A framework for grain commodity trading decision support in South Africa
- Authors: Ayankoya, Kayode Anthony
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Grain trade -- South Africa Commodity exchanges -- South Africa Food industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11437 , vital:26925
- Description: In several countries around the world, grain commodities are traded as assets on stock exchanges. This indicate that the market and effectively the prices of the grain commodities in such countries, are controlled by several local and international economic, political and social factors that are rapidly changing. As a result, the prices of some grain commodities are volatile and trading in such commodities are prone to price-related risks. There are different trading strategies for minimising price-related risks and maximising profits. But empirical research suggests that making the right decision for effective grain commodities trading has been a difficult task for stakeholders due to high volatility of grain commodities prices. Studies have shown that this is more challenging among grain commodities farmers because of their lack of skills and the time to sift through and make sense of the datasets on the plethora of factors that influence the grain commodities market. This thesis focused on providing an answer for the main research problem that grain farmers in South Africa do not take full advantage of all the available strategies for trading their grain commodities because of the complexities associated with monitoring the large datasets that influence the grain commodities market. The main objective set by this study is to design a framework that can be followed to collect, integrate and analyse datasets that influence trading decisions of grain farmers in South Africa about grain commodities. This study takes advantage of the developments in Big Data and Data Science to achieve the set objective using the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology. The prediction of future prices of grain commodities for the different trading strategies was identified as an important factor for making better decisions when trading grain commodities and the key factors that influence the prices were identified. This was followed by a critical review of the literature to determine how the concepts of Big Data and Data Science can be leveraged for an effective grain commodities trading decision support. This resulted in a proposed framework for grain commodities trading. The proposed framework suggested an investigation of the factors that influence the prices of grain commodities as the basis for acquiring the relevant datasets. The proposed framework suggested the adoption of the Big Data approach in acquiring, preparing and integrating relevant datasets from several sources. Furthermore, it was suggested that algorithmic models for predicting grain commodities prices can be developed on top of the data layer of the proposed framework to provide real-time decision support. The proposed framework suggests the need for a carefully designed visualisation of the result and the collected data that promotes user experience. Lastly, the proposed framework included a technology consideration component to support the Big Data and Data Science approach of the framework. To demonstrate that the proposed framework addressed the main problem of this research, datasets from several sources on trading white maize in South Africa and the factors that influence market were streamed, integrated and analysed. Backpropagation Neural Network algorithm was used for modelling the prices of white maize for spot and futures trading strategies were predicted. There are other modelling techniques such as the Box-Jenkins statistical time series analysis methodology. But, Neural Networks was identified as more suitable for time series data with complex patterns and relationships. A demonstration system was setup to provide effective decision support by using near real-time data to provide a dynamic predictive analytics for the spot and December futures contract prices of white maize in South Africa. Comparative analysis of predictions made using the model from the proposed framework to actual data indicated a significant degree of accuracy. A further evaluation was carried out by asking experienced traders to make predictions for the spot and December futures contract prices of white maize. The result of the exercise indicated that the predictions from the developed model were much closer to the actual prices. This indicated that the proposed framework is technically capable and generally useful. It also shows that the proposed framework can be used to provide decision support about trading grain commodities to stakeholders with lesser skills, experience and resources. The practical contribution of this thesis is that relevant datasets from several sources can be streamed into an integrated data source in real-time, which can be used as input for a real-time learning algorithmic model for predicting grain commodities prices. This will make it possible for a predictive analytics that responds to market volatility thereby providing an effective decision support for grain commodities trading. Another practical contribution of this thesis is a proposed framework that can be followed for developing a Decision Support System for trading in grain commodities. This thesis made theoretical contributions by building on the information processing theory and the decision making theory. The theoretical contribution of this thesis consists of the identification of Big Data approach, tools and techniques for eradicating uncertainty and equivocality in grain commodities trading decision making process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ayankoya, Kayode Anthony
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Grain trade -- South Africa Commodity exchanges -- South Africa Food industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11437 , vital:26925
- Description: In several countries around the world, grain commodities are traded as assets on stock exchanges. This indicate that the market and effectively the prices of the grain commodities in such countries, are controlled by several local and international economic, political and social factors that are rapidly changing. As a result, the prices of some grain commodities are volatile and trading in such commodities are prone to price-related risks. There are different trading strategies for minimising price-related risks and maximising profits. But empirical research suggests that making the right decision for effective grain commodities trading has been a difficult task for stakeholders due to high volatility of grain commodities prices. Studies have shown that this is more challenging among grain commodities farmers because of their lack of skills and the time to sift through and make sense of the datasets on the plethora of factors that influence the grain commodities market. This thesis focused on providing an answer for the main research problem that grain farmers in South Africa do not take full advantage of all the available strategies for trading their grain commodities because of the complexities associated with monitoring the large datasets that influence the grain commodities market. The main objective set by this study is to design a framework that can be followed to collect, integrate and analyse datasets that influence trading decisions of grain farmers in South Africa about grain commodities. This study takes advantage of the developments in Big Data and Data Science to achieve the set objective using the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology. The prediction of future prices of grain commodities for the different trading strategies was identified as an important factor for making better decisions when trading grain commodities and the key factors that influence the prices were identified. This was followed by a critical review of the literature to determine how the concepts of Big Data and Data Science can be leveraged for an effective grain commodities trading decision support. This resulted in a proposed framework for grain commodities trading. The proposed framework suggested an investigation of the factors that influence the prices of grain commodities as the basis for acquiring the relevant datasets. The proposed framework suggested the adoption of the Big Data approach in acquiring, preparing and integrating relevant datasets from several sources. Furthermore, it was suggested that algorithmic models for predicting grain commodities prices can be developed on top of the data layer of the proposed framework to provide real-time decision support. The proposed framework suggests the need for a carefully designed visualisation of the result and the collected data that promotes user experience. Lastly, the proposed framework included a technology consideration component to support the Big Data and Data Science approach of the framework. To demonstrate that the proposed framework addressed the main problem of this research, datasets from several sources on trading white maize in South Africa and the factors that influence market were streamed, integrated and analysed. Backpropagation Neural Network algorithm was used for modelling the prices of white maize for spot and futures trading strategies were predicted. There are other modelling techniques such as the Box-Jenkins statistical time series analysis methodology. But, Neural Networks was identified as more suitable for time series data with complex patterns and relationships. A demonstration system was setup to provide effective decision support by using near real-time data to provide a dynamic predictive analytics for the spot and December futures contract prices of white maize in South Africa. Comparative analysis of predictions made using the model from the proposed framework to actual data indicated a significant degree of accuracy. A further evaluation was carried out by asking experienced traders to make predictions for the spot and December futures contract prices of white maize. The result of the exercise indicated that the predictions from the developed model were much closer to the actual prices. This indicated that the proposed framework is technically capable and generally useful. It also shows that the proposed framework can be used to provide decision support about trading grain commodities to stakeholders with lesser skills, experience and resources. The practical contribution of this thesis is that relevant datasets from several sources can be streamed into an integrated data source in real-time, which can be used as input for a real-time learning algorithmic model for predicting grain commodities prices. This will make it possible for a predictive analytics that responds to market volatility thereby providing an effective decision support for grain commodities trading. Another practical contribution of this thesis is a proposed framework that can be followed for developing a Decision Support System for trading in grain commodities. This thesis made theoretical contributions by building on the information processing theory and the decision making theory. The theoretical contribution of this thesis consists of the identification of Big Data approach, tools and techniques for eradicating uncertainty and equivocality in grain commodities trading decision making process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Options for eland: a multi-scale assessment of antipredatory responses of a vulnerable prey species to their dominant predator in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Leaver, Jessica
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Endangered species -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Predatory animals -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6570 , vital:21113
