Competition factors influencing client switching behaviour within the commercial banking industry
- Authors: Mathiyase, Kholiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Competition -- South Africa , Financial services industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45366 , vital:38574
- Description: Banks are faced with challenges of retaining clients and preventing them from switching to competitors. For many years the South African banking industry has been dominated by the big four banks that were not known to be client focused. The banks were also known for serving only the middle and high-income earners, with the banks having a high and non-transparent banking fee structure. As a result, Capitec Bank was established in 2001 and differentiated itself from the traditional ways of providing banking service. One of their value propositions, Capitec Bank provided low and transparent banking fees, provided a unique personalised service to cater for the unbanked market and is gradually serving the middle and high-income market as well. Capitec Bank managed to establish its presence in the South African banking industry despite the dominance of the big four banks. The banking industry environment has also been subjected to a number of changes, including the entrants of other non-traditional banks, changing client behaviour, technology, regulatory and political reforms and the current depressed economic conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mathiyase, Kholiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Competition -- South Africa , Financial services industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45366 , vital:38574
- Description: Banks are faced with challenges of retaining clients and preventing them from switching to competitors. For many years the South African banking industry has been dominated by the big four banks that were not known to be client focused. The banks were also known for serving only the middle and high-income earners, with the banks having a high and non-transparent banking fee structure. As a result, Capitec Bank was established in 2001 and differentiated itself from the traditional ways of providing banking service. One of their value propositions, Capitec Bank provided low and transparent banking fees, provided a unique personalised service to cater for the unbanked market and is gradually serving the middle and high-income market as well. Capitec Bank managed to establish its presence in the South African banking industry despite the dominance of the big four banks. The banking industry environment has also been subjected to a number of changes, including the entrants of other non-traditional banks, changing client behaviour, technology, regulatory and political reforms and the current depressed economic conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Concrete work decision analysis in Bloemfontein
- Authors: Mollo, Lesiba George
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Concrete construction -- South Africa -- Bloemfontein -- Decision making Concrete construction industry -- South Africa -- Bloemfontein -- Decision making , Construction projects -- South Africa -- Bloemfontein Building -- Estimates -- South Africa -- Bloemfontein
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19190 , vital:28783
- Description: The purpose of this study was to evolve how to reduce the manifestation of poor decisions that always produce defects and rework. The purpose of the study is predicated on the fact that good decision-making is a fundamental element of improved project delivery in the construction industry. Such decisions determine the accomplishment of performance parameters in each project. However, suboptimal performance, which is pervasive in the construction industry, is often linked to team decisions. To remedy decision-making pitfalls, the concept of Choosing by Advantages (CBA) is promoted by lean construction researchers. CBA is a decision-making system that assists project parties in deciding a course of action among competing alternatives. Case study research design was used for this project to discover the decision-making process adopted by project teams. The results from the study achieved through cross-case analysis shows that concrete defects and rework is often caused by the project team’s decision-making process, which is influenced by the members of the project team because of lack of experience, poor working conditions, and lack of education. The results also show that the decision-making mechanism of the project teams is influenced by the construction method, specification, cost, quality and time. The outcome of the project team’s decision-making process when choosing a concrete type often causes the concrete defects and rework, which can be eliminated through the application of CBA when choosing a concrete type. The application of CBA when choosing concrete type from two alternatives, ready mixed concrete and site batched concrete is driven by the project team. It was discovered from all three cases that ready-mixed concrete had a better score than site-batched concrete when using CBA to compare these two alternatives. The results show that ready-mixed concrete had less chances of causing concrete defects and rework when used or applied per the correct specifications or methods which are detailed in the engineering drawings of the structure. The study proposes that the project team should adopt CBA to improve their decision-making process on site especially when working with concrete.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mollo, Lesiba George
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Concrete construction -- South Africa -- Bloemfontein -- Decision making Concrete construction industry -- South Africa -- Bloemfontein -- Decision making , Construction projects -- South Africa -- Bloemfontein Building -- Estimates -- South Africa -- Bloemfontein
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19190 , vital:28783
- Description: The purpose of this study was to evolve how to reduce the manifestation of poor decisions that always produce defects and rework. The purpose of the study is predicated on the fact that good decision-making is a fundamental element of improved project delivery in the construction industry. Such decisions determine the accomplishment of performance parameters in each project. However, suboptimal performance, which is pervasive in the construction industry, is often linked to team decisions. To remedy decision-making pitfalls, the concept of Choosing by Advantages (CBA) is promoted by lean construction researchers. CBA is a decision-making system that assists project parties in deciding a course of action among competing alternatives. Case study research design was used for this project to discover the decision-making process adopted by project teams. The results from the study achieved through cross-case analysis shows that concrete defects and rework is often caused by the project team’s decision-making process, which is influenced by the members of the project team because of lack of experience, poor working conditions, and lack of education. The results also show that the decision-making mechanism of the project teams is influenced by the construction method, specification, cost, quality and time. The outcome of the project team’s decision-making process when choosing a concrete type often causes the concrete defects and rework, which can be eliminated through the application of CBA when choosing a concrete type. The application of CBA when choosing concrete type from two alternatives, ready mixed concrete and site batched concrete is driven by the project team. It was discovered from all three cases that ready-mixed concrete had a better score than site-batched concrete when using CBA to compare these two alternatives. The results show that ready-mixed concrete had less chances of causing concrete defects and rework when used or applied per the correct specifications or methods which are detailed in the engineering drawings of the structure. The study proposes that the project team should adopt CBA to improve their decision-making process on site especially when working with concrete.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Conflict between local government and civil society pertaining to sanitation in South Africa
- De Ujfalussy, Andrea Benedicta
- Authors: De Ujfalussy, Andrea Benedicta
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sanitation -- South Africa -- Politics and government Conflict management -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14939 , vital:27911
- Description: This study seeks to determine whether the conflict between the City of Cape Town (CCT) and the Social Justice Coalition (SJC) is resulting in positive or negative outcomes from the perspective of the residents concerned. In principle, engagement, between civil society and local government should lead to an improvement in terms of the meeting of needs or wants for those communities whose interests are being contested, or at the very least an improved understanding of the plans and challenges faced by both. Further, the engagement and/or conflict between local government and civil society, if positive, should ideally lead to greater understanding between all stakeholders and the strengthening of relations between them government, civil society and the relevant community interests. The motivation of this study is to explore the unanswered issues such as, whether the SJC has gone beyond the use of acceptable tactics associated with responsible and effective civil society actors and whether it would be justified if they have; if the SJC’s actions have resulted in an actual improvement in the accelerated realization of the socio-economic rights of the communities whose interests they purport to represent; whether the communities ‘represented’ by the SJC see them as their effective advocate for the interests and concerns ; if the issue of sanitation is the primary issue for the residents concerned as claimed by the SJC; if the residents of the communities concerned feel the same animosity to the CCT that the SJC does.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: De Ujfalussy, Andrea Benedicta
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sanitation -- South Africa -- Politics and government Conflict management -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14939 , vital:27911
- Description: This study seeks to determine whether the conflict between the City of Cape Town (CCT) and the Social Justice Coalition (SJC) is resulting in positive or negative outcomes from the perspective of the residents concerned. In principle, engagement, between civil society and local government should lead to an improvement in terms of the meeting of needs or wants for those communities whose interests are being contested, or at the very least an improved understanding of the plans and challenges faced by both. Further, the engagement and/or conflict between local government and civil society, if positive, should ideally lead to greater understanding between all stakeholders and the strengthening of relations between them government, civil society and the relevant community interests. The motivation of this study is to explore the unanswered issues such as, whether the SJC has gone beyond the use of acceptable tactics associated with responsible and effective civil society actors and whether it would be justified if they have; if the SJC’s actions have resulted in an actual improvement in the accelerated realization of the socio-economic rights of the communities whose interests they purport to represent; whether the communities ‘represented’ by the SJC see them as their effective advocate for the interests and concerns ; if the issue of sanitation is the primary issue for the residents concerned as claimed by the SJC; if the residents of the communities concerned feel the same animosity to the CCT that the SJC does.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Conflict prevention, management and resolution in Africa: a case study of the conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan (2003 – 2013)
