The integration of sustainable development goals into business strategies: evidence from the Johannesburg stock exchange top 100
- Authors: Sibango, Lukhanyo Wilfred
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Sustainable development , stock exchange -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58179 , vital:58662
- Description: The main of objective of this study was to identify factors influencing the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into core business strategies and activities of the top 100 companies listed on the JSE for the period of 2018 to 2019. The study used one dependent variable (SDG integration) and five independent variables (company size, profitability, financial leverage, board size and mission/vision). To measure SDG integration, a dichotomous scale ranging from 0 and 1 was applied. A scale of 1 was allocated if SDGs are integrated into company strategies and business activities and 0 if there is no integration mentioned. The influence of company size, profitability, financial leverage, board size and mission statements on the integration of SDGs into strategies was investigated using random effect regression model. The findings showed that company size, board size and mentioning of sustainability in mission statements has a positive influence of SDG integration. Financial leverage and profitability were found not to have any significant influence on SDG reporting. The results of this study provided several important implications. Regulators, policy makers and sustainability advocates may gain further understanding into some of the factors that motivate firms to integrate SDGs into strategies. For various stakeholders, the findings suggested that stakeholders should seek ways to exert greater pressure on firms to not only disclose SDGs, but to integrate them in business strategies The study had some limitations, as it relied on a limited sample of only the top 100 firms listed on the JSE. The study period was only limited to 2018 and 2019 financial years. Due to these limitations, the researchers cannot claim that the results of the study are generalisable to all contexts. The study suggested future research to further explore how the board characteristics such as age, gender, education, and nationality influence the level of SDG integration. Furthermore, qualitative research was suggested to investigate the reasons that companies give for integrating SDGs into strategies, and the obstacles they face which could result in non-integration. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Sibango, Lukhanyo Wilfred
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Sustainable development , stock exchange -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58179 , vital:58662
- Description: The main of objective of this study was to identify factors influencing the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into core business strategies and activities of the top 100 companies listed on the JSE for the period of 2018 to 2019. The study used one dependent variable (SDG integration) and five independent variables (company size, profitability, financial leverage, board size and mission/vision). To measure SDG integration, a dichotomous scale ranging from 0 and 1 was applied. A scale of 1 was allocated if SDGs are integrated into company strategies and business activities and 0 if there is no integration mentioned. The influence of company size, profitability, financial leverage, board size and mission statements on the integration of SDGs into strategies was investigated using random effect regression model. The findings showed that company size, board size and mentioning of sustainability in mission statements has a positive influence of SDG integration. Financial leverage and profitability were found not to have any significant influence on SDG reporting. The results of this study provided several important implications. Regulators, policy makers and sustainability advocates may gain further understanding into some of the factors that motivate firms to integrate SDGs into strategies. For various stakeholders, the findings suggested that stakeholders should seek ways to exert greater pressure on firms to not only disclose SDGs, but to integrate them in business strategies The study had some limitations, as it relied on a limited sample of only the top 100 firms listed on the JSE. The study period was only limited to 2018 and 2019 financial years. Due to these limitations, the researchers cannot claim that the results of the study are generalisable to all contexts. The study suggested future research to further explore how the board characteristics such as age, gender, education, and nationality influence the level of SDG integration. Furthermore, qualitative research was suggested to investigate the reasons that companies give for integrating SDGs into strategies, and the obstacles they face which could result in non-integration. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The moderating role of decent work on the relationship between employee motivation and job peformance within the public sector
- Authors: Tungata, Nokwanda
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Public service employment , Performance standards
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58234 , vital:58772
- Description: Orientation: Organisational success is influenced by its ability to employ, develop, sustain and retain skilled employees. Retaining a strongly committed workforce has become a top priority for most organisations. Uncovering and addressing components which influence job insecurity helps retain employees. This is key to improving employee job performance. Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the moderating effects of decent work on the relationship between employee motivation and job performance using a sample of public service employees in the Eastern Cape Administration. The study aimed at determining the importance of individual-level performance when diagnosing performance issues in the public sector by focusing on the moderating role of decent work on the relationship between employee motivation and job performance. Motivation for the study: The South African public service is noted to undergoing challenges. Notably, affected are aspects related not only to employee motivation but also job performance. Needed are strategies that address these important organisational realities. Calls in the literature advocate the need to pay attention to the potential role of decent work. Research approach/design and method: A quantitative survey was employed using self-administered questionnaires. A total of 250 surveys were distributed. After data cleaning, a total of 188 surveys were deemed usable. Main findings: The overall findings highlighted in this study are that decent work and employee motivation have a positive relationship with job performance. They also have a significant positive influence on job performance. Additionally the research concludes that the three constructs of decent work that include free time and rest, access to health care and safe working conditions have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between employee motivation and job performance. Practical/managerial implications: This implies that there is need to find ways to keep employees motivated so that their job performance can also improve. Policy makers v should come up with effective work place policies which insure that conditions for employee motivation are ensured at work place as well as decent working conditions. This is important because it results in increased productivity and performance by public service employees. Contribution/value add: The findings provide preliminary insights that contribute to the body of knowledge concerned with decent work and employee job performance in the field of human resource in the South African context. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Tungata, Nokwanda
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Public service employment , Performance standards
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58234 , vital:58772
- Description: Orientation: Organisational success is influenced by its ability to employ, develop, sustain and retain skilled employees. Retaining a strongly committed workforce has become a top priority for most organisations. Uncovering and addressing components which influence job insecurity helps retain employees. This is key to improving employee job performance. Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the moderating effects of decent work on the relationship between employee motivation and job performance using a sample of public service employees in the Eastern Cape Administration. The study aimed at determining the importance of individual-level performance when diagnosing performance issues in the public sector by focusing on the moderating role of decent work on the relationship between employee motivation and job performance. Motivation for the study: The South African public service is noted to undergoing challenges. Notably, affected are aspects related not only to employee motivation but also job performance. Needed are strategies that address these important organisational realities. Calls in the literature advocate the need to pay attention to the potential role of decent work. Research approach/design and method: A quantitative survey was employed using self-administered questionnaires. A total of 250 surveys were distributed. After data cleaning, a total of 188 surveys were deemed usable. Main findings: The overall findings highlighted in this study are that decent work and employee motivation have a positive relationship with job performance. They also have a significant positive influence on job performance. Additionally the research concludes that the three constructs of decent work that include free time and rest, access to health care and safe working conditions have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between employee motivation and job performance. Practical/managerial implications: This implies that there is need to find ways to keep employees motivated so that their job performance can also improve. Policy makers v should come up with effective work place policies which insure that conditions for employee motivation are ensured at work place as well as decent working conditions. This is important because it results in increased productivity and performance by public service employees. Contribution/value add: The findings provide preliminary insights that contribute to the body of knowledge concerned with decent work and employee job performance in the field of human resource in the South African context. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The non-completion of construction projects: a case study relative to the department of public works in the Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Cweya, Luvuyo Gladsone
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Construction projects -- Eastern Cape , Public Works -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58317 , vital:58975
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate why construction projects during the delivery of infrastructure by DPW were not completed. The research 's goals were as follows: (i) to identify the major causes of the non-completion of infrastructure projects; (ii) to identify the reasons for the lack of the provision of adequate budgeting for proper project execution; (iii) to influence and inform the industry role players on the appointment of emerging contractors. The focus was only on public sector projects, and projects which undertake to use the JBCC 2000 Principal Building Agreement (various versions) in the Eastern Cape Province. For the study the research method adopted was a mixed methodological approach. The sample population is made up of DPW program managers, who are responsible for executing infrastructure programs and consultants such as architects, quantity surveyors and contractors. Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury, and the Department of Public Works (DPW) are required to carefully evaluate infrastructure projects for budget planning, and processes. The lack of formal preparation for emerging contractors in the form of seminars, presentations, and lectures was a significant weakness to improve new contractors' skill. DPW does not have a dedicated emerging contractors support programme. The main recommendation is that Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury, and the Department of Public Works should carefully evaluate infrastructure projects for budget planning and budget allocation. The aim is to address the problems leading to late payment of contractors. Moreover, DPW should have a dedicated emerging contractors support programme. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Cweya, Luvuyo Gladsone
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Construction projects -- Eastern Cape , Public Works -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58317 , vital:58975
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate why construction projects during the delivery of infrastructure by DPW were not completed. The research 's goals were as follows: (i) to identify the major causes of the non-completion of infrastructure projects; (ii) to identify the reasons for the lack of the provision of adequate budgeting for proper project execution; (iii) to influence and inform the industry role players on the appointment of emerging contractors. The focus was only on public sector projects, and projects which undertake to use the JBCC 2000 Principal Building Agreement (various versions) in the Eastern Cape Province. For the study the research method adopted was a mixed methodological approach. The sample population is made up of DPW program managers, who are responsible for executing infrastructure programs and consultants such as architects, quantity surveyors and contractors. Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury, and the Department of Public Works (DPW) are required to carefully evaluate infrastructure projects for budget planning, and processes. The lack of formal preparation for emerging contractors in the form of seminars, presentations, and lectures was a significant weakness to improve new contractors' skill. DPW does not have a dedicated emerging contractors support programme. The main recommendation is that Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury, and the Department of Public Works should carefully evaluate infrastructure projects for budget planning and budget allocation. The aim is to address the problems leading to late payment of contractors. Moreover, DPW should have a dedicated emerging contractors support programme. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The perception of school management teams and Teachers about their role to implement the national school nutrition programme in the Sisonke District in KwaZulu-Natal
- Authors: Zulu, Xolani Wycliff
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: School management teams , nutrition -- Study and teaching -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56102 , vital:55420