- Description: Eland Tragelaphus oryx are the largest and slowest African antelope, falling within the preferred weight range of the prey of lions Panthera leo. Little is known, however, about the antipredatory strategies employed by eland. Rapid population declines in several small reserves following the reintroduction of lions suggest that the antipredatory strategies of eland may be compromised in spatially limited areas. This emphasises the need for research aimed at investigating how eland respond to lions, particularly in the spatial context, given that lions are increasingly being reintroduced into small reserves in South Africa. This study aimed to investigate lion-eland interactions at multiple scales and determine where on the landscape eland were vulnerable to predation. Adult female eland (n = 3 per site) in breeding herds were collared with GPS satellite collars in two study sites; the Nyathi section of Addo Elephant National Park (Nyathi) and Mountain Zebra National Park (MZNP) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A reintroduced population of lions, comprising two males and one female, was present in each study site, with individuals fitted with GPS satellite collars. At a broad spatiotemporal scale, eland did not avoid lions and there was considerable overlap between eland and lion home ranges in both study sites. At a finer spatiotemporal scale however, eland and lion space use was asynchronous in time, except in the case of the female lion in Nyathi where there was considerable overlap at the finest temporal scale investigated (i.e. monthly). Herd-associated eland in Nyathi were killed most frequently in areas associated with high long-term use by the female lion, showing that failure to avoid the female lion at a fine scale increased predation risk for eland. Secondly, eland in Nyathi were killed most frequently in habitat types of intermediate structural density (i.e. mixed habitats), which limited the viewshed of eland but presumably offered increased forage. This habitat type was selected for by eland, despite it being associated with a higher level of predation risk. This suggested that eland in Nyathi traded off safety for forage. In MZNP, predation of herd-associated eland was low which reflected the limited spatial overlap between eland and lion at a fine scale in this reserve. In Nyathi, but not in MZNP, eland responded to lions within 1.5 km by increasing their movement rate, with this response particularly strong at night. The findings of this study show that eland responses to lions are scale-dependent and site-specific. Furthermore, eland responses to lions were shown to be lion gender-specific. This study has increased our understanding of the antipredatory behaviours of eland and demonstrated the importance of investigating prey responses to predation risk at multiple scales.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Leaver, Jessica
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Endangered species -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Predatory animals -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6570 , vital:21113
- Description: Eland Tragelaphus oryx are the largest and slowest African antelope, falling within the preferred weight range of the prey of lions Panthera leo. Little is known, however, about the antipredatory strategies employed by eland. Rapid population declines in several small reserves following the reintroduction of lions suggest that the antipredatory strategies of eland may be compromised in spatially limited areas. This emphasises the need for research aimed at investigating how eland respond to lions, particularly in the spatial context, given that lions are increasingly being reintroduced into small reserves in South Africa. This study aimed to investigate lion-eland interactions at multiple scales and determine where on the landscape eland were vulnerable to predation. Adult female eland (n = 3 per site) in breeding herds were collared with GPS satellite collars in two study sites; the Nyathi section of Addo Elephant National Park (Nyathi) and Mountain Zebra National Park (MZNP) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A reintroduced population of lions, comprising two males and one female, was present in each study site, with individuals fitted with GPS satellite collars. At a broad spatiotemporal scale, eland did not avoid lions and there was considerable overlap between eland and lion home ranges in both study sites. At a finer spatiotemporal scale however, eland and lion space use was asynchronous in time, except in the case of the female lion in Nyathi where there was considerable overlap at the finest temporal scale investigated (i.e. monthly). Herd-associated eland in Nyathi were killed most frequently in areas associated with high long-term use by the female lion, showing that failure to avoid the female lion at a fine scale increased predation risk for eland. Secondly, eland in Nyathi were killed most frequently in habitat types of intermediate structural density (i.e. mixed habitats), which limited the viewshed of eland but presumably offered increased forage. This habitat type was selected for by eland, despite it being associated with a higher level of predation risk. This suggested that eland in Nyathi traded off safety for forage. In MZNP, predation of herd-associated eland was low which reflected the limited spatial overlap between eland and lion at a fine scale in this reserve. In Nyathi, but not in MZNP, eland responded to lions within 1.5 km by increasing their movement rate, with this response particularly strong at night. The findings of this study show that eland responses to lions are scale-dependent and site-specific. Furthermore, eland responses to lions were shown to be lion gender-specific. This study has increased our understanding of the antipredatory behaviours of eland and demonstrated the importance of investigating prey responses to predation risk at multiple scales.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Novel camphor derivatives as potential asymmetric alkylation auxiliaries
- Authors: Skiti-Mama, Neliswa
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Alkylation , Chemistry, Organic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10372 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1077 , Alkylation , Chemistry, Organic
- Description: The investigation has been focussed on the synthesis and characterisation of camphor-derived chiral auxiliaries that incorporate two camphor skeletons and an evaluation of their stereodirecting potential in ester α-benzylation reactions. Two regioisomeric camphorquinone-derived monoketals were synthesised and identified by 1D- and 2D-NMR, and X-ray crystallography. The stereo-directing potential of the alcohols that resulted from reduction of these ketones as chiral auxiliaries in the alkylation of carboxylate ester derivatives has been studied. The diastereoselectivities shown by NMR spectroscopy range from 14- 30 % d.e. for (1R,2 S, 3R) -2 ,2-[ (1R, 2 S, 3R) -bornane-2,3-dioxy] - bornan-3-ol and 68-74 % d.e. for (1R, 2S ,3R) -3 ,3-[ (1R, 2S ,3R) - bornane-2, 3 -dioxy]bornan-2-ol with selectivities that correlate with the size of the alkyl group in the ester moiety. Trapping of the enolates generated from (1R, 2S ,3R)-2, 2 -[(1R,2 S, 3R) -bornane- 2,3-dioxy]bornan-3-yl propanoate afforded both E- and Z-silyl ketene acetal derivatives in the ratio of 64:36 confirming the formation of both possible enolate structures during enolization. Chiral auxiliaries containing a hemiaminal ether blocking group as well as two chiral alcohols containing monothio-ketal blocking groups have also been synthesised. α-Benzylation of their corresponding propanoate esters afforded the alkylated product with disappointingly low diastereos electivities. Asymmetric reduction of α-keto esters attached to (1R, 2 S, 3R) - 2,2- [ (1R,2 S, 3R) -bornane-2, 3 -dioxy]bornan-3-ol and (1R, 2S ,3R) - 3,3- [ (1R,2 S, 3R) -bornane-2, 3 -dioxy]bornan-2-ol with metal hydrides proceeded with selectivities of up to 30 % d.e. Modelling of the keto ester derivatives at DFT levels provided useful insights into possible conformations adopted by the two α-keto esters and hence the preferred face of attack by metal hydride during reduction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Skiti-Mama, Neliswa
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Alkylation , Chemistry, Organic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10372 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1077 , Alkylation , Chemistry, Organic
- Description: The investigation has been focussed on the synthesis and characterisation of camphor-derived chiral auxiliaries that incorporate two camphor skeletons and an evaluation of their stereodirecting potential in ester α-benzylation reactions. Two regioisomeric camphorquinone-derived monoketals were synthesised and identified by 1D- and 2D-NMR, and X-ray crystallography. The stereo-directing potential of the alcohols that resulted from reduction of these ketones as chiral auxiliaries in the alkylation of carboxylate ester derivatives has been studied. The diastereoselectivities shown by NMR spectroscopy range from 14- 30 % d.e. for (1R,2 S, 3R) -2 ,2-[ (1R, 2 S, 3R) -bornane-2,3-dioxy] - bornan-3-ol and 68-74 % d.e. for (1R, 2S ,3R) -3 ,3-[ (1R, 2S ,3R) - bornane-2, 3 -dioxy]bornan-2-ol with selectivities that correlate with the size of the alkyl group in the ester moiety. Trapping of the enolates generated from (1R, 2S ,3R)-2, 2 -[(1R,2 S, 3R) -bornane- 2,3-dioxy]bornan-3-yl propanoate afforded both E- and Z-silyl ketene acetal derivatives in the ratio of 64:36 confirming the formation of both possible enolate structures during enolization. Chiral auxiliaries containing a hemiaminal ether blocking group as well as two chiral alcohols containing monothio-ketal blocking groups have also been synthesised. α-Benzylation of their corresponding propanoate esters afforded the alkylated product with disappointingly low diastereos electivities. Asymmetric reduction of α-keto esters attached to (1R, 2 S, 3R) - 2,2- [ (1R,2 S, 3R) -bornane-2, 3 -dioxy]bornan-3-ol and (1R, 2S ,3R) - 3,3- [ (1R,2 S, 3R) -bornane-2, 3 -dioxy]bornan-2-ol with metal hydrides proceeded with selectivities of up to 30 % d.e. Modelling of the keto ester derivatives at DFT levels provided useful insights into possible conformations adopted by the two α-keto esters and hence the preferred face of attack by metal hydride during reduction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Resilience in HIV/AIDS' adolescent headed families
- Authors: Beeka, Hershilla A
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Resilience (Personality trait) in adolescence -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Children of AIDS patients -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Families, Black -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9911 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/922 , Resilience (Personality trait) in adolescence -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Children of AIDS patients -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Families, Black -- Research -- South Africa
- Description: HIV/AIDS has presented humanity with various challenges, one of which is the manner in which it has affected family structure and patterns. Parental illness and eventual death due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic is escalating. One of the major challenges of HIV/AIDS in southern Africa is the increase in the number of orphaned and vulnerable children. As a result new family forms are emerging such as the "skip-generation" family in which children or adolescent siblings head the family. It is anticipated that HIV/AIDS in South Africa will progressively increase the number of such families. During this time of profound family change, the family as an institution has remained remarkably resilient. The present study utilised the Family Resilience Framework and the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation to explore and describe the resilience of HIV/AIDS’ adolescent headed families. A qualitative, exploratory-descriptive research design, which was assessed against Guba’s (1985) model of trustworthiness, was employed and the participants were sampled using non-probability purposive sampling. The Masizakhe Community Project volunteers (an AIDS Community Project in Kwazakhele, Port Elizabeth receiving support from the iThemba AIDS Foundation) assisted in identifying participants according to the predetermined inclusion criteria. The sample consisted of four female, adolescent heads of HIV/AIDS’ affected households, who volunteered at the Masizakhe Community Project and resided in Kwazakhele. The data that was collected via audio-recorded semi structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Family resilience factors that emerged included intrafamilial strengths (family cohesion, organisation, hardiness, and adaptability); social support resources (especially from the community project, friends, and community members); family appraisal processes; and problem solving and coping strategies. Extended family support was partial and largely financial. The findings from this study provided insights into the resilience of adolescent-headed families; provided guidance for the development of intervention programmes to assist these families; and affirmed the existing strengths of the families. Furthermore, it has contributed to the research and literature on family resilience and formed the foundation for future research projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Beeka, Hershilla A
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Resilience (Personality trait) in adolescence -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Children of AIDS patients -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Families, Black -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9911 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/922 , Resilience (Personality trait) in adolescence -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Children of AIDS patients -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Families, Black -- Research -- South Africa
