healthy environment; and (e) To encourage the involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government. On the other hand Haveri, Stenvall & Majoinen (2011) argue that if the municipalities are a government sphere closest to the people, they are therefore best placed to, and should, lead and support the deepening of participatory democracy, what they call self-government. As the debate rages on, there are indications that most of thechallenges that face the municipalities are related to the distance that has been developing between municipal institutions and the citizens.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Memela, Siyabonga Ezra
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Economic development -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Municipal government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8284 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018176
- Description: There is an on-going debate in South Africa whether municipalities are an effective vehicle for deepening participatory democracy or not. Due to serious backlogs on services, the role of municipalities has largely been reduced to service delivery, to the detriment and total neglect of fundamental functions of local government. These are (Act 200, 1996):(a) To provide democratic and accountable government for local communities;(b) To ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner;(c) To promote social and economic development;(d) To promote a safe and healthy environment; and (e) To encourage the involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government. On the other hand Haveri, Stenvall & Majoinen (2011) argue that if the municipalities are a government sphere closest to the people, they are therefore best placed to, and should, lead and support the deepening of participatory democracy, what they call self-government. As the debate rages on, there are indications that most of thechallenges that face the municipalities are related to the distance that has been developing between municipal institutions and the citizens.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An action learning model to assist circuit teams to support school management teams towards whole-school development
- Van der Voort, Geoffrey Hermanus
- Authors: Van der Voort, Geoffrey Hermanus
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Action research in education -- South Africa -- Cape Town , School management teams -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Low-performing schools -- South Africa -- Cape Town , School improvement programs -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Active learning -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:9567 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016065
- Description: This research study took as its point of departure the general state of underperformance of the majority of schools in South Africa. A review of the literature uncovered evidence that suggested that the state of school management in the majority of schools was in disarray. The problem was compounded by the poor quality and haphazard nature of support that District and Circuit Officials of the Education Department rendered to schools. I therefore saw the need to conduct a scientific investigation into how Circuit Teams could be assisted to support School Management Teams towards whole-school development. Against this background, I formulated the following primary research question to guide the study: “How can Circuit Teams effectively support School Management Teams of underperforming schools towards whole-school development?” The following secondary research questions arose out of this to provide further direction to the study: How can Circuit Teams assist School Management Teams to develop and implement their respective School Improvement Plans? How can Circuit Teams be assisted to develop, implement and monitor their Circuit Improvement Plans? What recommendations can be made to improve service delivery to the schools?. The primary aim of the research was therefore to design an action learning model that would enable Circuit Teams to support School Management Teams of underperforming high schools towards whole-school development. A qualitative research approach was adopted for this study, as it best suited the purpose of the research, and the philosophical assumptions of the researcher. In addition, I drew on a constructivist-interpretative and a critical theory paradigm to guide the design. I chose action research as the specific methodology for the study as, in line with critical theory it aims to empower people to facilitate social change and improvement at a local level. Purposive sampling was used to select four underperforming high schools in the same township within the Cape Town Metro, belonging to the same education Circuit and District Office to participate in the research. In addition, the members of the Circuit Team that serviced these schools were also brought on board as participants. In total, 40 people participated in the research: 4 members from the Circuit Team, 4 Principals, 8 Deputy Principals and 24 Heads of Department. Data were generated in the period January to June 2012 using structured, semi-structured and unstructured interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. Data were analysed by following the eight steps for analysing qualitative data identified by Tesch. An Action Research cycle consisting of the following five steps was followed with participants during the fieldwork, viz.: Identification of the problem; Designing the action plan; Implementing the action plan; Evaluating the action, and Reflection and lessons learnt. Two Action Research cycles emerged from the fieldwork. The first cycle dealt with assisting the schools and Circuit Team to construct their improvement plans. The main findings from this cycle were (1) that the Circuit Team did not function as a team, due to the autocratic management style of the Circuit Team Manager, and the plan of action to address the underperforming schools was not developed in a participative manner. In addition, the Circuit Team had no Circuit Improvement Plan in place with which to support the schools. (2) The schools did not receive the required support to prepare their School Improvement Plans, and although they were able to articulate their areas of support needed, none of them undertook the process of School Self-Evaluation and therefore did not have School Improvement Plans in place. The second action r esearch cycle dealt with the support that schools needed from the other pillars of the District Office to implement their intervention plans. Three themes emerged from this action research cycle: (1) The School Management Teams required capacitybuilding to manage their schools effectively, (2) teachers needed support to implement the curriculum, and (3) learners required assistance to achieve better results. As the outcome of the research, a spiral model consisting of three distinctive phases, each having several loops that describe the particular action that Circuit Teams and School Management Teams have to undertake was developed as the ultimate outcome of the research. The structure of the model was explained, and explicit guidelines for operationalizing it in practice were provided. Based on the findings and the construction of the model, a number of recommendations were put forward