A "lean-led-evaluation" of infrastructure development improvement programme in South Africa
- Monyane, Thabiso Godfrey, Emuze, Fidelis
- Authors: Monyane, Thabiso Godfrey , Emuze, Fidelis
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Accounting , Construction industry -- South Africa Project management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44929 , vital:38189
- Description: A doctoral study was embarked upon with the intentions of addressing cost management problems encountered on Infrastructure Delivery Projects in South Africa. Given that poor cost performance constitute hindrance to the realization of project goals, it is imperative to eliminate it from project delivery. The prevalence of cost overrun in public sector projects is a call to all stakeholders to address cost management issues in the construction industry. The predominance of cost overruns in public sector construction projects in South Africa has been observed. With the decline of the current economic conditions in South Africa, project performance is a great concern that needs attention. In addition, ineffective initiatives to curb the abuse of the procurement processes are directly affecting the outcomes of construction projects, and if these status quo remains, the sector will continue to have a bad image and continued waste of taxpayers’ money will not cease until the public sector remove non-value adding activities in their operations. Study adopted a mixed methods designed that collected both textual and statistical data. Semistructured interviews were undertaken to determine the outcomes of current project management practices in South Africa. In terms of performance of projects, the status quo paints a disconsolate picture. Findings reveal protracted processes, and the use of unqualified and inexperienced contribute to poor performance of public sector projects. Poor performance continues to dominate the construction sector, especially in the public sector. Interviews data were contrasted with evidence from project-related documents. Based on the data, the study produces a vignette of existing cost management frameworks applied to such projects. Encompassing various stages of the project delivery lifecycle, this vignette will enable an identification of the challenges afflicting cost management on projects. Accordingly, this study identified Lean opportunities from existing cost management practices. Such opportunities will enable identification of effective cost management during project delivery. There appears a need for collaborative cost management practices. Lean tools mentioned for improvement include the 5Whys, the big room, target value design, and the integration of design and construction. A collaborative cost management framework was developed through relevant theories to improve the cost management process of public sector projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Monyane, Thabiso Godfrey , Emuze, Fidelis
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Accounting , Construction industry -- South Africa Project management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44929 , vital:38189
- Description: A doctoral study was embarked upon with the intentions of addressing cost management problems encountered on Infrastructure Delivery Projects in South Africa. Given that poor cost performance constitute hindrance to the realization of project goals, it is imperative to eliminate it from project delivery. The prevalence of cost overrun in public sector projects is a call to all stakeholders to address cost management issues in the construction industry. The predominance of cost overruns in public sector construction projects in South Africa has been observed. With the decline of the current economic conditions in South Africa, project performance is a great concern that needs attention. In addition, ineffective initiatives to curb the abuse of the procurement processes are directly affecting the outcomes of construction projects, and if these status quo remains, the sector will continue to have a bad image and continued waste of taxpayers’ money will not cease until the public sector remove non-value adding activities in their operations. Study adopted a mixed methods designed that collected both textual and statistical data. Semistructured interviews were undertaken to determine the outcomes of current project management practices in South Africa. In terms of performance of projects, the status quo paints a disconsolate picture. Findings reveal protracted processes, and the use of unqualified and inexperienced contribute to poor performance of public sector projects. Poor performance continues to dominate the construction sector, especially in the public sector. Interviews data were contrasted with evidence from project-related documents. Based on the data, the study produces a vignette of existing cost management frameworks applied to such projects. Encompassing various stages of the project delivery lifecycle, this vignette will enable an identification of the challenges afflicting cost management on projects. Accordingly, this study identified Lean opportunities from existing cost management practices. Such opportunities will enable identification of effective cost management during project delivery. There appears a need for collaborative cost management practices. Lean tools mentioned for improvement include the 5Whys, the big room, target value design, and the integration of design and construction. A collaborative cost management framework was developed through relevant theories to improve the cost management process of public sector projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A 3, 5-DistyrylBODIPY Dye Functionalized with Boronic Acid Groups for Direct Electrochemical Glucose Sensing
- Ndebele, Nobuhle, Mack, John, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Ndebele, Nobuhle , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187556 , vital:44671 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/elan.201800651"
- Description: The synthesis and characterization of a novel BODIPY dye functionalized with bis-boronic acid groups to enable direct glucose sensing through selective recognition of carbohydrates is reported. Styrylation with boronic acid groups at the 3,5-positions of the BODIPY core results in an extension of the π-conjugation system of the dye and in a red-shift of the main absorption band from 500 to 637 nm. The functionalized BODIPY dye was adsorbed on a glassy carbon electrode using the drop and dry method. Modified and bare electrodes were characterized using cyclic voltammetry and scanning electrochemical microscopy, while glucose detection was carried out by using differential pulse voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The detection limit was determined to be 1.42 μM. The dye was found to be selective and sensitive towards glucose, since likely interferences have only minor effects on the glucose detection.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ndebele, Nobuhle , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187556 , vital:44671 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/elan.201800651"
- Description: The synthesis and characterization of a novel BODIPY dye functionalized with bis-boronic acid groups to enable direct glucose sensing through selective recognition of carbohydrates is reported. Styrylation with boronic acid groups at the 3,5-positions of the BODIPY core results in an extension of the π-conjugation system of the dye and in a red-shift of the main absorption band from 500 to 637 nm. The functionalized BODIPY dye was adsorbed on a glassy carbon electrode using the drop and dry method. Modified and bare electrodes were characterized using cyclic voltammetry and scanning electrochemical microscopy, while glucose detection was carried out by using differential pulse voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The detection limit was determined to be 1.42 μM. The dye was found to be selective and sensitive towards glucose, since likely interferences have only minor effects on the glucose detection.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A bargain that dissolves into a poem unwritten: a critique of bargain retail practices and homemaking through critical design
- Authors: Hawley, Ami Jessica
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Stores, Retail -- Designs and plans -- South Africa , Interior decoration -- South Africa House furnishings -- South Africa -- 20th century Furniture -- South Africa Store decoration Interior architecture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40349 , vital:36146
- Description: Although bargains commonly manifest as loud advertisements and trivial objects, as a moment of exchange they provide a basis to critique economic relations and judgements of taste. This research presents a document study of “bargains” in the context of bargain retail practices and homemaking, illustrated in the case of OK Furniture in South Africa; further situated by Julier’s study of economy and class within design culture, and Bourdieu’s fields of cultural production. The investigation builds to a discussion of the research practice, alluded to in the research project’s title, “A bargain that dissolves into a poem unwritten”. The title is an entry from this practice’s journal that conveys how the everyday experience of a bargain might find a connection to poetry when its exchange is seen as a performance; as a moment or encounter “unwritten”, capable of generating different modes of meaning and sociability. Using critical design strategies, the research practice explores the manifesting discountproduct cultures and retail practices associated with homes as a way to inhabit richer interpersonal relationships and unscripted sociability. This is discussed through four critical design proposals and 26 thought experiments, resulting in Text me when you see this, an online concept store that sells bargains, personal agreements, quality time, conversation and curio: www.textmewhenyouseethis.com. The research explores the limits to a bargain’s economic and emotional exchange by asking What if a bargain represented other forms of sociability, and How else might this mode of exchange look? These questions are used in the critique to model critical design towards both poetic expression and pragmatic embodiment of criticality in the project of reflecting on everyday life and what it might “dissolve into”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Hawley, Ami Jessica
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Stores, Retail -- Designs and plans -- South Africa , Interior decoration -- South Africa House furnishings -- South Africa -- 20th century Furniture -- South Africa Store decoration Interior architecture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40349 , vital:36146
- Description: Although bargains commonly manifest as loud advertisements and trivial objects, as a moment of exchange they provide a basis to critique economic relations and judgements of taste. This research presents a document study of “bargains” in the context of bargain retail practices and homemaking, illustrated in the case of OK Furniture in South Africa; further situated by Julier’s study of economy and class within design culture, and Bourdieu’s fields of cultural production. The investigation builds to a discussion of the research practice, alluded to in the research project’s title, “A bargain that dissolves into a poem unwritten”. The title is an entry from this practice’s journal that conveys how the everyday experience of a bargain might find a connection to poetry when its exchange is seen as a performance; as a moment or encounter “unwritten”, capable of generating different modes of meaning and sociability. Using critical design strategies, the research practice explores the manifesting discountproduct cultures and retail practices associated with homes as a way to inhabit richer interpersonal relationships and unscripted sociability. This is discussed through four critical design proposals and 26 thought experiments, resulting in Text me when you see this, an online concept store that sells bargains, personal agreements, quality time, conversation and curio: www.textmewhenyouseethis.com. The research explores the limits to a bargain’s economic and emotional exchange by asking What if a bargain represented other forms of sociability, and How else might this mode of exchange look? These questions are used in the critique to model critical design towards both poetic expression and pragmatic embodiment of criticality in the project of reflecting on everyday life and what it might “dissolve into”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A blended learning toolkit that accommodates multiple learning styles