- Description: HIV/AIDS has presented humanity with various challenges, one of which is the manner in which it has affected family structure and patterns. Parental illness and eventual death due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic is escalating. One of the major challenges of HIV/AIDS in southern Africa is the increase in the number of orphaned and vulnerable children. As a result new family forms are emerging such as the "skip-generation" family in which children or adolescent siblings head the family. It is anticipated that HIV/AIDS in South Africa will progressively increase the number of such families. During this time of profound family change, the family as an institution has remained remarkably resilient. The present study utilised the Family Resilience Framework and the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation to explore and describe the resilience of HIV/AIDS’ adolescent headed families. A qualitative, exploratory-descriptive research design, which was assessed against Guba’s (1985) model of trustworthiness, was employed and the participants were sampled using non-probability purposive sampling. The Masizakhe Community Project volunteers (an AIDS Community Project in Kwazakhele, Port Elizabeth receiving support from the iThemba AIDS Foundation) assisted in identifying participants according to the predetermined inclusion criteria. The sample consisted of four female, adolescent heads of HIV/AIDS’ affected households, who volunteered at the Masizakhe Community Project and resided in Kwazakhele. The data that was collected via audio-recorded semi structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Family resilience factors that emerged included intrafamilial strengths (family cohesion, organisation, hardiness, and adaptability); social support resources (especially from the community project, friends, and community members); family appraisal processes; and problem solving and coping strategies. Extended family support was partial and largely financial. The findings from this study provided insights into the resilience of adolescent-headed families; provided guidance for the development of intervention programmes to assist these families; and affirmed the existing strengths of the families. Furthermore, it has contributed to the research and literature on family resilience and formed the foundation for future research projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
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 use of assessment centres as a selection and development tool for executive leaders in the Botswana public service
- Authors: Nkala, Elizabeth Oarabile
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Assessment centers (Personnel management procedure) , Executive ability -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5814 , vital:21000
- Description: Organisations worldwide are attempting to identify talent by using various assessment methods to evaluate competencies perceived to be core to the mandate of their organisations. In recent years recruitment and selection of individuals rely on assessment methods deemed to have high validity and reliability. One such assessment method used worldwide to evaluate top management is the assessment centre, commonly referred to as the AC. The main research problem of this study focussed on an evaluation of the extent to which the assessment centre method is effectively used for the selection and development of senior management employees in the public service of Botswana. The main research problem had eight sub-problems which were addressed through the following actions: A comprehensive literature study was conducted to define and establish the purpose of assessment centres. Moreover, the study aimed to establish the international best practice for the administration of the assessment centre as a tool for selection and talent development. Subsequent to the literature study an interview schedule and survey questionnaire were developed based on the literature. The interview schedule was used to obtain information from consultants who provide assessment centre services to the public service. The objective of the questionnaire was to obtain information from the recipients of the service and determine the extent to which that information compares with information obtained from the consultants. The questionnaire was distributed to a randomly selected population. The results of the empirical study were statistically analysed and interpreted and revealed that permanent and deputy permanent secretaries are more aware of the reasons for using the assessment centre method than directors and deputy directors. These senior management employees felt that the assessment centre is an effective tool for selection and development but the results from the assessment centre are not optimally used for development. The study revealed that generally the assessment centre process conducted in the Botswana public service is in line with international best practice of assessment centres. However, there are certain areas that need some improvement for the assessment centre to entirely conform to international best practice. These areas include the implementation of an assessment centre policy and the improvement of feedback and vital information provided to participants prior to the centre. The empirical study also revealed that senior management employees hold the view that many senior officers in the public service do not know the importance of the assessment centre method and are not comfortable to participate in such a centre. The assessment centre method has proven to be an effective tool for evaluating competencies. This is due to its use of multiple techniques, assessors, simulations and exercises. Theory has revealed that the assessment centre has higher validity and reliability than other assessment methods. However, due to the high costs of running assessment centres, some organisations take shortcuts and therefore jeopardise its validity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nkala, Elizabeth Oarabile
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Assessment centers (Personnel management procedure) , Executive ability -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5814 , vital:21000
- Description: Organisations worldwide are attempting to identify talent by using various assessment methods to evaluate competencies perceived to be core to the mandate of their organisations. In recent years recruitment and selection of individuals rely on assessment methods deemed to have high validity and reliability. One such assessment method used worldwide to evaluate top management is the assessment centre, commonly referred to as the AC. The main research problem of this study focussed on an evaluation of the extent to which the assessment centre method is effectively used for the selection and development of senior management employees in the public service of Botswana. The main research problem had eight sub-problems which were addressed through the following actions: A comprehensive literature study was conducted to define and establish the purpose of assessment centres. Moreover, the study aimed to establish the international best practice for the administration of the assessment centre as a tool for selection and talent development. Subsequent to the literature study an interview schedule and survey questionnaire were developed based on the literature. The interview schedule was used to obtain information from consultants who provide assessment centre services to the public service. The objective of the questionnaire was to obtain information from the recipients of the service and determine the extent to which that information compares with information obtained from the consultants. The questionnaire was distributed to a randomly selected population. The results of the empirical study were statistically analysed and interpreted and revealed that permanent and deputy permanent secretaries are more aware of the reasons for using the assessment centre method than directors and deputy directors. These senior management employees felt that the assessment centre is an effective tool for selection and development but the results from the assessment centre are not optimally used for development. The study revealed that generally the assessment centre process conducted in the Botswana public service is in line with international best practice of assessment centres. However, there are certain areas that need some improvement for the assessment centre to entirely conform to international best practice. These areas include the implementation of an assessment centre policy and the improvement of feedback and vital information provided to participants prior to the centre. The empirical study also revealed that senior management employees hold the view that many senior officers in the public service do not know the importance of the assessment centre method and are not comfortable to participate in such a centre. The assessment centre method has proven to be an effective tool for evaluating competencies. This is due to its use of multiple techniques, assessors, simulations and exercises. Theory has revealed that the assessment centre has higher validity and reliability than other assessment methods. However, due to the high costs of running assessment centres, some organisations take shortcuts and therefore jeopardise its validity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
A study of control measures for absenteeism of educators in Libode District
- Authors: Bungeni, Mzinto Cornelius
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Leaves of absence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8303 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019917
- Description: The study focussed on the effectiveness of control measures for dealing with absenteeism of educators with specific reference to selected schools at Libode District in the Province of the Eastern Cape. It identified the policy framework including rules and regulations relating to the absenteeism of educators. It assessed the effectiveness of control measures which are currently at the disposal of the selected schools and it also investigated the challenges faced by school principals in addressing the challenge of absenteeism of educators in the selected schools. A qualitative research methodology was used in undertaking the study. Purposive sampling was used to select the schools and participants for the study. Participants were comprised of school principals and Education Development Officers. Data was collected through structured and semi-structured interviews. Literature study showed that the management of educator absenteeism is an important aspect of Human Resource Management in schools. Furthermore, the study found that control measures for dealing with absenteeism are not properly applied in many schools and there is no consistency in the manner in which they are utilised by school principals. The study also found that school principals are struggling to manage absenteeism to the extent that some of them are not sure how to deal with educators who abuse leave. The study recommends that school principals should be empowered on leave management through various forms of training which include workshops.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Bungeni, Mzinto Cornelius
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Leaves of absence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8303 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019917
- Description: The study focussed on the effectiveness of control measures for dealing with absenteeism of educators with specific reference to selected schools at Libode District in the Province of the Eastern Cape. It identified the policy framework including rules and regulations relating to the absenteeism of educators. It assessed the effectiveness of control measures which are currently at the disposal of the selected schools and it also investigated the challenges faced by school principals in addressing the challenge of absenteeism of educators in the selected schools. A qualitative research methodology was used in undertaking the study. Purposive sampling was used to select the schools and participants for the study. Participants were comprised of school principals and Education Development Officers. Data was collected through structured and semi-structured interviews. Literature study showed that the management of educator absenteeism is an important aspect of Human Resource Management in schools. Furthermore, the study found that control measures for dealing with absenteeism are not properly applied in many schools and there is no consistency in the manner in which they are utilised by school principals. The study also found that school principals are struggling to manage absenteeism to the extent that some of them are not sure how to deal with educators who abuse leave. The study recommends that school principals should be empowered on leave management through various forms of training which include workshops.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
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
