Stress, coping resources and adjustment of married mothers in the teaching profession
- Authors: Nell, Reinette Deidre
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Women teachers -- Life skills assessment -- South Africa , Work and family -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Life skills , Stress (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9851 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/387 , Women teachers -- Life skills assessment -- South Africa , Work and family -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Life skills , Stress (Psychology)
- Description: The changes that have taken place in the South African educational system over the past few years have placed teachers under increasing stress. While abundant overseas literature is available regarding teacher stress, limited studies have focused specifically on South African samples. Female teachers, and working mothers, often experience additional stressors to men. Studies on women’s health have received little attention in comparison with the magnitude of research conducted on men’s health. The aim of the current study was to explore and describe the stress, coping resources and adjustment of married mothers in the teaching profession, and to explore and describe the patterns of stress and coping resources of these women. A non-experimental, exploratory descriptive study was employed. A biographical questionnaire and three paper-and-pencil measures, namely the Experience of Work and Life Questionnaire, the Coping Resources Inventory and the Personal, Home, Social and Formal Relations Questionnaire, were administered to 31 full-time primary school teachers who are married mothers of dependent children under the age of 14 years. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was employed. Descriptive statistics and cluster analysis were used in the data analysis. The results of the WLQ for this sample indicated that the mean score for the total level of stress fell within the high range, but with regards to the mode, the majority of the participants had average scores. The results of the CRI indicated an average level of coping resources for the present sample. The sample scored slightly above average on seven of the eleven components of the adjustment areas of the PHSF and slightly below average on the other four components. The participants in cluster one had average levels of stress and an average level of coping resources. The participants in cluster two scored very high levels of stress and average levels of coping resources. The participants in cluster three had very high levels of stress and low levels of coping resources. Suggestions were made for future research involving the stress, coping resources and adjustment of married mothers in the teaching profession. Finally, the limitations as well as the value of the research were outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Nell, Reinette Deidre
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Women teachers -- Life skills assessment -- South Africa , Work and family -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Life skills , Stress (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9851 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/387 , Women teachers -- Life skills assessment -- South Africa , Work and family -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Life skills , Stress (Psychology)
- Description: The changes that have taken place in the South African educational system over the past few years have placed teachers under increasing stress. While abundant overseas literature is available regarding teacher stress, limited studies have focused specifically on South African samples. Female teachers, and working mothers, often experience additional stressors to men. Studies on women’s health have received little attention in comparison with the magnitude of research conducted on men’s health. The aim of the current study was to explore and describe the stress, coping resources and adjustment of married mothers in the teaching profession, and to explore and describe the patterns of stress and coping resources of these women. A non-experimental, exploratory descriptive study was employed. A biographical questionnaire and three paper-and-pencil measures, namely the Experience of Work and Life Questionnaire, the Coping Resources Inventory and the Personal, Home, Social and Formal Relations Questionnaire, were administered to 31 full-time primary school teachers who are married mothers of dependent children under the age of 14 years. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was employed. Descriptive statistics and cluster analysis were used in the data analysis. The results of the WLQ for this sample indicated that the mean score for the total level of stress fell within the high range, but with regards to the mode, the majority of the participants had average scores. The results of the CRI indicated an average level of coping resources for the present sample. The sample scored slightly above average on seven of the eleven components of the adjustment areas of the PHSF and slightly below average on the other four components. The participants in cluster one had average levels of stress and an average level of coping resources. The participants in cluster two scored very high levels of stress and average levels of coping resources. The participants in cluster three had very high levels of stress and low levels of coping resources. Suggestions were made for future research involving the stress, coping resources and adjustment of married mothers in the teaching profession. Finally, the limitations as well as the value of the research were outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Investigation of the effect of selected polypropylene fibres and ultra-fine aggregate on plastic shrinkage cracks on South African roads
- Authors: Kluyts, Grant
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Concrete roads -- South Africa -- Design and construction , Fiber-reinforced concrete , Reinforced concrete -- Cracking , Concrete -- Expansion and contraction , Polypropylene fibers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9592 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/174 , Concrete roads -- South Africa -- Design and construction , Fiber-reinforced concrete , Reinforced concrete -- Cracking , Concrete -- Expansion and contraction , Polypropylene fibers
- Description: Plastic shrinkage cracks, although not inherently structurally debilitating, expose the reinforcement in low-volume reinforced concrete roads to deleterious substances, which may reduce its effectiveness leading ultimately to structural failure. In un-reinforced low-volume concrete road these cracks appear unsightly and cause the road user an unpleasant riding experience. Many researchers believe that plastic shrinkage crack development remains a concern to the concrete industry, occurring in particularly large–area pours such as low-volume concrete roads, and therefore requires further research to understand their formation and minimization. This study reports findings on the effectiveness of oxyfluorinated polypropylene fibres to control plastic shrinkage cracks, and the effect the addition of ultra-fine material has on the formation and/or propagation of these cracks. Findings indicate that low volume dosages (2 kg/m³), of oxyfluorinated polypropylene fibre significantly reduced the formation of plastic shrinkage cracks under test conditions. Furthermore, that the addition of ultra-fine material in excess of 63 kg/m³ increased the formation and/or development of plastic shrinkage cracks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Kluyts, Grant
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Concrete roads -- South Africa -- Design and construction , Fiber-reinforced concrete , Reinforced concrete -- Cracking , Concrete -- Expansion and contraction , Polypropylene fibers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9592 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/174 , Concrete roads -- South Africa -- Design and construction , Fiber-reinforced concrete , Reinforced concrete -- Cracking , Concrete -- Expansion and contraction , Polypropylene fibers
- Description: Plastic shrinkage cracks, although not inherently structurally debilitating, expose the reinforcement in low-volume reinforced concrete roads to deleterious substances, which may reduce its effectiveness leading ultimately to structural failure. In un-reinforced low-volume concrete road these cracks appear unsightly and cause the road user an unpleasant riding experience. Many researchers believe that plastic shrinkage crack development remains a concern to the concrete industry, occurring in particularly large–area pours such as low-volume concrete roads, and therefore requires further research to understand their formation and minimization. This study reports findings on the effectiveness of oxyfluorinated polypropylene fibres to control plastic shrinkage cracks, and the effect the addition of ultra-fine material has on the formation and/or propagation of these cracks. Findings indicate that low volume dosages (2 kg/m³), of oxyfluorinated polypropylene fibre significantly reduced the formation of plastic shrinkage cracks under test conditions. Furthermore, that the addition of ultra-fine material in excess of 63 kg/m³ increased the formation and/or development of plastic shrinkage cracks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Military strategy and it's [i.e.] its use in competitive strategy with reference to the Nelson Mandela Metropole automotive industry
- Authors: Fouché, Craig
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Competition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8542 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/177 , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Competition
- Description: Presently in the South African automotive industry competition is becoming more fierce. It is becoming more important for companies to concentrate on thier competitive strategies to ensure that they remain competitive in this industry. Military strategy techniques have always been successful in defeating an anemy opponent. An enemy in a military sense could be considered as a competitor in a business sense. There is currently a potential for an improvement of the competitive strategies that South African organisations, in particular the South African automotive industry uses to remain competitive. Military strategists such as Sun Tzu and Carl von Clausewitz have provided valuable strategy theories and philosophies to many military institutions. Military strategies such as Attrition and Maneuver have long been used by these institutions in battle to defeat the enemy. Military strategies could provide the edge that companies ranging from manufacturers, suppliers of components and dealerships need, to remain competitive in the automotive industry.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Fouché, Craig
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Competition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8542 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/177 , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Competition
- Description: Presently in the South African automotive industry competition is becoming more fierce. It is becoming more important for companies to concentrate on thier competitive strategies to ensure that they remain competitive in this industry. Military strategy techniques have always been successful in defeating an anemy opponent. An enemy in a military sense could be considered as a competitor in a business sense. There is currently a potential for an improvement of the competitive strategies that South African organisations, in particular the South African automotive industry uses to remain competitive. Military strategists such as Sun Tzu and Carl von Clausewitz have provided valuable strategy theories and philosophies to many military institutions. Military strategies such as Attrition and Maneuver have long been used by these institutions in battle to defeat the enemy. Military strategies could provide the edge that companies ranging from manufacturers, suppliers of components and dealerships need, to remain competitive in the automotive industry.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2005
Developing a decision-making model that best closes the gap between strategy and the capital investment procedure for Cadbury South Africa
- Authors: Wilson, Brendan David
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Chocolate industry -- Capital investment -- South Africa , Chocolate industry -- South Africa -- Finance , Chocolate industry -- South Africa -- Decision making , Cadbury Ltd
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8596 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/406 , Chocolate industry -- Capital investment -- South Africa , Chocolate industry -- South Africa -- Finance , Chocolate industry -- South Africa -- Decision making , Cadbury Ltd
- Description: This study addresses the fact that the current Cadbury investment appraisal process does not adequately address the strategic implications of many capital investment decisions. Although attempts are made to quantify, in financial terms, the strategic benefits from a given investment, it appears that many perceived benefits are left out of the appraisal process because they lack precise financial quantification, resulting in managers placing greater reliance on the qualitative dimensions of their investment decision-making such as judgement and intuition. The current Cadbury process is based on the unequivocal advice that academics give to organisations and to managers about how to appraise largescale capital investment projects. The use of discounted cash flow techniques, based upon the discounting of decision contingent cash flows at the organisations opportunity cost of capital is regarded as the definitive investment appraisal technique. On this, the academic literature is clear. Whilst there are strong theoretical justifications for the use of discounted cash flow based models, managers continue to use non-DCF appraisal techniques such as payback irrespective of their theoretical shortcomings. The lack of use of a sophisticated risk assessment model is also disappointing, with Cadbury ignoring individual project risk and adopting a naive approach. Finally, this study indicates that Cadbury managers need not be forced into choosing either an economic/normative approach or a strategic/managerial approach to capital-investment decision-making but that rather a hybrid approach, including both the economic and strategic dimensions of choice, is more applicable for effective strategy incorporation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Wilson, Brendan David
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Chocolate industry -- Capital investment -- South Africa , Chocolate industry -- South Africa -- Finance , Chocolate industry -- South Africa -- Decision making , Cadbury Ltd
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8596 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/406 , Chocolate industry -- Capital investment -- South Africa , Chocolate industry -- South Africa -- Finance , Chocolate industry -- South Africa -- Decision making , Cadbury Ltd
