Causes and impacts of delays in low-income housing projects in the greater Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffolo City Municipality
- Authors: Xongo, Nwabisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Project management -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Housing development -- South Africa Construction industry -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36259 , vital:33916
- Description: A construction project depends upon having correct people with the correct skills and usable equipment, therefore to deliver the project on time, on budget and specified quality. Project success can be attained if the construction works moves professionally within the time schedule. Delays to projects mean the go slow of process and all other related fields. The main aim of this study is to assess the numerous causes of delays and reasons for those delays that are currently affecting the project in low income housing projects in Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Xongo, Nwabisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Project management -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Housing development -- South Africa Construction industry -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36259 , vital:33916
- Description: A construction project depends upon having correct people with the correct skills and usable equipment, therefore to deliver the project on time, on budget and specified quality. Project success can be attained if the construction works moves professionally within the time schedule. Delays to projects mean the go slow of process and all other related fields. The main aim of this study is to assess the numerous causes of delays and reasons for those delays that are currently affecting the project in low income housing projects in Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
Electrospinning of carbon nanofibers for investigating the behaviour of lead electrodeposits on the carbon surface
- Authors: Madikane, Zipporah Kayakazi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Materials science , Nanotechnology Nanostructured materials
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31622 , vital:31629
- Description: Over the years, the lead acid battery’s performance in modern vehicles has improved considerably to adapt to the new demands of vehicle electronics and start-stop applications. Although vehicles are valuable for commuting, their high volume of usage has resulted in an increase of fuel prices and emitted carbon dioxide (CO2). Due to the drastic global warming concerns, vehicle manufactures have been pressured into developing a variety of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) that would reduce their fuel consumption and thereby reduced CO2 emission. The HEVs construction requires the implementation of advanced battery systems that operate under high rate partial state of charge (HRPSoC) conditions. During battery’s discharge, the Pb contained on the negative plate is oxidised to insulating PbSO4 crystals. When the battery is charged, the PbSO4 is reduced back to Pb. With prolonged use at HRPSoC, the battery undergoes an irreversible process wherein small PbSO4 crystallites dissolve and precipitate into large passivating PbSO4 crystals that accumulate as a dense layer on the surface of the negative plate. This layer restricts the diffusion of the H2SO4 electrolyte into the reaction sites for further reactions, resulting in the battery to fail prematurely. Research has shown that the inclusion of appropriate carbon materials on the negative active material (NAM) improves the performance of the batteries in HRPSoC cycling. This study looked at the making of some of the carbon-based additives by using relatively cheap materials such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer with a sucrose blend in ratios of 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75, respectively. The blended materials were electrospun into PVA/Sucrose nanofibers. These were further stabilised by iodine and carbonised at 500 °C in a tube furnace. The properties of the carbon fibres were investigated by a number of analytical techniques such as TGA, DSC, XRD, BET, FTIR and SEM. The obtained carbon fibre surfaces were further electroplated with Pb in order to investigate the chemical bonding, the relationship between the carbon-based material interface and the Pb was investigated by SEM and CV techniques. The results of the study demonstrated that the varied ratios of the PVA/Sucrose nanofibers influenced the differences in their respective chemical and physical properties. Thermal analysis demonstrated that at approximately 500 °C, the final residue of the PVA/Sucrose nanofibers decreased as the sucrose content decreased. iii Carbonisation of the nanofibers was confirmed by the structural changes corresponding to the disappearance of the major bonds of PVA and sucrose materials, as well as by the appearance of C=C stretches. Carbonisation was also confirmed by the XRD diffractogram that demonstrated two broad amorphous peaks that corresponded to the planes of the graphite structure. The broadness of the peaks confirmed the amorphous nature of the carbon fibres. The morphological studies demonstrated that upon blending PVA with increasing quantities of sucrose, the uniformity of the fibres was altered into beaded fibrous structures with large diameters due to the increased viscosity of the electrospinning solution. The behaviour of the Pb deposits on the carbon surfaces was influenced by the high quantity of PVA present on the blend and the fibrous structure of the carbonised material. The Pb had high affinity towards the fibrous carbon derived from 75:25 as it deposited widely across the surface. Whereas, the absence of Pb deposits on the surface of the carbon derived from the 25:75 ratio was an indication that the high sucrose content and the bulky non-fibrous structure hindered the electrodeposition. The electrochemical study findings demonstrated that the bare Pb electrode had two distinct current peaks corresponding to the anodic (discharge) and cathodic (charge) reactions of Pb/PbSO4. Upon the inclusion of the electrospun carbon materials on the Pb electrode, the intensities of the anodic and cathodic peaks were reduced. Implying that none of the carbon materials enhanced the electrochemical redox reactions of the Pb/PbSO4 couple in the H2SO4 electrolyte.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Madikane, Zipporah Kayakazi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Materials science , Nanotechnology Nanostructured materials