Exploring the role of an education non-governmental organisation's contribution towards fighting HIV/AIDS: a case study of South African partners
- Authors: Chiguvare, Admire D
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Prevention , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9219 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020870
- Description: The problem this research seeks to address concerns related to the role allocated and strategies implemented by HIV and AIDS education NGOs, in mitigating the impact of HIV and AIDS in Nelson Mandela Bay. The problem is approached as a development challenge and examples are drawn from the undertakings of South African Partners (SAP), an NGO operating in the education field. The study adopted qualitative research, relative unstructured interviews, direct observation and literature review as methods of data collection. The study further identified specific roles that education NGOs play in response to HIV/AIDS and delineated the strategies that HIV and AIDS education NGOs employ in responding to HIV/AIDS. The research found that HIV/AIDS education NGOs have become important channels through which people affected and living with HIV/AIDS participate in development, share their experience and access information and resources. Further noted was that HIV/AIDS results in a diminished workforce and a higher allocation of state funds to public healthcare. The research findings showed that an education NGO in a prison context serves to mobilise the prison community and sensitise it to HIV and AIDS issues. This, through its addressing of the needs and causes of HIV infections in prison. SAP aid recipients were found to be satisfied for the most part, with the service rendered them by the education NGO. The study found that HIV prevention educational sessions were quite effective in disseminating HIV and AIDS basic information and that SAP achieves their goals through their training of facilitators who employ the STEPS curriculum. The trained facilitators facilitate group discussions, distribute condoms and lubricants through partnerships, and solicit behavioural change through the use of theatre to disseminate HIV prevention information. Key recommendations of the study are that HIV and AIDS education NGOs must integrate poverty reduction interventions in their activities and that further, they would do better to form coalitions in order to strengthen their capacity to sustain their activities and manage partnerships. Education NGOs should form partnerships that provide social protection. Ruther recommended is that education NGOs should further their curriculum in consideration for sexual preferences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Chiguvare, Admire D
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Prevention , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9219 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020870
- Description: The problem this research seeks to address concerns related to the role allocated and strategies implemented by HIV and AIDS education NGOs, in mitigating the impact of HIV and AIDS in Nelson Mandela Bay. The problem is approached as a development challenge and examples are drawn from the undertakings of South African Partners (SAP), an NGO operating in the education field. The study adopted qualitative research, relative unstructured interviews, direct observation and literature review as methods of data collection. The study further identified specific roles that education NGOs play in response to HIV/AIDS and delineated the strategies that HIV and AIDS education NGOs employ in responding to HIV/AIDS. The research found that HIV/AIDS education NGOs have become important channels through which people affected and living with HIV/AIDS participate in development, share their experience and access information and resources. Further noted was that HIV/AIDS results in a diminished workforce and a higher allocation of state funds to public healthcare. The research findings showed that an education NGO in a prison context serves to mobilise the prison community and sensitise it to HIV and AIDS issues. This, through its addressing of the needs and causes of HIV infections in prison. SAP aid recipients were found to be satisfied for the most part, with the service rendered them by the education NGO. The study found that HIV prevention educational sessions were quite effective in disseminating HIV and AIDS basic information and that SAP achieves their goals through their training of facilitators who employ the STEPS curriculum. The trained facilitators facilitate group discussions, distribute condoms and lubricants through partnerships, and solicit behavioural change through the use of theatre to disseminate HIV prevention information. Key recommendations of the study are that HIV and AIDS education NGOs must integrate poverty reduction interventions in their activities and that further, they would do better to form coalitions in order to strengthen their capacity to sustain their activities and manage partnerships. Education NGOs should form partnerships that provide social protection. Ruther recommended is that education NGOs should further their curriculum in consideration for sexual preferences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The design of a modal interchange in Korsten, Port Elizabeth: santuary for the urban nomad
- Authors: Magwabeni, Mpho
- Date: 202015
- Subjects: Transportation buildings -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans Terminals (Transportation) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Commuting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41258 , vital:36424
- Description: The inception of this treatise is derived simply from the identification of the current inefficient public transportation facilities in Nelson Mandela Bay. This is especially experienced in the Korsten precinct as there is a scattering of transport nodes and none of them can be particularly identified as the key transport node in the fabric. With the 2010 World Cup behind us and many infrastructures such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium working as urban anchor of activity, the question still at hand is how the issue of integration between commuters and transportation can be addressed. This sets the scene for the application of an architectural resolution through the design of a transport interchange of the Korsten region. At present there are two functional informal taxi ranks that service the commuters of Korsten; the primary informal taxi node located on Attwell Street and the secondary informal taxi node on Cottrell Street. Currently they operate independently providing a service to people from different destinations, for instance Kleiner and Kempton Park. The first concern that arises is the proximity of the two taxi ranks in respect of the surrounding urban landscape. For these taxi nodes to be of service to the urban nomad they must be positioned in a more concentrated location to integrate efficiently with the urban fabric. Secondly, a thorough investigation into the informal trade is necessary to ascertain how it can enhance the street life and keep the edges activated and integrated. This treatise proposes the integration of the two independent taxi nodes with the proposed BRT system that has been implemented by the NMBM. This amalgamation would strengthen the urban landscape and create a place for the urban nomad. According to an article by Ian Ollis (2013) there is a dire need for accessible, affordable mass transport across South Africa .The bus rapid transit system was supposed to cure this woe, but implementation has been slow and mismanaged, especially in municipalities like Nelson Mandela Bay.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 202015
- Authors: Magwabeni, Mpho
- Date: 202015
- Subjects: Transportation buildings -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans Terminals (Transportation) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Commuting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41258 , vital:36424
- Description: The inception of this treatise is derived simply from the identification of the current inefficient public transportation facilities in Nelson Mandela Bay. This is especially experienced in the Korsten precinct as there is a scattering of transport nodes and none of them can be particularly identified as the key transport node in the fabric. With the 2010 World Cup behind us and many infrastructures such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium working as urban anchor of activity, the question still at hand is how the issue of integration between commuters and transportation can be addressed. This sets the scene for the application of an architectural resolution through the design of a transport interchange of the Korsten region. At present there are two functional informal taxi ranks that service the commuters of Korsten; the primary informal taxi node located on Attwell Street and the secondary informal taxi node on Cottrell Street. Currently they operate independently providing a service to people from different destinations, for instance Kleiner and Kempton Park. The first concern that arises is the proximity of the two taxi ranks in respect of the surrounding urban landscape. For these taxi nodes to be of service to the urban nomad they must be positioned in a more concentrated location to integrate efficiently with the urban fabric. Secondly, a thorough investigation into the informal trade is necessary to ascertain how it can enhance the street life and keep the edges activated and integrated. This treatise proposes the integration of the two independent taxi nodes with the proposed BRT system that has been implemented by the NMBM. This amalgamation would strengthen the urban landscape and create a place for the urban nomad. According to an article by Ian Ollis (2013) there is a dire need for accessible, affordable mass transport across South Africa .The bus rapid transit system was supposed to cure this woe, but implementation has been slow and mismanaged, especially in municipalities like Nelson Mandela Bay.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 202015
Process for the preparation of cis- AND trans-3,7-Dimethyl 2,6-Octadiene-1-OL from crude sulphated turpentine stream
- Sathikge, Ndavheleseni David
- Authors: Sathikge, Ndavheleseni David
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Turpentine , Sulfate waste liquor , Wood-pulp industry -- By-products
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10398 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/734 , Turpentine , Sulfate waste liquor , Wood-pulp industry -- By-products
- Description: As part of CSIR Biosciences’ interest in aroma chemicals, the processing of crude sulphated turpentine (CST) into high value aroma products was investigated. The primary target product, linalool, was obtained from a mixture of α- and β-pinene in four steps. It can be transformed into a wide range of high value added aroma chemicals. Isomerisation of linalool in the presence of a transition metal catalyst furnishes geraniol and nerol. The scientific work described in this report was part of a bigger project aimed at developing innovative processes to manufacture aroma, flavour & fragrance chemicals through beneficiation of industrial waste streams and other raw materials, available locally from the Forestry, Paper & Pulp industries. The evaluation of a process for the preparation of precursor aroma, flavour & fragrance compounds, in particular geraniol and nerol, from locally available raw materials and industrial waste streams, was investigated. Preparation of geraniol and nerol from linalool (ex α-pinene stream) was investigated using acids or organometallic complexes as catalysts for the corresponding isomerisation reaction. The investigation was conducted in an effort to find a less costly process utilising milder conditions than via the conventional cleavage of β-pinene to myrcene under extreme pyrolysis conditions (>650°C). The transformation of linalool to geraniol/nerol using mineral acids was found to be dominated by secondary reactions such as dehydration and cyclisation, resulting in poor product selectivities and yields. On the other hand, organometallic complexes, in particular vanadium-based complexes (e.g. (OV(OBu)3) produced satisfactory results in the preliminary assessment (conversion of 79.8 percent and selectivity of 98.3 percent). A set of statistically designed experiments was carried out on the (VO(BuO)3 + [(Bu)4N+]OH¯) catalyst system where three variables were tested, i.e. substrate concentration, temperature, and catalyst loading. The selected model for conversion was significant with the “Probability > F” being < 0.0001. The most important contributing variable to the model for conversion was temperature i.e. 83.9 percent. Temperature was still the most important variable for the selectivity response at 65.0 percent contribution level. The response surface generated for the selectivity response was flat indicating a robust method within the parameter range selected.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Sathikge, Ndavheleseni David