- Description: This study addresses the fact that the current Cadbury investment appraisal process does not adequately address the strategic implications of many capital investment decisions. Although attempts are made to quantify, in financial terms, the strategic benefits from a given investment, it appears that many perceived benefits are left out of the appraisal process because they lack precise financial quantification, resulting in managers placing greater reliance on the qualitative dimensions of their investment decision-making such as judgement and intuition. The current Cadbury process is based on the unequivocal advice that academics give to organisations and to managers about how to appraise largescale capital investment projects. The use of discounted cash flow techniques, based upon the discounting of decision contingent cash flows at the organisations opportunity cost of capital is regarded as the definitive investment appraisal technique. On this, the academic literature is clear. Whilst there are strong theoretical justifications for the use of discounted cash flow based models, managers continue to use non-DCF appraisal techniques such as payback irrespective of their theoretical shortcomings. The lack of use of a sophisticated risk assessment model is also disappointing, with Cadbury ignoring individual project risk and adopting a naive approach. Finally, this study indicates that Cadbury managers need not be forced into choosing either an economic/normative approach or a strategic/managerial approach to capital-investment decision-making but that rather a hybrid approach, including both the economic and strategic dimensions of choice, is more applicable for effective strategy incorporation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
A model for information security management and regulatory compliance in the South African health sector
- Authors: Tuyikeze, Tite
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Public health -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/425 , Computer networks -- Security measures , Public health -- South Africa
- Description: Information Security is becoming a part of the core business processes in every organization. Companies are faced with contradictory requirements to ensure open systems and accessible information while maintaining high protection standards. In addition, the contemporary management of Information Security requires a variety of approaches in different areas, ranging from technological to organizational issues and legislation. These approaches are often isolated while Security Management requires an integrated approach. Information Technology promises many benefits to healthcare organizations. It helps to make accurate information more readily available to healthcare providers and workers, researchers and patients and advanced computing and communication technology can improve the quality and lower the costs of healthcare. However, the prospect of storing health information in an electronic form raises concerns about patient privacy and security. Healthcare organizations are required to establish formal Information Security program, for example through the adoption of the ISO 17799 standard, to ensure an appropriate and consistent level of information security for computer-based patient records, both within individual healthcare organizations and throughout the entire healthcare delivery system. However, proper Information Security Management practices, alone, do not necessarily ensure regulatory compliance. South African healthcare organizations must comply with the South African National Health Act (SANHA) and the Electronic Communication Transaction Act (ECTA). It is necessary to consider compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to meet healthcare international industry standards. The main purpose of this project is to propose a compliance strategy, which ensures full compliance with regulatory requirements and at the same time assures customers that international industry standards are being used. This is preceded by a comparative analysis of the requirements posed by the ISO 17799 standard and the HIPAA, SANHA and ECTA regulations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Tuyikeze, Tite
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Public health -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/425 , Computer networks -- Security measures , Public health -- South Africa
- Description: Information Security is becoming a part of the core business processes in every organization. Companies are faced with contradictory requirements to ensure open systems and accessible information while maintaining high protection standards. In addition, the contemporary management of Information Security requires a variety of approaches in different areas, ranging from technological to organizational issues and legislation. These approaches are often isolated while Security Management requires an integrated approach. Information Technology promises many benefits to healthcare organizations. It helps to make accurate information more readily available to healthcare providers and workers, researchers and patients and advanced computing and communication technology can improve the quality and lower the costs of healthcare. However, the prospect of storing health information in an electronic form raises concerns about patient privacy and security. Healthcare organizations are required to establish formal Information Security program, for example through the adoption of the ISO 17799 standard, to ensure an appropriate and consistent level of information security for computer-based patient records, both within individual healthcare organizations and throughout the entire healthcare delivery system. However, proper Information Security Management practices, alone, do not necessarily ensure regulatory compliance. South African healthcare organizations must comply with the South African National Health Act (SANHA) and the Electronic Communication Transaction Act (ECTA). It is necessary to consider compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to meet healthcare international industry standards. The main purpose of this project is to propose a compliance strategy, which ensures full compliance with regulatory requirements and at the same time assures customers that international industry standards are being used. This is preceded by a comparative analysis of the requirements posed by the ISO 17799 standard and the HIPAA, SANHA and ECTA regulations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Implementing the CoSaWoE models in a commercial workflow product
- Authors: Erwee, Carmen
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Computers -- Access control , Workflow , Computer security , Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9732 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/169 , Computers -- Access control , Workflow , Computer security , Data protection
- Description: Workflow systems have gained popularity not only as a research topic, but also as a key component of Enterprize Resource Planning packages and e- business. Comprehensive workflow products that automate intra- as well inter-organizational information flow are now available for commercial use. Standardization efforts have centered mostly around the interoperability of these systems, however a standard access control model have yet to be adopted. The research community has developed several models for access control to be included as part of workflow functionality. Commercial systems, however, are still implementing access control functionality in a proprietary manner. This dissertation investigates whether a comprehensive model for gain- ing context-sensitive access control, namely CoSAWoE, can be purposefully implemented in a commercial workflow product. Using methods such as an exploratory prototype, various aspects of the model was implemented to gain an understanding of the di±culties developers face when attempting to map the model to existing proprietary software. Oracle Workflow was chosen as an example of a commercial workflow product. An investigtion of the features of this product, together with the prototype, revealed the ability to affect access control in a similar manner to the model: by specifying access control constraints during administration and design, and then enforcing those constraints dynamically during run-time. However, only certain components within these two aspects of the model directly effected the commercial workflow product. It was argued that the first two requirements of context-sensitive access control, order of events and strict least privilege, addressed by the object design, role engineering and session control components of the model, can be simulated if such capabilities are not pertinently available as part of the product. As such, guidelines were provided for how this can be achieved in Oracle Workflow. However, most of the implementation effort focussed on the last requirement of context-sensitive access control, namely separation of duties. The CoSAWoE model proposes SoD administration steps that includes expressing various business rules through a set of conflicting entities which are maintained outside the scope of the workflow system. This component was implemented easily enough through tables which were created with a relational database. Evaluating these conflicts during run-time to control worklist generation proved more di±cult. First, a thorough understanding of the way in which workflow history is maintained was necessary. A re-usable function was developed to prune user lists according to user involvement in previous tasks in the workflow and the conflicts specified for those users and tasks. However, due to the lack of a central access control service, this re- usable function must be included in the appropriate places in the workflow process model. Furthermore, the dissertation utilized a practical example to develop a prototype. This prototype served a dual purpose: firstly, to aid the author's understanding of the features and principles involved, and secondly, to illustrate and explore the implementation of the model as described in the previous paragraphs. In conclusion the dissertation summarized the CoSAWoE model's compo- nents which were found to be product agnostic, directly or indirectly imple- mentable, or not implemented in the chosen workflow product. The lessons learnt and issues surrounding the implementation effort were also discussed before further research in terms of XML documents as data containers for the workfow process were suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Erwee, Carmen
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Computers -- Access control , Workflow , Computer security , Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9732 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/169 , Computers -- Access control , Workflow , Computer security , Data protection
- Description: Workflow systems have gained popularity not only as a research topic, but also as a key component of Enterprize Resource Planning packages and e- business. Comprehensive workflow products that automate intra- as well inter-organizational information flow are now available for commercial use. Standardization efforts have centered mostly around the interoperability of these systems, however a standard access control model have yet to be adopted. The research community has developed several models for access control to be included as part of workflow functionality. Commercial systems, however, are still implementing access control functionality in a proprietary manner. This dissertation investigates whether a comprehensive model for gain- ing context-sensitive access control, namely CoSAWoE, can be purposefully implemented in a commercial workflow product. Using methods such as an exploratory prototype, various aspects of the model was implemented to gain an understanding of the di±culties developers face when attempting to map the model to existing proprietary software. Oracle Workflow was chosen as an example of a commercial workflow product. An investigtion of the features of this product, together with the prototype, revealed the ability to affect access control in a similar manner to the model: by specifying access control constraints during administration and design, and then enforcing those constraints dynamically during run-time. However, only certain components within these two aspects of the model directly effected the commercial workflow product. It was argued that the first two requirements of context-sensitive access control, order of events and strict least privilege, addressed by the object design, role engineering and session control components of the model, can be simulated if such capabilities are not pertinently available as part of the product. As such, guidelines were provided for how this can be achieved in Oracle Workflow. However, most of the implementation effort focussed on the last requirement of context-sensitive access control, namely separation of duties. The CoSAWoE model proposes SoD administration steps that includes expressing various business rules through a set of conflicting entities which are maintained outside the scope of the workflow system. This component was implemented easily enough through tables which were created with a relational database. Evaluating these conflicts during run-time to control worklist generation proved more di±cult. First, a thorough understanding of the way in which workflow history is maintained was necessary. A re-usable function was developed to prune user lists according to user involvement in previous tasks in the workflow and the conflicts specified for those users and tasks. However, due to the lack of a central access control service, this re- usable function must be included in the appropriate places in the workflow process model. Furthermore, the dissertation utilized a practical example to develop a prototype. This prototype served a dual purpose: firstly, to aid the author's understanding of the features and principles involved, and secondly, to illustrate and explore the implementation of the model as described in the previous paragraphs. In conclusion the dissertation summarized the CoSAWoE model's compo- nents which were found to be product agnostic, directly or indirectly imple- mentable, or not implemented in the chosen workflow product. The lessons learnt and issues surrounding the implementation effort were also discussed before further research in terms of XML documents as data containers for the workfow process were suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The development of an integrated management model for occupational health and safety in medical institutions
- Authors: Du Toit, Willem Johannes
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Industrial safety -- South Africa -- Management , Industrial hygiene -- South Africa -- Management , Health facilities -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8551 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1300 , Industrial safety -- South Africa -- Management , Industrial hygiene -- South Africa -- Management , Health facilities -- South Africa
