A "lean-led-evaluation" of infrastructure development improvement programme in South Africa
- Monyane, Thabiso Godfrey, Emuze, Fidelis
- Authors: Monyane, Thabiso Godfrey , Emuze, Fidelis
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Accounting , Construction industry -- South Africa Project management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44929 , vital:38189
- Description: A doctoral study was embarked upon with the intentions of addressing cost management problems encountered on Infrastructure Delivery Projects in South Africa. Given that poor cost performance constitute hindrance to the realization of project goals, it is imperative to eliminate it from project delivery. The prevalence of cost overrun in public sector projects is a call to all stakeholders to address cost management issues in the construction industry. The predominance of cost overruns in public sector construction projects in South Africa has been observed. With the decline of the current economic conditions in South Africa, project performance is a great concern that needs attention. In addition, ineffective initiatives to curb the abuse of the procurement processes are directly affecting the outcomes of construction projects, and if these status quo remains, the sector will continue to have a bad image and continued waste of taxpayers’ money will not cease until the public sector remove non-value adding activities in their operations. Study adopted a mixed methods designed that collected both textual and statistical data. Semistructured interviews were undertaken to determine the outcomes of current project management practices in South Africa. In terms of performance of projects, the status quo paints a disconsolate picture. Findings reveal protracted processes, and the use of unqualified and inexperienced contribute to poor performance of public sector projects. Poor performance continues to dominate the construction sector, especially in the public sector. Interviews data were contrasted with evidence from project-related documents. Based on the data, the study produces a vignette of existing cost management frameworks applied to such projects. Encompassing various stages of the project delivery lifecycle, this vignette will enable an identification of the challenges afflicting cost management on projects. Accordingly, this study identified Lean opportunities from existing cost management practices. Such opportunities will enable identification of effective cost management during project delivery. There appears a need for collaborative cost management practices. Lean tools mentioned for improvement include the 5Whys, the big room, target value design, and the integration of design and construction. A collaborative cost management framework was developed through relevant theories to improve the cost management process of public sector projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Monyane, Thabiso Godfrey , Emuze, Fidelis
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Accounting , Construction industry -- South Africa Project management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44929 , vital:38189
- Description: A doctoral study was embarked upon with the intentions of addressing cost management problems encountered on Infrastructure Delivery Projects in South Africa. Given that poor cost performance constitute hindrance to the realization of project goals, it is imperative to eliminate it from project delivery. The prevalence of cost overrun in public sector projects is a call to all stakeholders to address cost management issues in the construction industry. The predominance of cost overruns in public sector construction projects in South Africa has been observed. With the decline of the current economic conditions in South Africa, project performance is a great concern that needs attention. In addition, ineffective initiatives to curb the abuse of the procurement processes are directly affecting the outcomes of construction projects, and if these status quo remains, the sector will continue to have a bad image and continued waste of taxpayers’ money will not cease until the public sector remove non-value adding activities in their operations. Study adopted a mixed methods designed that collected both textual and statistical data. Semistructured interviews were undertaken to determine the outcomes of current project management practices in South Africa. In terms of performance of projects, the status quo paints a disconsolate picture. Findings reveal protracted processes, and the use of unqualified and inexperienced contribute to poor performance of public sector projects. Poor performance continues to dominate the construction sector, especially in the public sector. Interviews data were contrasted with evidence from project-related documents. Based on the data, the study produces a vignette of existing cost management frameworks applied to such projects. Encompassing various stages of the project delivery lifecycle, this vignette will enable an identification of the challenges afflicting cost management on projects. Accordingly, this study identified Lean opportunities from existing cost management practices. Such opportunities will enable identification of effective cost management during project delivery. There appears a need for collaborative cost management practices. Lean tools mentioned for improvement include the 5Whys, the big room, target value design, and the integration of design and construction. A collaborative cost management framework was developed through relevant theories to improve the cost management process of public sector projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A change framework for introducing performance management in higher education: a case study
- Authors: Ndung’u, Agnes
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Education, Higher -- Evaluation Organizational change Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41796 , vital:36590
- Description: The South African Higher Education Act 101 of 1997 provides a legal framework for the management of higher education institutions based on quality assurance and accountability. As such, the Act mandates the introduction of performance management. Performance management is one of the most challenging areas of responsibility in the field of human resources management. The literature, as discussed in this study, reveals that performance management is a complex phenomenon and that the implementation of a performance management system is, for a variety of reasons, not always successful. Failure is mostly attributed to not taking a planned, scientific and collaborative approach to implementation, resulting to lack of buy-in from significant stakeholders. Specifically, the introduction of performance management in the higher education sector presents a unique challenge, as the process requires that stakeholders and especially academics, to shift from a traditional culture of collegiality to one in which accountability is measured by formal criteria. While existing literature does address the management of change in organisations, there is a paucity of literature on managing change with regards to performance management and specifically in the context of higher education. The purpose of this study was to develop and present a comprehensive change framework for introducing performance management in higher education. In order to provide a theoretical basis for the research, existing literature on performance management, change management as well as the higher education context was reviewed, to identify potential barriers to the implementation of performance management. A case study analysis was conducted on the implementation of performance management at a comprehensive university, which included presenting a historical timeline of implementation based on documented evidence, and reporting on open-ended interviews and focus groups conducted with significant stakeholders. The stakeholders included management, Human Resources (HR), academic staff, administrative and support staff, as well as trade union representatives. Key lessons were drawn and fused to develop a change framework for the introduction of performance management in higher education. The framework encapsulates key themes extracted from the literature and empirical study, with regard to readiness for change, planning, implementing and sustaining change, with cognisance of the unique context. The research revealed critical aspects for the successful implementation of performance management communication with and the involvement of stakeholders, the commitment of senior management, training, embedding the change in the organisational culture, and constantly evaluating the progress as a feedback loop for making improvements. The study demonstrates that planning the change process helps to improve the effectiveness of implementing performance management. A process framework for developing and introducing performance management in the context of higher education is created with a focus on how to create ownership through communication and involvement. The proposed framework serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners, especially those involved in higher education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ndung’u, Agnes
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Education, Higher -- Evaluation Organizational change Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41796 , vital:36590
- Description: The South African Higher Education Act 101 of 1997 provides a legal framework for the management of higher education institutions based on quality assurance and accountability. As such, the Act mandates the introduction of performance management. Performance management is one of the most challenging areas of responsibility in the field of human resources management. The literature, as discussed in this study, reveals that performance management is a complex phenomenon and that the implementation of a performance management system is, for a variety of reasons, not always successful. Failure is mostly attributed to not taking a planned, scientific and collaborative approach to implementation, resulting to lack of buy-in from significant stakeholders. Specifically, the introduction of performance management in the higher education sector presents a unique challenge, as the process requires that stakeholders and especially academics, to shift from a traditional culture of collegiality to one in which accountability is measured by formal criteria. While existing literature does address the management of change in organisations, there is a paucity of literature on managing change with regards to performance management and specifically in the context of higher education. The purpose of this study was to develop and present a comprehensive change framework for introducing performance management in higher education. In order to provide a theoretical basis for the research, existing literature on performance management, change management as well as the higher education context was reviewed, to identify potential barriers to the implementation of performance management. A case study analysis was conducted on the implementation of performance management at a comprehensive university, which included presenting a historical timeline of implementation based on documented evidence, and reporting on open-ended interviews and focus groups conducted with significant stakeholders. The stakeholders included management, Human Resources (HR), academic staff, administrative and support staff, as well as trade union representatives. Key lessons were drawn and fused to develop a change framework for the introduction of performance management in higher education. The framework encapsulates key themes extracted from the literature and empirical study, with regard to readiness for change, planning, implementing and sustaining change, with cognisance of the unique context. The research revealed critical aspects for the successful implementation of performance management communication with and the involvement of stakeholders, the commitment of senior management, training, embedding the change in the organisational culture, and constantly evaluating the progress as a feedback loop for making improvements. The study demonstrates that planning the change process helps to improve the effectiveness of implementing performance management. A process framework for developing and introducing performance management in the context of higher education is created with a focus on how to create ownership through communication and involvement. The proposed framework serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners, especially those involved in higher education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A co-constructed practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law
- Authors: Abdulla, Zurina
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Children's rights -- South Africa , Children -- Legal status, laws, etc --South Africa , Parent and child -- Research -- South Africa , Social work with youth -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30474 , vital:30949
- Description: The unique historical stressors linked to South Africa’s apartheid legacy, continues to manifest in the form of economic exclusion, social exclusion, inequality and poverty, with parents being subjugated to service users and extenders rather than included as service advocates, particularly in the child justice system. Furthermore, policies and practices do not include, engage and support parents on an intra and interpersonal level. Parents of children in conflict with the law, experience their children’s charge or arrest as well as their subsequent journey through the child justice system as a crisis resulting in their need for emotional, informational, practical and professional support during the child justice process. The similarities and differences between the contexts of child protection and child justice in supporting parents illuminates the existing gaps in child justice legislation, policy and practice resulting in a lack of support for parents during the child justice process. In the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, it is recognised that parents have a legal responsibility towards their children and that in fulfilling this responsibility parents can access support services to assist them when they face challenges in fulfilling this responsibility. In contrast, despite 80 percent of children in conflict with the law being released into parental care and parents expressing the need for support in fulfilling their parental responsibility, in this regard the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 fails to make provision for parents to access support services. The child justice system’s narrow focus on parents as service extenders contributes to parents’ being excluded from targeted support services resulting in parents’ support needs not being addressed. The lack of programmes and services aimed at supporting parents highlight the need for coordinated services that address the multiple stressors parents are exposed to. To this end, this study was aimed at coconstructing a practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law. The theoretical lenses employed in the current study namely; the Ecological systems model and the Buffering effect model describes the various systems parents need support from and the type of support they need from their family, community and professionals. Guided by a qualitative approach, the present study integrated applied research, in particular intervention design and development with participatory action research as it allowed systematic collaboration during the research process to ensure rigour. This study involved participants from two research sites namely, the Nerina One- Stop Child Justice Centre in Port Elizabeth and the Reception, Assessment and Referral office at the Uitenhage magistrates’ court. Employing a non-probability purposive sampling method, this study facilitated the participation of parents of children in conflict with the law and child justice officials who met the inclusion criteria, in the co-design and development of a practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law. Participants assumed an expert and collaborative role, which enabled the co-construction of knowledge, meaning and innovation of the practice model. Qualitative data collection methods namely, twelve focus groups and thirty two participant observations, were used to explore, co-construct, describe and design a practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law during the child justice process. Thematic analyses was employed to condense the data, search for codes, categories, themes, relationships and patterns in the data. Due to the research approach and design, data analysis was ongoing and informed design and development of the practice model. Based on the thematic analysis and synthesis both descriptive and analytic themes emerged. To ensure trustworthiness, this study employed various strategies to strengthen commitment, rigour, transparency and coherence. In addition, the participative research process, the inclusion of multiple forms of qualitative inquiry and the significance of the study contributed to the validity and quality of the study. Ethical considerations applicable to the study included participants’ voluntary participation, their informed consent and ensuring participants’ privacy or maintaining confidentially. Various strategies were employed to prevent or minimise risk to participants. The findings showed that formal sources of support, in particular, offer opportunities for parents to access individual and family counselling, parenting advice, and peer support. The study also highlighted the importance of recognising parents as a subsystem in the child justice system offers potential opportunities for inclusion of parents as co-facilitators of parenting programmes or support groups, as peer supporters during the child justice process. Parents’ inclusion as a partner in the child justice system is highlighted as an opportunity for parents to be able to vi participate in child justice fora, oversight committees and accreditation committees to influence policy, services and budget allocations for services to support parents of children in conflict with the law. This study’s contribution to the existing body of knowledge is an integrated, multidisciplinary, multi-phase co-constructed practice model that would enable inclusion of, and support for, parents of children in conflict with the law prior to, during and after the child justice. The co-constructed practice model (a) involves a continuum of parent-centred support for and inclusion of parents prior to, during and after the child justice process; (b) advances an inclusive and collaborative child justice system that views parents as important stakeholders in determining the type of services they need and being involved in developing practice; and (c) promotes parents as equal partners in decision making and policy making to influence legislation, policy and practice in the child justice system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Abdulla, Zurina
