Project 1 - Student teachers' exploration of beadwork : cultural heritage as a resource for mathematical concepts
- Authors: Dabula, Nomonde Patience
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Ethnomathematics , Beadwork -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beadwork , Mathematics -- Study and teaching , Culture -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:1415 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003292
- Description: This portfolio consists of three research projects that predominantly lie within the socio-cultural strand. The first project is a qualitative ethnomathematical study that links students' knowledge of mathematics to their cultural heritage. The study was conducted with a group of final year student teachers at a College of Education in Umtata, Eastern Cape. These students visited a city museum where mathematics concepts were identified from beadwork artifacts. Mathematics concepts that were identified consisted of symmetry, tessellation and number patterns. Students' views about the nature of mathematics shifted radically after their own explorations. Initially students did not perceive mathematics as relating to socio-cultural practices. But now, they have reviewed their position and see mathematics as inextricably interwoven in everyday activities and as such, a product of all cultures. They also pride themselves of their own cultural heritage to have mathematical connections. A more positive attitude towards studying mathematics in this approach was noticed. Data was collected by means of interviews, reflective journal entries and photographs. The second project is a survey with a group of practising teachers who have already implemented Curriculum 2005, and a group which is about to implement it in 2001. The study sought teachers' understanding of connections between mathematics and socio-cultural issues. The new mathematics curriculum in South Africa calls for teachers to grapple well with these issues. About a third of the articulated specific outcomes specifically relate to socio-cultural issues. If teachers' understanding of these issues is poor, implementation of the new curriculum will remain a mere dream. The findings of the survey revealed that the majority of teachers could not identify the culture related specific outcomes in the new mathematics curriculum. Complicated language used in the OBE policy documents was found to inhibit meaning to these teachers. Although, all teachers showed a positive attitude towards the inclusion of socio-cultural issues in the mathematics classroom, the implementation of these outcomes was found to be very problematic. In this survey data was collected by means of questionnaires. The third project is a literature review on the need to popularise mathematics to students in particular, and to the broader public in general. The 21 st century places great technological demands. Mathematics underpins most thinking behind technological development. The role played by mathematics in advancing other fields is largely hidden to the majority of people. There is, therefore, a need to bring forth the vital role that mathematics plays in these fields. The number of students participating in mathematics is decreasing. Mathematics, as a field, is experiencing competition from other science fields. There is a need to bring some incentives to attract more students into this field and retain those mathematicians already involved. Also important, is the need to change the negative image that the public often holds about mathematics. Many people are mathematically illiterate and do not see mathematics as an everyday activity that relates to their needs. There is, therefore, a need to change the face of mathematics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Dabula, Nomonde Patience
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Ethnomathematics , Beadwork -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beadwork , Mathematics -- Study and teaching , Culture -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:1415 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003292
- Description: This portfolio consists of three research projects that predominantly lie within the socio-cultural strand. The first project is a qualitative ethnomathematical study that links students' knowledge of mathematics to their cultural heritage. The study was conducted with a group of final year student teachers at a College of Education in Umtata, Eastern Cape. These students visited a city museum where mathematics concepts were identified from beadwork artifacts. Mathematics concepts that were identified consisted of symmetry, tessellation and number patterns. Students' views about the nature of mathematics shifted radically after their own explorations. Initially students did not perceive mathematics as relating to socio-cultural practices. But now, they have reviewed their position and see mathematics as inextricably interwoven in everyday activities and as such, a product of all cultures. They also pride themselves of their own cultural heritage to have mathematical connections. A more positive attitude towards studying mathematics in this approach was noticed. Data was collected by means of interviews, reflective journal entries and photographs. The second project is a survey with a group of practising teachers who have already implemented Curriculum 2005, and a group which is about to implement it in 2001. The study sought teachers' understanding of connections between mathematics and socio-cultural issues. The new mathematics curriculum in South Africa calls for teachers to grapple well with these issues. About a third of the articulated specific outcomes specifically relate to socio-cultural issues. If teachers' understanding of these issues is poor, implementation of the new curriculum will remain a mere dream. The findings of the survey revealed that the majority of teachers could not identify the culture related specific outcomes in the new mathematics curriculum. Complicated language used in the OBE policy documents was found to inhibit meaning to these teachers. Although, all teachers showed a positive attitude towards the inclusion of socio-cultural issues in the mathematics classroom, the implementation of these outcomes was found to be very problematic. In this survey data was collected by means of questionnaires. The third project is a literature review on the need to popularise mathematics to students in particular, and to the broader public in general. The 21 st century places great technological demands. Mathematics underpins most thinking behind technological development. The role played by mathematics in advancing other fields is largely hidden to the majority of people. There is, therefore, a need to bring forth the vital role that mathematics plays in these fields. The number of students participating in mathematics is decreasing. Mathematics, as a field, is experiencing competition from other science fields. There is a need to bring some incentives to attract more students into this field and retain those mathematicians already involved. Also important, is the need to change the negative image that the public often holds about mathematics. Many people are mathematically illiterate and do not see mathematics as an everyday activity that relates to their needs. There is, therefore, a need to change the face of mathematics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Removal of copper and nickel from solution by the non-viable biomass of the water fern Azolla filiculoides in an upscaled fixed-bed column system
- Authors: Thompson, Denis Alan
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Copper , Nickel , Azolla , Heavy metals -- Absorption and adsorption
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3914 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003973 , Copper , Nickel , Azolla , Heavy metals -- Absorption and adsorption
- Description: The potential of non-viable Azalia filiculaides for the removal of Cu and Ni from aqueous solutions and the possibility of scaling up existing lab scale Azalia column systems was investigated. The effects of factors such as metal starting concentration, pH and two metals in solution on the removal of Ni and Cu from aqueous solution by dried and crushed Azalia biomass were studied in batch systems. Aqueous solutions of Ni with starting concentrations between 1000 and 2000J.lmolll gave the most efficient Ni removal by Azalla biomass. For Cu the optimum starting concentration for adsorption was 50J.lmol/l. The adsorption capacity of both eu and Ni increased as the starting pH of the sorption media increased. The optimum pH for Ni adsorption was found at pH 7 and for Cu, at pH 5. - Awlla biomass had a higher. maximum binding capacity (qrnax) for Cu than for Ni at pH 5. The removal of both Cu allct Ni showed little or no variation with the presence another metal in solution. Kinetic studies show that both Cu and Ni adsorbed rapidly onto the Azalia biomass. The removal of Cu and Ni from aqueous solutions using non-viable Azalia biomass was investigated in a lab scale fixed-bed column and an upscaled 4L column system. The nonviable Azalla filiculaides biomass when dried and used in a column for adsorption of Cu and Ni showed good physical stability under many different conditions. Preparation of the biomass before it could be used in the columns was very simple and did not involve any significant pretreatment steps. Prolonged exposure to UV light decreases Azalia biomass capacity for Ni and Cu adsorption. Column adsorption of Cu and Ni from aqueous solutions was successfully upscaled approximately 100 times. Relative to the lab scale column, the 4L column performed better for the uptake of Cu and Ni per gram of biomass. The larger column was also able to operate at relatively higher flow rates. The biomass showed good reusability with little change in the amount of Ni adsorbed in 10 consecutive cycles. Electron micrographs showecf little or no change in the physical structure and integrity of the Azolla biomass after exposure to mineral acids, Ni solution and high flow rates over 10 consecutive adsorption and desorption cycles. As much as 80% Ni and 70 % Cu was recovered when desorption profiles were generated using O.lMHCI as a desorption agent. The 4L column system was also tested using a highly concen~rat:~ Ni plating bath solution.(Nicrolyte 1). Only 18 % of the Ni could be removed from the expended Nicrolyte 1 pla~Jng solution after treating only 25L, indicating that Azolla biomass is more suited for removal of metals from more dilute industrial effluents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Thompson, Denis Alan
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Copper , Nickel , Azolla , Heavy metals -- Absorption and adsorption
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3914 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003973 , Copper , Nickel , Azolla , Heavy metals -- Absorption and adsorption
- Description: The potential of non-viable Azalia filiculaides for the removal of Cu and Ni from aqueous solutions and the possibility of scaling up existing lab scale Azalia column systems was investigated. The effects of factors such as metal starting concentration, pH and two metals in solution on the removal of Ni and Cu from aqueous solution by dried and crushed Azalia biomass were studied in batch systems. Aqueous solutions of Ni with starting concentrations between 1000 and 2000J.lmolll gave the most efficient Ni removal by Azalla biomass. For Cu the optimum starting concentration for adsorption was 50J.lmol/l. The adsorption capacity of both eu and Ni increased as the starting pH of the sorption media increased. The optimum pH for Ni adsorption was found at pH 7 and for Cu, at pH 5. - Awlla biomass had a higher. maximum binding capacity (qrnax) for Cu than for Ni at pH 5. The removal of both Cu allct Ni showed little or no variation with the presence another metal in solution. Kinetic studies show that both Cu and Ni adsorbed rapidly onto the Azalia biomass. The removal of Cu and Ni from aqueous solutions using non-viable Azalia biomass was investigated in a lab scale fixed-bed column and an upscaled 4L column system. The nonviable Azalla filiculaides biomass when dried and used in a column for adsorption of Cu and Ni showed good physical stability under many different conditions. Preparation of the biomass before it could be used in the columns was very simple and did not involve any significant pretreatment steps. Prolonged exposure to UV light decreases Azalia biomass capacity for Ni and Cu adsorption. Column adsorption of Cu and Ni from aqueous solutions was successfully upscaled approximately 100 times. Relative to the lab scale column, the 4L column performed better for the uptake of Cu and Ni per gram of biomass. The larger column was also able to operate at relatively higher flow rates. The biomass showed good reusability with little change in the amount of Ni adsorbed in 10 consecutive cycles. Electron micrographs showecf little or no change in the physical structure and integrity of the Azolla biomass after exposure to mineral acids, Ni solution and high flow rates over 10 consecutive adsorption and desorption cycles. As much as 80% Ni and 70 % Cu was recovered when desorption profiles were generated using O.lMHCI as a desorption agent. The 4L column system was also tested using a highly concen~rat:~ Ni plating bath solution.(Nicrolyte 1). Only 18 % of the Ni could be removed from the expended Nicrolyte 1 pla~Jng solution after treating only 25L, indicating that Azolla biomass is more suited for removal of metals from more dilute industrial effluents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Research portfolio
- Authors: Daphney, Robert
