Showing items 341 - 360 of 815

Your selections:

Foreign aid and social development in Burundi

  • Authors: Burarame, Yvette
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Economic assistance -- Burundi , Burundi -- Economic conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23559 , vital:30580
  • Description: This study scrutinized foreign aid and social development in Burundi. It analysed the relationship between the amount of foreign aid received and enrolment in basic education in Burundi, the relationship between the amount of foreign aid and educational equality in Burundi, the relationship between the amount of foreign aid and the teaching and learning process in Burundi and finally explored the problems in basic education that need solutions. This study made use of various related literature on social development, basic education and foreign aid. It mainly scrutinised literature on basic education in Burundi. This study used a case study research design where both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. A quantitative approach was used to quantify the effectiveness of foreign aid on social development, while a qualitative approach was adopted to descriptively explain the events linking the findings to the objectives of the study. Thirty six respondents from the provincial education administration office were interviewed and observed and document analysis was performed. These were the main instruments for data collection. This study found that despite incoming foreign aid, the gender issues affecting education were not addressed, residents from marginalised areas had not adequately accessed foreign aid and net development assistance in Burundi was affected by politics, preventing a number of areas from benefitting. It also highlights shortages in school learning materials, late disbursement of education funds and civil conflict, among others. This study recommended the incorporation of government ministries and departments in donor-funded projects to reduce stand-alone projects, to emphasise project monitoring and evaluation, to emphasise mutual accountability and to encourage donor support for national educational priorities, to work on joint and coordinated analysis and missions, to address gender disparities and finally, to separate national politics from foreign aid projects and agencies.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Foreign volunteers and their contribution towards development of South African children

  • Authors: Strohmeier, Carina
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Volunteers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- 21st century , Volunteer workers in social service -- South Africa Community projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Community empowerment -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Community development -- South Africa Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35255 , vital:33687
  • Description: Governments of developing countries often struggle to deliver necessary services to their people. Therefore, international and local NGOs often get involved and establish projects that assist communities and vulnerable populations. As many local NGOs often lack capacity and financial resources, they require support from volunteers. The volunteers are often people from the Western world who are willing to come and work on projects. As they often serve in projects that deal with education or early childhood development, it is important to assess and analyse their contribution on the projects, and especially their contribution to the development and progress of the children they work with. This research assesses the skills and experiences of the volunteers and if and how they can contribute to the development of vulnerable children in South Africa. It is important to analyse the contributions of the volunteers to ensure that the children get what they need to reach their full developmental potential. To get a better understanding of what volunteers contribute to their projects, and especially the children they work with, the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with people that work with volunteers, as well as with volunteers themselves, in and around Port Elizabeth. This research has found that the contribution of volunteers depends on the project they are serving, as well as on the skills and experience they have, and on the time, they are willing to contribute. Most of the projects studied did not depend on the support from the volunteers, but more on the money and awareness that they bring, which supports their daily work. The research also highlights the negative impact of the volunteers on the NGOs and projects they serve, which makes it important to create a better approach in how to deal with the increasing number of volunteers coming to South Africa from abroad. The research shows that what is needed is better screening of the volunteers by the NGOs, a proper preparation phase for the volunteers, and a better matching of the skills and experiences of the volunteers to what the NGOs and projects need to achieve their aims and objectives.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Formulation, characterisation and optimisation of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) loaded with artemether and lumefantrine

  • Authors: Mudyahoto, Tsitsi
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63503 , vital:28422
  • Description: Expected release date-April 2020
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Funding challenges for infrastructure development in Knysna Municipality

  • Authors: Kalawe, Chumisa
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa -- Knysna , Local government -- South Africa -- Knysna Municipal finance -- South Africa -- Knysna
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22299 , vital:29941
  • Description: Municipalities are the sphere of government closest to the people. Local government is mandated to deliver the majority of basic services. One of the key advances of the 1996 Constitution was the granting of autonomy to local government. In the new democratic disposition, a municipality is afforded the right to govern autonomously with regard to the local affairs of the community. The context of the research is Knysna Municipal area and its ageing and inadequate infrastructure. Tourism is one of the key drivers of Knysna’s economy and this industry provides job opportunities for labourers, non-skilled and skilled people. Adequate infrastructure is crucial for tourism and local economic development. Over the years Greater Knysna has been faced with an infrastructure challenge. The most affected area is water followed by roads infrastructure. The discussion in this research focuses on funding challenges and how funding could be sourced and allocated to improve the ageing and inadequate infrastructure in the town. The theoretical base that underpins this research centres around relevant local government legislation, local government revenue trends, public finance investments, government fiscal sustainability and local economic development and skills shortages. A quantitative research method was chosen for this study. The data collected in this study revealed that the Knysna municipality is faced with serious infrastructure challenges due to various reasons, such as (not limited to), funding problems, poor planning, lack of political will and population growth. In conclusion, this paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge in the field and was the first study of this nature conducted for the Knysna Municipality.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Funding higher education and training in South Africa: a comparative study of tax incentive measures, in conjunction with a dedicated tax

