A critical analysis of child labour and human resource development in Uganda
- Authors: Kibukamusoke, Martha
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Child labor -- Uganda , Child soldiers -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:16128 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1196 , Child labor -- Uganda , Child soldiers -- Uganda
- Description: This study is a critical analysis of child labour and human resource development in Uganda. The study was undertaken because of the growing concern about child-labour practices in African countries, Uganda being an example. The incidence of child labour and the form that it takes are driven by supply-anddemand factors countrywide, but also by the sheer need of children to survive. Child labour is considered to be a fundamental child development problem. Children are involved in a number of child-labour practices such as prostitution in the commercial and tourism sex industry, forced begging on the streets, and forced soldiering. They may be used as camel jockeys, domestic servants, farm labourers/herders, mine labourers, produce porters, roadside sellers/street vendors, sweetshop-industry labourers, cooks and porters for rebels. The persistent exploitation of children involved in hazardous work and conditions has become overwhelming in Uganda. Poverty as one of the major causes for the growing numbers of child labourers in the agricultural sector in Uganda has caused a number of children to engage in child-labour activities to earn extra income for household survival. Many children have opted for partial attendance in school, eventually dropping out. Parents have also frequently influenced children to work on family farms, thus contributing to the children dropping out of school. Child-labour practices have become entrenched in the social and moral fabric of Ugandan society, and for this reason, research endeavours to uncover ways and methods to reverse this situation. The main objectives of this research were to establish the impact of poverty on child labour, to assess the effect of the social and cultural setup on child labour, to find out the impact of child-labour legislation enforcement, to determine the 5 influence of the HIV and AIDS pandemic on child labour, to establish the effect of the educational system and technological advancement on child labour, to establish the level of awareness of human rights in the community, and to establish the impact of human rights activists on the prevention of child labour. The study was undertaken in Masindi District in Budongo Sub County, in three parishes, Nyabyeya, Nyantonzi and Kasongoire. The respondents used for the study included child labourers, their parents, farmers, and community leaders. The method used to get to the sample was purposive sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires for written answers and a tape recorder for oral answers. Both primary and secondary data was collected, verified, edited, checked, coded, analysed, and then exported to Excel and SPSS. Collecting the data was a challenging exercise for the researcher. Experiences were varied, in the hospitality and willingness of respondents to learn more about child issues. Although respondents were willing to participate in the data collection exercise, social and cultural values did not permit all of them to share their views with the researcher. To collect data from respondents, the researcher had to ensure that remuneration was in place at the end of the exercise. The respondents filled out the questionnaires only after learning of the availability of a reward for every questionnaire answered. More setbacks were the need to travel long distances, and enduring the poor infrastructure, poor sanitation, and epidemic outbreaks, some of which diluted the quality of data collected. During group interviews, most parents were not entirely truthful about involving their children in child-labour activities. Although most respondents had an idea of what child labour is, their ignorance levels on the topic prevented them from stopping their children from working. The major findings of the research were that the cultural, social and economic setup of the community in the study area favoured child labour, although the child-labour legislation is against using children as labourers. Various ethnicities 6 in the study area considered a person between the ages of 5 and 12 years to be a child, yet the Constitution of Uganda dictates the age of childhood to be below 18 years. This causes conflict in the definition of who a child is. Although parents were aware of the Universal Primary Education (UPE) regulation penalties for not taking children to school, they still permitted children to engage in child-labour activities, and little has been done by government to curb the culprits. Awareness of the Sub Counties and Credit Co-operatives (SACCOs) and their implementation has not helped to reduce poverty in the area studied, resulting in an increased school dropout rate among school-going-age children, as well as more child-labour activities. The major conclusion of the study was that little has been done to increase the awareness levels of the teachers, parents and their children about child labour and its legislation, their knowledge of and involvement in micro-finance institutions in the community, and the availability of vocational training institutions. Little has therefore been done to reduce child-labour activities, improve the economic status of the community, and improve their human resource skills. The major recommendations of the research to the study are that culture should not override the Constitution as far as the definition of age limit is concerned. The government should carry out stakeholder analyses, and implement a life-skills and sensitisation programme in order to improve child participation in the Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme. Government should ensure that the society is given information about basic accounting, project planning and management skills, in order to be effectively involved in the economic programmes of SACCOs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Kibukamusoke, Martha
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Child labor -- Uganda , Child soldiers -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:16128 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1196 , Child labor -- Uganda , Child soldiers -- Uganda
- Description: This study is a critical analysis of child labour and human resource development in Uganda. The study was undertaken because of the growing concern about child-labour practices in African countries, Uganda being an example. The incidence of child labour and the form that it takes are driven by supply-anddemand factors countrywide, but also by the sheer need of children to survive. Child labour is considered to be a fundamental child development problem. Children are involved in a number of child-labour practices such as prostitution in the commercial and tourism sex industry, forced begging on the streets, and forced soldiering. They may be used as camel jockeys, domestic servants, farm labourers/herders, mine labourers, produce porters, roadside sellers/street vendors, sweetshop-industry labourers, cooks and porters for rebels. The persistent exploitation of children involved in hazardous work and conditions has become overwhelming in Uganda. Poverty as one of the major causes for the growing numbers of child labourers in the agricultural sector in Uganda has caused a number of children to engage in child-labour activities to earn extra income for household survival. Many children have opted for partial attendance in school, eventually dropping out. Parents have also frequently influenced children to work on family farms, thus contributing to the children dropping out of school. Child-labour practices have become entrenched in the social and moral fabric of Ugandan society, and for this reason, research endeavours to uncover ways and methods to reverse this situation. The main objectives of this research were to establish the impact of poverty on child labour, to assess the effect of the social and cultural setup on child labour, to find out the impact of child-labour legislation enforcement, to determine the 5 influence of the HIV and AIDS pandemic on child labour, to establish the effect of the educational system and technological advancement on child labour, to establish the level of awareness of human rights in the community, and to establish the impact of human rights activists on the prevention of child labour. The study was undertaken in Masindi District in Budongo Sub County, in three parishes, Nyabyeya, Nyantonzi and Kasongoire. The respondents used for the study included child labourers, their parents, farmers, and community leaders. The method used to get to the sample was purposive sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires for written answers and a tape recorder for oral answers. Both primary and secondary data was collected, verified, edited, checked, coded, analysed, and then exported to Excel and SPSS. Collecting the data was a challenging exercise for the researcher. Experiences were varied, in the hospitality and willingness of respondents to learn more about child issues. Although respondents were willing to participate in the data collection exercise, social and cultural values did not permit all of them to share their views with the researcher. To collect data from respondents, the researcher had to ensure that remuneration was in place at the end of the exercise. The respondents filled out the questionnaires only after learning of the availability of a reward for every questionnaire answered. More setbacks were the need to travel long distances, and enduring the poor infrastructure, poor sanitation, and epidemic outbreaks, some of which diluted the quality of data collected. During group interviews, most parents were not entirely truthful about involving their children in child-labour activities. Although most respondents had an idea of what child labour is, their ignorance levels on the topic prevented them from stopping their children from working. The major findings of the research were that the cultural, social and economic setup of the community in the study area favoured child labour, although the child-labour legislation is against using children as labourers. Various ethnicities 6 in the study area considered a person between the ages of 5 and 12 years to be a child, yet the Constitution of Uganda dictates the age of childhood to be below 18 years. This causes conflict in the definition of who a child is. Although parents were aware of the Universal Primary Education (UPE) regulation penalties for not taking children to school, they still permitted children to engage in child-labour activities, and little has been done by government to curb the culprits. Awareness of the Sub Counties and Credit Co-operatives (SACCOs) and their implementation has not helped to reduce poverty in the area studied, resulting in an increased school dropout rate among school-going-age children, as well as more child-labour activities. The major conclusion of the study was that little has been done to increase the awareness levels of the teachers, parents and their children about child labour and its legislation, their knowledge of and involvement in micro-finance institutions in the community, and the availability of vocational training institutions. Little has therefore been done to reduce child-labour activities, improve the economic status of the community, and improve their human resource skills. The major recommendations of the research to the study are that culture should not override the Constitution as far as the definition of age limit is concerned. The government should carry out stakeholder analyses, and implement a life-skills and sensitisation programme in order to improve child participation in the Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme. Government should ensure that the society is given information about basic accounting, project planning and management skills, in order to be effectively involved in the economic programmes of SACCOs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
A value-based approach to promoting excellence in mathematics education
- Authors: Austin, Pamela Winifred