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Teachers colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Competency-based education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Geography -- Curricula Geography -- Fieldwork -- Study and teaching Geography -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1828 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003714
- Description: This portfolio of work represents three research projects on issues related to teacher education. The research was undertaken at Dr. W.B. Rubusana College of Education over a period of three years. The first project is a situational analysis that attempts to determine whether the college is capable of meeting the challenges placed on it by the evolving South African Educational System. The key finding is that the college is not ready to embark on the changes required by the Ministry of Education chiefly because its educators and learners are seemingly not ready to embrace change. The second project is a case study that attempts to determine whether a group of 12 Senior Primary students at the college are able to interpret photographs of the local environment and as such provide evidence of their ability to be environmental educators through the medium of geography. The findings indicate that they are only able to read the photographs at a very superficial level. Their poor communication skills and their disadvantaged backgrounds seem to prevent them from achieving the level of thinking required for them to be effective environmental educators. The third project describes, analyses and evaluates a fieldwork study done with a class of Senior Primary students at the college. While the students did not achieve the necessary progression from 'look and see' to 'enquiry based' fieldwork the project was valuable in that it was an educative experience for both teacher and learner and provides evidence of the value of action research and reflective teaching.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Daphney, Robert
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Teachers colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Competency-based education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Geography -- Curricula Geography -- Fieldwork -- Study and teaching Geography -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1828 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003714
- Description: This portfolio of work represents three research projects on issues related to teacher education. The research was undertaken at Dr. W.B. Rubusana College of Education over a period of three years. The first project is a situational analysis that attempts to determine whether the college is capable of meeting the challenges placed on it by the evolving South African Educational System. The key finding is that the college is not ready to embark on the changes required by the Ministry of Education chiefly because its educators and learners are seemingly not ready to embrace change. The second project is a case study that attempts to determine whether a group of 12 Senior Primary students at the college are able to interpret photographs of the local environment and as such provide evidence of their ability to be environmental educators through the medium of geography. The findings indicate that they are only able to read the photographs at a very superficial level. Their poor communication skills and their disadvantaged backgrounds seem to prevent them from achieving the level of thinking required for them to be effective environmental educators. The third project describes, analyses and evaluates a fieldwork study done with a class of Senior Primary students at the college. While the students did not achieve the necessary progression from 'look and see' to 'enquiry based' fieldwork the project was valuable in that it was an educative experience for both teacher and learner and provides evidence of the value of action research and reflective teaching.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Research projects
- Authors: Adusei-Owusu, James
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Constructivism (Education) , Review literature , College students -- Study and teaching , Teaching -- Methods , Competency based education -- Eastern Cape (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:1740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003624 , Constructivism (Education) , Review literature , College students -- Study and teaching , Teaching -- Methods , Competency based education -- Eastern Cape (South Africa)
- Description: RESEARCH PROJECTS: 1 RESEARCH PROJECT ONE: A literature review: Constructivism: An alternate approach to teaching and learning. Abstract The constructivist perspectives on learning have helped enhance science educators' understanding of how students make sense of their lived experiences. Constructivism purports to be a transformation of the traditional curriculum. As such this article starts with a brief overview of behaviorism: the scientific approach to education. The main tenets underlying constructivism, how constructivism guides educators to change their classroom practice, and the implications to science teaching have been reviewed. 2 RESEARCH PROJECT TWO (Empirical study): Being Constructive: College students' learning of work and heat as aspects of the energy concept based a constructivist approach. Abstract This study is an extension of a literature review on constructivism as an alternate teaching and learning approach discussed in research project one. It is an empirical study concerning the use of a learning module based on a constructivist approach to develop pre-service student teachers' understanding of work and heat as aspects of the energy concept. The data consisted mainly of transcripts of students' interviews, written responses to questionnaires designed in the form of a worksheet, and comments from non-participant observers and students. The results seem to suggest that a carefully designed learning module based on a constructivist teaching and learning approach may be a valuable tool in developing pre-service student teachers' understanding of work and heat. 3 RESEARCH PROJECT THREE (Empirical study): A College in transition: A case study of the readiness of a college in the Eastern Cape province to implement Outcomes-Based Education in an Education Development centre. Abstract Curriculum 2005 premised on Outcomes-Based Education is the new curriculum framework for South Africa. It signifies a paradigm shift in education from the traditional 'telling-listening' relationship between the teacher and the learner to one that emphasises leamer-centred approach to the teaching process. Teachers, though recognized as crucial to the educational transformation process in the country have also being identified as ill-equipped to meet the challenges posed by Outcomes-Based Education. This study starts with a brief overview of the South African curriculum and the main tenets underlying Outcomes-Based Education. The institutional conditions and whether the lecturers at a college in the Eastern Cape province perceive the need for a change in their classroom practice were also investigated. Bearing in mind the need for further research to validate the findings of this study, positive indicators that emerged from the study suggest the readiness of the college to implement Outcomes-Based Education at the proposed Education Development Centre.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Adusei-Owusu, James
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Constructivism (Education) , Review literature , College students -- Study and teaching , Teaching -- Methods , Competency based education -- Eastern Cape (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:1740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003624 , Constructivism (Education) , Review literature , College students -- Study and teaching , Teaching -- Methods , Competency based education -- Eastern Cape (South Africa)
- Description: RESEARCH PROJECTS: 1 RESEARCH PROJECT ONE: A literature review: Constructivism: An alternate approach to teaching and learning. Abstract The constructivist perspectives on learning have helped enhance science educators' understanding of how students make sense of their lived experiences. Constructivism purports to be a transformation of the traditional curriculum. As such this article starts with a brief overview of behaviorism: the scientific approach to education. The main tenets underlying constructivism, how constructivism guides educators to change their classroom practice, and the implications to science teaching have been reviewed. 2 RESEARCH PROJECT TWO (Empirical study): Being Constructive: College students' learning of work and heat as aspects of the energy concept based a constructivist approach. Abstract This study is an extension of a literature review on constructivism as an alternate teaching and learning approach discussed in research project one. It is an empirical study concerning the use of a learning module based on a constructivist approach to develop pre-service student teachers' understanding of work and heat as aspects of the energy concept. The data consisted mainly of transcripts of students' interviews, written responses to questionnaires designed in the form of a worksheet, and comments from non-participant observers and students. The results seem to suggest that a carefully designed learning module based on a constructivist teaching and learning approach may be a valuable tool in developing pre-service student teachers' understanding of work and heat. 3 RESEARCH PROJECT THREE (Empirical study): A College in transition: A case study of the readiness of a college in the Eastern Cape province to implement Outcomes-Based Education in an Education Development centre. Abstract Curriculum 2005 premised on Outcomes-Based Education is the new curriculum framework for South Africa. It signifies a paradigm shift in education from the traditional 'telling-listening' relationship between the teacher and the learner to one that emphasises leamer-centred approach to the teaching process. Teachers, though recognized as crucial to the educational transformation process in the country have also being identified as ill-equipped to meet the challenges posed by Outcomes-Based Education. This study starts with a brief overview of the South African curriculum and the main tenets underlying Outcomes-Based Education. The institutional conditions and whether the lecturers at a college in the Eastern Cape province perceive the need for a change in their classroom practice were also investigated. Bearing in mind the need for further research to validate the findings of this study, positive indicators that emerged from the study suggest the readiness of the college to implement Outcomes-Based Education at the proposed Education Development Centre.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Rural resettlement scheme evaluation: a case study of the Mfengu in Tsitsikamma
- Authors: Fakudze, Churchill M
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Land settlement , Land settlement -- South Africa -- Tsitsikamma , Land settlement -- Developing countries , Land settlement -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3309 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003097 , Land settlement , Land settlement -- South Africa -- Tsitsikamma , Land settlement -- Developing countries , Land settlement -- South Africa
- Description: In 1997 South Africa came out with a policy aimed at addressing the legacy of apartheid in respect of an unequal division of land in the country. About 3.5 million people were moved from rural and urban areas between 1960 and 1980 and deposited in the reserves or areas designed for the exclusive occupation of black people. The new land policy attempts to deal with the resultant problems. The policy advocates a three-pronged approach to land reform encompassing (i) land restitution, (ii) land redistribution and (iii) land tenure reform. A number of projects have been carried out under these three aspects. This study aims to investigate and evaluate the results of a completed land restitution case. The Mfengu of Tsitsikamma was chosen as a case study because the people have moved back and are now living on their land. The Mfengu were dispossessed of their land in 1977 by the apartheid government and their land was returned in 1994. Although this case was processed outside of the land restitution legislation (Restitution of Land Rights Act, 22 of 1994), all restitution cases where people return to their original land have to deal with the problems of resettlement. From its involvement in various involuntary resettlement projects, the World Bank concluded that the new communities of resettlers should be designed as a viable settlement system equipped with infrastructure and services and integrated in the regional socio-economic context. The host communities receiving the resettlers should be assisted to overcome possible adverse social and environmental effects from the increased population density. These concerns are valid for the South African situation, and the question is, whether this resettlement encapsulates the above. The goals of the research are twofold. To evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the resettlement project and its sustainability. In particular focussing on the constraints to the implementation of the land policy. Research questions include the following: How was the project carried out? Is the resettlement integrated into the socio-economic and development planning of the area? How viable and sustainable is the new settlement? What are the major problems and challenges facing this area and how can they be overcome?