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Children's rights -- South Africa , Children -- Legal status, laws, etc --South Africa , Parent and child -- Research -- South Africa , Social work with youth -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30474 , vital:30949
- Description: The unique historical stressors linked to South Africa’s apartheid legacy, continues to manifest in the form of economic exclusion, social exclusion, inequality and poverty, with parents being subjugated to service users and extenders rather than included as service advocates, particularly in the child justice system. Furthermore, policies and practices do not include, engage and support parents on an intra and interpersonal level. Parents of children in conflict with the law, experience their children’s charge or arrest as well as their subsequent journey through the child justice system as a crisis resulting in their need for emotional, informational, practical and professional support during the child justice process. The similarities and differences between the contexts of child protection and child justice in supporting parents illuminates the existing gaps in child justice legislation, policy and practice resulting in a lack of support for parents during the child justice process. In the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, it is recognised that parents have a legal responsibility towards their children and that in fulfilling this responsibility parents can access support services to assist them when they face challenges in fulfilling this responsibility. In contrast, despite 80 percent of children in conflict with the law being released into parental care and parents expressing the need for support in fulfilling their parental responsibility, in this regard the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 fails to make provision for parents to access support services. The child justice system’s narrow focus on parents as service extenders contributes to parents’ being excluded from targeted support services resulting in parents’ support needs not being addressed. The lack of programmes and services aimed at supporting parents highlight the need for coordinated services that address the multiple stressors parents are exposed to. To this end, this study was aimed at coconstructing a practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law. The theoretical lenses employed in the current study namely; the Ecological systems model and the Buffering effect model describes the various systems parents need support from and the type of support they need from their family, community and professionals. Guided by a qualitative approach, the present study integrated applied research, in particular intervention design and development with participatory action research as it allowed systematic collaboration during the research process to ensure rigour. This study involved participants from two research sites namely, the Nerina One- Stop Child Justice Centre in Port Elizabeth and the Reception, Assessment and Referral office at the Uitenhage magistrates’ court. Employing a non-probability purposive sampling method, this study facilitated the participation of parents of children in conflict with the law and child justice officials who met the inclusion criteria, in the co-design and development of a practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law. Participants assumed an expert and collaborative role, which enabled the co-construction of knowledge, meaning and innovation of the practice model. Qualitative data collection methods namely, twelve focus groups and thirty two participant observations, were used to explore, co-construct, describe and design a practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law during the child justice process. Thematic analyses was employed to condense the data, search for codes, categories, themes, relationships and patterns in the data. Due to the research approach and design, data analysis was ongoing and informed design and development of the practice model. Based on the thematic analysis and synthesis both descriptive and analytic themes emerged. To ensure trustworthiness, this study employed various strategies to strengthen commitment, rigour, transparency and coherence. In addition, the participative research process, the inclusion of multiple forms of qualitative inquiry and the significance of the study contributed to the validity and quality of the study. Ethical considerations applicable to the study included participants’ voluntary participation, their informed consent and ensuring participants’ privacy or maintaining confidentially. Various strategies were employed to prevent or minimise risk to participants. The findings showed that formal sources of support, in particular, offer opportunities for parents to access individual and family counselling, parenting advice, and peer support. The study also highlighted the importance of recognising parents as a subsystem in the child justice system offers potential opportunities for inclusion of parents as co-facilitators of parenting programmes or support groups, as peer supporters during the child justice process. Parents’ inclusion as a partner in the child justice system is highlighted as an opportunity for parents to be able to vi participate in child justice fora, oversight committees and accreditation committees to influence policy, services and budget allocations for services to support parents of children in conflict with the law. This study’s contribution to the existing body of knowledge is an integrated, multidisciplinary, multi-phase co-constructed practice model that would enable inclusion of, and support for, parents of children in conflict with the law prior to, during and after the child justice. The co-constructed practice model (a) involves a continuum of parent-centred support for and inclusion of parents prior to, during and after the child justice process; (b) advances an inclusive and collaborative child justice system that views parents as important stakeholders in determining the type of services they need and being involved in developing practice; and (c) promotes parents as equal partners in decision making and policy making to influence legislation, policy and practice in the child justice system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A framework for ethical sourcing of construction materials
- Authors: Ibrahim, Kabir
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Environmental aspects -- Nigeria , Building materials -- Environmental aspects -- Nigeria Building -- Environmental aspects -- Nigeria Environmental protection -- Nigeria Conservation of natural resources -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42140 , vital:36629
- Description: Climate change and a speedily depreciating ecosystem are global challenges. These challenges are, in the main, attributed to activities in the construction industry, which relies heavily on the environment to provide materials. Studies show that the impact in developing countries is worse, due to the low level of awareness. Consequently, there is a dearth of research-based evidence on the ethics of sourcing of materials. This research aimed at changing that by investigating the ethics of materials sourcing in Nigeria. Epistemologically, the research is subjective and paradigmatically phenomenological. The methods used for data collection include a comprehensive literature review, collection of archival records, empirical studies of sixteen organisations that are involved in materials sourcing, transportation and production of eight construction materials across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria, that were purposefully selected. The findings reveal that the majority of the processes employed to source, transport and produce materials for the construction industry are not ethical environmentally due to their contribution to air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution and vibration, landscape damage, harm to flora and fauna and waste production. Furthermore, the study found that the majority of the organisations studied, do not produce sustainability reports for their operations. The study developed a framework for ethical sourcing of construction materials. The study recommends that organisations should utilise the framework developed in this study to enhance their sustainability practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ibrahim, Kabir
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Environmental aspects -- Nigeria , Building materials -- Environmental aspects -- Nigeria Building -- Environmental aspects -- Nigeria Environmental protection -- Nigeria Conservation of natural resources -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42140 , vital:36629
- Description: Climate change and a speedily depreciating ecosystem are global challenges. These challenges are, in the main, attributed to activities in the construction industry, which relies heavily on the environment to provide materials. Studies show that the impact in developing countries is worse, due to the low level of awareness. Consequently, there is a dearth of research-based evidence on the ethics of sourcing of materials. This research aimed at changing that by investigating the ethics of materials sourcing in Nigeria. Epistemologically, the research is subjective and paradigmatically phenomenological. The methods used for data collection include a comprehensive literature review, collection of archival records, empirical studies of sixteen organisations that are involved in materials sourcing, transportation and production of eight construction materials across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria, that were purposefully selected. The findings reveal that the majority of the processes employed to source, transport and produce materials for the construction industry are not ethical environmentally due to their contribution to air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution and vibration, landscape damage, harm to flora and fauna and waste production. Furthermore, the study found that the majority of the organisations studied, do not produce sustainability reports for their operations. The study developed a framework for ethical sourcing of construction materials. The study recommends that organisations should utilise the framework developed in this study to enhance their sustainability practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A framework to measure human behaviour whilst reading
- Salehzadeh, Seyed Amirsaleh, Greyling, Jean
- Authors: Salehzadeh, Seyed Amirsaleh , Greyling, Jean
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Computational intelligence , Machine learning Artificial intelligence Neural networks (Computer science)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43578 , vital:36921
- Description: The brain is the most complex object in the known universe that gives a sense of being to humans and characterises human behaviour. Building models of brain functions is perhaps the most fascinating scientific challenge in the 21st century. Reading is a significant cognitive process in the human brain that plays a critical role in the vital process of learning and in performing some daily activities. The study of human behaviour during reading has been an area of interest for researchers in different fields of science. This thesis is based upon providing a novel framework, called ARSAT (Assisting Researchers in the Selection of Appropriate Technologies), that measures the behaviour of humans when reading text. The ARSAT framework aims at assisting researchers in the selection and application of appropriate technologies to measure the behaviour of a person who is reading text. The ARSAT framework will assist to researchers who investigate the reading process and find it difficult to select appropriate theories, metrics, data collection methods and data analytics techniques. The ARSAT framework enhances the ability of its users to select appropriate metrics indicating the effective factors on the characterisation of different aspects of human behaviour during the reading process. As will be shown in this research study, human behaviour is characterised by a complicated interplay of action, cognition and emotion. The ARSAT framework also facilitates selecting appropriate sensory technologies that can be used to monitor and collect data for the metrics. Moreover, this research study will introduce BehaveNet, a novel Deep Learning modelling approach, which can be used for training Deep Learning models of human behaviour from the sensory data collected. In this thesis, a comprehensive literature study is presented that was conducted to acquire adequate knowledge for designing the ARSAT framework. In order to identify the contributing factors that affect the reading process, an overview of some existing theories of the reading process is provided. Furthermore, a number of sensory technologies and techniques that can be applied to monitoring the changes in the metrics indicating the factors are also demonstrated. Only, the technologies that are commercially available on the market are recommended by the ARSAT framework. A variety of Machine Learning techniques were also investigated when designing the BehaveNet. The BehaveNet takes advantage of the complementarity of Convolutional Neural Networks, Long Short-Term Memory networks and Deep Neural Networks. The design of a Human Behaviour Monitoring System (HBMS), by utilising the ARSAT framework for recognising three attention-seeking activities of humans, is also presented in this research study. Reading printed text, as well as speaking out loudly and watching a programme on TV were proposed as activities that a person unintentionally may shift his/her attention from reading into distractions. Between sensory devices recommended by the ARSAT framework, the Muse headband which is an Electroencephalography (EEG) and head motion-sensing wearable device, was selected to track the forehead EEG and a person’s head movements. The EEG and 3-axes accelerometer data were recorded from eight participants when they read printed text, as well as the time they performed two other activities. An imbalanced dataset consisting over 1.2 million rows of noisy data was created and used to build a model of the activities (60% training and 20% validating data) and evaluating the model (20% of the data). The efficiency of the framework is demonstrated by comparing the performance of the models built by utilising the BehaveNet, with the models built by utilising a number of competing Deep Learning models for raw EEG and accelerometer data, that have attained state-of-the-art performance. The classification results are evaluated by some metrics including the classification accuracy, F1 score, confusion matrix, Receiver Operating Characteristic curve, and Area under Curve (AUC) score. By considering the results, the BehaveNet contributed to the body of knowledge as an approach for measuring human behaviour by using sensory devices. In comparison with the performance of the other models, the models built by utilising the BehaveNet, attained better performance when classifying data of two EEG channels (Accuracy = 95%; AUC=0.99; F1 = 0.95), data of a single EEG channel (Accuracy = 85%; AUC=0.96; F1 = 0.83), accelerometer data (Accuracy = 81%; AUC = 0.9; F1 = 0.76) and all of the data in the dataset (Accuracy = 97%; AUC = 0.99; F1 = 0.96). The dataset and the source code of this project are also published on the Internet to help the science community. The Muse headband is also shown to be an economical and standard wearable device that can be successfully used in behavioural research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Salehzadeh, Seyed Amirsaleh , Greyling, Jean
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Computational intelligence , Machine learning Artificial intelligence Neural networks (Computer science)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43578 , vital:36921
