List of Titles

A strategic turnaround model for distressed properties

Authors: Pitsiladi, Lesvokli N
Date: 2023-04
Subjects: Reorganization , Distressed properties
Language: English
Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60467 , vital:65603
Description: The importance of commercial real estate is clearly shown by the role it plays, worldwide, in the sustainability of economic activities, with a substantial global impact when measured in monetary terms. This study responds to an important gap in the built environment and turnaround literature relating to the likelihood of a successful distressed commercial property financial recovery. The present research effort addressed the absence of empirical evidence by identifying a number of important factors that influence the likelihood of a successful distressed, commercial property financial recovery. Once the important factors that increase the likelihood of recovery have been determined, the results can be used as a basis for turnaround strategies concerning property investors who invest in distressed opportunities. A theoretical turnaround model concerning properties in distress, would be of interest to ‘opportunistic investing’ yield-hungry investors targeting real estate transactions involving ‘turnaround’ potential. Against this background, the main research problem investigated in the present research effort was as follows: Determine the important factors that would increase the likelihood of a successful distressed commercial property financial recovery. A proposed theoretical model was constructed and empirically tested through a questionnaire distributed physically and electronically to a sample of real estate practitioners from across the globe, and who had all been involved, directly or indirectly, with reviving distressed properties. An explanation was provided to respondents of how the questionnaire was developed and how it would be administered. The demographic information pertaining to the 391 respondents was analysed and summarised. The statistical analysis performed to ensure the validity and reliability of the results, was explained to respondents, together with a detailed description of the covariance structural equation modelling method used to verify the proposed theoretical conceptual model. vi The independent variables of the present research effort comprised; Obsolescence Identification, Capital Improvements Feasibility, Tenant Mix, Triple Net Leases, Concessions, Property Management, Contracts, Business Analysis, Debt Renegotiation, Cost-Cutting, Market Analysis, Strategic Planning and Demography, while the dependent variable was The Perceived Likelihood of a Distressed Commercial Property Financial Recovery. After analysis of the findings, a revised model was then proposed and assessed. Both validity and reliability were assessed and resulted in the following factors that potentially influence the dependent variables; Strategy, Concessions, Tenant Mix, Debt Restructuring, Demography, Analyse Alternatives, Capital Improvements Feasibility, Property Management and Net Leases while, after analysis, the dependent variable was replaced by two dependent variables; The Likelihood of a Distressed Property Turnaround and The Likelihood of a Distressed Property Financial Recovery. The results showed that Strategy (comprising of items from Strategic Planning, Business Analysis, Obsolescence Identification and Property Management) and Concessions (comprising of items from Concessions and Triple Net Leases) had a positive influence on both the dependent variables. Property Management (comprising of items from Business Analysis, Property Management, Capital Improvements Feasibility and Tenant Mix) had a positive influence on Financial Turnaround variable while Capital Improvements Feasibility (comprising of items from Capital Improvements Feasibility, Obsolescence Identification and Property Management) had a negative influence on both. Demography (comprising of items only from Demography) had a negative influence on the Financial Recovery variable. The balance of the relationships were depicted as non-significant. The present research effort presents important actions that can be used to influence the turnaround and recovery of distressed real estate. The literature had indicated reasons to recover distressed properties as having wide-ranging economic consequences for the broader communities and the countries in which they reside. The turnaround of distressed properties will not only present financial rewards for opportunistic investors but will have positive effects on the greater community and economy and, thus, social and economic stability. Vii With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, issues with climate change and sustainability, global demographic shifts, changing user requirements, shifts in technology, the threat of obsolescence, urbanisation, globalisation, geo-political tensions, shifting global order, new trends and different generational expectations, it is becoming more apparent that the threat of distressed, abandoned and derelict properties is here to stay, and which will present future opportunities for turnaround, distressed property owners, as well as future worries for urban authorities and municipalities dealing with urban decay. The study concluded with an examination of the perceived limitations of the study as well as presenting a comprehensive range of suggestions for further research. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, School of the built Environment, 2023
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Date Issued: 2023-04

Gamification Recommendations to address the user experience of the security education and training course at the Nelson Mandela University