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Fakudze, Churchill M
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Land settlement , Land settlement -- South Africa -- Tsitsikamma , Land settlement -- Developing countries , Land settlement -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3309 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003097 , Land settlement , Land settlement -- South Africa -- Tsitsikamma , Land settlement -- Developing countries , Land settlement -- South Africa
- Description: In 1997 South Africa came out with a policy aimed at addressing the legacy of apartheid in respect of an unequal division of land in the country. About 3.5 million people were moved from rural and urban areas between 1960 and 1980 and deposited in the reserves or areas designed for the exclusive occupation of black people. The new land policy attempts to deal with the resultant problems. The policy advocates a three-pronged approach to land reform encompassing (i) land restitution, (ii) land redistribution and (iii) land tenure reform. A number of projects have been carried out under these three aspects. This study aims to investigate and evaluate the results of a completed land restitution case. The Mfengu of Tsitsikamma was chosen as a case study because the people have moved back and are now living on their land. The Mfengu were dispossessed of their land in 1977 by the apartheid government and their land was returned in 1994. Although this case was processed outside of the land restitution legislation (Restitution of Land Rights Act, 22 of 1994), all restitution cases where people return to their original land have to deal with the problems of resettlement. From its involvement in various involuntary resettlement projects, the World Bank concluded that the new communities of resettlers should be designed as a viable settlement system equipped with infrastructure and services and integrated in the regional socio-economic context. The host communities receiving the resettlers should be assisted to overcome possible adverse social and environmental effects from the increased population density. These concerns are valid for the South African situation, and the question is, whether this resettlement encapsulates the above. The goals of the research are twofold. To evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the resettlement project and its sustainability. In particular focussing on the constraints to the implementation of the land policy. Research questions include the following: How was the project carried out? Is the resettlement integrated into the socio-economic and development planning of the area? How viable and sustainable is the new settlement? What are the major problems and challenges facing this area and how can they be overcome?
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
SoDA : a model for the administration of separation of duty requirements in workflow systems
- Authors: Perelson, Stephen
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Electronic data processing departments -- Security measures , Computers -- Access control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Information Technology)
- Identifier: vital:10796 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68 , Electronic data processing departments -- Security measures , Computers -- Access control
- Description: The increasing reliance on information technology to support business processes has emphasised the need for information security mechanisms. This, however, has resulted in an ever-increasing workload in terms of security administration. Security administration encompasses the activity of ensuring the correct enforcement of access control within an organisation. Access rights and their allocation are dictated by the security policies within an organisation. As such, security administration can be seen as a policybased approach. Policy-based approaches promise to lighten the workload of security administrators. Separation of duties is one of the principles cited as a criterion when setting up these policy-based mechanisms. Different types of separation of duty policies exist. They can be categorised into policies that can be enforced at administration time, viz. static separation of duty requirements and policies that can be enforced only at execution time, viz. dynamic separation of duty requirements. This dissertation deals with the specification of both static separation of duty requirements and dynamic separation of duty requirements in role-based workflow environments. It proposes a model for the specification of separation of duty requirements, the expressions of which are based on set theory. The model focuses, furthermore, on the enforcement of static separation of duty. The enforcement of static separation of duty requirements is modelled in terms of invariant conditions. The invariant conditions specify restrictions upon the elements allowed in the sets representing access control requirements. The sets are themselves expressed as database tables within a relational database management system. Algorithms that stipulate how to verify the additions or deletions of elements within these sets can then be performed within the database management system. A prototype was developed in order to demonstrate the concepts of this model. This prototype helps demonstrate how the proposed model could function and flaunts its effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Perelson, Stephen
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Electronic data processing departments -- Security measures , Computers -- Access control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Information Technology)
- Identifier: vital:10796 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68 , Electronic data processing departments -- Security measures , Computers -- Access control
- Description: The increasing reliance on information technology to support business processes has emphasised the need for information security mechanisms. This, however, has resulted in an ever-increasing workload in terms of security administration. Security administration encompasses the activity of ensuring the correct enforcement of access control within an organisation. Access rights and their allocation are dictated by the security policies within an organisation. As such, security administration can be seen as a policybased approach. Policy-based approaches promise to lighten the workload of security administrators. Separation of duties is one of the principles cited as a criterion when setting up these policy-based mechanisms. Different types of separation of duty policies exist. They can be categorised into policies that can be enforced at administration time, viz. static separation of duty requirements and policies that can be enforced only at execution time, viz. dynamic separation of duty requirements. This dissertation deals with the specification of both static separation of duty requirements and dynamic separation of duty requirements in role-based workflow environments. It proposes a model for the specification of separation of duty requirements, the expressions of which are based on set theory. The model focuses, furthermore, on the enforcement of static separation of duty. The enforcement of static separation of duty requirements is modelled in terms of invariant conditions. The invariant conditions specify restrictions upon the elements allowed in the sets representing access control requirements. The sets are themselves expressed as database tables within a relational database management system. Algorithms that stipulate how to verify the additions or deletions of elements within these sets can then be performed within the database management system. A prototype was developed in order to demonstrate the concepts of this model. This prototype helps demonstrate how the proposed model could function and flaunts its effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Strategies for the improvement of the industrial oxidation of cymene
- Authors: Harmse, Nigel
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Oxidation , Cymene
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:10958 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73 , Oxidation , Cymene
- Description: The oxidation of cymene with dioxygen has been investigated in some detail with the view of establishing the feasibility of improving the efficiency of the oxidation process. Of particular interest were the rate of cymene oxidation and the selectivity of the oxidation process for the tertiary cymene hydroperoxide, especially at conversions above 15%. In order to be able to evaluate the selectivity of oxidation processes, a reliable method for analysis of the individual hydroperoxides had to be established. Two methods were investigated, namely reduction of the hydroperoxides to alcohols using ferrous sulphate and reduction using triphenylphosphine, and analysing the reduction products by gas chromatography. Of these two methods, the triphenylphosphine method proved to be superior to the ferrous sulphate method and was used as the method of choice for this investigation. A number of oxidation systems were evaluated in an initial screening experiment for the oxidation of p-cymene. The results of this screening experiment showed that three-phase oxidation systems, i.e. systems containing an organic phase, an aqueous phase and gas, gave significantly lower activities than two-phase oxidation systems. In addition, the use of a base in the aqueous layer does not improve the overall selectivity of the oxidation process, but improves the selectivity towards the tertiary hydroperoxide to some extent due to the decomposition and extraction of primary hydroperoxide into the basic aqueous phase. Oxidation systems using a non-autoxidation catalyst, i.e. a catalyst that does not catalyse the conventional autoxidation of organic compounds, gave by far the most promising results. These systems gave both a high selectivity as well as high reaction rate. From the initial screening experiment, and using multi-factorial statistical techniques, two catalyst systems were selected for investigation, namely vanadium phosphate and boron phosphate. The results of these investigations showed that these two catalysts are remarkably active and selective for the oxidation of p-cymene, giving the cymene tertiary hydroperoxide in selectivities exceeding 85% and at substrate conversions as high as 25%. These results are a considerable improvement over currently known oxidation systems and may offer opportunities for further commercial exploitation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Harmse, Nigel
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Oxidation , Cymene
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:10958 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73 , Oxidation , Cymene
- Description: The oxidation of cymene with dioxygen has been investigated in some detail with the view of establishing the feasibility of improving the efficiency of the oxidation process. Of particular interest were the rate of cymene oxidation and the selectivity of the oxidation process for the tertiary cymene hydroperoxide, especially at conversions above 15%. In order to be able to evaluate the selectivity of oxidation processes, a reliable method for analysis of the individual hydroperoxides had to be established. Two methods were investigated, namely reduction of the hydroperoxides to alcohols using ferrous sulphate and reduction using triphenylphosphine, and analysing the reduction products by gas chromatography. Of these two methods, the triphenylphosphine method proved to be superior to the ferrous sulphate method and was used as the method of choice for this investigation. A number of oxidation systems were evaluated in an initial screening experiment for the oxidation of p-cymene. The results of this screening experiment showed that three-phase oxidation systems, i.e. systems containing an organic phase, an aqueous phase and gas, gave significantly lower activities than two-phase oxidation systems. In addition, the use of a base in the aqueous layer does not improve the overall selectivity of the oxidation process, but improves the selectivity towards the tertiary hydroperoxide to some extent due to the decomposition and extraction of primary hydroperoxide into the basic aqueous phase. Oxidation systems using a non-autoxidation catalyst, i.e. a catalyst that does not catalyse the conventional autoxidation of organic compounds, gave by far the most promising results. These systems gave both a high selectivity as well as high reaction rate. From the initial screening experiment, and using multi-factorial statistical techniques, two catalyst systems were selected for investigation, namely vanadium phosphate and boron phosphate. The results of these investigations showed that these two catalysts are remarkably active and selective for the oxidation of p-cymene, giving the cymene tertiary hydroperoxide in selectivities exceeding 85% and at substrate conversions as high as 25%. These results are a considerable improvement over currently known oxidation systems and may offer opportunities for further commercial exploitation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Stratigraphy and geochemistry of the Makganyene formation, Transvaal supergroup, Northern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Polteau, Stéphane