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Inquiry-based learning -- South Africa , Active learning -- South Africa , Effective teaching -- South Africa , Self-efficacy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9482 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1656 , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Inquiry-based learning -- South Africa , Active learning -- South Africa , Effective teaching -- South Africa , Self-efficacy
- Description: This research study has emerged as a result of my concern regarding the apparent low self-efficacy amongst initial teacher education students in my mathematics education classes. It also reflects a reported renewed interest in values, and the promotion of excellence in education. The effects of a values-based approach to mathematics education towards improving students’ self-efficacy and promoting excellence have been investigated, grounded within my ontology of excellence in mathematics education, which incorporates the values of respect, fairness, accountability, honesty and compassion. An inquiry-based teaching and learning approach formed the framework within which the study took place. Notions of ‘new scholarship’, premised on the view that teaching is about engagement in participatory learning, and the development of communities of creative students, provided the theoretical framework. Both quantitative and qualitative data gathering methods were used. Data-collection tools included affective-disposition statements, interviews, journal entries, as well as a video recording of a mathematics education lesson. The quantitative and qualitative data generated suggest improved levels of self-efficacy amongst the students who participated in the study. The data also suggest that a valuesbased approach to teaching can be used as an effective approach by mathematics teachers – and mathematics teacher educators – for the purpose of promoting the pursuit of excellence. As teacher education worldwide is currently characterised by a lack of vitality in teacher preparation (Grossman, 2008), the findings of this study should provide insights for teacher educators, teachers and policy makers who wish to promote mathematics self-efficacy, excellence and facilitate enhanced vitality within the teaching profession.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Austin, Pamela Winifred
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Inquiry-based learning -- South Africa , Active learning -- South Africa , Effective teaching -- South Africa , Self-efficacy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9482 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1656 , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Inquiry-based learning -- South Africa , Active learning -- South Africa , Effective teaching -- South Africa , Self-efficacy
- Description: This research study has emerged as a result of my concern regarding the apparent low self-efficacy amongst initial teacher education students in my mathematics education classes. It also reflects a reported renewed interest in values, and the promotion of excellence in education. The effects of a values-based approach to mathematics education towards improving students’ self-efficacy and promoting excellence have been investigated, grounded within my ontology of excellence in mathematics education, which incorporates the values of respect, fairness, accountability, honesty and compassion. An inquiry-based teaching and learning approach formed the framework within which the study took place. Notions of ‘new scholarship’, premised on the view that teaching is about engagement in participatory learning, and the development of communities of creative students, provided the theoretical framework. Both quantitative and qualitative data gathering methods were used. Data-collection tools included affective-disposition statements, interviews, journal entries, as well as a video recording of a mathematics education lesson. The quantitative and qualitative data generated suggest improved levels of self-efficacy amongst the students who participated in the study. The data also suggest that a valuesbased approach to teaching can be used as an effective approach by mathematics teachers – and mathematics teacher educators – for the purpose of promoting the pursuit of excellence. As teacher education worldwide is currently characterised by a lack of vitality in teacher preparation (Grossman, 2008), the findings of this study should provide insights for teacher educators, teachers and policy makers who wish to promote mathematics self-efficacy, excellence and facilitate enhanced vitality within the teaching profession.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An evaluation of the BAE/SAAB South African Royal Manufacturing project in Virginia, Free State Province : a case study of the implementation of the South African Defence Offsets
- Authors: Wellmann, Gwendolyn
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Arms transfers -- South Africa , Weapons industry -- South Africa , South Africa -- Military relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9075 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1296 , Arms transfers -- South Africa , Weapons industry -- South Africa , South Africa -- Military relations
- Description: This study is an evaluation of the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium National Industrial Programme project, South African Royal Manufacturers (SARM), which forms part of BAE Systems/SAAB’s National Industrial Participation Programme (NIPP) obligations resulting from their participation in South Africa’s 1998 Strategic Procurement Programme (popularly referred to as the ‘arms deal’). SARM was a gold chain manufacturing plant, located in the Free State mining town of Virginia and which was implemented by the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium in partnership with the Harmony Gold Mining Company. Funding for the business was provided by the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium as part of their industrial participation obligation. This funding was supplemented with a loan obtained from the South African Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to the value of 40% of the cash funds; while land and buildings, as well as loans in the form of gold granules and bars, were provided by Harmony Gold Company, as part of what they describe as their corporate social responsibility towards the Virginia area where they are the only mining company operating; and also simultaneously as their obligation towards gold beneficiation as required by law. The business failed after less than 12 months of operation amidst allegations of theft of gold and the sudden lay-off of approximately 500 poor black rural women. The company’s liquidation appears to be on the backburner indefinitely. The study was conducted over a period of 18 months, and this thesis written over several more. As part of this evaluation several issues were investigated. These issues are: the push for beneficiation of South African mined metals; the National Industrial Participation Programme; local government development; the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium and other similar companies which are involved in jewellery production for export as part of both the country’s beneficiation drive, as well as the 3 NIPP. These other companies are used in this study as a ‘control’ group against which SARM’s performance can be measured realistically. Different research methods were used during the evaluation, including secondary document reviews, face-to-face and telephonic interviews with key-informants, the use of e-mail to contact key-informants, as well as conducting face-to-face questionnaires with random interviewees, and a focus group discussion with SARM ex-workers. There were several limitations to this study. The primary limitation was the inaccessibility of official and legal documents pertaining to both SARM, and the 1998 arms deal. SARM no longer exists, and thus the evaluation results should be used as lessons learned for similar projects in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Wellmann, Gwendolyn
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Arms transfers -- South Africa , Weapons industry -- South Africa , South Africa -- Military relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9075 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1296 , Arms transfers -- South Africa , Weapons industry -- South Africa , South Africa -- Military relations
- Description: This study is an evaluation of the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium National Industrial Programme project, South African Royal Manufacturers (SARM), which forms part of BAE Systems/SAAB’s National Industrial Participation Programme (NIPP) obligations resulting from their participation in South Africa’s 1998 Strategic Procurement Programme (popularly referred to as the ‘arms deal’). SARM was a gold chain manufacturing plant, located in the Free State mining town of Virginia and which was implemented by the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium in partnership with the Harmony Gold Mining Company. Funding for the business was provided by the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium as part of their industrial participation obligation. This funding was supplemented with a loan obtained from the South African Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to the value of 40% of the cash funds; while land and buildings, as well as loans in the form of gold granules and bars, were provided by Harmony Gold Company, as part of what they describe as their corporate social responsibility towards the Virginia area where they are the only mining company operating; and also simultaneously as their obligation towards gold beneficiation as required by law. The business failed after less than 12 months of operation amidst allegations of theft of gold and the sudden lay-off of approximately 500 poor black rural women. The company’s liquidation appears to be on the backburner indefinitely. The study was conducted over a period of 18 months, and this thesis written over several more. As part of this evaluation several issues were investigated. These issues are: the push for beneficiation of South African mined metals; the National Industrial Participation Programme; local government development; the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium and other similar companies which are involved in jewellery production for export as part of both the country’s beneficiation drive, as well as the 3 NIPP. These other companies are used in this study as a ‘control’ group against which SARM’s performance can be measured realistically. Different research methods were used during the evaluation, including secondary document reviews, face-to-face and telephonic interviews with key-informants, the use of e-mail to contact key-informants, as well as conducting face-to-face questionnaires with random interviewees, and a focus group discussion with SARM ex-workers. There were several limitations to this study. The primary limitation was the inaccessibility of official and legal documents pertaining to both SARM, and the 1998 arms deal. SARM no longer exists, and thus the evaluation results should be used as lessons learned for similar projects in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Critical reflections on the war on terrorism from an international human rights perspective
- Fabbriciani, Antonio Antonino
- Authors: Fabbriciani, Antonio Antonino
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Human rights , War on Terrorism, 2001-2009 , Civil rights , International law
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9041 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1205 , Human rights , War on Terrorism, 2001-2009 , Civil rights , International law