- Description: This study focused on the perception of School Management Teams and Teachers about their role to implement the national school nutrition programme in the Sisonke District in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa). The national school nutrition programme like any other projects in the country, faces some changes in the District which seem to interfere with the role of stakeholders in implementing the programme. This study explored the following research question with the set of secondary research questions: What are the perceptions of School Management Teams and Teachers in the Sisonke District of KwaZulu-Natal about their role in National School Nutrition Programme? • What perceptions do teachers and school managers have on the implementation of National School Nutrition Programme? • What challenges do Teachers and School Managers have to enhance the objectives of the National School Nutrition Programme? Both Teachers and School Managers were conveniently and purposively selected. For the generation of data, semi-structured interviews were used which were tape-recorded which were followed by transcription of data with interim analysis. Data was also generated through the use document analysis. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, which was theoretically framed by Maslow’s theory of motivation, Hertzberg two-factor motivation theory, Lawler and Porter’s Expectancy theory of motivation and the Situational theory of Hersey and Blanchard through which, I lens the study and managed to explain the findings. The study findings revealed that most Teachers and School Managers perceived national school nutrition programme as an important programme in the context of Umzimkhulu as it isa deep rural area. Despite the positive perceptions of Teachers and School Managers about their role, the study findings further revealed that they are facing some challenges in the implementation of the programme. The findings have several implications for poverty alleviation in the Sisonke District, job creation and improved learner’s attendance, improved health conditions of learners. They also highlighted the weaknesses of the DBE official’s nutrition sub-directorate about role players of the programme. Both stakeholders in fulfilling their role, should take into consideration the constitutional rights of learners as some of them are in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Zulu, Xolani Wycliff
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: School management teams , nutrition -- Study and teaching -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56102 , vital:55420
- Description: This study focused on the perception of School Management Teams and Teachers about their role to implement the national school nutrition programme in the Sisonke District in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa). The national school nutrition programme like any other projects in the country, faces some changes in the District which seem to interfere with the role of stakeholders in implementing the programme. This study explored the following research question with the set of secondary research questions: What are the perceptions of School Management Teams and Teachers in the Sisonke District of KwaZulu-Natal about their role in National School Nutrition Programme? • What perceptions do teachers and school managers have on the implementation of National School Nutrition Programme? • What challenges do Teachers and School Managers have to enhance the objectives of the National School Nutrition Programme? Both Teachers and School Managers were conveniently and purposively selected. For the generation of data, semi-structured interviews were used which were tape-recorded which were followed by transcription of data with interim analysis. Data was also generated through the use document analysis. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, which was theoretically framed by Maslow’s theory of motivation, Hertzberg two-factor motivation theory, Lawler and Porter’s Expectancy theory of motivation and the Situational theory of Hersey and Blanchard through which, I lens the study and managed to explain the findings. The study findings revealed that most Teachers and School Managers perceived national school nutrition programme as an important programme in the context of Umzimkhulu as it isa deep rural area. Despite the positive perceptions of Teachers and School Managers about their role, the study findings further revealed that they are facing some challenges in the implementation of the programme. The findings have several implications for poverty alleviation in the Sisonke District, job creation and improved learner’s attendance, improved health conditions of learners. They also highlighted the weaknesses of the DBE official’s nutrition sub-directorate about role players of the programme. Both stakeholders in fulfilling their role, should take into consideration the constitutional rights of learners as some of them are in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on Khoisan peoples’ sense of place: in the case of Karoo Region, South Africa
- Authors: Tembe, Thandeka
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Hydraulic fracturing--Environmental aspects--South Africa--Eastern Cape , Khoikhoi (African people) -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55701 , vital:53408
- Description: Hydraulic fracturing is a practical solution to minimising production of fossil fuels and to boost the South African economy. However, this development comes at a cost to the society, environment and heritage of the Karoo, which is home to majority of the Khoisan community. Developments such as hydraulic fracturing are barely understood by local communities therefore this study tried to determine the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on Khoisan people’s sense of place in the Karoo region, to also establish their perceptions, attitudes, opinion and knowledge on hydraulic fracturing, to facilitate and improve understanding. A mixed method approach was employed to gather relevant information from participants. The qualitative data collection used semi structured interviews to gain participants perceptions, attitudes, opinions and knowledge on hydraulic fracturing, whereas quantitative used questionnaire survey which was administrated to gain socio-demographics and sense of place of Khoisan people (N=50) using survey based psychometric approach to examine the relationship between Khoisan people and sense of place on proposed hydraulic fracturing in the Karoo region (Cradock). Primary data was employed to gain in depth raw data directly from participants and secondary data from literature that already exists. The purposive and snowball sampling technique was used to draw Khoisan participants from the Karoo region (Cradock). Data acquired was analysed using SPSS v26 and Microsoft excel. The results concluded that most Khoisan participants (N= 43) are not aware of what hydraulic fracturing is and therefore there is a need to be taught about the development. The (N= 7) of the participants who have an idea of what hydraulic fracturing is had attended a workshop that was facilitated by the AEON research institute, others learnt about it on the internet and others were informed by someone who either learnt from the internet or attend the workshop. The study also concluded that the Khoisan people have a strong positive sense of place (α= 0.922) with the Karoo region therefore going ahead with the proposed hydraulic fracturing will cause massive damage and could possibly lead to solastalgia and loss of sense of place. vi The recommendation of the study was to involve all stakeholders who will be part of the development of hydraulic fracturing from government, research institutes to oil and gas companies to thorough research, educate and inform local communities in the Karoo. Therefore, it is essential for the government to protect the Karoo culture and heritage, local peoples sense of place by communicating with local communities on such development and assist in holding these companies reliable for any misconducts. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Geography, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Tembe, Thandeka
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Hydraulic fracturing--Environmental aspects--South Africa--Eastern Cape , Khoikhoi (African people) -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55701 , vital:53408
- Description: Hydraulic fracturing is a practical solution to minimising production of fossil fuels and to boost the South African economy. However, this development comes at a cost to the society, environment and heritage of the Karoo, which is home to majority of the Khoisan community. Developments such as hydraulic fracturing are barely understood by local communities therefore this study tried to determine the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on Khoisan people’s sense of place in the Karoo region, to also establish their perceptions, attitudes, opinion and knowledge on hydraulic fracturing, to facilitate and improve understanding. A mixed method approach was employed to gather relevant information from participants. The qualitative data collection used semi structured interviews to gain participants perceptions, attitudes, opinions and knowledge on hydraulic fracturing, whereas quantitative used questionnaire survey which was administrated to gain socio-demographics and sense of place of Khoisan people (N=50) using survey based psychometric approach to examine the relationship between Khoisan people and sense of place on proposed hydraulic fracturing in the Karoo region (Cradock). Primary data was employed to gain in depth raw data directly from participants and secondary data from literature that already exists. The purposive and snowball sampling technique was used to draw Khoisan participants from the Karoo region (Cradock). Data acquired was analysed using SPSS v26 and Microsoft excel. The results concluded that most Khoisan participants (N= 43) are not aware of what hydraulic fracturing is and therefore there is a need to be taught about the development. The (N= 7) of the participants who have an idea of what hydraulic fracturing is had attended a workshop that was facilitated by the AEON research institute, others learnt about it on the internet and others were informed by someone who either learnt from the internet or attend the workshop. The study also concluded that the Khoisan people have a strong positive sense of place (α= 0.922) with the Karoo region therefore going ahead with the proposed hydraulic fracturing will cause massive damage and could possibly lead to solastalgia and loss of sense of place. vi The recommendation of the study was to involve all stakeholders who will be part of the development of hydraulic fracturing from government, research institutes to oil and gas companies to thorough research, educate and inform local communities in the Karoo. Therefore, it is essential for the government to protect the Karoo culture and heritage, local peoples sense of place by communicating with local communities on such development and assist in holding these companies reliable for any misconducts. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Geography, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The regulation of renewable energy in South Africa
- Van Huyssteen, Cornelis Roelof, Adelman, Sam
- Authors: Van Huyssteen, Cornelis Roelof , Adelman, Sam
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: International law and human rights , Climatic changes -- Social aspects --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56382 , vital:56617
- Description: As a developing country, South Africa’s demand for electricity is accelerating in order to facilitate economic growth and provide the necessary basic services to its people. Historically, the South African government has primarily opted to cater for the country’s electricity needs by means of coal as an affordable fossil fuel-based energy source. However, amidst the world’s changing climate and the plummeting costs of renewable energy technologies, there is increasing global pressure to phase out the use of fossil fuels as the key contributor to anthropogenic climate change and to move towards renewables as the world’s main source of energy. The primary problem highlighted in this thesis is the fact that South Africa’s energy laws have been developed to accommodate fossil fuels as the main source of energy, effectively neglecting the need to incorporate provisions that support and regulate the renewable energy sector. The thesis argues for the need for South Africa to transition away from fossil-fuel and nuclear based energy solutions based on the potential of renewables not only to improve energy security, but also to contribute towards social, economic, and environmental development. However, the transition to renewables and the realisation of its associated benefits will only be realised by means of a regulatory framework dedicated to the development of the renewable energy sector. The researcher argues that, in their current form, South African laws and policies limits the growth of the renewable energy sector. In order to propose reform and to develop the law to support renewable energy sufficiently, the thesis explores international law as well as global best practice in the United Kingdom and Germany related to renewable energy regulation. The comparative analysis allows the researcher to make recommendations to inform the development of South Africa’s renewable energy legal framework. It is argued that, given South Africa’s status as a developing country, such reform must be based upon the fundamental principles of climate change mitigation and social development. Ultimately, it is submitted that, a law dedicated to renewable energy can, and must, play an imperative role in realising the concept of sustainable development in South Africa. , Thesis (LLD) -- Faculty of Law , School of Public Law, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Van Huyssteen, Cornelis Roelof , Adelman, Sam
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: International law and human rights , Climatic changes -- Social aspects --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56382 , vital:56617
- Description: As a developing country, South Africa’s demand for electricity is accelerating in order to facilitate economic growth and provide the necessary basic services to its people. Historically, the South African government has primarily opted to cater for the country’s electricity needs by means of coal as an affordable fossil fuel-based energy source. However, amidst the world’s changing climate and the plummeting costs of renewable energy technologies, there is increasing global pressure to phase out the use of fossil fuels as the key contributor to anthropogenic climate change and to move towards renewables as the world’s main source of energy. The primary problem highlighted in this thesis is the fact that South Africa’s energy laws have been developed to accommodate fossil fuels as the main source of energy, effectively neglecting the need to incorporate provisions that support and regulate the renewable energy sector. The thesis argues for the need for South Africa to transition away from fossil-fuel and nuclear based energy solutions based on the potential of renewables not only to improve energy security, but also to contribute towards social, economic, and environmental development. However, the transition to renewables and the realisation of its associated benefits will only be realised by means of a regulatory framework dedicated to the development of the renewable energy sector. The researcher argues that, in their current form, South African laws and policies limits the growth of the renewable energy sector. In order to propose reform and to develop the law to support renewable energy sufficiently, the thesis explores international law as well as global best practice in the United Kingdom and Germany related to renewable energy regulation. The comparative analysis allows the researcher to make recommendations to inform the development of South Africa’s renewable energy legal framework. It is argued that, given South Africa’s status as a developing country, such reform must be based upon the fundamental principles of climate change mitigation and social development. Ultimately, it is submitted that, a law dedicated to renewable energy can, and must, play an imperative role in realising the concept of sustainable development in South Africa. , Thesis (LLD) -- Faculty of Law , School of Public Law, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The role of circular economy principles in solid waste management: a study of Walmer township