- Authors: Mills, Steven Christopher
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Blended learning , Learning strategies Learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30452 , vital:30945
- Description: The purpose of this study was to identify how blended learning can be designed and incorporated to accommodate multiple learning styles within modules in the Department of Computing Sciences. A design theory was created through an analysis of literature and exploration into the backgrounds of students and lecturers within the Department of Computing Sciences. The design theory is: Blended learning can be a useful approach to accommodate multiple learning styles. Guidelines, and by extension a toolkit, facilitate the development of blended learning and provide effective tools to enable lecturers to successfully incorporate blended learning into their modules. Design-Based Research (DBR) was followed in this study, using a mixed-methods and iterative approach to determine the accuracy of the design theory. For the first iteration, the toolkit was implemented in two modules within the Department of Computing Sciences and for the second iteration, four modules. DBR produces a theoretical contribution and a practical artefact. The most important theoretical contributions are the design theory and guidelines for incorporating blended learning that accommodates multiple learning styles. The practical artefacts are the toolkit and tools therein. The toolkit, which was accessed via a website, guides lecturers through the process of incorporating blended learning that accommodates multiple learning styles and provides them with the necessary tools to do so. The design theory was proven in the evaluation that used a questionnaire to understand the lecturers’ experiences regarding the toolkit and the design theory. Therefore, the guidelines for applying blended learning is a useful approach to address multiple learning styles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mills, Steven Christopher
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Blended learning , Learning strategies Learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30452 , vital:30945
- Description: The purpose of this study was to identify how blended learning can be designed and incorporated to accommodate multiple learning styles within modules in the Department of Computing Sciences. A design theory was created through an analysis of literature and exploration into the backgrounds of students and lecturers within the Department of Computing Sciences. The design theory is: Blended learning can be a useful approach to accommodate multiple learning styles. Guidelines, and by extension a toolkit, facilitate the development of blended learning and provide effective tools to enable lecturers to successfully incorporate blended learning into their modules. Design-Based Research (DBR) was followed in this study, using a mixed-methods and iterative approach to determine the accuracy of the design theory. For the first iteration, the toolkit was implemented in two modules within the Department of Computing Sciences and for the second iteration, four modules. DBR produces a theoretical contribution and a practical artefact. The most important theoretical contributions are the design theory and guidelines for incorporating blended learning that accommodates multiple learning styles. The practical artefacts are the toolkit and tools therein. The toolkit, which was accessed via a website, guides lecturers through the process of incorporating blended learning that accommodates multiple learning styles and provides them with the necessary tools to do so. The design theory was proven in the evaluation that used a questionnaire to understand the lecturers’ experiences regarding the toolkit and the design theory. Therefore, the guidelines for applying blended learning is a useful approach to address multiple learning styles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A case for the adoption of Swahili as a language of early school literacy instruction in Ekegusii-speaking areas of western Kenya:
- Mose, Peter, Kaschula, Russell H
- Authors: Mose, Peter , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174645 , vital:42497 , https://www.njas.fi/njas/article/view/433
- Description: Swahili, a national and official language in Kenya, is in wide use in the country as an inter-ethnic medium of communication and, generally, as a lingua franca. The operative language policy for lower primary–up to grade three–provides for the use of languages of the catchment as languages of instruction. The languages of the catchment refer to the more than 42 indigenous languages spoken in the country. The purpose of this study was to determine and discuss institutional and extra-institutional factors that might favour adoption of Swahili as the best medium–in the current sociolinguistic realities–in the ‘language-of-the-catchment-based’ literacy learning in Ekegusii-speaking areas of western Kenya. Data were obtained through classroom observations, teacher and church leaders’ interviews, observation and analysis of language trends at church worship services, and critical literature review.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mose, Peter , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174645 , vital:42497 , https://www.njas.fi/njas/article/view/433
- Description: Swahili, a national and official language in Kenya, is in wide use in the country as an inter-ethnic medium of communication and, generally, as a lingua franca. The operative language policy for lower primary–up to grade three–provides for the use of languages of the catchment as languages of instruction. The languages of the catchment refer to the more than 42 indigenous languages spoken in the country. The purpose of this study was to determine and discuss institutional and extra-institutional factors that might favour adoption of Swahili as the best medium–in the current sociolinguistic realities–in the ‘language-of-the-catchment-based’ literacy learning in Ekegusii-speaking areas of western Kenya. Data were obtained through classroom observations, teacher and church leaders’ interviews, observation and analysis of language trends at church worship services, and critical literature review.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A case study of role conflict experienced by change champions during organisational change
- Nakani-Mapoma, Xoliswa Faith
- Authors: Nakani-Mapoma, Xoliswa Faith
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Organization change , Organization change -- Management , Role conflict , Organizational behavior -- Case studies , Corporate culture -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96848 , vital:31337
- Description: A change champion has been defined as a person from any level of the organisation who is skilled at initiating, facilitating and implementing change, and who can effectively champion organisational changes. From a review of the literature, it was anticipated that change champions may experience role conflict, due to the multiple roles that they needed to fulfil simultaneously. Informed by organisational role theory, this research investigated the change management programme of a specific public entity as a case study, and analysed the nature of the role conflict that change champions experienced during a specific organisational change. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four change champions, the change coordinator and the Executive Director Corporate Services. The organisational documents that relate to change management were also consulted with a view to providing background information and an overview of the change management programme. A deductive thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data. A coding framework was developed prior to the collection of data, and was used for the identification of theoretical codes and themes in the data. The following codes were developed and explored as types of role conflict: role ambiguity, person role conflict, role strain, role overload and role incompatibility. In terms of the findings, this study confirmed that change champions did experience role conflict during organisational change, mainly due to various expectations that come from different role senders. In the light of these findings, it was recommended that senior managers could reduce the incidents of role conflict by training change champions, introducing an orientation programme for new change champions, consider their personal values when appointing them, and allocating sufficient time for change champions to fulfil this additional role. This study has contributed to the body of knowledge by drawing on role theory and applying it to change management, in order to provide insight on the role of change champions during the organisational change, and in particular the role conflict that they experienced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nakani-Mapoma, Xoliswa Faith
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Organization change , Organization change -- Management , Role conflict , Organizational behavior -- Case studies , Corporate culture -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96848 , vital:31337
- Description: A change champion has been defined as a person from any level of the organisation who is skilled at initiating, facilitating and implementing change, and who can effectively champion organisational changes. From a review of the literature, it was anticipated that change champions may experience role conflict, due to the multiple roles that they needed to fulfil simultaneously. Informed by organisational role theory, this research investigated the change management programme of a specific public entity as a case study, and analysed the nature of the role conflict that change champions experienced during a specific organisational change. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four change champions, the change coordinator and the Executive Director Corporate Services. The organisational documents that relate to change management were also consulted with a view to providing background information and an overview of the change management programme. A deductive thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data. A coding framework was developed prior to the collection of data, and was used for the identification of theoretical codes and themes in the data. The following codes were developed and explored as types of role conflict: role ambiguity, person role conflict, role strain, role overload and role incompatibility. In terms of the findings, this study confirmed that change champions did experience role conflict during organisational change, mainly due to various expectations that come from different role senders. In the light of these findings, it was recommended that senior managers could reduce the incidents of role conflict by training change champions, introducing an orientation programme for new change champions, consider their personal values when appointing them, and allocating sufficient time for change champions to fulfil this additional role. This study has contributed to the body of knowledge by drawing on role theory and applying it to change management, in order to provide insight on the role of change champions during the organisational change, and in particular the role conflict that they experienced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A case-series evaluation of the impact and processes of a service-learning programme on and for caregivers and their children with neurodevelopmental disabilities