  • Authors: Holm, Darryn
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Education, Higher -- Finance , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Tax incentives -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Student aid -- South Africa , Universities and Colleges -- Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa. Income Tax Act, 1962
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59445 , vital:27606
  • Description: Higher education and training in South Africa in the post-Apartheid era has never been more volatile than it is currently, some two decades into democracy. Despite the many advances and achievements of higher education, the student protests of 2015 and 2016 have given expression to underlying fault-lines, including increasing student expectations and frustrations with regard to access and funding. This research was undertaken to document the underlying historical issues and models pertaining to funding within the higher education and training sector as well as the existing higher education and training taxation policies and incentives enacted in South Africa and selected international jurisdictions. This was done with a view to providing a framework for higher education and training tax policy formation in South Africa to assist in meeting its higher education and training “access and affordability” targets as set out in the National Plan on Higher Education and the Higher Education White Paper, while at the same time not hindering economic growth. A doctrinal research methodology was adopted in this study as it mainly analysed and interpreted legislation and policy documents and therefore the approach was qualitative in nature. An extensive literature survey was done in order to document the various internationally selected legislated higher education and training tax policies and incentives. The literature indicated that there are widespread funding perspectives and initiates, and that international tax policies enacted with the aim of ensuring that higher education and training is more accessible and affordable to the public, is stable and effective in certain jurisdictions. It is submitted that while a higher education dedicated tax may not be sufficiently effective in South Africa, a combination of broad-based tax incentives will help to promote the change to a more affordable and stable higher education funding system, whilst not preventing growth through sustainable development.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Future role of community pharmacy in the national health insurance

  • Authors: Aluko, Olubusola Aderonke
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: National health insurance -- South Africa , Health care reform -- South Africa Community health services -- South Africa Pharmacy -- Practice -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21472 , vital:29525
  • Description: Governments all over the world have shown interest in the healthcare system and various policies and measures have been adopted to ensure optimum health of the people. Inequity in health provision in South Africa is a great challenge. In South Africa, the healthcare system is currently characterised by distinctly different public and private sectors. The public sector serves approximately 84% of the population while the private sector services the smaller portion, 16% of the population. However, the expenditure in both the private and public sectors is almost the same, with approximately five times more being spent per capita in the private sector than in the public sector. The South African health care system is therefore unbalanced with respect to expenditure per capita resulting in inequitable access to, and quality of, health services. In particular, relative to the population it serves and the disease burden that it carries, the public sector is under-resourced. In order to address the inequities characteristic of the current two-tiered system, the South African Government is in the process of implementing a National Health Insurance (NHI). The NHI will provide a means of pooling all healthcare funding, thereby providing a means of cross subsidization within the public sector. Funding contributions will be linked to the ability of an individual to pay and benefits will be determined by an individual’s need for care. A core principle of NHI is to provide access to quality care. It has been suggested that within a NHI system private pharmacies may be contracted through service agreements to provide both chronic and acute medicines. However, there are currently no policies specifying the roles and functions of pharmacists in the NHI or in a re-engineered Primary Health Care system, although it has been suggested that for South Africa to have a successful healthcare system it requires the support and assistance of pharmacists. Research suggests that the majority of pharmacists do not believe that the NHI is a suitable means to address South Africa’s healthcare problems and many do not agree with the principles behind it. This study describes the perceptions and attitudes of community pharmacists and the lay public in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole toward NHI and the potential role of community pharmacists within the NHI. A qualitative approach was used to provide an in-depth exploration of the attitudes and perceptions of community pharmacists and the lay public in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole (NMBM). It is envisaged that this understanding will provide a basis for addressing pharmacists’ concerns and may contribute towards the further development of the role and the scope of practice of community pharmacists in the NHI. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with both community pharmacists and with members of the public. The interviews were digitally recorded and then transcribed. The transcriptions were coded and analysed thematically. The analysis of the themes identified revealed that while community pharmacists and the public are aware of NHI they are uncertain as to how it is being implemented. However, both community pharmacists and patients see NHI as an advantage and display a positive attitude towards NHI.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