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31622 , vital:31629
- Description: Over the years, the lead acid battery’s performance in modern vehicles has improved considerably to adapt to the new demands of vehicle electronics and start-stop applications. Although vehicles are valuable for commuting, their high volume of usage has resulted in an increase of fuel prices and emitted carbon dioxide (CO2). Due to the drastic global warming concerns, vehicle manufactures have been pressured into developing a variety of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) that would reduce their fuel consumption and thereby reduced CO2 emission. The HEVs construction requires the implementation of advanced battery systems that operate under high rate partial state of charge (HRPSoC) conditions. During battery’s discharge, the Pb contained on the negative plate is oxidised to insulating PbSO4 crystals. When the battery is charged, the PbSO4 is reduced back to Pb. With prolonged use at HRPSoC, the battery undergoes an irreversible process wherein small PbSO4 crystallites dissolve and precipitate into large passivating PbSO4 crystals that accumulate as a dense layer on the surface of the negative plate. This layer restricts the diffusion of the H2SO4 electrolyte into the reaction sites for further reactions, resulting in the battery to fail prematurely. Research has shown that the inclusion of appropriate carbon materials on the negative active material (NAM) improves the performance of the batteries in HRPSoC cycling. This study looked at the making of some of the carbon-based additives by using relatively cheap materials such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer with a sucrose blend in ratios of 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75, respectively. The blended materials were electrospun into PVA/Sucrose nanofibers. These were further stabilised by iodine and carbonised at 500 °C in a tube furnace. The properties of the carbon fibres were investigated by a number of analytical techniques such as TGA, DSC, XRD, BET, FTIR and SEM. The obtained carbon fibre surfaces were further electroplated with Pb in order to investigate the chemical bonding, the relationship between the carbon-based material interface and the Pb was investigated by SEM and CV techniques. The results of the study demonstrated that the varied ratios of the PVA/Sucrose nanofibers influenced the differences in their respective chemical and physical properties. Thermal analysis demonstrated that at approximately 500 °C, the final residue of the PVA/Sucrose nanofibers decreased as the sucrose content decreased. iii Carbonisation of the nanofibers was confirmed by the structural changes corresponding to the disappearance of the major bonds of PVA and sucrose materials, as well as by the appearance of C=C stretches. Carbonisation was also confirmed by the XRD diffractogram that demonstrated two broad amorphous peaks that corresponded to the planes of the graphite structure. The broadness of the peaks confirmed the amorphous nature of the carbon fibres. The morphological studies demonstrated that upon blending PVA with increasing quantities of sucrose, the uniformity of the fibres was altered into beaded fibrous structures with large diameters due to the increased viscosity of the electrospinning solution. The behaviour of the Pb deposits on the carbon surfaces was influenced by the high quantity of PVA present on the blend and the fibrous structure of the carbonised material. The Pb had high affinity towards the fibrous carbon derived from 75:25 as it deposited widely across the surface. Whereas, the absence of Pb deposits on the surface of the carbon derived from the 25:75 ratio was an indication that the high sucrose content and the bulky non-fibrous structure hindered the electrodeposition. The electrochemical study findings demonstrated that the bare Pb electrode had two distinct current peaks corresponding to the anodic (discharge) and cathodic (charge) reactions of Pb/PbSO4. Upon the inclusion of the electrospun carbon materials on the Pb electrode, the intensities of the anodic and cathodic peaks were reduced. Implying that none of the carbon materials enhanced the electrochemical redox reactions of the Pb/PbSO4 couple in the H2SO4 electrolyte.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Approaches in the prioritisation of areas for biodiversity conservation: a case study from the Western Cape pf South Africa
- Authors: Southey, Phillippa Kate
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4122 , vital:20548