to guide future research and practice in the area of Circuit Team support to nderperforming schools. In conclusion, this research study contributed to the body of knowledge by exploring, investigating and describing the working relationship between Circuit Teams and School Management Teams, which until now has not been adequately covered in the existing literature and research. The study culminated in a theoretical model which can be used to improve this relationship permitting Circuit Teams to better support School Management Teams towards whole-school development. The action research design also allowed a more participative and democratic relationship to develop between the Circuit Team and the School Management Teams of the four schools, which is also an innovative idea considering the traditional hierarchic and autocratic approach which has been the norm in the past. Hopefully the findings of this study will encourage the emergence of democratic partnerships between Departmental officials and school management, leading to the empowerment and transformation of school management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Van der Voort, Geoffrey Hermanus
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Action research in education -- South Africa -- Cape Town , School management teams -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Low-performing schools -- South Africa -- Cape Town , School improvement programs -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Active learning -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:9567 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016065
- Description: This research study took as its point of departure the general state of underperformance of the majority of schools in South Africa. A review of the literature uncovered evidence that suggested that the state of school management in the majority of schools was in disarray. The problem was compounded by the poor quality and haphazard nature of support that District and Circuit Officials of the Education Department rendered to schools. I therefore saw the need to conduct a scientific investigation into how Circuit Teams could be assisted to support School Management Teams towards whole-school development. Against this background, I formulated the following primary research question to guide the study: “How can Circuit Teams effectively support School Management Teams of underperforming schools towards whole-school development?” The following secondary research questions arose out of this to provide further direction to the study: How can Circuit Teams assist School Management Teams to develop and implement their respective School Improvement Plans? How can Circuit Teams be assisted to develop, implement and monitor their Circuit Improvement Plans? What recommendations can be made to improve service delivery to the schools?. The primary aim of the research was therefore to design an action learning model that would enable Circuit Teams to support School Management Teams of underperforming high schools towards whole-school development. A qualitative research approach was adopted for this study, as it best suited the purpose of the research, and the philosophical assumptions of the researcher. In addition, I drew on a constructivist-interpretative and a critical theory paradigm to guide the design. I chose action research as the specific methodology for the study as, in line with critical theory it aims to empower people to facilitate social change and improvement at a local level. Purposive sampling was used to select four underperforming high schools in the same township within the Cape Town Metro, belonging to the same education Circuit and District Office to participate in the research. In addition, the members of the Circuit Team that serviced these schools were also brought on board as participants. In total, 40 people participated in the research: 4 members from the Circuit Team, 4 Principals, 8 Deputy Principals and 24 Heads of Department. Data were generated in the period January to June 2012 using structured, semi-structured and unstructured interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. Data were analysed by following the eight steps for analysing qualitative data identified by Tesch. An Action Research cycle consisting of the following five steps was followed with participants during the fieldwork, viz.: Identification of the problem; Designing the action plan; Implementing the action plan; Evaluating the action, and Reflection and lessons learnt. Two Action Research cycles emerged from the fieldwork. The first cycle dealt with assisting the schools and Circuit Team to construct their improvement plans. The main findings from this cycle were (1) that the Circuit Team did not function as a team, due to the autocratic management style of the Circuit Team Manager, and the plan of action to address the underperforming schools was not developed in a participative manner. In addition, the Circuit Team had no Circuit Improvement Plan in place with which to support the schools. (2) The schools did not receive the required support to prepare their School Improvement Plans, and although they were able to articulate their areas of support needed, none of them undertook the process of School Self-Evaluation and therefore did not have School Improvement Plans in place. The second action r esearch cycle dealt with the support that schools needed from the other pillars of the District Office to implement their intervention plans. Three themes emerged from this action research cycle: (1) The School Management Teams required capacitybuilding to manage their schools effectively, (2) teachers needed support to implement the curriculum, and (3) learners required assistance to achieve better results. As the outcome of the research, a spiral model consisting of three distinctive phases, each having several loops that describe the particular action that Circuit Teams and School Management Teams have to undertake was developed as the ultimate outcome of the research. The structure of the model was explained, and explicit guidelines for operationalizing it in practice were provided. Based on the findings and the construction of the model, a number of recommendations were put forward to guide future research and practice in the area of Circuit Team support to nderperforming schools. In conclusion, this research study contributed to the body of knowledge by exploring, investigating and describing the working relationship between Circuit Teams and School Management Teams, which until now has not been adequately covered in the existing literature and research. The study culminated in a theoretical model which can be used to improve this relationship permitting Circuit Teams to better support School Management Teams towards whole-school development. The action research design also allowed a more participative and democratic relationship to develop between the Circuit Team and the School Management Teams of the four schools, which is also an innovative idea considering the traditional hierarchic and autocratic approach which has been the norm in the past. Hopefully the findings of this study will encourage the emergence of democratic partnerships between Departmental officials and school management, leading to the empowerment and transformation of school management.
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- Date Issued: 2012