- Authors: Chukwunaru, Charles Obinna
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Sudan -- Darfur -- 21st century Conflict management -- Africa -- Prevention , Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14818 , vital:27876
- Description: Africa has witnessed some of the most horrific and devastating conflicts in the world in recent times. This study, concerned about the problem of these seemingly intractable or endemic violent conflicts ravaging the continent of Africa since decolonisation; resulting in poverty, hunger, diseases, massive killing, rape, permanent disability and underdevelopment, examined the issues relating to conflict prevention, management and resolution in Africa. In doing so, it used the conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan as a case study. It examined the role of international organisations, especially that which the African Union and the United Nations played in the prevention, management and resolution of the conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan, as well as the remote and immediate cause of the Darfur conflict and major parties to the Darfur conflict. Other issues examined by this study include the outcome of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry into the violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, including acts of genocide in Darfur; and the Sudanese government’s response. Moreover, it analysed the implication of the Darfur conflict in the problem of preventing, managing and resolving violent conflict in Africa while drawing some lessons for the African Union, as well as the government of Sudan. However, this research, which adopted the qualitative case study methodology in data collection, presentation and analysis, posits that the protracted violent conflict, which was triggered by some rebel leaders with doubtful motives in the Darfur region of Sudan, who capitalised on the age-long problem of underdevelopment in the Darfur region, as well as low intensity disputes among the tribes over ownership of land and water resources, was avoidable. It further asserts that the African Union lacked the capacity to engage in an effective peace support operation in Africa as witnessed in the failure of its mission in Darfur, which eventually got rescued by the United Nations through the UN-AU Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). Further, this study has contributed in narrowing the existing gaps in academic literature on the aspect of conflict prevention management and resolution especially in Africa, even as it introduced the conspiracy theory in the understanding of the issues relating to the conflict in the Darfur region while recommending the immediate operationalisation of the African Union standby force to avert the reoccurrence of the Darfur conflict in Sudan and other parts of Africa, among other strategies aimed at enhancing the capacity and capability of the African Union to prevent, manage and resolve violent conflicts in Africa with or without the intervention of foreign powers. Moreover, this study recommends good governance that will promote political, social and economic justice as well as adherence to the rule of law; against all forms marginalisation, discrimination and other forms of structural violence in Africa. Essentially, this research has made an original contribution to the conflict studies literature with the formulation of the “Violent Intrastate Conflict Model” which explains the conflict dynamics and processes in most violent intrastate conflicts or civil war.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Chukwunaru, Charles Obinna
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Sudan -- Darfur -- 21st century Conflict management -- Africa -- Prevention , Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14818 , vital:27876
- Description: Africa has witnessed some of the most horrific and devastating conflicts in the world in recent times. This study, concerned about the problem of these seemingly intractable or endemic violent conflicts ravaging the continent of Africa since decolonisation; resulting in poverty, hunger, diseases, massive killing, rape, permanent disability and underdevelopment, examined the issues relating to conflict prevention, management and resolution in Africa. In doing so, it used the conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan as a case study. It examined the role of international organisations, especially that which the African Union and the United Nations played in the prevention, management and resolution of the conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan, as well as the remote and immediate cause of the Darfur conflict and major parties to the Darfur conflict. Other issues examined by this study include the outcome of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry into the violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, including acts of genocide in Darfur; and the Sudanese government’s response. Moreover, it analysed the implication of the Darfur conflict in the problem of preventing, managing and resolving violent conflict in Africa while drawing some lessons for the African Union, as well as the government of Sudan. However, this research, which adopted the qualitative case study methodology in data collection, presentation and analysis, posits that the protracted violent conflict, which was triggered by some rebel leaders with doubtful motives in the Darfur region of Sudan, who capitalised on the age-long problem of underdevelopment in the Darfur region, as well as low intensity disputes among the tribes over ownership of land and water resources, was avoidable. It further asserts that the African Union lacked the capacity to engage in an effective peace support operation in Africa as witnessed in the failure of its mission in Darfur, which eventually got rescued by the United Nations through the UN-AU Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). Further, this study has contributed in narrowing the existing gaps in academic literature on the aspect of conflict prevention management and resolution especially in Africa, even as it introduced the conspiracy theory in the understanding of the issues relating to the conflict in the Darfur region while recommending the immediate operationalisation of the African Union standby force to avert the reoccurrence of the Darfur conflict in Sudan and other parts of Africa, among other strategies aimed at enhancing the capacity and capability of the African Union to prevent, manage and resolve violent conflicts in Africa with or without the intervention of foreign powers. Moreover, this study recommends good governance that will promote political, social and economic justice as well as adherence to the rule of law; against all forms marginalisation, discrimination and other forms of structural violence in Africa. Essentially, this research has made an original contribution to the conflict studies literature with the formulation of the “Violent Intrastate Conflict Model” which explains the conflict dynamics and processes in most violent intrastate conflicts or civil war.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Consumers’ perception of generic drugs in South Africa
- Authors: Boltman, Tamarah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Consumers' preferences -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa Consumer education -- South Africa , Generic drugs -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14664 , vital:27815
- Description: Medicines play a pivotal role in the process of human development as their rational utilization can decrease morbidity and mortality as well as improve quality of life (Jamshed, Hassali, Ibrahim, Shafie, & Babar, 2010). Access to therapeutic drugs form an integral part of any successful healthcare system. The high cost of medicines, is a barrier to accessibility and improved health to the majority of the South African population (Bangalee, 2015). In developing countries with limited healthcare budgets, such as South Africa, generic drugs (medicines) can be a cost-saving treatment alternative, resulting in medical expenditure being reduced and access to scarce resources increased (Van der Westhuizen, Burger, Lubbe, Serfontein, 2010). There is very little knowledge on perception and attitude of South African citizens with regard to use of generic drugs (Bangalee, 2015). Consumer perception can have a large impact on the choice of medicines or drugs chosen. The study intended to find out what the current consumer beliefs, attitudes, behaviours and knowledge of generic drugs are. There was also intent to establish if lack of awareness or misconception about generic drugs influence consumer choice. The study consists of a literature review of the definition of generic drugs and original or branded drugs, their influence in the public and private health sector, factors that influence consumer behaviour, brand effect, brand trust, brand loyalty, and most importantly the South Africa acceptance of generic drugs. Primary data was collected, reported and analysed through the use of a questionnaire to determine the current consumers’ belief, attitude, behaviour and knowledge of generic drugs. The study results reveal that scepticism does exists, yet there was clear acceptance, but still lack of confidence in generic drugs. Consumer education and information is the key to increased generic drug acceptance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Boltman, Tamarah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Consumers' preferences -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa Consumer education -- South Africa , Generic drugs -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14664 , vital:27815
- Description: Medicines play a pivotal role in the process of human development as their rational utilization can decrease morbidity and mortality as well as improve quality of life (Jamshed, Hassali, Ibrahim, Shafie, & Babar, 2010). Access to therapeutic drugs form an integral part of any successful healthcare system. The high cost of medicines, is a barrier to accessibility and improved health to the majority of the South African population (Bangalee, 2015). In developing countries with limited healthcare budgets, such as South Africa, generic drugs (medicines) can be a cost-saving treatment alternative, resulting in medical expenditure being reduced and access to scarce resources increased (Van der Westhuizen, Burger, Lubbe, Serfontein, 2010). There is very little knowledge on perception and attitude of South African citizens with regard to use of generic drugs (Bangalee, 2015). Consumer perception can have a large impact on the choice of medicines or drugs chosen. The study intended to find out what the current consumer beliefs, attitudes, behaviours and knowledge of generic drugs are. There was also intent to establish if lack of awareness or misconception about generic drugs influence consumer choice. The study consists of a literature review of the definition of generic drugs and original or branded drugs, their influence in the public and private health sector, factors that influence consumer behaviour, brand effect, brand trust, brand loyalty, and most importantly the South Africa acceptance of generic drugs. Primary data was collected, reported and analysed through the use of a questionnaire to determine the current consumers’ belief, attitude, behaviour and knowledge of generic drugs. The study results reveal that scepticism does exists, yet there was clear acceptance, but still lack of confidence in generic drugs. Consumer education and information is the key to increased generic drug acceptance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Cradock thermal springs spa: the design of a thermal springs spa located at the Cradock hot springs