- Mdiniso, Thandokazi

Authors: Mdiniso, Thandokazi
Date: 2023-04
Subjects: Gamification , Human-computer interaction , Safety training programs, Nelson Mandela University
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , Thesis
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65053 , vital:74012
Description: The use of technology alone cannot ensure a secure environment for organisations. Consideration should be given to the human aspect of cybersecurity. User errors are rooted in a lack of awareness and ignorance. A security awareness programme allows organisations to equip employees with the knowledge required to safeguard their data. The Security Education and Training (SEAT) course provided at the Nelson Mandela University seeks to bridge the gap by providing the necessary tools to equip students to be better employees for their future employers. However, the SEAT course is fairly outdated and has a poor user experience. Gamification has therefore been considered to address the user experience of the SEAT course. Incorporating game elements can help to increase the positive user experience of a system. User experience designers use gamification and well-chosen game elements to improve user experience. People enjoy using systems that are full of excitement, and that challenge and encourage a competitive spirit. The primary objective of this study is to provide recommendations for the gamification of the user experience of the SEAT course at the Nelson Mandela University. The primary objective is further divided into several secondary objectives that aim to address the proposed problem. The secondary objectives are to investigate user experience, identifying the most common user experience evaluation methods; to understand gamification and to identify relevant game elements that could enhance the user experience of the SEAT course at the Nelson Mandela University; to evaluate the user experience of the Nelson Mandela University SEAT course and to identify opportunities to implement the identified game elements; to implement the identified game elements into the selected module of the SEAT course. A literature review was conducted to gather an understanding of user experience, user experience evaluation methods, gamification, and game elements. A prototype was created using the information gathered in the literature review, based on a component of the SEAT course. The prototype incorporates different game elements that foster motivation in users. The prototype is used as a proof-of-concept, demonstrating that gamification can address the user experience of the SEAT course. Self-evaluations were conducted on both the SEAT course and the prototype, as a first step in comparing the user experience of the original SEAT course with the proof-of-concept prototype. Finally, gamification recommendations were proposed to address the user experience of the SEAT course. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of Information Techonology, 2023
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Date Issued: 2023-04

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Rethinking the informal settlements upgrading programmes in the Free State Province, South Africa: a transformative and multi-faceted model

- Sive Dintsi

Authors: Sive Dintsi
Date: 2022-04
Subjects: Squatter settlements --South Africa -- Free State , City planning South Africa --Citizen participation
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55987 , vital:54561
Description: This thesis intended to reveal the factors that contributed to the formulation of the informal settlements upgrading programmes in the Free State, South Africa, from an institutional perspective; subsequently to conceptualise a transformative and multi faceted model for the development and management of human settlements. The mixed methods exploratory research design has been applied in this study. This research design has allowed for the implementation of research methods including the qualitative inductive content analysis method, the case study method, and the semi structured survey questionnaire method. The data collection methods used comprised both primary and secondary data. Primary data involved online surveys and field observations. Secondary data comprised of an inductive analysis of written sources. The main findings of the study were as follows. First, the policy design and implementation processes have been misaligned. Second, there has been inadequate stakeholder engagements. Third, the government has not prioritised the employment of specialists in the field of housing and human settlements. Fourth, corruption has caused the state to fail to provide adequate housing for all. Fifth, municipalities are unable to identify and define existing informal settlements. Lastly, illegal immigration is causing a rapid increase in the number of informal settlements. This thesis proffered key recommendations based on the conclusions drawn from these findings. First, there must be an implementation of an integrated model for the preparation of upgrading policy. Second, communication technology education for officials of the state must be enhanced. Third, the government must prioritise the employment of experts in upgrading work. Fourth, the upgrading policy must reflect the paradigm shift from housing to human settlements. Fifth, municipalities need to be systematically transformed and improved for their functions on upgrading. Finally, illegal immigration must be firmly monitored while legal immigration is discouraged. To this end, this thesis has presented a strong viewpoint that limits the influx of immigrants into unproclaimed urban land that leads to the growth of informal settlements. The study has also strongly advocated for the legal spatial placement of South African citizens and legal immigrants on strategically and socio-economically viable land, where it is suitably available and owned by the state. Housing in the thesis has been viewed as one of the essential instruments that must inevitably emerge as a prospect towards xiv effectively unlocking improved living conditions in informal settlements; rather than housing being perceived as human settlements. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of the Built Environment, 2022
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Date Issued: 2022-04

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Towards a risk assessment matrix for information security workarounds associated with acceptable use policies

- Slabbert, Eugene

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
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Date Issued: 2022-04

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Guidelines for a job role based approach for Phishing awareness in an academic Institution

- Mahonga,Sandisiwe

Authors: Mahonga,Sandisiwe
Date: 2021-12
Subjects: Identity theft -- South Africa , Computer networks --Security measures
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55855 , vital:54394
Description: Phishing attacks have become a perpetual threat to organisations and internet users in general. Phishing websites and emails impersonating well-known entities are launched frequently, with the intent to trick unsuspecting employees to give out sensitive information such as login details to acquire access to corporate networks. Various solutions have been developed to combat Phishing emails from reaching employees and internet users. However, security experts and Phishing attackers are in a race as Phishing attacks are also refined as solutions are developed. Thus, this raises a critical need for security awareness. Reports and Phishing studies have noted that Phishing attacks targeted towards specific job roles have been on the rise. Even though research studies and industry reports provided by organisations dedicated to information security have taken note of this phenomenon, not much guidance, recommendations or guidelines are provided on how Phishing awareness can be provided for the job roles that are most vulnerable to Phishing attacks. Therefore, the problem identified within this research is that there is a need for guidelines for a job role based approach for Phishing awareness. The primary research objective of this study, therefore, is to develop guidelines to aid towards a job role based approach for Phishing awareness. In order to meet the primary research objective, secondary research objectives were defined and met, namely; To determine the current state of Phishing trends facing organisations in relation to the job role of employees; to determine the level of Phishing awareness employees have; to identify security awareness elements from security awareness standards, best practices and frameworks; to integrate the identified security awareness elements from standards, best practices and frameworks including themes identified from the questionnaire results to formulate the proposed guidelines for a Phishing awareness approach that is relevant for the job role of employees in order to the formulate guidelines. 5 Mixed methods were used to achieve this study’s research objectives. The research methods used included a literature review which was used to define and provide an indepth discussion relating to the domain in which this study is contained, namely: Social engineering, Phishing and information security awareness and training. Furthermore, a survey which took the form of a questionnaire, was used ascertain the level of Phishing awareness amongst employees within an academic institution in South Africa. Argumentation was used to argue towards the proposed guidelines. Finally, an elite interview was conducted, in the form of a questionnaire, to evaluate the proposed guidelines. It is envisaged that the guidelines proposed for a job role Phishing awareness approach could assist organisations to equip employees in job roles that are vulnerable Phishing attacks with adequate awareness and training. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of Information and Communication Technology, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-12