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Geology, Stratigraphic -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Geochemistry -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5003 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005616 , Geology, Stratigraphic -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Geochemistry -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Description: The Makganyene Formation forms the base of the Postmasburg Group in the Transvaal Supergroup of the Northern Cape Province. The Makganyene Formation has diamictite as the main rock type, but siltstone, sandstone, shale, and iron-formations are also present. A glacial origin has been proposed in the past due to the presence of dropstones, faceted and striated pebbles. Typically, the Makganyene Formation contains banded iron-formations interbedded with clastic rocks (shale, siltstone, sandstone and diamictites) at the contact with the underlying iron-formations. This transitional zone is generally overlain by massive or layered diamictites which contain poorly sorted clasts (mainly chert) within a shaly matrix. Striated pebbles have been found during field work, and dropstones have been observed in diamictites and banded iron-formations during the study. The top of the Makganyene Formation contains graded cycles interbedded with diamictites and thin layers of andesitic lavas from the Ongeluk Formation. The basal contact of the Makganyene Formation with the underlying Koegas Subgroup was described as unconformable by previous workers. However field work localised in the Rooinekke area shows a broadly conformable and interbedded contact with the underlying Koegas Subgroup. As described above, banded iron-formations are interbedded with the clastic rocks of the Makganyene Formation. Moreover, boreholes from the Sishen area display the same interbedding at the base of the Makganyene Formation. This suggests that no significant time gap is present in the whole succession between the Ghaap and Postmasburg Group. The Transvaal Supergroup in the Northern Cape displays the following succession : carbonates-BIFs-diamictites/ lava-BIFs-carbonates. The Makganyene Formation is thus at the centre of a symmetrical lithologic succession. Bulk rock compositions show that the diamictites have a similar composition to banded iron-formation with regard to their major element contents. Banded iron-formations acted as a source for the diamictites with carbonates and igneous rocks representing minor components. Differences in bulk composition between the Sishen and Matsap areas emphasize that the source of the diamictite was very localised. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) has been calculated, but since the source dominant rock was iron-formation, this index cannot be usefully applied to the diamictites. ACN, A-CN-K, and A-CNK-FM diagrams confer a major importance in sorting processes due to the separation between the fine and coarse diamictites. The interbedded iron-formations display little clastic contamination indicating deposition in clear water conditions. However, dropstones are present in one borehole from the Matsap area, indicating that iron-formation took place under ice cover, or at least under icebergs. Stable isotope studies show that the iron-formations, interbedded towards the base of the Makganyene Formation, have similar values to the iron-formations of the Koegas Subgroup. As a result of the above observations, new correlations are proposed in this study, relating the different Transvaal Supergroup basins located on the Kaapvaal Craton. The Pretoria Group of the Transvaal Basin has no correlative in the Griqualand West Basin, and the Postmasburg Group of the Northern Cape Basin has no lateral equivalent in the Transvaal Basin. These changes have been made to overcome problems present in the current correlations between those two basins. The Makganyene Formation correlates with the Huronian glaciations which occurred between 2.4 and 2.2 Ga ago in North America. Another Precambrian glaciation is the worldwide and well-studied Neoproterozoic glaciation (640 Ma). At each of these glaciations, major banded iron-formation deposition took place with associated deposition of sedimentary manganese in post-glacial positions. The central position of the Makganyene Formation within the Transvaal Supergroup in the Northern Cape emphasizes this glacial climatic dependence of paleoproterozoic banded iron-formation and manganese deposition. However these two Precambrian glaciations are interpreted in paleomagnetic studies as having occurred near to the equator. The controversial theory of the Snowball Earth has been proposed which proposes that the Earth was entirely frozen from pole to pole. Results from field work, sedimentology, petrography and geochemistry were integrated in a proposed depositional model of the Makganyene Formation occurring at the symmetrical centre of the lithologic succession of the Transvaal Supergroup. At the beginning of the Makganyene glaciation, a regression occurred and glacial advance took place. The diamictites are mostly interpreted as being deposited from wet-based glaciers, probably tidewater glaciers, where significant slumping and debris flows occurred. Any transgression would cause a glacial retreat by rapid calving, re-establishing the chemical sedimentation of banded iron-formations. These sea-level variations are responsible for the interbedding of these different types of rocks (clastic and chemical). The end of the Makganyene glacial event is characterised by subaerial eruptions of andesitic lava of the Ongeluk Formation bringing ashes into the basin. Banded iron-formation and associated manganese accumulations are climate-dependant. Glacial events are responsible for the build up of metallic ions such as iron and manganese in solution in deep waters. A warmer climate would induce a transgression and precipitation of these metallic ions when Eh conditions are favourable. In the Transvaal Supergroup, the climatic variations from warm to cold, and cold to warm are expressed by the lithologic succession. The warm climates are represented by carbonates. Cold climates are represented by banded iron-formations and the peak in cold climate represented by the diamictites of the Makganyene Formation. These changes in climate are gradual, which contradict the dramatic Snowball Earth event: a rapid spread of glaciated areas over low-latitudes freezing the Earth from pole-to-pole. Therefore, to explain low-latitude glaciations at sea-level, a high obliquity of the ecliptic is most likely to have occurred. This high obliquity of the ecliptic was acquired at 4.5 Ga when a giant impactor collided into the Earth to form the Moon. Above the critical value of 54° of the obliquity of the ecliptic, normal climatic zonation reverts, and glaciations will take place preferentially at low-latitudes only when favourable conditions are gathered (relative position ofthe continents and PC02 in the atmosphere).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Polteau, Stéphane
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Geology, Stratigraphic -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Geochemistry -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5003 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005616 , Geology, Stratigraphic -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Geochemistry -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Description: The Makganyene Formation forms the base of the Postmasburg Group in the Transvaal Supergroup of the Northern Cape Province. The Makganyene Formation has diamictite as the main rock type, but siltstone, sandstone, shale, and iron-formations are also present. A glacial origin has been proposed in the past due to the presence of dropstones, faceted and striated pebbles. Typically, the Makganyene Formation contains banded iron-formations interbedded with clastic rocks (shale, siltstone, sandstone and diamictites) at the contact with the underlying iron-formations. This transitional zone is generally overlain by massive or layered diamictites which contain poorly sorted clasts (mainly chert) within a shaly matrix. Striated pebbles have been found during field work, and dropstones have been observed in diamictites and banded iron-formations during the study. The top of the Makganyene Formation contains graded cycles interbedded with diamictites and thin layers of andesitic lavas from the Ongeluk Formation. The basal contact of the Makganyene Formation with the underlying Koegas Subgroup was described as unconformable by previous workers. However field work localised in the Rooinekke area shows a broadly conformable and interbedded contact with the underlying Koegas Subgroup. As described above, banded iron-formations are interbedded with the clastic rocks of the Makganyene Formation. Moreover, boreholes from the Sishen area display the same interbedding at the base of the Makganyene Formation. This suggests that no significant time gap is present in the whole succession between the Ghaap and Postmasburg Group. The Transvaal Supergroup in the Northern Cape displays the following succession : carbonates-BIFs-diamictites/ lava-BIFs-carbonates. The Makganyene Formation is thus at the centre of a symmetrical lithologic succession. Bulk rock compositions show that the diamictites have a similar composition to banded iron-formation with regard to their major element contents. Banded iron-formations acted as a source for the diamictites with carbonates and igneous rocks representing minor components. Differences in bulk composition between the Sishen and Matsap areas emphasize that the source of the diamictite was very localised. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) has been calculated, but since the source dominant rock was iron-formation, this index cannot be usefully applied to the diamictites. ACN, A-CN-K, and A-CNK-FM diagrams confer a major importance in sorting processes due to the separation between the fine and coarse diamictites. The interbedded iron-formations display little clastic contamination indicating deposition in clear water conditions. However, dropstones are present in one borehole from the Matsap area, indicating that iron-formation took place under ice cover, or at least under icebergs. Stable isotope studies show that the iron-formations, interbedded towards the base of the Makganyene Formation, have similar values to the iron-formations of the Koegas Subgroup. As a result of the above observations, new correlations are proposed in this study, relating the different Transvaal Supergroup basins located on the Kaapvaal Craton. The Pretoria Group of the Transvaal Basin has no correlative in the Griqualand West Basin, and the Postmasburg Group of the Northern Cape Basin has no lateral equivalent in the Transvaal Basin. These changes have been made to overcome problems present in the current correlations between those two basins. The Makganyene Formation correlates with the Huronian glaciations which occurred between 2.4 and 2.2 Ga ago in North America. Another Precambrian glaciation is the worldwide and well-studied Neoproterozoic glaciation (640 Ma). At each of these glaciations, major banded iron-formation deposition took place with associated deposition of sedimentary manganese in post-glacial positions. The central position of the Makganyene Formation within the Transvaal Supergroup in the Northern Cape emphasizes this glacial climatic dependence of paleoproterozoic banded iron-formation and manganese deposition. However these two Precambrian glaciations are interpreted in paleomagnetic studies as having occurred near to the equator. The controversial theory of the Snowball Earth has been proposed which proposes that the Earth was entirely frozen from pole to pole. Results from field work, sedimentology, petrography and geochemistry were integrated in a proposed depositional model of the Makganyene Formation occurring at the symmetrical centre of the lithologic succession of the Transvaal Supergroup. At the beginning of the Makganyene glaciation, a regression occurred and glacial advance took place. The diamictites are mostly interpreted as being deposited from wet-based glaciers, probably tidewater glaciers, where significant slumping and debris flows occurred. Any transgression would cause a glacial retreat by rapid calving, re-establishing the chemical sedimentation of banded iron-formations. These sea-level variations are responsible for the interbedding of these different types of rocks (clastic and chemical). The end of the Makganyene glacial event is characterised by subaerial eruptions of andesitic lava of the Ongeluk Formation bringing ashes into the basin. Banded iron-formation and associated manganese accumulations are climate-dependant. Glacial events are responsible for the build up of metallic ions such as iron and manganese in solution in deep waters. A warmer climate would induce a transgression and precipitation of these metallic ions when Eh conditions are favourable. In the Transvaal Supergroup, the climatic variations from warm to cold, and cold to warm are expressed by the lithologic succession. The warm climates are represented by carbonates. Cold climates are represented by banded iron-formations and the peak in cold climate represented by the diamictites of the Makganyene Formation. These changes in climate are gradual, which contradict the dramatic Snowball Earth event: a rapid spread of glaciated areas over low-latitudes freezing the Earth from pole-to-pole. Therefore, to explain low-latitude glaciations at sea-level, a high obliquity of the ecliptic is most likely to have occurred. This high obliquity of the ecliptic was acquired at 4.5 Ga when a giant impactor collided into the Earth to form the Moon. Above the critical value of 54° of the obliquity of the ecliptic, normal climatic zonation reverts, and glaciations will take place preferentially at low-latitudes only when favourable conditions are gathered (relative position ofthe continents and PC02 in the atmosphere).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Studies on the kallikrein-kininogen system of the ostrich (Struthio camelus)
- Authors: Bothma, Leonard Frederick
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Kallikrein , Kinins , Ostriches
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:11067 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/275 , Kallikrein , Kinins , Ostriches