- Authors: Ferreira, Anita
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Health resorts -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Design and construction Bathhouses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Design and construction , Health resorts -- Decoration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Interior architecture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15334 , vital:28220
- Description: This treatise is focussed on the design of a Healing Spa Complex based on the relationship to the natural thermal springs 4km outside of the town of Cradock in the Karoo region of the Eastern Cape. The design response extends the dialogue between man and nature to structure in order to create an environment for healing within the natural landscape. The structure will accommodate spa facilities situated and specialized around the natural source of thermal water from the three springs on site. The site currently houses pool and accommodation facilities run by the local municipality. Due to a lack of funding these facilities have become dilapidated to the point where most of the buildings on site are unused and structurally unsound. The spring source on site was previously a major tourism attraction, but has subsequently shut down due to the degradation of the facilities. The Karoo is a dry, harsh and unforgiving landscape within which water is one of the most precious life-giving elements. Life is situated and celebrated around water, not only by humans, but also by nature. Settlements were built adjacent to rivers or springs, greenbelts flourished and formed along its edges, and animals migrate following the waters' (Hawkins, Sharrock and Havens, 2008). The region is characterised by extremes and contrasts, from scolding heat to freezing snow. This has contributed to a continuous display of dramatic contrasts within the landscape and created a unique character. Rain usually arrives in summer in the form of dramatic aernoon thunderstorms that bring relief to the relentless dry summer heat. Winter months are usually dry, allowing the sun to slowly heat up the open frosted plains before the intensely cold night brings another layer of snow to the Karoo koppies (Bloom, 2001). Eve Palmer, in her book, the Plains of Camdeboo, describes her Trust memories of the Karoo summer: “.....heat like blazing ovens; of shutters and sunbeams making a hot bright path through a chink in a dark blind, of soil too hot to walk on barefoot and rocks too hot to touch.” (Palmer 1986:3) Rain makes life possible in this part of the world. The joy and relief bit brings to the residents is very real and palpable (Palmer 1986:6). In response to the sensitivity of the natural environment of the site, and the desire to link this to the development of a healing environment, the architecture in this treatise will explore the unique sense of place of the Karoo and more speciacally the Cradock area. This will entail the exploration of the region and area in terms of physical and spatial features. Through the analyses of the natural structural elements, characteristics and local materials and assessment of Karoo architecture in terms of its use of materials, layout and craftsmanship, an appropriate response to the Karoo context should be achieved. The harsh environment will provide the opportunity to explore innovative means of optimum utilisation of resources, in order to ensure that the design is sustainable and therefore relevant to its context. This will contribute to a architectural expression which would allow a connection to nature and the area, by using nature to inspire this insight.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ferreira, Anita
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Health resorts -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Design and construction Bathhouses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Design and construction , Health resorts -- Decoration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Interior architecture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15334 , vital:28220
- Description: This treatise is focussed on the design of a Healing Spa Complex based on the relationship to the natural thermal springs 4km outside of the town of Cradock in the Karoo region of the Eastern Cape. The design response extends the dialogue between man and nature to structure in order to create an environment for healing within the natural landscape. The structure will accommodate spa facilities situated and specialized around the natural source of thermal water from the three springs on site. The site currently houses pool and accommodation facilities run by the local municipality. Due to a lack of funding these facilities have become dilapidated to the point where most of the buildings on site are unused and structurally unsound. The spring source on site was previously a major tourism attraction, but has subsequently shut down due to the degradation of the facilities. The Karoo is a dry, harsh and unforgiving landscape within which water is one of the most precious life-giving elements. Life is situated and celebrated around water, not only by humans, but also by nature. Settlements were built adjacent to rivers or springs, greenbelts flourished and formed along its edges, and animals migrate following the waters' (Hawkins, Sharrock and Havens, 2008). The region is characterised by extremes and contrasts, from scolding heat to freezing snow. This has contributed to a continuous display of dramatic contrasts within the landscape and created a unique character. Rain usually arrives in summer in the form of dramatic aernoon thunderstorms that bring relief to the relentless dry summer heat. Winter months are usually dry, allowing the sun to slowly heat up the open frosted plains before the intensely cold night brings another layer of snow to the Karoo koppies (Bloom, 2001). Eve Palmer, in her book, the Plains of Camdeboo, describes her Trust memories of the Karoo summer: “.....heat like blazing ovens; of shutters and sunbeams making a hot bright path through a chink in a dark blind, of soil too hot to walk on barefoot and rocks too hot to touch.” (Palmer 1986:3) Rain makes life possible in this part of the world. The joy and relief bit brings to the residents is very real and palpable (Palmer 1986:6). In response to the sensitivity of the natural environment of the site, and the desire to link this to the development of a healing environment, the architecture in this treatise will explore the unique sense of place of the Karoo and more speciacally the Cradock area. This will entail the exploration of the region and area in terms of physical and spatial features. Through the analyses of the natural structural elements, characteristics and local materials and assessment of Karoo architecture in terms of its use of materials, layout and craftsmanship, an appropriate response to the Karoo context should be achieved. The harsh environment will provide the opportunity to explore innovative means of optimum utilisation of resources, in order to ensure that the design is sustainable and therefore relevant to its context. This will contribute to a architectural expression which would allow a connection to nature and the area, by using nature to inspire this insight.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Craftsmanship in contemporary art: an exposition of selected artists’ practical non-involvement
- Van der Walt, Jonathan Petra
- Authors: Van der Walt, Jonathan Petra
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Art, Modern -- 21st century Sculpture -- South Africa -- Technique , Art and technology -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21285 , vital:29471
- Description: Craftsmanship in contemporary art production is the main area of focus for this visual arts based research. An exploration into the artistic production processes of selected contemporary artists’ work, reveals a tendency of physical non-involvement on the part of the artist, who takes up the role of art director. The research enquiry attempts to provide an answer as to whether credit should be given to the craftsman as well as to the artist in this artist/craftsman relationship. The use of a practice-led research strategy allows the researcher’s art-making practice to become an integral part of the cycles of research, as the development of the researcher’s practical understanding, techniques and execution are crucial in the practical component, but also conceptually as a stance in opposition to the selected artists’ lack of practical involvement. The researcher has identified and analysed the following five factors that have contributed to this current state of art production in contemporary art: Kitsch as an influence on the subject matter and content of art, Marcel Duchamp and his idea of the ‘readymade’ and issues of authorship, Andy Warhol and his ideas on art and business, the Conceptual Art movement and, the act and product of craft being perceived as being inferior to the fine arts In addition, an exploration of the production processes involved in the creation of the artworks of Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, Maurizio Cattelan and Takashi Murakami highlights the craftspeople, fabricators and foundries that are responsible for these artists’ highly crafted aesthetics. As practice is crucial in developing a new understanding and meaning in visual-arts based research, the practical component describes the researcher’s core practical themes as being the following:the creation of naturalistic figurative small-scale sculptures in resin and bronze, placing the characters explored in the theoretical component as the subject matter.The advantages and disadvantages of the collaborative experience with Sculpture Casting Services (fine art foundry) and eNtsa (a Technology Innovation agency), especially the implementation of 3D technologies in both experiences; and the technical development and understanding in order to improve the researcher’s artistic practice Collaboration is an important underlying theme throughout this research undertaking. It is crucial in the production of most contemporary art, and assists in identifying the artist’s role within the production of his/her work. Finally, it relates to the researcher’s collaborative experience expanded upon in the practical component and its benefits as a production method. In concluding, the researcher finds that craftspeople do receive credit for the work they do in the form of money, business and marketing. They provide a service that a great number of artists generously support. Foundries and fabricators also place a mark on the work they do, much like the artist’s signature, as a symbol of pride and recognition. It is ultimately the artist’s technical abilities, workload and artist identity or brand that will determine the extent to which he or she will contribute to the collaboration, whether that be a simple idea, a sketch, a maquette or a large-scale sculpture ready for installation. However, in a rapidly advancing technological society, it is the idea of the artist as craftsman, both thinker and maker, that demands more respect.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Van der Walt, Jonathan Petra
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Art, Modern -- 21st century Sculpture -- South Africa -- Technique , Art and technology -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21285 , vital:29471