- Description: Health and safety management forms part of the overall risk management of medical institutions, and deals with the responsibility of an organisation to provide a risk free environment for all who are exposed to the activities of such medical institutions. Affected people include health care workers, contractors, visitors, and patients. Medical institutions, and hospitals specifically, are uniquely distinct from other industries in that they employ highly skilled staff with specific specialised knowledge. These institutions are also increasingly making use of complex technology that requires specialist staff to operate medical machines and equipment. These specific aspects are accounted for in this research. The overall purpose of this research is to determine the need for an alternative approach to the management of health and safety in medical institutions. An appropriate model will be developed that can be integrated into the existing health and safety management system. The research methodology for this study comprises the following steps: Firstly, the health and safety environment was researched in relation to all stakeholders, external and internal, that are affected by medical institutions’ activities. The effect of these activities, and how it influences health and safety management, was evaluated in a South African context. Secondly, the overall risk management approach of medical institutions and the effect of organisational culture were researched to determine the effect on health and safety performance. Thirdly, a questionnaire was sent to selected staff of five hospitals in the Eastern and Western Cape to determine their perception and experience of health and safety management. Quantitative data on incidents in Netcare Hospitals were obtained, and a comparison of the questionnaire studies was done to determine the need for a health and safety model. The final step of this study entailed the development of a health and safety model using legislative requirements and the needs identified in the research. A proposal is made to integrate specialist functions and departments into the existing health and safety management system, in order to strengthen the managerial capabilities of such a system. The importance of improving the safety and compliance culture is indicated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Du Toit, Willem Johannes
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Industrial safety -- South Africa -- Management , Industrial hygiene -- South Africa -- Management , Health facilities -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8551 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1300 , Industrial safety -- South Africa -- Management , Industrial hygiene -- South Africa -- Management , Health facilities -- South Africa
- Description: Health and safety management forms part of the overall risk management of medical institutions, and deals with the responsibility of an organisation to provide a risk free environment for all who are exposed to the activities of such medical institutions. Affected people include health care workers, contractors, visitors, and patients. Medical institutions, and hospitals specifically, are uniquely distinct from other industries in that they employ highly skilled staff with specific specialised knowledge. These institutions are also increasingly making use of complex technology that requires specialist staff to operate medical machines and equipment. These specific aspects are accounted for in this research. The overall purpose of this research is to determine the need for an alternative approach to the management of health and safety in medical institutions. An appropriate model will be developed that can be integrated into the existing health and safety management system. The research methodology for this study comprises the following steps: Firstly, the health and safety environment was researched in relation to all stakeholders, external and internal, that are affected by medical institutions’ activities. The effect of these activities, and how it influences health and safety management, was evaluated in a South African context. Secondly, the overall risk management approach of medical institutions and the effect of organisational culture were researched to determine the effect on health and safety performance. Thirdly, a questionnaire was sent to selected staff of five hospitals in the Eastern and Western Cape to determine their perception and experience of health and safety management. Quantitative data on incidents in Netcare Hospitals were obtained, and a comparison of the questionnaire studies was done to determine the need for a health and safety model. The final step of this study entailed the development of a health and safety model using legislative requirements and the needs identified in the research. A proposal is made to integrate specialist functions and departments into the existing health and safety management system, in order to strengthen the managerial capabilities of such a system. The importance of improving the safety and compliance culture is indicated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The oxidative coupling of phenols using stoichiometric metal oxidants
- Authors: Hoffmann, Eric
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Phenols , Oxidation , Stoichiometry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: vital:10977 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/180 , Phenols , Oxidation , Stoichiometry
- Description: The oxidative coupling of 2,6-di-t-butylphenol under mild reaction conditions is well documented and the subject of many patents. However, the coupling of other monoand di- substituted phenols is not as well documented and thus there is scope for further investigation for providing a convenient, environmentally friendly and economically viable method for the oxidative coupling of these phenols. In this study, the oxidative coupling of a variety of alkylated phenolic substrates, 2-tbutylphenol, 2,6-di-t-butylphenol, 2,4 -di-t-butylphenol and ,4-dimethylphenol, using a range of different oxidizing agents, were investigated by means of experimental and/or theoretical means. The dibutylated aromatics provided the highest selectivities to their respective coupled products, with results obtained with the dimethyl analogue being only satisfactory, and that for 2 -t-butylphenol being totally inefficient. PM3 Molecular orbital (MO) calculations were used to predict the possible modes of coupling for the substrates 2,6 -di-t-butylphenol and 2,4-di-t-butylphenol, and these results were then compared with those obtained experimentally in the laboratory. Preliminarily, the coupling of unsubstituted phenolics was also assessed by means of MO calculations. Much emphasis was placed on Ce(IV) as the oxidant, and the reaction conditions under which it was used and the results that were obtained have not been reported before and are therefore novel. The oxidation of 2,4-di-t-butylphenol using Ce(IV) in the presence of methanesulphonic acid was optimized to afford high yields and selectivities to the desired ortho C-ortho C coupled product under mild reaction conditions. Various reaction parameters were also investigated in this case, such as varying the MeSO3H concentration, the solvent, the reaction temperature, the reaction time, the substrate loading, the rate of oxidant addition and the substrate to oxidant ratio. Ce(IV) also gave a high selectivity to the para C-para C coupled product when IX using 2,6-di-t-butylphenol as the substrate. However, it was not as effective with 2,4- dimethylphenol, and even less so with 2-t-butylphenol. The oxidation reactions of 2-t-butylphenol and 2,4-dimethylphenol with various coupling agents were also investigated with the intention of obtaining high selectivities to the respective desired coupled products. In these studies, 2-t-butylphenol afforded a large number of products, irrespective of the oxidant used. The dimethyl analogue was more selective, but results were not optimal. It was clear that the number of substituents on the phenol ring, their nature and their position with regards to the hydroxyl moiety was of great importance and made a significant impact on the preferred coupling mode of the substrate. It was observed that steric effects also played a major role in the outcome of these reactions: 2,6-di-t-butylphenol never afforded any C-O coupled products whereas 2-t-butylphenol, 2,4-di-t-butylphenol and 2,4-dimethylphenol all appeared to undergo some C-O coupling. Finally, reaction mechanisms were provided for both the K3Fe(CN)6 and Ce(IV) work, these reacting in basic and acidic media, respectively. It was proposed that both of these mechanisms operate through the initial formation of the phenoxyl radical.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Hoffmann, Eric
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Phenols , Oxidation , Stoichiometry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: vital:10977 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/180 , Phenols , Oxidation , Stoichiometry
- Description: The oxidative coupling of 2,6-di-t-butylphenol under mild reaction conditions is well documented and the subject of many patents. However, the coupling of other monoand di- substituted phenols is not as well documented and thus there is scope for further investigation for providing a convenient, environmentally friendly and economically viable method for the oxidative coupling of these phenols. In this study, the oxidative coupling of a variety of alkylated phenolic substrates, 2-tbutylphenol, 2,6-di-t-butylphenol, 2,4 -di-t-butylphenol and ,4-dimethylphenol, using a range of different oxidizing agents, were investigated by means of experimental and/or theoretical means. The dibutylated aromatics provided the highest selectivities to their respective coupled products, with results obtained with the dimethyl analogue being only satisfactory, and that for 2 -t-butylphenol being totally inefficient. PM3 Molecular orbital (MO) calculations were used to predict the possible modes of coupling for the substrates 2,6 -di-t-butylphenol and 2,4-di-t-butylphenol, and these results were then compared with those obtained experimentally in the laboratory. Preliminarily, the coupling of unsubstituted phenolics was also assessed by means of MO calculations. Much emphasis was placed on Ce(IV) as the oxidant, and the reaction conditions under which it was used and the results that were obtained have not been reported before and are therefore novel. The oxidation of 2,4-di-t-butylphenol using Ce(IV) in the presence of methanesulphonic acid was optimized to afford high yields and selectivities to the desired ortho C-ortho C coupled product under mild reaction conditions. Various reaction parameters were also investigated in this case, such as varying the MeSO3H concentration, the solvent, the reaction temperature, the reaction time, the substrate loading, the rate of oxidant addition and the substrate to oxidant ratio. Ce(IV) also gave a high selectivity to the para C-para C coupled product when IX using 2,6-di-t-butylphenol as the substrate. However, it was not as effective with 2,4- dimethylphenol, and even less so with 2-t-butylphenol. The oxidation reactions of 2-t-butylphenol and 2,4-dimethylphenol with various coupling agents were also investigated with the intention of obtaining high selectivities to the respective desired coupled products. In these studies, 2-t-butylphenol afforded a large number of products, irrespective of the oxidant used. The dimethyl analogue was more selective, but results were not optimal. It was clear that the number of substituents on the phenol ring, their nature and their position with regards to the hydroxyl moiety was of great importance and made a significant impact on the preferred coupling mode of the substrate. It was observed that steric effects also played a major role in the outcome of these reactions: 2,6-di-t-butylphenol never afforded any C-O coupled products whereas 2-t-butylphenol, 2,4-di-t-butylphenol and 2,4-dimethylphenol all appeared to undergo some C-O coupling. Finally, reaction mechanisms were provided for both the K3Fe(CN)6 and Ce(IV) work, these reacting in basic and acidic media, respectively. It was proposed that both of these mechanisms operate through the initial formation of the phenoxyl radical.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Strategies engaged by a South African beverage organisation entering African markets
- Authors: Brink, Andries Petrus
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: International business enterprises , Coca-cola Sabco (Firm) , Soft drink industry -- South Africa , International trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8544 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/410 , International business enterprises , Coca-cola Sabco (Firm) , Soft drink industry -- South Africa , International trade
- Description: Africa is acknowledged as a vast, untapped market for consumer goods as trade barriers are coming down and economies are starting to develop. The need for consumer goods arises with economic activity. This poses the following question, which will be addressed by this research: How can potential African consumer markets be successfully unlocked by a South African beverage organisation, thereby reducing risk of failure and eliminating the cost of a hit-and-miss approach? The secondary study focused on evaluating the aspects involved with risks and the modes of entry into foreign markets. The macro-environmental factors affecting the expansion into foreign markets were investigated to determine what influence they had on the entry mode chosen for a specific country targeted for expansion. Finally the marketing factors influencing the entry mode were analysed. The significance of trade blocs together with the advantages thereof was included in the study. The primary study was based on the theory and principles of existing literature. The Coca-Cola Sabco organisation was taken as a case study. Four countries, namely Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique and Namibia, were investigated. Questionnaires containing a set of questions to satisfy the sub-problems were sent to the various country managers and their first layers of management. Likewise, interviews were conducted with Coca-Cola Sabco head office strategic management. The empirical results obtained, indicated a strong concurrence, with the theory of entry modes and the influences of macro-environmental factors. In certain aspects, however, some contradictions with the theory pertaining to the Coca-Cola Sabco organisation, were observed. The findings concurred with the theory in that risk were minimised by the acquisition of a going concern that already possessed the infrastructure and logistics such as raw material procurement, manufacturing staff skills, distribution networks and political contacts. The empirical results contradict theory with respect to location economies and scale economies, as the Coca-Cola Company’s franchise agreement excludes the exporting of beverage products. Furthermore, Coca-Cola Sabco becomes involved in expansion initiatives only in reaction to an invitation from the Coca-Cola Company and not of its own desire. Therefore, market surveys are conducted subsequent to an invitation from the Coca-Cola Company. South African organisations planning expansion initiatives into emerging African markets need to take the specific macro- environmental factors of the country in question into consideration in order to minimise risk. A franchise agreement restricting exporting as in the case of Coco-Cola Company or any other restrictive agreement, might cause a deviation from contemporary theory, for example, where markets will be assessed for purposes of location and scale economies. Deviations from contemporary theory could also occur where a franchise opportunity is offered in a specific country that may not be the preferred market choice, due to its lack of growth potential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Brink, Andries Petrus