FyaMoneka: exploring the erasure of women within Zambian history

  • Authors: Kalichini, Gladys
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Women -- Zambia -- Historiography , Women -- Zambia -- History , Women -- Political activity -- Zambia , Women -- Zambia -- Social conditions , Collective memory -- Zambia , Death in art , Feminism -- Zambia , Male domination (Social structure) -- Zambia , Sex discrimination against women -- Zambia
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MFA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63186 , vital:28371
  • Description: This Master of Fine Art submission, comprising of an exhibition and mini-thesis, explores the erasure of women’s narratives from Zambian history and collective memory. As a point of entry into the broader conversation of narratives of women marginalised in certain historicised events, this research analyses the narratives of Julia Chikamoneka and Alice Lenshina that are held in the collective memory of Zambian history. It focuses on the representations of narratives of women during and beyond colonial times, while hinging particularly on these two characters’ encounters with and against British rule in Northern Rhodesia (Zambia). Titled FyaMoneka: Exploring the Erasure of Women Within Zambian History, the mini-thesis examines the representations and positioning of women’s political activities within the liberation narrative that is recorded in the National Archives of Zambia (NAZ) and the United National Independence Party (UNIP) Archives. This mini-thesis highlights the fact that women have been written out of Zambia’s liberation narrative in the NAZ and the UNIP Archives, and remains mindful of the inherent modifications and erasures of women’s accounts over time, including the obfuscation or the absence of certain archival materials. This mini-thesis prospectively reconstructs Chikamoneka’s and Lenshina’s narratives using traces of their histories within collective memory through re/visiting processes of re-archivisation. The exhibition, titled ChaMoneka (It Has Become Visible): UnCasting Shadows, explores death and representations of death, where death is conceptualised as a metaphor for the erasure of women’s historical narratives, whereas the body represents the narrative. Based on an exploration of the relationship and tensions between collective memory and history, death within this exhibition is thematised as the course of fading away and a continuous process in which women’s narratives are erased.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Gaining cyber security insight through an analysis of open source intelligence data: an East African case study

  • Authors: Chindipha, Stones Dalitso
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Open source intelligence -- Africa, East , Computer security -- Africa, East , Computer networks -- Security measures -- Africa, East , Denial of service attacks -- Africa, East , Sentient Hvper-Optimised Data Access Network (SHODAN) , Internet Background Radiation (IBR)
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60618 , vital:27805
  • Description: With each passing year the number of Internet users and connected devices grows, and this is particularly so in Africa. This growth brings with it an increase in the prevalence cyber-attacks. Looking at the current state of affairs, cybersecurity incidents are more likely to increase in African countries mainly due to the increased prevalence and affordability of broadband connectivity which is coupled with lack of online security awareness. The adoption of mobile banking has aggravated the situation making the continent more attractive to hackers who bank on the malpractices of users. Using Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) data sources like Sentient Hvper-Optimised Data Access Network (SHODAN) and Internet Background Radiation (IBR), this research explores the prevalence of vulnerabilities and their accessibility to evber threat actors. The research focuses on the East African Community (EAC) comprising of Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda, An IBR data set collected by a Rhodes University network telescope spanning over 72 months was used in this research, along with two snapshot period of data from the SHODAN project. The findings shows that there is a significant risk to systems within the EAC, particularly using the SHODAN data. The MITRE CVSS threat scoring system was applied to this research using FREAK and Heartbleed as sample vulnerabilities identified in EAC, When looking at IBR, the research has shown that attackers can use either destination ports or IP source addresses to perform an attack which if not attended to may be reused yearly until later on move to the allocated IP address space once it starts making random probes. The moment it finds one vulnerable client on the network it spreads throughout like a worm, DDoS is one the attacks that can be generated from IBR, Since the SHODAN dataset had two collection points, the study has shown the changes that have occurred in Malawi and Tanzania for a period of 14 months by using three variables i.e, device type, operating systems, and ports. The research has also identified vulnerable devices in all the four countries. Apart from that, the study identified operating systems, products, OpenSSL, ports and ISPs as some of the variables that can be used to identify vulnerabilities in systems. In the ease of OpenSSL and products, this research went further by identifying the type of attack that can occur and its associated CVE-ID.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Gender equity in land tenure : an assessment of the challenges faced by women in the communal land tenure system in Keiskammahoek, South Africa