- Description: The brain is the most complex object in the known universe that gives a sense of being to humans and characterises human behaviour. Building models of brain functions is perhaps the most fascinating scientific challenge in the 21st century. Reading is a significant cognitive process in the human brain that plays a critical role in the vital process of learning and in performing some daily activities. The study of human behaviour during reading has been an area of interest for researchers in different fields of science. This thesis is based upon providing a novel framework, called ARSAT (Assisting Researchers in the Selection of Appropriate Technologies), that measures the behaviour of humans when reading text. The ARSAT framework aims at assisting researchers in the selection and application of appropriate technologies to measure the behaviour of a person who is reading text. The ARSAT framework will assist to researchers who investigate the reading process and find it difficult to select appropriate theories, metrics, data collection methods and data analytics techniques. The ARSAT framework enhances the ability of its users to select appropriate metrics indicating the effective factors on the characterisation of different aspects of human behaviour during the reading process. As will be shown in this research study, human behaviour is characterised by a complicated interplay of action, cognition and emotion. The ARSAT framework also facilitates selecting appropriate sensory technologies that can be used to monitor and collect data for the metrics. Moreover, this research study will introduce BehaveNet, a novel Deep Learning modelling approach, which can be used for training Deep Learning models of human behaviour from the sensory data collected. In this thesis, a comprehensive literature study is presented that was conducted to acquire adequate knowledge for designing the ARSAT framework. In order to identify the contributing factors that affect the reading process, an overview of some existing theories of the reading process is provided. Furthermore, a number of sensory technologies and techniques that can be applied to monitoring the changes in the metrics indicating the factors are also demonstrated. Only, the technologies that are commercially available on the market are recommended by the ARSAT framework. A variety of Machine Learning techniques were also investigated when designing the BehaveNet. The BehaveNet takes advantage of the complementarity of Convolutional Neural Networks, Long Short-Term Memory networks and Deep Neural Networks. The design of a Human Behaviour Monitoring System (HBMS), by utilising the ARSAT framework for recognising three attention-seeking activities of humans, is also presented in this research study. Reading printed text, as well as speaking out loudly and watching a programme on TV were proposed as activities that a person unintentionally may shift his/her attention from reading into distractions. Between sensory devices recommended by the ARSAT framework, the Muse headband which is an Electroencephalography (EEG) and head motion-sensing wearable device, was selected to track the forehead EEG and a person’s head movements. The EEG and 3-axes accelerometer data were recorded from eight participants when they read printed text, as well as the time they performed two other activities. An imbalanced dataset consisting over 1.2 million rows of noisy data was created and used to build a model of the activities (60% training and 20% validating data) and evaluating the model (20% of the data). The efficiency of the framework is demonstrated by comparing the performance of the models built by utilising the BehaveNet, with the models built by utilising a number of competing Deep Learning models for raw EEG and accelerometer data, that have attained state-of-the-art performance. The classification results are evaluated by some metrics including the classification accuracy, F1 score, confusion matrix, Receiver Operating Characteristic curve, and Area under Curve (AUC) score. By considering the results, the BehaveNet contributed to the body of knowledge as an approach for measuring human behaviour by using sensory devices. In comparison with the performance of the other models, the models built by utilising the BehaveNet, attained better performance when classifying data of two EEG channels (Accuracy = 95%; AUC=0.99; F1 = 0.95), data of a single EEG channel (Accuracy = 85%; AUC=0.96; F1 = 0.83), accelerometer data (Accuracy = 81%; AUC = 0.9; F1 = 0.76) and all of the data in the dataset (Accuracy = 97%; AUC = 0.99; F1 = 0.96). The dataset and the source code of this project are also published on the Internet to help the science community. The Muse headband is also shown to be an economical and standard wearable device that can be successfully used in behavioural research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A leadership development model to enhance ethical governance in South Africa
- Authors: Els, Ryno Juan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Public administration -- Moral and ethical aspects Corporate governance Business ethics -- South Africa Africa Professional ethics Organizational behavior -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39863 , vital:35489
- Description: From the United States of America’s White House to the Vatican in Vatican City, from Harare, Zimbabwe to the Union buildings in South Africa, to large organisations like Volkswagen, BP and KPMG, leadership failures are prolific. Globalised and local leadership failures and scandals are plagued by narcissistic, toxic, corrupt and dishonest behaviour by heads of state, CEOs and clergy. The effect of executive leadership failures is that they set the tone for a corrupt culture that spirals negatively down to grass-roots level. Unethical leadership in organisations manifests in various ways including misconduct, deception and cheating. Apart from regular exposés of leadership scandals globally, there has been a notable increase in ethical leadership derailments caused by unethical behaviour. The question is why leaders, who are considered to understand value-based morality, engage in unethical behaviour when confronted with the opportunity. In recent, empirical research in behavioural ethics and moral psychology, it was found that morally sound leaders often indulge in unethical behaviour. Unethical leadership behaviour includes misdemeanours in tax returns, overstating performance, inflating business expense accounts, involvement in corruption, counter-productive work behaviour, being morally disengaged and being untruthful during negotiations. Recent research indicates that unethical leadership leads to an increase in poor governance and propels vicious cycles that have a negative impact on human development, economic growth and the environment. This research study includes traditional and contemporary leadership theories that have been evaluated as well as an in-depth discussion of the necessity and importance of ethical governance. An innovative, ethical leadership development model has been designed and aligned with servant, ethical, authentic and integrated leadership styles where spiritual, cultural and emotional intelligences play a significant role in leadership maturity. A fresh perspective on the King IV Report (2016) as an international benchmark together with other authoritative literature and case studies of unethical governance have been discussed to shed light on the latest leadership theories and ethics in the 21st century. The findings of this study have been tested statistically by means of structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings confirmed empirically that accountability, stakeholders’ interests and the regulatory environment need to be implemented by ethical leaders in order to enhance ethical governance. The lack of a practical, outcome-based, leadership development model provided an opportunity to develop an ethical leadership development model that would have a positive impact on ethical governance, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Els, Ryno Juan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Public administration -- Moral and ethical aspects Corporate governance Business ethics -- South Africa Africa Professional ethics Organizational behavior -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39863 , vital:35489
- Description: From the United States of America’s White House to the Vatican in Vatican City, from Harare, Zimbabwe to the Union buildings in South Africa, to large organisations like Volkswagen, BP and KPMG, leadership failures are prolific. Globalised and local leadership failures and scandals are plagued by narcissistic, toxic, corrupt and dishonest behaviour by heads of state, CEOs and clergy. The effect of executive leadership failures is that they set the tone for a corrupt culture that spirals negatively down to grass-roots level. Unethical leadership in organisations manifests in various ways including misconduct, deception and cheating. Apart from regular exposés of leadership scandals globally, there has been a notable increase in ethical leadership derailments caused by unethical behaviour. The question is why leaders, who are considered to understand value-based morality, engage in unethical behaviour when confronted with the opportunity. In recent, empirical research in behavioural ethics and moral psychology, it was found that morally sound leaders often indulge in unethical behaviour. Unethical leadership behaviour includes misdemeanours in tax returns, overstating performance, inflating business expense accounts, involvement in corruption, counter-productive work behaviour, being morally disengaged and being untruthful during negotiations. Recent research indicates that unethical leadership leads to an increase in poor governance and propels vicious cycles that have a negative impact on human development, economic growth and the environment. This research study includes traditional and contemporary leadership theories that have been evaluated as well as an in-depth discussion of the necessity and importance of ethical governance. An innovative, ethical leadership development model has been designed and aligned with servant, ethical, authentic and integrated leadership styles where spiritual, cultural and emotional intelligences play a significant role in leadership maturity. A fresh perspective on the King IV Report (2016) as an international benchmark together with other authoritative literature and case studies of unethical governance have been discussed to shed light on the latest leadership theories and ethics in the 21st century. The findings of this study have been tested statistically by means of structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings confirmed empirically that accountability, stakeholders’ interests and the regulatory environment need to be implemented by ethical leaders in order to enhance ethical governance. The lack of a practical, outcome-based, leadership development model provided an opportunity to develop an ethical leadership development model that would have a positive impact on ethical governance, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A model for using learners' online behaviour to inform differentiated instructional design in MOODLE
- Authors: Leppan, Ronald George
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Cyberspace -- Psychological aspects , Web applications in libraries Moodle Special education -- Computer programs Computer-assisted instruction -- Computer programs Open source software
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40393 , vital:36155
- Description: This thesis proposes a learning analytics-based process model, derived from a web analytics process, which aims to build a learner profile of attributes from Moodle log files that can be used for differentiated instructional design in Moodle. Commercial websites are rife with examples of personalisation based on web analytics, while the personalisation of online learning has not yet gained such widespread adoption. Several Instructional Design Models recommend that, in addition to taking prior knowledge and learning outcomes into account, instruction should also be informed by learner attributes. Learning design choices should be made based on unique learner attributes that influence their learning processes. Learner attributes are generally derived from well-known learning styles and associated learning style questionnaires. However, there are some criticisms of learning style theories and the use of questionnaires to create a learner profile. Attributes that can be inferred from learners’ online behaviour could provide a more dynamic learner profile. Education institutions are increasingly using Learning Management Systems, such as Moodle, to deliver and manage online learning. Moodle is not designed to create a learner profile or provide differentiated instruction. However, the abundant data generated by learners accessing course material presented in Moodle provides an opportunity for educators to build such a dynamic learner profile. Individual learner profiles can be used by educators who desire to tailor instruction to the needs of their learners. The proposed model was developed and evaluated using an iterative design focused approach that incorporates characteristics of a web analytics process, instructional design models, Learning Management Systems, educational data mining and adaptive education technologies. At each iteration, the model was evaluated using a technical risk and efficacy strategy. This strategy proposes a formative evaluation in an artificial setting. Evaluation criteria used include relevance, consistency, practicality and utility. The contributions of this thesis address the lack of prescriptive guidance on how to analyse learner online behaviours in order to differentiate learning design in Moodle. The theoretical contribution is a model for a dynamic data-driven approach to profile building and a phased differentiated learning design in a Learning Management System. The practical contribution is an evaluation of the expected practicality and utility of learner modelling from Moodle log files and the provision of tailored instruction using standard Moodle tools. The proposed model recommends that educators should define goals, develop Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to measure goal attainment, collect and analyse suitable metrics towards KPIs, test optional alternative hypotheses and implement actionable insights. To enable differentiated instruction, two phases are necessary: learner modelling and differentiated learning design. Both phases rely on the selection of suitable attributes which influence learning processes, and which can be dynamically inferred from online behaviours. In differentiated learning design, the selection/creation and sequencing of Learning Objects are influenced by the learner attributes. In learner modelling, the data sources and data analysis techniques should enable the discovery of the learner attributes that was catered for in the learning design. Educators who follow the steps described in the proposed model will be capable of building a learner profile from Moodle log files that can be used for differentiated instruction based on any learning style theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A model for using learners' online behaviour to inform differentiated instructional design in MOODLE
- Authors: Leppan, Ronald George
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Cyberspace -- Psychological aspects , Web applications in libraries Moodle Special education -- Computer programs Computer-assisted instruction -- Computer programs Open source software
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40393 , vital:36155
- Description: This thesis proposes a learning analytics-based process model, derived from a web analytics process, which aims to build a learner profile of attributes from Moodle log files that can be used for differentiated instructional design in Moodle. Commercial websites are rife with examples of personalisation based on web analytics, while the personalisation of online learning has not yet gained such widespread adoption. Several Instructional Design Models recommend that, in addition to taking prior knowledge and learning outcomes into account, instruction should also be informed by learner attributes. Learning design choices should be made based on unique learner attributes that influence their learning processes. Learner attributes are generally derived from well-known learning styles and associated learning style questionnaires. However, there are some criticisms of learning style theories and the use of questionnaires to create a learner profile. Attributes that can be inferred from learners’ online behaviour could provide a more dynamic learner profile. Education institutions are increasingly using Learning Management Systems, such as Moodle, to deliver and manage online learning. Moodle is not designed to create a learner profile or provide differentiated instruction. However, the abundant data generated by learners accessing course material presented in Moodle provides an opportunity for educators to build such a dynamic learner profile. Individual learner profiles can be used by educators who desire to tailor instruction to the needs of their learners. The proposed model was developed and evaluated using an iterative design focused approach that incorporates characteristics of a web analytics process, instructional design models, Learning Management Systems, educational data mining and adaptive education technologies. At each iteration, the model was evaluated using a technical risk and efficacy strategy. This strategy proposes a formative evaluation in an artificial setting. Evaluation criteria used include relevance, consistency, practicality and utility. The contributions of this thesis address the lack of prescriptive guidance on how to analyse learner online behaviours in order to differentiate learning design in Moodle. The theoretical contribution is a model for a dynamic data-driven approach to profile building and a phased differentiated learning design in a Learning Management System. The practical contribution is an evaluation of the expected practicality and utility of learner modelling from Moodle log files and the provision of tailored instruction using standard Moodle tools. The proposed model recommends that educators should define goals, develop Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to measure goal attainment, collect and analyse suitable metrics towards KPIs, test optional alternative hypotheses and implement actionable insights. To enable differentiated instruction, two phases are necessary: learner modelling and differentiated learning design. Both phases rely on the selection of suitable attributes which influence learning processes, and which can be dynamically inferred from online behaviours. In differentiated learning design, the selection/creation and sequencing of Learning Objects are influenced by the learner attributes. In learner modelling, the data sources and data analysis techniques should enable the discovery of the learner attributes that was catered for in the learning design. Educators who follow the steps described in the proposed model will be capable of building a learner profile from Moodle log files that can be used for differentiated instruction based on any learning style theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A multi-factor model for range estimation in electric vehicles