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: International business enterprises , Coca-cola Sabco (Firm) , Soft drink industry -- South Africa , International trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8544 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/410 , International business enterprises , Coca-cola Sabco (Firm) , Soft drink industry -- South Africa , International trade
- Description: Africa is acknowledged as a vast, untapped market for consumer goods as trade barriers are coming down and economies are starting to develop. The need for consumer goods arises with economic activity. This poses the following question, which will be addressed by this research: How can potential African consumer markets be successfully unlocked by a South African beverage organisation, thereby reducing risk of failure and eliminating the cost of a hit-and-miss approach? The secondary study focused on evaluating the aspects involved with risks and the modes of entry into foreign markets. The macro-environmental factors affecting the expansion into foreign markets were investigated to determine what influence they had on the entry mode chosen for a specific country targeted for expansion. Finally the marketing factors influencing the entry mode were analysed. The significance of trade blocs together with the advantages thereof was included in the study. The primary study was based on the theory and principles of existing literature. The Coca-Cola Sabco organisation was taken as a case study. Four countries, namely Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique and Namibia, were investigated. Questionnaires containing a set of questions to satisfy the sub-problems were sent to the various country managers and their first layers of management. Likewise, interviews were conducted with Coca-Cola Sabco head office strategic management. The empirical results obtained, indicated a strong concurrence, with the theory of entry modes and the influences of macro-environmental factors. In certain aspects, however, some contradictions with the theory pertaining to the Coca-Cola Sabco organisation, were observed. The findings concurred with the theory in that risk were minimised by the acquisition of a going concern that already possessed the infrastructure and logistics such as raw material procurement, manufacturing staff skills, distribution networks and political contacts. The empirical results contradict theory with respect to location economies and scale economies, as the Coca-Cola Company’s franchise agreement excludes the exporting of beverage products. Furthermore, Coca-Cola Sabco becomes involved in expansion initiatives only in reaction to an invitation from the Coca-Cola Company and not of its own desire. Therefore, market surveys are conducted subsequent to an invitation from the Coca-Cola Company. South African organisations planning expansion initiatives into emerging African markets need to take the specific macro- environmental factors of the country in question into consideration in order to minimise risk. A franchise agreement restricting exporting as in the case of Coco-Cola Company or any other restrictive agreement, might cause a deviation from contemporary theory, for example, where markets will be assessed for purposes of location and scale economies. Deviations from contemporary theory could also occur where a franchise opportunity is offered in a specific country that may not be the preferred market choice, due to its lack of growth potential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
An investigation of specific contributing factors affecting quality assurance in the diagnosis of conventional cervical smears
- Authors: Jordaan, Suzette Mirietta
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Cervix uteri -- Cancer -- Cytodiagnosis -- Quality control , Vaginal smears -- Quality control , Pap test -- Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/173 , Cervix uteri -- Cancer -- Cytodiagnosis -- Quality control , Vaginal smears -- Quality control , Pap test -- Quality control
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate specific contributing factors affecting quality assurance in the diagnosis of conventional cervical smears. More than half of South- African women fail to have one cervical smear in their lifetime and +/- 50 percent of those who do have cervical smears taken, are lost to follow-up. Since cervical cancer is the most common malignancy amongst women in developing countries, the medical profession will have to endeavor to screen a higher rate of women and ensure a 100 percent quality assurance with every patient treated in order to reduce the unacceptable high incidence of cervical carcinoma. At this stage it seems like an impossible task to screen all women in South Africa, due to far-off rural areas, shortage of medical professionals and the lack of knowledge of some women of the necessity of cervical smears. Many newly qualified South-African doctors leave the country to go and work elsewhere. South Africa then in turn has to recruit doctors from other countries to staff the State hospitals and clinics. Some areas have one doctor to thousands of patients, insufficient nursing personnel and inadequate equipment. Doctors in some areas cannot cope with the volume of work and the long hours. One has to accept that the quality of the management of some patients is affected negatively. There are a number of medico-legal issues (world wide) in relation to aspects of cervical cancer prevention practices which are controversial and are of particular concern to all of those involved in cervical cancer prevention. Various countries have therefore formed different national organizations to address the medico-legal issues in screening for the prevention of cancer. These organizations monitors procedures, internal quality control as well as external quality control. In South Africa, medico-legal cases are not so prevalent, but may become so shortly. The South-African medical professionals therefore have to ensure that their quality of work conforms to accepted good practice in all circumstances. State hospitals serve thousands of patients per month and it is an every day occurrence to see long queues of patients sitting waiting for doctors and who often have to come back the following day. The situation appears to be much improved in private practice and since patients have medical cover and accessible medical facilities. Since cervical cancer is the most common malignancy amongst women in developing countries, the medical profession will have to endeavor to screen a higher rate of women and ensure a 100 percent quality assurance with every patient treated in order to reduce the unacceptable high incidence of cervical carcinoma. At this stage it seems like an impossible task to screen 100 percent of women in South Africa, due to far-off rural areas, the shortage of medical professionals and ignorance of patients. Quality assurance is therefore of paramount importance to every medical professional for every patient treated. Laboratories all worldwide have been, or are in the process of being accredited by their specific accreditation authorities. The main reason for this is improvement of quality control and therefore quality assurance. The South African National Accreditation Society (SANAS) now accredits various laboratories in South Africa with the view of accreditting all laboratories within a certain time limit. The Ampath laboratory Port Elizabeth was successfully accredited during 2001. Accredited laboratories have to uphold a very high degree of quality to remain accredited. A team of professionals inspects the laboratory every 2 years and other quality assurance staff inspects the laboratories every few months. All aspects of the laboratory are checked, e.g. the qualification of staff, their registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), their curriculum vitaes, equipment, safety of the laboratory etc. Since the laboratory chosen for this study, is accredited, the author evaluated every cervical smear that was received in the laboratory since the year 2000, with the following objectives in mind: · Whether the presence or absence of an endocervical component has an effect on the adequacy of cervical smears · To determine the effect of using smaller coverslips on quality assurance in the cytology laboratory · Evaluate the effect that manual re-screening of smears has on quality assurance in the cytology laboratory. As there is a shortage of cytotechnologists and pathologists worldwide, several countries make use of automated screening devices as primary screening or secondary screening for quality assurance. These devices were tested in some laboratories in South Africa but were found to be very expensive and sensitivity and specificity were not up to standard. Sensitivity is a measure of the ability of a test to detect the abnormal - Sensitivity is the ratio of true positives to true positives + false negatives. Specificity is a measure of the ability of a test to correctly identify the negative - Specificity is the ratio of true negative to true negatives + false positives. The automated screening machines failed to identify abnormal cells amongst inflammatory cells, as well as in very blood stained smears. Several other problems also occurred and an increasing number of smears had to be manually rescreened, thus making this exercise costly and not helpful as a quality assurance instrument. The slides used for this thesis, have been retrieved from the archives of the Ampath laboratory in Port Elizabeth. Fourteen specific contributing factors affecting quality assurance in the diagnosis of cervical smears are also discussed and conclusions and recommendations given.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Jordaan, Suzette Mirietta
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Cervix uteri -- Cancer -- Cytodiagnosis -- Quality control , Vaginal smears -- Quality control , Pap test -- Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/173 , Cervix uteri -- Cancer -- Cytodiagnosis -- Quality control , Vaginal smears -- Quality control , Pap test -- Quality control
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate specific contributing factors affecting quality assurance in the diagnosis of conventional cervical smears. More than half of South- African women fail to have one cervical smear in their lifetime and +/- 50 percent of those who do have cervical smears taken, are lost to follow-up. Since cervical cancer is the most common malignancy amongst women in developing countries, the medical profession will have to endeavor to screen a higher rate of women and ensure a 100 percent quality assurance with every patient treated in order to reduce the unacceptable high incidence of cervical carcinoma. At this stage it seems like an impossible task to screen all women in South Africa, due to far-off rural areas, shortage of medical professionals and the lack of knowledge of some women of the necessity of cervical smears. Many newly qualified South-African doctors leave the country to go and work elsewhere. South Africa then in turn has to recruit doctors from other countries to staff the State hospitals and clinics. Some areas have one doctor to thousands of patients, insufficient nursing personnel and inadequate equipment. Doctors in some areas cannot cope with the volume of work and the long hours. One has to accept that the quality of the management of some patients is affected negatively. There are a number of medico-legal issues (world wide) in relation to aspects of cervical cancer prevention practices which are controversial and are of particular concern to all of those involved in cervical cancer prevention. Various countries have therefore formed different national organizations to address the medico-legal issues in screening for the prevention of cancer. These organizations monitors procedures, internal quality control as well as external quality control. In South Africa, medico-legal cases are not so prevalent, but may become so shortly. The South-African medical professionals therefore have to ensure that their quality of work conforms to accepted good practice in all circumstances. State hospitals serve thousands of patients per month and it is an every day occurrence to see long queues of patients sitting waiting for doctors and who often have to come back the following day. The situation appears to be much improved in private practice and since patients have medical cover and accessible medical facilities. Since cervical cancer is the most common malignancy amongst women in developing countries, the medical profession will have to endeavor to screen a higher rate of women and ensure a 100 percent quality assurance with every patient treated in order to reduce the unacceptable high incidence of cervical carcinoma. At this stage it seems like an impossible task to screen 100 percent of women in South Africa, due to far-off rural areas, the shortage of medical professionals and ignorance of patients. Quality assurance is therefore of paramount importance to every medical professional for every patient treated. Laboratories all worldwide have been, or are in the process of being accredited by their specific accreditation authorities. The main reason for this is improvement of quality control and therefore quality assurance. The South African National Accreditation Society (SANAS) now accredits various laboratories in South Africa with the view of accreditting all laboratories within a certain time limit. The Ampath laboratory Port Elizabeth was successfully accredited during 2001. Accredited laboratories have to uphold a very high degree of quality to remain accredited. A team of professionals inspects the laboratory every 2 years and other quality assurance staff inspects the laboratories every few months. All aspects of the laboratory are checked, e.g. the qualification of staff, their registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), their curriculum vitaes, equipment, safety of the laboratory etc. Since the laboratory chosen for this study, is accredited, the author evaluated every cervical smear that was received in the laboratory since the year 2000, with the following objectives in mind: · Whether the presence or absence of an endocervical component has an effect on the adequacy of cervical smears · To determine the effect of using smaller coverslips on quality assurance in the cytology laboratory · Evaluate the effect that manual re-screening of smears has on quality assurance in the cytology laboratory. As there is a shortage of cytotechnologists and pathologists worldwide, several countries make use of automated screening devices as primary screening or secondary screening for quality assurance. These devices were tested in some laboratories in South Africa but were found to be very expensive and sensitivity and specificity were not up to standard. Sensitivity is a measure of the ability of a test to detect the abnormal - Sensitivity is the ratio of true positives to true positives + false negatives. Specificity is a measure of the ability of a test to correctly identify the negative - Specificity is the ratio of true negative to true negatives + false positives. The automated screening machines failed to identify abnormal cells amongst inflammatory cells, as well as in very blood stained smears. Several other problems also occurred and an increasing number of smears had to be manually rescreened, thus making this exercise costly and not helpful as a quality assurance instrument. The slides used for this thesis, have been retrieved from the archives of the Ampath laboratory in Port Elizabeth. Fourteen specific contributing factors affecting quality assurance in the diagnosis of cervical smears are also discussed and conclusions and recommendations given.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