  • Authors: Sonkosi, Abongile
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Land tenure--South Africa--Eastern Cape Land use--South Africa--Eastern Cape Land tenure
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Rural Development
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17138 , vital:40859
  • Description: Despite the importance of land to women, women however are still deprived of security of tenure as a result of the gender biased laws which at their best only protect married women and at their worst fail to protect the rights of single, widowed and divorced women. An analysis of the land reform policies in South Africa as a whole on the issue of the advancement of women through land reform reveals a number of irregularities and false promises. Many of the new policy shifts are problematic as they tend to benefit the elite and continue to leave the majority of the rural poor people particularly women in communal areas with insecure land tenure. This research study examined: 1. the nature of land relations at work in Keiskammahoek and how they impact women’s rights to land. 2. How women in Keiskammahoek view their rights to land. 3. The challenges experienced and progress made by women in claiming their land rights in Keiskamahoek. Despite the importance of land to women, women however are still deprived of security of tenure as a result of the gender biased laws which at their best only protect married women and at their worst fail to protect the rights of single, widowed and divorced women. An analysis of the land reform policies in South Africa as a whole on the issue of the advancement of women through land reform reveals a number of irregularities and false promises. Many of the new policy shifts are problematic as they tend to benefit the elite and continue to leave the majority of the rural poor people particularly women in communal areas with insecure land tenure. This research study examined: 1. the nature of land relations at work in Keiskammahoek and how they impact women’s rights to land. 2. How women in Keiskammahoek view their rights to land. 3. The challenges experienced and progress made by women in claiming their land rights in Keiskamahoek. ownership in their communities. They expressed strong views against the suppression of their voice due to patriarchal structures that govern the way they live. They further observed that a woman’s voice in the rural communities generally does not get heard and that even if women get into positions of power they fail to stand up against women’s marginalization and gender inequalities. However, the most positive finding is that the wind of change is blowing in Keiskammahoek as different categories of women - married, single, divorced, widowed etc. begin to access residential and to some limited degree, agricultural plots. They appeal to the government to support them in accessing agricultural tools including tractors, irrigation systems, seeds etc. Although the progress made so far with regard to women’s access to land is acknowledged, a great deal of work still needs to be done in order to empower women through land reform. The study makes recommendations on the implementation of land tenure policy that addresses women’s challenges in land access and ownership.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Gender mainstreaming in local governance: a case of O.R. Tambo District Municipality

  • Authors: Mongoato, Boiketlo
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Women in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women -- Political activity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32334 , vital:32024
  • Description: The purpose of this study is to establish the extent to which the OR Tambo District Municipality is able to implement gender mainstreaming to eliminate gender bias in governance and service delivery in order to improve the lives of the women in the district and to develop the community. This study is specifically concerned with the effect of leadership and staff capacity on the implementation of gender mainstreaming. The study was aimed at improving how the local government approaches gender mainstreaming and shed light on how it can be used as an all-inclusive developmental strategy. The data for this study were collected through document analysis and purposively selected in-depth interviews. The subjects of the study were selected from strategic units within the municipality which were identified to be the key stakeholders in gender mainstreaming in terms of the institutional arrangements. The results illustrate that despite a commitment to gender mainstreaming in the OR Tambo District Municipality, the institution still faces many challenges in its implementation. These challenges are linked to the absence of an institutional gender mainstreaming policy, poor understanding of gender mainstreaming and sectoral institutional arrangements that hinder the process of implementation. The data confirmed that a lack of skilled human resources hinders the implementation of gender mainstreaming.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Generalized linear models, with applications in fisheries research

  • Authors: Sidumo, Bonelwa
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Western mosquitofish , Analysis of variance , Fisheries Catch effort South Africa Sundays River (Eastern Cape) , Linear models (Statistics) , Multilevel models (Statistics) , Experimental design
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61102 , vital:27975
  • Description: Gambusia affinis (G. affinis) is an invasive fish species found in the Sundays River Valley of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, The relative abundance and population dynamics of G. affinis were quantified in five interconnected impoundments within the Sundays River Valley, This study utilised a G. affinis data set to demonstrate various, classical ANOVA models. Generalized linear models were used to standardize catch per unit effort (CPUE) estimates and to determine environmental variables which influenced the CPUE, Based on the generalized linear model results dam age, mean temperature, Oreochromis mossambicus abundance and Glossogobius callidus abundance had a significant effect on the G. affinis CPUE. The Albany Angling Association collected data during fishing tag and release events. These data were utilized to demonstrate repeated measures designs. Mixed-effects models provided a powerful and flexible tool for analyzing clustered data such as repeated measures data and nested data, lienee it has become tremendously popular as a framework for the analysis of bio-behavioral experiments. The results show that the mixed-effects methods proposed in this study are more efficient than those based on generalized linear models. These data were better modeled with mixed-effects models due to their flexibility in handling missing data.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Geometry of deformed special relativity