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Ultra-high precision machining of rapidly solidified aluminium (RSA) alloys for optics

- Odedeyi, Peter Babatunde

Authors: Odedeyi, Peter Babatunde
Date: 2021-12
Subjects: Mechatronics Surface roughness -- Measurement
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55921 , vital:54400
Description: The advancement of ultra-precision is one of the most adaptable machining processes in the manufacturing of very complex and high-quality surface structures for optics, industrial, medical, aerospace and communication applications. Studies have shown that single-point diamond turning has an outstanding ability to machine high-quality optical components at a nanometric scale. However, in a responsive cutting process, the nanometric machinability of these optical components can easily be affected by several factors. The call for increasing needs of optical systems has recently led to the development of newly modified aluminium grades of non-ferrous alloys characterized by finer microstructures, defined mechanical and physical properties. To date, there has been a lack of sufficient research into these new aluminium alloys. In modern ultra-precision machining, the high demands for smart and inexpensive cutting tools are becoming more relevant in recent precision machines. In monitoring and predicting high-quality surface, cutting forces in single point diamond turning are believed to be as critical as other machining processes due to their potential effects on the quality of surface roughness. Undermining such an important factor is a compromise between the machining process's efficiency and the increased cost of production. Therefore, a comprehensive scientific understanding of the Nano-cutting mechanics is critical, particularly on modelling and analysis of cutting force, surface roughness, chip vii formation, acoustic emission, material removal rates, and molecular dynamic simulation of the rapidly solidified aluminium alloys to bridge the gap between fundamentals and industrial-scale application. The study is divided into three essential sections. First, the development of a force sensor. Secondly, investigation of the effect of cutting parameters (i.e., cutting speed, feed rate, and cutting depth) on cutting force, acoustic emission (AE), material removal rate (MRR), chip formation, Nose radius, and surface roughness (Ra), which play a leading role in the determination of machine productivity and efficiency of single-point diamond turning of rapidly solidified aluminium alloys. Thirdly, a 3-D molecular dynamic (MD) simulation of RSA 6061 is also carried out to further understand the nanometric mechanism and characterization of the alloy. The experiment was mainly conducted using Precitech Nanoform ultra-grind 250 lathe machines on three different advanced optical aluminium alloys materials; these are RSA 443, RSA 905, and RSA 6061. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of Engineering, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-12

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The design of a youth activity Centre for Parkside, East London

- De Lange, Natasha

Authors: De Lange, Natasha
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Youth centers -- South Africa -- East London -- Designs and plans , Community centers -- South Africa -- East London
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57479 , vital:57880
Description: The identity of youth is an important developmental pro - cess in young people’s lives. Youth Centres in South Africa mainly focus on reproductive health services and as a result thereof, are experiencing low visitor num - bers and failing to captivate the youth whom they aim to serve. The very nature in which this takes place today, opens the door for an architectural intervention that has the potential to facilitate and improve this process. This thesis aims to address the issues that today’s youth faces by looking at the metaphorical representa - tion of the ‘street’ as the current place where the youth of today spend their time testing and developing their identity. It aims to rethink the youth centre as a place that combines youth culture and architecture to create a space which provides adequate recreational opportu - nities, and through which youths can reconnect to their surroundings - giving them a much-needed sense of place and identity within the ever-changing city. The idea is ultimately to design a Youth Activity Centre for the Parkside neighbourhood in East London - a de - sign which can express how youth identity can impact architecture in a way that can benefit the development of youth’s identity, and which can re-animate the nature of the ‘street’ through architecture. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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A framework to measure the degree of alignment between corporate and IT/IS objectives at Randwater