An assessment of strategies used to retain nurses in selected hospitals in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipal area
- Authors: Zweni, Sisilo Sylvia
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Nurses -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9260 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/147 , Employee retention -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Nurses -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Description: The harsh realities currently facing public hospitals such as budget cuts, understaffing and poor working conditions, have resulted in nurses experiencing low morale and finding it increasingly difficult to stay in the public health sector. The obvious targeting of South African nurses by recruitment agencies with job offers to work overseas is causing a massive skills’ drain that the country cannot afford. The situation is further compounded by the fact that the government is freezing posts of those nurses who have resigned. Consequently, nurses who are currently working in these hospitals have to cope with unreasonable workloads. Public hospitals are nowadays faced with the challenge of delivering quality health care within the constraints of gross staff shortages, and an increasingly competitive global health environment. The main objective of this study was to identify strategies that can be implemented by hospitals in order to reduce turnover, thereby enhancing retention of staff. Interviews were conducted with the matrons-in-charge of the hospitals under study to investigate strategies that are in place to improve retention. Secondary data regarding staff turnover in the hospitals under study was collected and analysed. It emerged that there are no concrete strategies in place to lower turnover. Hospitals are indeed experiencing staff turnover and posts that were vacated by those nurses that have resigned are frozen. The literature survey revealed three strategies that can be utilised to retain employees, namely, motivation strategies, effective leadership strategies and human resources strategies. Based on various literature reviews, it was concluded that the three strategies are interrelated. The empirical survey was conducted at the three selected hospitals, to determine the extent to which the retention strategies identified in the literature survey are being utilised. All three are invariably used in the hospitals. It is evident that the leadership behaviour in these hospitals affects the level of motivation of employees. The extent to which some of the human resources strategies are utilised invariably leads to low morale and dissatisfaction among employees. Lastly, research findings were assessed with the aim of drawing conclusions so that appropriate recommendations could be made. Recommendations focused on the retention strategies that can be implemented to boost morale of employees and enhance retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Zweni, Sisilo Sylvia
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Nurses -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9260 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/147 , Employee retention -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Nurses -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Description: The harsh realities currently facing public hospitals such as budget cuts, understaffing and poor working conditions, have resulted in nurses experiencing low morale and finding it increasingly difficult to stay in the public health sector. The obvious targeting of South African nurses by recruitment agencies with job offers to work overseas is causing a massive skills’ drain that the country cannot afford. The situation is further compounded by the fact that the government is freezing posts of those nurses who have resigned. Consequently, nurses who are currently working in these hospitals have to cope with unreasonable workloads. Public hospitals are nowadays faced with the challenge of delivering quality health care within the constraints of gross staff shortages, and an increasingly competitive global health environment. The main objective of this study was to identify strategies that can be implemented by hospitals in order to reduce turnover, thereby enhancing retention of staff. Interviews were conducted with the matrons-in-charge of the hospitals under study to investigate strategies that are in place to improve retention. Secondary data regarding staff turnover in the hospitals under study was collected and analysed. It emerged that there are no concrete strategies in place to lower turnover. Hospitals are indeed experiencing staff turnover and posts that were vacated by those nurses that have resigned are frozen. The literature survey revealed three strategies that can be utilised to retain employees, namely, motivation strategies, effective leadership strategies and human resources strategies. Based on various literature reviews, it was concluded that the three strategies are interrelated. The empirical survey was conducted at the three selected hospitals, to determine the extent to which the retention strategies identified in the literature survey are being utilised. All three are invariably used in the hospitals. It is evident that the leadership behaviour in these hospitals affects the level of motivation of employees. The extent to which some of the human resources strategies are utilised invariably leads to low morale and dissatisfaction among employees. Lastly, research findings were assessed with the aim of drawing conclusions so that appropriate recommendations could be made. Recommendations focused on the retention strategies that can be implemented to boost morale of employees and enhance retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The development of a strategy for the successful implementation and management of technology for Valor Fruit Processors (Pty) Ltd
- Authors: Olivier, Riaan
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Technology -- Management , Citrus fruit industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9268 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/158 , Technology -- Management , Citrus fruit industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: In an ever-changing environment, it has become difficult for organisation to create and maintain a competitive advantage. Nowhere is it more evident than in the manufacturing industry. For organisations to be successful, it is imperative for them to have a clear and well-defined strategy. This strategy should be viewed as the steering mechanism of the organisation. With the ever-increasing demands of customers, organisations have been forced to be agile in order to adapt to sudden changes. Now more than ever, technology can be used as a powerful tool. For organisations to be profitable and grow, they need to have a management team that is competent to manage the organisation in turbulent times. To ensure a competitive advantage, management must be able to predict the future needs of the organisation. The use of technology forecasting and technology audits can assist management in addressing this process. Most organisations are technology intensive and deliver products or services. The research attempts to determine a strategy for the successful implementation and management of technology in a manufacturing organisation. It also tries to establish the impact of technology auditing on the competitive advantage of the organisation. A comprehensive technological audit questionnaire was used in conducting an audit at Valor Fruit Processors (Pty) Ltd. It must be emphasised that this model is a generic model and should be customised to suit each particular organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Olivier, Riaan
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Technology -- Management , Citrus fruit industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9268 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/158 , Technology -- Management , Citrus fruit industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: In an ever-changing environment, it has become difficult for organisation to create and maintain a competitive advantage. Nowhere is it more evident than in the manufacturing industry. For organisations to be successful, it is imperative for them to have a clear and well-defined strategy. This strategy should be viewed as the steering mechanism of the organisation. With the ever-increasing demands of customers, organisations have been forced to be agile in order to adapt to sudden changes. Now more than ever, technology can be used as a powerful tool. For organisations to be profitable and grow, they need to have a management team that is competent to manage the organisation in turbulent times. To ensure a competitive advantage, management must be able to predict the future needs of the organisation. The use of technology forecasting and technology audits can assist management in addressing this process. Most organisations are technology intensive and deliver products or services. The research attempts to determine a strategy for the successful implementation and management of technology in a manufacturing organisation. It also tries to establish the impact of technology auditing on the competitive advantage of the organisation. A comprehensive technological audit questionnaire was used in conducting an audit at Valor Fruit Processors (Pty) Ltd. It must be emphasised that this model is a generic model and should be customised to suit each particular organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Factors influencing employees to seek supervisory positions in manufacturing
- Authors: Ficker, Liezel
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Supervisors, Industrial , Supervision of employees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8539 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/190 , Supervisors, Industrial , Supervision of employees
- Description: This research was undertaken at a hosiery manufacturing plant situated in Cape Town. The two research questions were: 1) What are the main factors that influenced, as well as previously discouraged, current supervisors to seek supervisory positions? and 2) What are the main factors that influence employees to want to become a supervisor, and what factors would discourage them from wanting to become a supervisor? Questionnaires were used as the measuring instrument. The results revealed that internal motivation was the most important factor that positively influenced current supervisors to seek a supervisory position. This was followed by self-perceived management ability, self-belief and confidence factors. Supervisors revealed a low social and affiliation need. Factors that discouraged current supervisors from seeking a supervisory position were limited management involvement, negative work related issues, and self-doubt factors. Most employees, who were not interested in seeking a supervisory position, indicated that there were no factors that would motivate them to want to become supervisors. Amongst the four content theories of motivation, the most relevant theory in interpreting the results was the Herzberg’s two factor theory. He stated that “employees are motivated by their own inherent need to succeed at a challenging task”. This is exactly what was also found in this research. One of the interesting findings is that Herzberg’s hygiene factors played almost no role as a motivator or demotivator for either current supervisors or employees. The significance of the findings for managers is that they should not strive to motivate employees to become supervisors, but rather select people who already have a high level of internal self-motivation. If they are simply looking for good workers, they should select a different type of employee who does not have a high need for achievement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Ficker, Liezel
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Supervisors, Industrial , Supervision of employees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8539 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/190 , Supervisors, Industrial , Supervision of employees
- Description: This research was undertaken at a hosiery manufacturing plant situated in Cape Town. The two research questions were: 1) What are the main factors that influenced, as well as previously discouraged, current supervisors to seek supervisory positions? and 2) What are the main factors that influence employees to want to become a supervisor, and what factors would discourage them from wanting to become a supervisor? Questionnaires were used as the measuring instrument. The results revealed that internal motivation was the most important factor that positively influenced current supervisors to seek a supervisory position. This was followed by self-perceived management ability, self-belief and confidence factors. Supervisors revealed a low social and affiliation need. Factors that discouraged current supervisors from seeking a supervisory position were limited management involvement, negative work related issues, and self-doubt factors. Most employees, who were not interested in seeking a supervisory position, indicated that there were no factors that would motivate them to want to become supervisors. Amongst the four content theories of motivation, the most relevant theory in interpreting the results was the Herzberg’s two factor theory. He stated that “employees are motivated by their own inherent need to succeed at a challenging task”. This is exactly what was also found in this research. One of the interesting findings is that Herzberg’s hygiene factors played almost no role as a motivator or demotivator for either current supervisors or employees. The significance of the findings for managers is that they should not strive to motivate employees to become supervisors, but rather select people who already have a high level of internal self-motivation. If they are simply looking for good workers, they should select a different type of employee who does not have a high need for achievement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