- Description: Craftsmanship in contemporary art production is the main area of focus for this visual arts based research. An exploration into the artistic production processes of selected contemporary artists’ work, reveals a tendency of physical non-involvement on the part of the artist, who takes up the role of art director. The research enquiry attempts to provide an answer as to whether credit should be given to the craftsman as well as to the artist in this artist/craftsman relationship. The use of a practice-led research strategy allows the researcher’s art-making practice to become an integral part of the cycles of research, as the development of the researcher’s practical understanding, techniques and execution are crucial in the practical component, but also conceptually as a stance in opposition to the selected artists’ lack of practical involvement. The researcher has identified and analysed the following five factors that have contributed to this current state of art production in contemporary art: Kitsch as an influence on the subject matter and content of art, Marcel Duchamp and his idea of the ‘readymade’ and issues of authorship, Andy Warhol and his ideas on art and business, the Conceptual Art movement and, the act and product of craft being perceived as being inferior to the fine arts In addition, an exploration of the production processes involved in the creation of the artworks of Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, Maurizio Cattelan and Takashi Murakami highlights the craftspeople, fabricators and foundries that are responsible for these artists’ highly crafted aesthetics. As practice is crucial in developing a new understanding and meaning in visual-arts based research, the practical component describes the researcher’s core practical themes as being the following:the creation of naturalistic figurative small-scale sculptures in resin and bronze, placing the characters explored in the theoretical component as the subject matter.The advantages and disadvantages of the collaborative experience with Sculpture Casting Services (fine art foundry) and eNtsa (a Technology Innovation agency), especially the implementation of 3D technologies in both experiences; and the technical development and understanding in order to improve the researcher’s artistic practice Collaboration is an important underlying theme throughout this research undertaking. It is crucial in the production of most contemporary art, and assists in identifying the artist’s role within the production of his/her work. Finally, it relates to the researcher’s collaborative experience expanded upon in the practical component and its benefits as a production method. In concluding, the researcher finds that craftspeople do receive credit for the work they do in the form of money, business and marketing. They provide a service that a great number of artists generously support. Foundries and fabricators also place a mark on the work they do, much like the artist’s signature, as a symbol of pride and recognition. It is ultimately the artist’s technical abilities, workload and artist identity or brand that will determine the extent to which he or she will contribute to the collaboration, whether that be a simple idea, a sketch, a maquette or a large-scale sculpture ready for installation. However, in a rapidly advancing technological society, it is the idea of the artist as craftsman, both thinker and maker, that demands more respect.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Credit risk management in development finance institutions and SMME sustainability
- Authors: Derrocks, Velda Charmaine
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Credit -- Management Business enterprises -- Finance , Small business -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14862 , vital:27884
- Description: Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) make a significant contribution to the South African Economy. Regardless of size, these businesses have the ability to create employment, make a generous contribution to tax collections, uplift communities and serve as a beacon of hope for those trapped in the cycle of poverty and unemployment. However, SMMEs lack access to much-needed financial resources that are critical for their growth. Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) aim to bridge the gap between the SMME’s financial needs and the development of the respective SMME businesses, by providing funding to entrepreneurs with potentially viable businesses and ideas. Debt funding to these SMMEs are based on sound commercial lending principles that take various non-quantitative variables into account. The sustainability of SMMEs is a primary concern to all participants in the economy, as it is known that SMME failure rates are high Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact that the credit risk management practices of DFIs have on the sustainability of SMMEs, by examining a case study of a typical DFI. An electronic questionnaire survey was considered as an appropriate measurement method for this study. The targeted population of the study included SMMEs in the Eastern Cape that are Trust for Urban Housing (TUHF) clients and 23 SMMEs were identified as part of the study sampling frame. A total number of 14 questionnaires were returned out of the 23 targeted SMMEs - giving a response rate of 61%. The quantitative data was processed using the STATISTICA program, leading to appropriate descriptive statistical analyses. In order to better understand the impact of credit risk management practices on the sustainability of SMMEs, a hypothesis was formulated and linear regression analysis was used to establish the statistical significance of certain credit risk principles and sustainability characteristics. The results of the empirical study revealed that credit risk management practises do impact on the sustainability of SMMEs. Further, by testing the hypothesis, it was also revealed that certain sustainability variables are regarded as more important than others.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Derrocks, Velda Charmaine
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Credit -- Management Business enterprises -- Finance , Small business -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14862 , vital:27884
- Description: Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) make a significant contribution to the South African Economy. Regardless of size, these businesses have the ability to create employment, make a generous contribution to tax collections, uplift communities and serve as a beacon of hope for those trapped in the cycle of poverty and unemployment. However, SMMEs lack access to much-needed financial resources that are critical for their growth. Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) aim to bridge the gap between the SMME’s financial needs and the development of the respective SMME businesses, by providing funding to entrepreneurs with potentially viable businesses and ideas. Debt funding to these SMMEs are based on sound commercial lending principles that take various non-quantitative variables into account. The sustainability of SMMEs is a primary concern to all participants in the economy, as it is known that SMME failure rates are high Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact that the credit risk management practices of DFIs have on the sustainability of SMMEs, by examining a case study of a typical DFI. An electronic questionnaire survey was considered as an appropriate measurement method for this study. The targeted population of the study included SMMEs in the Eastern Cape that are Trust for Urban Housing (TUHF) clients and 23 SMMEs were identified as part of the study sampling frame. A total number of 14 questionnaires were returned out of the 23 targeted SMMEs - giving a response rate of 61%. The quantitative data was processed using the STATISTICA program, leading to appropriate descriptive statistical analyses. In order to better understand the impact of credit risk management practices on the sustainability of SMMEs, a hypothesis was formulated and linear regression analysis was used to establish the statistical significance of certain credit risk principles and sustainability characteristics. The results of the empirical study revealed that credit risk management practises do impact on the sustainability of SMMEs. Further, by testing the hypothesis, it was also revealed that certain sustainability variables are regarded as more important than others.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Critical success factors of effective performance appraisal and the latter's effect on employee engagement
- Authors: Tseana, Tloutsana
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employees -- Rating of Employee motivation -- Research , Performance standards Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21395 , vital:29511
- Description: The objective of this study was to investigate what the critical elements were for an employee performance appraisal system (EPA) to be effective and successful and whether the latter would enhance employee engagement. The study hypothesised that three elements, namely the level of trust in the appraiser, communication by the appraiser and the level of training of the appraiser would be critical to achieve an effective EPA. Effective performance appraisal is known to benefit organisations by helping them measure performance, motivate employees and most commonly help to make HR related administrative decisions, such as promotions and rewards. The study was conducted in a national public entity, which is constituted and mandated in terms of the PPEC Act, No 9 of 1983, to perform cold chain services and also under the APS Act, No.119 of 1990. The organisation studied also delivers inspection and food safety services for perishable products as mandated by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The research adopts a survey approach where self-administered questionnaires were used to gather data from the employees to measure their opinions of the measured elements of the employee performance appraisal (EPA). The surveys were issued to a total of 150 employees within the organisation and a total of 82 usable surveys were returned. The findings of the study revealed that the employees were generally satisfied with the level of competency, training of, and trust in, the appraiser, but there was still work to be done in improving the system and making it more successful and rewarding. Communication by the appraiser was found to be not significantly related to the effectiveness of the current performance appraisal system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Tseana, Tloutsana
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employees -- Rating of Employee motivation -- Research , Performance standards Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21395 , vital:29511
- Description: The objective of this study was to investigate what the critical elements were for an employee performance appraisal system (EPA) to be effective and successful and whether the latter would enhance employee engagement. The study hypothesised that three elements, namely the level of trust in the appraiser, communication by the appraiser and the level of training of the appraiser would be critical to achieve an effective EPA. Effective performance appraisal is known to benefit organisations by helping them measure performance, motivate employees and most commonly help to make HR related administrative decisions, such as promotions and rewards. The study was conducted in a national public entity, which is constituted and mandated in terms of the PPEC Act, No 9 of 1983, to perform cold chain services and also under the APS Act, No.119 of 1990. The organisation studied also delivers inspection and food safety services for perishable products as mandated by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The research adopts a survey approach where self-administered questionnaires were used to gather data from the employees to measure their opinions of the measured elements of the employee performance appraisal (EPA). The surveys were issued to a total of 150 employees within the organisation and a total of 82 usable surveys were returned. The findings of the study revealed that the employees were generally satisfied with the level of competency, training of, and trust in, the appraiser, but there was still work to be done in improving the system and making it more successful and rewarding. Communication by the appraiser was found to be not significantly related to the effectiveness of the current performance appraisal system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Crop production and sustainable livehoods for rural women of Sutterheim in Eastern Cape