- Authors: Cooke, Nicole
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Developmentally disabled children -- Care , Caregivers -- Training of , Service learning -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96691 , vital:31309
- Description: This thesis presents a series of three case studies from data collected as part of a research project exploring the process and impact of a service-learning programme with caregivers and their children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Following a descriptive case series design, both quantitative and qualitative data are presented to create a comprehensive and rich understanding of each case. In particular, the data tracks change processes in the subjective well-being of the caregiver, the quality of the caregiver-child relationship and the functional development of the child over a twenty-one-week period of receiving public health services and an eight-week period of adding the service-learning programme. The paper also presents qualitative data on the caregivers’ perceptions of and experiences of the public services and the servicelearning programme that the caregivers and their children received. The findings provide important insight into the caregivers’ perceptions of giving and receiving care, with the caregivers’ experiencing significant levels of distress and prominent barriers to accessing healthcare that were seemingly eased with the addition of the service-learning programme. The findings also point to a notable disparity between the quantitative findings and the qualitative interviews with questions being raised about the research being viewed as an intervention in itself.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Cooke, Nicole
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Developmentally disabled children -- Care , Caregivers -- Training of , Service learning -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96691 , vital:31309
- Description: This thesis presents a series of three case studies from data collected as part of a research project exploring the process and impact of a service-learning programme with caregivers and their children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Following a descriptive case series design, both quantitative and qualitative data are presented to create a comprehensive and rich understanding of each case. In particular, the data tracks change processes in the subjective well-being of the caregiver, the quality of the caregiver-child relationship and the functional development of the child over a twenty-one-week period of receiving public health services and an eight-week period of adding the service-learning programme. The paper also presents qualitative data on the caregivers’ perceptions of and experiences of the public services and the servicelearning programme that the caregivers and their children received. The findings provide important insight into the caregivers’ perceptions of giving and receiving care, with the caregivers’ experiencing significant levels of distress and prominent barriers to accessing healthcare that were seemingly eased with the addition of the service-learning programme. The findings also point to a notable disparity between the quantitative findings and the qualitative interviews with questions being raised about the research being viewed as an intervention in itself.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A Century of South African Theatre
- Authors: Krueger, Anton
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/229623 , vital:49694 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10137548.2020.1716515"
- Description: In many ways, this is an updated repackaging of Loren Kruger's seminal work of 20 years ago, Plays, Pageants and the Drama of South Africa (1999). The material has been extensively revised and reworked using similar categories as the first book, including: pageantry and representations of nationhood, neo-colonial theatre, urbanization and its consequences; the rise of Afrikaans theatre; theatres of resistance; black consciousness; and contemporary theatre. Some of these sections have been extended (such as a longer discussion of HIE Dhlomo) and there is also a completely new section which has not been published elsewhere on current theatre trends (cleverly titled “The Constitution of South African Theatre at the Present Time”).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Krueger, Anton
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/229623 , vital:49694 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10137548.2020.1716515"
- Description: In many ways, this is an updated repackaging of Loren Kruger's seminal work of 20 years ago, Plays, Pageants and the Drama of South Africa (1999). The material has been extensively revised and reworked using similar categories as the first book, including: pageantry and representations of nationhood, neo-colonial theatre, urbanization and its consequences; the rise of Afrikaans theatre; theatres of resistance; black consciousness; and contemporary theatre. Some of these sections have been extended (such as a longer discussion of HIE Dhlomo) and there is also a completely new section which has not been published elsewhere on current theatre trends (cleverly titled “The Constitution of South African Theatre at the Present Time”).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A change framework for introducing performance management in higher education: a case study
- Authors: Ndung’u, Agnes
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Education, Higher -- Evaluation Organizational change Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41796 , vital:36590
- Description: The South African Higher Education Act 101 of 1997 provides a legal framework for the management of higher education institutions based on quality assurance and accountability. As such, the Act mandates the introduction of performance management. Performance management is one of the most challenging areas of responsibility in the field of human resources management. The literature, as discussed in this study, reveals that performance management is a complex phenomenon and that the implementation of a performance management system is, for a variety of reasons, not always successful. Failure is mostly attributed to not taking a planned, scientific and collaborative approach to implementation, resulting to lack of buy-in from significant stakeholders. Specifically, the introduction of performance management in the higher education sector presents a unique challenge, as the process requires that stakeholders and especially academics, to shift from a traditional culture of collegiality to one in which accountability is measured by formal criteria. While existing literature does address the management of change in organisations, there is a paucity of literature on managing change with regards to performance management and specifically in the context of higher education. The purpose of this study was to develop and present a comprehensive change framework for introducing performance management in higher education. In order to provide a theoretical basis for the research, existing literature on performance management, change management as well as the higher education context was reviewed, to identify potential barriers to the implementation of performance management. A case study analysis was conducted on the implementation of performance management at a comprehensive university, which included presenting a historical timeline of implementation based on documented evidence, and reporting on open-ended interviews and focus groups conducted with significant stakeholders. The stakeholders included management, Human Resources (HR), academic staff, administrative and support staff, as well as trade union representatives. Key lessons were drawn and fused to develop a change framework for the introduction of performance management in higher education. The framework encapsulates key themes extracted from the literature and empirical study, with regard to readiness for change, planning, implementing and sustaining change, with cognisance of the unique context. The research revealed critical aspects for the successful implementation of performance management communication with and the involvement of stakeholders, the commitment of senior management, training, embedding the change in the organisational culture, and constantly evaluating the progress as a feedback loop for making improvements. The study demonstrates that planning the change process helps to improve the effectiveness of implementing performance management. A process framework for developing and introducing performance management in the context of higher education is created with a focus on how to create ownership through communication and involvement. The proposed framework serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners, especially those involved in higher education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ndung’u, Agnes
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Education, Higher -- Evaluation Organizational change Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41796 , vital:36590
- Description: The South African Higher Education Act 101 of 1997 provides a legal framework for the management of higher education institutions based on quality assurance and accountability. As such, the Act mandates the introduction of performance management. Performance management is one of the most challenging areas of responsibility in the field of human resources management. The literature, as discussed in this study, reveals that performance management is a complex phenomenon and that the implementation of a performance management system is, for a variety of reasons, not always successful. Failure is mostly attributed to not taking a planned, scientific and collaborative approach to implementation, resulting to lack of buy-in from significant stakeholders. Specifically, the introduction of performance management in the higher education sector presents a unique challenge, as the process requires that stakeholders and especially academics, to shift from a traditional culture of collegiality to one in which accountability is measured by formal criteria. While existing literature does address the management of change in organisations, there is a paucity of literature on managing change with regards to performance management and specifically in the context of higher education. The purpose of this study was to develop and present a comprehensive change framework for introducing performance management in higher education. In order to provide a theoretical basis for the research, existing literature on performance management, change management as well as the higher education context was reviewed, to identify potential barriers to the implementation of performance management. A case study analysis was conducted on the implementation of performance management at a comprehensive university, which included presenting a historical timeline of implementation based on documented evidence, and reporting on open-ended interviews and focus groups conducted with significant stakeholders. The stakeholders included management, Human Resources (HR), academic staff, administrative and support staff, as well as trade union representatives. Key lessons were drawn and fused to develop a change framework for the introduction of performance management in higher education. The framework encapsulates key themes extracted from the literature and empirical study, with regard to readiness for change, planning, implementing and sustaining change, with cognisance of the unique context. The research revealed critical aspects for the successful implementation of performance management communication with and the involvement of stakeholders, the commitment of senior management, training, embedding the change in the organisational culture, and constantly evaluating the progress as a feedback loop for making improvements. The study demonstrates that planning the change process helps to improve the effectiveness of implementing performance management. A process framework for developing and introducing performance management in the context of higher education is created with a focus on how to create ownership through communication and involvement. The proposed framework serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners, especially those involved in higher education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A changed curriculum approach for learners at Enkuselweni child and youth care center