A study of the performance of school governing bodies of public schools in the disadvantaged communities of George
- Authors: Cerfonteyn, Moegamat G
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: School boards -- South Africa -- George , School management and organization -- South Africa -- George , Public schools -- South Africa -- George -- Business management , Children with social disabilities -- Education -- South Africa -- George
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9487 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/182 , School boards -- South Africa -- George , School management and organization -- South Africa -- George , Public schools -- South Africa -- George -- Business management , Children with social disabilities -- Education -- South Africa -- George
- Description: After the first democratic elections in 1994, the Department of Education, through amendment of existing legislation and the adoption of new Acts, developed a new legal framework for the administration of education in the country. The effect of the change in education was not limited to the areas of the curriculum and staffing, but included a different approach to how schools will be governed and managed. In its efforts to democratise the country it was the intention of the government, through legislation, to devolve the powers of decisionmaking to the people. This study explored the phenomena that impact on the effective functioning of SGBs. The central phenomena identified were narrowed down to the role of the various stakeholders, their understanding of the functions of an SGB and the factors that hamper effective functioning. Furthermore, an exploration was made into the involvement of members of the SGB in the daily activities of the school. Research into the success of the second round of elections was conducted in 1999 by the Centre for Education Policy Development iv (CEPD). The Ministerial Review Committee on School Governance undertook research into the effectiveness of SGBs and issued a report of the study undertaken in 2004. Both these efforts were initiatives by the state. A phenomenological research approach was adopted for the purpose of the study. The rationale being that the researcher wanted to extract from the respondents their experiences as related during conversations. To lay the foundation for these interviews (conversations), a two-part questionnaire was developed. The first part of the questionnaire prompted the respondents to relate their experiences as members of the SGB. The second part elicited demographic and personal details from the respondents. The results of the study would be advantageous to various role players striving to improve the effectiveness of SGBs. The role players include all those involved at school level, the officials from the Education Management and Development Centre (EMDC), members of community-based and non-governmental organizations. The report would serve as a guideline for those individuals who are charged with the training and empowerment of SGBs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Cerfonteyn, Moegamat G
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: School boards -- South Africa -- George , School management and organization -- South Africa -- George , Public schools -- South Africa -- George -- Business management , Children with social disabilities -- Education -- South Africa -- George
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9487 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/182 , School boards -- South Africa -- George , School management and organization -- South Africa -- George , Public schools -- South Africa -- George -- Business management , Children with social disabilities -- Education -- South Africa -- George
- Description: After the first democratic elections in 1994, the Department of Education, through amendment of existing legislation and the adoption of new Acts, developed a new legal framework for the administration of education in the country. The effect of the change in education was not limited to the areas of the curriculum and staffing, but included a different approach to how schools will be governed and managed. In its efforts to democratise the country it was the intention of the government, through legislation, to devolve the powers of decisionmaking to the people. This study explored the phenomena that impact on the effective functioning of SGBs. The central phenomena identified were narrowed down to the role of the various stakeholders, their understanding of the functions of an SGB and the factors that hamper effective functioning. Furthermore, an exploration was made into the involvement of members of the SGB in the daily activities of the school. Research into the success of the second round of elections was conducted in 1999 by the Centre for Education Policy Development iv (CEPD). The Ministerial Review Committee on School Governance undertook research into the effectiveness of SGBs and issued a report of the study undertaken in 2004. Both these efforts were initiatives by the state. A phenomenological research approach was adopted for the purpose of the study. The rationale being that the researcher wanted to extract from the respondents their experiences as related during conversations. To lay the foundation for these interviews (conversations), a two-part questionnaire was developed. The first part of the questionnaire prompted the respondents to relate their experiences as members of the SGB. The second part elicited demographic and personal details from the respondents. The results of the study would be advantageous to various role players striving to improve the effectiveness of SGBs. The role players include all those involved at school level, the officials from the Education Management and Development Centre (EMDC), members of community-based and non-governmental organizations. The report would serve as a guideline for those individuals who are charged with the training and empowerment of SGBs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
A commercial process development for plant food formulation using polyprotic acids from natural extracts as chelating agents
- Authors: Ndibewu, Peter Papoh
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Chelates , Lemon juice , Liquid fertilizers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:10368 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/153 , Chelates , Lemon juice , Liquid fertilizers
- Description: The citrus industry is one of South Africa's largest agricultural sectors in terms of export earnings with lemon fruits and juice as a trendsetter due to their high grade quality. According to growers, the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa alone produces an excess of about 10-14,000 tons of lemon juice which is presently of no economic value due to the sour taste and “bitterness”. As a result of this excess and in order to make use of the polyprotic acids naturally occurring in the lemon juice, four fertilizer nutrient mixtures are formulated, using lemon juice as base. From a conceptual scientific approach, characterization (physico-chemical and functional properties determinations) of Eureka Lemon fruit juices were undertaken, followed by smaller scale batch formulation experiments. On the basis that these lemon juice-based fertilizer mixtures are prepared following standard liquid fertilizer formulation guidelines, a field test was conducted to evaluate their potential effectiveness to influence plant growth. A growth chamber testing on tomato plants revealed high growth response (> 99.9 % certainty) potential in two of the semi-organic mixtures formulated while the organic mixture showed a relatively good growth rate as compared to the control (pure tap water). According to statistical analysis (ANOVA) comparison, two of the semi-organic mixtures performed considerably better than the two commercial samples evaluated. Potential benefits profoundly associated with these nutrient mixtures as compared to similar liquid fertilizer products on the market is that most nutrients are chelated and dissolved in solution. Also, the mixtures contain all necessary nutrients including plant growth substances required for healthier plant growth. The most important socioeconomic impact is the value addition to the technology chain in the citrus industry. The use of fluid fertilizers in significant quantities is less than twenty years old. Nevertheless, growth has been so rapid that in South Africa demand for mixed liquid fertilizer has greatly increased from 90 000 tons NPK & blended micronutrients in 1955 to more than 600 000 per annum tons today (Report 41/2003, Department of Minerals and Energy). The liquid fertilizers market is sparsely specialized with major competitors like Omnia, Kynoch and Foskor supplying more than 50 % of the market demand. Amongst the nutrient mixtures formulated, mixture one is an NPK (1-1-2) based nutrient mixture containing both secondary nutrients (0.5 % Mg & 1.0 % Ca) and seven micronutrients (0.1 % Fe, 0.05 % Cu, 0.05 % Zn, 0.05 % Mn, 0.02 % B, 0.0005 % Mo and 0.0005 % Co). The composition of this mixture offers the formula a potential to be used as a general purpose (all stages of plant growth) fertilization mixture in view of its balanced composition (containing all essential plant nutrients). Mixture two contains essentially the micronutrients and in higher concentrations (0.3 % Fe, 0.3 % Cu, 0.1 % Zn, 0.2 % Mn, 0.02 % B, 0.0005 % Mo and 0.0005 % Co) as compared to mixture one except for boron, molybdenum and cobalt. The concentration of the micronutrients contained in this mixture is adequately high which offers a potential for it to be used in supplementing nutrition in plants with critical micronutrient-deficient symptoms. Mixture three is very similar to mixture two (1.0 % Fe, 0.05 % Cu, 0.05 % Zn, 0.05 Mn, 0.05 % B, 0.0005 % Mo and 0.0005 % Co) except that the concentrations of all seven micronutrients are considerably less than those of contained in mixture two. However, the concentration of iron in this mixture is as high as 1.0 %. The mixture has a potential to be used in high iron-deficient situations. Mixture four is an organic formula with relatively low nutrient concentrations (NPK-0.02-0.02-1, 0.27 % Mg, 0.02 % Ca, 0.008 % Fe, 0.26 % Cu, 0.012 % Zn, 0.009 % Mn). Nevertheless, this mixture is appealing for organically grown crops where the use of chemicals is prohibited by standards. These lemon juice-based nutrient mixtures were further characterized and tested for stability and storability over a period of eight weeks. This study revealed no major change in the physical quality (colour, pH and “salt out” effect). The basic formulation methodology is a two-step procedure that involves filtration of the lemon juice to remove membranous materials, mixing at ambient temperature and stabilization of the nutrient mixtures. However, for the organic nutrient formula mix, filtration follows after extraction of nutrients from plant materials using the lemon juice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Ndibewu, Peter Papoh
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Chelates , Lemon juice , Liquid fertilizers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:10368 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/153 , Chelates , Lemon juice , Liquid fertilizers
- Description: The citrus industry is one of South Africa's largest agricultural sectors in terms of export earnings with lemon fruits and juice as a trendsetter due to their high grade quality. According to growers, the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa alone produces an excess of about 10-14,000 tons of lemon juice which is presently of no economic value due to the sour taste and “bitterness”. As a result of this excess and in order to make use of the polyprotic acids naturally occurring in the lemon juice, four fertilizer nutrient mixtures are formulated, using lemon juice as base. From a conceptual scientific approach, characterization (physico-chemical and functional properties determinations) of Eureka Lemon fruit juices were undertaken, followed by smaller scale batch formulation experiments. On the basis that these lemon juice-based fertilizer mixtures are prepared following standard liquid fertilizer formulation guidelines, a field test was conducted to evaluate their potential effectiveness to influence plant growth. A growth chamber testing on tomato plants revealed high growth response (> 99.9 % certainty) potential in two of the semi-organic mixtures formulated while the organic mixture showed a relatively good growth rate as compared to the control (pure tap water). According to statistical analysis (ANOVA) comparison, two of the semi-organic mixtures performed considerably better than the two commercial samples evaluated. Potential benefits profoundly associated with these nutrient mixtures as compared to similar liquid fertilizer products on the market is that most nutrients are chelated and dissolved in solution. Also, the mixtures contain all necessary nutrients including plant growth substances required for healthier plant growth. The most important socioeconomic impact is the value addition to the technology chain in the citrus industry. The use of fluid fertilizers in significant quantities is less than twenty years old. Nevertheless, growth has been so rapid that in South Africa demand for mixed liquid fertilizer has greatly increased from 90 000 tons NPK & blended micronutrients in 1955 to more than 600 000 per annum tons today (Report 41/2003, Department of Minerals and Energy). The liquid fertilizers market is sparsely specialized with major competitors like Omnia, Kynoch and Foskor supplying more than 50 % of the market demand. Amongst the nutrient mixtures formulated, mixture one is an NPK (1-1-2) based nutrient mixture containing both secondary nutrients (0.5 % Mg & 1.0 % Ca) and seven micronutrients (0.1 % Fe, 0.05 % Cu, 0.05 % Zn, 0.05 % Mn, 0.02 % B, 0.0005 % Mo and 0.0005 % Co). The composition of this mixture offers the formula a potential to be used as a general purpose (all stages of plant growth) fertilization mixture in view of its balanced composition (containing all essential plant nutrients). Mixture two contains essentially the micronutrients and in higher concentrations (0.3 % Fe, 0.3 % Cu, 0.1 % Zn, 0.2 % Mn, 0.02 % B, 0.0005 % Mo and 0.0005 % Co) as compared to mixture one except for boron, molybdenum and cobalt. The concentration of the micronutrients contained in this mixture is adequately high which offers a potential for it to be used in supplementing nutrition in plants with critical micronutrient-deficient symptoms. Mixture three is very similar to mixture two (1.0 % Fe, 0.05 % Cu, 0.05 % Zn, 0.05 Mn, 0.05 % B, 0.0005 % Mo and 0.0005 % Co) except that the concentrations of all seven micronutrients are considerably less than those of contained in mixture two. However, the concentration of iron in this mixture is as high as 1.0 %. The mixture has a potential to be used in high iron-deficient situations. Mixture four is an organic formula with relatively low nutrient concentrations (NPK-0.02-0.02-1, 0.27 % Mg, 0.02 % Ca, 0.008 % Fe, 0.26 % Cu, 0.012 % Zn, 0.009 % Mn). Nevertheless, this mixture is appealing for organically grown crops where the use of chemicals is prohibited by standards. These lemon juice-based nutrient mixtures were further characterized and tested for stability and storability over a period of eight weeks. This study revealed no major change in the physical quality (colour, pH and “salt out” effect). The basic formulation methodology is a two-step procedure that involves filtration of the lemon juice to remove membranous materials, mixing at ambient temperature and stabilization of the nutrient mixtures. However, for the organic nutrient formula mix, filtration follows after extraction of nutrients from plant materials using the lemon juice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Strategies for sustaining family business through succession planning and family creed