  • Authors: Sixaba, Vuyile
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Special relativity (Physics) , Quantum gravity , Quantum theory , Geometry , Heisenberg uncertainty principle
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59478 , vital:27615
  • Description: We undertake a study of the classical regime in which Planck's constant and Newton's gravitational constant are negligible, but not their ratio, the Planck mass, in hopes that this could possibly lead to testable quantum gravity (QG) effects in a classical regime. In this quest for QG phenomenology we consider modifications of the standard dispersion relation of a free particle known as deformed special relativity (DSR). We try to geometrize DSR to find the geometric origin of the spacetime and momentum space. In particular, we adopt the framework of Hamilton geometry which is set up on phase space, as the cotangent bundle of configuration space in order to derive a purely phase space formulation of DSR. This is necessary when one wants to understand potential links of DSR with modifications of quantum mechanics such as Generalised Uncertainty Principles. It is subsequently observed that space-time and momentum space emerge naturally as curved and intertwined spaces. In conclusion we mention examples and applications of this framework as well as potential future developments.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Graphite: origin, deposits and economics : an exploration study of the Orom Graphite project

  • Authors: Van den Berg, Jacobus Petrus
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Graphite , Ore deposits , Geophysics , Graphite mines and mining Economic aspects Africa, East , Trenches , Project management
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63786 , vital:28489
  • Description: Developing exploration projects successfully requires that the Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction (RPEEE) be confirmed and based on the global market perception and trend. The exploration methods applied in the attempt to establish this RPEEE must be based on a key management framework that assures the results, and eventually the conclusion, are obtained with best practical and technical approaches whilst managing the risks and capitalizing on each result. The Orom Graphite project is located within the East African Orogenic belt, a suture zone between the Congo craton and the SLAMIN shield, formed during the formation of Gondwana during the late Proterozoic to early-Phanerozoic era. The closing of the Mozambique ocean, and the eventual collision between the craton and shield, occurred along the paleo-earths equator and migrated towards lower latitudes. This, along with the period’s biodiversity boom, provided the perfect deposition environment for carbonaceous sediments which were later metamorphosed to amphibolite and granulites grade metamorphism, resulting in the carbonization and the eventual graphitization of these carbonaceous sediments. The project is located within a poorly developed part of Uganda with the closest port situated some 1 500 km to the east in Kenya. The poorly developed infrastructure along with probable high logistical cost assigns a low competitivity index if compared to the economic costs of peer projects. However, the potential resources of the Orom Graphite project suggest that the Life of Mine (LOM) can rival the largest resource currently reported within the market. The current market conditions suggest that a possible oversupply of graphite concentrate will dominate the market within the next 4 to 10 years. This suggests that new graphite projects such as the Orom Graphite project are likely to develop into the production phase once the global supply and demand stabilize. This requires the Orom Graphite project to develop from its current scoping study level to a project development study level associated with a definitive feasibility study. To date, the project developed through mapping, reconnaissance drilling, geophysical survey and trenching programs increasing the Net Present Value (NPV) considerably based upon a Cost-Based Valuation approach using Prospectivity Enhancement Multiplier (PEM). The metallurgical studies could however not produce a graphite concentrate product within industrial grade standards. The risk associated with developing the project further into the Mineral Resource Estimation (MRE) phase was quantified and risk was evaluated by implementing a point decision tree and calculating the Expected Monetary Value (EMV). Due to the unfavourable metallurgical results obtained to date, the risk associated with undertaking an additional metallurgical test is considerable with a slight chance of producing a negative project value estimated at 65%. JP van den Berg Rhodes University Overall, the Orom Graphite project contains favourable geological formations with a potential large resource. Market trends indicate that a considerable resource is currently being developed and can supply the global market for the next 4 to 10 years. The project’s location within a landlocked country decreases its economic competitiveness with peer project and the unfavourable, but not conclusive, metallurgical results obtained during the scoping phase do not instil confidence that the project will develop into a productive mine soon. Managing the project development with future graphite demand in mind is the key to determining whether the project still has future value.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Grapple cable yarding: a productivity model for fast-growing tree plantations in Sarawak, Malaysia