- Authors: Xhanti, Cynthia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Curriculum planning -- South Africa , Education -- Curricula -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44312 , vital:37152
- Description: Enkuselweni Child and Youth Care Centre is a public institution that accommodates male youths between the ages of 10-17 years who broke the law and are awaiting court trials. While awaiting trial, the youths are compelled to attend school from grade one to grade seven. Learners are faced by academic development problems such as lack of interest in attending school resulting in high dropout rates. Other problems include unruly behaviour, bullying, prevalence of theft, fights and conflict between learners, lack of cooperation on academic subjects, low concentration span and focus, and non-attendance of classes. This leads to very low pass rates and little impact on the money spent by the institution to promote the academic development of learners. The current school curriculum, Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), provides for nine subjects in a full academic year starting from January to December. Learners at the Centre are therefore limited as they arrive at any time during the year. The learners spend an average of 3 – 6 months at the Centre, and are therefore unable to complete and cope with the prescribed CAPS curriculum. The main aim of this research study is to investigate an alternative curriculum that will be suitable for learners who are in conflict with the law and who spend less than one year at the Centre and arrive at any time of the year. The research question is “What alternative curriculum approach other than the current nine (9) subjects approach would better enhance the academic development of learners with behavioural problems while at Enkuselweni Child and Youth Care Centre?” The curriculum approach should take into consideration that the learners should be active citizens that can count, read and write (Asmal, 1997). The learners at Enkuselweni are unable to complete a “grade” which leads to despondency and drop out. According to the South African Schools Act (SASA) a grade is an educational programme which a learner may complete in one school year (South African Schools Act, 2011). This research indicates that the social and cultural influences as well as learner aptitude are the major barriers in the development of the Enkuselweni Centre learner’s education. Indeed, the research further showed that alignment of a suitable curriculum will bring a positive influence to learners’ academic interests. Parental involvement is an important aspect in ensuring that the learners succeed academically at Enkuselweni Centre. However, as a result of the lack of parental involvement the care workers act as the official guardians for the learners. The cares workers only address the basic physiological and physical wellbeing but do not assist with the academic needs or homework of the children. The culture of schooling of the learners is not an encouragement for academic achievement. The learners only spend on average 3 – 6 months a year at the Centre, which is shorter than the period prescribed by SASA. The teachers at Enkuselweni Centre are unable to produce positive results as there is no continuity or sense of completion. The basic achievement of reading, writing and counting can be achieved by reducing the nine subjects required by CAPS to three subjects, namely Home Language, First Additional Language (English) and Mathematics as per the table below. These subjects can be complemented by vocational skills such carpentry, brick laying, plumbing, electricity, computer literacy, landscaping and culinary skills. These vocational skills should be accredited with the relevant SETAs for ease of obtaining work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Xhanti, Cynthia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Curriculum planning -- South Africa , Education -- Curricula -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44312 , vital:37152
- Description: Enkuselweni Child and Youth Care Centre is a public institution that accommodates male youths between the ages of 10-17 years who broke the law and are awaiting court trials. While awaiting trial, the youths are compelled to attend school from grade one to grade seven. Learners are faced by academic development problems such as lack of interest in attending school resulting in high dropout rates. Other problems include unruly behaviour, bullying, prevalence of theft, fights and conflict between learners, lack of cooperation on academic subjects, low concentration span and focus, and non-attendance of classes. This leads to very low pass rates and little impact on the money spent by the institution to promote the academic development of learners. The current school curriculum, Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), provides for nine subjects in a full academic year starting from January to December. Learners at the Centre are therefore limited as they arrive at any time during the year. The learners spend an average of 3 – 6 months at the Centre, and are therefore unable to complete and cope with the prescribed CAPS curriculum. The main aim of this research study is to investigate an alternative curriculum that will be suitable for learners who are in conflict with the law and who spend less than one year at the Centre and arrive at any time of the year. The research question is “What alternative curriculum approach other than the current nine (9) subjects approach would better enhance the academic development of learners with behavioural problems while at Enkuselweni Child and Youth Care Centre?” The curriculum approach should take into consideration that the learners should be active citizens that can count, read and write (Asmal, 1997). The learners at Enkuselweni are unable to complete a “grade” which leads to despondency and drop out. According to the South African Schools Act (SASA) a grade is an educational programme which a learner may complete in one school year (South African Schools Act, 2011). This research indicates that the social and cultural influences as well as learner aptitude are the major barriers in the development of the Enkuselweni Centre learner’s education. Indeed, the research further showed that alignment of a suitable curriculum will bring a positive influence to learners’ academic interests. Parental involvement is an important aspect in ensuring that the learners succeed academically at Enkuselweni Centre. However, as a result of the lack of parental involvement the care workers act as the official guardians for the learners. The cares workers only address the basic physiological and physical wellbeing but do not assist with the academic needs or homework of the children. The culture of schooling of the learners is not an encouragement for academic achievement. The learners only spend on average 3 – 6 months a year at the Centre, which is shorter than the period prescribed by SASA. The teachers at Enkuselweni Centre are unable to produce positive results as there is no continuity or sense of completion. The basic achievement of reading, writing and counting can be achieved by reducing the nine subjects required by CAPS to three subjects, namely Home Language, First Additional Language (English) and Mathematics as per the table below. These subjects can be complemented by vocational skills such carpentry, brick laying, plumbing, electricity, computer literacy, landscaping and culinary skills. These vocational skills should be accredited with the relevant SETAs for ease of obtaining work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A clip composition case study of communal wool production in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Dreyer, Susanna Maria
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Wool industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wool -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sheep industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39480 , vital:35265
- Description: Previous studies conducted on wool production in the communal areas of the Eastern Cape have concluded future research should focus on whether the observed differences in average wool price received between shearing sheds are due to differences in clip preparation (i.e. classing) or differences in the quality of the wool being produced (i.e. genetics).The objective of this study was to establish whether there are indeed geographical differences in the average wool price received by communal wool producers in the Eastern Cape and, if so, whether this difference in earnings is attributable to differences in the quality of wool produced and/or clip preparation. The current research explored eight years of wool production records of communal wool farmers (2009/10 to 2016/17) obtained from BKB, the largest wool broker in South Africa. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, parametric tests (i.e. t-test) and multiple regression analysis. The conclusions drawn from this study are: that there are indeed statistically significant differences in the average wool price received between the different geographic areas of the Eastern Cape communal regions, and that the primary determining factor is wool quality, while clip preparation also plays an important but secondary role. The study identified specific geographic areas where developmental interventions are most critical, with specific emphasis on improving the genetic composition of the wool sheep flocks. Specific strategies are recommended, namely:Removing inferior-quality rams and replacing them with superior-quality rams to prevent any inferior nondescript rams from breeding and producing progeny; Replacing the inferior-quality nondescript ewes in specific areas with superior-quality ewes, and Improving the survival rate of lambs and thereby contributing towards expediting the rate of genetic improvement of the communal wool sheep flocks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Dreyer, Susanna Maria
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Wool industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wool -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sheep industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39480 , vital:35265
- Description: Previous studies conducted on wool production in the communal areas of the Eastern Cape have concluded future research should focus on whether the observed differences in average wool price received between shearing sheds are due to differences in clip preparation (i.e. classing) or differences in the quality of the wool being produced (i.e. genetics).The objective of this study was to establish whether there are indeed geographical differences in the average wool price received by communal wool producers in the Eastern Cape and, if so, whether this difference in earnings is attributable to differences in the quality of wool produced and/or clip preparation. The current research explored eight years of wool production records of communal wool farmers (2009/10 to 2016/17) obtained from BKB, the largest wool broker in South Africa. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, parametric tests (i.e. t-test) and multiple regression analysis. The conclusions drawn from this study are: that there are indeed statistically significant differences in the average wool price received between the different geographic areas of the Eastern Cape communal regions, and that the primary determining factor is wool quality, while clip preparation also plays an important but secondary role. The study identified specific geographic areas where developmental interventions are most critical, with specific emphasis on improving the genetic composition of the wool sheep flocks. Specific strategies are recommended, namely:Removing inferior-quality rams and replacing them with superior-quality rams to prevent any inferior nondescript rams from breeding and producing progeny; Replacing the inferior-quality nondescript ewes in specific areas with superior-quality ewes, and Improving the survival rate of lambs and thereby contributing towards expediting the rate of genetic improvement of the communal wool sheep flocks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A co-constructed practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law
