The artistic forms of the image of war
- Authors: Graham, H J
- Date: 1968-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191267 , vital:45077
- Description: War is a condition of this world. From man to the smallest insect, all are at strife, yet man has a "quality which makes him overlord of all; for whereas the creatures of the forest and plain kill only to eat, or to lead the herd ... man will kill for no reason at all. This makes him terrible among the creatures, for he is the very God of Destruction. And from man's pride in his weapons that give him power has grown his art." Warfare in its primeval state is a direct result of a natural phenomenon, springing from the discovery that certain grass seeds could be cultivated and that certain grass feeding animals could be domesticated. From these roots sprouted two very differently organised communities, the agricultural and the pastoral, who clashed for the first time in the third millenium B.C. , Thesis (MFA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 1968
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1968-03
- Authors: Graham, H J
- Date: 1968-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191267 , vital:45077
- Description: War is a condition of this world. From man to the smallest insect, all are at strife, yet man has a "quality which makes him overlord of all; for whereas the creatures of the forest and plain kill only to eat, or to lead the herd ... man will kill for no reason at all. This makes him terrible among the creatures, for he is the very God of Destruction. And from man's pride in his weapons that give him power has grown his art." Warfare in its primeval state is a direct result of a natural phenomenon, springing from the discovery that certain grass seeds could be cultivated and that certain grass feeding animals could be domesticated. From these roots sprouted two very differently organised communities, the agricultural and the pastoral, who clashed for the first time in the third millenium B.C. , Thesis (MFA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 1968
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1968-03
Samuel Palmer and Romanticism
- Authors: Chapman, Anton
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193269 , vital:45316
- Description: This introduction and ensuing essay are something in the nature of a personal confession. Deemed as such what I have written concerning Samuel Palmer has not, in any way, been written as an exercise, but rather for the purpose of self-edification. This I will elaborate upon while disclosing my motive for writing on Palmer. Palmer's works - when I first saw them - were something of a revelation. They seemed the alpha and omega of my own artistic endeavour. Perhaps the term which best describes the euphoria I felt is 1deja vu1, because although it describes a connectedness of sorts, the words have in their sound an exotic ring. There is in it an implied equivocation - and equivocality best describes my understanding of Samuel Palmer at that juncture. This euphoria I felt dimmed with the realisation that by purportedly claiming, as I was, Samuel Palmer's visionary landscapes as my goal I was treading on sacred ground; I'd arrived, as it were, in another's Paradise. The effects of this upon my own creativity were completely negative. Worse still, I lacked the necessary means to extricate myself from Palmer's paradisiacal visions. His influence was incapacitating and convoluting my own growth. It was obvious then that I had to be rid of Samuel Palmer. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 1985
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1985
- Authors: Chapman, Anton
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193269 , vital:45316
- Description: This introduction and ensuing essay are something in the nature of a personal confession. Deemed as such what I have written concerning Samuel Palmer has not, in any way, been written as an exercise, but rather for the purpose of self-edification. This I will elaborate upon while disclosing my motive for writing on Palmer. Palmer's works - when I first saw them - were something of a revelation. They seemed the alpha and omega of my own artistic endeavour. Perhaps the term which best describes the euphoria I felt is 1deja vu1, because although it describes a connectedness of sorts, the words have in their sound an exotic ring. There is in it an implied equivocation - and equivocality best describes my understanding of Samuel Palmer at that juncture. This euphoria I felt dimmed with the realisation that by purportedly claiming, as I was, Samuel Palmer's visionary landscapes as my goal I was treading on sacred ground; I'd arrived, as it were, in another's Paradise. The effects of this upon my own creativity were completely negative. Worse still, I lacked the necessary means to extricate myself from Palmer's paradisiacal visions. His influence was incapacitating and convoluting my own growth. It was obvious then that I had to be rid of Samuel Palmer. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 1985
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1985
"The word as image": survey with special reference to the twentieth century
- Authors: Edworthy, S
- Date: 1991-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191247 , vital:45075
- Description: This essay is intended, firstly for those who at some time have had the urge to include words into their otherwise conventional representational images, but are deterred by the suspicion that such elements have no place in the picture plane. Secondly, it is hoped, that this dissertation will provide some understanding concerning the motivations and aims of artists, using "verbal symbols" in their visual images. At this point, I offer some explanation of the term "verbal symbols". The alphabet that we are accustomed to today differs vastly from the first writing that was invented. The naming of items nowadays is arbitrarily established and all we are left with is a name that bears no visual resemblance to the object it represents in real life. The word "house", for example, tells us nothing of the physical nature of a house. However, owing to our conditioning, the word evokes in us a mental picture of a house, even if the details of this picture will vary amongst individuals. Words then are symbols which denote, broadly speaking, objects that exist in our daily lives, without being in any way visual representations of these objects. Of course there are also words which are dependent on other words for their meaning, such as prepositions, conjunctions or suffices, but this is irrelevant to this essay. , Thesis (MFA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 1991
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991-03
- Authors: Edworthy, S
- Date: 1991-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191247 , vital:45075
- Description: This essay is intended, firstly for those who at some time have had the urge to include words into their otherwise conventional representational images, but are deterred by the suspicion that such elements have no place in the picture plane. Secondly, it is hoped, that this dissertation will provide some understanding concerning the motivations and aims of artists, using "verbal symbols" in their visual images. At this point, I offer some explanation of the term "verbal symbols". The alphabet that we are accustomed to today differs vastly from the first writing that was invented. The naming of items nowadays is arbitrarily established and all we are left with is a name that bears no visual resemblance to the object it represents in real life. The word "house", for example, tells us nothing of the physical nature of a house. However, owing to our conditioning, the word evokes in us a mental picture of a house, even if the details of this picture will vary amongst individuals. Words then are symbols which denote, broadly speaking, objects that exist in our daily lives, without being in any way visual representations of these objects. Of course there are also words which are dependent on other words for their meaning, such as prepositions, conjunctions or suffices, but this is irrelevant to this essay. , Thesis (MFA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 1991
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991-03
Composition portfolio
- Authors: Moss, Keith
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193724 , vital:45390
- Description: Whitacre's music is primarily diatonic with subtle modulations, where the new key is always preserved diatonicaliy as well. I refer to this style as expanded diatonicism. Examples in my work of expanded diatonicism within this portfolio are to be found in navem ad somnium, Wynken, Blynken and Nod, as well as Hymn for Brass. My applications of expanded diatonic practices within each of these works are discussed in a separate appendix within the body of this portfolio. That these works are vocal or have a vocal inspiration (Hymn for Brass) reveals the extent of my initial reaction to Whitacre's music during a choral rehearsal. Furthermore, in my vocal compositions especially I chose texts which frequently gravitate towards ideas related to water, the ocean and ships. Whilst water has a soothing and inspiring influence upon me, presumably evidenced in my expanded diatonicism, it also represents my journey and investigation into the sound work of Whitacre in particular. It may be noticed that many of my works in this portfolio have religious orientated themes. I am a Christian, and belong to a Berean 2 Congregational Church. Whilst I am not Catholic or Anglican, I nonetheless have made use of texts from the liturgy of these denominations, as they emphasise the basis of my Christian faith. Why I chose Hymn for Brass as a title could possibly be construed as a religious reference, however it was named after the piece was written, and had no theological connotations in its inception save for the hymnody style of the orchestration. Providence and The Eventide both have a Christian philosophical foundation which is explored in depth in the accompanying appendix. The latter work explores an extension of my expanded diatonic style through incorporating aspects of chromaticism. The rationale for this is dealt with in my discussion of this work. This portfolio represents an overview of my compositional activities to date and displays my growing confidence with the technical aspects of composition as well as my yearning for experimentation with new ideas and manners of expression. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2007
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Moss, Keith
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193724 , vital:45390
- Description: Whitacre's music is primarily diatonic with subtle modulations, where the new key is always preserved diatonicaliy as well. I refer to this style as expanded diatonicism. Examples in my work of expanded diatonicism within this portfolio are to be found in navem ad somnium, Wynken, Blynken and Nod, as well as Hymn for Brass. My applications of expanded diatonic practices within each of these works are discussed in a separate appendix within the body of this portfolio. That these works are vocal or have a vocal inspiration (Hymn for Brass) reveals the extent of my initial reaction to Whitacre's music during a choral rehearsal. Furthermore, in my vocal compositions especially I chose texts which frequently gravitate towards ideas related to water, the ocean and ships. Whilst water has a soothing and inspiring influence upon me, presumably evidenced in my expanded diatonicism, it also represents my journey and investigation into the sound work of Whitacre in particular. It may be noticed that many of my works in this portfolio have religious orientated themes. I am a Christian, and belong to a Berean 2 Congregational Church. Whilst I am not Catholic or Anglican, I nonetheless have made use of texts from the liturgy of these denominations, as they emphasise the basis of my Christian faith. Why I chose Hymn for Brass as a title could possibly be construed as a religious reference, however it was named after the piece was written, and had no theological connotations in its inception save for the hymnody style of the orchestration. Providence and The Eventide both have a Christian philosophical foundation which is explored in depth in the accompanying appendix. The latter work explores an extension of my expanded diatonic style through incorporating aspects of chromaticism. The rationale for this is dealt with in my discussion of this work. This portfolio represents an overview of my compositional activities to date and displays my growing confidence with the technical aspects of composition as well as my yearning for experimentation with new ideas and manners of expression. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2007