- Description: Historical ad hoc allocations of land for biodiversity conservation have led to a biased representation of habitat within the Cape Floristic Region, with Protected Areas concentrated in upland areas at high altitudes and on steep slopes. The field of Conservation Planning developed to ensure that allocations of areas to Protected status no longer result in such bias and rather promotes the persistence of biodiversity. This study reviewed a recent allocation of land to biodiversity conservation within Western Cape of South Africa, using both a quantitative and qualitative approach, to determine their value to biodiversity conservation. The area was previously used for commercial forestry but now has been allocated to conservation land-uses. The allocation was based on the area’s value to the forestry industry. The qualitative approach in this study engaged with relevant stakeholder groups to map priority areas, while the quantitative approach used available data on biodiversity features to map priority areas. Neither approach determined that the area allocated is in its full extent a priority for biodiversity conservation. This indicated that in the current era of Conservation Planning, Protected Areas are still being allocated in an ad hoc manner, as a result of their limited perceived benefit to anthropocentric needs. The future allocation of land to biodiversity conservation should rather integrate expert knowledge and available quantifiable data to ensure that priority areas for biodiversity conservation are being protected.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Southey, Phillippa Kate
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4122 , vital:20548
- Description: Historical ad hoc allocations of land for biodiversity conservation have led to a biased representation of habitat within the Cape Floristic Region, with Protected Areas concentrated in upland areas at high altitudes and on steep slopes. The field of Conservation Planning developed to ensure that allocations of areas to Protected status no longer result in such bias and rather promotes the persistence of biodiversity. This study reviewed a recent allocation of land to biodiversity conservation within Western Cape of South Africa, using both a quantitative and qualitative approach, to determine their value to biodiversity conservation. The area was previously used for commercial forestry but now has been allocated to conservation land-uses. The allocation was based on the area’s value to the forestry industry. The qualitative approach in this study engaged with relevant stakeholder groups to map priority areas, while the quantitative approach used available data on biodiversity features to map priority areas. Neither approach determined that the area allocated is in its full extent a priority for biodiversity conservation. This indicated that in the current era of Conservation Planning, Protected Areas are still being allocated in an ad hoc manner, as a result of their limited perceived benefit to anthropocentric needs. The future allocation of land to biodiversity conservation should rather integrate expert knowledge and available quantifiable data to ensure that priority areas for biodiversity conservation are being protected.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The performance of O R Tambo district municipality regarding water service delivery
- Authors: Xala, Zandile
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Public administration|zSouth Africa , Local government , Government accountability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:16141 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009318 , Public administration|zSouth Africa , Local government , Government accountability
- Description: Access to water services in South Africa still remains a dream for most people, especially those who live in remote areas. The poverty stricken communities of the former Transkei in the Eastern Cape are in need of water and sanitation services. The findings of the study reveal that most community members are dissatisfied with the water service delivery. During an interview with ward 6 residents who reside in an urban area of the OR Tambo District Municipality (ORTDM), they revealed that pipe bursting is one of the main causes why from time to time they do not have water. The other factor is when there is no electricity; the water system depends on the availability of electricity. The South African local government has been mandated to consult with its citizenry in respect of the processes relating to water service delivery. South Africa has developed a wide range of legislation that ensures community consultation on a continuous basis with regard to how water services should be delivered. It is the community‟s right to be consulted and to give input on issues that directly affect them. The researcher used a qualitative research method since it would provide the reader with more insight into how water services are delivered in the ORTDM. Both community members and municipal officials were interviewed. A number of findings have been made during the research. Some community members are of the view that constant community consultation could reduce service delivery protests. Political intervention needs to be made by the leadership with regard to service delivery and more resources need to be committed toward those processes. This study was conducted from April 2012 to November 2012 and was aimed at assessing the performance of OR Tambo District Municipality regarding water service delivery. According to OR Tambo DM (2011/12: 3), the communities through the consultation processes conducted throughout five (5) local municipalities made it clear that ensuring increased access to water and sanitation services is still the main priority.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Xala, Zandile
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Public administration|zSouth Africa , Local government , Government accountability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:16141 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009318 , Public administration|zSouth Africa , Local government , Government accountability