- Authors: Abdulla, Zurina
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Children's rights -- South Africa , Children -- Legal status, laws, etc --South Africa , Parent and child -- Research -- South Africa , Social work with youth -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30474 , vital:30949
- Description: The unique historical stressors linked to South Africa’s apartheid legacy, continues to manifest in the form of economic exclusion, social exclusion, inequality and poverty, with parents being subjugated to service users and extenders rather than included as service advocates, particularly in the child justice system. Furthermore, policies and practices do not include, engage and support parents on an intra and interpersonal level. Parents of children in conflict with the law, experience their children’s charge or arrest as well as their subsequent journey through the child justice system as a crisis resulting in their need for emotional, informational, practical and professional support during the child justice process. The similarities and differences between the contexts of child protection and child justice in supporting parents illuminates the existing gaps in child justice legislation, policy and practice resulting in a lack of support for parents during the child justice process. In the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, it is recognised that parents have a legal responsibility towards their children and that in fulfilling this responsibility parents can access support services to assist them when they face challenges in fulfilling this responsibility. In contrast, despite 80 percent of children in conflict with the law being released into parental care and parents expressing the need for support in fulfilling their parental responsibility, in this regard the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 fails to make provision for parents to access support services. The child justice system’s narrow focus on parents as service extenders contributes to parents’ being excluded from targeted support services resulting in parents’ support needs not being addressed. The lack of programmes and services aimed at supporting parents highlight the need for coordinated services that address the multiple stressors parents are exposed to. To this end, this study was aimed at coconstructing a practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law. The theoretical lenses employed in the current study namely; the Ecological systems model and the Buffering effect model describes the various systems parents need support from and the type of support they need from their family, community and professionals. Guided by a qualitative approach, the present study integrated applied research, in particular intervention design and development with participatory action research as it allowed systematic collaboration during the research process to ensure rigour. This study involved participants from two research sites namely, the Nerina One- Stop Child Justice Centre in Port Elizabeth and the Reception, Assessment and Referral office at the Uitenhage magistrates’ court. Employing a non-probability purposive sampling method, this study facilitated the participation of parents of children in conflict with the law and child justice officials who met the inclusion criteria, in the co-design and development of a practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law. Participants assumed an expert and collaborative role, which enabled the co-construction of knowledge, meaning and innovation of the practice model. Qualitative data collection methods namely, twelve focus groups and thirty two participant observations, were used to explore, co-construct, describe and design a practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law during the child justice process. Thematic analyses was employed to condense the data, search for codes, categories, themes, relationships and patterns in the data. Due to the research approach and design, data analysis was ongoing and informed design and development of the practice model. Based on the thematic analysis and synthesis both descriptive and analytic themes emerged. To ensure trustworthiness, this study employed various strategies to strengthen commitment, rigour, transparency and coherence. In addition, the participative research process, the inclusion of multiple forms of qualitative inquiry and the significance of the study contributed to the validity and quality of the study. Ethical considerations applicable to the study included participants’ voluntary participation, their informed consent and ensuring participants’ privacy or maintaining confidentially. Various strategies were employed to prevent or minimise risk to participants. The findings showed that formal sources of support, in particular, offer opportunities for parents to access individual and family counselling, parenting advice, and peer support. The study also highlighted the importance of recognising parents as a subsystem in the child justice system offers potential opportunities for inclusion of parents as co-facilitators of parenting programmes or support groups, as peer supporters during the child justice process. Parents’ inclusion as a partner in the child justice system is highlighted as an opportunity for parents to be able to vi participate in child justice fora, oversight committees and accreditation committees to influence policy, services and budget allocations for services to support parents of children in conflict with the law. This study’s contribution to the existing body of knowledge is an integrated, multidisciplinary, multi-phase co-constructed practice model that would enable inclusion of, and support for, parents of children in conflict with the law prior to, during and after the child justice. The co-constructed practice model (a) involves a continuum of parent-centred support for and inclusion of parents prior to, during and after the child justice process; (b) advances an inclusive and collaborative child justice system that views parents as important stakeholders in determining the type of services they need and being involved in developing practice; and (c) promotes parents as equal partners in decision making and policy making to influence legislation, policy and practice in the child justice system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Abdulla, Zurina
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Children's rights -- South Africa , Children -- Legal status, laws, etc --South Africa , Parent and child -- Research -- South Africa , Social work with youth -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30474 , vital:30949
- Description: The unique historical stressors linked to South Africa’s apartheid legacy, continues to manifest in the form of economic exclusion, social exclusion, inequality and poverty, with parents being subjugated to service users and extenders rather than included as service advocates, particularly in the child justice system. Furthermore, policies and practices do not include, engage and support parents on an intra and interpersonal level. Parents of children in conflict with the law, experience their children’s charge or arrest as well as their subsequent journey through the child justice system as a crisis resulting in their need for emotional, informational, practical and professional support during the child justice process. The similarities and differences between the contexts of child protection and child justice in supporting parents illuminates the existing gaps in child justice legislation, policy and practice resulting in a lack of support for parents during the child justice process. In the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, it is recognised that parents have a legal responsibility towards their children and that in fulfilling this responsibility parents can access support services to assist them when they face challenges in fulfilling this responsibility. In contrast, despite 80 percent of children in conflict with the law being released into parental care and parents expressing the need for support in fulfilling their parental responsibility, in this regard the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 fails to make provision for parents to access support services. The child justice system’s narrow focus on parents as service extenders contributes to parents’ being excluded from targeted support services resulting in parents’ support needs not being addressed. The lack of programmes and services aimed at supporting parents highlight the need for coordinated services that address the multiple stressors parents are exposed to. To this end, this study was aimed at coconstructing a practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law. The theoretical lenses employed in the current study namely; the Ecological systems model and the Buffering effect model describes the various systems parents need support from and the type of support they need from their family, community and professionals. Guided by a qualitative approach, the present study integrated applied research, in particular intervention design and development with participatory action research as it allowed systematic collaboration during the research process to ensure rigour. This study involved participants from two research sites namely, the Nerina One- Stop Child Justice Centre in Port Elizabeth and the Reception, Assessment and Referral office at the Uitenhage magistrates’ court. Employing a non-probability purposive sampling method, this study facilitated the participation of parents of children in conflict with the law and child justice officials who met the inclusion criteria, in the co-design and development of a practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law. Participants assumed an expert and collaborative role, which enabled the co-construction of knowledge, meaning and innovation of the practice model. Qualitative data collection methods namely, twelve focus groups and thirty two participant observations, were used to explore, co-construct, describe and design a practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law during the child justice process. Thematic analyses was employed to condense the data, search for codes, categories, themes, relationships and patterns in the data. Due to the research approach and design, data analysis was ongoing and informed design and development of the practice model. Based on the thematic analysis and synthesis both descriptive and analytic themes emerged. To ensure trustworthiness, this study employed various strategies to strengthen commitment, rigour, transparency and coherence. In addition, the participative research process, the inclusion of multiple forms of qualitative inquiry and the significance of the study contributed to the validity and quality of the study. Ethical considerations applicable to the study included participants’ voluntary participation, their informed consent and ensuring participants’ privacy or maintaining confidentially. Various strategies were employed to prevent or minimise risk to participants. The findings showed that formal sources of support, in particular, offer opportunities for parents to access individual and family counselling, parenting advice, and peer support. The study also highlighted the importance of recognising parents as a subsystem in the child justice system offers potential opportunities for inclusion of parents as co-facilitators of parenting programmes or support groups, as peer supporters during the child justice process. Parents’ inclusion as a partner in the child justice system is highlighted as an opportunity for parents to be able to vi participate in child justice fora, oversight committees and accreditation committees to influence policy, services and budget allocations for services to support parents of children in conflict with the law. This study’s contribution to the existing body of knowledge is an integrated, multidisciplinary, multi-phase co-constructed practice model that would enable inclusion of, and support for, parents of children in conflict with the law prior to, during and after the child justice. The co-constructed practice model (a) involves a continuum of parent-centred support for and inclusion of parents prior to, during and after the child justice process; (b) advances an inclusive and collaborative child justice system that views parents as important stakeholders in determining the type of services they need and being involved in developing practice; and (c) promotes parents as equal partners in decision making and policy making to influence legislation, policy and practice in the child justice system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A comparative analysis of mobile application development frameworks: A case study of mobile application development for water usage management in Alice and Fort Beaufort communities