- Description: This study explored the balancing out of the rights associated with terrorist and counter-terrorist attacks by using descriptive case studies of the US 9/11 attacks; and the counter-terrorist attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq. The research was conducted within a critical theory paradigm, drawing on the ideas of Habermas and other Critical Theorists. The research design was influenced by the securitive and ideological nature of the topic and it was decided that an extensive review of literature would be more suitable than a field study. A small number of interviews added to the richness of the data. Human rights, needs and international relations were investigated to serve as a theoretical starting-point for the study (Chapter 2). The case studies were subsequently explored against the background of this theoretical approach. This thesis therefore assessed the impact of human rights law on terrorism and counter-terrorism attacks under the Human Rights Act (1998). It considered how the provisions of the Human Rights Act have influenced the formulation and interpretation of anti-terrorism laws, and it examined the role of the judiciary in adjudicating disputes between the individual and the state. It further discussed human needs and the progress on human rights, terrorist attacks, as well as counter-terrorism attacks. Extensive data was gathered on the 9/11 attacks, and it was concluded that these attacks fall within the definition of crimes against humanity under international human rights jurisprudence. To bring about a truly secure world we must adopt a new paradigm that shifts priority to the security of the individuals and of communities to achieving human security, the honouring of human rights, and respect for the rule of law. This will obviously require a renewed commitment by all individuals and a shared sense of responsibility for all people, all over the world. What we need now is a major course correction – a new iii A. Fabbriciani approach which begins with a broader understanding of what defines human rights and the rule of law (Wilson, 2007). The study also focuses on counter-terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and Iraq (Chapters 3 and 4). It was shown that counter-terrorist attacks had an effect on the global economic system and development policies, which have been dominated by ideological strategies for many years. However, resistance has come from Islamic states, which have realised that new-liberal economic practices are incompatible with their theological and economic traditions. This has caused a situation to rethink global development programmes by political leaders, and to move away from new-liberal schemes towards true global development strategies. One of the main findings of the study was that the crimes of persecution and torture on the basis of political or religious views have been perpetrated by both parties, namely Al-Qaeda, and the US and its allies. It has been shown that the explored acts of terrorism and counter-attacks represent crimes against humanity, as defined by the relevant provisions of international law.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Fabbriciani, Antonio Antonino
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Human rights , War on Terrorism, 2001-2009 , Civil rights , International law
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9041 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1205 , Human rights , War on Terrorism, 2001-2009 , Civil rights , International law
- Description: This study explored the balancing out of the rights associated with terrorist and counter-terrorist attacks by using descriptive case studies of the US 9/11 attacks; and the counter-terrorist attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq. The research was conducted within a critical theory paradigm, drawing on the ideas of Habermas and other Critical Theorists. The research design was influenced by the securitive and ideological nature of the topic and it was decided that an extensive review of literature would be more suitable than a field study. A small number of interviews added to the richness of the data. Human rights, needs and international relations were investigated to serve as a theoretical starting-point for the study (Chapter 2). The case studies were subsequently explored against the background of this theoretical approach. This thesis therefore assessed the impact of human rights law on terrorism and counter-terrorism attacks under the Human Rights Act (1998). It considered how the provisions of the Human Rights Act have influenced the formulation and interpretation of anti-terrorism laws, and it examined the role of the judiciary in adjudicating disputes between the individual and the state. It further discussed human needs and the progress on human rights, terrorist attacks, as well as counter-terrorism attacks. Extensive data was gathered on the 9/11 attacks, and it was concluded that these attacks fall within the definition of crimes against humanity under international human rights jurisprudence. To bring about a truly secure world we must adopt a new paradigm that shifts priority to the security of the individuals and of communities to achieving human security, the honouring of human rights, and respect for the rule of law. This will obviously require a renewed commitment by all individuals and a shared sense of responsibility for all people, all over the world. What we need now is a major course correction – a new iii A. Fabbriciani approach which begins with a broader understanding of what defines human rights and the rule of law (Wilson, 2007). The study also focuses on counter-terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and Iraq (Chapters 3 and 4). It was shown that counter-terrorist attacks had an effect on the global economic system and development policies, which have been dominated by ideological strategies for many years. However, resistance has come from Islamic states, which have realised that new-liberal economic practices are incompatible with their theological and economic traditions. This has caused a situation to rethink global development programmes by political leaders, and to move away from new-liberal schemes towards true global development strategies. One of the main findings of the study was that the crimes of persecution and torture on the basis of political or religious views have been perpetrated by both parties, namely Al-Qaeda, and the US and its allies. It has been shown that the explored acts of terrorism and counter-attacks represent crimes against humanity, as defined by the relevant provisions of international law.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Developing an e-health framework through electronic healthcare readiness assessment
- Authors: Coleman, Alfred
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Health -- Computer network resources , Medical care -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Public health -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Internet in medicine -- South Africa , Medical informatics -- South Africa , Telecommunication in medicine -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9729 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1519 , Health -- Computer network resources , Medical care -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Public health -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Internet in medicine -- South Africa , Medical informatics -- South Africa , Telecommunication in medicine -- South Africa
- Description: The major socio-economic development challenges facing most African countries include economic diversification, poverty, unemployment, diseases and the unsustainable use of natural resources. The challenge of quality healthcare provisioning is compounded by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Sub Saharan Africa. However, there is a great potential in using electronic healthcare (e-health) as one of the supportive systems within the healthcare sector to address these pressing challenges facing healthcare systems in developing countries, including solving inequalities in healthcare delivery between rural and urban hospitals/clinics. The purpose of this study was to compile a Provincial E-health Framework (PEHF) based on the feedback from electronic healthcare readiness assessments conducted in selected rural and urban hospitals/clinics in the North West Province in South Africa. The e-healthcare readiness assessment was conducted in the light of effective use of ICT in patient healthcare record system, consultation among healthcare professionals, prescription of medication, referral of patients and training of healthcare professionals in ICT usage. The study was divided into two phases which were phases 1 and 2 and a qualitative design supported by a case study approach was used. Data were collected using different techniques to enhance triangulation of data. The techniques included group interviews, qualitative questionnaires, photographs, document analysis and expert opinions. The outcome of the assessment led to the compilation of the PEHF which was based on Service Oriented Architecture (SOA). SOA was chosen to integrate the hospitals/clinics‟ ICT infrastructure yet allowing each hospital/clinic the autonomy to control its own ICT environment. To assist hospitals/clinics integrate their ICT resources, this research study proposed an Infrastructure Network Architecture which clustered hospitals/clinics to share common ICT infrastructure instead of duplicating these resources. Furthermore, processes of the e-health services (e-patient health IV record system, e-consultation system, e-prescription system, e-referral system and e-training system) were provided to assist in the implementation of the PEHF. Finally, a set of guidelines were provided by the research study to aid the implementation of the PEHF.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Coleman, Alfred
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Health -- Computer network resources , Medical care -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Public health -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Internet in medicine -- South Africa , Medical informatics -- South Africa , Telecommunication in medicine -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9729 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1519 , Health -- Computer network resources , Medical care -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Public health -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Internet in medicine -- South Africa , Medical informatics -- South Africa , Telecommunication in medicine -- South Africa
- Description: The major socio-economic development challenges facing most African countries include economic diversification, poverty, unemployment, diseases and the unsustainable use of natural resources. The challenge of quality healthcare provisioning is compounded by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Sub Saharan Africa. However, there is a great potential in using electronic healthcare (e-health) as one of the supportive systems within the healthcare sector to address these pressing challenges facing healthcare systems in developing countries, including solving inequalities in healthcare delivery between rural and urban hospitals/clinics. The purpose of this study was to compile a Provincial E-health Framework (PEHF) based on the feedback from electronic healthcare readiness assessments conducted in selected rural and urban hospitals/clinics in the North West Province in South Africa. The e-healthcare readiness assessment was conducted in the light of effective use of ICT in patient healthcare record system, consultation among healthcare professionals, prescription of medication, referral of patients and training of healthcare professionals in ICT usage. The study was divided into two phases which were phases 1 and 2 and a qualitative design supported by a case study approach was used. Data were collected using different techniques to enhance triangulation of data. The techniques included group interviews, qualitative questionnaires, photographs, document analysis and expert opinions. The outcome of the assessment led to the compilation of the PEHF which was based on Service Oriented Architecture (SOA). SOA was chosen to integrate the hospitals/clinics‟ ICT infrastructure yet allowing each hospital/clinic the autonomy to control its own ICT environment. To assist hospitals/clinics integrate their ICT resources, this research study proposed an Infrastructure Network Architecture which clustered hospitals/clinics to share common ICT infrastructure instead of duplicating these resources. Furthermore, processes of the e-health services (e-patient health IV record system, e-consultation system, e-prescription system, e-referral system and e-training system) were provided to assist in the implementation of the PEHF. Finally, a set of guidelines were provided by the research study to aid the implementation of the PEHF.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Development of insulin resistance in a rat model and the effects of sutherlandia frutescens as treatment and prevention