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Photovoltaic-powered wireless communication system for rural schools outside national utility grid
- Kaseke, Richmore https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8295-5016
- Authors: Kaseke, Richmore https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8295-5016
- Date: 2007-02
- Subjects: Photovoltaic system
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25483 , vital:64284
- Description: Access to global information is inarguably one of the key ways of bringing development to any community. In developing worlds, many rural schools lie outside both the Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) cable network and the national utility grid. Rapid developments in information and communication technology (ICT) continue to widen the digital divide between urban and rural schools. In South Africa, although these rural areas are outside the ISP’s cable network, they enjoy excellent mobile (cellular) communications network coverage. Fortunately, leading mobile operators in the country (MTN and Vodacom) have incorporated mobile data packet services into their cellular communication networks since 2002. A stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system for powering ICT equipment in off grid rural schools was designed and installed; and its performance monitored. Performance of the system was considered in two categories, which are; cost and service performance. In cost performance, return on investment (ROI) and payback period (PB) are the two critical considerations. The PV system designed in this study gave an impressive ROI and PB of 286percent and 5 years, respectively. In order to monitor and evaluate the service performance a data acquisition system (DAS) was designed and installed. Besides proving the potential of PV in powering ICT equipment, results from the DAS also suggested a more efficient way of employing PV as a power source for powering equipment that is based on Switched-Mode Power Supply Units. Concurrent and continuous change in irradiance and temperature result in a four-segment pattern of rising and falling module efficiency throughout the day. Generally, modules produce more energy on cooler sunny days than hotter sunny days. Infrared (IR) Thermography was also used as part of both indoor and outdoor module tests. During indoor tests at pre-deployment stage, IR Thermography showed development of hot spots in mismatched cells of reverse-biased modules. On the outdoors, IR Thermography reiterated the effect of bird droppings on module surfaces by showing hot spots forming on areas covered by the droppings. For internet connectivity, a customized Mobile Internet Device (MIDevice) was designed, built and tested. The device allows remote computer systems to be connected to the Internet via the already existing mobile communication network k using General Packet Radio Services (GPRS). An entire rural school local area network (LAN) can be connected to the Internet via a single MIDevice. An experimental setup was designed in order to monitor and evaluate performance of GPRS in specific and mobile Internet solutions in general. Results obtained proved that GPRS can indeed be a solution for remote Internet connectivity in rural schools. In order to improve performance of GPRS or mobile Internet connections, caching, pop-up blocking and proxy filtering are necessary. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2007
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007-02
- Authors: Kaseke, Richmore https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8295-5016
- Date: 2007-02
- Subjects: Photovoltaic system
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25483 , vital:64284
- Description: Access to global information is inarguably one of the key ways of bringing development to any community. In developing worlds, many rural schools lie outside both the Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) cable network and the national utility grid. Rapid developments in information and communication technology (ICT) continue to widen the digital divide between urban and rural schools. In South Africa, although these rural areas are outside the ISP’s cable network, they enjoy excellent mobile (cellular) communications network coverage. Fortunately, leading mobile operators in the country (MTN and Vodacom) have incorporated mobile data packet services into their cellular communication networks since 2002. A stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system for powering ICT equipment in off grid rural schools was designed and installed; and its performance monitored. Performance of the system was considered in two categories, which are; cost and service performance. In cost performance, return on investment (ROI) and payback period (PB) are the two critical considerations. The PV system designed in this study gave an impressive ROI and PB of 286percent and 5 years, respectively. In order to monitor and evaluate the service performance a data acquisition system (DAS) was designed and installed. Besides proving the potential of PV in powering ICT equipment, results from the DAS also suggested a more efficient way of employing PV as a power source for powering equipment that is based on Switched-Mode Power Supply Units. Concurrent and continuous change in irradiance and temperature result in a four-segment pattern of rising and falling module efficiency throughout the day. Generally, modules produce more energy on cooler sunny days than hotter sunny days. Infrared (IR) Thermography was also used as part of both indoor and outdoor module tests. During indoor tests at pre-deployment stage, IR Thermography showed development of hot spots in mismatched cells of reverse-biased modules. On the outdoors, IR Thermography reiterated the effect of bird droppings on module surfaces by showing hot spots forming on areas covered by the droppings. For internet connectivity, a customized Mobile Internet Device (MIDevice) was designed, built and tested. The device allows remote computer systems to be connected to the Internet via the already existing mobile communication network k using General Packet Radio Services (GPRS). An entire rural school local area network (LAN) can be connected to the Internet via a single MIDevice. An experimental setup was designed in order to monitor and evaluate performance of GPRS in specific and mobile Internet solutions in general. Results obtained proved that GPRS can indeed be a solution for remote Internet connectivity in rural schools. In order to improve performance of GPRS or mobile Internet connections, caching, pop-up blocking and proxy filtering are necessary. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2007
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007-02
Triggers and barriers to youth entrepreneurship in the Eastern Cape South Africa
- Authors: Chindoga, Lynety
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Youth development -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Young adults -- Employment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25948 , vital:64636
- Description: To realise the dream of the African Renaissance and a better life for all South Africans, the entrepreneurial energies of all people, including children, should be harnessed to contribute towards economic development, job creation and poverty alleviation. Entrepreneurship creates wealth and results in economic prosperity for a country. However, in South Africa, entrepreneurship still remains a dream yet to be realised. This is supported by the findings of Maas and Herrington (2006), who identified entrepreneurial activity in South Africa to be very weak as evidenced by a low Total Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) rate. Youths are not engaging in entrepreneurial activity and are making the bulk of the unemployed in South Africa. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the perceived triggers and barriers to youth entrepreneurship in South Africa. Two sets of questionnaires were self- administered to high school students and university students. The respondents which consisted of three hundred and twenty three university students and two hundred and fifty six high school students, were selected using simple random sampling method. Five point Likert scale was used to measure the responses. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The results indicated that youth entrepreneurial intention is low in South Africa. The results also indicated that students perceived mainly extrinsic rewards, market opportunities as well as intrinsic rewards as the three top triggers towards entrepreneurial intention. Independence/autonomy and capital were also regarded as triggers to entrepreneurial intentions. The barriers to youth entrepreneurship included lack of capital, skill and support as well as lack of market opportunities and risk. The study recommends that in order to encourage youth entrepreneurial intentions, government and all stakeholders should ensure that all the perceived triggers are made available. In addition, the barriers to youth entrepreneurship should be minimised. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Chindoga, Lynety
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Youth development -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Young adults -- Employment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25948 , vital:64636
- Description: To realise the dream of the African Renaissance and a better life for all South Africans, the entrepreneurial energies of all people, including children, should be harnessed to contribute towards economic development, job creation and poverty alleviation. Entrepreneurship creates wealth and results in economic prosperity for a country. However, in South Africa, entrepreneurship still remains a dream yet to be realised. This is supported by the findings of Maas and Herrington (2006), who identified entrepreneurial activity in South Africa to be very weak as evidenced by a low Total Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) rate. Youths are not engaging in entrepreneurial activity and are making the bulk of the unemployed in South Africa. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the perceived triggers and barriers to youth entrepreneurship in South Africa. Two sets of questionnaires were self- administered to high school students and university students. The respondents which consisted of three hundred and twenty three university students and two hundred and fifty six high school students, were selected using simple random sampling method. Five point Likert scale was used to measure the responses. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The results indicated that youth entrepreneurial intention is low in South Africa. The results also indicated that students perceived mainly extrinsic rewards, market opportunities as well as intrinsic rewards as the three top triggers towards entrepreneurial intention. Independence/autonomy and capital were also regarded as triggers to entrepreneurial intentions. The barriers to youth entrepreneurship included lack of capital, skill and support as well as lack of market opportunities and risk. The study recommends that in order to encourage youth entrepreneurial intentions, government and all stakeholders should ensure that all the perceived triggers are made available. In addition, the barriers to youth entrepreneurship should be minimised. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of stress tolerant open pollinated maize varieties in selected environments of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Chimonyo, Vimbayi G P https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9912-9848
- Authors: Chimonyo, Vimbayi G P https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9912-9848
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Crops -- Effect of stress on
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24487 , vital:63045