- Authors: Gwiliza, Nwabisa
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Succession , Family corporations -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8537 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/193 , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Succession , Family corporations -- South Africa -- Management
- Description: Family business literature reveals that the majority of family businesses do not make it to the second generation, and quite a few are fortunate to be passed onto the third generation. Succession planning is the critical issue that enhances continuity of the family business. Relational influences indicate that the balancing of family systems and business systems is more likely to encourage high quality succession. The development of effective practical governance systems can help the family business achieve its strategy. External influences indicate that owner role adjustment, defined as the predecessor’s “letting go” in the firm, as well as the development and mentoring of the successor, shape the effectiveness of succession in the family business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Gwiliza, Nwabisa
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Succession , Family corporations -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8537 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/193 , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Succession , Family corporations -- South Africa -- Management
- Description: Family business literature reveals that the majority of family businesses do not make it to the second generation, and quite a few are fortunate to be passed onto the third generation. Succession planning is the critical issue that enhances continuity of the family business. Relational influences indicate that the balancing of family systems and business systems is more likely to encourage high quality succession. The development of effective practical governance systems can help the family business achieve its strategy. External influences indicate that owner role adjustment, defined as the predecessor’s “letting go” in the firm, as well as the development and mentoring of the successor, shape the effectiveness of succession in the family business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Aspects of expert evidence in the criminal justice system
- Authors: Dumani, Msebenzi
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Evidence, Expert , Cross-examination , Conduct of court proceedings
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10166 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/435 , Evidence, Expert , Cross-examination , Conduct of court proceedings
- Description: The rule excluding evidence of opinion is traditionally stated in broad and general terms, subject to a more or less closed list of exemptions. Stephen says that a witness’s opinion is “deemed to be irrelevant”. A witness may depose to the facts which he has observed, but he may not ordinarily state any inferences which he has drawn from those facts, or opinions founded upon facts of which he has no personal knowledge. The general rule is that the evidence of opinion or belief of a witness is irrelevant because it is the function of a court to draw inferences and form its opinion from the facts; the witnesses give evidence as to the facts and the court forms its opinion from those facts. The opinion of an expert is admissible if it is relevant. It will be relevant if the witness’s skill, training or experience enables him materially to assist the court on matters in which the court itself does not usually have the necessary knowledge to decide. Where the topic is such that an ordinary judicial officer could be expected to be able, unassisted, to draw an inference, expert evidence is superfluous. In principle, there is no rule that a witness cannot give his opinion on an issue that the court has to decide ultimately. It is not experts alone who may give their opinions on ultimate issues but, in practice, there is a strong tendency to regard the evidence of lay persons on ultimate issues as constituting prima facie evidence only. If such lay testimony remains unchallenged, it may be of greater significance. It is generally true that relevant evidence is admissible and irrelevant evidence is inadmissible. At this stage the following question may be posed: is the opinion of any witness – whether from an expert or lay person – admissible evidence? Should an opinion be admitted for purposes of persuading the court to rely on it in deciding the issue at hand? The basic answer is that relevance remains the fundamental test for admissibility. Certain issues simply cannot be decided without expert guidance. Expert opinion evidence is therefore readily received on issues relating to ballistics, engineering, chemistry, medicine, accounting and psychiatry, to mention only a few examples. The problem which arises is this: what is the best way of cross-examining the expert witness? Although the concept of skilful cross-examination conjures up the image of the crossexaminer destroying the expert witness in the witness box, total annihilation of expert evidence in court occurs only rarely. In reality, lawyers who are expected to cross-examine experts are often at a disadvantage in that they do not possess sufficient in-depth knowledge of the specific field of expertise to enable them to cross-examine the witness. Despite the expert nature of the evidence, it is suggested that the true basis of crossexamination should not be abandoned when dealing with experts. The effectiveness of crossexamination is enhanced by keeping the number of questions to a minimum as well as opening and concluding with good strong points. At the outset it should be mentioned that there is a distinction between matters of scientific fact and matters of mere opinion. On matters of scientific fact experts seldom differ but within the province of opinion one encounters difficulties. Lengthy cross-examination concerning expert’s theoretical knowledge is usually inefficient and should rarely be attempted. Cross-examination should be directed at pure logic or scientific analysis. The cross-examiner should always have relevant authority with him in court so as to confront the expert with these. The whole effect of the testimony of an expert witness can also be destroyed by putting the witness to test at the trial as to his qualifications, his experience and his ability and discriminations as an expert. A failure to meet this test renders his evidence nugatory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Dumani, Msebenzi
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Evidence, Expert , Cross-examination , Conduct of court proceedings
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10166 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/435 , Evidence, Expert , Cross-examination , Conduct of court proceedings
- Description: The rule excluding evidence of opinion is traditionally stated in broad and general terms, subject to a more or less closed list of exemptions. Stephen says that a witness’s opinion is “deemed to be irrelevant”. A witness may depose to the facts which he has observed, but he may not ordinarily state any inferences which he has drawn from those facts, or opinions founded upon facts of which he has no personal knowledge. The general rule is that the evidence of opinion or belief of a witness is irrelevant because it is the function of a court to draw inferences and form its opinion from the facts; the witnesses give evidence as to the facts and the court forms its opinion from those facts. The opinion of an expert is admissible if it is relevant. It will be relevant if the witness’s skill, training or experience enables him materially to assist the court on matters in which the court itself does not usually have the necessary knowledge to decide. Where the topic is such that an ordinary judicial officer could be expected to be able, unassisted, to draw an inference, expert evidence is superfluous. In principle, there is no rule that a witness cannot give his opinion on an issue that the court has to decide ultimately. It is not experts alone who may give their opinions on ultimate issues but, in practice, there is a strong tendency to regard the evidence of lay persons on ultimate issues as constituting prima facie evidence only. If such lay testimony remains unchallenged, it may be of greater significance. It is generally true that relevant evidence is admissible and irrelevant evidence is inadmissible. At this stage the following question may be posed: is the opinion of any witness – whether from an expert or lay person – admissible evidence? Should an opinion be admitted for purposes of persuading the court to rely on it in deciding the issue at hand? The basic answer is that relevance remains the fundamental test for admissibility. Certain issues simply cannot be decided without expert guidance. Expert opinion evidence is therefore readily received on issues relating to ballistics, engineering, chemistry, medicine, accounting and psychiatry, to mention only a few examples. The problem which arises is this: what is the best way of cross-examining the expert witness? Although the concept of skilful cross-examination conjures up the image of the crossexaminer destroying the expert witness in the witness box, total annihilation of expert evidence in court occurs only rarely. In reality, lawyers who are expected to cross-examine experts are often at a disadvantage in that they do not possess sufficient in-depth knowledge of the specific field of expertise to enable them to cross-examine the witness. Despite the expert nature of the evidence, it is suggested that the true basis of crossexamination should not be abandoned when dealing with experts. The effectiveness of crossexamination is enhanced by keeping the number of questions to a minimum as well as opening and concluding with good strong points. At the outset it should be mentioned that there is a distinction between matters of scientific fact and matters of mere opinion. On matters of scientific fact experts seldom differ but within the province of opinion one encounters difficulties. Lengthy cross-examination concerning expert’s theoretical knowledge is usually inefficient and should rarely be attempted. Cross-examination should be directed at pure logic or scientific analysis. The cross-examiner should always have relevant authority with him in court so as to confront the expert with these. The whole effect of the testimony of an expert witness can also be destroyed by putting the witness to test at the trial as to his qualifications, his experience and his ability and discriminations as an expert. A failure to meet this test renders his evidence nugatory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The application of constraint management to a simulated manufacturing environment
- Authors: Van der Merwe, Karl Robert
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Theory of constraints (Management) , Production management , Manufacturing processes -- Computer simulation , Production engineering -- Computer simulation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9606 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/409 , Theory of constraints (Management) , Production management , Manufacturing processes -- Computer simulation , Production engineering -- Computer simulation
- Description: South Africa endorsed a world trade accord ratified in Geneva on December 13, 1993. To promote world economic growth, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) aimed to slash duties on 8000 categories of manufactured goods. Tariff barriers have declined significantly and are now approaching trivial levels (Hill, 1999, p163). Unfortunately, South Africa is ranked near the bottom of the World Competitiveness Report (Cheales, 1995, p8). Increased foreign competition has caused many South African companies to search for techniques that will improve their overall performance. Unless these techniques can be identified and implemented timeously, some companies may fail to remain competitive. This research addresses the lack of awareness in the Eastern Cape (SA) and utilisation of two techniques used successfully in the USA (and elsewhere in developed countries) namely, Constraint Management and simulation. The overall objective was to develop a method of convincing industry management of the benefits of the two techniques. The approach adopted was to use simulation to prove Constraint Management. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature survey was performed to determine the logic of each technique and the associated benefits. The next step was to determine the levels of awareness among industry practitioners and managers. Managers, engineers and academics were requested to complete questionnaires in order to determine awareness and utilisation of each technique as well as factors that prevented the application of both. The simulation modeling process was examined in order to verify the logic of simulation and a model of a manufacturing system was developed. Constraint Management principles were then applied to the model in a series of experiments. This process was then developed into a manual that could be used to address the lack of awareness and utilisation of both Constraint Management and simulation. The manual was tested on a group of BTech students and industry practitioners in order to establish whether its use would be effective in raising awareness, understanding and utilisation. The outcome was positive and it was established that this technique was effective.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Van der Merwe, Karl Robert