  • Authors: Engelbrecht, Riaan
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Tree farms -- Malaysia -- Sarawak , Forests and forestry -- Malaysia -- Sarawak Forest productivity -- Malaysia -- Sarawak
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22049 , vital:29816
  • Description: Today, the two most important tasks faced by harvesting foresters and contractors are selecting the equipment and systems best suited to the site, and then to use this equipment in the best way possible (MacDonald, 1999). Experts estimate that the importance of tree plantations will continue to grow and that by 2050 75 per cent of the global fibre supply will be sourced from dedicated plantations (Ragauskas et al., 2006). To meet this growing demand plantations will most likely expand to steep slopes due to the priority given to agricultural and urban development, on flat land. New technological advancements in both cable yarding and ground-based harvesting systems has to a certain extent provided forest engineers with more options to choose from. Whether considering these options individually or in combination, they will have to make good choices in order to realise the full potential of forest plantations. One of the most promising techniques consist of an excavator-based unguyed yarder equipped with a new radio-controlled grapple carriage, fed by another excavator stationed on the cut-over. This system is very productive, avoids in-stand traffic and removes operators from positions of high risk. This long-term study was conducted on 12 different teams equipped with the new technology, operating in the fast-growing Acacia mangium plantations of Sarawak, Malaysia. Data were collected continuously for almost 8 months and represented 555 shifts, or over 55,000 yarding cycles - each recorded individually. This large data pool allowed for the development of robust models for system production, utilization and availability estimated respectively at: 63 m3 per productive machine hour (excluding all delays), 63 per cent and 93 per cent. The study also determined the effects of yarder type and team competence on productivity and utilization. Regression analysis of experimental data yielded a strong productivity forecast model that was highly significant, which accounted for 50 per cent of the total variability in the dataset and was validated with a non-significant error estimated at less than 1 per cent. The models reported in this study are especially robust, because they were obtained from a long-term study that covered multiple teams and accumulated an exceptionally large number of observations. While gained specifically on one yarder make (Alpine Yarder) and a specific plantation type (Acacia mangium), the information in this study can be extended to other similar machines and plantations, because the sheer volume of data allows cautious generalization. The teachings of kaizen, which suggest small-step work improvements, was adopted in order to propose the process of possible improvements, by combining elements of other harvesting systems as shown in Figure 1 below (Vorn Industries, 2017). Forestry is essentially a problem of transportation (Schenck, 1911) and the efficiency of such a transportation system will ultimately be determined by technology developments which drive system productivity (Ger & Klvac, 2014). Therefore, when we talk about systems for the future we should view them not as predictions or as prescriptions but as options that may be selected or rejected (Wood, 1979).
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Guest inclusion behaviour of zirconium(IV)- based polycarboxylate complexes: a study of metal-organic frameworks

  • Authors: Hulushe, Siyabonga Theophillus
  • Date: 2018
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63710 , vital:28474
  • Description: Expected release date-April 2019
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Guidelines for and evaluation of the design of technology-supported lessons to teach basic programming principles to deaf and hard of hearing learners: a case study of a school for the deaf

  • Authors: Wassermann, Ulza
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Deaf -- Education , Hearing impaired children -- Education Computers and people with disabilities Communication devices for people with disabilities Information technology -- Education
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MIT
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36347 , vital:33925
  • Description: Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) learners are part of a diverse population with unique learning challenges, strengths and needs. Learning material should be developed specifically for them to provide for their needs and capitalise on their strengths. These materials should include visual material and strategies as well as sign language. Furthermore, DHH learners have the same capacity for learning as hearing learners. However, in South Africa, DHH learners do not have adequate access to training in computer-related subjects, and therefore no material exists that has been developed specifically for DHH learners who want to learn a programming language. This research provides guidelines on the way technology-supported lessons can be designed to teach basic programming principles using the programming language Scratch, to DHH learners. Provision was made for the South African context where limited technology is available at most schools for DHH learners, but where most educators have access to Microsoft Office applications – specifically MS PowerPoint. Two goals were pursued. The primary goal of this research project was to determine the user experience (UX) of the participants (both learners and educators) during and after using and attending the technology-supported lessons. This was achieved through a case study. Four UX evaluation elements were evaluated in this project. They were: usability, accessibility, emotional user reaction, and hedonic aspects. Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews as well as participant-observation were used to determine the UX of participants. The UX evaluation provided sufficient evidence to claim that UX of participants was satisfactory, and therefore the guidelines that were developed to create technology-supported lessons to teach basic programming principles to DHH learners were appropriate. The secondary goal was to develop guidelines for the design of technology-supported lessons to teach programming to DHH learners, and to apply these guidelines to develop a high-fidelity, fully functional prototype – a set of technology-supported lessons. This was achieved through a prototype construction research strategy. The lessons consisted of two vocabulary lessons and one programming lesson. The words that were taught in the vocabulary lesson were either terms appearing in the interface of Scratch, or words needed in the explanation of programming principles and Scratch context. The programming lesson (a PowerPoint slide show) was a guide for the educator to present the content in a logical way, and not to leave out important information. It used multimedia techniques (colour, pictures, animation) to explain programming concepts, and to display the tasks to be completed to the learners, so that they could remember the sequence of the steps. Practical strategies have been included in the guidelines to address the learning challenges DHH experience in the following areas: Comprehension skills, application of knowledge and knowledge organisation, relational and individual-item orientations, metacognition, memory, distractibility. The guidelines referred to techniques and principles that can be followed to design the interface and navigation tools of a technology-supported lesson; enhance communication with DHH learners, and provide support for them to work independently; specify the educator’s role and attitude when facilitating or presenting programming lessons and to structure a programming lesson.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Guidelines for the protection of stored sensitive information assets within small, medium and micro enterprises