- Description: Ostrich organs/tissue/fluids were screened for plasma kallikrein-like, tissue kallikrein-like and tonin-like activity in a continuous-fluorogenic-assay system using Pro-Phe-Arg-7-amino-4-methylcoumarine, Phe- Arg-7-amino-4-methylcoumarine and Val-Leu-Arg--7-amino-4-trifluoro-methylcoumarine as substrates. Ostrich liver and kidney showed the highest specific plasma kallikrein-like activity. Ostrich adrenal glands and kidney showed the highest specific tissue kallikrein-like and tonin-like activity. Ostrich high molecular weight kininogen was purified from plasma and low molecular weight kininogen was partially purified. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of both high- and low molecular weight kininogens from ostrich plasma were determined. Ostrich plasma high molecular weight kininogen was purified as a 118 kD protein. The purified high molecular weight kininogen inhibits the cysteine proteinase papain at a ratio of one molecule HKG to two molecules of papain. Ornitho kinin-like molecules were detected in ostrich urine using reverse phase HPLC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Bothma, Leonard Frederick
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Kallikrein , Kinins , Ostriches
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:11067 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/275 , Kallikrein , Kinins , Ostriches
- Description: Ostrich organs/tissue/fluids were screened for plasma kallikrein-like, tissue kallikrein-like and tonin-like activity in a continuous-fluorogenic-assay system using Pro-Phe-Arg-7-amino-4-methylcoumarine, Phe- Arg-7-amino-4-methylcoumarine and Val-Leu-Arg--7-amino-4-trifluoro-methylcoumarine as substrates. Ostrich liver and kidney showed the highest specific plasma kallikrein-like activity. Ostrich adrenal glands and kidney showed the highest specific tissue kallikrein-like and tonin-like activity. Ostrich high molecular weight kininogen was purified from plasma and low molecular weight kininogen was partially purified. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of both high- and low molecular weight kininogens from ostrich plasma were determined. Ostrich plasma high molecular weight kininogen was purified as a 118 kD protein. The purified high molecular weight kininogen inhibits the cysteine proteinase papain at a ratio of one molecule HKG to two molecules of papain. Ornitho kinin-like molecules were detected in ostrich urine using reverse phase HPLC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Talking about teams within a team building context: a discourse analytic study
- Authors: Chapman-Blair, Sharon
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Discourse analysis , Teams in the workplace
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2947 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002456 , Discourse analysis , Teams in the workplace
- Description: This research initiative responds to some of the issues raised by theoretical challenges leveled at Industrial Psychology (postmodernism), and practical challenges in the workplace (the use of teams) by investigating notions of what a team is via the postmodern methodology of discourse analysis. The research explores “team talk” – repertoires of speech employed by individuals to construct particular versions of “the team” for specific effects, of importance given emphasis placed on shared understanding, expectations and goals in a “team”. A Rhodes University Industrial Psychology Honours class required to work as a team (having participated in a team building exercise), as well as their lecturers who facilitated the team building process were interviewed to obtain “talk” to analyse. This uncovered a multiplicity of meaning, namely four ways of speaking about (constructing) the team. These repertoires are explored in terms of how they are constructed, how they differ across context and speakers, how they interrelate and what they function to achieve. The educational team repertoire constructs academic hierarchy, justifies individualism, positions members as experts and maintains distance from interpersonal processes. The machine repertoire divides work and interpersonal issues, regulates productivity and constructs team roles (defining individual activity and “team fit”), but is inflexible to change. The family repertoire voices emotive aspects to maintain cohesion via conformity, leaderlessness, group identity and shared achievement, but cannot accommodate conflict or workpersonal boundaries. The psychologised team repertoire constructs the team primarily as a therapeutic entity legitimately creating individual identities (and expertise) and facilitating personal growth, but this flounders when support in the “team” fails. Given that each repertoire has a different emphasis (reflective learning versus work processes versus building relationships versus personal growth), there are slippages / clashes between repertoires. This postmodern look at “the team” thus assists in recognizing and problematising these multiple meanings and identifying practical implications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Chapman-Blair, Sharon
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Discourse analysis , Teams in the workplace
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2947 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002456 , Discourse analysis , Teams in the workplace
- Description: This research initiative responds to some of the issues raised by theoretical challenges leveled at Industrial Psychology (postmodernism), and practical challenges in the workplace (the use of teams) by investigating notions of what a team is via the postmodern methodology of discourse analysis. The research explores “team talk” – repertoires of speech employed by individuals to construct particular versions of “the team” for specific effects, of importance given emphasis placed on shared understanding, expectations and goals in a “team”. A Rhodes University Industrial Psychology Honours class required to work as a team (having participated in a team building exercise), as well as their lecturers who facilitated the team building process were interviewed to obtain “talk” to analyse. This uncovered a multiplicity of meaning, namely four ways of speaking about (constructing) the team. These repertoires are explored in terms of how they are constructed, how they differ across context and speakers, how they interrelate and what they function to achieve. The educational team repertoire constructs academic hierarchy, justifies individualism, positions members as experts and maintains distance from interpersonal processes. The machine repertoire divides work and interpersonal issues, regulates productivity and constructs team roles (defining individual activity and “team fit”), but is inflexible to change. The family repertoire voices emotive aspects to maintain cohesion via conformity, leaderlessness, group identity and shared achievement, but cannot accommodate conflict or workpersonal boundaries. The psychologised team repertoire constructs the team primarily as a therapeutic entity legitimately creating individual identities (and expertise) and facilitating personal growth, but this flounders when support in the “team” fails. Given that each repertoire has a different emphasis (reflective learning versus work processes versus building relationships versus personal growth), there are slippages / clashes between repertoires. This postmodern look at “the team” thus assists in recognizing and problematising these multiple meanings and identifying practical implications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
The assessment of first-line management competencies at a selected automotive manufacturer using a recognition of prior learning approach
- Authors: Poisat, Paul
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Executives -- Rating of , Automobile industry and trade -- Management -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Human Resources Management)
- Identifier: vital:10871 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41 , Executives -- Rating of , Automobile industry and trade -- Management -- Case studies
- Description: This research addresses the problem of determining which managerial competencies first-line managers operating in a world class organisation should have. To achieve this objective a three-step method was followed. Firstly, an approach had to be found for the assessment of managerial competencies at the selected organisation involved in the research project. A comprehensive literature survey was conducted in an attempt to establish an approach and identify management competencies for first-line managers. Secondly, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) approaches appropriate to first-line managers were investigated and synthesized with the managerial competence approach of step one. Finally, the managerial competencies were assessed utilising the matrix of managerial competence instrument developed in accordance with the findings of the research. The information obtained from the literature study and from the candidates who were assessed resulted in various findings and recommendations. Using the matrix of managerial competence instrument, it was found that the majority of first-line managers at the organisation were competent. Notwithstanding this finding, a major recommendation is that the organisation should become more future and development orientated in its training strategy. Finally, the research project has created the foundation for the development of a managerial competency model at the selected organisation. Findings of the literature survey and development of the RPL instrument provide guidelines for future RPL initiatives, both at the selected organisation and at the Port Elizabeth Technikon.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Poisat, Paul
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Executives -- Rating of , Automobile industry and trade -- Management -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Human Resources Management)
- Identifier: vital:10871 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41 , Executives -- Rating of , Automobile industry and trade -- Management -- Case studies
- Description: This research addresses the problem of determining which managerial competencies first-line managers operating in a world class organisation should have. To achieve this objective a three-step method was followed. Firstly, an approach had to be found for the assessment of managerial competencies at the selected organisation involved in the research project. A comprehensive literature survey was conducted in an attempt to establish an approach and identify management competencies for first-line managers. Secondly, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) approaches appropriate to first-line managers were investigated and synthesized with the managerial competence approach of step one. Finally, the managerial competencies were assessed utilising the matrix of managerial competence instrument developed in accordance with the findings of the research. The information obtained from the literature study and from the candidates who were assessed resulted in various findings and recommendations. Using the matrix of managerial competence instrument, it was found that the majority of first-line managers at the organisation were competent. Notwithstanding this finding, a major recommendation is that the organisation should become more future and development orientated in its training strategy. Finally, the research project has created the foundation for the development of a managerial competency model at the selected organisation. Findings of the literature survey and development of the RPL instrument provide guidelines for future RPL initiatives, both at the selected organisation and at the Port Elizabeth Technikon.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
The changing knowledge and expectations of public health nurses in a HIV/AIDS training programme for managers
- Authors: Harry, Karuna
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: HIV infections , HIV infections -- Nursing , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2986 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002495 , HIV infections , HIV infections -- Nursing , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of
- Description: This research project examined the changing expectations and knowledge of Managers in the Department of Health who attended the Sexual Health Counselling Project offered by Rhodes University, East London, South Africa. These managers came from contexts in which the hierarchical medical model is firmly entrenched. The Sexual Health Counselling Project, drawing on theoretical principles from Narrative and other theories,presented a challenge to the standard management practices used by the managers. It also challenged how they dealt with clients. This research explored changes in expectations and knowledge prior to and during a two- week training course that the managers attended. A personal awareness and shift in knowledge occurred for many managers who examined their current practices. Some managers, who were firmly entrenched in the hierarchical model,found it difficult to change their ways of working.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Harry, Karuna
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: HIV infections , HIV infections -- Nursing , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2986 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002495 , HIV infections , HIV infections -- Nursing , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of