- Authors: Mackenzie, Janine
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Metabolic syndrome , Insulin resistance -- Animal models , Obesity -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:10340 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016216
- Description: The global number of obese people has reached pandemic proportions. High caloric diets and reduced physical exercise are to blame for this growing epidemic. Obesity has a very complex association with several other metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance (IR), diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) and cardiovascular disease. This puts a huge burden on health care systems world wide and claims many lives. Sutherlandia frutescens is a traditionally used herb, which is known to have anti-diabetic properties. However, the direct mode of action of S. frutescens still remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the developmental stages of high fat diet (HFD)-induced IR, to illuminate the pathogenesis of IR with a focal point on modifications in the lipid metabolism. Furthermore, the effects of S. frutescens as a treatment or prevention drug for IR and associated metabolic changes were examined. Two sets of experiments were conducted on male Wistar rats. In the first experiment rats, one week post weaning received a low fat diet (LFD), high fat diet (HFD) or HFD supplemented with S. frutescens (50mg/kg BW/d). Rats were sacrificed at week 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 in the feeding regime. In a second experiment rats were fed with a LFD or a HFD for 12 weeks and treated thereafter with S. frutescens (50mg/kg BW/d), metformin (13mg/kg BW/d) or water (control) for 28 days. Rats in the second experiment were sacrificed at week 12 to confirm IR while concurrently run rats were sacrificed after 28 days of treatment. For all the experiments rats were anaesthetized, blood was removed and rats were dissected. Plasma samples were analyzed for insulin, glucose, blood lipid parameters and cytokines. Liver, muscle and adipose tissue were analyzed for glucose uptake, total lipid content, lipid profile and fatty acid profile. It was shown that the intake of HFD caused IR and hyperinsulinaemia. The developmental stages in experiment one confirmed that an increase in plasma free fatty acids preceeded the onset of IR. Plasma and tissue lipid parameters (free fatty acid-, triglyceride- and cholesterol concentrations) showed pathological modifications in the HFD group. An ectopic accumulation of fat was observed in muscle and liver, as well as a change in membrane fatty acid profile. The results for circulating cytokines were somewhat inconclusive. Rats supplemented with S. frutescens did not develop HFD-induced IR (study one) or IR was reversed (study two). S. frutescens treatment also resulted in positive changes in plasma and tissue lipid parameters. In summary, an animal model for HFD-induced IR was established and the detrimental effect of elevated plasma FFA on glucose and lipid metabolism was observed. A novel discovery suggests that the anti-diabetic mode of action of S. frutescens is through modulation of lipid metabolism. It was also established that S. frutescens has the potential to prevent IR in vivo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mackenzie, Janine
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Metabolic syndrome , Insulin resistance -- Animal models , Obesity -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:10340 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016216
- Description: The global number of obese people has reached pandemic proportions. High caloric diets and reduced physical exercise are to blame for this growing epidemic. Obesity has a very complex association with several other metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance (IR), diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) and cardiovascular disease. This puts a huge burden on health care systems world wide and claims many lives. Sutherlandia frutescens is a traditionally used herb, which is known to have anti-diabetic properties. However, the direct mode of action of S. frutescens still remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the developmental stages of high fat diet (HFD)-induced IR, to illuminate the pathogenesis of IR with a focal point on modifications in the lipid metabolism. Furthermore, the effects of S. frutescens as a treatment or prevention drug for IR and associated metabolic changes were examined. Two sets of experiments were conducted on male Wistar rats. In the first experiment rats, one week post weaning received a low fat diet (LFD), high fat diet (HFD) or HFD supplemented with S. frutescens (50mg/kg BW/d). Rats were sacrificed at week 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 in the feeding regime. In a second experiment rats were fed with a LFD or a HFD for 12 weeks and treated thereafter with S. frutescens (50mg/kg BW/d), metformin (13mg/kg BW/d) or water (control) for 28 days. Rats in the second experiment were sacrificed at week 12 to confirm IR while concurrently run rats were sacrificed after 28 days of treatment. For all the experiments rats were anaesthetized, blood was removed and rats were dissected. Plasma samples were analyzed for insulin, glucose, blood lipid parameters and cytokines. Liver, muscle and adipose tissue were analyzed for glucose uptake, total lipid content, lipid profile and fatty acid profile. It was shown that the intake of HFD caused IR and hyperinsulinaemia. The developmental stages in experiment one confirmed that an increase in plasma free fatty acids preceeded the onset of IR. Plasma and tissue lipid parameters (free fatty acid-, triglyceride- and cholesterol concentrations) showed pathological modifications in the HFD group. An ectopic accumulation of fat was observed in muscle and liver, as well as a change in membrane fatty acid profile. The results for circulating cytokines were somewhat inconclusive. Rats supplemented with S. frutescens did not develop HFD-induced IR (study one) or IR was reversed (study two). S. frutescens treatment also resulted in positive changes in plasma and tissue lipid parameters. In summary, an animal model for HFD-induced IR was established and the detrimental effect of elevated plasma FFA on glucose and lipid metabolism was observed. A novel discovery suggests that the anti-diabetic mode of action of S. frutescens is through modulation of lipid metabolism. It was also established that S. frutescens has the potential to prevent IR in vivo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Hotel rating through guest feedback
- Authors: Hensens, Wouter
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Customer services , Hotels , Hotels -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9264 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1631 , Hospitality industry -- Customer services , Hotels , Hotels -- Evaluation
- Description: Hotel rating refers to the process where the comfort and services of a hotel are assessed and classified, usually in five categories, using stars as symbols. Conventional hotel rating systems are generally operated by governments or independent parties. However, with the growth of social media and customer-review sites, guest review platforms became an important source of information. The main aim of this study is to establish whether guest feedback can determine hotel ratings more accurately than conventional methods and whether a social media platform such as TripAdvisor can provide the necessary data to do so. The customer-review website, TripAdvisor, has grown rapidly and made a strong impact on the tourism and hotel industry. This study identifies the nature of TripAdvisor, its reliability, how its ratings compare with conventional ratings, and what criteria are used in guest reviews on TripAdvisor when assessing the quality of a hotel. These findings were triangulated with findings from the conventional rating systems of the 11 destinations that were sampled for this study to identify the value of TripAdvisor. Two samples were taken from TripAdvisor of 110 and 33 hotels, respectively. From the latter, ten guest reviews were gathered and analysed per hotel, resulting in a total of 330 reviews that were analysed. The study’s findings indicate that TripAdvisor is the largest guest feedback platform for hotels and its data can be considered to be reliable. The TripAdvisor ratings were not connected to the conventional ratings of the sampled hotels. The criteria used in TripAdvisor reviews focused more on service delivery than on the objective tangible elements used in most hotel rating systems. The rich context found in most guest reviews makes the information presented on TripAdvisor valuable. There is no evidence that conventionalrating system controls are linked to the comments found in TripAdvisor reviews. The results facilitated the identification of the delight and frustration factors in services marketing for the hotel industry. A new theory to include guest feedback in hotel ratings is developed and proposed. The study further presents two future scenarios, the most likely one of which predicts the demise of conventional rating systems as a result of the success of guest feedback platforms such as TripAdvisor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Hensens, Wouter
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Customer services , Hotels , Hotels -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9264 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1631 , Hospitality industry -- Customer services , Hotels , Hotels -- Evaluation
- Description: Hotel rating refers to the process where the comfort and services of a hotel are assessed and classified, usually in five categories, using stars as symbols. Conventional hotel rating systems are generally operated by governments or independent parties. However, with the growth of social media and customer-review sites, guest review platforms became an important source of information. The main aim of this study is to establish whether guest feedback can determine hotel ratings more accurately than conventional methods and whether a social media platform such as TripAdvisor can provide the necessary data to do so. The customer-review website, TripAdvisor, has grown rapidly and made a strong impact on the tourism and hotel industry. This study identifies the nature of TripAdvisor, its reliability, how its ratings compare with conventional ratings, and what criteria are used in guest reviews on TripAdvisor when assessing the quality of a hotel. These findings were triangulated with findings from the conventional rating systems of the 11 destinations that were sampled for this study to identify the value of TripAdvisor. Two samples were taken from TripAdvisor of 110 and 33 hotels, respectively. From the latter, ten guest reviews were gathered and analysed per hotel, resulting in a total of 330 reviews that were analysed. The study’s findings indicate that TripAdvisor is the largest guest feedback platform for hotels and its data can be considered to be reliable. The TripAdvisor ratings were not connected to the conventional ratings of the sampled hotels. The criteria used in TripAdvisor reviews focused more on service delivery than on the objective tangible elements used in most hotel rating systems. The rich context found in most guest reviews makes the information presented on TripAdvisor valuable. There is no evidence that conventionalrating system controls are linked to the comments found in TripAdvisor reviews. The results facilitated the identification of the delight and frustration factors in services marketing for the hotel industry. A new theory to include guest feedback in hotel ratings is developed and proposed. The study further presents two future scenarios, the most likely one of which predicts the demise of conventional rating systems as a result of the success of guest feedback platforms such as TripAdvisor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Influences on construction project delivery time