- Description: The use of farmer acceptable, stress tolerant open pollinated maize varieties (OPVs) could be a strategy to help increase maize productivity for resource-poor farmers in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province. The current study investigated the following: a) participatory selection of newly introduced stress tolerant maize OPVs; b) characteristics of maize producing farmers, their production constraints and criteria for variety selections; c) multi-environment yield trials in which genotype and environment interactions (GEI) were investigated, and d) morphological diversity of newly introduced maize varieties. Nine newly introduced maize OPVs were evaluated in this study. These varieties were: ZM 305, ZM 423 ZM 501, ZM 525, Obatanpa, ZM 621, ZM 627, which were from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), BR 993, and Comp 4 which from where the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Check varieties, Pan 6479 (a hybrid) and three locally grown OPVs (Okavango, Afric 1 and Nelson‘s Choice) were also included. Participatory variety selection (PVS) was conducted during the 2009/10 summer season to evaluate farmer acceptance of these newly introduced OPVs. The most preferred varieties farmers were Okavango, ZM 305 and ZM 501, and these varieties were not significantly different from the highest yielding variety within each site. Therefore, varieties like ZM 305 and ZM 501 could easily be adopted by farmers, and their use could result in yield improvements. To gather information on farmer characteristics, and perceptions on maize production constraints and maize selection criteria, focus group discussions and household surveys were conducted during the 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 seasons, respectively. Results indicated that, elderly farmers dominated the farming communities. Maize production was generally low, with 98percent of the farmers obtaining less than 1.6 t/ha. The most important constraints affecting maize production were extreme weather events (floods and drought), pests and diseases, and poor access to credit. The most preferred traits that made up farmer selection criteria were ear traits such as taste, long cobs, and big kernels. Other traits, such as, prolificacy, early maturity, retainability of seed and dark leaves, were village specific. Yield trials, assessing genotype and environment interactions, were conducted in eight sites during the 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons. The genotypes exhibited non-significant crossover and non-crossover GEI over the environments. Okavango, the most stable variety, was generally low yielding (4.28 t/ha) than other stable varieties such as ZM 305, ZM 501, ZM 621 and ZM 423. The later varieties had significantly (p<0.05) higher yields of between 4.46 t/ha and 4.97 t/ha. The highest yielding varieties, Pan 6479 (5.29 t/ha) and ZM 525 (4.87 t/ha), showed specific adaptations to high potential environments, while BR 993 (4.07 t/ha) and Afric 1 (4.24 t/ha) were low yielding, unstable and specifically adapted to low potential environments. New varieties, therefore, exhibited both specific and wide adaptation. Qualitative and quantitative traits were evaluated to establish the morphological diversity of the 13 varieties. Ear height, plant height, days to 50percent anthesis and grain yield contributed the most to variety diversity. Cluster Analysis discriminated varieties into four main clusters. The first cluster consisted of four CIMMYT varieties that were short in height and early maturing (ZM 305, ZM 423, ZM 501 and ZM 525), while hybrid Pan 6479 was placed into cluster two. Nelson‘s Choice and Okavango were grouped into the third cluster, while tall and late maturing varieties, ZM 621, ZM 627, Obatanpa, BR 993, Comp 4 and Afric 1, were placed in the fourth cluster. The segregation of the newly introduced varieties into two distinct groups shows that these varieties can be recommended into more than on cropping system and agro-ecology. Differences in village agro-ecologies resulted in farmers selecting varieties differently. This diversity in agro-ecology also brought about variations on farmer perceptions in selection criteria and production constraints. Most of the new varieties were observed to be superior in yield performance when compared to local check OPVs, exhibiting either wide or specific adaptation. The study also demonstrated that, the study of morphological diversity can be used to suggest varieties to different environmental potentials and cropping systems. Multi-evaluation trials were able to give an insight on variety preferences and performance. These new varieties should, therefore, be introduced to selected farmers living in their respective environments on the basis of results obtained. However, varieties still need to be evaluated under farmer-managed conditions to determine whether they actually bring about yield improvement when compared with current varieties being used. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011-11
- Authors: Chimonyo, Vimbayi G P https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9912-9848
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Crops -- Effect of stress on
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24487 , vital:63045
- Description: The use of farmer acceptable, stress tolerant open pollinated maize varieties (OPVs) could be a strategy to help increase maize productivity for resource-poor farmers in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province. The current study investigated the following: a) participatory selection of newly introduced stress tolerant maize OPVs; b) characteristics of maize producing farmers, their production constraints and criteria for variety selections; c) multi-environment yield trials in which genotype and environment interactions (GEI) were investigated, and d) morphological diversity of newly introduced maize varieties. Nine newly introduced maize OPVs were evaluated in this study. These varieties were: ZM 305, ZM 423 ZM 501, ZM 525, Obatanpa, ZM 621, ZM 627, which were from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), BR 993, and Comp 4 which from where the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Check varieties, Pan 6479 (a hybrid) and three locally grown OPVs (Okavango, Afric 1 and Nelson‘s Choice) were also included. Participatory variety selection (PVS) was conducted during the 2009/10 summer season to evaluate farmer acceptance of these newly introduced OPVs. The most preferred varieties farmers were Okavango, ZM 305 and ZM 501, and these varieties were not significantly different from the highest yielding variety within each site. Therefore, varieties like ZM 305 and ZM 501 could easily be adopted by farmers, and their use could result in yield improvements. To gather information on farmer characteristics, and perceptions on maize production constraints and maize selection criteria, focus group discussions and household surveys were conducted during the 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 seasons, respectively. Results indicated that, elderly farmers dominated the farming communities. Maize production was generally low, with 98percent of the farmers obtaining less than 1.6 t/ha. The most important constraints affecting maize production were extreme weather events (floods and drought), pests and diseases, and poor access to credit. The most preferred traits that made up farmer selection criteria were ear traits such as taste, long cobs, and big kernels. Other traits, such as, prolificacy, early maturity, retainability of seed and dark leaves, were village specific. Yield trials, assessing genotype and environment interactions, were conducted in eight sites during the 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons. The genotypes exhibited non-significant crossover and non-crossover GEI over the environments. Okavango, the most stable variety, was generally low yielding (4.28 t/ha) than other stable varieties such as ZM 305, ZM 501, ZM 621 and ZM 423. The later varieties had significantly (p<0.05) higher yields of between 4.46 t/ha and 4.97 t/ha. The highest yielding varieties, Pan 6479 (5.29 t/ha) and ZM 525 (4.87 t/ha), showed specific adaptations to high potential environments, while BR 993 (4.07 t/ha) and Afric 1 (4.24 t/ha) were low yielding, unstable and specifically adapted to low potential environments. New varieties, therefore, exhibited both specific and wide adaptation. Qualitative and quantitative traits were evaluated to establish the morphological diversity of the 13 varieties. Ear height, plant height, days to 50percent anthesis and grain yield contributed the most to variety diversity. Cluster Analysis discriminated varieties into four main clusters. The first cluster consisted of four CIMMYT varieties that were short in height and early maturing (ZM 305, ZM 423, ZM 501 and ZM 525), while hybrid Pan 6479 was placed into cluster two. Nelson‘s Choice and Okavango were grouped into the third cluster, while tall and late maturing varieties, ZM 621, ZM 627, Obatanpa, BR 993, Comp 4 and Afric 1, were placed in the fourth cluster. The segregation of the newly introduced varieties into two distinct groups shows that these varieties can be recommended into more than on cropping system and agro-ecology. Differences in village agro-ecologies resulted in farmers selecting varieties differently. This diversity in agro-ecology also brought about variations on farmer perceptions in selection criteria and production constraints. Most of the new varieties were observed to be superior in yield performance when compared to local check OPVs, exhibiting either wide or specific adaptation. The study also demonstrated that, the study of morphological diversity can be used to suggest varieties to different environmental potentials and cropping systems. Multi-evaluation trials were able to give an insight on variety preferences and performance. These new varieties should, therefore, be introduced to selected farmers living in their respective environments on the basis of results obtained. However, varieties still need to be evaluated under farmer-managed conditions to determine whether they actually bring about yield improvement when compared with current varieties being used. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011-11
Exploring the role of rural entrepreneurship on welfare in South Africa: a case of Nkonkobe Municipal area in the Eastern Cape Province
- Ngorora, Grace Portia Kuda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4756-3137
- Authors: Ngorora, Grace Portia Kuda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4756-3137
- Date: 2011-12
- Subjects: Rural development projects , Public welfare --South Africa , Entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26357 , vital:65248
- Description: The study set out to explore the role of rural entrepreneurship on welfare in Nkonkobe Municipal Area of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The objectives of the study were to identify the role rural entrepreneurship plays on welfare and determine the factors that promote or hinder rural entrepreneurship. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to establish the perceptions of rural entrepreneurs. Findings from the study suggest that rural entrepreneurship contributes immensely to the welfare of individuals, family and community in Nkonkobe Municipal Area of the Eastern Cape Province. Rural entrepreneurship is the most important activity for entrepreneurs for it enables individuals to access quality health facilities and experience an improved quality of life. The study also found that families have more income which they use to acquire assets. They are able to send children to good schools using earnings from their business activities. Entrepreneurs can also contribute to the welfare of their relatives as result of being entrepreneurial. The results imply that rural entrepreneurship improves the quality of livelihood for rural dwellers. There was a significant correlation between the role rural entrepreneurship plays in generating more income and the rural dwellers ability to send their children to good schools. Findings from this study also showed that rural entrepreneurship improves the quality of livelihood in rural areas through the creation of wealth and employment. For most respondents 83 percent entrepreneurship alone provides them with income. Social capital in the form of special relationships, access to critical information, unique local knowledge and previous experience was ranked the most important factor when starting businesses. Irregular payments from customers were considered the factor affecting entrepreneurs most in Nkonkobe Municipality. Lack of finance was ranked the factor hindering rural entrepreneurship most in Nkonkobe Municipality. Training and educational programs, capacitating as well as support from government were found to be very important for entrepreneurship to grow in Nkonkobe Municipality. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011-12