- Description: This research project examined the changing expectations and knowledge of Managers in the Department of Health who attended the Sexual Health Counselling Project offered by Rhodes University, East London, South Africa. These managers came from contexts in which the hierarchical medical model is firmly entrenched. The Sexual Health Counselling Project, drawing on theoretical principles from Narrative and other theories,presented a challenge to the standard management practices used by the managers. It also challenged how they dealt with clients. This research explored changes in expectations and knowledge prior to and during a two- week training course that the managers attended. A personal awareness and shift in knowledge occurred for many managers who examined their current practices. Some managers, who were firmly entrenched in the hierarchical model,found it difficult to change their ways of working.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
The constitutional right of access to social security
- Authors: Govindjee, Avinash
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Social security -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa -- Social policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:11061 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/280 , Social security -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa -- Social policy
- Description: The inclusion of the right of access to social security in the Constitution did not meet with wholehearted approval in South Africa. This right, however, is of vital importance for the future upliftment of the country. The present social security system is based upon a clear distinction between social assistance and social insurance. There is a gap in current social security provisions in that the unemployed middle aged individual is not covered. Unemployment itself is one of the greatest challenges obscuring the implementation of a comprehensive social security system. The Constitutional right is to have ‘access’ to social security and the amount of resources at the state’s disposal is directly related to increasing this right, although it is true that a number of available resources are misspent. The state must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realisation of the right of access to social security. The principles of solidarity and ubuntu must be cultivated so that national social development becomes a concern for all citizens. There are numerous problems facing South Africans in attaining the goal of access to social security – even if national social development does become a priority. Budgetary constraints, poverty, unemployment, HIV/Aids and foreigners are examples of these. By making social security a priority for everyone, existing ideas (almost all of which have merit) may be converted into long-term solutions for poverty and unemployment. Currently, numerous opportunities to salvage the situation are being overlooked as a result of the lack of a comprehensive and structured plan to better the access to social security. The constitutional right of access to social security is enforceable, although the jurisprudence in this field remains underdeveloped. Conditions are currently favourable, within the country and beyond its borders, for an imaginative and concerted attempt to be made to find potential solutions. It is possible for resources to be increased and for tax benefits to be incorporated for businesses which have the capacity to contribute. The issue of defence spending is controversial, but could hold the key to lowering unemployment. Should jobs be created, it is likely that they will initially be of a temporary nature. Consequently, provisions are needed to ensure some guarantee of income in the lacuna between when a job is lost and another found. Ultimately, one thing is certain: the constitutional right of access to social security will only be complete once the people who are recipients of this right make sacrifices and create corresponding duties for themselves to ensure that the next generation of inhabitants of this country are not facing similar problems. The state’s goal should be to ensure that the basic rights which all people enjoy in terms of the Constitution (in particular the other socio-economic rights) are guaranteed for the duration of their existence, even if the level of benefits received by such people is low.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Govindjee, Avinash
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Social security -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa -- Social policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:11061 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/280 , Social security -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa -- Social policy
- Description: The inclusion of the right of access to social security in the Constitution did not meet with wholehearted approval in South Africa. This right, however, is of vital importance for the future upliftment of the country. The present social security system is based upon a clear distinction between social assistance and social insurance. There is a gap in current social security provisions in that the unemployed middle aged individual is not covered. Unemployment itself is one of the greatest challenges obscuring the implementation of a comprehensive social security system. The Constitutional right is to have ‘access’ to social security and the amount of resources at the state’s disposal is directly related to increasing this right, although it is true that a number of available resources are misspent. The state must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realisation of the right of access to social security. The principles of solidarity and ubuntu must be cultivated so that national social development becomes a concern for all citizens. There are numerous problems facing South Africans in attaining the goal of access to social security – even if national social development does become a priority. Budgetary constraints, poverty, unemployment, HIV/Aids and foreigners are examples of these. By making social security a priority for everyone, existing ideas (almost all of which have merit) may be converted into long-term solutions for poverty and unemployment. Currently, numerous opportunities to salvage the situation are being overlooked as a result of the lack of a comprehensive and structured plan to better the access to social security. The constitutional right of access to social security is enforceable, although the jurisprudence in this field remains underdeveloped. Conditions are currently favourable, within the country and beyond its borders, for an imaginative and concerted attempt to be made to find potential solutions. It is possible for resources to be increased and for tax benefits to be incorporated for businesses which have the capacity to contribute. The issue of defence spending is controversial, but could hold the key to lowering unemployment. Should jobs be created, it is likely that they will initially be of a temporary nature. Consequently, provisions are needed to ensure some guarantee of income in the lacuna between when a job is lost and another found. Ultimately, one thing is certain: the constitutional right of access to social security will only be complete once the people who are recipients of this right make sacrifices and create corresponding duties for themselves to ensure that the next generation of inhabitants of this country are not facing similar problems. The state’s goal should be to ensure that the basic rights which all people enjoy in terms of the Constitution (in particular the other socio-economic rights) are guaranteed for the duration of their existence, even if the level of benefits received by such people is low.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
The construction of 'farm killings' in the Eastern Province Herald: an ideological analysis of the Herald's farm killings' disclosure, August 1998
- Authors: Jacobs, Luzuko
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Farm killings -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Murder -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Eastern Province Herald (Newspaper)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3436 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002890
- Description: This study examines the ideological inflection of the ‘farm killings’ discourse in the Eastern Province Herald articles published in August 1998. ‘Farm killings’ is a media frame which was applied to a spate of killings of people on the country’s farms since 1994. Heightened and sustained media attention on the ‘farm killings’ has lifted the phenomenon from the other ‘run-of-the-mill’ murder crimes, and located it firmly as a matter of public concern and a subject of a broad political and economic debate. In this study I investigate the media coverage of the ‘farm killings’ within the context of these debates. The cultural studies approach to the study of the media provides a fruitful theoretical framework within which this study is located. The ideological examination of the articles is done using the critical linguistics method - a brand of reflexive, interpretative style of analysis which enables a sustained examination of media texts within their social, cultural and historical context. This study’s conclusions pose a challenge to the ‘Fourth Estate’ role often claimed for the media. In particular, it denies that the Herald objectively, fairly and truthfully reflected the experience on the farms during the period of this study. Its main finding is that the newspaper instead, constructed a particular understanding of the killings characterised by subtle racism, bias and partiality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Jacobs, Luzuko
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Farm killings -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Murder -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Eastern Province Herald (Newspaper)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3436 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002890
- Description: This study examines the ideological inflection of the ‘farm killings’ discourse in the Eastern Province Herald articles published in August 1998. ‘Farm killings’ is a media frame which was applied to a spate of killings of people on the country’s farms since 1994. Heightened and sustained media attention on the ‘farm killings’ has lifted the phenomenon from the other ‘run-of-the-mill’ murder crimes, and located it firmly as a matter of public concern and a subject of a broad political and economic debate. In this study I investigate the media coverage of the ‘farm killings’ within the context of these debates. The cultural studies approach to the study of the media provides a fruitful theoretical framework within which this study is located. The ideological examination of the articles is done using the critical linguistics method - a brand of reflexive, interpretative style of analysis which enables a sustained examination of media texts within their social, cultural and historical context. This study’s conclusions pose a challenge to the ‘Fourth Estate’ role often claimed for the media. In particular, it denies that the Herald objectively, fairly and truthfully reflected the experience on the farms during the period of this study. Its main finding is that the newspaper instead, constructed a particular understanding of the killings characterised by subtle racism, bias and partiality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
The control of a multi-variable industrial process, by means of intelligent technology
- Authors: Naidoo, Puramanathan
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Fuzzy systems , Intelligent control systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Electrical Engineering)
- Identifier: vital:10813 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48 , Fuzzy systems , Intelligent control systems
- Description: Conventional control systems express control solutions by means of expressions, usually mathematically based. In order to completely express the control solution, a vast amount of data is required. In contrast, knowledge-based solutions require far less plant data and mathematical expression. This reduces development time proportionally. In addition, because this type of processing does not require involved calculations, processing speed is increased, since rule process is separate and all processes can be performed simultaneously. These results in improved product quality, better plant efficiency, simplified process, etc. Within this project, conventional PID control has already been implemented, with the control parameter adjustment and loop tuning being problematic. This is mainly due to a number of external parameters that affects the stability of the process. In maintaining a consistent temperature, for example, the steam flow rate varies, the hot well temperature varies, the ambient may temperature vary. Another contributing factor, the time delay, also affects the optimization of the system, due to the fact that temperature measurement is based on principle of absorption. The normal practice in industry to avoid an unstable control condition is to have an experienced operator to switch the controller to manual, and make adjustments. After obtaining the desired PV, the controller is switched back to automatic. This research project focuses on eliminating this time loss, by implementing a knowledge-based controller, for intelligent decision-making. A FLC design tool, which allows full interaction, whilst designing the control algorithm, was used to optimize the control system. The design tool executed on a PC is connected to a PLC, which in turn is successfully integrated into the process plant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Naidoo, Puramanathan
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Fuzzy systems , Intelligent control systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Electrical Engineering)
- Identifier: vital:10813 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48 , Fuzzy systems , Intelligent control systems