- Authors: Olatunji, Aiyetan Ayodeji
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management , Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Labor productivity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9681 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1548 , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management , Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Labor productivity -- South Africa
- Description: Construction delays are a global phenomenon. Factors causing construction delays in construction projects differ from country to country, due to different prevailing conditions. The prevailing conditions that could exert an influence on project delivery time are: political, economic, and physical factors as well as level of technological development; management style, and construction techniques. The construction industry is a major player in the economy, generating both employment and wealth. However, many projects experience extensive delays and thereby exceed initial time and cost estimates. This study aims at determining the causes of delays in project delivery in South Africa; evolving interventions, and developing a model for the delivery of projects on time. Inferential and linear regression statistical tools were used in the analysis of data for the study. The sample population consists of architects, builders, quantity surveyors, structural engineers, and clients, and the metropolitan cities of five provinces constituted the geographical delimitation of the study. The provinces are: Eastern Cape; Free State; Gauteng; KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape. The metropolitan cities are: Bloemfontein; Cape Town; Durban; Johannesburg, and Port Elizabeth. Findings which negatively influence project delivery time in South Africa include the following: lack of adequate planning; management style; the lack of constructability reviews of designs; inadequate motivation of workers; economic policies; lack of prompt payment to contractors, and quality of management during design and construction. Recommendations include: (1) The introduction of the following courses in built environment tertiary education � quality management competences; operational planning; design management, and generic management; (2) pre-qualification of suppliers; (3) inclusion of the following in tender documentation � human resource schedule; plant and equipment schedule; quality assurance plan, and work schedule; (4) appointment of materials specialists on a large projects; (5) the model developed should be adopted for use in the South African construction industry for the delivery of projects on time, and (6) the linear regression equation: Y = 13.1159 + 1.1341x or 35.3 percent addition on time for the estimation of project delivery time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Olatunji, Aiyetan Ayodeji
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management , Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Labor productivity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9681 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1548 , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management , Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Labor productivity -- South Africa
- Description: Construction delays are a global phenomenon. Factors causing construction delays in construction projects differ from country to country, due to different prevailing conditions. The prevailing conditions that could exert an influence on project delivery time are: political, economic, and physical factors as well as level of technological development; management style, and construction techniques. The construction industry is a major player in the economy, generating both employment and wealth. However, many projects experience extensive delays and thereby exceed initial time and cost estimates. This study aims at determining the causes of delays in project delivery in South Africa; evolving interventions, and developing a model for the delivery of projects on time. Inferential and linear regression statistical tools were used in the analysis of data for the study. The sample population consists of architects, builders, quantity surveyors, structural engineers, and clients, and the metropolitan cities of five provinces constituted the geographical delimitation of the study. The provinces are: Eastern Cape; Free State; Gauteng; KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape. The metropolitan cities are: Bloemfontein; Cape Town; Durban; Johannesburg, and Port Elizabeth. Findings which negatively influence project delivery time in South Africa include the following: lack of adequate planning; management style; the lack of constructability reviews of designs; inadequate motivation of workers; economic policies; lack of prompt payment to contractors, and quality of management during design and construction. Recommendations include: (1) The introduction of the following courses in built environment tertiary education � quality management competences; operational planning; design management, and generic management; (2) pre-qualification of suppliers; (3) inclusion of the following in tender documentation � human resource schedule; plant and equipment schedule; quality assurance plan, and work schedule; (4) appointment of materials specialists on a large projects; (5) the model developed should be adopted for use in the South African construction industry for the delivery of projects on time, and (6) the linear regression equation: Y = 13.1159 + 1.1341x or 35.3 percent addition on time for the estimation of project delivery time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Justice through language : a critical analysis of the use of foreign African interpreters in South African courtrooms
- Authors: Usadolo, Sam Erevbenagie
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Translators
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8363 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1503 , Translators
- Description: This study represents an analysis of the use of foreign African interpreters in South African courtrooms in the context of the necessity of court interpreting as a vehicle through which accused persons can express themselves in defence of their rights, which may have been violated. As a background to the study, due consideration is given to the history of interpreting, followed by some theoretical perspectives of interpreting, where the differences between translation and interpreting are explained. The discussion of some of the theoretical issues of interpreting also focuses on the notion of equivalence, and the divergent views of scholars regarding this notion, which range from formal equivalence (a source-language oriented approach), through dynamic equivalence (in terms of which translation/interpreting must be in agreement with the form and cultural expectations of the receptor language community) to skopos theory (functional in approach and target text oriented). In discussing the role of the court interpreter, the role boundaries with regard to his/her professional relationship with other participants in the courtroom are highlighted. A related topic, namely that of quality in interpreting, is investigated in relation to quality control by professional associations in different countries, who act as regulatory authorities in this regard. A review of court interpreting in South Africa and selected countries in Africa and the EU, such as Nigeria, Benin, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique and Portugal reveals that efforts to develop court interpreting in some Africa and EU countries are either non-existent or at an incipient stage of development. While South Africa, compared to other countries in Africa, is making progress, she is far behind EU countries such as the UK, France and Spain –all of which possess accreditation systems, professional associations and registers of court interpreters. An analysis of the data collected on foreign African court interpreters shows that, although they work in the same courtrooms as their South African counterparts on a daily basis, they are treated differently in terms of employment procedures, training, remuneration, and such like. The study points out that some factors such as (a) the lack of adequate crosscultural awareness and (b) of a balanced proficiency in their language pair, as well as (c) and the existence of divergent dialects in those languages may pose a challenge to foreign African court interpreters in interpreting cross-border languages and in performing sight translations. The study further reveals that foreign African court interpreters are in serious breach of the professional code of conduct, as exemplified by instances of conflict of interest and partiality in their practices. As regards the management of court interpreters, the findings indicate a general laxity on the side of management, as a result of which there is a lack, inter alia, of an appropriate evaluation or monitoring strategy aimed at detecting such cases of conflict of interest and partiality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Usadolo, Sam Erevbenagie
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Translators
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8363 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1503 , Translators
- Description: This study represents an analysis of the use of foreign African interpreters in South African courtrooms in the context of the necessity of court interpreting as a vehicle through which accused persons can express themselves in defence of their rights, which may have been violated. As a background to the study, due consideration is given to the history of interpreting, followed by some theoretical perspectives of interpreting, where the differences between translation and interpreting are explained. The discussion of some of the theoretical issues of interpreting also focuses on the notion of equivalence, and the divergent views of scholars regarding this notion, which range from formal equivalence (a source-language oriented approach), through dynamic equivalence (in terms of which translation/interpreting must be in agreement with the form and cultural expectations of the receptor language community) to skopos theory (functional in approach and target text oriented). In discussing the role of the court interpreter, the role boundaries with regard to his/her professional relationship with other participants in the courtroom are highlighted. A related topic, namely that of quality in interpreting, is investigated in relation to quality control by professional associations in different countries, who act as regulatory authorities in this regard. A review of court interpreting in South Africa and selected countries in Africa and the EU, such as Nigeria, Benin, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique and Portugal reveals that efforts to develop court interpreting in some Africa and EU countries are either non-existent or at an incipient stage of development. While South Africa, compared to other countries in Africa, is making progress, she is far behind EU countries such as the UK, France and Spain –all of which possess accreditation systems, professional associations and registers of court interpreters. An analysis of the data collected on foreign African court interpreters shows that, although they work in the same courtrooms as their South African counterparts on a daily basis, they are treated differently in terms of employment procedures, training, remuneration, and such like. The study points out that some factors such as (a) the lack of adequate crosscultural awareness and (b) of a balanced proficiency in their language pair, as well as (c) and the existence of divergent dialects in those languages may pose a challenge to foreign African court interpreters in interpreting cross-border languages and in performing sight translations. The study further reveals that foreign African court interpreters are in serious breach of the professional code of conduct, as exemplified by instances of conflict of interest and partiality in their practices. As regards the management of court interpreters, the findings indicate a general laxity on the side of management, as a result of which there is a lack, inter alia, of an appropriate evaluation or monitoring strategy aimed at detecting such cases of conflict of interest and partiality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Managerial decision making processes and affective outcomes as a function of individual factors and self-efficacy beliefs