  • Authors: Scharnick, Nicholas
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Computer security , Information technology -- Security measures Data protection Business -- Data processing -- Security measures Small business -- Data processing -- Security measures -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MIT
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34799 , vital:33452
  • Description: Technology has become important in the business environment as it ensures that a business is competitive and it also drives the business processes. However, in the era of mobile devices, easy access to the internet and a wide variety of other communication mechanisms; the security of the business from a technological perspective is constantly under threat. Thus, the problem that this research aims to address is that there is currently a lack of understanding by SMMEs in protecting their stored sensitive information assets. This study intends to assist small businesses, such as those within the Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) on how to protect and secure information while it is in storage. SMMEs usually do not have available resources to fully address information security related concerns that could pose a threat to the well being and success of the business. In order to address the problem identified, and assist SMMEs with better protecting their stored information assets, the outcomes of this research is to develop guidelines to assist SMMEs in protecting stored sensitive information assets. Through the use of a qualitative content analysis, a literature review, a number of information security standards, best practices, and frameworks, including the ISO27000 series of standards, COBIT, ITIL, and various NIST publications were analysed to determine how these security approaches address security concerns that arise when considering the storage of sensitive information. Following the literature analysis, a survey was developed and distributed to a wide variety of SMMEs in order to determine what their information security requirements might be, as well as how they address information security. The results obtained from this, coupled with the literature analysis, served as input for the development of a number of guidelines that can assist SMMEs in protecting stored sensitive information assets.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Happiness in the South African engineering industry

  • Authors: Poorun, Andrew
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa , Engineering -- Employment -- South Africa Corporate culture -- South Africa Happiness -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23120 , vital:30430
  • Description: Happiness, or what is commonly referred to as subjective well-being, is under investigation worldwide across many different sectors as it influences individuals, the organisation and society. Although researchers and lay people often define happiness as life satisfaction or a sense of wellbeing, literature also defines happiness as positive subjective experiences. Research confirms that an increase in individual happiness is advantageous to the individual and it enables societies to function better, thereby supporting the notion to incorporate aspects of happiness when formulating economic policy. Many countries around the world have identified happiness as a key factor influencing economic growth and citizen wellness. Countries are taking steps to measure their success as a society – from not only how much the economy grows – but also from how much their lives are improved, not only from standard of living, but also from quality of life. Engineering is a profession in which scientific knowledge and mathematical ability are practised applying sound judgement to develop ways to benefit humankind. South Africa has a major shortage of qualified engineers. The Engineering Council of South Africa reported that South Africa only has one engineer per 3 166 of the population, whereas other countries like Brazil has 227, Australia has 455 and Chile has 681. The best investment any country can therefore make for its future prospects is in education in the engineering field. It is imperative that people are attracted to engineering careers and that they are retained in this profession. Improving the happiness levels of engineers will assist in the attraction and retention of members in the engineering industry. The purpose of engineering and even other technological sciences is very important for both past and future economic performance. Without the appropriate people in these careers, the economic success, securities and scientific leadership will decrease. Traditional market-based measures alone do not provide an adequate portrayal of quality of life. The focus of economic measurement should change from production toward people’s well-being or happiness. Most happiness research focuses on countries, which enables comparisons. This study focuses on happiness levels of South African engineers. Previous work has explored other professions, such as physiotherapists, veterinarians and employees in the financial sector. The primary data were collected from the sample of 686 engineers by means of an on-line questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed from literature and using extracts from similar happiness studies questionnaires. A pilot study was conducted amongst engineers working in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. An email containing a Universal Resource Link (URL) to the questionnaire was sent to the listed email addresses of the Engineering Council of South Africa. A representative sample of 395 respondents participated in the study who fully completed all sections of the questionnaire. A proposed conceptual model was compiled and tested using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The results of the study indicate that the factors Workplace influence, workplace relationships, Work-life balance and Purpose load onto the factor, Work Satisfaction. The factors Work satisfaction, Optimism, Leisure, S.A. Pride, Classism and Trust determine the happiness of engineers in South Africa. The results of this study further indicate that engineers in South Africa are generally happy and that they rate workplace relationships highly. Engineers generally have little faith in the government, the South African court system and the South African education system. This study is the first of its kind conducted in South Africa and makes a valuable contribution in understanding the happiness of engineers.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Happiness levels amongst South African Veterinarians