- Sigasa, Moshane Lydia

Authors: Sigasa, Moshane Lydia
Date: 2020
Subjects: Information technology -- Management , Business enterprises -- Computer networks
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48841 , vital:41145
Description: The South African Government has institutionalised a Corporate Governance of ICT Policy Framework which was developed by Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA). The framework has adopted some elements of KING III, ISO 38500 and COBIT. Consequently, it is now a requirement by the South African Government that all its entities must adopt this framework. Nevertheless, it is not clear how government has emphasised this alignment in such entities. The problem statement in this study was that Randwater is unable to realise full value of the investment in IT/IS because there is misalignment between IT objectives or deliverables and the corporate objectives. This study sought to identify a suitable framework which meets the ICT policy criteria as set out by the DPSA, which will facilitate the alignment between corporate objectives and IT/IS objectives at Randwater. This was achieved through the development and refinement of the artefact through the various iteration phases. Additionally, an online survey was used to collect data from a focus group comprising IT experts and senior management at Randwater. The Information Technology Governance Institute Framework was employed to assist in the development of the questions. The survey results were utilised during the validation of the artefact produced by this research study in a workshop. The findings were then linked with the related literature which either supported or rejected the findings through discussions on the literature and thereafter conclusions were made based on these findings. Furthermore, a literature review was conducted to gain a better understanding of what has been done in the field of research in order to assist in defining the problem that this research seeks to solve so as to inform the development of design characteristics. The research process employed the Nelson Mandela University – Design Science Strategy Methodology referred to as (NMU – DSSM) with the goal of developing an artefact in the form of a framework. The research process entailed studying the existing literature and analysing the aspects relating to corporate governance, IT governance, frameworks, and strategies to be able to measure the degree of alignment. The phases of designing the artefact were analysis, design, evaluate, validate and diffuse phases. The final artefact developed was a framework that incorporated the principles of King IV and ISO 38500 in corporate governance and ICT goals alignment. The final artefact also embedded transparency, accountability and security as important elements in the implementation of the artefact. v The survey findings were instrumental in the development of the artefact that brings alignment between business strategy and IT objectives at Randwater. From the findings, in terms of IT flexibility, it was revealed that the interrelated parts of the system at Randwater were modular. It was also concluded that there is lack of communication about the manner in which the components of the information systems are organised and integrated in order to allow for rapid changes and that the organisational IT infrastructure and applications were loosely coupled. The findings further revealed that the business had established corporate rules and standards for hardware and operating systems to ensure platform compatibility. It was also revealed that organisational IT applications were developed based on compliance guidelines. In terms of IT-enabled dynamic capabilities, it was revealed that IT systems at Randwater are not capable of scanning the environment and identifying new business opportunities and are not capable of anticipating discontinuities arising in the business domain by developing greater reactive and proactive strength. It was also revealed that it was concluded that IT systems were capable of achieving strategic alignment between IT flexibility and dynamic capabilities. Therefore, design science was the ideal research paradigm towards addressing the research problem and the artefact designed was a viable research contribution. The significance of the study was that it contributed to the development of technology-based solutions to an important and relevant business problem of alignment of business strategy to IT goals. The design evaluation, the utility, quality, and efficacy of the final design artefact was rigorously demonstrated via well-executed evaluation methods. The study also contributed to the literature available on business strategic alignment with ICT goals.
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Date Issued: 2020

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Constraints in attainment of sustainable human settlements at Kwamaphumulo Local Municipality

- Sikhosana, Phindokuhle

Authors: Sikhosana, Phindokuhle
Date: 2020
Subjects: Human settlements -- South Africa -- Kwamaphumulo Local Municipality , Land settlement -- South Africa -- Kwamaphumulo Local Municipality
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48808 , vital:41141
Description: This study sought to investigate the constraints in the attainment of sustainable human settlement in KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality at iLembe District in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate the constraints that limit the achievement of the ideal of sustainable human settlement development in the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality. Furthermore, the study sought to determine the impact of these constraints on sustainable development and to proffer measures that can be taken to combat stagnant or underdevelopment in the area. A mixed-method approach is followed in this study, which considers a triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and interpretation techniques. It is important to note that in the past years since South Africa became a democratic country, there have been countless efforts with regard to overcoming the problems created during the apartheid era. These problems stemmed from a distorted spatial, social, economic and political background that was advocated by both segregationist public policies and the planning systems of the Apartheid Regime. In recent years, South African cities have also been faced with environmental issues, which are imperative to the future development of the country. With all these issues in mind, we see that the many efforts that are put in place by government always fall short of solving the problems. This research report looked at the constraints that affect the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality in attaining sustainable human settlements and whether the efforts of redistribution and equality have been enough to overcome the problems. The key findings of the study were that constraints in attaining sustainable human settlements in the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality negatively impacts on the development in the area. The level of services being provided is poor. There is an apparent disconnect between traditional leaders and the municipality councillor as development management and vision are concerned. Furthermore, the development programmes and projects do not seem to address the critical needs of the community. Housing development is narrow minded with a focus on the top structure and a failure to include basic services and infrastructure. Houses built that are 6 financed by subsidies are of poor quality. The latter situation results in more able‐ bodied, skilled and capable people emigrating to developed areas.
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Date Issued: 2020

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"A lean-led-evaluation" of infrastructure development improvement programme in South Africa