- Authors: Smuts, Martin Bradley
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electric vehicles , Hybrid electric vehicles Energy consumption Machine learning Information technology -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43589 , vital:36926
- Description: Electric vehicles (EVs) are well-known for their challenges related to trip planning and energy consumption estimation. Range anxiety is currently a barrier to the adoption of EVs. One of the issues influencing range anxiety is the inaccuracy of the remaining driving range (RDR) estimate in on-board displays. RDR displays are important as they can help drivers with trip planning. The RDR is a parameter that changes under environmental and behavioural conditions. Several factors (for example, weather, and traffic) can influence the energy consumption of an EV that are not considered during the RDR estimation in traditional on-board computers or third-party applications, such as navigation or mapping applications. The need for accurate RDR estimation is growing, since this can reduce the range anxiety of drivers. One way of overcoming range anxiety is to provide trip planning applications that provide accurate estimations of the RDR, based on various factors, and which adapt to the users’ driving behaviour. Existing models used for estimating the RDR are often simplified, and do not consider all the factors that can influence it. Collecting data for each factor also presents several challenges. Powerful computing resources are required to collect, transform, and analyse the disparate datasets that are required for each factor. The aim of this research was to design a Multi-factor Model for range estimation in EVs. Five main factors that influence the energy consumption of EVs were identified from literature, namely, Route and Terrain, Driving Behaviour, Weather and Environment, Vehicle Modelling, and Battery Modelling. These factors were used throughout this research to guide the data collection and analysis processes. A Multi-factor Model was proposed based on four main components that collect, process, analyse, and visualise data from available data sources to produce estimates relating to trip planning. A proof-of-concept RDR system was developed and evaluated in field experiments, to demonstrate that the Multi-factor Model addresses the main aim of this research. The experiments were performed to collect data for each of the five factors, and to analyse their impact on energy consumption. Several machine learning techniques were used, and evaluated, for accuracy in estimating the energy consumption, from which the RDR can be derived, for a specified trip. A case study was conducted with an electric mobility programme (uYilo) in Port Elizabeth, South Africa (SA). The case study was used to investigate whether the available resources at uYilo were sufficient to provide data for each of the five factors. Several challenges were noted during the data collection. These were shortages of software applications, a lack of quality data, technical interoperability and data access between the data collection instruments and systems. Data access was a problem in some cases, since proprietary systems restrict access to external developers. The theoretical contribution of this research is a list of factors that influence RDR and a classification of machine learning techniques that can be used to estimate the RDR. The practical contributions of this research include a database of EV trips, proof-of-concept RDR estimation system, and a deployed machine learning model that can be accessed by researchers and EV practitioners. Four research papers were published and presented at local and international conferences. In addition, one conference paper was published in an accredited journal: NextComp 2017 (Appendix C), Conference Paper, Pointe aux Piments (Mauritius); SATNAC 2017 (Appendix F), Conference Paper, Barcelona (Spain); GITMA 2018 (Appendix B), Conference Paper, Mexico City (Mexico); SATNAC 2018 (Appendix G), Conference Paper, George (South Africa), and IFIP World Computer Congress 2018 (Appendix E), Journal Article.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Smuts, Martin Bradley
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electric vehicles , Hybrid electric vehicles Energy consumption Machine learning Information technology -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43589 , vital:36926
- Description: Electric vehicles (EVs) are well-known for their challenges related to trip planning and energy consumption estimation. Range anxiety is currently a barrier to the adoption of EVs. One of the issues influencing range anxiety is the inaccuracy of the remaining driving range (RDR) estimate in on-board displays. RDR displays are important as they can help drivers with trip planning. The RDR is a parameter that changes under environmental and behavioural conditions. Several factors (for example, weather, and traffic) can influence the energy consumption of an EV that are not considered during the RDR estimation in traditional on-board computers or third-party applications, such as navigation or mapping applications. The need for accurate RDR estimation is growing, since this can reduce the range anxiety of drivers. One way of overcoming range anxiety is to provide trip planning applications that provide accurate estimations of the RDR, based on various factors, and which adapt to the users’ driving behaviour. Existing models used for estimating the RDR are often simplified, and do not consider all the factors that can influence it. Collecting data for each factor also presents several challenges. Powerful computing resources are required to collect, transform, and analyse the disparate datasets that are required for each factor. The aim of this research was to design a Multi-factor Model for range estimation in EVs. Five main factors that influence the energy consumption of EVs were identified from literature, namely, Route and Terrain, Driving Behaviour, Weather and Environment, Vehicle Modelling, and Battery Modelling. These factors were used throughout this research to guide the data collection and analysis processes. A Multi-factor Model was proposed based on four main components that collect, process, analyse, and visualise data from available data sources to produce estimates relating to trip planning. A proof-of-concept RDR system was developed and evaluated in field experiments, to demonstrate that the Multi-factor Model addresses the main aim of this research. The experiments were performed to collect data for each of the five factors, and to analyse their impact on energy consumption. Several machine learning techniques were used, and evaluated, for accuracy in estimating the energy consumption, from which the RDR can be derived, for a specified trip. A case study was conducted with an electric mobility programme (uYilo) in Port Elizabeth, South Africa (SA). The case study was used to investigate whether the available resources at uYilo were sufficient to provide data for each of the five factors. Several challenges were noted during the data collection. These were shortages of software applications, a lack of quality data, technical interoperability and data access between the data collection instruments and systems. Data access was a problem in some cases, since proprietary systems restrict access to external developers. The theoretical contribution of this research is a list of factors that influence RDR and a classification of machine learning techniques that can be used to estimate the RDR. The practical contributions of this research include a database of EV trips, proof-of-concept RDR estimation system, and a deployed machine learning model that can be accessed by researchers and EV practitioners. Four research papers were published and presented at local and international conferences. In addition, one conference paper was published in an accredited journal: NextComp 2017 (Appendix C), Conference Paper, Pointe aux Piments (Mauritius); SATNAC 2017 (Appendix F), Conference Paper, Barcelona (Spain); GITMA 2018 (Appendix B), Conference Paper, Mexico City (Mexico); SATNAC 2018 (Appendix G), Conference Paper, George (South Africa), and IFIP World Computer Congress 2018 (Appendix E), Journal Article.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A strategy for sustainable ICT development in deep rural environments
- Authors: Medupe, Tsietsi Jacob
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Information technology , Sustainable development Information technology -- Developing countries Rural development -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41438 , vital:36483
- Description: This study provides a strategy for sustainable Information and Communcation Technology (ICT) development in deep rural environments and describes a case study conducted within the community of the AmaJingqi traditional council. It investigates the sustainability of the ICT services within a rural environments, the income profile and affordability of different members of the community and the strategy formulation model. The study’s main focus is on creating a strategy to be used as a guideline for the successful development and implementation of sustainable ICT development in deep rural environments and on defining ICT Sustainability. Furthermore, the different ICT users are profiled based on affordability and access to services, and deep rural environments are also defined. Moreover, the study describes the complete composition of sustainable ICT. It discusses design science research methodology and the reasons why the method is used is motivated and advanced. The study also outlines various research paradigms and philosophies and a number of research strategies are also discussed. The literature review focuses on various policies and frameworks which have been formulated to advance the universal access of ICT services by rural communities. It also outlines some of the ICT initiatives which have failed and the reasons for the failures and what will be corrected for similar mistakes not to be repeated. The study discusses the concepts of a strategy framework that outlines the theoretical foundation of the strategy formulation model, strategy implementation and control. It also discusses the diagnostics and outlines the various strategy guiding polices. The strategy is validated, expert reviews are solicited and the strategy is revised and finalised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Medupe, Tsietsi Jacob
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Information technology , Sustainable development Information technology -- Developing countries Rural development -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41438 , vital:36483
- Description: This study provides a strategy for sustainable Information and Communcation Technology (ICT) development in deep rural environments and describes a case study conducted within the community of the AmaJingqi traditional council. It investigates the sustainability of the ICT services within a rural environments, the income profile and affordability of different members of the community and the strategy formulation model. The study’s main focus is on creating a strategy to be used as a guideline for the successful development and implementation of sustainable ICT development in deep rural environments and on defining ICT Sustainability. Furthermore, the different ICT users are profiled based on affordability and access to services, and deep rural environments are also defined. Moreover, the study describes the complete composition of sustainable ICT. It discusses design science research methodology and the reasons why the method is used is motivated and advanced. The study also outlines various research paradigms and philosophies and a number of research strategies are also discussed. The literature review focuses on various policies and frameworks which have been formulated to advance the universal access of ICT services by rural communities. It also outlines some of the ICT initiatives which have failed and the reasons for the failures and what will be corrected for similar mistakes not to be repeated. The study discusses the concepts of a strategy framework that outlines the theoretical foundation of the strategy formulation model, strategy implementation and control. It also discusses the diagnostics and outlines the various strategy guiding polices. The strategy is validated, expert reviews are solicited and the strategy is revised and finalised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A sustainable industrialisation model for the ocean economy of South Africa
- Authors: Williams, Mark
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Marine resources , Shipping -- Economic aspects Marine terminals -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44401 , vital:37164
- Description: South African role players recognise that when truly exploited and well-managed, the South African ocean economy can constitute a source of wealth and significantly increase South Africa’s fortunes and, by doing so, contribute towards the increased economic growth, employment growth and ultimately the development of South Africa. However, as a result of the multi-dimensional and complex nature of ocean economic systems, role players in South Africa faced the problem of identifying the factors that influence the success of sustainable industrialisation of the ocean economy of South Africa. The aim of this research was to contribute to the promotion and sustainable development of the ocean economy of South Africa, in an effort to address the challenge mentioned above. In order to achieve this aim, the objective was to develop and test a conceptual theoretical model which will assist industrialists and other role players in South Africa to increase their economic activities sustainably in the ocean economy. Evidence from this research indicated that if the factors influencing the industrialisation of the ocean economy could be identified, assessed and recommendations could be made which may contribute to the promotion and sustainable development of the ocean economy of South Africa. The focus of the literature study was firstly on the global perspective of the marine industry, particularly how nations around the world are involved in the various components of the ocean economy and the challenges, as well as issues, the world confronts in respect of the marine industry and secondly, to give consideration to global solutions that are relevant for South Africa. The research effort, furthermore, explored South Africa’s legislative, policy and other consideration that has a direct impact on the ocean economy. The literature study on both global and South African perspectives of ocean economies found ten major variables that influence the sustainability of the industrialisation of the ocean economy of South Africa. These variables include one intervening variable, infrastructure development as well as nine independent variables namely demand planning, strategic partnering, knowledge management, access to finance, institutional environment, value-chain integration, resource management, regulatory environment, and innovation. All variables were hypothesised as they were perceived to positively influence the dependent variable namely: the perceived success of sustainable industrialisation of the ocean economy of South Africa The influencing factors, defined and operationalised, were then structured in a questionnaire which was sent randomly to specialists in the ocean economies around the world. Data was collected from 246 respondents and subjected to various statistical analysis techniques. Firstly, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted to assess the discriminant validity of the research instrument. Secondly, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were calculated for each of the identified factors to confirm the reliability of the research instrument. The significance of the hypothesised relationships in the revised model was then tested by using the statistical technique known as Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The key contribution of this research to the South Africa’s ocean economy body of knowledge is as follows: The research into the contributing factors which influence the success of sustainable industrialisation of the ocean economy of South Africa, The development of a theoretical model for the industrialisation of the ocean economy of South Africa that can be used by role players in South Africa to promote economic activities sustainably in the ocean economy, The research investigated the ocean economy ecosystem, the global economic exploitation of the ocean and issues and challenges surrounding such exploitation, Consider South Africa’s own efforts at economic exploitation of the ocean and the issues and challenges surrounding such exploitation. Findings and recommendations on empirically accessed factors which significantly affect the likelihood of the sustainable development of the ocean economy of South Africa. In conclusion, the theoretical model and operational recommendations that are offered in this research do serve as a useful guideline as to what the key success factors are that will influence the sustainable industrialisation of the ocean economy of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Williams, Mark