- Authors: Ndarane, Nomonde
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Circular economy , Recycling (Waste, etc.)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58048 , vital:58509
- Description: The maximisation of circular economy strategies brings hope to challenges of solid waste management and poverty alleviation. The purpose of the study was to explore the role of circular economy in solid waste management. A related goal was to enhance an understanding of how Walmer Township community’s use of circular economy principles can serve as a solid waste management strategy. The study holds the practical implication that circular economy contributes significantly to managing solid waste and to sustainable development. An empirical inquiry using a qualitative method was conducted and data was gathered through semi-structured interviews. Four different target groups were selected for this study- waste pickers, key informants (ward councillor and municipal officials), recycling businesses and NGO managers. It was brought to light that circular economy is utilised as both an economic and a solid waste management strategy. The findings show that implementing strategies of circular economy presents opportunities both for businesses and for poverty alleviation. Based on the findings, recommendations are made regarding making circular economy a lucrative business while upholding principles of environmentally friendly waste management strategies. Circular economy has crucial benefits, but it is practiced by few individuals within the community. More research needs to be conducted on how to make circular economy more attractive, especially to the youth. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Ndarane, Nomonde
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Circular economy , Recycling (Waste, etc.)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58048 , vital:58509
- Description: The maximisation of circular economy strategies brings hope to challenges of solid waste management and poverty alleviation. The purpose of the study was to explore the role of circular economy in solid waste management. A related goal was to enhance an understanding of how Walmer Township community’s use of circular economy principles can serve as a solid waste management strategy. The study holds the practical implication that circular economy contributes significantly to managing solid waste and to sustainable development. An empirical inquiry using a qualitative method was conducted and data was gathered through semi-structured interviews. Four different target groups were selected for this study- waste pickers, key informants (ward councillor and municipal officials), recycling businesses and NGO managers. It was brought to light that circular economy is utilised as both an economic and a solid waste management strategy. The findings show that implementing strategies of circular economy presents opportunities both for businesses and for poverty alleviation. Based on the findings, recommendations are made regarding making circular economy a lucrative business while upholding principles of environmentally friendly waste management strategies. Circular economy has crucial benefits, but it is practiced by few individuals within the community. More research needs to be conducted on how to make circular economy more attractive, especially to the youth. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The role of climate change on food security in Northern Uganda a case study of Lira district
- Authors: Aciro, Prudence Estel
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Food security -- Uganda , Food security -- Climatic factors , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57513 , vital:58054
- Description: The study examines the effects of climate change in Northern Uganda to create food security solutions through the improvement of local resilience mechanisms and adaptation devices. The study adopted the interpretive paradigm within the qualitative research methodology as it investigated the subjective opinions of the respondents about the role of climate change on food security in the Lira district. The researcher used non-probability purposive sampling to identify nine officials that possessed knowledge on resilience mechanisms and also interacted directly with individual farmers. The researcher used semi-structured interviews as a tool to collect data and thematic analysis to make conclusions on findings based on the emerging themes. The findings from the study revealed that the four determinants of food security are greatly affected by climate events and these are: food utilisation, food production, food availability and access to food as well as the stability of food supply. Food storage is a problem facing the community of Lira due to extreme climate events. Climate change was found to affect food prices in such a way that when agricultural inputs are bought expensively, it leads the cost of producing crops to increase, which in turn makes food more expensive at the market. The findings also displayed that Lira’s local communities are trying to apply adaptive farming practices to ensure there is an adequate food supply, such as planting a local variety of seeds that withstand the effect of climate change, such as sorghum millet and cassava. Based on the findings, valuable recommendations are offered. These include the government rolling out a national irrigation scheme to ease the use of the drip irrigation mechanism. Also, there is a need for more interventions that support local resilience mechanisms such as the use of agricultural inputs, as these require subsidisation. It emerged from the findings of this study that there is a need for better interventions to deal with flooding. For future researchers, it was found that there is a need to explore the best post-harvest handling methods as well as food storage. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Aciro, Prudence Estel
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Food security -- Uganda , Food security -- Climatic factors , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57513 , vital:58054
- Description: The study examines the effects of climate change in Northern Uganda to create food security solutions through the improvement of local resilience mechanisms and adaptation devices. The study adopted the interpretive paradigm within the qualitative research methodology as it investigated the subjective opinions of the respondents about the role of climate change on food security in the Lira district. The researcher used non-probability purposive sampling to identify nine officials that possessed knowledge on resilience mechanisms and also interacted directly with individual farmers. The researcher used semi-structured interviews as a tool to collect data and thematic analysis to make conclusions on findings based on the emerging themes. The findings from the study revealed that the four determinants of food security are greatly affected by climate events and these are: food utilisation, food production, food availability and access to food as well as the stability of food supply. Food storage is a problem facing the community of Lira due to extreme climate events. Climate change was found to affect food prices in such a way that when agricultural inputs are bought expensively, it leads the cost of producing crops to increase, which in turn makes food more expensive at the market. The findings also displayed that Lira’s local communities are trying to apply adaptive farming practices to ensure there is an adequate food supply, such as planting a local variety of seeds that withstand the effect of climate change, such as sorghum millet and cassava. Based on the findings, valuable recommendations are offered. These include the government rolling out a national irrigation scheme to ease the use of the drip irrigation mechanism. Also, there is a need for more interventions that support local resilience mechanisms such as the use of agricultural inputs, as these require subsidisation. It emerged from the findings of this study that there is a need for better interventions to deal with flooding. For future researchers, it was found that there is a need to explore the best post-harvest handling methods as well as food storage. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The role of environmental health practitioners in the prevention and management of legionnaires’ disease
- Authors: Mhlonyane, Gcobisa
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Environmental health personnel , Legionnaires' disease
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58915 , vital:60247
- Description: Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) play a vital role in providing and facilitating comprehensive proactive environmental health-related services to promote a safe, healthy and clean environment and prevent diseases. The National Environmental Health Policy (South Africa. Department of Health, 2013) referred to environmental health services as critical preventative health services that require adequate financial, human and material resources to significantly contribute to addressing the development goals. South Africa currently faces a quadruple Burden of Diseases (BoD), consisting of HIV and AIDS and TB, High Maternal and Child Mortality, Non-Communicable Diseases and Violence and Injuries, and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. The contributing factors to environmental-related diseases in South Africa include poor hygiene and sanitation practices due to lack of adequate sanitation facilities, poor management of waste, pollution of water and contaminated ambient air. The National Environmental Health Policy, 2013, described the importance of Environmental Health practice in the prevention and reduction of the incidence of diseases emanating from environmental factors, with a strong focus being on communicable diseases. The aim of the study was to examine the role played by EHPs in the epidemiological surveillance of diseases, in particular the prevention and management of Legionnaires’ disease, in one of the municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province. The study, which followed a mixed methods approach, was divided into two phases- phase 1 and phase 2. Phase 1 of the study employed a quantitative method of data collection where EHPs from the Municipality participated in a questionnaire survey, while phase 2 of the study followed a qualitative method of data collection where members of the Outbreak Response Committee from the District H participated in the focus group interviews. EHPs are represented in the Outbreak Response Committee of District H where they play a significant role in the prevention and management of diseases. Data from the questionnaire survey was analysed using the Statistica software programme where descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation test were performed. ix Focus group interviews were transcribed verbatim and an independent coder was used to analyse quantitative data from which three themes emerged. The study revealed the unavailability of programmes for prevention and management of Legionnaires’ disease in the Municipality. EHPs and members of the Outbreak Response Committee were found to have uncertainties related to their role in the prevention and management of Legionnaires’ disease. The study further depicted that the involvement of participants in both phase 1 and phase 2 in managing Legionnaires’ disease in their respective areas, is influenced by external factors such as the unavailability of programmes and systems to monitor, prevent and manage Legionnaires’ disease, shortages of staff, financial implications and capacity building. Lastly, the challenges encountered by the EHPs and members of the Outbreak Response Committees should be addressed by their respective managers to improve their response towards prevention and management of Legionnaires’ disease. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Mhlonyane, Gcobisa
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Environmental health personnel , Legionnaires' disease
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58915 , vital:60247
- Description: Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) play a vital role in providing and facilitating comprehensive proactive environmental health-related services to promote a safe, healthy and clean environment and prevent diseases. The National Environmental Health Policy (South Africa. Department of Health, 2013) referred to environmental health services as critical preventative health services that require adequate financial, human and material resources to significantly contribute to addressing the development goals. South Africa currently faces a quadruple Burden of Diseases (BoD), consisting of HIV and AIDS and TB, High Maternal and Child Mortality, Non-Communicable Diseases and Violence and Injuries, and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. The contributing factors to environmental-related diseases in South Africa include poor hygiene and sanitation practices due to lack of adequate sanitation facilities, poor management of waste, pollution of water and contaminated ambient air. The National Environmental Health Policy, 2013, described the importance of Environmental Health practice in the prevention and reduction of the incidence of diseases emanating from environmental factors, with a strong focus being on communicable diseases. The aim of the study was to examine the role played by EHPs in the epidemiological surveillance of diseases, in particular the prevention and management of Legionnaires’ disease, in one of the municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province. The study, which followed a mixed methods approach, was divided into two phases- phase 1 and phase 2. Phase 1 of the study employed a quantitative method of data collection where EHPs from the Municipality participated in a questionnaire survey, while phase 2 of the study followed a qualitative method of data collection where members of the Outbreak Response Committee from the District H participated in the focus group interviews. EHPs are represented in the Outbreak Response Committee of District H where they play a significant role in the prevention and management of diseases. Data from the questionnaire survey was analysed using the Statistica software programme where descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation test were performed. ix Focus group interviews were transcribed verbatim and an independent coder was used to analyse quantitative data from which three themes emerged. The study revealed the unavailability of programmes for prevention and management of Legionnaires’ disease in the Municipality. EHPs and members of the Outbreak Response Committee were found to have uncertainties related to their role in the prevention and management of Legionnaires’ disease. The study further depicted that the involvement of participants in both phase 1 and phase 2 in managing Legionnaires’ disease in their respective areas, is influenced by external factors such as the unavailability of programmes and systems to monitor, prevent and manage Legionnaires’ disease, shortages of staff, financial implications and capacity building. Lastly, the challenges encountered by the EHPs and members of the Outbreak Response Committees should be addressed by their respective managers to improve their response towards prevention and management of Legionnaires’ disease. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The school nutrition programme in mount fletcher and Matatiele, Eastern cape