- Authors: Ngorora, Grace Portia Kuda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4756-3137
- Date: 2011-12
- Subjects: Rural development projects , Public welfare --South Africa , Entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26357 , vital:65248
- Description: The study set out to explore the role of rural entrepreneurship on welfare in Nkonkobe Municipal Area of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The objectives of the study were to identify the role rural entrepreneurship plays on welfare and determine the factors that promote or hinder rural entrepreneurship. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to establish the perceptions of rural entrepreneurs. Findings from the study suggest that rural entrepreneurship contributes immensely to the welfare of individuals, family and community in Nkonkobe Municipal Area of the Eastern Cape Province. Rural entrepreneurship is the most important activity for entrepreneurs for it enables individuals to access quality health facilities and experience an improved quality of life. The study also found that families have more income which they use to acquire assets. They are able to send children to good schools using earnings from their business activities. Entrepreneurs can also contribute to the welfare of their relatives as result of being entrepreneurial. The results imply that rural entrepreneurship improves the quality of livelihood for rural dwellers. There was a significant correlation between the role rural entrepreneurship plays in generating more income and the rural dwellers ability to send their children to good schools. Findings from this study also showed that rural entrepreneurship improves the quality of livelihood in rural areas through the creation of wealth and employment. For most respondents 83 percent entrepreneurship alone provides them with income. Social capital in the form of special relationships, access to critical information, unique local knowledge and previous experience was ranked the most important factor when starting businesses. Irregular payments from customers were considered the factor affecting entrepreneurs most in Nkonkobe Municipality. Lack of finance was ranked the factor hindering rural entrepreneurship most in Nkonkobe Municipality. Training and educational programs, capacitating as well as support from government were found to be very important for entrepreneurship to grow in Nkonkobe Municipality. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011-12
The design of a Hydrotherapy center on the Swartkops River
- Authors: Heuer, Morgan
- Date: 2011-12
- Subjects: Health resorts --South Africa -- Port Elizabeth --Designs and plans , Recreational therapy – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58728 , vital:60032
- Description: This treatise deals with the design of a Hydrotherapy Center, as well as it’s direct link to nature. Contemporary lifestyles in a technologically-advanced world have caused increased amounts of stress, anxiety, and chronic illness. The goal is to design a place of healing by reinforcing and establishing the connection between man and nature. Wellness is multidimensional; it deals with both mental and physical health. The design concept is a building that is one with nature, that leaves a small footprint on the natural landscape and that gives back more than it takes. The focus point is to work with the concept of healing in four different spheres: Psychological, Physiological, Sociological, and Environmental. By understanding the physical properties and applications of water to treat both mental and physical healthcare issues, an innovative center of natural healing can be established. The conventional healthcare facilities are mostly hostile, clinical, and institutional-like environments that do not contribute to a healthy state of mind. The mind is uneasy in distracting environments, and one is unable to focus solely on restoration. By bringing people to a natural environment and to the water source, their minds are at ease and they can focus on healing process, allowing them to reach a higher potential of functioning naturally. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011-12
- Authors: Heuer, Morgan
- Date: 2011-12
- Subjects: Health resorts --South Africa -- Port Elizabeth --Designs and plans , Recreational therapy – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58728 , vital:60032
- Description: This treatise deals with the design of a Hydrotherapy Center, as well as it’s direct link to nature. Contemporary lifestyles in a technologically-advanced world have caused increased amounts of stress, anxiety, and chronic illness. The goal is to design a place of healing by reinforcing and establishing the connection between man and nature. Wellness is multidimensional; it deals with both mental and physical health. The design concept is a building that is one with nature, that leaves a small footprint on the natural landscape and that gives back more than it takes. The focus point is to work with the concept of healing in four different spheres: Psychological, Physiological, Sociological, and Environmental. By understanding the physical properties and applications of water to treat both mental and physical healthcare issues, an innovative center of natural healing can be established. The conventional healthcare facilities are mostly hostile, clinical, and institutional-like environments that do not contribute to a healthy state of mind. The mind is uneasy in distracting environments, and one is unable to focus solely on restoration. By bringing people to a natural environment and to the water source, their minds are at ease and they can focus on healing process, allowing them to reach a higher potential of functioning naturally. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011-12
Market potential and profitability of improved maize open pollinated varieties in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Sibanda, Melusi
- Date: 2012-04
- Subjects: Hybrid corn , Crops -- Effect of stress on
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24598 , vital:63211
- Description: Maize is one of the most important crops grown by smallholder farmers in Amatole and O.R. Tambo Districts of the Eastern Cape. For this study, there were 13 maize varieties that were evaluated extensively by on-farm trials in selected areas under dry land and irrigated conditions. Nine were newly introduced and improved Open Pollinated Varieties (OPVs), while four were locally grown varieties. Among the locally grown varieties, one was a hybrid-check, while the remaining three were improved OPVs. The objectives of this study were: to investigate the potential marketability of newly introduced maize OPVs, identify factors influencing farmers‟ demand of improved maize OPVs and assess their profitability when compared with hybrids. One hundred and thirty seven sample households were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages), gross margins and regression analyses. Data for computing gross margins was taken from the on-farm trials. Results showed that the actual production of improved maize OPVs constituted 0percent in Zanyokwe Irrigation Scheme (ZIS) and 20percent of the farmers in the O.R. Tambo District. At Silwindlala Women‟s Project (SWP), the improved maize OPV (Sahara) was grown. The majority of the farmers in the study areas were growing competitor varieties (hybrids and/or in conjunction with landraces). Results show that, there is potential market for improved maize OPVs in the Eastern Cape. The majority of the farmers, 87percent and 92percent in Amatole (SWP and ZIS) and O.R. Tambo Districts respectively, indicated that they were willing to adopt the newly introduced maize OPVs. Results showed that the hybrid PAN 6479 variety in general performed better than improved maize OPVs whereas in some areas, the improved maize OPVs had better gross margins and gross profit margins than the hybrid variety. The indicated genotypes did not show specific adaptation to selected environments. The demand model that employed a multiple regression model was used and data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) computer software. Results of the multiple regression model showed that household socio-economic factors (extension contact, access to credit, availability of household income, proportion of land area under cultivation, proportion of land area under (hybrids and landrace) and perceptions on seed color) and an input market factor (availability of the improved maize OPV seeds on the local shops) were the most important factors influencing farmers' decisions to demanding the improved maize OPVs. Extension contact, access to credit, level of household income and proportion of land area under cultivation, positively influenced the demand for the improved maize OPVs whereas the unavailability of the improved maize OPV seeds on the local shops, proportion of land area under hybrids and landraces and perceptions on seed color negatively influenced the demand for the improved maize OPVs. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012-04
- Authors: Sibanda, Melusi
- Date: 2012-04
- Subjects: Hybrid corn , Crops -- Effect of stress on
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24598 , vital:63211
- Description: Maize is one of the most important crops grown by smallholder farmers in Amatole and O.R. Tambo Districts of the Eastern Cape. For this study, there were 13 maize varieties that were evaluated extensively by on-farm trials in selected areas under dry land and irrigated conditions. Nine were newly introduced and improved Open Pollinated Varieties (OPVs), while four were locally grown varieties. Among the locally grown varieties, one was a hybrid-check, while the remaining three were improved OPVs. The objectives of this study were: to investigate the potential marketability of newly introduced maize OPVs, identify factors influencing farmers‟ demand of improved maize OPVs and assess their profitability when compared with hybrids. One hundred and thirty seven sample households were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages), gross margins and regression analyses. Data for computing gross margins was taken from the on-farm trials. Results showed that the actual production of improved maize OPVs constituted 0percent in Zanyokwe Irrigation Scheme (ZIS) and 20percent of the farmers in the O.R. Tambo District. At Silwindlala Women‟s Project (SWP), the improved maize OPV (Sahara) was grown. The majority of the farmers in the study areas were growing competitor varieties (hybrids and/or in conjunction with landraces). Results show that, there is potential market for improved maize OPVs in the Eastern Cape. The majority of the farmers, 87percent and 92percent in Amatole (SWP and ZIS) and O.R. Tambo Districts respectively, indicated that they were willing to adopt the newly introduced maize OPVs. Results showed that the hybrid PAN 6479 variety in general performed better than improved maize OPVs whereas in some areas, the improved maize OPVs had better gross margins and gross profit margins than the hybrid variety. The indicated genotypes did not show specific adaptation to selected environments. The demand model that employed a multiple regression model was used and data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) computer software. Results of the multiple regression model showed that household socio-economic factors (extension contact, access to credit, availability of household income, proportion of land area under cultivation, proportion of land area under (hybrids and landrace) and perceptions on seed color) and an input market factor (availability of the improved maize OPV seeds on the local shops) were the most important factors influencing farmers' decisions to demanding the improved maize OPVs. Extension contact, access to credit, level of household income and proportion of land area under cultivation, positively influenced the demand for the improved maize OPVs whereas the unavailability of the improved maize OPV seeds on the local shops, proportion of land area under hybrids and landraces and perceptions on seed color negatively influenced the demand for the improved maize OPVs. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012-04