- September, Lwandlekazi Christina
- Authors: September, Lwandlekazi Christina
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farms, Small -- Women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20488 , vital:29296
- Description: The study focuses on investigating the impact of crop production to sustainable livelihood strategies among rural women. The main objective of the study are as follows: to investigate the extent to which Silwindlala crop production cooperative has improved the lives of Jerseyville rural women, to investigate the new skills that Jerseyville rural women have obtained from Silwindlala crop production cooperative, to explore on challenges that would contribute to failure of crop production cooperative and to come up with the recommendations that would contribute to policy formulation and skills on management of crop production cooperative of rural women. The study employed qualitative method for data collection and analysis. The main findings of this study were that, the impact of crop production on sustainable livelihood is still seasonal, during harvesting period. Data showed low educational status and lack of business management skills among rural women, however, technical skills and collective interest contributed to the success of the cooperative
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: September, Lwandlekazi Christina
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farms, Small -- Women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20488 , vital:29296
- Description: The study focuses on investigating the impact of crop production to sustainable livelihood strategies among rural women. The main objective of the study are as follows: to investigate the extent to which Silwindlala crop production cooperative has improved the lives of Jerseyville rural women, to investigate the new skills that Jerseyville rural women have obtained from Silwindlala crop production cooperative, to explore on challenges that would contribute to failure of crop production cooperative and to come up with the recommendations that would contribute to policy formulation and skills on management of crop production cooperative of rural women. The study employed qualitative method for data collection and analysis. The main findings of this study were that, the impact of crop production on sustainable livelihood is still seasonal, during harvesting period. Data showed low educational status and lack of business management skills among rural women, however, technical skills and collective interest contributed to the success of the cooperative
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Cross-border assistance in the recovery of foreign tax debt
- Authors: Barnard, Hugo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Taxation -- South Africa Tax administration and procedure -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15989 , vital:28302
- Description: Internationally, there is a growing drive towards inter-governmental assistance with tax matters, including assistance in the collection of outstanding tax debt. The purpose of this study is the consider the development of South Africa’s ability to assist with the collection of foreign tax debt. The South African common law revenue rule precludes South Africa from rendering assistance with the recovery of a foreign tax debt. The revenue rule, however, may be abrogated through legislation. Analysis of section 93 of the Income Tax Act1 and section 185 of the Tax Administration Act2 indicates that a pre-requisite for South Africa to render assistance with the collection of a tax debt is the existence of an international tax agreement between South Africa and the requesting state which makes provisions for such assistance. It was also found that the South African Revenue Service (SARS) would not be able to rely on section 172 of the Tax Administration Act in order to obtain a civil judgement for recovery of a foreign tax debt. Interpretation of these provisions in light of the Constitution3 and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act4 (PAJA) indicates that they do not violate the Constitution, but actions taken by SARS may be subject to judicial review under the PAJA. After analysis of South Africa’s bilateral international tax agreements, it was found that 22 agreements contain provisions for assistance with collection of a tax debt. A review of the Multilateral Convention for Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters indicates that South Africa and 73 other countries are bound by it. Analysis of the provisions of the international tax agreements and the South African case law dealing with conflicts between international agreements and domestic legislation indicates that the South African courts would give preference to the provisions of the international agreement over domestic legislation in the case of a conflict. A review of selected cases involving assistance provisions in international tax agreements suggests that the South African courts will apply the assistance provisions to taxes that arose prior to the effective date of the assistance provisions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Barnard, Hugo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Taxation -- South Africa Tax administration and procedure -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15989 , vital:28302
- Description: Internationally, there is a growing drive towards inter-governmental assistance with tax matters, including assistance in the collection of outstanding tax debt. The purpose of this study is the consider the development of South Africa’s ability to assist with the collection of foreign tax debt. The South African common law revenue rule precludes South Africa from rendering assistance with the recovery of a foreign tax debt. The revenue rule, however, may be abrogated through legislation. Analysis of section 93 of the Income Tax Act1 and section 185 of the Tax Administration Act2 indicates that a pre-requisite for South Africa to render assistance with the collection of a tax debt is the existence of an international tax agreement between South Africa and the requesting state which makes provisions for such assistance. It was also found that the South African Revenue Service (SARS) would not be able to rely on section 172 of the Tax Administration Act in order to obtain a civil judgement for recovery of a foreign tax debt. Interpretation of these provisions in light of the Constitution3 and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act4 (PAJA) indicates that they do not violate the Constitution, but actions taken by SARS may be subject to judicial review under the PAJA. After analysis of South Africa’s bilateral international tax agreements, it was found that 22 agreements contain provisions for assistance with collection of a tax debt. A review of the Multilateral Convention for Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters indicates that South Africa and 73 other countries are bound by it. Analysis of the provisions of the international tax agreements and the South African case law dealing with conflicts between international agreements and domestic legislation indicates that the South African courts would give preference to the provisions of the international agreement over domestic legislation in the case of a conflict. A review of selected cases involving assistance provisions in international tax agreements suggests that the South African courts will apply the assistance provisions to taxes that arose prior to the effective date of the assistance provisions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Culturally informed conceptions of traumatic experience and coping strategies among the mole-dagbon of Ghana
- Authors: Thompson, Sandra
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cultural psychiatry -- Ghana , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Ghana , Dagbani (African people)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9327 , vital:26578
- Description: Culture is important to an individual’s understanding of traumatic events and the symptoms that ensue after such events. Cultural understandings also inform how individuals cope with the traumatic stress symptoms they experience. A great deal is known about the understanding of traumatic experiences and effective coping mechanisms used in Western cultures, but non-Western cultures are generally understudied. Valuable lessons are learnt from conducting studies with understudied non-Western cultures. The research sought to explore and describe the culturally informed conceptions of traumatic experience and coping strategies in one such understudied population - the Mole-Dagbon of Ghana. The research used a qualitative exploratory descriptive interpretive methodology. Purposive nonprobability sampling was used to gain access to individuals who could comment on the knowledge objectives of the study. Data was collected using focus group discussions with cultural leaders, and semi-structured interviews with traumatized individuals. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated and analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. The findings indicated that traumatic experiences and the coping strategies are influenced by a number of cultural factors. Participants’ understanding of traumatic experiences and symptoms relied heavily on normative traditional African cultural understandings, but explanations also utilized monotheistic (from Islam and Christianity) worldviews. It was also evident that not all explanations were purely spiritual and events and symptoms were also explained using a natural/scientific framework. Some aspects of this system indicated parallels with the Western cognitive understanding of traumatic stress symptoms. The Mole-Dagbon did not focus naturally on explaining the events and symptoms and in the current sample such explanations were often deferred to authoritative individuals in the society (especially the soothsayers from the Traditional African Religion). However, there was an easy focus on coping with the symptoms after a traumatic event and in this last aspect there was a great degree of agreement between participants. A clear hierarchy of coping emerged with community and family social support being considered the most important aspect. Irrespective of religious affiliation, individuals also considered a visit to the soothsayer and completing prescribed rituals as important in the process. Even where an individual did not wish to include this practice from African Traditional Religion because of religious affiliation, they acknowledged the existence and effectiveness of these practices. Finally, it was thought important that a traumatized individual consult a religious leader for counselling (again irrespective of the actual religion). While there were elements of cognitive understanding and a recognition of counselling by religious leaders, Western based treatment modalities were not mentioned as options for the treatment of the symptoms of PTSD. Practitioners that come into contact with the Mole-Dagbon may need to use collaborative treatment strategies that respects and utilizes cultural treatment strategies for PTSD. One interesting element that needs further exploration is whether the cognitive understandings of the Mole-Dagbon can be used in a cognitive therapeutic paradigm. Even though these cognitive appraisals are present in explaining symptoms, there are no direct cultural remedies that rely on them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Thompson, Sandra