- Authors: Majikijela, Mandiseli
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program , School children--Food , Feeding service
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57783 , vital:58254
- Description: The Primary School Nutrition Programme (PSNP) in South Africa was established in May 1994 as part of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). A major goal of the PSNP was to provide 30% of the student’s daily nutrition and improve school attendance in quintiles 1-3 primary schools. The aims of the PSNP were to develop the learning abilities of school-going children, alleviate poverty and hunger, and promote women empowerment. This study determines the influence that the implementation of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) has on active learning in specific schools and did so by focusing on schools located in Mount Fletcher and Matatiele, in the Eastern Cape. The schools under study are divided into semi-rural and deep-rural schools. The study used a quantitative research design in which 80 learners and 60 teachers were sampled from grades 4 to 6 and used a questionnaire to determine recipients’ perceptions of the quality of the food served to learners and the level of active learning taking place after food breaks. A review of literature demonstrated there are different views as to whether NSNP is implemented correctly and is achieving its intended objectives. It was also found that learners felt that the quality of food lacks nutriti onal content and that teachers didn’t comply in terms of the required feeding times. About 45% of the teacher respondents indicated that feeding in some schools in Mount Fletcher continued beyond 10h00. This was largely due to a lack of monitoring by depar tment officials. However, 71% of teachers stated that active learning did take place after feeding. The study led to the conclusion that a connection exists between nutrient content and active learning. Therefore, for effective implementation of the NSNP, regular monitoring by teachers, the NSNP committee, and district officials should be undertaken. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Majikijela, Mandiseli
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program , School children--Food , Feeding service
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57783 , vital:58254
- Description: The Primary School Nutrition Programme (PSNP) in South Africa was established in May 1994 as part of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). A major goal of the PSNP was to provide 30% of the student’s daily nutrition and improve school attendance in quintiles 1-3 primary schools. The aims of the PSNP were to develop the learning abilities of school-going children, alleviate poverty and hunger, and promote women empowerment. This study determines the influence that the implementation of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) has on active learning in specific schools and did so by focusing on schools located in Mount Fletcher and Matatiele, in the Eastern Cape. The schools under study are divided into semi-rural and deep-rural schools. The study used a quantitative research design in which 80 learners and 60 teachers were sampled from grades 4 to 6 and used a questionnaire to determine recipients’ perceptions of the quality of the food served to learners and the level of active learning taking place after food breaks. A review of literature demonstrated there are different views as to whether NSNP is implemented correctly and is achieving its intended objectives. It was also found that learners felt that the quality of food lacks nutriti onal content and that teachers didn’t comply in terms of the required feeding times. About 45% of the teacher respondents indicated that feeding in some schools in Mount Fletcher continued beyond 10h00. This was largely due to a lack of monitoring by depar tment officials. However, 71% of teachers stated that active learning did take place after feeding. The study led to the conclusion that a connection exists between nutrient content and active learning. Therefore, for effective implementation of the NSNP, regular monitoring by teachers, the NSNP committee, and district officials should be undertaken. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The use of psychometric test systems as a pre-selection tool for identifying successful harvesting machine operators
- Authors: Schwegman, Kylle
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55246 , vital:51102
- Description: A shift towards fully mechanized forest activities, such as harvesting and, more recently, silviculture, has occurred from the early 2 000’s. The reason for mechanizing these activities differs for each country, although for most countries there is concern relating to the health and safety of forest workers. With mechanization in harvesting, the forest worker has moved away from the physical intensity of having to fell, debranch, debark and cross-cut trees into logs using either an axe or chainsaw, to operating a machine. Studies revolving around the human element (operator) have been conducted specifically relating to the ergonomics of the machines and how operators may influence machine productivity. Results showed that due to the repetitive nature of the work, the operators are exposed to associated stresses for longer periods. Typical injuries associated to these kinds of stressors are whole body vibrations (WBVs), repetitive hand and arm movements, non-neutral body postures and manual lifting, which lead to musculoskeletal symptoms in the lower back, neck and shoulders. However, as machine technology improves so does the ergonomic conditions which are experienced by machine operators. Machine productivity can be influenced by various factors, with the most influential being tree volume. However, a recent study showed that over 40% of variation in machine productivity has been observed amongst different machine operators operating similar machines. The specific reason for these differences has yet to be determined. However, decision making, motivation, planning capacity, concentration, memory, motor coordination, pattern recognition, logic reasoning, and spatial perception are abilities that have been described as important for successful harvesting work. The pre-selection of operators using psychometric and cognitive tests is not new to forestry, although very little information is available relating to the aptitude test known as the Vienna test system as well as the best possible demographic associated with successful harvesting operators. The overall aim of this study was to determine whether the high variation found amongst harvesting machine operators could be reduced initially through a preselection process which involves the use of aptitude tests (Vienna Test System) and demographic questionnaires. A study was implemented in Zululand, South Africa, testing whether there were significant productivity differences between nine machine operators. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Schwegman, Kylle
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55246 , vital:51102
- Description: A shift towards fully mechanized forest activities, such as harvesting and, more recently, silviculture, has occurred from the early 2 000’s. The reason for mechanizing these activities differs for each country, although for most countries there is concern relating to the health and safety of forest workers. With mechanization in harvesting, the forest worker has moved away from the physical intensity of having to fell, debranch, debark and cross-cut trees into logs using either an axe or chainsaw, to operating a machine. Studies revolving around the human element (operator) have been conducted specifically relating to the ergonomics of the machines and how operators may influence machine productivity. Results showed that due to the repetitive nature of the work, the operators are exposed to associated stresses for longer periods. Typical injuries associated to these kinds of stressors are whole body vibrations (WBVs), repetitive hand and arm movements, non-neutral body postures and manual lifting, which lead to musculoskeletal symptoms in the lower back, neck and shoulders. However, as machine technology improves so does the ergonomic conditions which are experienced by machine operators. Machine productivity can be influenced by various factors, with the most influential being tree volume. However, a recent study showed that over 40% of variation in machine productivity has been observed amongst different machine operators operating similar machines. The specific reason for these differences has yet to be determined. However, decision making, motivation, planning capacity, concentration, memory, motor coordination, pattern recognition, logic reasoning, and spatial perception are abilities that have been described as important for successful harvesting work. The pre-selection of operators using psychometric and cognitive tests is not new to forestry, although very little information is available relating to the aptitude test known as the Vienna test system as well as the best possible demographic associated with successful harvesting operators. The overall aim of this study was to determine whether the high variation found amongst harvesting machine operators could be reduced initially through a preselection process which involves the use of aptitude tests (Vienna Test System) and demographic questionnaires. A study was implemented in Zululand, South Africa, testing whether there were significant productivity differences between nine machine operators. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Towards a risk assessment matrix for information security workarounds associated with acceptable use policies
- Authors: Slabbert, Eugene
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Information networks--security measures , Computer security--South africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55533 , vital:52811
- Description: Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs) are used to influence employees’ information security behaviour. Some employees feel that the AUPs and related procedures interfere with their ability to work efficiently and may, therefore, choose not to comply by utilising information security workarounds associated with the AUP. An AUP workaround is a form of information security non compliance that may result in unnecessary information security risk exposure for an organisation. Some AUP workarounds may be useful as they identify more efficient ways to complete tasks that may not impact the information security of an organisation. However, these efficiencies should only be considered for incorporation into standard procedures when the information security risk exposure of an AUP workaround is known. This leads to the problem statement. Many organisations do not have a formal way in which to assess the information security risks posed by workarounds associated with their Acceptable Use Policies, and related procedures. This study provides a solution to the identified problem through the primary objective, to develop a Risk Assessment Matrix for Information Security Workarounds associated with Acceptable Use Policies, and related procedures. Four secondary research objectives were proposed to achieve the primary research objective. The first secondary objective determines the role of information security risk management and how it relates to information security governance through the utilisation of a literature review. The second secondary objective firstly utilises a literature review to determine the role that the AUP and its related procedures play within an organisation, followed by a content analysis which identifies the key content that should be considered in a comprehensive AUP. The third secondary objective determines the factors that influence the use of AUP workarounds within an organisation through the utilisation of a literature review. Lastly, the fourth secondary objective utilises a literature review to determine the key components required for the development of the risk assessment matrix for information security workarounds. In addition, critical reasoning is used to create the risk assessment matrix for information security workarounds. The solution to this study contributes to the body of knowledge by proposing a risk assessment matrix to assess the information security risk exposure of AUP workarounds and find possible efficiency gains while keeping information security risk exposure to a minimum. , Thesis (MTech) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology , Information Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Slabbert, Eugene
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Information networks--security measures , Computer security--South africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55533 , vital:52811
- Description: Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs) are used to influence employees’ information security behaviour. Some employees feel that the AUPs and related procedures interfere with their ability to work efficiently and may, therefore, choose not to comply by utilising information security workarounds associated with the AUP. An AUP workaround is a form of information security non compliance that may result in unnecessary information security risk exposure for an organisation. Some AUP workarounds may be useful as they identify more efficient ways to complete tasks that may not impact the information security of an organisation. However, these efficiencies should only be considered for incorporation into standard procedures when the information security risk exposure of an AUP workaround is known. This leads to the problem statement. Many organisations do not have a formal way in which to assess the information security risks posed by workarounds associated with their Acceptable Use Policies, and related procedures. This study provides a solution to the identified problem through the primary objective, to develop a Risk Assessment Matrix for Information Security Workarounds associated with Acceptable Use Policies, and related procedures. Four secondary research objectives were proposed to achieve the primary research objective. The first secondary objective determines the role of information security risk management and how it relates to information security governance through the utilisation of a literature review. The second secondary objective firstly utilises a literature review to determine the role that the AUP and its related procedures play within an organisation, followed by a content analysis which identifies the key content that should be considered in a comprehensive AUP. The third secondary objective determines the factors that influence the use of AUP workarounds within an organisation through the utilisation of a literature review. Lastly, the fourth secondary objective utilises a literature review to determine the key components required for the development of the risk assessment matrix for information security workarounds. In addition, critical reasoning is used to create the risk assessment matrix for information security workarounds. The solution to this study contributes to the body of knowledge by proposing a risk assessment matrix to assess the information security risk exposure of AUP workarounds and find possible efficiency gains while keeping information security risk exposure to a minimum. , Thesis (MTech) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology , Information Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Towards a Risk Assessment Matrix for Information Security Workarounds Associated with Acceptable Use Policies