- Monyane, Thabiso Godfrey

Authors: Monyane, Thabiso Godfrey
Date: 2019
Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44535 , vital:38131
Description: A doctoral study was embarked upon with the intentions of addressing cost management problems encountered on Infrastructure Delivery Projects in South Africa. Given that poor cost performance constitute hindrance to the realization of project goals, it is imperative to eliminate it from project delivery. The prevalence of cost overrun in public sector projects is a call to all stakeholders to address cost management issues in the construction industry. The predominance of cost overruns in public sector construction projects in South Africa has been observed. With the decline of the current economic conditions in South Africa, project performance is a great concern that needs attention. In addition, ineffective initiatives to curb the abuse of the procurement processes are directly affecting the outcomes of construction projects, and if these status quo remains, the sector will continue to have a bad image and continued waste of taxpayers’ money will not cease until the public sector remove non-value adding activities in their operations. Study adopted a mixed methods designed that collected both textual and statistical data. Semistructured interviews were undertaken to determine the outcomes of current project management practices in South Africa. In terms of performance of projects, the status quo paints a disconsolate picture. Findings reveal protracted processes, and the use of unqualified and inexperienced contribute to poor performance of public sector projects. Poor performance continues to dominate the construction sector, especially in the public sector. Interviews data were contrasted with evidence from project-related documents. Based on the data, the study produces a vignette of existing cost management frameworks applied to such projects. Encompassing various stages of the project delivery lifecycle, this vignette will enable an identification of the challenges afflicting cost management on projects. Accordingly, this study identified Lean opportunities from existing cost management practices. Such opportunities will enable identification of effective cost management during project delivery. There appears a need for collaborative cost management practices. Lean tools mentioned for improvement include the 5Whys, the big room, target value design, and the integration of design and construction. A collaborative cost management framework was developed through relevant theories to improve the cost management process of public sector projects.
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Date Issued: 2019

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Construction material logistics management: the case of North-Central Nigeria

- Alumbugu, Polycarp Olaku

Authors: Alumbugu, Polycarp Olaku
Date: 2019
Subjects: Construction industry -- Nigeria
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44556 , vital:38132
Description: The Management of Construction Material Logistics Systems plays a significant role in meeting the goals of cost, quality and time to completion of a construction project. Fundamentally, it is accepted that any inefficiency in the delivery of construction material could lead to a time overrun and thus, a rise in construction costs. Therefore addressing the operational performance of logistics would have a positive impact on the goals of a construction project. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate the operational performance of material logistics in North-Central Nigeria as there is little specific research conducted on its effectiveness and efficiency. The methodology used included an extensive literature review and a field study conducted on ten quantitative approach that is rooted in the positivist paradigm, and purposive sampling techniques, was adopted. The descriptive method of data analysis was employed, and the findings and interpretations presented through graphs and images. Analysis of the findings led to the conclusion that material logistics did not operate as a system. There was almost no collaboration and integration of the logistics systems to create a synergistic interrelationship between functions in pursuit of higher overall effectiveness and efficiency. Improvement was needed in warehouse and transport operations and processes; technology and automation of logistics operations were absent, and delivery of material to customers was not effective. The implication was that the current materials logistics system did not meet the delivery goals of cost, quality and time of a construction project. The recommendations suggested included the adoption of the framework developed in this study. This would serve as a guide towards effective and efficient logistics management for material manufacturing firms, and for construction professionals.
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Date Issued: 2019

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Data quality issues in electronic health records for large-scale databases

- Saiod, Abdul Kader

Authors: Saiod, Abdul Kader
Date: 2019
Subjects: Healthcare -- Data quality
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44577 , vital:38145
Description: Data Quality (DQ) in Electronic Health Records (EHRs) is one of the core functions that play a decisive role to improve the healthcare service quality. The DQ issues in EHRs are a noticeable trend to improve the introduction of an adaptive framework for interoperability and standards in Large-Scale Databases (LSDB) management systems. Therefore, large data communications are challenging in the traditional approaches to satisfy the needs of the consumers, as data is often not capture directly into the Database Management Systems (DBMS) in a seasonably enough fashion to enable their subsequent uses. In addition, large data plays a vital role in containing plenty of treasures for all the fields in the DBMS. EHRs technology provides portfolio management systems that allow HealthCare Organisations (HCOs) to deliver a higher quality of care to their patients than that which is possible with paper-based records. EHRs are in high demand for HCOs to run their daily services as increasing numbers of huge datasets occur every day. Efficient EHR systems reduce the data redundancy as well as the system application failure and increase the possibility to draw all necessary reports. However, one of the main challenges in developing efficient EHR systems is the inherent difficulty to coherently manage data from diverse heterogeneous sources. It is practically challenging to integrate diverse data into a global schema, which satisfies the need of users. The efficient management of EHR systems using an existing DBMS present challenges because of incompatibility and sometimes inconsistency of data structures. As a result, no common methodological approach is currently in existence to effectively solve every data integration problem. The challenges of the DQ issue raised the need to find an efficient way to integrate large EHRs from diverse heterogeneous sources. To handle and align a large dataset efficiently, the hybrid algorithm method with the logical combination of Fuzzy-Ontology along with a large-scale EHRs analysis platform has shown the results in term of improved accuracy. This study investigated and addressed the raised DQ issues to interventions to overcome these barriers and challenges, including the provision of EHRs as they pertain to DQ and has combined features to search, extract, filter, clean and integrate data to ensure that users can coherently create new consistent data sets. The study researched the design of a hybrid method based on Fuzzy-Ontology with performed mathematical simulations based on the Markov Chain Probability Model. The similarity measurement based on dynamic Hungarian algorithm was followed by the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, which will increase the quality of service over HCOs in adaptive frameworks.
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Date Issued: 2019