- Authors: Myburgh, Wim
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9893 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1141 , Decision making
- Description: Making decisions in the business environment is arguably the most challenging aspect of managers' yet also the easiest to fail in. Unlike individual decisions managers as agents for their organizations make decisions amidst high levels of ambiguity, incomplete information and mostly under time pressure. These are the very conditions that make managers vulnerable to the volition-undermining potential of decision-generated affect precisely when they are feeling over-extended to deal with such demands. Effective managerial decision making (MDM) involves more than applying a set of individual abilities. Managers face numerous obstacles, failures, and setbacks that often carry perturbing self-evaluative implications as well as social consequences that undermine their self-evaluations in ways that impair good use of their decision making skills (Bandura, 1997). Given the absence of a coherent theoretical framework in the literature the conceptual model of relations put forward attempts to organize and simplify how managers make decisions as agents of their organizations. Most conceptualizations apply oversimplified models that focus attention on one or a few variables, neglect the joint constellations of individual variable factors and the influence of individual self-generated influences as a contributing factor in MDM. As an ex post facto explanatory-predictive study the present research offers evidence of these links among the theoretically relevant constructs in order to formulate an account of their relations in a parsimonious framework that could guide future insights to explain and predict the intentions and direction of managerial decision behaviour. Conceptual research has outpaced empirical research in decision making of managers in organizations. A number of mini-theories exists that focus on a few variables using linear, antecedent-consequence relations with manipulations in laboratory environments that deal with decisions in contexts that are very different to those faced by managers. There is limited research on managers as research participants and empirical findings based on non-managerial samples and students may not generalize to managers in real life decision making. The present research used a non-probability, purposive sample (N = 196) of experienced managers in the Western Cape region of South Africa, all employed in private and public organizations (mean age 38.9 years, SD of 7.49, ethnic black managers constituted 15.8 percent of the sample). As part of the study it was necessary to construct and validate custom indicator measures in an independent pilot study from the same population. The pilot study determined the factor structures of the dimensionality and internal consistency of the custom-designed measures by way of both convergent, as well as, discriminative validity. The exploratory factor (EFA) and internal reliability analyses succeeded to provide both a comprehensive and empirical grasp on the constructs as was defined. Further, analyses of both standardized and custom-designed also revealed no significant difference between black and other managers across the pilot samples which provided confidence of the substantive relations of interest (i.e., the associations among the variables). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was chosen as the data analysis strategy of choice and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) demonstrated that the operational measures by and large succeeded in providing both a comprehensive and empirical grasp on the constructs as defined. The inter-construct relations were also consistent with expectations. Evidence for convergent validity however proved that the indicator measures for the allocation of attentional resources were less than adequate in order to provide an uncontaminated measure as a latent variable. The structural model was subjected to further scrutiny by way of a spectrum of goodness-of-fit statistics. The analyses revealed that the model was not adequate and the null hypothesis that the model fitted the population data was subsequently, rejected. It was also sensible to assess the degree of lack of fit of the model with reference to RMSEA which revealed a value of .08, that suggested a reasonable model fit. The poor structural model fit could however be attributed to the failure of the measured indicators used to provide an acceptable grasp of the allocation of attentional resources as a latent variable. The inherent structural flaws in the model could however not be unequivocally be ruled out as an additional possibility of poor fit. One conclusion is the possibility of an expanded model that requires additional indicator measures and additional paths. Notwithstanding these limitations, the present research provided support for social cognitive theory that underlies the model. In accordance with the literature and empirical findings the present research demonstrated mangers' decision making is much more than reason-based behaviour. The present research demonstrates the interdependencies and cumulative effects among individual factors, self-efficacy beliefs and temporal volitional processes, as psychological iv mechanisms through which social-structural factors are linked to the quality of MDM processes. The present research also presents an argument for the independent contributions of self-efficacy beliefs as causal influences on "hot temporal processes" that promote accuracy in decision making. Although present research demonstrates that the estimates were greater for cognitive ability than for both self-efficacy beliefs and social self-confidence it does not suggest that personality traits and self-efficacy beliefs have no utility. The present research demonstrates that cognitive ability combines with personality traits, self-efficacy beliefs and temporal processes (decision-generated affect and the allocation of attentional resources) in a complex manner through multiple pathways.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Myburgh, Wim
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9893 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1141 , Decision making
- Description: Making decisions in the business environment is arguably the most challenging aspect of managers' yet also the easiest to fail in. Unlike individual decisions managers as agents for their organizations make decisions amidst high levels of ambiguity, incomplete information and mostly under time pressure. These are the very conditions that make managers vulnerable to the volition-undermining potential of decision-generated affect precisely when they are feeling over-extended to deal with such demands. Effective managerial decision making (MDM) involves more than applying a set of individual abilities. Managers face numerous obstacles, failures, and setbacks that often carry perturbing self-evaluative implications as well as social consequences that undermine their self-evaluations in ways that impair good use of their decision making skills (Bandura, 1997). Given the absence of a coherent theoretical framework in the literature the conceptual model of relations put forward attempts to organize and simplify how managers make decisions as agents of their organizations. Most conceptualizations apply oversimplified models that focus attention on one or a few variables, neglect the joint constellations of individual variable factors and the influence of individual self-generated influences as a contributing factor in MDM. As an ex post facto explanatory-predictive study the present research offers evidence of these links among the theoretically relevant constructs in order to formulate an account of their relations in a parsimonious framework that could guide future insights to explain and predict the intentions and direction of managerial decision behaviour. Conceptual research has outpaced empirical research in decision making of managers in organizations. A number of mini-theories exists that focus on a few variables using linear, antecedent-consequence relations with manipulations in laboratory environments that deal with decisions in contexts that are very different to those faced by managers. There is limited research on managers as research participants and empirical findings based on non-managerial samples and students may not generalize to managers in real life decision making. The present research used a non-probability, purposive sample (N = 196) of experienced managers in the Western Cape region of South Africa, all employed in private and public organizations (mean age 38.9 years, SD of 7.49, ethnic black managers constituted 15.8 percent of the sample). As part of the study it was necessary to construct and validate custom indicator measures in an independent pilot study from the same population. The pilot study determined the factor structures of the dimensionality and internal consistency of the custom-designed measures by way of both convergent, as well as, discriminative validity. The exploratory factor (EFA) and internal reliability analyses succeeded to provide both a comprehensive and empirical grasp on the constructs as was defined. Further, analyses of both standardized and custom-designed also revealed no significant difference between black and other managers across the pilot samples which provided confidence of the substantive relations of interest (i.e., the associations among the variables). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was chosen as the data analysis strategy of choice and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) demonstrated that the operational measures by and large succeeded in providing both a comprehensive and empirical grasp on the constructs as defined. The inter-construct relations were also consistent with expectations. Evidence for convergent validity however proved that the indicator measures for the allocation of attentional resources were less than adequate in order to provide an uncontaminated measure as a latent variable. The structural model was subjected to further scrutiny by way of a spectrum of goodness-of-fit statistics. The analyses revealed that the model was not adequate and the null hypothesis that the model fitted the population data was subsequently, rejected. It was also sensible to assess the degree of lack of fit of the model with reference to RMSEA which revealed a value of .08, that suggested a reasonable model fit. The poor structural model fit could however be attributed to the failure of the measured indicators used to provide an acceptable grasp of the allocation of attentional resources as a latent variable. The inherent structural flaws in the model could however not be unequivocally be ruled out as an additional possibility of poor fit. One conclusion is the possibility of an expanded model that requires additional indicator measures and additional paths. Notwithstanding these limitations, the present research provided support for social cognitive theory that underlies the model. In accordance with the literature and empirical findings the present research demonstrated mangers' decision making is much more than reason-based behaviour. The present research demonstrates the interdependencies and cumulative effects among individual factors, self-efficacy beliefs and temporal volitional processes, as psychological iv mechanisms through which social-structural factors are linked to the quality of MDM processes. The present research also presents an argument for the independent contributions of self-efficacy beliefs as causal influences on "hot temporal processes" that promote accuracy in decision making. Although present research demonstrates that the estimates were greater for cognitive ability than for both self-efficacy beliefs and social self-confidence it does not suggest that personality traits and self-efficacy beliefs have no utility. The present research demonstrates that cognitive ability combines with personality traits, self-efficacy beliefs and temporal processes (decision-generated affect and the allocation of attentional resources) in a complex manner through multiple pathways.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Quantification of greenhouse gas fluxes from soil in agricultural fields