- Authors: Slabbert, Eugene
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Information technology -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58473 , vital:59519
- Description: Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs) are used to influence employees’ information security behaviour. Some employees feel that the AUPs and related procedures interfere with their ability to work efficiently and may, therefore, choose not to comply by utilising information security workarounds associated with the AUP. An AUP workaround is a form of information security non-compliance that may result in unnecessary information security risk exposure for an organisation. Some AUP workarounds may be useful as they identify more efficient ways to complete tasks that may not impact the information security of an organisation. However, these efficiencies should only be considered for incorporation into standard procedures when the information security risk exposure of an AUP workaround is known. This leads to the problem statement. Many organisations do not have a formal way in which to assess the information security risks posed by workarounds associated with their Acceptable Use Policies, and related procedures. This study provides a solution to the identified problem through the primary objective, to develop a Risk Assessment Matrix for Information Security Workarounds associated with Acceptable Use Policies, and related procedures. Four secondary research objectives were proposed to achieve the primary research objective. The first secondary objective determines the role of information security risk management and how it relates to information security governance through the utilisation of a literature review. The second secondary objective firstly utilises a literature review to determine the role that the AUP and its related procedures play within an organisation, followed by a content analysis which identifies the key content that should be considered in a comprehensive AUP. The third secondary objective determines the factors that influence the use of AUP workarounds within an organisation through the utilisation of a literature review. Lastly, the fourth secondary objective utilises a literature review to determine the key components required for the development of the risk assessment matrix for information security workarounds. In addition, critical reasoning is used to create the risk assessment matrix for information security workarounds. The solution to this study contributes to the body of knowledge by proposing a risk assessment matrix to assess the information security risk exposure of AUP workarounds and find possible efficiency gains while keeping information security risk exposure to a minimum. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Slabbert, Eugene
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Information technology -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58473 , vital:59519
- Description: Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs) are used to influence employees’ information security behaviour. Some employees feel that the AUPs and related procedures interfere with their ability to work efficiently and may, therefore, choose not to comply by utilising information security workarounds associated with the AUP. An AUP workaround is a form of information security non-compliance that may result in unnecessary information security risk exposure for an organisation. Some AUP workarounds may be useful as they identify more efficient ways to complete tasks that may not impact the information security of an organisation. However, these efficiencies should only be considered for incorporation into standard procedures when the information security risk exposure of an AUP workaround is known. This leads to the problem statement. Many organisations do not have a formal way in which to assess the information security risks posed by workarounds associated with their Acceptable Use Policies, and related procedures. This study provides a solution to the identified problem through the primary objective, to develop a Risk Assessment Matrix for Information Security Workarounds associated with Acceptable Use Policies, and related procedures. Four secondary research objectives were proposed to achieve the primary research objective. The first secondary objective determines the role of information security risk management and how it relates to information security governance through the utilisation of a literature review. The second secondary objective firstly utilises a literature review to determine the role that the AUP and its related procedures play within an organisation, followed by a content analysis which identifies the key content that should be considered in a comprehensive AUP. The third secondary objective determines the factors that influence the use of AUP workarounds within an organisation through the utilisation of a literature review. Lastly, the fourth secondary objective utilises a literature review to determine the key components required for the development of the risk assessment matrix for information security workarounds. In addition, critical reasoning is used to create the risk assessment matrix for information security workarounds. The solution to this study contributes to the body of knowledge by proposing a risk assessment matrix to assess the information security risk exposure of AUP workarounds and find possible efficiency gains while keeping information security risk exposure to a minimum. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Transformation in the South African Banking Industry
- Authors: Nokanda, Abongile
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58091 , vital:58550
- Description: Transformation is a deliberate plan of action to change historical racial and gender disadvantages. Transformation is also a fundamental necessity in South Africa as it seeks to address the injustices of apartheid while enhancing economic inclusiveness and promoting diversity in the working environment. The progress of transformation remains slow in South Africa, particularly in management and leadership positions in companies within the South African Banking Sector Therefore, it is quite clear that inequality, discrimination and a lack of transformation in South Africa need to be addressed, as the inequality gap has remained the same, even after the abolition of apartheid. However, the Western Cape is a province that is considered to practice and protect apartheid policies that perpetuate racial, gender and spatial disparities. This study, therefore, sought to investigate the transformation of banks in the Western Cape. The study followed a deductive approach and used an online survey as a data collection tool. At the time of study, the population of the study were employees of banks in the Western Cape and who were permanently employed. Additionally, the aim of this research was to investigate the influence of the Employment Equity Act, Skills Gap, Leadership Accountability and Human Resource Development in driving transformation in the banking sector of the Western Cape region in South Africa. The empirical results of the study were obtained from 105 bank employees located in the Western Cape. The Employment Equity Act, Leadership Accountability and Human Resource Development were the strongest independent variables. The Employee Development was an independent variable that emerged from the respondents. The findings of the study indicated that Employment Equity Act, Leadership Accountability, Employee Development and Human Resource Development had a significant, positive relationship with Transformation. The study also revealed the Skills Gap as the only independent variable that had an insignificant impact on Transformation. The recommendations were made to the Western Cape Banks to implement and continue to: drive the implementation of the EE Act; for leaders to be held accountable when it comes to driving transformation; banks to establish and facilitate employee development programs and for human resource to identify, retain and promote talented employees. This will therefore lead to a better performing and transformed banking sector. , Thesis (MA) -- Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Nokanda, Abongile
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58091 , vital:58550
- Description: Transformation is a deliberate plan of action to change historical racial and gender disadvantages. Transformation is also a fundamental necessity in South Africa as it seeks to address the injustices of apartheid while enhancing economic inclusiveness and promoting diversity in the working environment. The progress of transformation remains slow in South Africa, particularly in management and leadership positions in companies within the South African Banking Sector Therefore, it is quite clear that inequality, discrimination and a lack of transformation in South Africa need to be addressed, as the inequality gap has remained the same, even after the abolition of apartheid. However, the Western Cape is a province that is considered to practice and protect apartheid policies that perpetuate racial, gender and spatial disparities. This study, therefore, sought to investigate the transformation of banks in the Western Cape. The study followed a deductive approach and used an online survey as a data collection tool. At the time of study, the population of the study were employees of banks in the Western Cape and who were permanently employed. Additionally, the aim of this research was to investigate the influence of the Employment Equity Act, Skills Gap, Leadership Accountability and Human Resource Development in driving transformation in the banking sector of the Western Cape region in South Africa. The empirical results of the study were obtained from 105 bank employees located in the Western Cape. The Employment Equity Act, Leadership Accountability and Human Resource Development were the strongest independent variables. The Employee Development was an independent variable that emerged from the respondents. The findings of the study indicated that Employment Equity Act, Leadership Accountability, Employee Development and Human Resource Development had a significant, positive relationship with Transformation. The study also revealed the Skills Gap as the only independent variable that had an insignificant impact on Transformation. The recommendations were made to the Western Cape Banks to implement and continue to: drive the implementation of the EE Act; for leaders to be held accountable when it comes to driving transformation; banks to establish and facilitate employee development programs and for human resource to identify, retain and promote talented employees. This will therefore lead to a better performing and transformed banking sector. , Thesis (MA) -- Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Usable Security Heuristics for Instant Messaging Application Development
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Craig Michael
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Application software -- Development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58506 , vital:59655
- Description: As instant messaging (IM) applications have become more popular, the privacy and security concerns associated with their usage has become ever more relevant. As with many software programs, IM applications have a history of security vulnerabilities. Although IM application usage is globally increasing, it has been found that currently no generally recognised standards exist to aid IM application developers when developing the usability of the security features they implement. The problem is further exacerbated as research suggests that typical users have neither the requisite understanding of the available IM security features, nor the capacity to make full use of those protection features. The primary objective of this study is to create a set of usable security heuristics to assist developers of instant messaging applications to consider the usability of the security features implemented in these applications. This primary objective is further divided into several secondary objectives, which collectively aim to address the proposed problem. Therefore, the secondary objectives are to determine IM security risks and their related implications on users; to identify and investigate existing security and usability heuristics, guidelines, standards and best practices for mobile application development; to map the identified security and usability heuristics, guidelines, standards and best practices to IM applications; and to develop a prototype to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed usable security heuristics to a typical IM application. First, a comprehensive literature study is used to determine and understand the information security threats relevant to IM applications, how IM applications operate, the security features implemented by IM applications and the potential impact the relevant information security threats could have on IM application users. Thereafter, a further literature review and content analysis are used to identify and investigate existing heuristics, guidelines, standards, and best practices for mobile application development. The findings from the content analysis, in combination with the previously identified threats to IM applications, are then mapped to IM applications, and a preliminary set of usable security heuristics for IM application development is established. This preliminary set of usable security heuristics undergoes multiple iterations of refinement to establish the proposed set of usable security heuristics for IM application development. Furthermore, an expert review is conducted to validate the proposed set of usable security heuristics from the perspectives of security, usability, and mobile application development. In addition, the expert review was also used to determine the efficacy, utility, and quality of the proposed usable security heuristics. To further validate the proposed heuristics, a proof-of-concept prototype is used, in addition to the expert review, to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed set of usable security heuristics to a typical IM application. Such a set of usable security heuristics would be useful for IM application developers and would result in the vi improved implementation of usable security, leading to an improvement in the security of IM applications. The proposed set of usable security heuristics therefore adds a further contribution to this research area, providing a solid foundation for future research. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Craig Michael
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Application software -- Development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58506 , vital:59655