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Factors impacting the design of a mobile application for soil management: a case study of the Eastern Cape crops

- Botha, Stephan

Authors: Botha, Stephan
Date: 2019
Subjects: Mobile soil management application
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MIT
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44581 , vital:38127
Description: Some of the biggest challenges the global community has to face are the ever-dwindling levels of freshwater resources, the drastic impact of the greenhouse gases on the global climate and the loss of non-renewable fertile soil. South African agriculture contributes a total of 12.7% to the overall South African GDP (gross domestic product). Only a small portion of the South African soil is considered as being able to grow healthy and nutritious crops. The world of information communication technology (ICT) is extremely vast and growing daily with newly created tools, to accommodate the needs of a specific sector, such as agriculture. As the ICT-based agricultural solutions increase and improve, the uptake of these solutions within the South African agricultural sector becomes even smaller. The reasons for the low uptake of mobile soil management solutions for crop growing farmers are unknown, due to limited research conducted. The identified problem was a lack of understanding of the way mobile technologies can be designed to adequately support farmers to correctly manage their soil to produce the best possible crops. The primary objective of this research study was to identify factors, which may have a significant impact on the design of a mobile soil management application for crop farmers in the Eastern Cape (South Africa). The secondary objectives were as follows: (i) to determine what soil management is and which aspects are required to implement soil management effectively; (ii) to identify possible mobile technologies suitable to act as an effective support structure for a mobile soil management application; and (iii) to identify which user experience guidelines are key for the development of an effective mobile soil management solution and to compile a user experience guideline for an effective mobile soil management solution. Achieving these objectives, resulted in a better understanding of the identified problem. The problem was addressed by conducting a thorough literature review and a case study to better grasp the different aspects of the identified problem. Quantitative data was collected by conducting a user interface evaluation. Qualitative data were also gathered by means of a field test using the mobile soil management application. The field test was done in conjunction with a heuristic evaluation, completed by the participants. Data triangulation was used to compare the results of the gathered data. The results from the data triangulation were used to confirm the factors, which made the most significant impact on the success of the soil management application. These confirmed design factors were used to produce a list of guidelines to improve the design of future mobile ICT soil management applications.
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Date Issued: 2019

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Innovation: its impact on the success of construction micro, small, and medium enterprises in Northern Nigeria

- Tsado, Abel John

Authors: Tsado, Abel John
Date: 2019
Subjects: Construction industry -- Nigeria
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44568 , vital:38130
Description: There is growing recognition of the important role Construction Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (CMSMEs) play in economic development. In 2013, Nigeria had about 36,994,578 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and 731,303 CMSMEs, about 1.99% of the total number of MSMEs in the country. However, 50% of CMSMEs in Nigeria close down within their first five years of existence. Consequently, only about 10% of CMSMEs in Nigeria survive, thrive, and grow to maturity. Enterprises failing within so short a time, portend a huge problem surrounding CMSME innovation and success. While literature seems to indicate innovation as the likely way out of CMSMEs failure, few researchers have considered the connection between CMSMEs innovation and their success. Hence, this research aimed to explore the effect of innovation(s) and innovation systems on the success of the Northern Nigerian CMSMEs. The research objectives were: to identify the types of innovation that are predominant in/peculiar to the Northern Nigerian CMSMEs; to determine how the types of innovation impact the success of the Northern Nigerian CMSMEs; to establish what the innovation systems that manage the innovation of the Northern Nigerian CMSMEs are; and, to determine how the innovation systems, promote innovation among the Northern Nigerian CMSMEs. Qualitative research method was utilised; consisting of 17 recorded interviews within Northern Nigerian which is the study area. The interview also employed structured interview guide, comprising structured open-ended questions to ensure consistency and rigour in the data collection process. The research adopted two stage non-probabilistic sampling, comprising judgmental and snowballing sampling for stage one and two respectively. In stage one, participants were drawn judgmentally based on their innovation and in stage two, the sample size was expanded, using a snowballing sampling technique where the participants in stage one suggested other participants who had also been innovative. Data collected were transcribed and open coded, while the codes for innovation types, and innovation impact on CMSME success were developed with the aid of a deductive code earlier developed from literature. The code occurrences were determined and categorised, and themes were developed. These themes were then subjected to interpretation and analysis. The research findings indicate that the predominant type of innovations within the CMSMEs in the northern part of Nigeria are product innovation, management innovation and service innovation. In addition, there are, technological application innovations, logistics innovations and labour innovations. These innovations impact on the profit, capital, customers, workers and the products of the CMSMEs studied. The innovations are responsible for the CMSMEs success periods, reasons for success and their salient points of success. Therefore, the research concludes that innovation impacts on the studied CMSMEs success. Consequently, the research achieved its aim. The study also discovered an absence of systems that support the innovation of CMSMEs in the northern part of Nigeria. Through this research, an innovation system framework has been developed and it is recommended that it be implemented because of the observed lack of innovation systems in Nigeria.
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Date Issued: 2019

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Red tape in upgrading of informal settlements in Nelson Mandela Bay