- Authors: Manu, Kwabena
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems Cell phones Cloud computing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc. (Computer Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14130 , vital:39853
- Description: Mobile phones have become an integral part of standard of living. Users and customers expect sensible and very useful applications in less time. In this competitive market, it is an enormous challenge to develop high performance mobile applications that might meet the expectations of end users. Despite the fact that development of new applications for each mobile operating system in short time is fairly an issue, mobile operating systems vendors are giving their best available resources for creating applications in additional convenient ways. These days, there is a common tendency to look for less complex and quicker solutions that could be used in the process of software development. Developers of a new mobile application have to undertake variety of selections and decisions, including the target platform as well as the development technology to utilize. Mobile application development frameworks contribute in solving this problem. Several frameworks have emerged, which we classify and evaluate their appropriateness. In order to compare existing development frameworks solutions in this research, we compiled a set of criteria to assess mobile application development approaches. In view on these criteria, we evaluated five frameworks that is, PhoneGap, Xamarin, App Inventor, Sencha Touch and DragonRad. For proof of concepts, the chosen framework from the five evaluated mobile development frameworks was used to develop application for water usage management. The research will equip mobile application developers to gain more insight into mobile development frameworks available, therefore helping them to choose the most appropriate framework for their project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Manu, Kwabena
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems Cell phones Cloud computing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc. (Computer Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14130 , vital:39853
- Description: Mobile phones have become an integral part of standard of living. Users and customers expect sensible and very useful applications in less time. In this competitive market, it is an enormous challenge to develop high performance mobile applications that might meet the expectations of end users. Despite the fact that development of new applications for each mobile operating system in short time is fairly an issue, mobile operating systems vendors are giving their best available resources for creating applications in additional convenient ways. These days, there is a common tendency to look for less complex and quicker solutions that could be used in the process of software development. Developers of a new mobile application have to undertake variety of selections and decisions, including the target platform as well as the development technology to utilize. Mobile application development frameworks contribute in solving this problem. Several frameworks have emerged, which we classify and evaluate their appropriateness. In order to compare existing development frameworks solutions in this research, we compiled a set of criteria to assess mobile application development approaches. In view on these criteria, we evaluated five frameworks that is, PhoneGap, Xamarin, App Inventor, Sencha Touch and DragonRad. For proof of concepts, the chosen framework from the five evaluated mobile development frameworks was used to develop application for water usage management. The research will equip mobile application developers to gain more insight into mobile development frameworks available, therefore helping them to choose the most appropriate framework for their project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A comparative study of artificial neural networks and physics models as simulators in evolutionary robotics
- Pretorius, Christiaan Johannes
- Authors: Pretorius, Christiaan Johannes
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Neural networks (Computer science)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30789 , vital:31131
- Description: The Evolutionary Robotics (ER) process is a technique that applies evolutionary optimization algorithms to the task of automatically developing, or evolving, robotic control programs. These control programs, or simply controllers, are evolved in order to allow a robot to perform a required task. During the ER process, use is often made of robotic simulators to evaluate the performance of candidate controllers that are produced in the course of the controller evolution process. Such simulators accelerate and otherwise simplify the controller evolution process, as opposed to the more arduous process of evaluating controllers in the real world without use of simulation. To date, the vast majority of simulators that have been applied in ER are physics- based models which are constructed by taking into account the underlying physics governing the operation of the robotic system in question. An alternative approach to simulator implementation in ER is the usage of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) as simulators in the ER process. Such simulators are referred to as Simulator Neural Networks (SNNs). Previous studies have indicated that SNNs can successfully be used as an alter- native to physics-based simulators in the ER process on various robotic platforms. At the commencement of the current study it was not, however, known how this relatively new method of simulation would compare to traditional physics-based simulation approaches in ER. The study presented in this thesis thus endeavoured to quantitatively compare SNNs and physics-based models as simulators in the ER process. In order to con- duct this comparative study, both SNNs and physics simulators were constructed for the modelling of three different robotic platforms: a differentially-steered robot, a wheeled inverted pendulum robot and a hexapod robot. Each of these two types of simulation was then used in simulation-based evolution processes to evolve con- trollers for each robotic platform. During these controller evolution processes, the SNNs and physics models were compared in terms of their accuracy in making pre- dictions of robotic behaviour, their computational efficiency in arriving at these predictions, the human effort required to construct each simulator and, most im- portantly, the real-world performance of controllers evolved by making use of each simulator. The results obtained in this study illustrated experimentally that SNNs were, in the majority of cases, able to make more accurate predictions than the physics- based models and these SNNs were arguably simpler to construct than the physics simulators. Additionally, SNNs were also shown to be a computationally efficient alternative to physics-based simulators in ER and, again in the majority of cases, these SNNs were able to produce controllers which outperformed those evolved in the physics-based simulators, when these controllers were uploaded to the real-world robots. The results of this thesis thus suggest that SNNs are a viable alternative to more commonly-used physics simulators in ER and further investigation of the potential of this simulation technique appears warranted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Pretorius, Christiaan Johannes
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Neural networks (Computer science)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30789 , vital:31131
- Description: The Evolutionary Robotics (ER) process is a technique that applies evolutionary optimization algorithms to the task of automatically developing, or evolving, robotic control programs. These control programs, or simply controllers, are evolved in order to allow a robot to perform a required task. During the ER process, use is often made of robotic simulators to evaluate the performance of candidate controllers that are produced in the course of the controller evolution process. Such simulators accelerate and otherwise simplify the controller evolution process, as opposed to the more arduous process of evaluating controllers in the real world without use of simulation. To date, the vast majority of simulators that have been applied in ER are physics- based models which are constructed by taking into account the underlying physics governing the operation of the robotic system in question. An alternative approach to simulator implementation in ER is the usage of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) as simulators in the ER process. Such simulators are referred to as Simulator Neural Networks (SNNs). Previous studies have indicated that SNNs can successfully be used as an alter- native to physics-based simulators in the ER process on various robotic platforms. At the commencement of the current study it was not, however, known how this relatively new method of simulation would compare to traditional physics-based simulation approaches in ER. The study presented in this thesis thus endeavoured to quantitatively compare SNNs and physics-based models as simulators in the ER process. In order to con- duct this comparative study, both SNNs and physics simulators were constructed for the modelling of three different robotic platforms: a differentially-steered robot, a wheeled inverted pendulum robot and a hexapod robot. Each of these two types of simulation was then used in simulation-based evolution processes to evolve con- trollers for each robotic platform. During these controller evolution processes, the SNNs and physics models were compared in terms of their accuracy in making pre- dictions of robotic behaviour, their computational efficiency in arriving at these predictions, the human effort required to construct each simulator and, most im- portantly, the real-world performance of controllers evolved by making use of each simulator. The results obtained in this study illustrated experimentally that SNNs were, in the majority of cases, able to make more accurate predictions than the physics- based models and these SNNs were arguably simpler to construct than the physics simulators. Additionally, SNNs were also shown to be a computationally efficient alternative to physics-based simulators in ER and, again in the majority of cases, these SNNs were able to produce controllers which outperformed those evolved in the physics-based simulators, when these controllers were uploaded to the real-world robots. The results of this thesis thus suggest that SNNs are a viable alternative to more commonly-used physics simulators in ER and further investigation of the potential of this simulation technique appears warranted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A comparative study of CERBER, MAKTUB and LOCKY Ransomware using a Hybridised-Malware analysis