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cultural psychiatry -- Ghana , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Ghana , Dagbani (African people)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9327 , vital:26578
- Description: Culture is important to an individual’s understanding of traumatic events and the symptoms that ensue after such events. Cultural understandings also inform how individuals cope with the traumatic stress symptoms they experience. A great deal is known about the understanding of traumatic experiences and effective coping mechanisms used in Western cultures, but non-Western cultures are generally understudied. Valuable lessons are learnt from conducting studies with understudied non-Western cultures. The research sought to explore and describe the culturally informed conceptions of traumatic experience and coping strategies in one such understudied population - the Mole-Dagbon of Ghana. The research used a qualitative exploratory descriptive interpretive methodology. Purposive nonprobability sampling was used to gain access to individuals who could comment on the knowledge objectives of the study. Data was collected using focus group discussions with cultural leaders, and semi-structured interviews with traumatized individuals. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated and analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. The findings indicated that traumatic experiences and the coping strategies are influenced by a number of cultural factors. Participants’ understanding of traumatic experiences and symptoms relied heavily on normative traditional African cultural understandings, but explanations also utilized monotheistic (from Islam and Christianity) worldviews. It was also evident that not all explanations were purely spiritual and events and symptoms were also explained using a natural/scientific framework. Some aspects of this system indicated parallels with the Western cognitive understanding of traumatic stress symptoms. The Mole-Dagbon did not focus naturally on explaining the events and symptoms and in the current sample such explanations were often deferred to authoritative individuals in the society (especially the soothsayers from the Traditional African Religion). However, there was an easy focus on coping with the symptoms after a traumatic event and in this last aspect there was a great degree of agreement between participants. A clear hierarchy of coping emerged with community and family social support being considered the most important aspect. Irrespective of religious affiliation, individuals also considered a visit to the soothsayer and completing prescribed rituals as important in the process. Even where an individual did not wish to include this practice from African Traditional Religion because of religious affiliation, they acknowledged the existence and effectiveness of these practices. Finally, it was thought important that a traumatized individual consult a religious leader for counselling (again irrespective of the actual religion). While there were elements of cognitive understanding and a recognition of counselling by religious leaders, Western based treatment modalities were not mentioned as options for the treatment of the symptoms of PTSD. Practitioners that come into contact with the Mole-Dagbon may need to use collaborative treatment strategies that respects and utilizes cultural treatment strategies for PTSD. One interesting element that needs further exploration is whether the cognitive understandings of the Mole-Dagbon can be used in a cognitive therapeutic paradigm. Even though these cognitive appraisals are present in explaining symptoms, there are no direct cultural remedies that rely on them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Customer preferences with regard to milk packaging
- Authors: Herbst, Ruben Andreas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Consumer behavior Consumers' preferences , Consumer satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15967 , vital:28295
- Description: The milk industry in the Eastern Cape is very competitive and milk suppliers must use all means, including packaging, to influence buying behaviour. The aim of the study was to investigate customer preferences with regard to milk packaging in the Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) area. The purpose was to develop a better understanding of customer preferences so that packaging could be designed to satisfy customer expectations and needs. The research design was based on a quantitative approach (non-experimental) and the study was descriptive in nature. The measuring instrument was a self-developed questionnaire, which was developed based on the literature study and previous empirical studies conducted by Adam and Ali (2014a) and Ahmed, Pumar and Amin (2014). The sample consisted of 199 adult shoppers in the Nelson Mandela Bay area, selected through snowball and quota sampling. Data was collected with the help of fieldworkers, coded into Microsoft Excel and processed with statistical software. Descriptive statistics and canonical correlation analysis were used to identify customer preferences and relationships between the different dimensions of milk packaging. The results revealed that size, materials, convenience in handing and product information (expiry date) were important. Colour and design were not regarded as important by the target group.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Herbst, Ruben Andreas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Consumer behavior Consumers' preferences , Consumer satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15967 , vital:28295
- Description: The milk industry in the Eastern Cape is very competitive and milk suppliers must use all means, including packaging, to influence buying behaviour. The aim of the study was to investigate customer preferences with regard to milk packaging in the Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) area. The purpose was to develop a better understanding of customer preferences so that packaging could be designed to satisfy customer expectations and needs. The research design was based on a quantitative approach (non-experimental) and the study was descriptive in nature. The measuring instrument was a self-developed questionnaire, which was developed based on the literature study and previous empirical studies conducted by Adam and Ali (2014a) and Ahmed, Pumar and Amin (2014). The sample consisted of 199 adult shoppers in the Nelson Mandela Bay area, selected through snowball and quota sampling. Data was collected with the help of fieldworkers, coded into Microsoft Excel and processed with statistical software. Descriptive statistics and canonical correlation analysis were used to identify customer preferences and relationships between the different dimensions of milk packaging. The results revealed that size, materials, convenience in handing and product information (expiry date) were important. Colour and design were not regarded as important by the target group.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Determinants of export performance among small to medium enterprises in Zimbabwe
- Karambakuwa, Tapuwa Roseline
- Authors: Karambakuwa, Tapuwa Roseline
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economics -- Zimbabwe Small business -- Zimbabwe -- Management , Shipping -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17647 , vital:28424
- Description: There is consensus that Small to Medium Enterprises (SME) exports play a critical role in the development of economies. It has been widely acknowledged in empirical research done around the world that small businesses make a significant contribution to economic development, employment, competitiveness and the reduction of regional disparities. However, empirical literature gives conflicting evidence on the determinants of export performance among SMEs. The study contributes towards the debate on SME exports by: (i) investigating the variables that determine export performance among SMEs in Zimbabwe (ii) establishing the competi-tiveness of Zimbabwe’s exports and (iii) ascertaining the major constraints faced by SME ex-porters in Zimbabwe The researcher gathered data from 120 SMEs and 10 institutions in Zimbabwe for the period 2009 to 2015. SME samples were chosen from Harare, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East provinces while all 10 of the institutions were chosen from Harare province. Convenient non-probability sampling method was used to select SMEs while stratified sampling technique was applied in the selection of institutions. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed. For the quantitative approach, panel data ordinary least squares method was used in the form of the gravity model of trade. Export intensity (used as a measure of exports) was regressed against support institutions, business ownership, research & development, educational years, use of export processing zones, product type, export years, firm size, firm age, gender, distance from trading partner, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of trading partner, and GDP of Zimbabwe. The random effects estimation method was used, basing on results from the Durbin-Wu-Hausman test. The null hypothesis was based on the premise that the variables under study do not determine export intensity of SMEs in Zimbabwe. Other null hypothesis were that the major constraint faced by SME exporters in Zimbabwe is not access to finance and that Zimbabwe’s exports are not competitive in the mining, agricultural and manufacturing sectors. The revealed comparative advantage index was computed to measure the competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s exports.For the qualitative approach, the study used the triangulation method which involved combining and utilising the questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions. The results from the study indicated that following variables increased export intensity of Zimbabwean SMEs; business ownership, use of export processing zones, export years, firm size, and GDP of trading partner. The following variables have an inverse relationship with the export intensity of Zimbabwean SMEs: gender, distance from trading partner and research & development. The results also indicated that these further variables do not determine the export intensity of SMEs in Zimbabwe: support institutions, years of education, product type, firm age and GDP of Zimbabwe. The major constraint faced by exporting SMEs in Zimbabwe is limited access to finance. Zimbabwe is competitive in the agricultural and mining sector exports, but not in manufacturing sector exports The policy implication of the findings is that SME support needs to go beyond support institutions when it comes to SME export promotion. Further SMEs in the agriculture and mining sectors need to be promoted for export growth since Zimbabwe is competitive in these sectors. However the manufacturing sector cannot be ignored, since many economies have developed due to exports of manufactured products and a country needs to have balanced export growth in both primary and manufacturing sectors. In order to have motivated, career SME exporters, entrepreneurship education should begin from primary school right up to university so as to improve entrepreneurial aspirations, attitudes and behaviour in the long run.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Karambakuwa, Tapuwa Roseline
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economics -- Zimbabwe Small business -- Zimbabwe -- Management , Shipping -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17647 , vital:28424