- Mangezi, Wilfred

Authors: Mangezi, Wilfred
Date: 2019
Subjects: Housing development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Squatter settlements -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Squatters -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Housing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33375 , vital:32745
Description: Even though there is general acknowledgement of the existence of red tape in low cost housing, very little effort has been made to seek-out its underlying causes. The purpose of this study was to investigate red tape in specific Informal Settlement Upgrading Programme (ISUP) developments within the Nelson Mandela Bay, to uncover the underlying causes of red tape and ultimately suggest possible remedies to reduce red tape and its adverse effects. Administrative red tape in ISUP projects is hampering the government’s efforts to improve informal settlement dwellers’ standard of living, as evidenced by the slow pace of housing delivery to such intended beneficiaries. Furthermore, red tape also causes frustration to Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMME’s) that are involved in the low-cost housing delivery value chain who suffer cash flow problems due to delays incurred from payment of their services by the local authority. This hindrance does not spare the majority of municipal employees whose roles are dependent on the performance of other departments. Of great concern are the residents within the municipality who have developed a culture of expressing their frustration caused by such delays through violent demonstrations so much to the detriment of the peaceful environment that has over time characterised this friendly tourist destination of South Africa. Applying a qualitative research strategy, the researcher undertook data collection through document review and face to face interviews from targeted respondents across various departments within and outside the municipality that deals with ISUP developments. The study revealed that, red tape in ISUP projects is a result of a variety of factors which include; inept internal management procedures, misinterpretation of legislation, silo mentality and lack of capacity in housing delivery. Thus the rules, legislation and procedures prevailing are failing to keep pace with the changing macro environment. To reduce the impact of red tape the researcher believes that it would be of paramount importance for the NMBM to consider; realignment of their internal procedures to counter the pressure posed by the residents, integrate project teams or functional departments dealing with housing, engage beneficiaries from the onset of the projects, invest in training staff and acquisition of new technology. The core of reducing red tape lies in upgrading of rules and administrative procedures in dealing with ISUP projects within the municipality so as to adopt to the dynamism that characterise the built environment.
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Date Issued: 2019

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The influence of briefing on Eastern Cape government project outcomes

- Binqela, Lukhanyo

Authors: Binqela, Lukhanyo
Date: 2019
Subjects: Government projects -- Eastern Cape
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44562 , vital:38128
Description: South African Government projects are frequently completed with large cost overruns, extended schedules, quality concerns and an increase in emerging contractors making a significant loss in projects they undertake. The construction phase has been the focus of many studies on the causes of unfavourable project outcomes. However, the crucial stages in the construction process that influence the success of a project are the early ones. This is where major decisions that influence the features and form of a project occur. This study, which adopts a case study approach, aims to establish the influence of the brief development process on the outcome of Government projects in the Eastern Cape. Through the reviewed literature and primary data collection, the study aimed at establishing the influence of the brief that is utilised for a need analysis, to define a detailed scope of works, stakeholder engagement and the time management on Eastern Cape Government project outcomes. The Sarah Baartman district was the selected geographical scope of research. Five projects were selected; these included three schools, one emergency medical service facility and one office facility. The study revealed that Eastern Cape Government projects brief development is based on the client department 2013 Published Norms and Standards for state buildings and a need analysis for other stakeholders is not considered. The study further revealed that there is no stakeholder management in government projects; therefore, there is no stakeholder engagement plan during the brief development. The study further revealed that government time management is suboptimal because stakeholder needs are not realised. The research also found that Eastern Cape Government projects do not achieve stakeholder satisfaction and are delivered late. However, some Government projects are able to meet the desired quality and are within budget. The study thus proposes that the Eastern Cape Government projects need to adopt the dynamic brief development process and implement stakeholder management. The brief development process should be an ongoing process extending throughout the project life cycle responding in an innovative manner to emerging stakeholder requirements.
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Date Issued: 2019

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A framework for improving construction workers’ health and safety practices in Lagos, Nigeria

- Kukoyi, Patricia Omega

Authors: Kukoyi, Patricia Omega
Date: 2018
Subjects: Construction industry -- Health aspects -- Lagos -- Nigeria , Industrial safety -- Lagos -- Nigeria Sustainable construction -- Lagos -- Nigeria
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30962 , vital:31235
Description: The construction sector is known for its poor health and safety (H&S) record. This situation contributes to the poor performance of construction projects and poor worker productivity. In view of this, the research was undertaken to improve workers’ H&S practices. This study determined how the systems thinking approach will mitigate unhealthy and unsafe construction practices in Lagos, Nigeria by developing interventions, and proposing a model for improved H&S practices. The study utilised a mixed research method approach. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used specifically the concurrent embedded method to obtain and analyse the data. The sample size for the quantitative study was 375 respondents and a total of 40 respondents were engaged in the qualitative study. The sample consisted of designers, contractors, clients, quantity surveyors, project managers, construction managers, supervisors, and construction workers (masons, carpenters, painters, roofers, electricians) based in Lagos, Nigeria. The findings reveal that there is inadequate consideration for H&S during the procurement of construction projects. Furthermore, the absence of H&S regulations relating to the construction sector was observed. Unsafe practices at construction sites in Nigeria can be attributed to this discovery. The study reveals that the regulatory system, the organisation, the individual and the work environment all have an impact on H&S work practices. Although the contractors are mainly responsible for H&S at construction sites, other construction stakeholders (such as clients, consultants, etc.) influence H&S practices. The findings highlight the need for the adoption of a holistic approach to facilitate improvement in H&S practices on construction sites. The research has contributed to the body of knowledge by developing a framework for improving workers’ H&S performance on construction sites.
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Date Issued: 2018