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Marine resources , Shipping -- Economic aspects Marine terminals -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44401 , vital:37164
- Description: South African role players recognise that when truly exploited and well-managed, the South African ocean economy can constitute a source of wealth and significantly increase South Africa’s fortunes and, by doing so, contribute towards the increased economic growth, employment growth and ultimately the development of South Africa. However, as a result of the multi-dimensional and complex nature of ocean economic systems, role players in South Africa faced the problem of identifying the factors that influence the success of sustainable industrialisation of the ocean economy of South Africa. The aim of this research was to contribute to the promotion and sustainable development of the ocean economy of South Africa, in an effort to address the challenge mentioned above. In order to achieve this aim, the objective was to develop and test a conceptual theoretical model which will assist industrialists and other role players in South Africa to increase their economic activities sustainably in the ocean economy. Evidence from this research indicated that if the factors influencing the industrialisation of the ocean economy could be identified, assessed and recommendations could be made which may contribute to the promotion and sustainable development of the ocean economy of South Africa. The focus of the literature study was firstly on the global perspective of the marine industry, particularly how nations around the world are involved in the various components of the ocean economy and the challenges, as well as issues, the world confronts in respect of the marine industry and secondly, to give consideration to global solutions that are relevant for South Africa. The research effort, furthermore, explored South Africa’s legislative, policy and other consideration that has a direct impact on the ocean economy. The literature study on both global and South African perspectives of ocean economies found ten major variables that influence the sustainability of the industrialisation of the ocean economy of South Africa. These variables include one intervening variable, infrastructure development as well as nine independent variables namely demand planning, strategic partnering, knowledge management, access to finance, institutional environment, value-chain integration, resource management, regulatory environment, and innovation. All variables were hypothesised as they were perceived to positively influence the dependent variable namely: the perceived success of sustainable industrialisation of the ocean economy of South Africa The influencing factors, defined and operationalised, were then structured in a questionnaire which was sent randomly to specialists in the ocean economies around the world. Data was collected from 246 respondents and subjected to various statistical analysis techniques. Firstly, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted to assess the discriminant validity of the research instrument. Secondly, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were calculated for each of the identified factors to confirm the reliability of the research instrument. The significance of the hypothesised relationships in the revised model was then tested by using the statistical technique known as Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The key contribution of this research to the South Africa’s ocean economy body of knowledge is as follows: The research into the contributing factors which influence the success of sustainable industrialisation of the ocean economy of South Africa, The development of a theoretical model for the industrialisation of the ocean economy of South Africa that can be used by role players in South Africa to promote economic activities sustainably in the ocean economy, The research investigated the ocean economy ecosystem, the global economic exploitation of the ocean and issues and challenges surrounding such exploitation, Consider South Africa’s own efforts at economic exploitation of the ocean and the issues and challenges surrounding such exploitation. Findings and recommendations on empirically accessed factors which significantly affect the likelihood of the sustainable development of the ocean economy of South Africa. In conclusion, the theoretical model and operational recommendations that are offered in this research do serve as a useful guideline as to what the key success factors are that will influence the sustainable industrialisation of the ocean economy of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An assessment of school food and nutrition environments for strengthening the integrated school health policy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Okeyo, Alice Phelgona
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nutrition policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17039 , vital:40836
- Description: The 2012 Integrated School Health Policy (ISHP) offers a framework for adequate school food environment. It aims to contribute to the improvement of the general health of school-going children and to address health barriers to learning in order to improve education outcomes. This study assessed the school food and nutrition environment and critically appraised the position of nutrition within ISHP in order to make recommendations for best practice and promotion of healthy-eating in quintiles 1 – 3 secondary school learners of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Areas evaluated included the school food environment (National School Food Nutrition Programme, NSNP, tuck-shop, vendor, lunch box, and school vegetable garden); eating practice; nutrition knowledge; and nutrition status. A quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional design was applied in data collection. Data was collected from 1,357 learners at 18 secondary schools in three districts: Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Chris Hani and OR Tambo, using semi-structured questionnaires. Five major food items provided in the school food and nutrition environment included: beans, pap, sour-milk, rice, and samp (maize) (NSNP); chips, sandwich, pap, biscuits, and cake (tuck-shop); chips, sandwich, pap, cake, and pop-corn (vendor); and samp (maize), noodles, fat-cake, chips, and Russian/Viennas (lunch boxes). Only three of the 16 schools had school vegetable gardens which produced vegetables and no fruits. Five most frequently eaten foods for breakfast were porridge, rusks, stiff-pap, bread-with-spread, eggs, and polony. Learners from quintile 3 (60.8percent) significantly ate more cooked porridge than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (51.9percent) (p = 0.015). Leaners from quintile 3 (59.4percent) significantly ate more brown bread-with-spread than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (50.4) (p = 0.022). The majority of learners (72.7percent) ate breakfast; more male learners (24.4percent) than female learners (29.1percent) skipped breakfast. The majority (62.2percent) of learners had poor nutritional knowledge; significantly, more male (35percent) than female (27percent) learners had poor nutritional knowledge (p = 0.003). Nutritional knowledge increased with age; significantly more grade 8 learners had poor (42.6percent) nutritional knowledge than grade 12 learners (14.1percent) (p < 0.001). Leaners from quintile 3 had good (23.5percent) nutritional knowledge than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (15.7percent) (p < 0.001). School lessons, books and television were the most important source for nutritional information to learners. The most significant source was lessons (72.0percent; p < 0.001); followed by television (69.4percent; p < 0.001) and books (67.8percent; p = 0.014), in that ranking order. The majority of learners (64percent) had normal body weight. The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was 13.0percent, 15.0percent and 8.0percent, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in females than males (21.3percent vs 5.3percent; overweight; p < 0.001)) and (11.6percent vs 1.2percent; obesity; p < 0.001), respectively; while the prevalence in terms of underweight was significantly higher in male (21.3percent) learners than in female learners (8.1percent); p < 0.001. The study indicated that the school food environment was not supported by ISHP. The Integrated School Health Policy did not include on-site package for nutritional assessment, thus, there is need to offer nutritional interventions in schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Okeyo, Alice Phelgona
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nutrition policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17039 , vital:40836
- Description: The 2012 Integrated School Health Policy (ISHP) offers a framework for adequate school food environment. It aims to contribute to the improvement of the general health of school-going children and to address health barriers to learning in order to improve education outcomes. This study assessed the school food and nutrition environment and critically appraised the position of nutrition within ISHP in order to make recommendations for best practice and promotion of healthy-eating in quintiles 1 – 3 secondary school learners of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Areas evaluated included the school food environment (National School Food Nutrition Programme, NSNP, tuck-shop, vendor, lunch box, and school vegetable garden); eating practice; nutrition knowledge; and nutrition status. A quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional design was applied in data collection. Data was collected from 1,357 learners at 18 secondary schools in three districts: Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Chris Hani and OR Tambo, using semi-structured questionnaires. Five major food items provided in the school food and nutrition environment included: beans, pap, sour-milk, rice, and samp (maize) (NSNP); chips, sandwich, pap, biscuits, and cake (tuck-shop); chips, sandwich, pap, cake, and pop-corn (vendor); and samp (maize), noodles, fat-cake, chips, and Russian/Viennas (lunch boxes). Only three of the 16 schools had school vegetable gardens which produced vegetables and no fruits. Five most frequently eaten foods for breakfast were porridge, rusks, stiff-pap, bread-with-spread, eggs, and polony. Learners from quintile 3 (60.8percent) significantly ate more cooked porridge than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (51.9percent) (p = 0.015). Leaners from quintile 3 (59.4percent) significantly ate more brown bread-with-spread than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (50.4) (p = 0.022). The majority of learners (72.7percent) ate breakfast; more male learners (24.4percent) than female learners (29.1percent) skipped breakfast. The majority (62.2percent) of learners had poor nutritional knowledge; significantly, more male (35percent) than female (27percent) learners had poor nutritional knowledge (p = 0.003). Nutritional knowledge increased with age; significantly more grade 8 learners had poor (42.6percent) nutritional knowledge than grade 12 learners (14.1percent) (p < 0.001). Leaners from quintile 3 had good (23.5percent) nutritional knowledge than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (15.7percent) (p < 0.001). School lessons, books and television were the most important source for nutritional information to learners. The most significant source was lessons (72.0percent; p < 0.001); followed by television (69.4percent; p < 0.001) and books (67.8percent; p = 0.014), in that ranking order. The majority of learners (64percent) had normal body weight. The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was 13.0percent, 15.0percent and 8.0percent, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in females than males (21.3percent vs 5.3percent; overweight; p < 0.001)) and (11.6percent vs 1.2percent; obesity; p < 0.001), respectively; while the prevalence in terms of underweight was significantly higher in male (21.3percent) learners than in female learners (8.1percent); p < 0.001. The study indicated that the school food environment was not supported by ISHP. The Integrated School Health Policy did not include on-site package for nutritional assessment, thus, there is need to offer nutritional interventions in schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An evaluation of a profiling and selection process for apprentices in the South African automotive industry
- Authors: Puchert, Juliet Ingrid
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Artisans -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- South Africa Apprenticeship programs -- South Africa Occupational training -- South Africa Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43314 , vital:36791
- Description: The South African automotive industry is the biggest manufacturing sector and the largest contributor to the domestic economy. Within the national manufacturing sector, the artisan job family has been identified as a scarce and critical skill. Artisans are a number one area of concern with regard to filling vacancies in the country. The domestic economy as well as the effectiveness and success of the automotive industry could be negatively affected if this artisanal crisis is not adequately addressed. This study aimed to evaluate a profiling and selection process for apprentices in the South African automotive industry. A multiple-stage selection method was used to screen the applicants. The selection process included the following phases: application review, rating of the application documentation, aptitude testing, skills-based teamwork assessment and interviews. The researcher obtained access to the documentation generated through an annual apprentice selection process at a large multi-national automotive firm. The final sample consisted of 3 412 individuals that had applied for two types of apprenticeship programmes, namely, automotive electrician and millwright, across three intake years. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution tables and medians were used. Inferential statistical analysis, using survival analysis, was used to assess whether the survival curves were statistically different across the groups. The findings of this study are relevant to the South African automotive industry, as well as the manufacturing sector. The findings are also of value to human resource practitioners, educators, social scientists and other researchers. The 13 constructs investigated in the study showed a high association with longer survival time in the selection process. The positive evaluation of this selection process provides evidence to support its confirmation as the national selection tool. Four recommendations are proposed to the HRM field and four to the automotive industry. The multiple-hurdle selection process employed in this study should be replicated by the automotive industry in their selection of apprenticeship applicants. Standardisation practices, the use of on-line technology and the marketing of the apprenticeship position are also recommended. Furthermore, it is recommended that educational providers provide job preparation workshops to assist applicants to improve their survival opportunity within the selection processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Puchert, Juliet Ingrid
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Artisans -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- South Africa Apprenticeship programs -- South Africa Occupational training -- South Africa Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43314 , vital:36791