- Description: As instant messaging (IM) applications have become more popular, the privacy and security concerns associated with their usage has become ever more relevant. As with many software programs, IM applications have a history of security vulnerabilities. Although IM application usage is globally increasing, it has been found that currently no generally recognised standards exist to aid IM application developers when developing the usability of the security features they implement. The problem is further exacerbated as research suggests that typical users have neither the requisite understanding of the available IM security features, nor the capacity to make full use of those protection features. The primary objective of this study is to create a set of usable security heuristics to assist developers of instant messaging applications to consider the usability of the security features implemented in these applications. This primary objective is further divided into several secondary objectives, which collectively aim to address the proposed problem. Therefore, the secondary objectives are to determine IM security risks and their related implications on users; to identify and investigate existing security and usability heuristics, guidelines, standards and best practices for mobile application development; to map the identified security and usability heuristics, guidelines, standards and best practices to IM applications; and to develop a prototype to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed usable security heuristics to a typical IM application. First, a comprehensive literature study is used to determine and understand the information security threats relevant to IM applications, how IM applications operate, the security features implemented by IM applications and the potential impact the relevant information security threats could have on IM application users. Thereafter, a further literature review and content analysis are used to identify and investigate existing heuristics, guidelines, standards, and best practices for mobile application development. The findings from the content analysis, in combination with the previously identified threats to IM applications, are then mapped to IM applications, and a preliminary set of usable security heuristics for IM application development is established. This preliminary set of usable security heuristics undergoes multiple iterations of refinement to establish the proposed set of usable security heuristics for IM application development. Furthermore, an expert review is conducted to validate the proposed set of usable security heuristics from the perspectives of security, usability, and mobile application development. In addition, the expert review was also used to determine the efficacy, utility, and quality of the proposed usable security heuristics. To further validate the proposed heuristics, a proof-of-concept prototype is used, in addition to the expert review, to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed set of usable security heuristics to a typical IM application. Such a set of usable security heuristics would be useful for IM application developers and would result in the vi improved implementation of usable security, leading to an improvement in the security of IM applications. The proposed set of usable security heuristics therefore adds a further contribution to this research area, providing a solid foundation for future research. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Using information visualization to support the self-management of type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Authors: Nauder, Meggan Kate
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Information visualization , Diabetics --Treatment --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55711 , vital:53409
- Description: The globally increasing number of individuals suffering from Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), a completely preventable incurable disease of the pancreas, highlights the need for an effective tool for users to understand the relationship between their behaviours and the effect that those behaviours can have on their blood glucose levels (BGLs). There are few Information Visualisation (IV) tools available that can be used to reduce the cognition required to understand correlations between behaviour and BGLs. Existing tools require time-consuming, lengthy inputs and provide simple visualisations that do not show correlations. This leads to ineffective self-management of T2DM. Information Visualisation (IV) techniques can be used to support effective self-management of T2DM and reduce the cognition required to interpret DM data. Suitable IV techniques were identified and used to visualize T2DM data to aid in the self-management of the disease. Temporal charts, i.e. The Bar, Pie and Line Chart as well as heat maps, were selected as the most appropriate IV techniques to visualize T2DM data as they support time-series data well. A prototype, MedicMetric was created as an IV tool for visualizing T2DM data. MedicMetric incorporated three designed charts, namely the Change Rate Line View, the Radial Progress View, and the Annotated Line View. The Change Rate Line View and Annotated Line View both used line IV techniques, while the Radial Progress View made use of the bar IV technique. The Change Rate Line View performed the worst overall. A usability evaluation was conducted to compare these techniques and to determine which technique is most suitable for visualizing T2DM data. The results leaned significantly in favour of the Annotated Line View. This view is most similar to the line charts typically used in other IV tools. For this reason, the MedicMetric app was briefly compared to the MySygr and Diabetes:M application. In effectiveness and efficiency, MedicMetric and MySugr obtained almost identical results. However, participants indicated that MedicMetric supported their tasks using the Visual Information Seeking Mantra (VISM) the best overall, with 100% of participants stating that they would prefer to use the MedicMetric application. Several usability problems were identified with the IV techniques and they were addressed shortly after the study was complete. Overall participants were most satisfied with the Annotated Line View. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computing Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Nauder, Meggan Kate
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Information visualization , Diabetics --Treatment --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55711 , vital:53409
- Description: The globally increasing number of individuals suffering from Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), a completely preventable incurable disease of the pancreas, highlights the need for an effective tool for users to understand the relationship between their behaviours and the effect that those behaviours can have on their blood glucose levels (BGLs). There are few Information Visualisation (IV) tools available that can be used to reduce the cognition required to understand correlations between behaviour and BGLs. Existing tools require time-consuming, lengthy inputs and provide simple visualisations that do not show correlations. This leads to ineffective self-management of T2DM. Information Visualisation (IV) techniques can be used to support effective self-management of T2DM and reduce the cognition required to interpret DM data. Suitable IV techniques were identified and used to visualize T2DM data to aid in the self-management of the disease. Temporal charts, i.e. The Bar, Pie and Line Chart as well as heat maps, were selected as the most appropriate IV techniques to visualize T2DM data as they support time-series data well. A prototype, MedicMetric was created as an IV tool for visualizing T2DM data. MedicMetric incorporated three designed charts, namely the Change Rate Line View, the Radial Progress View, and the Annotated Line View. The Change Rate Line View and Annotated Line View both used line IV techniques, while the Radial Progress View made use of the bar IV technique. The Change Rate Line View performed the worst overall. A usability evaluation was conducted to compare these techniques and to determine which technique is most suitable for visualizing T2DM data. The results leaned significantly in favour of the Annotated Line View. This view is most similar to the line charts typically used in other IV tools. For this reason, the MedicMetric app was briefly compared to the MySygr and Diabetes:M application. In effectiveness and efficiency, MedicMetric and MySugr obtained almost identical results. However, participants indicated that MedicMetric supported their tasks using the Visual Information Seeking Mantra (VISM) the best overall, with 100% of participants stating that they would prefer to use the MedicMetric application. Several usability problems were identified with the IV techniques and they were addressed shortly after the study was complete. Overall participants were most satisfied with the Annotated Line View. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computing Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Water quality monitoring: a correlation Between the bacteriological quality of drinking water and Diarrhoeal prevalence within the Koukamma local municipality
- Authors: Jacobs, Nathan Elmar
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Water quality monitoring stations -- Koukamma local municipality , Water quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58882 , vital:60244
- Description: Background: Various studies have linked water quality and the prevalence of diarrhoeal cases within developing countries globally. The Emanti water quality monitoring system (eWQMS), representing the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa), has often yielded non-complaint microbiological drinking water quality results retrospectively. This study investigated the relationship between the bacteriological quality of drinking water and diarrhoeal prevalence in children under five years of age within the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality from 2012 to 2016. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, and ecological study design was employed retrospectively within the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality. Retrospective data collected from the Emanti Water Quality Monitoring System (eWQMS) represented the bacteriological quality of drinking water within the study area from 2012 to 2016. Concurrently, secondary data from the District Health Information Management System of the Eastern Cape Department of Health: Kouga Local service area was collected. The data represented cases of diarrhoea with dehydration in children under five years of age, reported at public health facilities within the study area retrospectively (from 2012 to 2016). Statistical analyses (Spearman's Rank Correlation) determined the relationship between the bacteriological quality of drinking water and the prevalence of diarrhoea in children under five years as per the retrospective period. Water samples were also collected for 2017 and 2018 to determine the presence of enteric pathogens in the municipal drinking water supply. Results: The study found that the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality had an overall noncompliance rate of 47% for the municipal drinking water supplied to the community from 2012 to 2016 (retrospective period). The difference in failure proportion (noncompliance) of water samples for the four climatic seasons where statistically significant (p=0.004). A significant difference was observed between autumn and winter (p=0.003) and autumn and spring (p=0.025). The failure proportion of water samples for autumn was significantly higher (mean = 0.603231, sd = 0.19528237) compared to winter (mean = 0.316675, sd = 0.19649776) and spring (mean = 0.374495, sd = 0.20626332). No significant difference was observed for the failure proportion of water samples between the various years of the retrospective period xvi (p=0.416). Children under the age of five accounted for n=460 cases of diarrhoea with dehydration at the public health facilities for the retrospective period. The Kareedouw area (n=196) and Joubertina area (n=134) recorded the highest diarrhoeal cases reported for the study period. These two areas both had hospitals that operated 24 hours a day; however, the differences in cases reported between the two areas was not statistically significant (p=0.179). Diarrhoeal case data reported between the various years within the study period were significantly different (p<0.001). The observed differences were between 2012 and 2014 (p=0.008) and 2012 and 2015 (p=0.001). The differences in the cases of diarrhoea with dehydration, in children under five years of age, were not statistically significant for the four climatic seasons (p=0.121). The relationship between the failure proportion of water samples and the prevalence of diarrhoea with dehydration in children under five years of age was statistically significant (p=0.001). The results revealed a moderate positive relationship (rs=0.434) between the bacteriological quality of drinking water and the prevalence of cases of diarrhoea with dehydration. Water samples were collected at various sampling points for July 2017 and November 2018 and analysed for enteric pathogens. Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella sp. and Shigella sp. were detected in such water samples collected. The relationship between the failure proportion of water samples and the presence of enteric pathogens was not statistically significant (rs=0.56723, p=0.240). Conclusion: The overall bacteriological quality of drinking water within the municipality was poor and likely posed a potential health risk to consumers. The study further revealed a steep rise of diarrhoeal with dehydration prevalence in children under five years of age during 2013, which decreased slowly during the years to follow. A moderate, positive relationship existed between the failure proportion of water samples and diarrhoea with dehydration prevalence in children under five years of age (rs=0.434, p=0.001 ). Therefore, municipalities should improve their bulk water infrastructure and drinking water disinfecting methods while realising the need for increased awareness of water-borne disease prevention. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Jacobs, Nathan Elmar
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Water quality monitoring stations -- Koukamma local municipality , Water quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58882 , vital:60244