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Turpentine , Sulfate waste liquor , Wood-pulp industry -- By-products
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10398 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/734 , Turpentine , Sulfate waste liquor , Wood-pulp industry -- By-products
- Description: As part of CSIR Biosciences’ interest in aroma chemicals, the processing of crude sulphated turpentine (CST) into high value aroma products was investigated. The primary target product, linalool, was obtained from a mixture of α- and β-pinene in four steps. It can be transformed into a wide range of high value added aroma chemicals. Isomerisation of linalool in the presence of a transition metal catalyst furnishes geraniol and nerol. The scientific work described in this report was part of a bigger project aimed at developing innovative processes to manufacture aroma, flavour & fragrance chemicals through beneficiation of industrial waste streams and other raw materials, available locally from the Forestry, Paper & Pulp industries. The evaluation of a process for the preparation of precursor aroma, flavour & fragrance compounds, in particular geraniol and nerol, from locally available raw materials and industrial waste streams, was investigated. Preparation of geraniol and nerol from linalool (ex α-pinene stream) was investigated using acids or organometallic complexes as catalysts for the corresponding isomerisation reaction. The investigation was conducted in an effort to find a less costly process utilising milder conditions than via the conventional cleavage of β-pinene to myrcene under extreme pyrolysis conditions (>650°C). The transformation of linalool to geraniol/nerol using mineral acids was found to be dominated by secondary reactions such as dehydration and cyclisation, resulting in poor product selectivities and yields. On the other hand, organometallic complexes, in particular vanadium-based complexes (e.g. (OV(OBu)3) produced satisfactory results in the preliminary assessment (conversion of 79.8 percent and selectivity of 98.3 percent). A set of statistically designed experiments was carried out on the (VO(BuO)3 + [(Bu)4N+]OH¯) catalyst system where three variables were tested, i.e. substrate concentration, temperature, and catalyst loading. The selected model for conversion was significant with the “Probability > F” being < 0.0001. The most important contributing variable to the model for conversion was temperature i.e. 83.9 percent. Temperature was still the most important variable for the selectivity response at 65.0 percent contribution level. The response surface generated for the selectivity response was flat indicating a robust method within the parameter range selected.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Investigating the feasibility of an indoor aquatic centre for the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole
- Janse van Rensburg, Philippus Jacobus
- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, Philippus Jacobus
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Aquatic sports facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Sports facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Recreation centers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8739 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/791 , Aquatic sports facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Sports facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Recreation centers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an Indoor Aquatic Centre for the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. The main problem was to establish the minimum aquatic facilities an Indoor Aquatic Centre must have, to be able to host National and International aquatic events. The sub problems identified to address the main problem were as follows: - Should accommodation be available at the Indoor Aquatic Centre? - Should medical facilities be available at the Indoor Aquatic Centre? - Should there be a gymnasium at the Indoor Aquatic Centre? - Should there be food malls available at the Indoor Aquatic Centre? - Will sports tourism in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole benefit from an Indoor Aquatic Centre? In this study the researcher discusses current tourism opportunities, possible sports tourism opportunities and the current aquatic facilities the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole has to offer. From the discussion regarding these issues it was found that the metropole do offer many attraction opportunities including the following: - Adventure and Sport; - Agriculture; - Arts and Culture; - Business and Conferencing; - Coastal and Beaches; - Entertainment and Shopping; - Historical; - Wild Life and Nature. Adventure and Sport attractions contribute to sports tourism in the metropole and an Indoor Aquatic Centre could enable the metropole to improve sports tourism figures to the metropole. Sports tourism is defined as any tourism that is linked with a sports event. The conclusion can be made that the main initiative for sports tourism is to host a major sporting event to attract tourists. Adding other tourist attractions makes the destination more attractive. It is also important that the community is educated and informed about sports tourism so that the tourist and the community benefits from the event. Indoor Aquatic Centres found in countries like Australia, Canada, Europe, Russia, The Far East, United Kingdom and the United States of America, were discussed to identify the minimum requirements for an Indoor Aquatic Centre. The literature study has shown that the Indoor Aquatic Centre should be a multi purpose centre with a minimum of two heated pools and leisure facilities included. This will enable the centre to generate different streams of income to enhance sustainability. The aquatic centre should also be designed to host National and International events, but not necessarily for Olympic Games events. An empirical study was done to see if the respondents agree on the minimum requirements for an Indoor Aquatic Centre, identified by the literature study and if they agree that sports tourism within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole will benefit from an Indoor Aquatic Centre. The conclusion of the empirical study is that the respondents’ view correlate with the information found during the literature study regarding the minimum requirements for an Indoor Aquatic Centre listed as follows: - The minimum number of heated pools are two consisting of a fifty metre ten lane pool and a twenty five metre ten lane pool; - A food mall that consists of a restaurant, fast food stalls and a food store; - Medical facilities, conference facilities, gymnasium and other leisure facilities must also be available; - Accommodation facilities must be available and consists of two and three bedroom fully serviced apartments; - The Indoor Aquatic centre must be able to have seating for 2000 people and parking for 1000 vehicles. The study has addressed the main problem and the sub problems, but further research needs to be conducted regarding the funding of the Indoor Aquatic Centre as this issue was not successfully addressed. More information is needed regarding the different ways of funding and who the stakeholders should be in this process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, Philippus Jacobus
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Aquatic sports facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Sports facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Recreation centers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8739 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/791 , Aquatic sports facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Sports facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Recreation centers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an Indoor Aquatic Centre for the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. The main problem was to establish the minimum aquatic facilities an Indoor Aquatic Centre must have, to be able to host National and International aquatic events. The sub problems identified to address the main problem were as follows: - Should accommodation be available at the Indoor Aquatic Centre? - Should medical facilities be available at the Indoor Aquatic Centre? - Should there be a gymnasium at the Indoor Aquatic Centre? - Should there be food malls available at the Indoor Aquatic Centre? - Will sports tourism in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole benefit from an Indoor Aquatic Centre? In this study the researcher discusses current tourism opportunities, possible sports tourism opportunities and the current aquatic facilities the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole has to offer. From the discussion regarding these issues it was found that the metropole do offer many attraction opportunities including the following: - Adventure and Sport; - Agriculture; - Arts and Culture; - Business and Conferencing; - Coastal and Beaches; - Entertainment and Shopping; - Historical; - Wild Life and Nature. Adventure and Sport attractions contribute to sports tourism in the metropole and an Indoor Aquatic Centre could enable the metropole to improve sports tourism figures to the metropole. Sports tourism is defined as any tourism that is linked with a sports event. The conclusion can be made that the main initiative for sports tourism is to host a major sporting event to attract tourists. Adding other tourist attractions makes the destination more attractive. It is also important that the community is educated and informed about sports tourism so that the tourist and the community benefits from the event. Indoor Aquatic Centres found in countries like Australia, Canada, Europe, Russia, The Far East, United Kingdom and the United States of America, were discussed to identify the minimum requirements for an Indoor Aquatic Centre. The literature study has shown that the Indoor Aquatic Centre should be a multi purpose centre with a minimum of two heated pools and leisure facilities included. This will enable the centre to generate different streams of income to enhance sustainability. The aquatic centre should also be designed to host National and International events, but not necessarily for Olympic Games events. An empirical study was done to see if the respondents agree on the minimum requirements for an Indoor Aquatic Centre, identified by the literature study and if they agree that sports tourism within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole will benefit from an Indoor Aquatic Centre. The conclusion of the empirical study is that the respondents’ view correlate with the information found during the literature study regarding the minimum requirements for an Indoor Aquatic Centre listed as follows: - The minimum number of heated pools are two consisting of a fifty metre ten lane pool and a twenty five metre ten lane pool; - A food mall that consists of a restaurant, fast food stalls and a food store; - Medical facilities, conference facilities, gymnasium and other leisure facilities must also be available; - Accommodation facilities must be available and consists of two and three bedroom fully serviced apartments; - The Indoor Aquatic centre must be able to have seating for 2000 people and parking for 1000 vehicles. The study has addressed the main problem and the sub problems, but further research needs to be conducted regarding the funding of the Indoor Aquatic Centre as this issue was not successfully addressed. More information is needed regarding the different ways of funding and who the stakeholders should be in this process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Investigating relationships between mathematics teachers' content knowledge, their pedagogical knowledge and their learnes' achievement in terms of functions and graphs
- Authors: Stewart, Joyce
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Mathematics teachers -- Training of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9515 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1100 , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Mathematics teachers -- Training of -- South Africa
- Description: This study used diagnostic tests, questionnaires and interviews to investigate explore teachers’ subject content knowledge (SCK) and pedagogical subject knowledge (PCK). It also explored teachers’ and learners’ misconceptions within the topic of graphicacy and how teachers’ SCK and PCK possibly affect learner achievement. A small sample of teachers were drawn from the Keiskammahoek region; a deep rural area of the Eastern Cape. These teachers were part of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Amathole Cluster Schools Project who were registered for a three-year BEd (FET) in-service programme in mathematics education. As part of the programme they studied mathematics 1 and 2 at university level and received quarterly non-formal workshops on teaching mathematics at FET level. The findings of this study suggest that teachers with insufficient SCK will probably have limited PCK, although the two are not entirely dependent on each other. In cases where teachers’ displayed low levels of SCK and PCK, their learners were more likely to perform poorly and their results often indicated similar misconceptions as displayed by their teachers. This implies that we have to look at what teachers know and what they need to know in terms of SCK and PCK if we are to plan effectively for effective teacher development aimed at improving learner performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Stewart, Joyce