- Description: The South African automotive industry is the biggest manufacturing sector and the largest contributor to the domestic economy. Within the national manufacturing sector, the artisan job family has been identified as a scarce and critical skill. Artisans are a number one area of concern with regard to filling vacancies in the country. The domestic economy as well as the effectiveness and success of the automotive industry could be negatively affected if this artisanal crisis is not adequately addressed. This study aimed to evaluate a profiling and selection process for apprentices in the South African automotive industry. A multiple-stage selection method was used to screen the applicants. The selection process included the following phases: application review, rating of the application documentation, aptitude testing, skills-based teamwork assessment and interviews. The researcher obtained access to the documentation generated through an annual apprentice selection process at a large multi-national automotive firm. The final sample consisted of 3 412 individuals that had applied for two types of apprenticeship programmes, namely, automotive electrician and millwright, across three intake years. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution tables and medians were used. Inferential statistical analysis, using survival analysis, was used to assess whether the survival curves were statistically different across the groups. The findings of this study are relevant to the South African automotive industry, as well as the manufacturing sector. The findings are also of value to human resource practitioners, educators, social scientists and other researchers. The 13 constructs investigated in the study showed a high association with longer survival time in the selection process. The positive evaluation of this selection process provides evidence to support its confirmation as the national selection tool. Four recommendations are proposed to the HRM field and four to the automotive industry. The multiple-hurdle selection process employed in this study should be replicated by the automotive industry in their selection of apprenticeship applicants. Standardisation practices, the use of on-line technology and the marketing of the apprenticeship position are also recommended. Furthermore, it is recommended that educational providers provide job preparation workshops to assist applicants to improve their survival opportunity within the selection processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An exploration of HIV and aids disclosure among HIV-serodiscordant married couples in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Ndlela, Joshua Bongani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: HIV infections -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Stigma (Social psychology) , AIDS (Disease) -- Psychological aspects , HIV-positive persons -- Mental health , Disclosure of information , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Family relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41774 , vital:36580
- Description: Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence and incidence of HIV infection worldwide, mostly attributed to heterosexual transmission. Transmission in HIV-serodiscordant couples who have received joint voluntary counselling and testing ranges from 3% to 7% per year and only about 20% know that they are living in a discordant relationship. Disclosure is seen as a cornerstone for the prevention of HIV transmission between in HIV-serodiscordant married partners. It is argued that numbers of HIV-serodiscordant couples are most likely increasing; however, limited or no support is given to these couples as most because counselling interventions in South Africa do not provide for married heterosexual HIV-serodiscordant couples. The aim of the study was to identify the impact of disclosure of HIV and AIDS status on partners in HIV-serodiscordant married relationships. The second aim was to synthesize the findings to guide the development of contextualized counselling guidelines for married couples in HIV-serodiscordant relationships. Five HIV-serodiscordant married couples and 6 HIV and AIDS counsellors from a variety of settings in Nelson Mandela Bay, participated in this study. In this interpretive qualitative study, non-probability criteria, purposive sampling was used. Both participant groups are isiXhosa-speaking adults between the ages of 21 and 65 years and include both males and females. Qualitative data were gathered by means of audio-recorded semi structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, while Guba’s guidelines were used to enhance the trustworthiness of the research. Semi-structured interviews with HIV-serodiscordant married couples revealed 5 common themes and were: (a) confused environment of couples in HIV disclosure, (b) inconsistent delivery of healthcare information to HIV-serodiscordant couples, (c) relationship predicaments post disclosure, (d) partner support on sexual intimacy for married couples and (e) reactions of family, children and friends towards the HIV disclosure. The HIV and AIDS counsellors 3 common themes and were: (a) basic HIV and AIDS counselling skills, (b) organisational resources support of HIV counsellors and (c) suggestions to support HIV counsellors.. This study supports the view that further research be done in other related areas (gay, lesbians, bi-sexual relationships) and demystify this unknown or misunderstood notion needs to take place at a larger scale and probably incorporate quantitative surveys to supplement the current qualitative research. Implications for practise and avenues for research are considered in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ndlela, Joshua Bongani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: HIV infections -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Stigma (Social psychology) , AIDS (Disease) -- Psychological aspects , HIV-positive persons -- Mental health , Disclosure of information , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Family relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41774 , vital:36580
- Description: Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence and incidence of HIV infection worldwide, mostly attributed to heterosexual transmission. Transmission in HIV-serodiscordant couples who have received joint voluntary counselling and testing ranges from 3% to 7% per year and only about 20% know that they are living in a discordant relationship. Disclosure is seen as a cornerstone for the prevention of HIV transmission between in HIV-serodiscordant married partners. It is argued that numbers of HIV-serodiscordant couples are most likely increasing; however, limited or no support is given to these couples as most because counselling interventions in South Africa do not provide for married heterosexual HIV-serodiscordant couples. The aim of the study was to identify the impact of disclosure of HIV and AIDS status on partners in HIV-serodiscordant married relationships. The second aim was to synthesize the findings to guide the development of contextualized counselling guidelines for married couples in HIV-serodiscordant relationships. Five HIV-serodiscordant married couples and 6 HIV and AIDS counsellors from a variety of settings in Nelson Mandela Bay, participated in this study. In this interpretive qualitative study, non-probability criteria, purposive sampling was used. Both participant groups are isiXhosa-speaking adults between the ages of 21 and 65 years and include both males and females. Qualitative data were gathered by means of audio-recorded semi structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, while Guba’s guidelines were used to enhance the trustworthiness of the research. Semi-structured interviews with HIV-serodiscordant married couples revealed 5 common themes and were: (a) confused environment of couples in HIV disclosure, (b) inconsistent delivery of healthcare information to HIV-serodiscordant couples, (c) relationship predicaments post disclosure, (d) partner support on sexual intimacy for married couples and (e) reactions of family, children and friends towards the HIV disclosure. The HIV and AIDS counsellors 3 common themes and were: (a) basic HIV and AIDS counselling skills, (b) organisational resources support of HIV counsellors and (c) suggestions to support HIV counsellors.. This study supports the view that further research be done in other related areas (gay, lesbians, bi-sexual relationships) and demystify this unknown or misunderstood notion needs to take place at a larger scale and probably incorporate quantitative surveys to supplement the current qualitative research. Implications for practise and avenues for research are considered in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An investigation of plant conservation strategies employed in Makhanda, South Africa: an educational exploration
- Authors: Cimi, Pumlani Viwe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Plant conservation , Rare plants Biodiversity conservation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37979 , vital:34276
- Description: The school curriculum in South Africa gives educators the freedom to design and organise learning experiences according to their local circumstances and availability of resources. In that context, this study advocates conservation education through use of plants on school grounds and visits to local herbaria and botanical gardens as part of the school curriculum. Trees growing on street verges in town suburbs are also a resource that could be using for teaching. School learners from three schools representing different areas of Makhanda (Grahamstown) participated in plant-related activities and were surveyed to determine their prior knowledge about plants and plant conservation. Learners answered a series of questions in writing using a funnel sequence and the inverted funnel sequence in questionnaire design. This motivated respondents to co-operate and fully complete a questionnaire. In addition, the non-participant observation technique was used to capture behavioural reactions to the activities in order to supplement the data generated through questionnaires and interviews. This proved to be a purposeful, systematic and a selective way of watching and listening to an interaction phenomenon as it takes place. Interviews and questionnaires revealed that most Makhanda residents (especially in rural and township areas) use traditional medicine and medicinal plants to treat many diseases. They also use plants for cultural activities. Traditional remedies are practised among the rural and township communities because of ease of availability, convenience, and also due to social, psychological and cultural reasons. Medicinal plants have been increasingly recognized for their role not only for health care, but also for improving the economic status. Community members and street vendors were also questioned using semi-structured interviews. Open-ended questions were used successfully to assess the person’s knowledge, attitudes, opinions, beliefs and feelings. This type of interview ensures that a specific question does not lose its purpose. These interviews were used to determine how community members see, interpret and relate to nature. In the interviews, I also assessed the real needs of the local communities because there is a tendency to think that our power, knowledge and resources can give us the right to predict what communities really need without actually asking them. When our imposed initiatives fail, we often accuse these communities of a lack of interest in our issue of interest. Documents on plants and their uses kept in the Selmar Schönland Herbarium were compared with the information given by community members and street vendors. Xhosa plant names and ethnobotanical information given by the community members and street vendors was used to augment existing information on plant use. A further aim of this study was to investigate the potential use of plant resources provided by the street trees and gardens for education. Makhanda streets were sampled and, of the 1 435 plants that were countered from 17 streets, only 15 indigenous species were represented, while 20 alien species were recorded. These trees can be used for lessons on both alien and indigenous plants. Notable differences in tree density and species richness were evident across suburbs with the highest density and richness found in the more affluent suburbs and poor representation of trees in the township. This will affect learner perceptions and viewpoints. The results from the analysed data revealed that use of the school grounds, botanical gardens, the local herbarium and town streets are effective in plant conservation education in schools and communities. These types of resources could be used for environmental education for future generations in South Africa and all over the world.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Cimi, Pumlani Viwe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Plant conservation , Rare plants Biodiversity conservation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37979 , vital:34276
- Description: The school curriculum in South Africa gives educators the freedom to design and organise learning experiences according to their local circumstances and availability of resources. In that context, this study advocates conservation education through use of plants on school grounds and visits to local herbaria and botanical gardens as part of the school curriculum. Trees growing on street verges in town suburbs are also a resource that could be using for teaching. School learners from three schools representing different areas of Makhanda (Grahamstown) participated in plant-related activities and were surveyed to determine their prior knowledge about plants and plant conservation. Learners answered a series of questions in writing using a funnel sequence and the inverted funnel sequence in questionnaire design. This motivated respondents to co-operate and fully complete a questionnaire. In addition, the non-participant observation technique was used to capture behavioural reactions to the activities in order to supplement the data generated through questionnaires and interviews. This proved to be a purposeful, systematic and a selective way of watching and listening to an interaction phenomenon as it takes place. Interviews and questionnaires revealed that most Makhanda residents (especially in rural and township areas) use traditional medicine and medicinal plants to treat many diseases. They also use plants for cultural activities. Traditional remedies are practised among the rural and township communities because of ease of availability, convenience, and also due to social, psychological and cultural reasons. Medicinal plants have been increasingly recognized for their role not only for health care, but also for improving the economic status. Community members and street vendors were also questioned using semi-structured interviews. Open-ended questions were used successfully to assess the person’s knowledge, attitudes, opinions, beliefs and feelings. This type of interview ensures that a specific question does not lose its purpose. These interviews were used to determine how community members see, interpret and relate to nature. In the interviews, I also assessed the real needs of the local communities because there is a tendency to think that our power, knowledge and resources can give us the right to predict what communities really need without actually asking them. When our imposed initiatives fail, we often accuse these communities of a lack of interest in our issue of interest. Documents on plants and their uses kept in the Selmar Schönland Herbarium were compared with the information given by community members and street vendors. Xhosa plant names and ethnobotanical information given by the community members and street vendors was used to augment existing information on plant use. A further aim of this study was to investigate the potential use of plant resources provided by the street trees and gardens for education. Makhanda streets were sampled and, of the 1 435 plants that were countered from 17 streets, only 15 indigenous species were represented, while 20 alien species were recorded. These trees can be used for lessons on both alien and indigenous plants. Notable differences in tree density and species richness were evident across suburbs with the highest density and richness found in the more affluent suburbs and poor representation of trees in the township. This will affect learner perceptions and viewpoints. The results from the analysed data revealed that use of the school grounds, botanical gardens, the local herbarium and town streets are effective in plant conservation education in schools and communities. These types of resources could be used for environmental education for future generations in South Africa and all over the world.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Antecedents and influence of the union-management relationship on employee relationships in the automotive, component and metal industries in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole
- Authors: Bowler, Jennifer
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Industrial relations, South Africa , Psychology, Industrial Work environment Industrial relations Labor unions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37150 , vital:34126