- Description: Background: Various studies have linked water quality and the prevalence of diarrhoeal cases within developing countries globally. The Emanti water quality monitoring system (eWQMS), representing the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality (Eastern Cape, South Africa), has often yielded non-complaint microbiological drinking water quality results retrospectively. This study investigated the relationship between the bacteriological quality of drinking water and diarrhoeal prevalence in children under five years of age within the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality from 2012 to 2016. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, and ecological study design was employed retrospectively within the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality. Retrospective data collected from the Emanti Water Quality Monitoring System (eWQMS) represented the bacteriological quality of drinking water within the study area from 2012 to 2016. Concurrently, secondary data from the District Health Information Management System of the Eastern Cape Department of Health: Kouga Local service area was collected. The data represented cases of diarrhoea with dehydration in children under five years of age, reported at public health facilities within the study area retrospectively (from 2012 to 2016). Statistical analyses (Spearman's Rank Correlation) determined the relationship between the bacteriological quality of drinking water and the prevalence of diarrhoea in children under five years as per the retrospective period. Water samples were also collected for 2017 and 2018 to determine the presence of enteric pathogens in the municipal drinking water supply. Results: The study found that the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality had an overall noncompliance rate of 47% for the municipal drinking water supplied to the community from 2012 to 2016 (retrospective period). The difference in failure proportion (noncompliance) of water samples for the four climatic seasons where statistically significant (p=0.004). A significant difference was observed between autumn and winter (p=0.003) and autumn and spring (p=0.025). The failure proportion of water samples for autumn was significantly higher (mean = 0.603231, sd = 0.19528237) compared to winter (mean = 0.316675, sd = 0.19649776) and spring (mean = 0.374495, sd = 0.20626332). No significant difference was observed for the failure proportion of water samples between the various years of the retrospective period xvi (p=0.416). Children under the age of five accounted for n=460 cases of diarrhoea with dehydration at the public health facilities for the retrospective period. The Kareedouw area (n=196) and Joubertina area (n=134) recorded the highest diarrhoeal cases reported for the study period. These two areas both had hospitals that operated 24 hours a day; however, the differences in cases reported between the two areas was not statistically significant (p=0.179). Diarrhoeal case data reported between the various years within the study period were significantly different (p<0.001). The observed differences were between 2012 and 2014 (p=0.008) and 2012 and 2015 (p=0.001). The differences in the cases of diarrhoea with dehydration, in children under five years of age, were not statistically significant for the four climatic seasons (p=0.121). The relationship between the failure proportion of water samples and the prevalence of diarrhoea with dehydration in children under five years of age was statistically significant (p=0.001). The results revealed a moderate positive relationship (rs=0.434) between the bacteriological quality of drinking water and the prevalence of cases of diarrhoea with dehydration. Water samples were collected at various sampling points for July 2017 and November 2018 and analysed for enteric pathogens. Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella sp. and Shigella sp. were detected in such water samples collected. The relationship between the failure proportion of water samples and the presence of enteric pathogens was not statistically significant (rs=0.56723, p=0.240). Conclusion: The overall bacteriological quality of drinking water within the municipality was poor and likely posed a potential health risk to consumers. The study further revealed a steep rise of diarrhoeal with dehydration prevalence in children under five years of age during 2013, which decreased slowly during the years to follow. A moderate, positive relationship existed between the failure proportion of water samples and diarrhoea with dehydration prevalence in children under five years of age (rs=0.434, p=0.001 ). Therefore, municipalities should improve their bulk water infrastructure and drinking water disinfecting methods while realising the need for increased awareness of water-borne disease prevention. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Zooplankton dynamics of Algoa Bay (South Africa) under varying oceanographic conditions
- Authors: Bizani,Mfundo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Marine zooplankton -- South Africa , Climate changes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55943 , vital:54554
- Description: the ecological significance of ocean plankton in terms of nutrient cycling and energy transfer is widely recognised, as is their mechanistic link with both oceanographic processes and climate. Consequently, plankton are widely regarded as sentinels of climate change, principally owing to their responsiveness to changing environmental conditions. Developing an understanding of the ecological as well as socio-economic consequences associated with changes in marine plankton dynamics has emerged as a key issue worldwide. Though many exciting advances in this respect have been attained with the aid of long-term plankton time series (>50 y), global environmental datasets and innovative meta-analyses, building deep knowledge of regional bio-physical dynamics and responses to specific perturbed states remains an essential component of the collective effort. Algoa Bay, situated on the warmtemperate south-east coast of South Africa presents a unique opportunity to study key elements of plankton ecology relevant to climate change problems in the regional sense. The embayment is locally subjected to frequent wind-driven upwelling and regionally, to periodic mesoscale oceanographic forcing (e.g., large solitary meanders, Agulhas Current intrusions), all of which culminate in a complex physical and biogeochemical environment. Using zooplankton as the focal component and drawing from a multi-year monthly dataset incorporating a bay-scale sampling framework, the present study addressed three key hypotheses pertaining to 1) drivers of spatio-temporal variability, 2) biomass rate of change over temporal scales using time-series analyses, and 3) community responses to a bay-scale biological perturbation event. Zooplankton biomass exhibited prominent seasonal patterns with bimodal peaks corresponding with near-consistent year-to-year autumn and spring blooms. Overall, the spatial trend showed no heterogeneity, though statistical significance between-station variability was noted per season. An analytical framework involving generalised additive models revealed zooplankton spatial heterogeneity in Algoa Bay to be a function of seasonal variation in a suite of physicochemical variables, including the combined effects of temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, total nitrogen and silicate, but not ammonium, phosphate or chlorophyll-a (as proxy for phytoplankton). Fronts (including river plumes), warm water intrusion from the Agulhas Current, and wind-driven upwelling were postulated to be key driving forces. Structural breaks analysis performed on station-specific time series revealed significant incremental increases in zooplankton biomass over time, which in turn, corresponded with a gradual decrease in thermocline depth. The most pronounced increasing effect was associated with a period (2013– 14) of amplified land-derived nutrient input and increasing harmful algal bloom (HAB) activity. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Bizani,Mfundo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Marine zooplankton -- South Africa , Climate changes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55943 , vital:54554
- Description: the ecological significance of ocean plankton in terms of nutrient cycling and energy transfer is widely recognised, as is their mechanistic link with both oceanographic processes and climate. Consequently, plankton are widely regarded as sentinels of climate change, principally owing to their responsiveness to changing environmental conditions. Developing an understanding of the ecological as well as socio-economic consequences associated with changes in marine plankton dynamics has emerged as a key issue worldwide. Though many exciting advances in this respect have been attained with the aid of long-term plankton time series (>50 y), global environmental datasets and innovative meta-analyses, building deep knowledge of regional bio-physical dynamics and responses to specific perturbed states remains an essential component of the collective effort. Algoa Bay, situated on the warmtemperate south-east coast of South Africa presents a unique opportunity to study key elements of plankton ecology relevant to climate change problems in the regional sense. The embayment is locally subjected to frequent wind-driven upwelling and regionally, to periodic mesoscale oceanographic forcing (e.g., large solitary meanders, Agulhas Current intrusions), all of which culminate in a complex physical and biogeochemical environment. Using zooplankton as the focal component and drawing from a multi-year monthly dataset incorporating a bay-scale sampling framework, the present study addressed three key hypotheses pertaining to 1) drivers of spatio-temporal variability, 2) biomass rate of change over temporal scales using time-series analyses, and 3) community responses to a bay-scale biological perturbation event. Zooplankton biomass exhibited prominent seasonal patterns with bimodal peaks corresponding with near-consistent year-to-year autumn and spring blooms. Overall, the spatial trend showed no heterogeneity, though statistical significance between-station variability was noted per season. An analytical framework involving generalised additive models revealed zooplankton spatial heterogeneity in Algoa Bay to be a function of seasonal variation in a suite of physicochemical variables, including the combined effects of temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, total nitrogen and silicate, but not ammonium, phosphate or chlorophyll-a (as proxy for phytoplankton). Fronts (including river plumes), warm water intrusion from the Agulhas Current, and wind-driven upwelling were postulated to be key driving forces. Structural breaks analysis performed on station-specific time series revealed significant incremental increases in zooplankton biomass over time, which in turn, corresponded with a gradual decrease in thermocline depth. The most pronounced increasing effect was associated with a period (2013– 14) of amplified land-derived nutrient input and increasing harmful algal bloom (HAB) activity. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
A corporate strategy framework to increase financial performance in Zimbabwean firms
- Authors: Matanhire, Farai
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Zimbabwe -- Finance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54047 , vital:46206
- Description: The world over, contrasting company performance by firms in the same operating environment and industry has been a conundrum. Firms do not operate in a vacuum, but within spheres where various factors around them affect their performances. To that end, heterogeneous firm performance is a common phenomenon that is influenced by a number of factors, including how management develops appropriate selections, trade-offs and calculated choices to be dissimilar from other players in the market in order to gain a competitive advantage that will lead to superior financial performance. A collection of actions that management puts in place to out-perform competing firms in order to achieve greater profitability is called corporate strategy. These plans of action include the effective management of the socio-political and cultural institutions in a manner beneficial to the organisation. This plan of action on the socio-political and cultural institutions gives rise to institutional strategic management. The formulation of corporate strategies is done through a process that involves a set of rules, ideas or beliefs called frameworks, which include the Resource Based Strategy Framework, Business Models, Innovation and Institutionalism. Research has shown that the financial performance of firms is driven by a number of factors, namely corporate strategy, industry competitiveness, operating environment and core competencies amongst other factors. There is a plethora of determinants for the performance of firms and the complexity in the current business environment that has contributed to some models becoming obsolete while others remain relevant. It is against this background that the primary research objective of establishing a corporate strategy framework used by Zimbabwean firms to increase financial performance was developed. To answer this primary research objective, secondary objectives to (a) determine the impact of the Resource-Based Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (b) ascertain the impact of business models using Porter’s Generic Strategies Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (c) determine the impact of the Institutional Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (d) determine the impact of the Innovation Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (e) establish the joint impact of the Resource-Based Strategy framework, Business Models, Institutional Strategies and Innovation Strategies on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; and (f) establish other corporate strategy frameworks used by Zimbabwean firms to increase financial performance, were developed. The study population was the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) listed firms that fairly represented all the major operating sectors and firms in Zimbabwe. The researcher adopted a mixed research design incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods in order to best reflect the critical strategy elements that were increasing financial performance in Zimbabwean firms. Qualitative data was collected through interviews conducted with executive managers of ZSE firms. Triangulation was achieved by comparing and contrasting data collected from interviews to secondary data extracted from websites, reports and audited financial statements. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis was done using RQDA, an open-source computer-aided data software. ZSE listed firms were categorised into the five sectors of basic materials, consumer goods, consumer services, financial services and industrials. These firms were further categorised into excellent, medium, poor and very poor performers. Collected data was analysed to establish strategies that were used by excellent, medium, poor and very poor firms to see if they were using the same and figure out the impact of the various strategy frameworks on the financial performance on Zimbabwean firms. Data was analysed using univariate, ordinal and binomial logistics regression analysis. These data analysis models confirmed that RBS was a significant driver of financial performance for ZSE listed firms when all the strategy frameworks were combined. However, evaluating the impact of each strategy framework separately showed that all the frameworks were significant in driving financial performance, with the exception of the Institutional Strategy Framework. All the firms were doing more or less the same on Institutional Strategy Framework (ISF), hence it could not be a predictor of financial performance under the regression models. However, the ISF had a high score on univariate evaluation method. It is against this background that the study recommended the use of the Resource Based Strategy Framework (RBS) in pursuit of increasing financial performance of firms as this has been empirically found to have a significant impact on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Matanhire, Farai
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Zimbabwe -- Finance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54047 , vital:46206