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Mathematics teachers -- Training of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9515 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1100 , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Mathematics teachers -- Training of -- South Africa
- Description: This study used diagnostic tests, questionnaires and interviews to investigate explore teachers’ subject content knowledge (SCK) and pedagogical subject knowledge (PCK). It also explored teachers’ and learners’ misconceptions within the topic of graphicacy and how teachers’ SCK and PCK possibly affect learner achievement. A small sample of teachers were drawn from the Keiskammahoek region; a deep rural area of the Eastern Cape. These teachers were part of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Amathole Cluster Schools Project who were registered for a three-year BEd (FET) in-service programme in mathematics education. As part of the programme they studied mathematics 1 and 2 at university level and received quarterly non-formal workshops on teaching mathematics at FET level. The findings of this study suggest that teachers with insufficient SCK will probably have limited PCK, although the two are not entirely dependent on each other. In cases where teachers’ displayed low levels of SCK and PCK, their learners were more likely to perform poorly and their results often indicated similar misconceptions as displayed by their teachers. This implies that we have to look at what teachers know and what they need to know in terms of SCK and PCK if we are to plan effectively for effective teacher development aimed at improving learner performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Pilates for postural stability in computer users
- Authors: Strydom, Lana
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Pilates method , Human beings -- Attitude and movement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10094 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/867 , Pilates method , Human beings -- Attitude and movement
- Description: The impact of computer use is evident in every day life (Harrington, Carter, Birrell and Gompertz, 2000:264). Lind (2002:18) explains that global trends continue to show that the most severe work-related health problems that exist amongst computer users are musculoskeletal disorders. As technology has lead to increases in automation, so it has lead to increases in work-related illnesses. Although studies have explored the effects of ergonomics (Thibodeau, 1995:322) in static working positions there has been little evidence supporting a solution in overcoming poor occupational postures. Many health practitioners argue that occupationally caused, or aggravated, musculoskeletal disorders are steadily increasing. Thus, even though computers have improved productivity and made work easier for the population in general, they have adverse effects as well. Designing the proper tools or a setup of the work place is of prime importance for the elimination of chronic diseases attributed to sedentary lifestyles. Regular physical activity had long been regarded as an important component of a healthy lifestyle. This notion has recently been reinforced by scientific evidence linking regular physical activity with a wide array of physical and mental health benefits, synonymous with an improvement in wellness (Pratt, Macera, and Wang, 2000:63). According to Pratt et al. (2000:63) higher direct medical costs associates with physical inactivity. Further cross-sectional epidemiologic studies and controlled experimental investigations conducted by Okura, Nakata and Tanaka (2003:1131) had demonstrated that physically active adults, in contrast to their sedentary counterparts, tend to develop and maintain higher levels of physical fitness. These studies had not only demonstrated the positive results of physical activity, such as an improvement in blood lipid profile, body composition, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, but had also shown that participation in such activity decreased the risk of developing several chronic hypokinetic diseases, including coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension, non-insulin dependant diabetes mellitus (type II), osteoporosis, colon cancer, anxiety and depression. In addition, low levels of habitual physical activity and the subsequent low levels of physical fitness were associated with a marked increase in all-cause mortality rates. Okura et al. (2003:1131) confirm that effects of exercise intensity on physical fitness and risk factors for coronary Herat disease.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Strydom, Lana
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Pilates method , Human beings -- Attitude and movement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10094 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/867 , Pilates method , Human beings -- Attitude and movement
- Description: The impact of computer use is evident in every day life (Harrington, Carter, Birrell and Gompertz, 2000:264). Lind (2002:18) explains that global trends continue to show that the most severe work-related health problems that exist amongst computer users are musculoskeletal disorders. As technology has lead to increases in automation, so it has lead to increases in work-related illnesses. Although studies have explored the effects of ergonomics (Thibodeau, 1995:322) in static working positions there has been little evidence supporting a solution in overcoming poor occupational postures. Many health practitioners argue that occupationally caused, or aggravated, musculoskeletal disorders are steadily increasing. Thus, even though computers have improved productivity and made work easier for the population in general, they have adverse effects as well. Designing the proper tools or a setup of the work place is of prime importance for the elimination of chronic diseases attributed to sedentary lifestyles. Regular physical activity had long been regarded as an important component of a healthy lifestyle. This notion has recently been reinforced by scientific evidence linking regular physical activity with a wide array of physical and mental health benefits, synonymous with an improvement in wellness (Pratt, Macera, and Wang, 2000:63). According to Pratt et al. (2000:63) higher direct medical costs associates with physical inactivity. Further cross-sectional epidemiologic studies and controlled experimental investigations conducted by Okura, Nakata and Tanaka (2003:1131) had demonstrated that physically active adults, in contrast to their sedentary counterparts, tend to develop and maintain higher levels of physical fitness. These studies had not only demonstrated the positive results of physical activity, such as an improvement in blood lipid profile, body composition, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, but had also shown that participation in such activity decreased the risk of developing several chronic hypokinetic diseases, including coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension, non-insulin dependant diabetes mellitus (type II), osteoporosis, colon cancer, anxiety and depression. In addition, low levels of habitual physical activity and the subsequent low levels of physical fitness were associated with a marked increase in all-cause mortality rates. Okura et al. (2003:1131) confirm that effects of exercise intensity on physical fitness and risk factors for coronary Herat disease.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The development of a co-ordinated communication campaign to enhance participation in netball: applicable to schools in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Opperman, Ansu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sports -- Public relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Communication in sports -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Mass media and sports -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth School sports -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19828 , vital:28977
- Description: Public relations play an intricate role in communication development strategies within sport, especially netball. The objective of the research is to create a communication campaign incorporated in a public relations programme in aid of the development of netball in Port Elizabeth schools. The significance of the research is to create an understanding of the challenges faced by the learners to participate in netball and to develop the sport. The development of players at a young age is not up to standard when compared to countries where netball is already a professional sport. There is a lack of communication between the different stakeholders, namely the players, coaches and external publics. Qualitative research methods were implemented where primary and secondary data was used to conduct the research. Focus groups were utilised to gather primary data from netball players and coaches. These interviews proved that communication gaps do exist between the different stakeholders of school and netball. An introduction about netball will be discussed. Literature about public relations and communication will be presented. The research methodology will be presenting the research design and research methods used to conduct the research. Characteristics of the schools used in the interviews will be discussed. The research analysis, findings and discussions will present a guideline to be implemented by schools to enhance communication and therefore help develop netball. The research will then be concluded and summarised. Limitations to the study will be discussed as well as recommendations for further study on the topic. Communication plays an important role when trying to build mutual beneficial relationships between the various stakeholders. The results in this research bring to the conclusion that effective communication is needed to enhance and develop netball to ultimately become a professional sport.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Opperman, Ansu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sports -- Public relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Communication in sports -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Mass media and sports -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth School sports -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19828 , vital:28977
- Description: Public relations play an intricate role in communication development strategies within sport, especially netball. The objective of the research is to create a communication campaign incorporated in a public relations programme in aid of the development of netball in Port Elizabeth schools. The significance of the research is to create an understanding of the challenges faced by the learners to participate in netball and to develop the sport. The development of players at a young age is not up to standard when compared to countries where netball is already a professional sport. There is a lack of communication between the different stakeholders, namely the players, coaches and external publics. Qualitative research methods were implemented where primary and secondary data was used to conduct the research. Focus groups were utilised to gather primary data from netball players and coaches. These interviews proved that communication gaps do exist between the different stakeholders of school and netball. An introduction about netball will be discussed. Literature about public relations and communication will be presented. The research methodology will be presenting the research design and research methods used to conduct the research. Characteristics of the schools used in the interviews will be discussed. The research analysis, findings and discussions will present a guideline to be implemented by schools to enhance communication and therefore help develop netball. The research will then be concluded and summarised. Limitations to the study will be discussed as well as recommendations for further study on the topic. Communication plays an important role when trying to build mutual beneficial relationships between the various stakeholders. The results in this research bring to the conclusion that effective communication is needed to enhance and develop netball to ultimately become a professional sport.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Determinants of export performance among small to medium enterprises in Zimbabwe
- Karambakuwa, Tapuwa Roseline