  • Authors: Venter,Cordene
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Happiness , Job satisfaction , Veterinarians -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45745 , vital:38960
  • Description: Happiness is a new field of study in various healthcare fields. Researchers indicated that although there are numerous studies investigating mental well-being amongst veterinarians, scientific research into happiness in veterinary medicine has not begun and that happiness levels of veterinarians are unknown. This treatise is the first known study examining the happiness levels of South African veterinarians and the implications that increased happiness levels can have for organisations who employ veterinarians. An in-depth literature review was conducted and the two main constructs of happiness – eudaimonia and hedonism were examined. Additionally, the three theories of happiness, namely set-point theory, social comparison theory and the affect theory were explored and the importance of happiness in the workplace was established. The literature further laid the foundation for the conceptual model that proposed influence in the workplace, social relationships, satisfaction with work-life balance, purpose, optimism, work satisfaction, work stress and leisure lead to happiness of South African veterinarians. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that veterinary practice owners can implement to increase the happiness levels of their veterinarians so that they can have social, financial and personal gain. encourage their employees to pursue leisure activities. Life coaches or industrial psychologists can be used to bridge the generational gap between veterinarians and to minimise interpersonal conflict. Moreover, managers need to have conversations with their employees to understand their needs and to help them achieve their professional goals.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Happiness levels in South Africa

  • Authors: Georgiou, Michael
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Happiness -- South Africa , Well-being Social capital (Sociology)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30161 , vital:30849
  • Description: One of the fundamental aspects of human life is the attempt to achieve happiness. Traditionally, happiness has been expressed within two specific spheres of understanding, these being the hedonic view and the eudemonic view. The former is the pursuit of wellbeing through pleasure, enjoyment and comfort, whereas the latter focuses on the pursuit of personal development, developing the best in oneself and keeping in line with one’s highest held principles. Such examples may include acting to the best of one’s abilities, expressing kindness, gratitude and the fulfilment of one’s potential. The philosophical tradition has now been incorporated into contemporary psychology for the development of the science of wellbeing. Recently, the term Happiness or what was commonly referred to as subjective well-being, has surged into the spotlight of positive psychology researchers worldwide, as it has shown to influence individuals and thereby organisations and society as well. There is evidence that indicates that an increase or decrease in individual happiness can have a positive influence on the lives of individuals, the way society operates and how economic structures perform. Many countries therefore are beginning to look at the measurement of happiness in an attempt to capitalise on the advantages this brings to their societies, economic activity and performance, and the improvement in the quality of the lives of its citizens. These countries are attempting to include the elements required to increase subjective well-being within the economic policies of the countries. This study aims at evaluating the Happiness Levels of South Africans and also aims at providing a basis for the current levels of happiness in the country, identify challenges that need to be addressed, and to provide a platform for further research where required. The primary data was collected through an online questionnaire, utilising the QuestionPro system supplied by the University. There were 840 valid respondents who completed the questionnaire in full. The questionnaire was developed utilising the happiness literature and previous questionnaires that have been developed in similar studies. A proposed conceptual model was developed and then tested utilising exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. A new model was iv developed which can be used to determine the happiness levels of South Africans. The study concluded with recommendations that governments, leaders, organisations and individuals in society can implement to increase the overall happiness of South Africans and to move the country forward in a positive and meaningful way so that we can all enjoy higher levels of happiness, prosperity and social capital. The results of this study further indicate that South Africans are generally happy and that optimism, workplace networks and work-life balance are important to their happiness. South African citizens generally have little faith in the government, the South African court system, the police services and the South African education system.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Copyright
  • Contact