An exploratory study of the impacts of climate variability on food production availability and access in Chivi district 6, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Gwindi, Raphael
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Food security , Agricultural development projects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26696 , vital:65852
- Description: The impacts of climate variability have been of global concern for many years. These impacts are affecting economic, social, cultural, agricultural, health and political structures in different countries. Although the impacts of climate variability on agricultural production are being experienced globally, it is generally accepted that developing countries are the worst affected due to a variety of reasons. Given the high susceptibility of developing countries to climate variability, this study maps and analyses the impacts of climate variability on agricultural production, food production, availability and access in Chivi District, Zimbabwe. The study aimed at finding out experiences, so it used a qualitative approach. The study uses in-depth and focus group discussions to collect data. Chivi district is experiencing erratic weather patterns which are impacting agricultural production in general and food production in particular. Consequently, food availability and access is on the decline in the district. Even though smallholder farmers have devised coping and adaptation strategies, this is not sufficient to help them fully deal with the impacts of climate variability. This is due to their limited assets, inadequate technology and climate information among other things. In an attempt to assist these smallholder farmers cope and adapt to the impacts of climate variability, NGOs and Government Departments have instituted a number of community interventions. This assistance includes agricultural extension services, farming input support and provision of climate change information and a lot of other things. In view of these findings, the study recommends the universal adoption and growing of small grain drought resistant crops in climate variability affected Chivi. It further recommends that farmers adopt conservation agriculture, get into partnerships and co-operatives to practice irrigation gardening where those without water sources provide equipment, labour and knowledge. The study also recommends that more climate science research be conducted in Zimbabwe by both NGOs and Government Departments. Furthermore, government and NGOs should provide more support for farmers in the form of climate change related training, knowledge and technology transfer among other things. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Gwindi, Raphael
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Food security , Agricultural development projects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26696 , vital:65852
- Description: The impacts of climate variability have been of global concern for many years. These impacts are affecting economic, social, cultural, agricultural, health and political structures in different countries. Although the impacts of climate variability on agricultural production are being experienced globally, it is generally accepted that developing countries are the worst affected due to a variety of reasons. Given the high susceptibility of developing countries to climate variability, this study maps and analyses the impacts of climate variability on agricultural production, food production, availability and access in Chivi District, Zimbabwe. The study aimed at finding out experiences, so it used a qualitative approach. The study uses in-depth and focus group discussions to collect data. Chivi district is experiencing erratic weather patterns which are impacting agricultural production in general and food production in particular. Consequently, food availability and access is on the decline in the district. Even though smallholder farmers have devised coping and adaptation strategies, this is not sufficient to help them fully deal with the impacts of climate variability. This is due to their limited assets, inadequate technology and climate information among other things. In an attempt to assist these smallholder farmers cope and adapt to the impacts of climate variability, NGOs and Government Departments have instituted a number of community interventions. This assistance includes agricultural extension services, farming input support and provision of climate change information and a lot of other things. In view of these findings, the study recommends the universal adoption and growing of small grain drought resistant crops in climate variability affected Chivi. It further recommends that farmers adopt conservation agriculture, get into partnerships and co-operatives to practice irrigation gardening where those without water sources provide equipment, labour and knowledge. The study also recommends that more climate science research be conducted in Zimbabwe by both NGOs and Government Departments. Furthermore, government and NGOs should provide more support for farmers in the form of climate change related training, knowledge and technology transfer among other things. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Opening up global food trade to developing countries: an evaluation of the World Trade Organisation's agreement on sanitary and phytosanitary measure
- Authors: Nyatsanza, Sharon
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: World Trade Organization , Food contamination , Food handling -- Safety measures
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27413 , vital:67294
- Description: Food safety and consumer protection has been a major concern of regulators since the 12th century. Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures were therefore introduced to protect human, animal and plant safety. With the expansion of international trade came the increase in the use of SPS measures. However these increases in the use of SPS measures were accompanied with their misuse for protectionist purposes. SPS measures which had been created for legitimate purposes quickly became significant barriers to trade. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) adopted the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) as a mechanism to regulate the use of SPS measures and avoid their potential use as protectionist tools. Trade liberalization and market access has been a primary aim of the WTO, therefore in principle the SPS Agreement is supposed to open up global food trade for all countries.Apart from opening up global food trade, another purpose of the SPS Agreement was to protect the developing countries, accommodate their special needs and in turn promote their economic development. Developing countries are heavily dependent on global food trade for their economic development. However developing states can only benefit from global food trade if they comply with SPS standards set in the importing countries. Considering their reliance on the agro – food sector the economic development of developing states is heavily reliant on the successful implementation of the SPS Agreement. According the SPS Agreement must avoid the use of illegitimate SPS measures and promote market access. It is therefore crucial that the SPS Agreement be analysed to determine whether its text, application and or interpretation satisfies the objective of opening up global food trade especially for developing states. The objective is to show the significance of a regulatory framework that is as much as possible devoid of any loopholes or shortcomings, which could frustrate the developmental interests. Inappropriate accommodation of developmental interests in the SPS Agreement could have adverse impacts on the development prospectus of developing countries. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Nyatsanza, Sharon
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: World Trade Organization , Food contamination , Food handling -- Safety measures
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27413 , vital:67294
- Description: Food safety and consumer protection has been a major concern of regulators since the 12th century. Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures were therefore introduced to protect human, animal and plant safety. With the expansion of international trade came the increase in the use of SPS measures. However these increases in the use of SPS measures were accompanied with their misuse for protectionist purposes. SPS measures which had been created for legitimate purposes quickly became significant barriers to trade. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) adopted the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) as a mechanism to regulate the use of SPS measures and avoid their potential use as protectionist tools. Trade liberalization and market access has been a primary aim of the WTO, therefore in principle the SPS Agreement is supposed to open up global food trade for all countries.Apart from opening up global food trade, another purpose of the SPS Agreement was to protect the developing countries, accommodate their special needs and in turn promote their economic development. Developing countries are heavily dependent on global food trade for their economic development. However developing states can only benefit from global food trade if they comply with SPS standards set in the importing countries. Considering their reliance on the agro – food sector the economic development of developing states is heavily reliant on the successful implementation of the SPS Agreement. According the SPS Agreement must avoid the use of illegitimate SPS measures and promote market access. It is therefore crucial that the SPS Agreement be analysed to determine whether its text, application and or interpretation satisfies the objective of opening up global food trade especially for developing states. The objective is to show the significance of a regulatory framework that is as much as possible devoid of any loopholes or shortcomings, which could frustrate the developmental interests. Inappropriate accommodation of developmental interests in the SPS Agreement could have adverse impacts on the development prospectus of developing countries. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of talent management on profitability at Business Connexion
- Authors: Mbulawa, Xolani
- Date: 2013-11
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53337 , vital:45139
- Description: Human resource is seen as one of the key organisational factors for business success. The latest focus in the business arena has been how talent can be optimised to improve business success. When one reflects and looks back from the 1940s to the 1980s, it is clear that HR was not seen as a business unit that could impact profitability. It is clear in the literature that from the 1900s HR has evolved to being a business partner and a catalyst to improving financial performance within organisations. This has predominately been driven by HR ensuring the attraction and retention of high potential employees who can contribute to profits. The study’s focal point is whether talent management components impact profitability. The selected talent management components for this study are namely talent strategy, talent recruitment, talent development, performance management, talent retention, and succession planning. A strong belief exist that poor implementation of talent management components impedes on companies reaching optimum profit levels. It is for this reason that this study will argue the importance of talent management components as a strategic obligation in the current competitive war for talent. Business reality demands that companies should ensure having current and future talent needs addressed if they want to stay competitive. The war for talent has led to companies fighting for high potential talent, not only through remuneration packages ,but taking into account other talent management components that encompasses aspects such as work-life balance, better performance management linked to rewards and incentives , challenging work, succession planning etc. The researcher took a view to have this study done within BCX who is an employer of the researcher. The hypothesis utilised is the application of talent management components as an approach and process to facilitate profitability within BCX. Research shows that most companies are taking talent management very serious and are fully aware of its impact to productivity and profitability. Businesses in the service industry identified that implementing talent management processes and approaches is vital to competitive edge and profitability. However many companies are still struggling to reach the real understanding of what it meant by talent management. The research data indicates that most respondents are fully aware of the importance of these components. However at BCX, either they are unaware, uncertain on some of the talent components within the company and are unsure of the existence of these components and their impact to profitability. The literature reviewed in chapter two deliberates talent management components assessed in the questionnaire as imperative in contributing to profitability. Business Connexion does not implement these components to the extent of success. However some of the components are well implemented and managed such as performance management. Managers at Business Connexion to some extent have conflicting views of how the company is implementing these components and on their impact to profitability. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013-11