- Authors: Schmitt, Veronica
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Microsoft Windows (Computer file) , Data protection , Computer crimes -- Prevention , Computer security , Computer networks -- Security measures , Computers -- Access control , Malware (Computer software)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92313 , vital:30702
- Description: There has been a significant increase in the prevalence of Ransomware attacks in the preceding four years to date. This indicates that the battle has not yet been won defending against this class of malware. This research proposes that by identifying the similarities within the operational framework of Ransomware strains, a better overall understanding of their operation and function can be achieved. This, in turn, will aid in a quicker response to future attacks. With the average Ransomware attack taking two hours to be identified, it shows that there is not yet a clear understanding as to why these attacks are so successful. Research into Ransomware is limited by what is currently known on the topic. Due to the limitations of the research the decision was taken to only examined three samples of Ransomware from different families. This was decided due to the complexities and comprehensive nature of the research. The in depth nature of the research and the time constraints associated with it did not allow for proof of concept of this framework to be tested on more than three families, but the exploratory work was promising and should be further explored in future research. The aim of the research is to follow the Hybrid-Malware analysis framework which consists of both static and the dynamic analysis phases, in addition to the digital forensic examination of the infected system. This allows for signature-based findings, along with behavioural and forensic findings all in one. This information allows for a better understanding of how this malware is designed and how it infects and remains persistent on a system. The operating system which has been chosen is the Microsoft Window 7 operating system which is still utilised by a significant proportion of Windows users especially in the corporate environment. The experiment process was designed to enable the researcher the ability to collect information regarding the Ransomware and every aspect of its behaviour and communication on a target system. The results can be compared across the three strains to identify the commonalities. The initial hypothesis was that Ransomware variants are all much like an instant cake box consists of specific building blocks which remain the same with the flavouring of the cake mix being the unique feature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Schmitt, Veronica
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Microsoft Windows (Computer file) , Data protection , Computer crimes -- Prevention , Computer security , Computer networks -- Security measures , Computers -- Access control , Malware (Computer software)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92313 , vital:30702
- Description: There has been a significant increase in the prevalence of Ransomware attacks in the preceding four years to date. This indicates that the battle has not yet been won defending against this class of malware. This research proposes that by identifying the similarities within the operational framework of Ransomware strains, a better overall understanding of their operation and function can be achieved. This, in turn, will aid in a quicker response to future attacks. With the average Ransomware attack taking two hours to be identified, it shows that there is not yet a clear understanding as to why these attacks are so successful. Research into Ransomware is limited by what is currently known on the topic. Due to the limitations of the research the decision was taken to only examined three samples of Ransomware from different families. This was decided due to the complexities and comprehensive nature of the research. The in depth nature of the research and the time constraints associated with it did not allow for proof of concept of this framework to be tested on more than three families, but the exploratory work was promising and should be further explored in future research. The aim of the research is to follow the Hybrid-Malware analysis framework which consists of both static and the dynamic analysis phases, in addition to the digital forensic examination of the infected system. This allows for signature-based findings, along with behavioural and forensic findings all in one. This information allows for a better understanding of how this malware is designed and how it infects and remains persistent on a system. The operating system which has been chosen is the Microsoft Window 7 operating system which is still utilised by a significant proportion of Windows users especially in the corporate environment. The experiment process was designed to enable the researcher the ability to collect information regarding the Ransomware and every aspect of its behaviour and communication on a target system. The results can be compared across the three strains to identify the commonalities. The initial hypothesis was that Ransomware variants are all much like an instant cake box consists of specific building blocks which remain the same with the flavouring of the cake mix being the unique feature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A comparative study of the singlet oxygen generation capability of a zinc phthalocyanine linked to graphene quantum dots through π-π stacking and covalent conjugation when embedded in asymmetric polymer membranes
- Mafukidze, Donovan M, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mafukidze, Donovan M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187461 , vital:44655 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2018.11.096"
- Description: Following the establishment of graphene quantum dots as potential phthalocyanine supports in photoactive membrane preparation for phthalocyanines lacking linkage functional groups, the practical efficiency of p-p stacking versus covalent linkage was investigated. Synthesized materials were characterized using FT-IR, Raman, powder X-ray diffraction, and UVeVis spectroscopies and also by transmission electron and scanning electron microscopies. Phthalocyanine loadings onto graphene quantum dots of 0.40 mg/mg and 0.14 mg/mg (Pc mass/conjugate mass) for the p-p stacked and covalent linked conjugates respectively were observed. Covalent linkage to graphene quantum dots proved to be functionally superior to p-p linkage, where singlet oxygen quantum yield value of the phthalocyanine in the membrane for the covalent linked conjugate was approximately twice that of the p-p stacked membrane.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mafukidze, Donovan M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187461 , vital:44655 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2018.11.096"
- Description: Following the establishment of graphene quantum dots as potential phthalocyanine supports in photoactive membrane preparation for phthalocyanines lacking linkage functional groups, the practical efficiency of p-p stacking versus covalent linkage was investigated. Synthesized materials were characterized using FT-IR, Raman, powder X-ray diffraction, and UVeVis spectroscopies and also by transmission electron and scanning electron microscopies. Phthalocyanine loadings onto graphene quantum dots of 0.40 mg/mg and 0.14 mg/mg (Pc mass/conjugate mass) for the p-p stacked and covalent linked conjugates respectively were observed. Covalent linkage to graphene quantum dots proved to be functionally superior to p-p linkage, where singlet oxygen quantum yield value of the phthalocyanine in the membrane for the covalent linked conjugate was approximately twice that of the p-p stacked membrane.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A comparison of different strategies to control pests and diseases in Brassica spp. production in the Western Cape
- Van Niekerk, Abraham Johannes
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Abraham Johannes
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Pesticides , Pests -- Control Agricultural pests , Plant diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44122 , vital:37113
- Description: Brassica spp. are cultivated all over the world, commercial species include: cabbage, broccoli, kale, kohlrabi and turnip. In this study the focus was on broccoli (Brassica oleracea) production in the Western Cape province of South Africa and its economically important pests and diseases: sugar beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii), diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), white blister (Albugo candida) and clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae), and the different methods to control these pests and diseases. The control methods focused on in this study included a commercial chemical control programme, a biological control programme and a holistic approach. Other factors were bio-fumigation and chemical fumigation and different crop rotation practices including rotation crops versus no rotation crops. The experimental design was a strip split plot design, with different pest and disease management strategies as the main plot treatment and fumigation and rotation treatment combinations arranged in strips across the main plot treatments. The main plot design was a randomized complete block with four programmes (Control, Holistic, Chemical and Biological) replicated four times and laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). The treatment design of the strip plot factors was a 2x2 factorial with two fumigations (fumigated chemically and fumigated biologically) and two rotations (crop rotated and monoculture) randomly allocated across main plot treatments. Each experimental unit consisted of 40 plants. Plants were evaluated weekly for the incidence of white blister and diamondback moth. Incidences of clubroot and white blister infection of heads of broccoli were recorded 78 days after planting. Baseline soil samples were analysed to establish the soil chemical properties. Post-trial soil samples were also analysed to investigate the effect of the different practices and programmes on the soil chemical properties. Nematodes were extracted pre-trial and post-trial, and the effect of fumigation and crop rotation on plant parasitic nematodes and the nematode population diversity investigated. In the post-trial soil chemical analysis, a significantly higher concentration of Na was recorded for the biological programme when crop rotation was included compared to the no rotation treatment. The concentration of K was also significantly higher in the no rotation compared to the rotation treatment. The nematode results showed very high numbers of bacterial feeders in all the samples. Overall nematode diversity was lacking and showed very few fungal feeders, omnivores and predators. The nematode indices for all of the samples showed that nematodes were highly enriched and unstructured. Of the plant parasitic nematodes, only Heterodera spp. were obtained in the pre-trial analysis, and incidences of these nematodes were lower at the end of the trial. Low numbers of other plant parasitic nematodes viz. Pratylenchus, Paratrichodorus and Tylenchorhynchus were reported for the post-trial analysis of the soil. Because of the low numbers of plant parasitic nematodes, it was not possible to analyse the data statistically. With regard to diamondback moth and the fungal diseases, crop rotation and fumigation did not significantly affect the incidence of white blister and diamondback moth. A significant “days after planting by control programme” interaction was reported for the incidence of white blister on foliage and the incidence of diamondback moth. All three control programmes significantly reduced the incidence of diamondback moth with the chemical programme being significantly more effective than the other two programmes. All three programmes also significantly reduced the incidence of white blister on foliage and the holistic and biological programmes significantly reduced the incidence of white blister on broccoli heads with the holistic programme being significantly more effective than the biological programme. There was no clubroot infection in the trial for any of the treatments. Results of this study showed that it is possible to manage diseases and pests of broccoli using a holistic approach. However, long term trials are needed to confirm the results obtained in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Abraham Johannes