- Description: The world over, contrasting company performance by firms in the same operating environment and industry has been a conundrum. Firms do not operate in a vacuum, but within spheres where various factors around them affect their performances. To that end, heterogeneous firm performance is a common phenomenon that is influenced by a number of factors, including how management develops appropriate selections, trade-offs and calculated choices to be dissimilar from other players in the market in order to gain a competitive advantage that will lead to superior financial performance. A collection of actions that management puts in place to out-perform competing firms in order to achieve greater profitability is called corporate strategy. These plans of action include the effective management of the socio-political and cultural institutions in a manner beneficial to the organisation. This plan of action on the socio-political and cultural institutions gives rise to institutional strategic management. The formulation of corporate strategies is done through a process that involves a set of rules, ideas or beliefs called frameworks, which include the Resource Based Strategy Framework, Business Models, Innovation and Institutionalism. Research has shown that the financial performance of firms is driven by a number of factors, namely corporate strategy, industry competitiveness, operating environment and core competencies amongst other factors. There is a plethora of determinants for the performance of firms and the complexity in the current business environment that has contributed to some models becoming obsolete while others remain relevant. It is against this background that the primary research objective of establishing a corporate strategy framework used by Zimbabwean firms to increase financial performance was developed. To answer this primary research objective, secondary objectives to (a) determine the impact of the Resource-Based Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (b) ascertain the impact of business models using Porter’s Generic Strategies Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (c) determine the impact of the Institutional Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (d) determine the impact of the Innovation Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (e) establish the joint impact of the Resource-Based Strategy framework, Business Models, Institutional Strategies and Innovation Strategies on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; and (f) establish other corporate strategy frameworks used by Zimbabwean firms to increase financial performance, were developed. The study population was the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) listed firms that fairly represented all the major operating sectors and firms in Zimbabwe. The researcher adopted a mixed research design incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods in order to best reflect the critical strategy elements that were increasing financial performance in Zimbabwean firms. Qualitative data was collected through interviews conducted with executive managers of ZSE firms. Triangulation was achieved by comparing and contrasting data collected from interviews to secondary data extracted from websites, reports and audited financial statements. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis was done using RQDA, an open-source computer-aided data software. ZSE listed firms were categorised into the five sectors of basic materials, consumer goods, consumer services, financial services and industrials. These firms were further categorised into excellent, medium, poor and very poor performers. Collected data was analysed to establish strategies that were used by excellent, medium, poor and very poor firms to see if they were using the same and figure out the impact of the various strategy frameworks on the financial performance on Zimbabwean firms. Data was analysed using univariate, ordinal and binomial logistics regression analysis. These data analysis models confirmed that RBS was a significant driver of financial performance for ZSE listed firms when all the strategy frameworks were combined. However, evaluating the impact of each strategy framework separately showed that all the frameworks were significant in driving financial performance, with the exception of the Institutional Strategy Framework. All the firms were doing more or less the same on Institutional Strategy Framework (ISF), hence it could not be a predictor of financial performance under the regression models. However, the ISF had a high score on univariate evaluation method. It is against this background that the study recommended the use of the Resource Based Strategy Framework (RBS) in pursuit of increasing financial performance of firms as this has been empirically found to have a significant impact on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
A critical exploration of the attitudes towards and knowledge of natural resource management amongst first-year Natural Resource Management students
- Authors: Jooste, Eileen
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53666 , vital:45688
- Description: Available literature suggests that there is a need to gain more understanding of what students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge are and how they are developed by education systems. Education, in general, plays an important role in students’ attitudes and their knowledge of the world around them. It can shape students’ awareness of their natural environment and contribute to their understanding of environmental issues. Education can also strengthen students’ critical thinking, build awareness, stimulate problem solving, and promote sustainable practices. It has the potential to empower students to address global challenges from their own diverse perspectives and prepare them to uphold the economy. Education can improve and maintain societal wellbeing and can help students to maintain the natural environment, along with achieving sustainable development. Environmental education, specifically, can play a big role in how students deal with the natural environment. The primary aim of this qualitative research study was to examine first-year students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge in the School of Natural Resource Management at the Nelson Mandela University George Campus, South Africa. First-year students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge were examined as they entered the university, and then again at the end of the first semester once they had completed a module in ecology. More specifically, at the outset of the research the objectives were (1) to establish an understanding of the baseline environmental attitudes and knowledge of first-year students who were undertaking three ecological modules being offered by the School of Natural Resource Management; (2) to assess the changes in the first-year students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge, using a post-intervention strategy; (3) to understand what type of teaching approaches were used by the lecturers teaching the ecological modules; and (4) to evaluate how the teaching approaches of the lecturers influenced the baseline environmental attitudes and knowledge of the student group. This research took place in the midst of the Corona Virus pandemic, which had significantly influenced the teaching and learning environment. Multiple education systems, including those of the Nelson Mandela University George Campus, had to rapidly transition to online teaching and learning. So, although unplanned for, this research could not ignore the rapid transition to online teaching and learning and the role it played in shaping the first-year School of Natural Resource Management students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge. It also impacted the teaching approaches of the environmental lecturers. An additional objective in response to the rapid transition to online teaching and learning was, therefore, added: (5) to understand the experiences of the first-year School of Natural Resource Management students and the three environmental lecturers who had to rapidly transition to online teaching and learning. Data was collected via questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with students and staff in the School of Natural Resource Management at Nelson Mandela University George Campus within three different natural resource management programs, namely Agriculture, Nature Conservation, and Forestry. Baseline questionnaires were conducted with 107 students for a baseline assessment as the students entered the university. An online post-intervention questionnaire was conducted with 33 of the initial group of students at the end of the semester for a post-intervention assessment. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with three environmental lectures before they taught their three ecology modules in each of the programs. Additional online semi-structured interviews were also done with the same three environmental lectures after the rapid transition to online teaching and learning took place. The significant findings from this research were analyzed and discussed. This included the baseline environmental attitudes and knowledge of the student body upon arrival at the university and the changes in their environmental attitudes and knowledge after they were exposed to the ecology modules taught in each of the programs. The discussion also included the teaching approaches adopted by the environmental lecturers and the influence their teaching approaches had on the students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge. In addition, the results shed light on the experiences of students and lecturers during the rapid transition to online teaching and learning. The main conclusions reached were that the first-year School of Natural Resource Management students did not have a deep understanding of ecological concepts prior to arriving at university, but they did show a concern for the natural environment. Their lack of understanding was reduced as the students progressed with the ecology module. A greater understanding resulted in a change in students’ perspectives on the ecological module, their program, and the industry they were preparing to enter after being exposed to the ecology module. The environmental lecturers’ teaching approaches contributed to improving the students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge. When it came to the rapid transition to online teaching and learning, both the first-year School of Natural Resource Management students and environmental lecturers experienced benefits and challenges. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Jooste, Eileen
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53666 , vital:45688
- Description: Available literature suggests that there is a need to gain more understanding of what students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge are and how they are developed by education systems. Education, in general, plays an important role in students’ attitudes and their knowledge of the world around them. It can shape students’ awareness of their natural environment and contribute to their understanding of environmental issues. Education can also strengthen students’ critical thinking, build awareness, stimulate problem solving, and promote sustainable practices. It has the potential to empower students to address global challenges from their own diverse perspectives and prepare them to uphold the economy. Education can improve and maintain societal wellbeing and can help students to maintain the natural environment, along with achieving sustainable development. Environmental education, specifically, can play a big role in how students deal with the natural environment. The primary aim of this qualitative research study was to examine first-year students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge in the School of Natural Resource Management at the Nelson Mandela University George Campus, South Africa. First-year students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge were examined as they entered the university, and then again at the end of the first semester once they had completed a module in ecology. More specifically, at the outset of the research the objectives were (1) to establish an understanding of the baseline environmental attitudes and knowledge of first-year students who were undertaking three ecological modules being offered by the School of Natural Resource Management; (2) to assess the changes in the first-year students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge, using a post-intervention strategy; (3) to understand what type of teaching approaches were used by the lecturers teaching the ecological modules; and (4) to evaluate how the teaching approaches of the lecturers influenced the baseline environmental attitudes and knowledge of the student group. This research took place in the midst of the Corona Virus pandemic, which had significantly influenced the teaching and learning environment. Multiple education systems, including those of the Nelson Mandela University George Campus, had to rapidly transition to online teaching and learning. So, although unplanned for, this research could not ignore the rapid transition to online teaching and learning and the role it played in shaping the first-year School of Natural Resource Management students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge. It also impacted the teaching approaches of the environmental lecturers. An additional objective in response to the rapid transition to online teaching and learning was, therefore, added: (5) to understand the experiences of the first-year School of Natural Resource Management students and the three environmental lecturers who had to rapidly transition to online teaching and learning. Data was collected via questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with students and staff in the School of Natural Resource Management at Nelson Mandela University George Campus within three different natural resource management programs, namely Agriculture, Nature Conservation, and Forestry. Baseline questionnaires were conducted with 107 students for a baseline assessment as the students entered the university. An online post-intervention questionnaire was conducted with 33 of the initial group of students at the end of the semester for a post-intervention assessment. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with three environmental lectures before they taught their three ecology modules in each of the programs. Additional online semi-structured interviews were also done with the same three environmental lectures after the rapid transition to online teaching and learning took place. The significant findings from this research were analyzed and discussed. This included the baseline environmental attitudes and knowledge of the student body upon arrival at the university and the changes in their environmental attitudes and knowledge after they were exposed to the ecology modules taught in each of the programs. The discussion also included the teaching approaches adopted by the environmental lecturers and the influence their teaching approaches had on the students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge. In addition, the results shed light on the experiences of students and lecturers during the rapid transition to online teaching and learning. The main conclusions reached were that the first-year School of Natural Resource Management students did not have a deep understanding of ecological concepts prior to arriving at university, but they did show a concern for the natural environment. Their lack of understanding was reduced as the students progressed with the ecology module. A greater understanding resulted in a change in students’ perspectives on the ecological module, their program, and the industry they were preparing to enter after being exposed to the ecology module. The environmental lecturers’ teaching approaches contributed to improving the students’ environmental attitudes and knowledge. When it came to the rapid transition to online teaching and learning, both the first-year School of Natural Resource Management students and environmental lecturers experienced benefits and challenges. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12