- Description: There is consensus that Small to Medium Enterprises (SME) exports play a critical role in the development of economies. It has been widely acknowledged in empirical research done around the world that small businesses make a significant contribution to economic development, employment, competitiveness and the reduction of regional disparities. However, empirical literature gives conflicting evidence on the determinants of export performance among SMEs. The study contributes towards the debate on SME exports by: (i) investigating the variables that determine export performance among SMEs in Zimbabwe (ii) establishing the competi-tiveness of Zimbabwe’s exports and (iii) ascertaining the major constraints faced by SME ex-porters in Zimbabwe The researcher gathered data from 120 SMEs and 10 institutions in Zimbabwe for the period 2009 to 2015. SME samples were chosen from Harare, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East provinces while all 10 of the institutions were chosen from Harare province. Convenient non-probability sampling method was used to select SMEs while stratified sampling technique was applied in the selection of institutions. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed. For the quantitative approach, panel data ordinary least squares method was used in the form of the gravity model of trade. Export intensity (used as a measure of exports) was regressed against support institutions, business ownership, research & development, educational years, use of export processing zones, product type, export years, firm size, firm age, gender, distance from trading partner, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of trading partner, and GDP of Zimbabwe. The random effects estimation method was used, basing on results from the Durbin-Wu-Hausman test. The null hypothesis was based on the premise that the variables under study do not determine export intensity of SMEs in Zimbabwe. Other null hypothesis were that the major constraint faced by SME exporters in Zimbabwe is not access to finance and that Zimbabwe’s exports are not competitive in the mining, agricultural and manufacturing sectors. The revealed comparative advantage index was computed to measure the competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s exports.For the qualitative approach, the study used the triangulation method which involved combining and utilising the questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions. The results from the study indicated that following variables increased export intensity of Zimbabwean SMEs; business ownership, use of export processing zones, export years, firm size, and GDP of trading partner. The following variables have an inverse relationship with the export intensity of Zimbabwean SMEs: gender, distance from trading partner and research & development. The results also indicated that these further variables do not determine the export intensity of SMEs in Zimbabwe: support institutions, years of education, product type, firm age and GDP of Zimbabwe. The major constraint faced by exporting SMEs in Zimbabwe is limited access to finance. Zimbabwe is competitive in the agricultural and mining sector exports, but not in manufacturing sector exports The policy implication of the findings is that SME support needs to go beyond support institutions when it comes to SME export promotion. Further SMEs in the agriculture and mining sectors need to be promoted for export growth since Zimbabwe is competitive in these sectors. However the manufacturing sector cannot be ignored, since many economies have developed due to exports of manufactured products and a country needs to have balanced export growth in both primary and manufacturing sectors. In order to have motivated, career SME exporters, entrepreneurship education should begin from primary school right up to university so as to improve entrepreneurial aspirations, attitudes and behaviour in the long run.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Determining jurisdiction at conciliation and arbitration
- Authors: Snyman, Chanel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa -- Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration -- Rules and practice Arbitration, Industrial -- South Africa , Mediation and conciliation, Industrial -- South Africa Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20648 , vital:29365
- Description: Jurisdiction is the power or competence of a Court to hear and determine an issue between parties, as well as the power to compel the parties to give effect to a judgment. The approach of a CCMA commissioner faced with a jurisdictional challenge is therefore an important issue that requires legal certainty. Unfortunately, our case law has not been uniform with regard to the various issues surrounding jurisdiction of the CCMA, for example: what facts need to be established in order for the CCMA to have jurisdiction and at what stage of the process should a commissioner deal with the issue of jurisdiction. The purpose of this treatise is to consider the various approaches of our courts to the issue of the jurisdiction of the CCMA and to determine what approach is practically best suited for CCMA commissioners when the issue of jurisdiction is in dispute. The research methodology is based on the various approaches of our courts to the jurisdiction of the CCMA as set out in Bombardier Transportation v Mtiya [2010] 8 BLLR 840 (LC). The more practical “third” approach as proposed by van Niekerk J, in Bombardier Transportation v Mtiya [2010] 8 BLLR 840 (LC), has been favoured by the Labour Court and the CCMA following the judgment. The correct approach of a commissioner when dealing with specific jurisdictional facts such as condonation and the jurisdiction of a bargaining council will further be considered. However, the predicament that commissioners face is that the Labour Appeal Court’s approach to jurisdiction is in conflict with that of the Labour Court’s approach. In conclusion, it is submitted that the Labour Appeal Court must pronounce on the issue of jurisdiction, taking into consideration the approach of the Labour Court as to create certainty regarding the correct approach of a commissioner when faced with a jurisdictional challenge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Snyman, Chanel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa -- Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration -- Rules and practice Arbitration, Industrial -- South Africa , Mediation and conciliation, Industrial -- South Africa Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20648 , vital:29365
- Description: Jurisdiction is the power or competence of a Court to hear and determine an issue between parties, as well as the power to compel the parties to give effect to a judgment. The approach of a CCMA commissioner faced with a jurisdictional challenge is therefore an important issue that requires legal certainty. Unfortunately, our case law has not been uniform with regard to the various issues surrounding jurisdiction of the CCMA, for example: what facts need to be established in order for the CCMA to have jurisdiction and at what stage of the process should a commissioner deal with the issue of jurisdiction. The purpose of this treatise is to consider the various approaches of our courts to the issue of the jurisdiction of the CCMA and to determine what approach is practically best suited for CCMA commissioners when the issue of jurisdiction is in dispute. The research methodology is based on the various approaches of our courts to the jurisdiction of the CCMA as set out in Bombardier Transportation v Mtiya [2010] 8 BLLR 840 (LC). The more practical “third” approach as proposed by van Niekerk J, in Bombardier Transportation v Mtiya [2010] 8 BLLR 840 (LC), has been favoured by the Labour Court and the CCMA following the judgment. The correct approach of a commissioner when dealing with specific jurisdictional facts such as condonation and the jurisdiction of a bargaining council will further be considered. However, the predicament that commissioners face is that the Labour Appeal Court’s approach to jurisdiction is in conflict with that of the Labour Court’s approach. In conclusion, it is submitted that the Labour Appeal Court must pronounce on the issue of jurisdiction, taking into consideration the approach of the Labour Court as to create certainty regarding the correct approach of a commissioner when faced with a jurisdictional challenge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Determining the relationship between leadership, emotional intelligence and organisational performance in government agencies
- Poya, Nkululeko Andrew Stephen
- Authors: Poya, Nkululeko Andrew Stephen
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa Emotional intelligence , Performance -- Psychological aspects Leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19861 , vital:28989
- Description: objective of this research is mainly to determine the relationship between leadership, emotional intelligence and organisational performance in state owned agencies to contribute to the debate on the role of government agencies with the South African society. The study aims to contribute to scholarly research which deals with performance related issues in the public sector.This study is however, not addressing other issues such as training needs of employees in government agencies, intelligence quotient, spiritual intelligence, corruption and ethics management. In keeping with one of the objectives of the study, a detailed review of literature was conducted in order to clearly define leadership (both transformational and transactional), emotional intelligence and organisational performance, and provide substantive reasons for the need for leaders with emotional intelligence in government agencies. The description of existing knowledge also provides outcomes of previous research pertaining to improvement of overall organisational performance. This study set out to determine the leadership approach and the level of emotional intelligence amongst the leadership sample. The research methodology employed in the study made use of a positivistic paradigm and was conducted by means of a qualitative study with careful description, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of data for the purpose of obtaining information and relevant data. The study objectives, appropriate conclusions and proposals are addressed based on the role that the two leadership approaches, linked to emotional intelligence plays with regard to organisational performance. This will ultimately enable the researcher to provide a framework for consideration during the selection of senior and executive staff members. Ultimately the recommendations made may contribute to the design of future practices aimed at improving public services in the long run in achieving the long term goals as set out in the National Development Plan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Poya, Nkululeko Andrew Stephen
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa Emotional intelligence , Performance -- Psychological aspects Leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19861 , vital:28989
- Description: objective of this research is mainly to determine the relationship between leadership, emotional intelligence and organisational performance in state owned agencies to contribute to the debate on the role of government agencies with the South African society. The study aims to contribute to scholarly research which deals with performance related issues in the public sector.This study is however, not addressing other issues such as training needs of employees in government agencies, intelligence quotient, spiritual intelligence, corruption and ethics management. In keeping with one of the objectives of the study, a detailed review of literature was conducted in order to clearly define leadership (both transformational and transactional), emotional intelligence and organisational performance, and provide substantive reasons for the need for leaders with emotional intelligence in government agencies. The description of existing knowledge also provides outcomes of previous research pertaining to improvement of overall organisational performance. This study set out to determine the leadership approach and the level of emotional intelligence amongst the leadership sample. The research methodology employed in the study made use of a positivistic paradigm and was conducted by means of a qualitative study with careful description, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of data for the purpose of obtaining information and relevant data. The study objectives, appropriate conclusions and proposals are addressed based on the role that the two leadership approaches, linked to emotional intelligence plays with regard to organisational performance. This will ultimately enable the researcher to provide a framework for consideration during the selection of senior and executive staff members. Ultimately the recommendations made may contribute to the design of future practices aimed at improving public services in the long run in achieving the long term goals as set out in the National Development Plan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Deterrents to continued blood donation among regular blood donors