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A framework for the integration of mobile technology into adventure sport for the purpose of increasing participant safety

- Mills, Craig John

Authors: Mills, Craig John
Date: 2018
Subjects: Mobile communication systems , Health promotion -- Technological innovations Sports -- Technological innovations Cell phones -- Health aspects
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MIT
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32099 , vital:31958
Description: The sporting industry has seen incredible advancements with the use of information technology. Technology is used in the sporting industry for training, coaching and even as a deciding factor of a game result. There are certain sports which require individuals to venture into isolated environments, these sports have been termed adventure or extreme sports. Due to the extreme environmental factors that can occur with adventure sport, it is possible for an individual to experience an emergency situation. Emergency situations can occur at any time, and this is especially true in adventure sport. Adventure sport such as ocean and river kayaking require individuals to venture into isolated environments, where if an emergency situation occurs could result in an individual left stranded waiting for emergency rescue. Adventure sport participants and Event Organizers are aware of the dangers associated with this type of adventure sport, but there is currently no requirement to have a mobile technology device present during kayaking events. The main purpose of this dissertation was to evaluate the current use of mobile technology in adventure sport in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. To accomplish this two literature reviews were conducted which identi_ed information on the two main themes which are adventure sport and mobile technology. To produce information from the ocean and river kayaking community an online questionnaire was distributed to several kayaking clubs in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. This dissertation also presents a framework that proposes the use of mobile technology hardware and software by participants and event organisers in an attempt to increase the safety of events in this form of adventure sport. It is hoped that the framework for using mobile technology to increase the safety of adventure sport proposed in this research, may provide clear guidance for the achievement of a safer sporting experience for the participants of ocean and river kayaking.
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Date Issued: 2018

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A multi-stakeholder approach to productivity improvement in the South African construction industry

- Adebowale, Oluseyi Julius

Authors: Adebowale, Oluseyi Julius
Date: 2018
Subjects: Labor productivity , Construction industry -- Labor productivity Construction industry -- South Africa Construction industry -- Management
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19597 , vital:28902
Description: As poor productivity in construction continues to constitute a setback to projects’ success in different countries of the world, the situation in South African construction is no exception. Poor productivity on construction projects and its detrimental impact on project objectives have continually resonated for decades. As a result, several strategies, interventions, and measures that aimed at improving productivity in the construction sector have been proposed. Nevertheless, the phenomenon importunately creates a major challenge on construction projects, and by extension, the construction industry especially in developing countries. Even when construction management literature acknowledged the commonalities in productivity influences, the practice of addressing construction productivity influences as separate entities has gained much relevance over the years. Taking into perspective, the multidisciplinary and complexity inherent in construction, a systemic approach to addressing construction productivity influences is fast becoming essential. This study addressed productivity-influencing factors by considering factors that are related to rework, shortage of construction resources, constructability, political, socio-economic, working environment, welfare conditions, disputes, planning and training. Consequently, the interdependencies of the most significant productivity-influencing factors in South African construction was developed in the form of a qualitative model. The study adopts the underlying assumptions of the quantitative approach, but also accepts some qualitative data. With regards to the subject of enquiry, the paradigm of the research is positivism which consists of realists’ ontological prescriptions and objectivists’ epistemological prescriptions. Site engineers, site managers, and site supervisors working for cidb registered contractors in four South African provinces constitute the sample stratum. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used to analyse the data gathered from these project participants; both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Descriptive statistics was used to summarise and describe the data obtained, while inferential statistics in the form of analysis of variance, T-test, and Tukey post hoc test were adopted. The study reported the most significant factors which negatively influence productivity on South African construction projects as inadequate workers’ skills, defective workmanship, the practice of awarding contracts to lowest bidders, political activities resulting in industrial action, inadequate contractors’ experience in project planning, payment delays by contractors, and corruption. Furthermore, it was found that contractors largely share similar perceptions regarding the factors that constrain productivity growth in South African construction. The approximate level of labour, material, and plant productivity on South African construction projects is 50.4%, 72.9%, and 62.0% respectively, while the approximate multifactor productivity was estimated as 61.8%. The study concluded that productivity has a considerable relationship with time and cost and a less potent relationship with quality. Based on the research findings, contractors’, consultants’, clients’ and government qualitative intervention models were proposed while recommendations towards improving South African construction productivity were made. The study recommended the reinvention of the apprentice training system to develop skills in construction, the involvement of stakeholders in improving workers’ skills, improved collaboration between the construction industry and higher institutions of learning regarding curricula development, adequate supervision of construction activities to mitigate the propagation of rework on construction projects, character in leadership, and integrity of project stakeholders.
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Date Issued: 2018

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