- Authors: Karambakuwa, Tapuwa Roseline
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economics -- Zimbabwe Small business -- Zimbabwe -- Management , Shipping -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17647 , vital:28424
- Description: There is consensus that Small to Medium Enterprises (SME) exports play a critical role in the development of economies. It has been widely acknowledged in empirical research done around the world that small businesses make a significant contribution to economic development, employment, competitiveness and the reduction of regional disparities. However, empirical literature gives conflicting evidence on the determinants of export performance among SMEs. The study contributes towards the debate on SME exports by: (i) investigating the variables that determine export performance among SMEs in Zimbabwe (ii) establishing the competi-tiveness of Zimbabwe’s exports and (iii) ascertaining the major constraints faced by SME ex-porters in Zimbabwe The researcher gathered data from 120 SMEs and 10 institutions in Zimbabwe for the period 2009 to 2015. SME samples were chosen from Harare, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East provinces while all 10 of the institutions were chosen from Harare province. Convenient non-probability sampling method was used to select SMEs while stratified sampling technique was applied in the selection of institutions. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed. For the quantitative approach, panel data ordinary least squares method was used in the form of the gravity model of trade. Export intensity (used as a measure of exports) was regressed against support institutions, business ownership, research & development, educational years, use of export processing zones, product type, export years, firm size, firm age, gender, distance from trading partner, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of trading partner, and GDP of Zimbabwe. The random effects estimation method was used, basing on results from the Durbin-Wu-Hausman test. The null hypothesis was based on the premise that the variables under study do not determine export intensity of SMEs in Zimbabwe. Other null hypothesis were that the major constraint faced by SME exporters in Zimbabwe is not access to finance and that Zimbabwe’s exports are not competitive in the mining, agricultural and manufacturing sectors. The revealed comparative advantage index was computed to measure the competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s exports.For the qualitative approach, the study used the triangulation method which involved combining and utilising the questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions. The results from the study indicated that following variables increased export intensity of Zimbabwean SMEs; business ownership, use of export processing zones, export years, firm size, and GDP of trading partner. The following variables have an inverse relationship with the export intensity of Zimbabwean SMEs: gender, distance from trading partner and research & development. The results also indicated that these further variables do not determine the export intensity of SMEs in Zimbabwe: support institutions, years of education, product type, firm age and GDP of Zimbabwe. The major constraint faced by exporting SMEs in Zimbabwe is limited access to finance. Zimbabwe is competitive in the agricultural and mining sector exports, but not in manufacturing sector exports The policy implication of the findings is that SME support needs to go beyond support institutions when it comes to SME export promotion. Further SMEs in the agriculture and mining sectors need to be promoted for export growth since Zimbabwe is competitive in these sectors. However the manufacturing sector cannot be ignored, since many economies have developed due to exports of manufactured products and a country needs to have balanced export growth in both primary and manufacturing sectors. In order to have motivated, career SME exporters, entrepreneurship education should begin from primary school right up to university so as to improve entrepreneurial aspirations, attitudes and behaviour in the long run.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Karambakuwa, Tapuwa Roseline
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economics -- Zimbabwe Small business -- Zimbabwe -- Management , Shipping -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17647 , vital:28424
- Description: There is consensus that Small to Medium Enterprises (SME) exports play a critical role in the development of economies. It has been widely acknowledged in empirical research done around the world that small businesses make a significant contribution to economic development, employment, competitiveness and the reduction of regional disparities. However, empirical literature gives conflicting evidence on the determinants of export performance among SMEs. The study contributes towards the debate on SME exports by: (i) investigating the variables that determine export performance among SMEs in Zimbabwe (ii) establishing the competi-tiveness of Zimbabwe’s exports and (iii) ascertaining the major constraints faced by SME ex-porters in Zimbabwe The researcher gathered data from 120 SMEs and 10 institutions in Zimbabwe for the period 2009 to 2015. SME samples were chosen from Harare, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East provinces while all 10 of the institutions were chosen from Harare province. Convenient non-probability sampling method was used to select SMEs while stratified sampling technique was applied in the selection of institutions. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed. For the quantitative approach, panel data ordinary least squares method was used in the form of the gravity model of trade. Export intensity (used as a measure of exports) was regressed against support institutions, business ownership, research & development, educational years, use of export processing zones, product type, export years, firm size, firm age, gender, distance from trading partner, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of trading partner, and GDP of Zimbabwe. The random effects estimation method was used, basing on results from the Durbin-Wu-Hausman test. The null hypothesis was based on the premise that the variables under study do not determine export intensity of SMEs in Zimbabwe. Other null hypothesis were that the major constraint faced by SME exporters in Zimbabwe is not access to finance and that Zimbabwe’s exports are not competitive in the mining, agricultural and manufacturing sectors. The revealed comparative advantage index was computed to measure the competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s exports.For the qualitative approach, the study used the triangulation method which involved combining and utilising the questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions. The results from the study indicated that following variables increased export intensity of Zimbabwean SMEs; business ownership, use of export processing zones, export years, firm size, and GDP of trading partner. The following variables have an inverse relationship with the export intensity of Zimbabwean SMEs: gender, distance from trading partner and research & development. The results also indicated that these further variables do not determine the export intensity of SMEs in Zimbabwe: support institutions, years of education, product type, firm age and GDP of Zimbabwe. The major constraint faced by exporting SMEs in Zimbabwe is limited access to finance. Zimbabwe is competitive in the agricultural and mining sector exports, but not in manufacturing sector exports The policy implication of the findings is that SME support needs to go beyond support institutions when it comes to SME export promotion. Further SMEs in the agriculture and mining sectors need to be promoted for export growth since Zimbabwe is competitive in these sectors. However the manufacturing sector cannot be ignored, since many economies have developed due to exports of manufactured products and a country needs to have balanced export growth in both primary and manufacturing sectors. In order to have motivated, career SME exporters, entrepreneurship education should begin from primary school right up to university so as to improve entrepreneurial aspirations, attitudes and behaviour in the long run.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The depiction of female characters by male writers in selected isiXhosa drama works
- Authors: Peter, Zola Welcome
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Xhosa drama -- 20th century -- History and criticism , Women in literature , Feminism and literature , Xhosa drama -- Male authors , Gender identity in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8446 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1482 , Xhosa drama -- 20th century -- History and criticism , Women in literature , Feminism and literature , Xhosa drama -- Male authors , Gender identity in literature
- Description: This research expresses female character portrayal in various drama works written by males. Chapter one is a general introduction that gives the key to this study, the motivation that leads to the selection of this topic; a literary review on the portrayal of female characters in literary works written by males; the scope of study, the basic composition of the ensuing chapters and the definitions of terms that are of paramount importance for this research. Various literary theories are used in Chapter two for the analysis of the research texts. These literary theories include womanism, gender and feminism which expose the social effects caused by the negative perception of females in social life and the negative portrayal of female characters in male dramatic writings. Other literary theories include onomastics as a literary theory, which exposes the relationship between the name giver of a person and the power the name gives to its bearer, as well as psychoanalysis as a theory which proved to be unavoidable, since this study analyses the personal behaviour of the individual characters within their literary environment. Chapter three depicts the general victimization of female characters in male drama works and exposes the various effects of the attitudes of male writers towards female characters in terms of gender role. Chapter four shows a general stereotypical portrayal of female characters in male written drama texts. This chapter shows the impact of stereotyping on female characters from drama works that puts them in a vulnerable position, showing that it is risky to become a victim of ill-treatment in their communities and the literary world. Chapter five deals with the psychological literary review of female characters, showing them as being suicidal and murderers who easily take their own lives and those of other people. Chapter six is a general conclusion of the works which includes observer remarks from other literary researchers of the literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Peter, Zola Welcome
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Xhosa drama -- 20th century -- History and criticism , Women in literature , Feminism and literature , Xhosa drama -- Male authors , Gender identity in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8446 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1482 , Xhosa drama -- 20th century -- History and criticism , Women in literature , Feminism and literature , Xhosa drama -- Male authors , Gender identity in literature
- Description: This research expresses female character portrayal in various drama works written by males. Chapter one is a general introduction that gives the key to this study, the motivation that leads to the selection of this topic; a literary review on the portrayal of female characters in literary works written by males; the scope of study, the basic composition of the ensuing chapters and the definitions of terms that are of paramount importance for this research. Various literary theories are used in Chapter two for the analysis of the research texts. These literary theories include womanism, gender and feminism which expose the social effects caused by the negative perception of females in social life and the negative portrayal of female characters in male dramatic writings. Other literary theories include onomastics as a literary theory, which exposes the relationship between the name giver of a person and the power the name gives to its bearer, as well as psychoanalysis as a theory which proved to be unavoidable, since this study analyses the personal behaviour of the individual characters within their literary environment. Chapter three depicts the general victimization of female characters in male drama works and exposes the various effects of the attitudes of male writers towards female characters in terms of gender role. Chapter four shows a general stereotypical portrayal of female characters in male written drama texts. This chapter shows the impact of stereotyping on female characters from drama works that puts them in a vulnerable position, showing that it is risky to become a victim of ill-treatment in their communities and the literary world. Chapter five deals with the psychological literary review of female characters, showing them as being suicidal and murderers who easily take their own lives and those of other people. Chapter six is a general conclusion of the works which includes observer remarks from other literary researchers of the literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Stakeholder perceptions of participatory process in community development projects in Mdantsane