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Pesticides , Pests -- Control Agricultural pests , Plant diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44122 , vital:37113
- Description: Brassica spp. are cultivated all over the world, commercial species include: cabbage, broccoli, kale, kohlrabi and turnip. In this study the focus was on broccoli (Brassica oleracea) production in the Western Cape province of South Africa and its economically important pests and diseases: sugar beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii), diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), white blister (Albugo candida) and clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae), and the different methods to control these pests and diseases. The control methods focused on in this study included a commercial chemical control programme, a biological control programme and a holistic approach. Other factors were bio-fumigation and chemical fumigation and different crop rotation practices including rotation crops versus no rotation crops. The experimental design was a strip split plot design, with different pest and disease management strategies as the main plot treatment and fumigation and rotation treatment combinations arranged in strips across the main plot treatments. The main plot design was a randomized complete block with four programmes (Control, Holistic, Chemical and Biological) replicated four times and laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). The treatment design of the strip plot factors was a 2x2 factorial with two fumigations (fumigated chemically and fumigated biologically) and two rotations (crop rotated and monoculture) randomly allocated across main plot treatments. Each experimental unit consisted of 40 plants. Plants were evaluated weekly for the incidence of white blister and diamondback moth. Incidences of clubroot and white blister infection of heads of broccoli were recorded 78 days after planting. Baseline soil samples were analysed to establish the soil chemical properties. Post-trial soil samples were also analysed to investigate the effect of the different practices and programmes on the soil chemical properties. Nematodes were extracted pre-trial and post-trial, and the effect of fumigation and crop rotation on plant parasitic nematodes and the nematode population diversity investigated. In the post-trial soil chemical analysis, a significantly higher concentration of Na was recorded for the biological programme when crop rotation was included compared to the no rotation treatment. The concentration of K was also significantly higher in the no rotation compared to the rotation treatment. The nematode results showed very high numbers of bacterial feeders in all the samples. Overall nematode diversity was lacking and showed very few fungal feeders, omnivores and predators. The nematode indices for all of the samples showed that nematodes were highly enriched and unstructured. Of the plant parasitic nematodes, only Heterodera spp. were obtained in the pre-trial analysis, and incidences of these nematodes were lower at the end of the trial. Low numbers of other plant parasitic nematodes viz. Pratylenchus, Paratrichodorus and Tylenchorhynchus were reported for the post-trial analysis of the soil. Because of the low numbers of plant parasitic nematodes, it was not possible to analyse the data statistically. With regard to diamondback moth and the fungal diseases, crop rotation and fumigation did not significantly affect the incidence of white blister and diamondback moth. A significant “days after planting by control programme” interaction was reported for the incidence of white blister on foliage and the incidence of diamondback moth. All three control programmes significantly reduced the incidence of diamondback moth with the chemical programme being significantly more effective than the other two programmes. All three programmes also significantly reduced the incidence of white blister on foliage and the holistic and biological programmes significantly reduced the incidence of white blister on broccoli heads with the holistic programme being significantly more effective than the biological programme. There was no clubroot infection in the trial for any of the treatments. Results of this study showed that it is possible to manage diseases and pests of broccoli using a holistic approach. However, long term trials are needed to confirm the results obtained in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A comprehensive support programme for professional nurses performing HIV counselling and testing at primary health care clinics in the rural Eastern Cape
- Authors: Madolo, Agrinette Nomboniso
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of , Primary health care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40746 , vital:36232
- Description: The increase in global rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has had far reaching effects on healthcare services around the world. According to the 2017 statistics released by UNAIDS, South Africa has the largest HIV epidemic in the world. The South African Department of Health provides an HIV counselling and testing (HCT) service to patients in order that they may know their HIV status and endeavours to educate patients so that they may adapt their behaviours and lifestyles. The goal of this study is to develop a support programme for nurses to assist them in coping emotionally with their day-to-day activities when providing HCT services to patients attending primary healthcare clinics. The paradigm used as a lens to view the phenomenon is Kinlaw’s cyclical growth of empowerment theory. The researcher used a qualitative,explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The study involves three phases: (a) empirical research that explores nurses’ experiences of performing HCT in primary healthcare rural clinics, (b) the development of a conceptual framework for a support programme using the survey list of Dickoff et al. (1968:427). (c) the formalisation of the Comprehensive Support Programme to help nurses to cope emotionally with working with HCT on a long-term basis. Chinn and Kramer (2005118) were used to evaluate the programme. . The empirical findings revealed registered nurses experienced HCT both positively and negatively. They felt overwhelmed by the expectation that all patients attending primary healthcare clinics should be offered HCT routinely and the time constraints involved. They described how the emotional trauma attached to HCT affected their work patterns, leading to low productivity, and affected them outside work, leading to stress and sleep disturbances. They feltl disturbed that even when informed, people choose not to adopt safer sex practices and that how patients responded to a positive diagnosis cannot be predicted. Participants showed signs of stress, frustration, despair and sadness because most tested clients show positive test results and the number of clients testing positive is increasing. While participants felt helpless to improve the situation, at the same time, HCT was experienced as rewarding because it enabled diagnosis of medical conditions of which people weree not aware. The goal of the study was achieved with the development and formalisation of an extensive, relevant and applicable Comprehensive Support Programme for implementation for registered nurses to enable them cope emotionally when conducting HCT based on the empirical findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Madolo, Agrinette Nomboniso
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of , Primary health care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40746 , vital:36232
- Description: The increase in global rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has had far reaching effects on healthcare services around the world. According to the 2017 statistics released by UNAIDS, South Africa has the largest HIV epidemic in the world. The South African Department of Health provides an HIV counselling and testing (HCT) service to patients in order that they may know their HIV status and endeavours to educate patients so that they may adapt their behaviours and lifestyles. The goal of this study is to develop a support programme for nurses to assist them in coping emotionally with their day-to-day activities when providing HCT services to patients attending primary healthcare clinics. The paradigm used as a lens to view the phenomenon is Kinlaw’s cyclical growth of empowerment theory. The researcher used a qualitative,explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The study involves three phases: (a) empirical research that explores nurses’ experiences of performing HCT in primary healthcare rural clinics, (b) the development of a conceptual framework for a support programme using the survey list of Dickoff et al. (1968:427). (c) the formalisation of the Comprehensive Support Programme to help nurses to cope emotionally with working with HCT on a long-term basis. Chinn and Kramer (2005118) were used to evaluate the programme. . The empirical findings revealed registered nurses experienced HCT both positively and negatively. They felt overwhelmed by the expectation that all patients attending primary healthcare clinics should be offered HCT routinely and the time constraints involved. They described how the emotional trauma attached to HCT affected their work patterns, leading to low productivity, and affected them outside work, leading to stress and sleep disturbances. They feltl disturbed that even when informed, people choose not to adopt safer sex practices and that how patients responded to a positive diagnosis cannot be predicted. Participants showed signs of stress, frustration, despair and sadness because most tested clients show positive test results and the number of clients testing positive is increasing. While participants felt helpless to improve the situation, at the same time, HCT was experienced as rewarding because it enabled diagnosis of medical conditions of which people weree not aware. The goal of the study was achieved with the development and formalisation of an extensive, relevant and applicable Comprehensive Support Programme for implementation for registered nurses to enable them cope emotionally when conducting HCT based on the empirical findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A computational analysis to decipher the pathways of stability, uncoating and antigenicity of human enterovirus capsids
- Authors: Ross, Caroline Jane
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/114788 , vital:34035 , 10.21504/10962/114788
- Description: Expected release date-April 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ross, Caroline Jane
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/114788 , vital:34035 , 10.21504/10962/114788
- Description: Expected release date-April 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
A content analysis of psychology Masters theses from South African universities
- Authors: Robson, Brian
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/113924 , vital:33845
- Description: Expected release date-April 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Robson, Brian
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/113924 , vital:33845
- Description: Expected release date-April 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019