- Authors: Mbulawa, Xolani
- Date: 2013-11
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53337 , vital:45139
- Description: Human resource is seen as one of the key organisational factors for business success. The latest focus in the business arena has been how talent can be optimised to improve business success. When one reflects and looks back from the 1940s to the 1980s, it is clear that HR was not seen as a business unit that could impact profitability. It is clear in the literature that from the 1900s HR has evolved to being a business partner and a catalyst to improving financial performance within organisations. This has predominately been driven by HR ensuring the attraction and retention of high potential employees who can contribute to profits. The study’s focal point is whether talent management components impact profitability. The selected talent management components for this study are namely talent strategy, talent recruitment, talent development, performance management, talent retention, and succession planning. A strong belief exist that poor implementation of talent management components impedes on companies reaching optimum profit levels. It is for this reason that this study will argue the importance of talent management components as a strategic obligation in the current competitive war for talent. Business reality demands that companies should ensure having current and future talent needs addressed if they want to stay competitive. The war for talent has led to companies fighting for high potential talent, not only through remuneration packages ,but taking into account other talent management components that encompasses aspects such as work-life balance, better performance management linked to rewards and incentives , challenging work, succession planning etc. The researcher took a view to have this study done within BCX who is an employer of the researcher. The hypothesis utilised is the application of talent management components as an approach and process to facilitate profitability within BCX. Research shows that most companies are taking talent management very serious and are fully aware of its impact to productivity and profitability. Businesses in the service industry identified that implementing talent management processes and approaches is vital to competitive edge and profitability. However many companies are still struggling to reach the real understanding of what it meant by talent management. The research data indicates that most respondents are fully aware of the importance of these components. However at BCX, either they are unaware, uncertain on some of the talent components within the company and are unsure of the existence of these components and their impact to profitability. The literature reviewed in chapter two deliberates talent management components assessed in the questionnaire as imperative in contributing to profitability. Business Connexion does not implement these components to the extent of success. However some of the components are well implemented and managed such as performance management. Managers at Business Connexion to some extent have conflicting views of how the company is implementing these components and on their impact to profitability. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013-11
'Underground' hip hop and rock music scenes in East London: exploring identity and authenticity, c1994 - 2010
- Mtshemla, Sinazo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4057-5637
- Authors: Mtshemla, Sinazo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4057-5637
- Date: 2014-01
- Subjects: Identity (Philosophical concept) , Rap (Music)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25195 , vital:63993
- Description: This study explores how through music discourses and representations of identity and authenticity are articulated through a reading of hip hop and rock music scenes in post-apartheid East London. I have read through interviews, spaces where performances occur and material culture associated with the artists, of musicians moving between ideas of resistance to the mainstream as well as conforming in their representations of identity. The tensions aroused by these underground music scenes in my study ran between resistance and conforming narratives in relation to how musicians express how they make sense of identity and authenticity in the changing post-apartheid landscape. Therefore the complex readings of identity derived from the study showed how contradictory music allows one to be. Further the study found that the assertions about race, ethnicity and identity were often more subtle and contradictory at times, which warranted one to pay closer attention to these music scenes. Inasmuch as musicians attempted to move out of the mainstream by placing themselves in an alternative positioning, they remained limited to ‘authentic’ articulations of identity, where race remained either ‘invisibly’ white or problematically ‘native’ as centres of authentic representation. Moreover the study was able to show the anxieties and tensions around citizenship, identity and belonging. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-01
- Authors: Mtshemla, Sinazo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4057-5637
- Date: 2014-01
- Subjects: Identity (Philosophical concept) , Rap (Music)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25195 , vital:63993
- Description: This study explores how through music discourses and representations of identity and authenticity are articulated through a reading of hip hop and rock music scenes in post-apartheid East London. I have read through interviews, spaces where performances occur and material culture associated with the artists, of musicians moving between ideas of resistance to the mainstream as well as conforming in their representations of identity. The tensions aroused by these underground music scenes in my study ran between resistance and conforming narratives in relation to how musicians express how they make sense of identity and authenticity in the changing post-apartheid landscape. Therefore the complex readings of identity derived from the study showed how contradictory music allows one to be. Further the study found that the assertions about race, ethnicity and identity were often more subtle and contradictory at times, which warranted one to pay closer attention to these music scenes. Inasmuch as musicians attempted to move out of the mainstream by placing themselves in an alternative positioning, they remained limited to ‘authentic’ articulations of identity, where race remained either ‘invisibly’ white or problematically ‘native’ as centres of authentic representation. Moreover the study was able to show the anxieties and tensions around citizenship, identity and belonging. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-01
Determinants of managers' attitudes toward employing people with disabilities in small and medium enterprises in Nkonkobe Municipality
- Ntunzi, Bulelwa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1068-3672
- Authors: Ntunzi, Bulelwa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1068-3672
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Discrimination against people with disabilities--South Africa , Discrimination in employment--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24857 , vital:63662
- Description: In regard to employment, people with disabilities are discriminated. Unfavourable employer attitudes result in discrimination toward people with disabilities. Entering and progressing in employment create a sense of independency, responsibility and build the self-esteem of people with disabilities. This study sought to determine the influence of individualism-collectivism and demographic factors (age, gender, and level of education) of managers’ attitudes toward employing people with disabilities in small and medium enterprises in Nkonkobe Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The social and medical model of disability provided a framework for understanding the literature on attitudes toward people with disabilities. Data was collected from 110 respondents in small and medium enterprises using two scales (Individualism-collectivism Scale and Employer Attitudes toward People with Disabilities Scale). Independent t-tests were used to test each of the hypotheses in the study and ANOVA was used for comparisons among variables. No significant differences found in attitudes on individualistic and collectivistic oriented managers toward employing people with disabilities. In addition, no significant differences in attitudes of managers over age, gender and level of education toward employing people with disabilities in small and medium enterprises. People with disabilities can be a benefit to the organisations since their skills and talents can help the organisations to remain stable in the competitive global environment. , Thesis (MCom (IPS)) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Ntunzi, Bulelwa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1068-3672
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Discrimination against people with disabilities--South Africa , Discrimination in employment--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24857 , vital:63662
- Description: In regard to employment, people with disabilities are discriminated. Unfavourable employer attitudes result in discrimination toward people with disabilities. Entering and progressing in employment create a sense of independency, responsibility and build the self-esteem of people with disabilities. This study sought to determine the influence of individualism-collectivism and demographic factors (age, gender, and level of education) of managers’ attitudes toward employing people with disabilities in small and medium enterprises in Nkonkobe Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The social and medical model of disability provided a framework for understanding the literature on attitudes toward people with disabilities. Data was collected from 110 respondents in small and medium enterprises using two scales (Individualism-collectivism Scale and Employer Attitudes toward People with Disabilities Scale). Independent t-tests were used to test each of the hypotheses in the study and ANOVA was used for comparisons among variables. No significant differences found in attitudes on individualistic and collectivistic oriented managers toward employing people with disabilities. In addition, no significant differences in attitudes of managers over age, gender and level of education toward employing people with disabilities in small and medium enterprises. People with disabilities can be a benefit to the organisations since their skills and talents can help the organisations to remain stable in the competitive global environment. , Thesis (MCom (IPS)) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The effectiveness of business incubators in enhancing growth, survival and performance of small, medium and micro enterprises in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Sarakunze, Annie.