- Description: Access to water services in South Africa still remains a dream for most people, especially those who live in remote areas. The poverty stricken communities of the former Transkei in the Eastern Cape are in need of water and sanitation services. The findings of the study reveal that most community members are dissatisfied with the water service delivery. During an interview with ward 6 residents who reside in an urban area of the OR Tambo District Municipality (ORTDM), they revealed that pipe bursting is one of the main causes why from time to time they do not have water. The other factor is when there is no electricity; the water system depends on the availability of electricity. The South African local government has been mandated to consult with its citizenry in respect of the processes relating to water service delivery. South Africa has developed a wide range of legislation that ensures community consultation on a continuous basis with regard to how water services should be delivered. It is the community‟s right to be consulted and to give input on issues that directly affect them. The researcher used a qualitative research method since it would provide the reader with more insight into how water services are delivered in the ORTDM. Both community members and municipal officials were interviewed. A number of findings have been made during the research. Some community members are of the view that constant community consultation could reduce service delivery protests. Political intervention needs to be made by the leadership with regard to service delivery and more resources need to be committed toward those processes. This study was conducted from April 2012 to November 2012 and was aimed at assessing the performance of OR Tambo District Municipality regarding water service delivery. According to OR Tambo DM (2011/12: 3), the communities through the consultation processes conducted throughout five (5) local municipalities made it clear that ensuring increased access to water and sanitation services is still the main priority.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Determining the elements of the operations management transformation model for the monitoring and breaching of the Great Brak River Mouth system
- Authors: Kriel, J F
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Rivers -- Management -- South Africa , Stream conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10935 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/214 , Rivers -- Management -- South Africa , Stream conservation -- South Africa
- Description: The prime challenge to those responsible for the management of South Africa’s estuaries is to maintain their viability in the face of ever increasing pressures. It is important that we learn to appreciate the value of estuaries and that we act wisely to manage them for sustainable use. Any operation must have the adequate resources to perform the duties and the correct processes must be followed. The purpose of this research is to determine whether the current inputs and processes needed for the monitoring and breaching of the Great Brak River Mouth system are sufficient to adhere to the output objectives of a healthy estuary together with safeguarding of properties. The research methodology for this study comprised the following steps: Firstly, a literature study was performed to identify the key elements of the operation management transformation model. Operations management deals with the output of any business, in other words the conversion of inputs to create certain outputs and they do this by a process of transformation. Secondly, extensive literature study was performed in order to access material regarding effective estuary and river mouth management. Thirdly, the current situation at Great Brak was assessed to determine whether the current inputs and processes are in place and if additional or altered inputs and processes are needed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Kriel, J F
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Rivers -- Management -- South Africa , Stream conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10935 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/214 , Rivers -- Management -- South Africa , Stream conservation -- South Africa
- Description: The prime challenge to those responsible for the management of South Africa’s estuaries is to maintain their viability in the face of ever increasing pressures. It is important that we learn to appreciate the value of estuaries and that we act wisely to manage them for sustainable use. Any operation must have the adequate resources to perform the duties and the correct processes must be followed. The purpose of this research is to determine whether the current inputs and processes needed for the monitoring and breaching of the Great Brak River Mouth system are sufficient to adhere to the output objectives of a healthy estuary together with safeguarding of properties. The research methodology for this study comprised the following steps: Firstly, a literature study was performed to identify the key elements of the operation management transformation model. Operations management deals with the output of any business, in other words the conversion of inputs to create certain outputs and they do this by a process of transformation. Secondly, extensive literature study was performed in order to access material regarding effective estuary and river mouth management. Thirdly, the current situation at Great Brak was assessed to determine whether the current inputs and processes are in place and if additional or altered inputs and processes are needed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
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