- Description: Conventional control systems express control solutions by means of expressions, usually mathematically based. In order to completely express the control solution, a vast amount of data is required. In contrast, knowledge-based solutions require far less plant data and mathematical expression. This reduces development time proportionally. In addition, because this type of processing does not require involved calculations, processing speed is increased, since rule process is separate and all processes can be performed simultaneously. These results in improved product quality, better plant efficiency, simplified process, etc. Within this project, conventional PID control has already been implemented, with the control parameter adjustment and loop tuning being problematic. This is mainly due to a number of external parameters that affects the stability of the process. In maintaining a consistent temperature, for example, the steam flow rate varies, the hot well temperature varies, the ambient may temperature vary. Another contributing factor, the time delay, also affects the optimization of the system, due to the fact that temperature measurement is based on principle of absorption. The normal practice in industry to avoid an unstable control condition is to have an experienced operator to switch the controller to manual, and make adjustments. After obtaining the desired PV, the controller is switched back to automatic. This research project focuses on eliminating this time loss, by implementing a knowledge-based controller, for intelligent decision-making. A FLC design tool, which allows full interaction, whilst designing the control algorithm, was used to optimize the control system. The design tool executed on a PC is connected to a PLC, which in turn is successfully integrated into the process plant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
The development and assessment of both a separate, once-daily modified release matrix formulation of metoprolol tartrate and a combination formulation with hydrochlorothiazide
- Authors: Arjun, Jessica
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Metoprolol -- Controlled release , Chlorothiazide -- Controlled release , Diuretics , Hypertension -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3742 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003220 , Metoprolol -- Controlled release , Chlorothiazide -- Controlled release , Diuretics , Hypertension -- Treatment
- Description: The use of controlled release dosage forms has increased significantly in recent years as they result in increased patient compliance and higher therapeutic efficiency. This research focused on the development of a once daily dosage form that could be used for the treatment of hypertension. Both a separate sustained release dosage of metoprolol tartrate and a combination dosage form that included both an immediate release hydrochlorothiazide and a sustained release metoprolol component, were developed and evaluated. A matrix tablet, consisting of an ethylcellulose ranulation of metoprolol tartrate compressed into a hydrophilic hydroxypropyl methylcellulose polymer matrix, effectively sustained metoprolol release over a 22-hour experimental period. A multiparticulate combination dosage form that consisted of six coated mini matrix tablets of metoprolol and a powder blend of hydrochlorothiazide packed into a gelatin capsule, displayed zero order release kinetics for metoprolol release over 22 hours (r2=0.9946). The release of hydrochlorothiazide was found to be comparable to that of a commercially available product tested. Differential Scanning Calorimetry was used to identify possible incompatibilities between MPTA and excipients initially, and long term stability testing was used to assess to behaviour of the dosage form. Dissolution testing of the dosage forms was performed using USP Apparatus III, which was found to be more discriminating between the batches assessed. Dissolution curves were evaluated for similarity and difference using f1 and f2 fit factors. Samples were analyzed using a high performance liquid chromatographic method that was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of the compounds of interest. Various factors influencing drug release from the developed dosage forms were assessed and recommendations for further optimization of the formulation are made. Factors evaluated included the quantity of granulating fluid, matrix polymer content, drug load and process variables, including drying time and compression force. The influence of various coating levels on drug release was assessed and none of the levels assessed were found to adequately retarded drug release over a 22-hour period. Combinations of tablets coated to different levels allowed for the successful development of a sustained release metoprolol component, which could be included into the combination dosage form.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Arjun, Jessica
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Metoprolol -- Controlled release , Chlorothiazide -- Controlled release , Diuretics , Hypertension -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3742 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003220 , Metoprolol -- Controlled release , Chlorothiazide -- Controlled release , Diuretics , Hypertension -- Treatment
- Description: The use of controlled release dosage forms has increased significantly in recent years as they result in increased patient compliance and higher therapeutic efficiency. This research focused on the development of a once daily dosage form that could be used for the treatment of hypertension. Both a separate sustained release dosage of metoprolol tartrate and a combination dosage form that included both an immediate release hydrochlorothiazide and a sustained release metoprolol component, were developed and evaluated. A matrix tablet, consisting of an ethylcellulose ranulation of metoprolol tartrate compressed into a hydrophilic hydroxypropyl methylcellulose polymer matrix, effectively sustained metoprolol release over a 22-hour experimental period. A multiparticulate combination dosage form that consisted of six coated mini matrix tablets of metoprolol and a powder blend of hydrochlorothiazide packed into a gelatin capsule, displayed zero order release kinetics for metoprolol release over 22 hours (r2=0.9946). The release of hydrochlorothiazide was found to be comparable to that of a commercially available product tested. Differential Scanning Calorimetry was used to identify possible incompatibilities between MPTA and excipients initially, and long term stability testing was used to assess to behaviour of the dosage form. Dissolution testing of the dosage forms was performed using USP Apparatus III, which was found to be more discriminating between the batches assessed. Dissolution curves were evaluated for similarity and difference using f1 and f2 fit factors. Samples were analyzed using a high performance liquid chromatographic method that was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of the compounds of interest. Various factors influencing drug release from the developed dosage forms were assessed and recommendations for further optimization of the formulation are made. Factors evaluated included the quantity of granulating fluid, matrix polymer content, drug load and process variables, including drying time and compression force. The influence of various coating levels on drug release was assessed and none of the levels assessed were found to adequately retarded drug release over a 22-hour period. Combinations of tablets coated to different levels allowed for the successful development of a sustained release metoprolol component, which could be included into the combination dosage form.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
The development and evaluation of procedures for the synthesis of phenolic ethers by Baeyer-Villiger oxidation
- Authors: Hoffmann, Petra
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Ethers , Phenols
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:10955 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51 , Ethers , Phenols
- Description: A novel preparative method has been discovered in our laboratories which produces hydroxy-substituted phenolic ethers in a simple one-pot process. Initially it was found that 4-hydroxyacetophenone, when oxidized in the presence of ammonium peroxydisulfate and concentrated sulfuric acid in methanol, resulted in 4- methoxyphenol as product in high yield. Being novel, no information about the method was available in the literature, and hence it was our task to study the reaction more extensively. The scope of the reaction was investigated in that different reagents and substrates, as well as alternative oxidants, catalysts and alcohols (or reagents which may be envisaged to behave similarly to alcohols) were used. The studies showed that 4- hydroxy-substituted benzaldehyde and acetophenone, vanillin, fuchsones and stilbenequinones as substrates all successfully afforded the phenolic ether. Other oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide, sodium perborate etc. also afforded the phenolic ether but were less effective. The use of other acids than sulfuric acid resulted in comparable or lower yields of the desired phenolic ether. When the use of alcohols or similar reagents was varied, it was found that methanol, ethanol, benzyl alcohol, allyl alcohol, but-3-en-1-ol, hex-5-en-1-ol and undec-10-en-1-ol all afforded the desired ethers in significant yields. In an investigation to determine how this method may be useful for industrial applications, it was observed that compounds such as 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxysubstituted alkenyloxy phenols, having potential application as antioxidant precursors in the polymer industry, may be prepared. Results showed that the reaction became less efficient when the alkenyl chain length was increased. The use of different acids and oxidants, the change of the oxidant:substrate ratio and the addition of a potential lanthanide catalyst did not improve the yield of the desired ether. A mechanism for the reaction was proposed which involved an initial Baeyer-Villiger oxygen insertion step to afford an ester which was hydrolysed in situ to hydroquinone. The remaining oxidant was then involved in oxidizing some of the soformed hydroquinone to benzoquinone. It was then proposed that these two compounds, i.e., hydroquinone and benzoquinone, interacted with each other in solution, forming a charge-transfer complex. According to our proposal, the carbonyl group of the benzoquinone, when complexed with hydroquinone in solution, was then attacked by nucleophilic reagents such as alcohols. Etherification hence resulted as a consequence of this attack. A statistical experimental evaluation and optimization study was then performed which led to a system that produced the phenolic ether, 4-methoxyphenol, in an 86% yield. An analysis of the effects of the reaction parameters on the reaction showed that the reaction temperature and the oxidant:substrate ratio played a major role in deciding the effectiveness of the reaction, while the amount of substrate and acidic catalyst had a much smaller influence on the ether yields.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Hoffmann, Petra
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Ethers , Phenols
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:10955 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51 , Ethers , Phenols
- Description: A novel preparative method has been discovered in our laboratories which produces hydroxy-substituted phenolic ethers in a simple one-pot process. Initially it was found that 4-hydroxyacetophenone, when oxidized in the presence of ammonium peroxydisulfate and concentrated sulfuric acid in methanol, resulted in 4- methoxyphenol as product in high yield. Being novel, no information about the method was available in the literature, and hence it was our task to study the reaction more extensively. The scope of the reaction was investigated in that different reagents and substrates, as well as alternative oxidants, catalysts and alcohols (or reagents which may be envisaged to behave similarly to alcohols) were used. The studies showed that 4- hydroxy-substituted benzaldehyde and acetophenone, vanillin, fuchsones and stilbenequinones as substrates all successfully afforded the phenolic ether. Other oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide, sodium perborate etc. also afforded the phenolic ether but were less effective. The use of other acids than sulfuric acid resulted in comparable or lower yields of the desired phenolic ether. When the use of alcohols or similar reagents was varied, it was found that methanol, ethanol, benzyl alcohol, allyl alcohol, but-3-en-1-ol, hex-5-en-1-ol and undec-10-en-1-ol all afforded the desired ethers in significant yields. In an investigation to determine how this method may be useful for industrial applications, it was observed that compounds such as 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxysubstituted alkenyloxy phenols, having potential application as antioxidant precursors in the polymer industry, may be prepared. Results showed that the reaction became less efficient when the alkenyl chain length was increased. The use of different acids and oxidants, the change of the oxidant:substrate ratio and the addition of a potential lanthanide catalyst did not improve the yield of the desired ether. A mechanism for the reaction was proposed which involved an initial Baeyer-Villiger oxygen insertion step to afford an ester which was hydrolysed in situ to hydroquinone. The remaining oxidant was then involved in oxidizing some of the soformed hydroquinone to benzoquinone. It was then proposed that these two compounds, i.e., hydroquinone and benzoquinone, interacted with each other in solution, forming a charge-transfer complex. According to our proposal, the carbonyl group of the benzoquinone, when complexed with hydroquinone in solution, was then attacked by nucleophilic reagents such as alcohols. Etherification hence resulted as a consequence of this attack. A statistical experimental evaluation and optimization study was then performed which led to a system that produced the phenolic ether, 4-methoxyphenol, in an 86% yield. An analysis of the effects of the reaction parameters on the reaction showed that the reaction temperature and the oxidant:substrate ratio played a major role in deciding the effectiveness of the reaction, while the amount of substrate and acidic catalyst had a much smaller influence on the ether yields.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