- Authors: Nkongolo, Nsalambi Vakanda
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Greenhouse gases -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:10645 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1474 , Greenhouse gases -- Environmental aspects
- Description: Field studies were conducted at Lincoln University of Missouri (USA) and Hokkaido University (Japan) to: (i) study the relationships between greenhouse gases emissions and soil properties, (ii) assess the influence of agricultural practices on greenhouse gas fluxes and soil properties and (iii) improve the quantification of greenhouse gases from soil in agricultural fields using geospatial technologies. Results showed that besides soil temperature (T), soil thermal properties such as thermal conductivity (K), resistivity (R) and diffusivity (D) and soil pore spaces indices such as the pore tortuosity factor and the relative gas diffusion coefficient (Ds/Do) are controlling factors for greenhouse gases emissions. Soil thermal properties correlated with greenhouse gases emissions when soil temperature could not. The study has found that predicted Ds/Do and correlate with greenhouse gas fluxes even when the air-filled porosity and the total porosity from which they are predicted did not. We have also showed that Ds/Do and can be predicted quickly from routine measurements of soil water and air and existing diffusivity models found in the literature. Agricultural practices do seriously impact greenhouse gases emissions as showed by the effect of mechanized tillage operations on soil physical properties and greenhouse gas fluxes in a corn and soybean fields. In fact, our results showed that tractor compaction increased soil resistance to penetration, water, bulk density and pore tortuosity while reducing air-filled porosity, total pore space and the soil gas diffusion coefficient. Changes in soil properties resulted in increased CO2, NO and N2O emissions. Finally, our results also confirmed that greenhouse gas fluxes vary tremendously in space and time. As estimates of greenhouse gas emissions are influenced by the data processing approach, differences between the different calculation approaches leads to uncertainty. Thus, techniques for developing better estimates are needed. We have showed that Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS), computer mapping and geo-statistics are technologies that can be used to better understand systems containing large amounts of spatial and temporal variability. Our GIS-based approach for quantifying CO2, CH4 and N2O fluxes from soil in agricultural fields showed that estimating (extrapolating) total greenhouse gas fluxes using the “standard” approach – multiplying the average flux value by the total field area – results in biased predictions of field total greenhouse gases emissions. In contrast, the GIS-based approach we developed produces an interpolated map portraying the spatial distribution of gas fluxes across the field from point measurements and later process the interpolated map produced to determine flux zones. Furthermore, processing, classification and modeling enables the computation of field total fluxes as the sum of fluxes in different zones, therefore taking into account the spatial variability of greenhouse gas fluxes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Nkongolo, Nsalambi Vakanda
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Greenhouse gases -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:10645 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1474 , Greenhouse gases -- Environmental aspects
- Description: Field studies were conducted at Lincoln University of Missouri (USA) and Hokkaido University (Japan) to: (i) study the relationships between greenhouse gases emissions and soil properties, (ii) assess the influence of agricultural practices on greenhouse gas fluxes and soil properties and (iii) improve the quantification of greenhouse gases from soil in agricultural fields using geospatial technologies. Results showed that besides soil temperature (T), soil thermal properties such as thermal conductivity (K), resistivity (R) and diffusivity (D) and soil pore spaces indices such as the pore tortuosity factor and the relative gas diffusion coefficient (Ds/Do) are controlling factors for greenhouse gases emissions. Soil thermal properties correlated with greenhouse gases emissions when soil temperature could not. The study has found that predicted Ds/Do and correlate with greenhouse gas fluxes even when the air-filled porosity and the total porosity from which they are predicted did not. We have also showed that Ds/Do and can be predicted quickly from routine measurements of soil water and air and existing diffusivity models found in the literature. Agricultural practices do seriously impact greenhouse gases emissions as showed by the effect of mechanized tillage operations on soil physical properties and greenhouse gas fluxes in a corn and soybean fields. In fact, our results showed that tractor compaction increased soil resistance to penetration, water, bulk density and pore tortuosity while reducing air-filled porosity, total pore space and the soil gas diffusion coefficient. Changes in soil properties resulted in increased CO2, NO and N2O emissions. Finally, our results also confirmed that greenhouse gas fluxes vary tremendously in space and time. As estimates of greenhouse gas emissions are influenced by the data processing approach, differences between the different calculation approaches leads to uncertainty. Thus, techniques for developing better estimates are needed. We have showed that Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS), computer mapping and geo-statistics are technologies that can be used to better understand systems containing large amounts of spatial and temporal variability. Our GIS-based approach for quantifying CO2, CH4 and N2O fluxes from soil in agricultural fields showed that estimating (extrapolating) total greenhouse gas fluxes using the “standard” approach – multiplying the average flux value by the total field area – results in biased predictions of field total greenhouse gases emissions. In contrast, the GIS-based approach we developed produces an interpolated map portraying the spatial distribution of gas fluxes across the field from point measurements and later process the interpolated map produced to determine flux zones. Furthermore, processing, classification and modeling enables the computation of field total fluxes as the sum of fluxes in different zones, therefore taking into account the spatial variability of greenhouse gas fluxes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The depiction of female characters by male writers in selected isiXhosa drama works
- Authors: Peter, Zola Welcome
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Xhosa drama -- 20th century -- History and criticism , Women in literature , Feminism and literature , Xhosa drama -- Male authors , Gender identity in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8446 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1482 , Xhosa drama -- 20th century -- History and criticism , Women in literature , Feminism and literature , Xhosa drama -- Male authors , Gender identity in literature
- Description: This research expresses female character portrayal in various drama works written by males. Chapter one is a general introduction that gives the key to this study, the motivation that leads to the selection of this topic; a literary review on the portrayal of female characters in literary works written by males; the scope of study, the basic composition of the ensuing chapters and the definitions of terms that are of paramount importance for this research. Various literary theories are used in Chapter two for the analysis of the research texts. These literary theories include womanism, gender and feminism which expose the social effects caused by the negative perception of females in social life and the negative portrayal of female characters in male dramatic writings. Other literary theories include onomastics as a literary theory, which exposes the relationship between the name giver of a person and the power the name gives to its bearer, as well as psychoanalysis as a theory which proved to be unavoidable, since this study analyses the personal behaviour of the individual characters within their literary environment. Chapter three depicts the general victimization of female characters in male drama works and exposes the various effects of the attitudes of male writers towards female characters in terms of gender role. Chapter four shows a general stereotypical portrayal of female characters in male written drama texts. This chapter shows the impact of stereotyping on female characters from drama works that puts them in a vulnerable position, showing that it is risky to become a victim of ill-treatment in their communities and the literary world. Chapter five deals with the psychological literary review of female characters, showing them as being suicidal and murderers who easily take their own lives and those of other people. Chapter six is a general conclusion of the works which includes observer remarks from other literary researchers of the literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Peter, Zola Welcome
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Xhosa drama -- 20th century -- History and criticism , Women in literature , Feminism and literature , Xhosa drama -- Male authors , Gender identity in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8446 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1482 , Xhosa drama -- 20th century -- History and criticism , Women in literature , Feminism and literature , Xhosa drama -- Male authors , Gender identity in literature
- Description: This research expresses female character portrayal in various drama works written by males. Chapter one is a general introduction that gives the key to this study, the motivation that leads to the selection of this topic; a literary review on the portrayal of female characters in literary works written by males; the scope of study, the basic composition of the ensuing chapters and the definitions of terms that are of paramount importance for this research. Various literary theories are used in Chapter two for the analysis of the research texts. These literary theories include womanism, gender and feminism which expose the social effects caused by the negative perception of females in social life and the negative portrayal of female characters in male dramatic writings. Other literary theories include onomastics as a literary theory, which exposes the relationship between the name giver of a person and the power the name gives to its bearer, as well as psychoanalysis as a theory which proved to be unavoidable, since this study analyses the personal behaviour of the individual characters within their literary environment. Chapter three depicts the general victimization of female characters in male drama works and exposes the various effects of the attitudes of male writers towards female characters in terms of gender role. Chapter four shows a general stereotypical portrayal of female characters in male written drama texts. This chapter shows the impact of stereotyping on female characters from drama works that puts them in a vulnerable position, showing that it is risky to become a victim of ill-treatment in their communities and the literary world. Chapter five deals with the psychological literary review of female characters, showing them as being suicidal and murderers who easily take their own lives and those of other people. Chapter six is a general conclusion of the works which includes observer remarks from other literary researchers of the literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The influence of emotional intelligence on change management strategies in establishing self-managing schools : a multi-site case study