- Description: South Africa is consistently portrayed as having uncooperative union-management relationships which negatively impact competitiveness. However, the post-1994 labour legislation was specifically crafted with the intention of positioning the adversarial wealth distribution phase of the union-management relationship within centralised bargaining forums and promoting cooperative relationships within workplaces. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether within the South Africa context of global competitiveness, the employment relations institutions of centralised and decentralised collective bargaining, employee participation and involvement, in the context of organisational justice, have contributed to management, shop stewards and production employees developing effective1 collective and individual employment relationships positively associated with competitive individual and company performance. The targeted population were companies within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area that were registered with one of the four bargaining councils, Automotive (NBF), Automotive component (MIBCO), New Tyre (NTMIBC) and Metal and Engineering (MEIBC). In addition, since the National Union of Metal Workers was the dominant union in all four of these councils, an additional criterion for potential participation was at least one NUMSA shop steward. Fourteen companies agreed to participate. In total 63 shop stewards, 82 managers and 660 production employees were surveyed using self-administered questionnaires. The results of the study identified that the three major stakeholders hold significantly different perceptions regarding the quality of the management-shop steward relationship, with management the most positive and production employees the least. Further, investigating the factors that influence the perceptions that management and shop stewards have of their relationship, it was identified that for management the most influential factor was their beliefs regarding the interdependent nature of the relationship. For the shop stewards the situation was more nuanced with beliefs regarding interdependence, the perceptions of shop steward-management climate within the bargaining council, satisfaction 1 Definition of an effective employment relationship: An effective employment relationship is one in which the parties successfully resolve issues arising from their conflicting interests and successfully pursue joint gains where they share common interests (Kochan & Katz, 1988) with bargaining council agreements and workplace human resource practices and procedural fairness all contributing factors to the quality of the shop steward-management relationship. The model tested for production employees investigated the relationship between the factors human resource practices, procedural fairness, the standardisation of work, the employees’ perception of the shop steward-management relationship and the relationship of the employees with both their supervisor and the organisation. The primary finding was that the perception that the production employees held regarding the shop steward-management relationship fully mediated the employees’ relationship with the organisation and partially mediated that with the supervisor. These findings confirm the mediating position occupied by shop stewards within unionised companies and without derogating the importance of supervisory-employee relationships, indicated the central importance of the management-shop steward relations in forging strong employee-manager and employee-organisational bonds. While the original purpose of the study included investigating the link between the key employment relationships, namely, shop steward-management, employee-supervisor and employee-organisation relationships, and company competitiveness, unfortunately due to the limited number of companies that participated, it was not possible to test a company level model that included company performance. However, tentative support was found for relationships between the shop steward-management relationship and company performance. This remains an area for further study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Bowler, Jennifer
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Industrial relations, South Africa , Psychology, Industrial Work environment Industrial relations Labor unions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37150 , vital:34126
- Description: South Africa is consistently portrayed as having uncooperative union-management relationships which negatively impact competitiveness. However, the post-1994 labour legislation was specifically crafted with the intention of positioning the adversarial wealth distribution phase of the union-management relationship within centralised bargaining forums and promoting cooperative relationships within workplaces. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether within the South Africa context of global competitiveness, the employment relations institutions of centralised and decentralised collective bargaining, employee participation and involvement, in the context of organisational justice, have contributed to management, shop stewards and production employees developing effective1 collective and individual employment relationships positively associated with competitive individual and company performance. The targeted population were companies within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area that were registered with one of the four bargaining councils, Automotive (NBF), Automotive component (MIBCO), New Tyre (NTMIBC) and Metal and Engineering (MEIBC). In addition, since the National Union of Metal Workers was the dominant union in all four of these councils, an additional criterion for potential participation was at least one NUMSA shop steward. Fourteen companies agreed to participate. In total 63 shop stewards, 82 managers and 660 production employees were surveyed using self-administered questionnaires. The results of the study identified that the three major stakeholders hold significantly different perceptions regarding the quality of the management-shop steward relationship, with management the most positive and production employees the least. Further, investigating the factors that influence the perceptions that management and shop stewards have of their relationship, it was identified that for management the most influential factor was their beliefs regarding the interdependent nature of the relationship. For the shop stewards the situation was more nuanced with beliefs regarding interdependence, the perceptions of shop steward-management climate within the bargaining council, satisfaction 1 Definition of an effective employment relationship: An effective employment relationship is one in which the parties successfully resolve issues arising from their conflicting interests and successfully pursue joint gains where they share common interests (Kochan & Katz, 1988) with bargaining council agreements and workplace human resource practices and procedural fairness all contributing factors to the quality of the shop steward-management relationship. The model tested for production employees investigated the relationship between the factors human resource practices, procedural fairness, the standardisation of work, the employees’ perception of the shop steward-management relationship and the relationship of the employees with both their supervisor and the organisation. The primary finding was that the perception that the production employees held regarding the shop steward-management relationship fully mediated the employees’ relationship with the organisation and partially mediated that with the supervisor. These findings confirm the mediating position occupied by shop stewards within unionised companies and without derogating the importance of supervisory-employee relationships, indicated the central importance of the management-shop steward relations in forging strong employee-manager and employee-organisational bonds. While the original purpose of the study included investigating the link between the key employment relationships, namely, shop steward-management, employee-supervisor and employee-organisation relationships, and company competitiveness, unfortunately due to the limited number of companies that participated, it was not possible to test a company level model that included company performance. However, tentative support was found for relationships between the shop steward-management relationship and company performance. This remains an area for further study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Anthropological study on perceptions of gender inequality in soccer: the case of selected Tsakane township schools
- Bogopa, David Legodi, Kwatsha, Linda
- Authors: Bogopa, David Legodi , Kwatsha, Linda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gender mainstreaming -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Sex discrimination Sex discrimination against women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45172 , vital:38260
- Description: This study sought to investigate the perception of gender inequality within sport policies in Gauteng province at the two schools, namely, Khombindlela Primary School and Reshogofaditswe Secondary School. The aim of this research was to determine the meaning of gender inequality from an anthropological perspective within the context of soccer in Gauteng Province at the two schools, namely, Khombindlela Primary School and Reshogofaditswe Secondary School and also to understand the issue of gender inequality in soccer in the post-apartheid period. The research objectives were as follows, firstly, to determine the impact of gender inequality in soccer at the two schools, namely, Khombindlela Primary School and Reshogofaditswe Secondary School. Secondly, the research sought to provide the recommendations for policy improvement within soccer in Gauteng Province and possibly at the nation level. Thirdly, the research also sought to add to the existing anthropological knowledge base on the impact of gender inequality on policy development relating to soccer. This research has followed the qualitative approach which includes, person to person interviews using an interview schedule. The researcher has also used observation as a research tool during the interviews. The data collection techniques employed in this study included interviews and observation (primary sources) and information gathered from relevant scholarly journals, books, newspapers, magazines, internet articles and sport policy documents (secondary sources). Ethics considerations were also covered from the proposal stage up to the final stage. The Marxist Feminist theoretical framework was used to understand issues of gender inequality in soccer particularly within the context of two Tsakane township schools, namely, Khombindlela Primary School and Reshogofaditswe Secondary School. Finally, a summary of each chapter was highlighted followed by the research findings and recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Bogopa, David Legodi , Kwatsha, Linda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gender mainstreaming -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Sex discrimination Sex discrimination against women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45172 , vital:38260
- Description: This study sought to investigate the perception of gender inequality within sport policies in Gauteng province at the two schools, namely, Khombindlela Primary School and Reshogofaditswe Secondary School. The aim of this research was to determine the meaning of gender inequality from an anthropological perspective within the context of soccer in Gauteng Province at the two schools, namely, Khombindlela Primary School and Reshogofaditswe Secondary School and also to understand the issue of gender inequality in soccer in the post-apartheid period. The research objectives were as follows, firstly, to determine the impact of gender inequality in soccer at the two schools, namely, Khombindlela Primary School and Reshogofaditswe Secondary School. Secondly, the research sought to provide the recommendations for policy improvement within soccer in Gauteng Province and possibly at the nation level. Thirdly, the research also sought to add to the existing anthropological knowledge base on the impact of gender inequality on policy development relating to soccer. This research has followed the qualitative approach which includes, person to person interviews using an interview schedule. The researcher has also used observation as a research tool during the interviews. The data collection techniques employed in this study included interviews and observation (primary sources) and information gathered from relevant scholarly journals, books, newspapers, magazines, internet articles and sport policy documents (secondary sources). Ethics considerations were also covered from the proposal stage up to the final stage. The Marxist Feminist theoretical framework was used to understand issues of gender inequality in soccer particularly within the context of two Tsakane township schools, namely, Khombindlela Primary School and Reshogofaditswe Secondary School. Finally, a summary of each chapter was highlighted followed by the research findings and recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Applying anthropological perspectives in criminal procedures involving murder in Port Elizabeth, 2000-2016
- Authors: Thornton, Jessica Leigh
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Murder -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Crime -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Law enforcement -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Criminology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45238 , vital:38335
- Description: With the spike of annual reported murders in South Africa, the country is continuing to climb the global rank of the world’s most violent countries. In 2016 alone, there were over nineteen thousand reported murders, equalling over fifty murders per day, with the Eastern Cape holding position as the province with the highest murder rate. Studies indicate that Port Elizabeth is the hardest hit by crime, adding up to 60% of all reported crimes in the province and despite the use of a ‘catch and convict’ only approach in criminal proceedings, violence and crime are still highly prevalent. Thus, overall the situation suggests that it may be beyond law enforcement control and even though the South African Police Service have taken some progressive steps in reforming procedures, generally, these have been too little and too late, as the reforms introduced are piecemeal and crisis driven. This thesis, therefore, proposes that additional approaches may be needed to improve investigations of the most pernicious crimes. Here, the focus is on the role of culture and social life in ‘murder-scapes’ with a critical contribution of the ‘habitus’ of murder allowing for the meaningful engagement with criminal acts, policing, sentencing, imprisonment and probation. In this regard, perspectives drawn from anthropology can possibly assist law enforcement officials in their steps of investigating a murder by providing a more ethnographic, holistic and integrated narrative in all areas of a criminal proceeding. An efficacious and constructive interpretation of the different subcultures, crime scene processing, profiles development, testimony documentation and participation production with the police force and task teams can assist in redirecting and reappraising current practises that prove incompetent. That is, in attempting to review the current procedures conducted by law enforcers to identify how and where anthropological and ethnographical knowledge can be applied and successfully utilised, an assessment may aid officials in better investigative practises which could have implications for wider lenses making use of action, investigation, containment, prevention and rehabilitation. By advancing a deep understanding of the issue of murder in the South African context, implications for a wider, equally modernising and equally troubled society in the global South can be inferred.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Thornton, Jessica Leigh
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Murder -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Crime -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Law enforcement -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Criminology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45238 , vital:38335
- Description: With the spike of annual reported murders in South Africa, the country is continuing to climb the global rank of the world’s most violent countries. In 2016 alone, there were over nineteen thousand reported murders, equalling over fifty murders per day, with the Eastern Cape holding position as the province with the highest murder rate. Studies indicate that Port Elizabeth is the hardest hit by crime, adding up to 60% of all reported crimes in the province and despite the use of a ‘catch and convict’ only approach in criminal proceedings, violence and crime are still highly prevalent. Thus, overall the situation suggests that it may be beyond law enforcement control and even though the South African Police Service have taken some progressive steps in reforming procedures, generally, these have been too little and too late, as the reforms introduced are piecemeal and crisis driven. This thesis, therefore, proposes that additional approaches may be needed to improve investigations of the most pernicious crimes. Here, the focus is on the role of culture and social life in ‘murder-scapes’ with a critical contribution of the ‘habitus’ of murder allowing for the meaningful engagement with criminal acts, policing, sentencing, imprisonment and probation. In this regard, perspectives drawn from anthropology can possibly assist law enforcement officials in their steps of investigating a murder by providing a more ethnographic, holistic and integrated narrative in all areas of a criminal proceeding. An efficacious and constructive interpretation of the different subcultures, crime scene processing, profiles development, testimony documentation and participation production with the police force and task teams can assist in redirecting and reappraising current practises that prove incompetent. That is, in attempting to review the current procedures conducted by law enforcers to identify how and where anthropological and ethnographical knowledge can be applied and successfully utilised, an assessment may aid officials in better investigative practises which could have implications for wider lenses making use of action, investigation, containment, prevention and rehabilitation. By advancing a deep understanding of the issue of murder in the South African context, implications for a wider, equally modernising and equally troubled society in the global South can be inferred.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Attachment styles, coping strategies, personal meaning, and mental health in nonclinical adults
- Authors: Gerber, Ora
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Attachment behavior -- South Africa , Mental illness -- South Africa Psychology, Applied