- Authors: Tyekela, Pumla
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20670 , vital:29370
- Description: Understanding stakeholders’ perception on the participation process is imperative so that strategies that foster people’s participation in community projects are implemented. This will facilitate that community members take part and contribute in their own development projects. In most projects perceptions can influence and impede participation. Most often the challenges experienced include acts of inequalities, lack of financial resources and informal and formal barriers that limit decision making and the capacity of people to participate effectively. As a consequence, authentic participation in community development projects intended to enhance and encourage more people to participate is not possible. The focus of the study was to explore and analyse perceptions of community stakeholders towards participation in community development activities in Mdantsane, a township situated between East London and King William’s Town. The research asked the following question: What are the perceptions of community stakeholders regarding the participation process in community development projects. This study was conducted using the qualitative approach to explore and gain an understanding of the underlying reasons, opinions and motivation for data gathered. The sample groups were the project staff and the government officials that had a better knowledge of the projects. Data was collected through the use of in-depth structured and semi structured interviews. The data showed that a large number of participants believed that participation involvement in project activities was motivated by regular meetings and material and financial incentives. The data further revealed that poor planning, lack of resources, constrained decision-making processes, selective reporting on the project progress were among the limitations of participation. Restraining these participation impediments will enhance and expand participation in community development projects. It is the author’s hope that recommendations made by this study, if implemented will improve participation in community projects in Mdantsane development projects to understand the concept and significance of community participation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Tyekela, Pumla
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20670 , vital:29370
- Description: Understanding stakeholders’ perception on the participation process is imperative so that strategies that foster people’s participation in community projects are implemented. This will facilitate that community members take part and contribute in their own development projects. In most projects perceptions can influence and impede participation. Most often the challenges experienced include acts of inequalities, lack of financial resources and informal and formal barriers that limit decision making and the capacity of people to participate effectively. As a consequence, authentic participation in community development projects intended to enhance and encourage more people to participate is not possible. The focus of the study was to explore and analyse perceptions of community stakeholders towards participation in community development activities in Mdantsane, a township situated between East London and King William’s Town. The research asked the following question: What are the perceptions of community stakeholders regarding the participation process in community development projects. This study was conducted using the qualitative approach to explore and gain an understanding of the underlying reasons, opinions and motivation for data gathered. The sample groups were the project staff and the government officials that had a better knowledge of the projects. Data was collected through the use of in-depth structured and semi structured interviews. The data showed that a large number of participants believed that participation involvement in project activities was motivated by regular meetings and material and financial incentives. The data further revealed that poor planning, lack of resources, constrained decision-making processes, selective reporting on the project progress were among the limitations of participation. Restraining these participation impediments will enhance and expand participation in community development projects. It is the author’s hope that recommendations made by this study, if implemented will improve participation in community projects in Mdantsane development projects to understand the concept and significance of community participation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The challenges of the child support grant as a poverty alleviation strategy
- Authors: Damba, Ntombethemba
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Uitenhage , Income maintenance programs -- South Africa -- Uitenhage , Social security -- South Africa -- Uitenhage
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6193 , vital:21048
- Description: South Africa is a democratic country since 1994 and transformation brought policies that aimed to address the inequalities and poverty situation countrywide. During apartheid era the existence of social assistance was more focused on minority group. Hence the eroded social inequality cannot be ignored as poverty takes its toll in our communities. It was the previously termed state maintenance grant that was phased out with the introduction of Child support grant (CSG). The purpose of CSG was to reduce child poverty; however a long list of challenges regarding the aims and objectives of the CSG surfaced. This study was about the challenges of child support grant as poverty alleviation strategy in waNobuhle community in Uitenhage. The purpose of the study was also to investigate the value CSG adds in the beneficiaries’ lives in terms of poverty alleviation and what is mostly hindering the CSG from alleviating poverty. The research design for the study could be classified as mixed designs which include qualitative and quantitative approach, taking a form of action research. A sample of 30 participants was drawn from SASSA beneficiaries. The sampling method for the study was purposive, which is a non-probability sampling. Semi structured questionnaires and semi structured interviews were utilized to collect data and the data collected was analysed thematically and descriptive statistics analysis was undertaken as well. Questionnaires to collect data from the thirty (30) CSG beneficiaries’ from KwaNobuhle community and semi structured interviews was undertaken. The most important findings that emerged from the study were that participants appeared to have a clear understanding of the fact that CSG represented a government strategy to support children, fight poverty and uplift the standard of living for the poor. However, majority of the participants were not satisfied with CSG as poverty alleviation strategy, participant’s wants government to increase the amount of CSG and to create employment opportunities. The CSG was pointed as inadequate due to the fact that all family members of the beneficiaries are dependent on the CSG. The conclusion drawn was that CSG paid to KwaNobuhle beneficiaries seemed to be achieving their aims even though the CSG is announced to be inadequate, employment is a necessity and the gap between departments serving the community. The findings of the study are discussed as suggestions to SASSA and the Department of Social development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Damba, Ntombethemba
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Uitenhage , Income maintenance programs -- South Africa -- Uitenhage , Social security -- South Africa -- Uitenhage
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6193 , vital:21048
- Description: South Africa is a democratic country since 1994 and transformation brought policies that aimed to address the inequalities and poverty situation countrywide. During apartheid era the existence of social assistance was more focused on minority group. Hence the eroded social inequality cannot be ignored as poverty takes its toll in our communities. It was the previously termed state maintenance grant that was phased out with the introduction of Child support grant (CSG). The purpose of CSG was to reduce child poverty; however a long list of challenges regarding the aims and objectives of the CSG surfaced. This study was about the challenges of child support grant as poverty alleviation strategy in waNobuhle community in Uitenhage. The purpose of the study was also to investigate the value CSG adds in the beneficiaries’ lives in terms of poverty alleviation and what is mostly hindering the CSG from alleviating poverty. The research design for the study could be classified as mixed designs which include qualitative and quantitative approach, taking a form of action research. A sample of 30 participants was drawn from SASSA beneficiaries. The sampling method for the study was purposive, which is a non-probability sampling. Semi structured questionnaires and semi structured interviews were utilized to collect data and the data collected was analysed thematically and descriptive statistics analysis was undertaken as well. Questionnaires to collect data from the thirty (30) CSG beneficiaries’ from KwaNobuhle community and semi structured interviews was undertaken. The most important findings that emerged from the study were that participants appeared to have a clear understanding of the fact that CSG represented a government strategy to support children, fight poverty and uplift the standard of living for the poor. However, majority of the participants were not satisfied with CSG as poverty alleviation strategy, participant’s wants government to increase the amount of CSG and to create employment opportunities. The CSG was pointed as inadequate due to the fact that all family members of the beneficiaries are dependent on the CSG. The conclusion drawn was that CSG paid to KwaNobuhle beneficiaries seemed to be achieving their aims even though the CSG is announced to be inadequate, employment is a necessity and the gap between departments serving the community. The findings of the study are discussed as suggestions to SASSA and the Department of Social development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Putting the millenium development goal no 3- gender equality and women empowerment into practice: a case study of a semi-urban village in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Gqomo, Nomaxabiso
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Women's rights , Women -- Social conditions , Equality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9086 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010079 , Women's rights , Women -- Social conditions , Equality
- Description: Gender inequality and women empowerment constitute one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agreed to, by United Nations in 2000. The South African 2010 country report on MDGs shows an increase in the share that women have in wage employment in the non-agricultural sector. It further states that in the Eastern Cape Province, women accounted for more than half of employees in the non-agricultural sector. This study conducted evaluated gender differences in terms of wage employment in a semi-urban village in the Eastern Cape. Findings show that gender differences in wage employment still exist, in favour of males.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gqomo, Nomaxabiso
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Women's rights , Women -- Social conditions , Equality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9086 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010079 , Women's rights , Women -- Social conditions , Equality
- Description: Gender inequality and women empowerment constitute one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agreed to, by United Nations in 2000. The South African 2010 country report on MDGs shows an increase in the share that women have in wage employment in the non-agricultural sector. It further states that in the Eastern Cape Province, women accounted for more than half of employees in the non-agricultural sector. This study conducted evaluated gender differences in terms of wage employment in a semi-urban village in the Eastern Cape. Findings show that gender differences in wage employment still exist, in favour of males.
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- Date Issued: 2011