- Authors: Pather, S. S
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Emotional intelligence -- South Africa , Self-directed work teams -- South Africa , Schools -- Decentralization -- South Africa , Change -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9554 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1154 , Emotional intelligence -- South Africa , Self-directed work teams -- South Africa , Schools -- Decentralization -- South Africa , Change -- Management
- Description: In South Africa, the trend has been towards the decentralising of authority and giving greater powers to schools. This implies the active involvement of the school governing body members, the school management team members and the Level One educators in the day-to-day functioning of the school. Whilst some schools have welcomed this change and seen this devolution of power as an added advantage contributing to the efficacy of schools, some schools have struggled, while others have failed dismally to cope with this added responsibility of managing their own resources. The researcher, being an educator involved in this transition, has been intrigued by the success of some self-managing schools and the failure of others. The following words of Oliver Wendell Holmes have inspired the investigator to conduct this research to ascertain the reasons for the success of certain schools and the failure of others: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Since the performance of schools is normally ranked according to their matriculation pass rates, this research focused on six self-managing schools in the Port Elizabeth District. These schools were selected on the basis of their matriculation performances in 2008. Two of the schools had achieved an above 85 percent matriculation pass rate (Category A); two obtained a 50 percent pass rate (Category B); while the other two schools obtained matriculation pass rates of between 25 percent and 30 percent (Category C). Although the research relied strongly on a qualitative method of inquiry, because of the nature of the data and the need to obtain a better understanding of the feelings, attitude and perceptions of those in management positions, governing body positions and members of the personnel, multiple instruments for data collection such as a literature review and the study of school documents and questionnaires, were used. This inclusion of these multiple instruments for obtaining information, which is also called triangulation, contributed to the reliability and validity of the empirical investigation. Although the data was presented in the form of tables and graphs, vi which alludes to a quantitative approach, a narrative interpretation of the findings, which is associated with a qualitative method of inquiry, was also presented. An analysis of the findings revealed that there was a great amount of involvement of the principals, school management team members and Level One educators in Category A schools, which had a matriculation pass rate of above 85%, in the following change management strategies: the establishment of a vision, planning and organising, teamwork, training and development, communication, praise and incentives, and evaluation and feedback. There was also a great contribution by the school governing body members. However, the study revealed that Category B and Category C schools did not effectively use communication, praise and incentives and evaluation and feedback as change management strategies. It was evident from the empirical investigation that in Category B and C schools, the school governing body members were less, or not involved in the usage of the change management strategies applied. According to the results based on the six-facet model of Emotional Intelligence, Category A schools obtained 80% and above in the competencies relating to the self and social domain. Category B schools fluctuated between 50 percent and 80 percent in both dimensions, while Category C schools fluctuated between 30 percent and 80 percent. The findings suggest that there should be greater involvement of all stakeholders, especially the school governing body members, in the establishment of a vision, planning and organising, communication, teamwork, training and development, praise and incentives and the provision of feedback and evaluation for self-managing schools to become effective and improve their performances. Professional development, especially in the areas pertaining to Emotional Intelligence competencies such as personal and interpersonal skills, should be prioritised. This thesis proposes that, on the basis of the investigation carried out at the six participating schools on the influence of Emotional Intelligence on the change management strategies adopted in self-managing schools, schools use strategies such as the establishment of a vision, planning and organising, communication, teamwork, training and development, praise and incentives and evaluation and feedback to ameliorate the damaging impact of change. There should be continuous training and development at schools, especially for the school governing body members, who are elected every three years. The newly elected school governing body members need to develop the necessary skills to effectively contribute to the efficacy of schools. The human resource is the vital ingredient in schools, thus for any progression or improvement, all stakeholders need to be informed, trained and enriched. Since Emotional Intelligence can be learned, professional development in the area of Emotional Intelligence should be given more thought and included in training courses, focusing on the development of personal and interpersonal skills. The Emotional Intelligence training should be conducted as part of teacher training courses as well as on an annual basis for educators already in the teaching system, since Emotional Intelligence can influence the use of change management strategies at schools and enhance the efficacy of the functioning of self-managing schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Pather, S. S
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Emotional intelligence -- South Africa , Self-directed work teams -- South Africa , Schools -- Decentralization -- South Africa , Change -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9554 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1154 , Emotional intelligence -- South Africa , Self-directed work teams -- South Africa , Schools -- Decentralization -- South Africa , Change -- Management
- Description: In South Africa, the trend has been towards the decentralising of authority and giving greater powers to schools. This implies the active involvement of the school governing body members, the school management team members and the Level One educators in the day-to-day functioning of the school. Whilst some schools have welcomed this change and seen this devolution of power as an added advantage contributing to the efficacy of schools, some schools have struggled, while others have failed dismally to cope with this added responsibility of managing their own resources. The researcher, being an educator involved in this transition, has been intrigued by the success of some self-managing schools and the failure of others. The following words of Oliver Wendell Holmes have inspired the investigator to conduct this research to ascertain the reasons for the success of certain schools and the failure of others: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Since the performance of schools is normally ranked according to their matriculation pass rates, this research focused on six self-managing schools in the Port Elizabeth District. These schools were selected on the basis of their matriculation performances in 2008. Two of the schools had achieved an above 85 percent matriculation pass rate (Category A); two obtained a 50 percent pass rate (Category B); while the other two schools obtained matriculation pass rates of between 25 percent and 30 percent (Category C). Although the research relied strongly on a qualitative method of inquiry, because of the nature of the data and the need to obtain a better understanding of the feelings, attitude and perceptions of those in management positions, governing body positions and members of the personnel, multiple instruments for data collection such as a literature review and the study of school documents and questionnaires, were used. This inclusion of these multiple instruments for obtaining information, which is also called triangulation, contributed to the reliability and validity of the empirical investigation. Although the data was presented in the form of tables and graphs, vi which alludes to a quantitative approach, a narrative interpretation of the findings, which is associated with a qualitative method of inquiry, was also presented. An analysis of the findings revealed that there was a great amount of involvement of the principals, school management team members and Level One educators in Category A schools, which had a matriculation pass rate of above 85%, in the following change management strategies: the establishment of a vision, planning and organising, teamwork, training and development, communication, praise and incentives, and evaluation and feedback. There was also a great contribution by the school governing body members. However, the study revealed that Category B and Category C schools did not effectively use communication, praise and incentives and evaluation and feedback as change management strategies. It was evident from the empirical investigation that in Category B and C schools, the school governing body members were less, or not involved in the usage of the change management strategies applied. According to the results based on the six-facet model of Emotional Intelligence, Category A schools obtained 80% and above in the competencies relating to the self and social domain. Category B schools fluctuated between 50 percent and 80 percent in both dimensions, while Category C schools fluctuated between 30 percent and 80 percent. The findings suggest that there should be greater involvement of all stakeholders, especially the school governing body members, in the establishment of a vision, planning and organising, communication, teamwork, training and development, praise and incentives and the provision of feedback and evaluation for self-managing schools to become effective and improve their performances. Professional development, especially in the areas pertaining to Emotional Intelligence competencies such as personal and interpersonal skills, should be prioritised. This thesis proposes that, on the basis of the investigation carried out at the six participating schools on the influence of Emotional Intelligence on the change management strategies adopted in self-managing schools, schools use strategies such as the establishment of a vision, planning and organising, communication, teamwork, training and development, praise and incentives and evaluation and feedback to ameliorate the damaging impact of change. There should be continuous training and development at schools, especially for the school governing body members, who are elected every three years. The newly elected school governing body members need to develop the necessary skills to effectively contribute to the efficacy of schools. The human resource is the vital ingredient in schools, thus for any progression or improvement, all stakeholders need to be informed, trained and enriched. Since Emotional Intelligence can be learned, professional development in the area of Emotional Intelligence should be given more thought and included in training courses, focusing on the development of personal and interpersonal skills. The Emotional Intelligence training should be conducted as part of teacher training courses as well as on an annual basis for educators already in the teaching system, since Emotional Intelligence can influence the use of change management strategies at schools and enhance the efficacy of the functioning of self-managing schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
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