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Theory of constraints (Management) , Production management , Manufacturing processes -- Computer simulation , Production engineering -- Computer simulation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9606 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/409 , Theory of constraints (Management) , Production management , Manufacturing processes -- Computer simulation , Production engineering -- Computer simulation
- Description: South Africa endorsed a world trade accord ratified in Geneva on December 13, 1993. To promote world economic growth, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) aimed to slash duties on 8000 categories of manufactured goods. Tariff barriers have declined significantly and are now approaching trivial levels (Hill, 1999, p163). Unfortunately, South Africa is ranked near the bottom of the World Competitiveness Report (Cheales, 1995, p8). Increased foreign competition has caused many South African companies to search for techniques that will improve their overall performance. Unless these techniques can be identified and implemented timeously, some companies may fail to remain competitive. This research addresses the lack of awareness in the Eastern Cape (SA) and utilisation of two techniques used successfully in the USA (and elsewhere in developed countries) namely, Constraint Management and simulation. The overall objective was to develop a method of convincing industry management of the benefits of the two techniques. The approach adopted was to use simulation to prove Constraint Management. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature survey was performed to determine the logic of each technique and the associated benefits. The next step was to determine the levels of awareness among industry practitioners and managers. Managers, engineers and academics were requested to complete questionnaires in order to determine awareness and utilisation of each technique as well as factors that prevented the application of both. The simulation modeling process was examined in order to verify the logic of simulation and a model of a manufacturing system was developed. Constraint Management principles were then applied to the model in a series of experiments. This process was then developed into a manual that could be used to address the lack of awareness and utilisation of both Constraint Management and simulation. The manual was tested on a group of BTech students and industry practitioners in order to establish whether its use would be effective in raising awareness, understanding and utilisation. The outcome was positive and it was established that this technique was effective.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The role of traditional leadership institutions in the development of their communities with specific reference to the Rharhabe kingdom, Mngqesha Great Place, King William's Town
- Mahlangeni, Bethwell Mzikalanga
- Authors: Mahlangeni, Bethwell Mzikalanga
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tribal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8169 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/395 , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tribal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: It is the objective of this treatise to highlight and demonstrate the role that can be played by Traditional Leadership Institutions in the development of their communities, demonstrate and advance the extent to which they can enhance their image and restore their dignity by embarking on community development projects that will improve the quality of life of their subjects in their jurisdictional areas. However, as the number of Traditional Leadership Institutions that can be investigated and researched was so large, it became necessary to focus attention primarily on the Rharhabe Kingdom with its seat and headquarters at Mngqesha Great Place in King William’s Town. The Mngqesha Great Place, the seat of the Rharhabe Kingdom is a typical example of a Traditional Leadership Institution selected from the six existing Eastern Cape Provincial Kingdoms. Attention is invited to the following fields which had to be explored since they serve the basis for the evolution of Traditional Leadership Institutions in South Africa. A historical background to Traditional Leadership and Governance in South Africa and the Eastern Cape provides some key issues of governance, management and administration, position, place and status of the institution during the pre- colonial and colonial periods, the period under apartheid rule, the independence period of the former homelands of Ciskei and Transkei territories with reflections on Tribal and Regional Authorities and Local Government Bureaux. A synoptic perspective of the effect of changes on the functioning of the Institution of Traditional Leadership is provided in some detail. This part is concluded with a brief history of the Rharhabe Kingdom. An overview of Traditional Leadership and Governance in the new South Africa since 1994 to date indicates the recognition and important role that Traditional Leadership Institutions can play. In this regard, there is policy and legislation that is in place on Traditional Leadership and Governance with a clear vision for implementation. Since 1994, there are many initiatives that have been undertaken by government in creating and maintaining an enabling environment for the efficient management and administration of the institution, transfer payments for different projects like funding the building of various Great Places and Provincial Policy Initiatives on Traditional Leadership and Governance. Institutional arrangements for Traditional Leadership Institutions reflect on the hierarchy of Traditional Leadership, for example, the position of the King as head of a Regional Authority (Ikomkhulu), the Chiefs under Kings as Heads of Traditional Authorities (Inqila) and Headmen as heads of the various Administrative Areas (locations). In order to give meaning to Government’s recognition of the Institution of Traditional Leadership, to enhance the institution and give it a role at the National, Provincial and Local levels, the government has established a National and Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders with clear roles and responsibilities and provision for accountability of Traditional Leaders and structures. Regarding the role of Traditional Leadership Institutions in Governance and Development, it is clear that over many years, these institutions performed various governance functions. The policy framework on Traditional Leadership and Governance besides legislation specifies the duties and functions of these entities. With regard to the King Sandile Development Trust and its role in community development, the research reveals visionary leadership on the part of the Kingdom, with the Trust, since its establishment in 1999 being at the centre of all development initiatives at the Great Place besides government initiatives. The King Sandile Development Trust is therefore a legal entity established and funded in terms of law. It has its constitution, vision and clear objectives, procedural arrangements on administration, management and financial arrangements. The development role of the trust is reflected in the Queen’s Programme of Action and Implementation, headed by the Queen mother, Queen Noloyiso Sandile, the wife of His Majesty King Maxhobayakhawuleza Sandile. Besides, there are established tourism chalets providing not only revenue but also employment opportunities to many local subjects of the Kingdom. Finally, the treatise concludes with some general conclusion and recommendations and challenges that demand that traditional leaders be appropriately trained, its institutions adequately resourced, appropriately run and administered based on the need to account publicly on their performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Mahlangeni, Bethwell Mzikalanga
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tribal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8169 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/395 , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tribal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: It is the objective of this treatise to highlight and demonstrate the role that can be played by Traditional Leadership Institutions in the development of their communities, demonstrate and advance the extent to which they can enhance their image and restore their dignity by embarking on community development projects that will improve the quality of life of their subjects in their jurisdictional areas. However, as the number of Traditional Leadership Institutions that can be investigated and researched was so large, it became necessary to focus attention primarily on the Rharhabe Kingdom with its seat and headquarters at Mngqesha Great Place in King William’s Town. The Mngqesha Great Place, the seat of the Rharhabe Kingdom is a typical example of a Traditional Leadership Institution selected from the six existing Eastern Cape Provincial Kingdoms. Attention is invited to the following fields which had to be explored since they serve the basis for the evolution of Traditional Leadership Institutions in South Africa. A historical background to Traditional Leadership and Governance in South Africa and the Eastern Cape provides some key issues of governance, management and administration, position, place and status of the institution during the pre- colonial and colonial periods, the period under apartheid rule, the independence period of the former homelands of Ciskei and Transkei territories with reflections on Tribal and Regional Authorities and Local Government Bureaux. A synoptic perspective of the effect of changes on the functioning of the Institution of Traditional Leadership is provided in some detail. This part is concluded with a brief history of the Rharhabe Kingdom. An overview of Traditional Leadership and Governance in the new South Africa since 1994 to date indicates the recognition and important role that Traditional Leadership Institutions can play. In this regard, there is policy and legislation that is in place on Traditional Leadership and Governance with a clear vision for implementation. Since 1994, there are many initiatives that have been undertaken by government in creating and maintaining an enabling environment for the efficient management and administration of the institution, transfer payments for different projects like funding the building of various Great Places and Provincial Policy Initiatives on Traditional Leadership and Governance. Institutional arrangements for Traditional Leadership Institutions reflect on the hierarchy of Traditional Leadership, for example, the position of the King as head of a Regional Authority (Ikomkhulu), the Chiefs under Kings as Heads of Traditional Authorities (Inqila) and Headmen as heads of the various Administrative Areas (locations). In order to give meaning to Government’s recognition of the Institution of Traditional Leadership, to enhance the institution and give it a role at the National, Provincial and Local levels, the government has established a National and Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders with clear roles and responsibilities and provision for accountability of Traditional Leaders and structures. Regarding the role of Traditional Leadership Institutions in Governance and Development, it is clear that over many years, these institutions performed various governance functions. The policy framework on Traditional Leadership and Governance besides legislation specifies the duties and functions of these entities. With regard to the King Sandile Development Trust and its role in community development, the research reveals visionary leadership on the part of the Kingdom, with the Trust, since its establishment in 1999 being at the centre of all development initiatives at the Great Place besides government initiatives. The King Sandile Development Trust is therefore a legal entity established and funded in terms of law. It has its constitution, vision and clear objectives, procedural arrangements on administration, management and financial arrangements. The development role of the trust is reflected in the Queen’s Programme of Action and Implementation, headed by the Queen mother, Queen Noloyiso Sandile, the wife of His Majesty King Maxhobayakhawuleza Sandile. Besides, there are established tourism chalets providing not only revenue but also employment opportunities to many local subjects of the Kingdom. Finally, the treatise concludes with some general conclusion and recommendations and challenges that demand that traditional leaders be appropriately trained, its institutions adequately resourced, appropriately run and administered based on the need to account publicly on their performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Applying a framework for IT governance in South African higher education institutions
- Authors: Viljoen, Stephen
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Computer security , Universities and colleges -- Computer networks -- Security measures -- South Africa , Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9739 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/416 , Computer security , Universities and colleges -- Computer networks -- Security measures -- South Africa , Data protection
- Description: Background: Higher Education (HE), through HE Institutions, plays a very important role in society. There is thus a need for this sector to be well managed, especially with regards to planning, organising, and controlling. Corporate Governance has received a lot of attention in recent times, especially to engender trust on the part of the stakeholders. There are many similarities, but also significant differences in the governance of HE institutions and public companies. Information Technology (IT) plays an extremely important role in the modern organisation, creating huge opportunities, but also increasing the risk to the organisation. Therefore, effective governance of IT in HE Institutions is of great importance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Viljoen, Stephen
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Computer security , Universities and colleges -- Computer networks -- Security measures -- South Africa , Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9739 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/416 , Computer security , Universities and colleges -- Computer networks -- Security measures -- South Africa , Data protection
- Description: Background: Higher Education (HE), through HE Institutions, plays a very important role in society. There is thus a need for this sector to be well managed, especially with regards to planning, organising, and controlling. Corporate Governance has received a lot of attention in recent times, especially to engender trust on the part of the stakeholders. There are many similarities, but also significant differences in the governance of HE institutions and public companies. Information Technology (IT) plays an extremely important role in the modern organisation, creating huge opportunities, but also increasing the risk to the organisation. Therefore, effective governance of IT in HE Institutions is of great importance.
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- Date Issued: 2005