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Economic development -- South Africa , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26786 , vital:66005
- Description: In both developed and developing countries, the growth of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise sector is considered an important factor in boosting the economic well-being of a country. The governments of many countries play a basic role in creating policies and programmes which support the growth of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises. One of the initiatives used by the governments to nurture small businesses is business incubation.This study investigated the effectiveness of business incubators in enhancing growth, survival and performance of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in selected areas of the Eastern Cape Province. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of business incubation on the performance of SMMEs, determine the impact of business incubation on the growth of the SMME, to assess the impact of business incubation on the survival of the SMMEs and to investigate whether SMMEs are satisfied with the role of business incubators in their areas.This study employed a stratified simple random sampling technique. The population was first divided into six homogeneous strata and then simple random sampling was then employed. The self-administered questionnaires were then distributed into each and every stratum randomly. Simple random sampling was used because it enabled each and every member in the strata to have an equal chance of being selected. Owners, managers and employees were used as respondents in this study and a total sample of 200 SMMEs answered the questionnaire. The study followed a quantitative research design as it involved variables such as growth, firm performance and survival which have measures that involves the use of figures such as sales, number of employees and total value of assets. The data was analysed by Anova, Pearson Chi-Square and T-test statistical methods in order to arrive at findings and conclusions. Based on the findings from this survey it was found that business incubators are effective in enhancing growth, survival and performance of SMMEs. Although other researchers found that there are no significant variations in growth, survival and performance of incubated and non-incubated businesses, this study however recognizes the importance of business incubation to SMMEs. This study concurs with most findings by many researchers of business incubation and thus recommends vigorous business incubation awareness to the SMMEs and networking. , Thesis (MBm) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-11
- Authors: Sarakunze, Annie.
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Economic development -- South Africa , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26786 , vital:66005
- Description: In both developed and developing countries, the growth of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise sector is considered an important factor in boosting the economic well-being of a country. The governments of many countries play a basic role in creating policies and programmes which support the growth of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises. One of the initiatives used by the governments to nurture small businesses is business incubation.This study investigated the effectiveness of business incubators in enhancing growth, survival and performance of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in selected areas of the Eastern Cape Province. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of business incubation on the performance of SMMEs, determine the impact of business incubation on the growth of the SMME, to assess the impact of business incubation on the survival of the SMMEs and to investigate whether SMMEs are satisfied with the role of business incubators in their areas.This study employed a stratified simple random sampling technique. The population was first divided into six homogeneous strata and then simple random sampling was then employed. The self-administered questionnaires were then distributed into each and every stratum randomly. Simple random sampling was used because it enabled each and every member in the strata to have an equal chance of being selected. Owners, managers and employees were used as respondents in this study and a total sample of 200 SMMEs answered the questionnaire. The study followed a quantitative research design as it involved variables such as growth, firm performance and survival which have measures that involves the use of figures such as sales, number of employees and total value of assets. The data was analysed by Anova, Pearson Chi-Square and T-test statistical methods in order to arrive at findings and conclusions. Based on the findings from this survey it was found that business incubators are effective in enhancing growth, survival and performance of SMMEs. Although other researchers found that there are no significant variations in growth, survival and performance of incubated and non-incubated businesses, this study however recognizes the importance of business incubation to SMMEs. This study concurs with most findings by many researchers of business incubation and thus recommends vigorous business incubation awareness to the SMMEs and networking. , Thesis (MBm) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-11
Detriments associated with substance abuse among out - of - school youth in Ntselamanzi, village, Alice Town
- Authors: Chatikobo, Nyasha
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Substance abuse--South Africa--Eastern Cape , Drug abuse--South Africa--Eastern Cape , Youth--Substance use--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19442 , vital:43087
- Description: The main aim of the study was to investigate the detriments associated with substance abuse among the out- of- school youth of Ntselamanzi Village in Alice. This study intended to achieve the following objectives. (i) to establish the causes of increased indulgence in substance abuse in Ntselamanzi village, Eastern Cape. (ii) to identify the various kinds of drugs abused by the society of Ntselamanzi (iii) to identify the consequences of substance abuse to the lives of the out-of-school youth. (iv) to suggest the strategies that can be used to reduce substance abuse in order to enhance the youth‟s socio-economic growth and societal bliss. Using the quantitative method ninety-eight questionnaires were administered to the out-of-school youth in Ntselamanzi village and eighty questionnaires were returned fully answered. The major findings of the study outlined that dominating factors of substance abuse in Ntselamanzi village were family drug use, increased drug accessibility, lack of recreation and peer influence. As a result drug abuse among the out of school youth has indicated that the youth end up dropping out of school, unemployed, facing health complications and committing anti-social activities in the village which causing family conflicts and rifts in the community. These all affected the out-of-school youths‟ well-being, academic future and their quality of life was lowered due to all related issues with drug abuse. It can be concluded that drug use among rural outof-school youth is detrimental to the out-of-school youths, their families destroyed and their community crippled from the anti-social activities that take place. The future of the youths‟ education is hampered; the quality of persons in the community and families is lowered. Having unproductive out-of-school youth as a result of drug abuse is not good for the development of the village and all the persons therein. , Thesis (M Soc Sc) (Social Work) -- University of Fort Hare, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Chatikobo, Nyasha
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Substance abuse--South Africa--Eastern Cape , Drug abuse--South Africa--Eastern Cape , Youth--Substance use--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19442 , vital:43087
- Description: The main aim of the study was to investigate the detriments associated with substance abuse among the out- of- school youth of Ntselamanzi Village in Alice. This study intended to achieve the following objectives. (i) to establish the causes of increased indulgence in substance abuse in Ntselamanzi village, Eastern Cape. (ii) to identify the various kinds of drugs abused by the society of Ntselamanzi (iii) to identify the consequences of substance abuse to the lives of the out-of-school youth. (iv) to suggest the strategies that can be used to reduce substance abuse in order to enhance the youth‟s socio-economic growth and societal bliss. Using the quantitative method ninety-eight questionnaires were administered to the out-of-school youth in Ntselamanzi village and eighty questionnaires were returned fully answered. The major findings of the study outlined that dominating factors of substance abuse in Ntselamanzi village were family drug use, increased drug accessibility, lack of recreation and peer influence. As a result drug abuse among the out of school youth has indicated that the youth end up dropping out of school, unemployed, facing health complications and committing anti-social activities in the village which causing family conflicts and rifts in the community. These all affected the out-of-school youths‟ well-being, academic future and their quality of life was lowered due to all related issues with drug abuse. It can be concluded that drug use among rural outof-school youth is detrimental to the out-of-school youths, their families destroyed and their community crippled from the anti-social activities that take place. The future of the youths‟ education is hampered; the quality of persons in the community and families is lowered. Having unproductive out-of-school youth as a result of drug abuse is not good for the development of the village and all the persons therein. , Thesis (M Soc Sc) (Social Work) -- University of Fort Hare, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Using GIS and remote sensing to map suitable sites for wind farms: a case study of Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape.