The development of a balanced scorecard for strategic planning in a frozen vegetable processing plant
- Authors: Du Plessis, Francois
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Food industry and trade -- South Africa -- Management , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10887 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52 , Food industry and trade -- South Africa -- Management , Strategic planning
- Description: This research investigated the development of a balanced scorecard for a frozen vegetable processing plant. The balanced scorecard can be utilised as a strategic management and performance measurement system. First, an overview of the balanced scorecard concept was presented. Its four perspectives, namely financial, customer, internal business process, and learning and growth were explained. Thereafter, the process of developing a balanced scorecard was outlined and the translation of a firm’s vision into measurable objectives and targets was discussed. Finally, the literature study evaluated the development of balanced scorecards by means of selected case studies. This included an analysis of the successes and failures of balanced scorecards in practice. The research methodology consisted of: (a) A literature study to determine a framework for developing a balanced scorecard. (b) Interviews and workshops to gather the primary data required to develop a balanced scorecard. The development of a balanced scorecard for a frozen vegetable processing plant using the findings from (a) and (b) above. The following recommendations were made: · Targets and action plans should be developed for the outstanding strategic objectives of the plant, and all key performance measurements should be formalised on key performance area documents. All role players should be involved in this process. · All employees must be exposed to, and understand the plant’s vision, mission statement and the purpose of the balanced scorecard. · All employees need to understand how their actions impact on other employees and the well-being of the plant. They must have set objectives and targets that can be measured. · To increase the chance of a successful scorecard implementation, regular feedback must be provided to all employees, and managers must hold people accountable for using the system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Du Plessis, Francois
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Food industry and trade -- South Africa -- Management , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10887 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52 , Food industry and trade -- South Africa -- Management , Strategic planning
- Description: This research investigated the development of a balanced scorecard for a frozen vegetable processing plant. The balanced scorecard can be utilised as a strategic management and performance measurement system. First, an overview of the balanced scorecard concept was presented. Its four perspectives, namely financial, customer, internal business process, and learning and growth were explained. Thereafter, the process of developing a balanced scorecard was outlined and the translation of a firm’s vision into measurable objectives and targets was discussed. Finally, the literature study evaluated the development of balanced scorecards by means of selected case studies. This included an analysis of the successes and failures of balanced scorecards in practice. The research methodology consisted of: (a) A literature study to determine a framework for developing a balanced scorecard. (b) Interviews and workshops to gather the primary data required to develop a balanced scorecard. The development of a balanced scorecard for a frozen vegetable processing plant using the findings from (a) and (b) above. The following recommendations were made: · Targets and action plans should be developed for the outstanding strategic objectives of the plant, and all key performance measurements should be formalised on key performance area documents. All role players should be involved in this process. · All employees must be exposed to, and understand the plant’s vision, mission statement and the purpose of the balanced scorecard. · All employees need to understand how their actions impact on other employees and the well-being of the plant. They must have set objectives and targets that can be measured. · To increase the chance of a successful scorecard implementation, regular feedback must be provided to all employees, and managers must hold people accountable for using the system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
The development of a model of factors promoting leadership effectiveness in the private hospitals of Afrox Healthcare in the Port Elizabeth area
- Authors: Bosch, Wouter Conrad
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Management)
- Identifier: vital:10901 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53 , Leadership
- Description: Effective leadership is essential for the achievement of organisational success in the long term. Leadership is the central ingredient necessary for progress as well as for the development and survival of organisations, especially in a changing environment such as South Africa. In this study an evaluation of various leadership models was conducted and a model of factors promoting effective leadership has been developed and proposed. This model was then tested amongst managers in the Private Hospitals of Afrox Healthcare in the Port Elizabeth area. The following procedure was followed: Firstly, a literature study was undertaken to identify the various leadership approaches. Attention was mainly focused on the most recent or advanced approaches to leadership. Secondly, based on the most recent approaches to leadership, a model of factors promoting effective leadership has been developed and proposed. The key elements identified for effective leadership are contained in this model. Thirdly, an empirical study was conducted to test the proposed model of leadership. Lastly, the results of the empirical study were evaluated, conclusions were drawn and recommendations made, based on the information obtained from both the literature study and the empirical study. The model of factors of effective leadership that has been developed is a combination of : · Leader Behaviours, which includes the elements of vision, communication, planning and empowerment; · Follower Behaviours, consisting of identification with the leader and the leader’s vision, commitment, motivation and goal pursuit, as well as trust; and · Organisational Environmental factors, including organisational configuration, organisational structure and organisational culture. It is argued that when the factors contained in the model achieve synergy, leadership will be effective, leading to enhanced organisational performance and success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Bosch, Wouter Conrad
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Management)
- Identifier: vital:10901 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53 , Leadership
- Description: Effective leadership is essential for the achievement of organisational success in the long term. Leadership is the central ingredient necessary for progress as well as for the development and survival of organisations, especially in a changing environment such as South Africa. In this study an evaluation of various leadership models was conducted and a model of factors promoting effective leadership has been developed and proposed. This model was then tested amongst managers in the Private Hospitals of Afrox Healthcare in the Port Elizabeth area. The following procedure was followed: Firstly, a literature study was undertaken to identify the various leadership approaches. Attention was mainly focused on the most recent or advanced approaches to leadership. Secondly, based on the most recent approaches to leadership, a model of factors promoting effective leadership has been developed and proposed. The key elements identified for effective leadership are contained in this model. Thirdly, an empirical study was conducted to test the proposed model of leadership. Lastly, the results of the empirical study were evaluated, conclusions were drawn and recommendations made, based on the information obtained from both the literature study and the empirical study. The model of factors of effective leadership that has been developed is a combination of : · Leader Behaviours, which includes the elements of vision, communication, planning and empowerment; · Follower Behaviours, consisting of identification with the leader and the leader’s vision, commitment, motivation and goal pursuit, as well as trust; and · Organisational Environmental factors, including organisational configuration, organisational structure and organisational culture. It is argued that when the factors contained in the model achieve synergy, leadership will be effective, leading to enhanced organisational performance and success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
The development of a model to effectively utilise computer mediated communication to support assessment in a virtual learning environment
- Authors: Pullen, Grant
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction , Students -- Rating of , Communication in education -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Information Technology)
- Identifier: vital:10795 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54 , Computer-assisted instruction , Students -- Rating of , Communication in education -- Data processing
- Description: Programming lecturers are faced with logistical problems associated with evaluating students’ assignments. This dissertation will discuss the problems associated with paper- and electronic-based submission and evaluation systems. Managing student assignments is thus an important issue and this dissertation investigates how the computer can be used to help in both the management of programming assignments and giving of feedback for those assignments. Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) technologies offer a technical solution for the submission of assignments. CMC technologies are therefore studied and their use in the educational sphere discussed. Information Security is another important feature that is needed when using CMC for assignment management. A guideline showing the different features that an assignment management and feedback system would need was developed. Current systems that offer some assignment management features were studied and evaluated according to the guideline. A model was developed for the management of programming assignments. The model addresses the problems of paper-based and previous electronic submission systems and includes the assessment of the assignments. The viability of the model was determined by building and testing a prototype based on the model’s specifications. The prototype was evaluated within a second year Visual Basic programming class. The evaluation determined that there were areas that needed improvement, however the feedback was generally positive.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Pullen, Grant
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction , Students -- Rating of , Communication in education -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Information Technology)
- Identifier: vital:10795 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54 , Computer-assisted instruction , Students -- Rating of , Communication in education -- Data processing
- Description: Programming lecturers are faced with logistical problems associated with evaluating students’ assignments. This dissertation will discuss the problems associated with paper- and electronic-based submission and evaluation systems. Managing student assignments is thus an important issue and this dissertation investigates how the computer can be used to help in both the management of programming assignments and giving of feedback for those assignments. Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) technologies offer a technical solution for the submission of assignments. CMC technologies are therefore studied and their use in the educational sphere discussed. Information Security is another important feature that is needed when using CMC for assignment management. A guideline showing the different features that an assignment management and feedback system would need was developed. Current systems that offer some assignment management features were studied and evaluated according to the guideline. A model was developed for the management of programming assignments. The model addresses the problems of paper-based and previous electronic submission systems and includes the assessment of the assignments. The viability of the model was determined by building and testing a prototype based on the model’s specifications. The prototype was evaluated within a second year Visual Basic programming class. The evaluation determined that there were areas that needed improvement, however the feedback was generally positive.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001