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30485 , vital:30950
- Description: Meaning in life can be attained through a variety of sources. A limited amount of research has investigated the association between attachment and personal meaning while no studies have investigated the association between attachment, personal meaning, and sources of meaning. The current study aimed to investigate the association between different attachment styles, personal meaning, and sources of meaning in order to develop a deeper understanding of their relationships. A quantitative exploratory-descriptive design was used to collect the data using standardized questionnaires from 226 participants. Statistical analysis of the data suggests that a secure attachment style is positively associated with personal meaning and presented with meaning sources consisting of breadth and depth. A fearful attachment style was associated with a lack of personal meaning and sources of meaning while a preoccupied attachment style was associated with a lack of personal meaning and presented with sources of meaning lacking in depth and breadth. No significant association was found between a dismissive attachment style and personal meaning, but associations were found with sources of meaning, including feeling financially secure, experiencing personal growth, meeting basic everyday needs, and leaving a legacy for the next generation. Recommendations for psychotherapy based on the findings of the study were offered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Gerber, Ora
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Attachment behavior -- South Africa , Mental illness -- South Africa Psychology, Applied
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30485 , vital:30950
- Description: Meaning in life can be attained through a variety of sources. A limited amount of research has investigated the association between attachment and personal meaning while no studies have investigated the association between attachment, personal meaning, and sources of meaning. The current study aimed to investigate the association between different attachment styles, personal meaning, and sources of meaning in order to develop a deeper understanding of their relationships. A quantitative exploratory-descriptive design was used to collect the data using standardized questionnaires from 226 participants. Statistical analysis of the data suggests that a secure attachment style is positively associated with personal meaning and presented with meaning sources consisting of breadth and depth. A fearful attachment style was associated with a lack of personal meaning and sources of meaning while a preoccupied attachment style was associated with a lack of personal meaning and presented with sources of meaning lacking in depth and breadth. No significant association was found between a dismissive attachment style and personal meaning, but associations were found with sources of meaning, including feeling financially secure, experiencing personal growth, meeting basic everyday needs, and leaving a legacy for the next generation. Recommendations for psychotherapy based on the findings of the study were offered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Behavioural flexibility in an endangered seabird during current changes
- Authors: Traisnel, Gwendoline
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Penguins -- South Africa , Penguins -- Behavior Sea birds -- Behavior Sea birds -- Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43800 , vital:37048
- Description: Penguins spend a large part of their life cycle at sea and are amongst the most threatened seabirds as they suffer high mortality and have low reproductive success. Across the world, many populations are currently declining despite the constant development of conservation actions. The lack of information at the individual level reduces the understanding of individual variability and its potential role in the population dynamics of these vulnerable species. For example, long-lived species are characterised by substantial individual heterogeneity in their contribution to the overall population dynamic that should be understood when considering the implemention of conservation policies. This thesis explored some of the primary mechanisms behind inter-individual differences in behaviour and breeding success in the endangered African penguin Spheniscus demersus. On Bird island (Algoa Bay), nest defence behaviours were investigated on adults brooding chicks 1-3 weeks-old and chicks were measured at regular intervals (every 5 days) to assess their growth rate, a proxy for breeding success in this species. All adults were sexed and implanted with a passive integrated transponder which was used for individual identification. In this species, males are usually larger than females and have a higher survival rates both as juveniles and as adults. A subsample of them was equipped with tracking devices (GPSs and Time Depth Recorders), sometimes over consecutive foraging trips and across years. Finally, mate and nest fidelity were investigated to understand the drivers and consequences of this trait in that population. Breeding success was linked to nest defence behaviours, with bolder birds generally showing lower breeding success. This relation could not, however, be explained by differences in foraging strategies. Males were generally bolder than females when defending the nests, but their foraging behaviour did not vary with their personality. They generally had lower foraging effort than females. By contrast, bolder females performed more sinuous path, more wiggles and travelled larger vertical distances than shyer ones. Overall, females were more flexible than males over consecutive trips, suggesting that they probably adjust their behaviours to the offspring needs in this species. However, no sex difference in behavioural flexibility between sexes was visible across years, indicating that environmental variability may equally impact females and males’ behaviour over such time-scale. Generally, consistency was time-scale dependent as penguins increased their foraging flexibility across years, potentially adjusting to the variability of the environment. Interestingly, foraging consistency over consecutive trips increased during years of poor environmental conditions, and individuals with consistent foraging strategies were more successful than more flexible individuals when resources were extremely scarce. Finally, while nest and mate fidelity were high in this species, individuals that changed nest/partners, improved their breeding outcome. Particularly, after low breeding success females were more likely to change nest site and thereby partner to possibly improve their fitness. The potential biased adult sex ratio towards males in this population may facilitate changes in females which may have more partners available to re-mate than males. The present thesis reveals the existence of individual differences in behaviour and breeding success which relate to personality in penguins. These findings highlight the importance to integrate individual variability to predict future population dynamics in the context of global changes to understand the resilience and vulnerability of the species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Traisnel, Gwendoline
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Penguins -- South Africa , Penguins -- Behavior Sea birds -- Behavior Sea birds -- Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43800 , vital:37048
- Description: Penguins spend a large part of their life cycle at sea and are amongst the most threatened seabirds as they suffer high mortality and have low reproductive success. Across the world, many populations are currently declining despite the constant development of conservation actions. The lack of information at the individual level reduces the understanding of individual variability and its potential role in the population dynamics of these vulnerable species. For example, long-lived species are characterised by substantial individual heterogeneity in their contribution to the overall population dynamic that should be understood when considering the implemention of conservation policies. This thesis explored some of the primary mechanisms behind inter-individual differences in behaviour and breeding success in the endangered African penguin Spheniscus demersus. On Bird island (Algoa Bay), nest defence behaviours were investigated on adults brooding chicks 1-3 weeks-old and chicks were measured at regular intervals (every 5 days) to assess their growth rate, a proxy for breeding success in this species. All adults were sexed and implanted with a passive integrated transponder which was used for individual identification. In this species, males are usually larger than females and have a higher survival rates both as juveniles and as adults. A subsample of them was equipped with tracking devices (GPSs and Time Depth Recorders), sometimes over consecutive foraging trips and across years. Finally, mate and nest fidelity were investigated to understand the drivers and consequences of this trait in that population. Breeding success was linked to nest defence behaviours, with bolder birds generally showing lower breeding success. This relation could not, however, be explained by differences in foraging strategies. Males were generally bolder than females when defending the nests, but their foraging behaviour did not vary with their personality. They generally had lower foraging effort than females. By contrast, bolder females performed more sinuous path, more wiggles and travelled larger vertical distances than shyer ones. Overall, females were more flexible than males over consecutive trips, suggesting that they probably adjust their behaviours to the offspring needs in this species. However, no sex difference in behavioural flexibility between sexes was visible across years, indicating that environmental variability may equally impact females and males’ behaviour over such time-scale. Generally, consistency was time-scale dependent as penguins increased their foraging flexibility across years, potentially adjusting to the variability of the environment. Interestingly, foraging consistency over consecutive trips increased during years of poor environmental conditions, and individuals with consistent foraging strategies were more successful than more flexible individuals when resources were extremely scarce. Finally, while nest and mate fidelity were high in this species, individuals that changed nest/partners, improved their breeding outcome. Particularly, after low breeding success females were more likely to change nest site and thereby partner to possibly improve their fitness. The potential biased adult sex ratio towards males in this population may facilitate changes in females which may have more partners available to re-mate than males. The present thesis reveals the existence of individual differences in behaviour and breeding success which relate to personality in penguins. These findings highlight the importance to integrate individual variability to predict future population dynamics in the context of global changes to understand the resilience and vulnerability of the species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Caregivers’ and parents’ views about preschool education as a school readiness programme in the Queenstown Education District
- Mtyuda, Pamela Nomonde Pettina
- Authors: Mtyuda, Pamela Nomonde Pettina
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Education, Preschool Readiness for school
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16166 , vital:40674
- Description: The aim of this study was to uncover preschool caregivers’ and parents’ views about preschool education as a preschool readiness programme in the Queenstown education district. The research study addressed the following specific objectives, to determine: the caregivers’ and parents’ understanding of school readiness nature of preschool education; the extent to which the caregivers’ practices can make children ready for formal schooling; the parents’ assessment of the preschool centres as places that make children ready for formal schooling; caregivers’ and parents’ views on the challenges facing preschool centres against making children ready for formal schooling; and lastly, the possible solutions to the challenges facing preschool centres. In the present study, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Quantitative data were gathered through questionnaires from 40 preschool caregivers at preschools and 40 parents of the children in those preschools that were chosen by the caregivers on the basis of parents who are highly committed in the education of their children. The qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions with 2 focus groups located in the Queenstown Education district. Twelve participants were interviewed, and these comprised 6 caregivers that formed the focus group discussion 1 and 6 parents that formed the focus group discussion 2, using the interview schedules as guides. Purposive sampling to select the participants was used. Triangulation design was used to gather both quantitative and qualitative data at the same time and to integrate the two forms of data in order to have a better understanding of the research objectives. The research findings indicated that the most frequently reported issues by the participants were the problems with some caregivers who had limited knowledge to make children ready for formal schooling. Some of the parents and caregivers do not understand the importance of the domains of development in making children fully ready for formal schooling. There is still lack of parental involvement in those centres; no effective communication between parents and staff; caregivers are not aware of the policies that govern the preschools; poverty and unemployment are factors that inhibit the right of young children to education; no proper resources in preschools and the unregistered preschools also still need to be helped by coordinated efforts from communities and the government bodies. It was concluded that the quality of early childhood development(ECD) programmes in Queenstown preschools was still compromised. The study recommended extensive investment in infrastructure and learning and teaching support materials is necessary; there should be sufficient staffing with ECD expertise; programmes should be designed in order to educate and encourage parents to actively involve themselves with preschool activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mtyuda, Pamela Nomonde Pettina
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Education, Preschool Readiness for school
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16166 , vital:40674
- Description: The aim of this study was to uncover preschool caregivers’ and parents’ views about preschool education as a preschool readiness programme in the Queenstown education district. The research study addressed the following specific objectives, to determine: the caregivers’ and parents’ understanding of school readiness nature of preschool education; the extent to which the caregivers’ practices can make children ready for formal schooling; the parents’ assessment of the preschool centres as places that make children ready for formal schooling; caregivers’ and parents’ views on the challenges facing preschool centres against making children ready for formal schooling; and lastly, the possible solutions to the challenges facing preschool centres. In the present study, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Quantitative data were gathered through questionnaires from 40 preschool caregivers at preschools and 40 parents of the children in those preschools that were chosen by the caregivers on the basis of parents who are highly committed in the education of their children. The qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions with 2 focus groups located in the Queenstown Education district. Twelve participants were interviewed, and these comprised 6 caregivers that formed the focus group discussion 1 and 6 parents that formed the focus group discussion 2, using the interview schedules as guides. Purposive sampling to select the participants was used. Triangulation design was used to gather both quantitative and qualitative data at the same time and to integrate the two forms of data in order to have a better understanding of the research objectives. The research findings indicated that the most frequently reported issues by the participants were the problems with some caregivers who had limited knowledge to make children ready for formal schooling. Some of the parents and caregivers do not understand the importance of the domains of development in making children fully ready for formal schooling. There is still lack of parental involvement in those centres; no effective communication between parents and staff; caregivers are not aware of the policies that govern the preschools; poverty and unemployment are factors that inhibit the right of young children to education; no proper resources in preschools and the unregistered preschools also still need to be helped by coordinated efforts from communities and the government bodies. It was concluded that the quality of early childhood development(ECD) programmes in Queenstown preschools was still compromised. The study recommended extensive investment in infrastructure and learning and teaching support materials is necessary; there should be sufficient staffing with ECD expertise; programmes should be designed in order to educate and encourage parents to actively involve themselves with preschool activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019