- Authors: Gwena, Jay
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Geographic information systems http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh90001880 , Remote sensing http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85112798 , Renewable energy sources http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85112837
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19420 , vital:43082
- Description: Issues relating to energy use, renewable energy introduction and climate change have received a lot of attention from governments throughout the world in the past two decades. Many developing nations like South Africa heavily rely on coal and other non-renewable resources for their production of energy. The processing of the non-renewable resources into secondary energy forms is according to many energy experts a chief contributor to climate change. Climate change is affecting agricultural production in many developing countries that entirely rely on rainfall for their production. The loss in production in South Africa is increasing the level of poverty in low-income earners and unemployed people. Also a lot of households found in rural areas of South Africa have no access to electricity. Electricity in South Africa is generated and distributed by Eskom a state owned company. In April 2008 Eskom failed to meet power demand and started introducing load shedding to maintain and upgrade their power plants. The load shedding stopped for while and was introduced again in 2014 when the power utility faced the challenge of failing to produce power to meet demand again due to problems with their power stations. The ongoing energy provision problems in South Africa can be alleviated by introducing alternative sources like renewable energy. Introduction of renewable energy in poorly developed areas like Nkonkobe Municipality can help households‘ access electricity and reduce load on the national grid. The aim of this study was to locate suitable sites for setting up wind farms in Nkonkobe municipality in South Africa. Wind energy as a resource is abundant in many areas of South Africa and areas to set wind farms for optimum harness of wind power were identified using GIS, remote sensing and multi-criteria decision making techniques. Wind speed, distance from settlements, distance from main roads, distance from national, slope and land use/land cover were chosen as the factors to consider in selecting a suitable site. Data was collected from South Africa Weather Services, University of Fort Hare and online free data sources. Thematic maps for all the factors were developed in ArcGIS and fed into Nkonkobe Municipality database developed for the study. Thematic maps were assigned weights before being overlaid using weighted overlay tool. Weights for the factors were determined using Analytical hierarchy Process‘ pairwise comparison approach. Weighted overlay of the thematic maps produced a map showing suitable areas based on the weight influence of each factor. The output map was compared to results obtained from using Boolean approach and weighted sum method as a way of checking the accuracy of obtained suitable sites. Results showed there are three sites that can be used for setting up wind farms in the study area. , Thesis (MSc) (Applied Remote Sensing and GIS) -- University of Fort Hare, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Gwena, Jay
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Geographic information systems http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh90001880 , Remote sensing http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85112798 , Renewable energy sources http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85112837
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19420 , vital:43082
- Description: Issues relating to energy use, renewable energy introduction and climate change have received a lot of attention from governments throughout the world in the past two decades. Many developing nations like South Africa heavily rely on coal and other non-renewable resources for their production of energy. The processing of the non-renewable resources into secondary energy forms is according to many energy experts a chief contributor to climate change. Climate change is affecting agricultural production in many developing countries that entirely rely on rainfall for their production. The loss in production in South Africa is increasing the level of poverty in low-income earners and unemployed people. Also a lot of households found in rural areas of South Africa have no access to electricity. Electricity in South Africa is generated and distributed by Eskom a state owned company. In April 2008 Eskom failed to meet power demand and started introducing load shedding to maintain and upgrade their power plants. The load shedding stopped for while and was introduced again in 2014 when the power utility faced the challenge of failing to produce power to meet demand again due to problems with their power stations. The ongoing energy provision problems in South Africa can be alleviated by introducing alternative sources like renewable energy. Introduction of renewable energy in poorly developed areas like Nkonkobe Municipality can help households‘ access electricity and reduce load on the national grid. The aim of this study was to locate suitable sites for setting up wind farms in Nkonkobe municipality in South Africa. Wind energy as a resource is abundant in many areas of South Africa and areas to set wind farms for optimum harness of wind power were identified using GIS, remote sensing and multi-criteria decision making techniques. Wind speed, distance from settlements, distance from main roads, distance from national, slope and land use/land cover were chosen as the factors to consider in selecting a suitable site. Data was collected from South Africa Weather Services, University of Fort Hare and online free data sources. Thematic maps for all the factors were developed in ArcGIS and fed into Nkonkobe Municipality database developed for the study. Thematic maps were assigned weights before being overlaid using weighted overlay tool. Weights for the factors were determined using Analytical hierarchy Process‘ pairwise comparison approach. Weighted overlay of the thematic maps produced a map showing suitable areas based on the weight influence of each factor. The output map was compared to results obtained from using Boolean approach and weighted sum method as a way of checking the accuracy of obtained suitable sites. Results showed there are three sites that can be used for setting up wind farms in the study area. , Thesis (MSc) (Applied Remote Sensing and GIS) -- University of Fort Hare, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An assessment of the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in enhancing employee performance: a case-study of Nkonkobe local municipality
- Oyelana, Akeem Adewale https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7337-3260
- Authors: Oyelana, Akeem Adewale https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7337-3260
- Date: 2015-06
- Subjects: Municipal government , Internet in public administration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25157 , vital:63983
- Description: The operations and utilisation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are not well understood and have rarely been addressed both nationally and internationally. The aim of this study is therefore to establish a base level of understanding of the operational core values of ICT in Nkonkobe Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study used a qualitative research design that involved a desktop review methodology. Data was collected through the review of available published or existing documents. Data analysis included using document analysis which consist of the existing information reviewed from the literature or document containing information about various municipalities issues, journals and books as well as reviewed of various data analysis done in relation to the assessment of the role of ICT in enhancing employees performance with the aim of analyzing the organization structure of the municipality. Findings from previous literature revealed that there are constraints faced in the operations and utilisation of ICT. The study confirmed some of the operational hurdles to include lack of IT skills, and lack of clear understanding of ICT as well as training. The findings also identified the search for solutions to the challenges faced by the employees in Nkonkobe Local Municipality by providing an insight for further research regarding the institutional weaknesses and policy issues in this part of the world. The implications of the findings are that unless the limitations named above are resolved, ICT in Nkonkobe Local Municipality will continue to experience poor service delivery, poor economic growth and development. Recommendations to overcome these challenges are suggested. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-06
- Authors: Oyelana, Akeem Adewale https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7337-3260
- Date: 2015-06
- Subjects: Municipal government , Internet in public administration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25157 , vital:63983
- Description: The operations and utilisation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are not well understood and have rarely been addressed both nationally and internationally. The aim of this study is therefore to establish a base level of understanding of the operational core values of ICT in Nkonkobe Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study used a qualitative research design that involved a desktop review methodology. Data was collected through the review of available published or existing documents. Data analysis included using document analysis which consist of the existing information reviewed from the literature or document containing information about various municipalities issues, journals and books as well as reviewed of various data analysis done in relation to the assessment of the role of ICT in enhancing employees performance with the aim of analyzing the organization structure of the municipality. Findings from previous literature revealed that there are constraints faced in the operations and utilisation of ICT. The study confirmed some of the operational hurdles to include lack of IT skills, and lack of clear understanding of ICT as well as training. The findings also identified the search for solutions to the challenges faced by the employees in Nkonkobe Local Municipality by providing an insight for further research regarding the institutional weaknesses and policy issues in this part of the world. The implications of the findings are that unless the limitations named above are resolved, ICT in Nkonkobe Local Municipality will continue to experience poor service delivery, poor economic growth and development. Recommendations to overcome these challenges are suggested. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-06
Potential effects of different salinities on the survival of the mangrove crab, Uca urvillei and its associated chemoautotrophic bacterial symbionts
- Mbobo, Tumeka https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0159-6569
- Authors: Mbobo, Tumeka https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0159-6569
- Date: 2015-06
- Subjects: Mangrove ecology http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85080528 , Crabs--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19225 , vital:43033
- Description: The ability of natural populations to maintain fitness is important to their long-term persistence and has further relevance in the light of climate change scenarios. Fitness is however also influenced strongly by interactions with other species of the community. It is, therefore, important to focus on how environmental change can alter key biological interactions. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different salinity levels on one species of mangrove crab, Uca urvillei and the associated chemoautotrophic bacterial symbionts, from the Mngazana estuary, South Africa. To examine the influence of different salinities over time on the symbiotic bacterial community, salinity experiments were set up, choosing three salinity exposures (5, 20 and 35percent) and four time exposures (3, 7, 14 and 21 days). The results showed that microbial community associated with U. urvillei was generally stable throughout the three salinity treatments, while the survival of the host (crab), was influenced by high salinities, particularly after day 14. Overall, the results of this study suggest that over time, environmental salinity (35percent) has the potential to affect significantly the physiology of U. urvillei, but this might not necessarily be the case for the associated microbial communities. The modes at which the significant symbionts are transferred from mother to offspring were also investigated by analysing the bacterial profiles from eggs, ovigerous and non-ovigerous females, along with mud. The results were fairly complex, but with significant differences in the bacterial communities of eggs from mud and females. These differences were driven mostly by two dominant phyla: Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. The presence of both these phyla throughout the categories (even though in different percentages) suggest that U. urvillei might employ a mixed mode strategy of acquiring and maintaining the bacterial symbionts. Overall, this study contributes to further understand the dynamic and complex effects of environmental Abstract ii change on symbiotic communities, with overall potential cascading repercussions to the persistence of mangrove systems. , Thesis (MSc) (Zoology) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-06
- Authors: Mbobo, Tumeka https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0159-6569
- Date: 2015-06
- Subjects: Mangrove ecology http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85080528 , Crabs--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19225 , vital:43033
- Description: The ability of natural populations to maintain fitness is important to their long-term persistence and has further relevance in the light of climate change scenarios. Fitness is however also influenced strongly by interactions with other species of the community. It is, therefore, important to focus on how environmental change can alter key biological interactions. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different salinity levels on one species of mangrove crab, Uca urvillei and the associated chemoautotrophic bacterial symbionts, from the Mngazana estuary, South Africa. To examine the influence of different salinities over time on the symbiotic bacterial community, salinity experiments were set up, choosing three salinity exposures (5, 20 and 35percent) and four time exposures (3, 7, 14 and 21 days). The results showed that microbial community associated with U. urvillei was generally stable throughout the three salinity treatments, while the survival of the host (crab), was influenced by high salinities, particularly after day 14. Overall, the results of this study suggest that over time, environmental salinity (35percent) has the potential to affect significantly the physiology of U. urvillei, but this might not necessarily be the case for the associated microbial communities. The modes at which the significant symbionts are transferred from mother to offspring were also investigated by analysing the bacterial profiles from eggs, ovigerous and non-ovigerous females, along with mud. The results were fairly complex, but with significant differences in the bacterial communities of eggs from mud and females. These differences were driven mostly by two dominant phyla: Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. The presence of both these phyla throughout the categories (even though in different percentages) suggest that U. urvillei might employ a mixed mode strategy of acquiring and maintaining the bacterial symbionts. Overall, this study contributes to further understand the dynamic and complex effects of environmental Abstract ii change on symbiotic communities, with overall potential cascading repercussions to the persistence of mangrove systems. , Thesis (MSc) (Zoology) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-06