- Authors: Harris, Maryke
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Marketing -- Decision making -- Health aspects -- South Africa Blood donors -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Blood -- Collection and preservation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15934 , vital:28292
- Description: Collecting blood from repeat blood donors is cost effective and safer compared to other donor types. At the end of 2012, 84% of the SANBS donor panel were inactive or lapsed. There is a lack of research available on lapsed donors in the South African context and available research is mostly quantitative with subtle contradictions. Donors who donated blood in 2012 at fixed site donor centres in Port Elizabeth, and did not return in 2013, were studied. A descriptive analysis was done and a random sample of 78 lapsed donors were selected to participate in a face-to-face interview. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed. A grounded model was developed from various existing theories to seek out and conceptualise social patterns and structures of lapsed blood donors through a process of comparison. There were 10 062 donors who donated blood in 2012 and 4 923 became lapsed during 2013. Analysis of sub groups showed a higher proportion of donors who became lapsed in the following sub-categories: new donors (95%), re-joined donors (64%), black donors (63%), donors younger than 40 (61%), female donors (52%). The feedback received from the 11 participants highlighted peer pressure as the biggest motivator. Of the six communication theories applied, The Social Penetration Theory highlighted the cost-minus-benefit ratio which played a big role in a donor’s motivation and decision to return. The AIDA Marketing Model application described lapsed donor behaviour most comprehensively and it highlighted a missing step which was created as part of a Grounded Model and is called the AIDAA Model. The role and existence of peer pressure is directly linked to donor motivation and is categorised as an Action Motivator in the AIDAA Model. The new model creates additional recruitment opportunities which has not been explored and applied strategically before.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Harris, Maryke
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Marketing -- Decision making -- Health aspects -- South Africa Blood donors -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Blood -- Collection and preservation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15934 , vital:28292
- Description: Collecting blood from repeat blood donors is cost effective and safer compared to other donor types. At the end of 2012, 84% of the SANBS donor panel were inactive or lapsed. There is a lack of research available on lapsed donors in the South African context and available research is mostly quantitative with subtle contradictions. Donors who donated blood in 2012 at fixed site donor centres in Port Elizabeth, and did not return in 2013, were studied. A descriptive analysis was done and a random sample of 78 lapsed donors were selected to participate in a face-to-face interview. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed. A grounded model was developed from various existing theories to seek out and conceptualise social patterns and structures of lapsed blood donors through a process of comparison. There were 10 062 donors who donated blood in 2012 and 4 923 became lapsed during 2013. Analysis of sub groups showed a higher proportion of donors who became lapsed in the following sub-categories: new donors (95%), re-joined donors (64%), black donors (63%), donors younger than 40 (61%), female donors (52%). The feedback received from the 11 participants highlighted peer pressure as the biggest motivator. Of the six communication theories applied, The Social Penetration Theory highlighted the cost-minus-benefit ratio which played a big role in a donor’s motivation and decision to return. The AIDA Marketing Model application described lapsed donor behaviour most comprehensively and it highlighted a missing step which was created as part of a Grounded Model and is called the AIDAA Model. The role and existence of peer pressure is directly linked to donor motivation and is categorised as an Action Motivator in the AIDAA Model. The new model creates additional recruitment opportunities which has not been explored and applied strategically before.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Development of a liposomal acyclovir mucoadhesive film
- Authors: Nalungwe, Sarah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Clinical pharmacology , Liposomes Nanomedicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14212 , vital:27451
- Description: Acyclovir is a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue with in vitro and in vivo inhibitory activity against herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1), 2 (HSV-2), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The efficacy of oral acyclovir is limited as a result of its low bioavailability (15-30%) as it is poorly water soluble and therefore requires a frequent dosing regimen. When orally administered, peak plasma concentration occurs after 1.5–2.5 hours, while its elimination half-life is approximately 2-3 hours. Acyclovir displays poor solubility in water and in lipid bilayers, which leads to poor drug levels at target sites after oral, local, or parenteral administration. In order to improve this lack of solubility, novel amphiphilic derivatives have been designed to form nanoparticles, which allow for the efficient encapsulation of this hydrophobic antiviral agent. Reformulation of drugs in liposomes has provided an opportunity to enhance the therapeutic indices of various agents mainly via alteration of their bio-distribution. Liposomal drug delivery systems have received considerable attention due to their immense advantages which include, effective encapsulation of both small and large molecules that have a wide range of hydrophobicity levels and pKa values, prolonging and targeting release of therapeutic agents by modification of liposomal surface and also minimising clinical drug dose thus reducing toxicity effects. Liposomes exhibit a number of special biological characteristics, including specific interactions with biological membranes and various cells, hence, liposomes are used as biocompatible carriers to improve delivery properties across mucus membranes. Mucoadhesive dosage forms may be designed to enable prolonged retention at the site of application, providing a controlled rate of drug release for improved therapeutic outcome. The aim of this study was to develop an acyclovir liposomal mucoadhesive film by actively encapsulating acyclovir into liposomes and preparing a mucoadhesive film to optimise delivery of acyclovir liposomes at target sites. To actively encapsulate acyclovir and prepare the acyclovir-containing liposomes, a comprehensive statistical methodology was used in optimising the liposome formulation to encapsulate acyclovir. Central composite design was used as the response surface methodology statistical tool to design and develop an optimised method for active encapsulation of acyclovir into liposomes. The predicted optimised encapsulation parameters were incubation temperature of 60 °C and incubation time of 45 minutes. The mean percentage encapsulation calculated was 27.72%. The overall average size of the liposomes was 99.5 nm with a narrow distribution polydispersity index of 0.105 and were physically characterised as small unilamellar vesicles which possessed an average zeta potential of -45.6 mV. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyse and determine acyclovir drug content in the liposomes and drug release pattern from the mucoadhesive film. Polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP) and Polyethylene glycol (PEG) were used in the preparation of mucoadhesive film, in which the acyclovir encapsulated liposomes were incorporated. The average amount of acyclovir drug content quantified to be in 4 cm2 of the mucoadhesive film was 36.8543 μg. The average tensile strength of the mucoadhesive film was determined to be 3.06 N/mm2 with an elongation percentage of 4.54%. The toughness of the film was 71.50 N.mm and the force required to rupture film was 16.49 N. The work and maximum force required to detach the mucoadhesive film from the glass side was 2.58 N.mm and 11615.32 mN, respectively. A Franz diffusion cell was used to perform acyclovir drug release studies from the mucoadhesive film and a commercial brand of acyclovir cream (Acitop®). Percentage acyclovir drug release from the film and cream was plotted against time using Sigmaplot® software version 13 following First order, Peppas, Hixon and Crowell, Higuchi (Square Root Time) and Bakers and Lonsdale mathematical models. The mucoadhesive film acyclovir attained the highest correlation coefficient r2 of 0.9879 following the Baker & Lonsdale mathematical model which describes controlled drug release from spherical matrices hence fits the model as the acyclovir is encapsulated in liposomes which are incorporated in the polymer mucoadhesive film. And the acyclovir cream (Acitop®) attained the highest correlation coefficient r2 of 0.9944 following the Peppas mathematical model. The Peppas model has been used to describe drug release from various release dosage forms when there is more than one type of dosage release or when release mechanism is not well known. One assumption of this model is that drug release occurs in one dimension, which is a suitable release profile for the cream as it is absorbed through the skin in one dimension when applied topically. There was significant difference between the drug release data for the mucoadhesive film and the acyclovir cream (Acitop®). A physically stable mucoadhesive film containing acyclovir-loaded liposomes was developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nalungwe, Sarah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Clinical pharmacology , Liposomes Nanomedicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14212 , vital:27451
- Description: Acyclovir is a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue with in vitro and in vivo inhibitory activity against herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1), 2 (HSV-2), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The efficacy of oral acyclovir is limited as a result of its low bioavailability (15-30%) as it is poorly water soluble and therefore requires a frequent dosing regimen. When orally administered, peak plasma concentration occurs after 1.5–2.5 hours, while its elimination half-life is approximately 2-3 hours. Acyclovir displays poor solubility in water and in lipid bilayers, which leads to poor drug levels at target sites after oral, local, or parenteral administration. In order to improve this lack of solubility, novel amphiphilic derivatives have been designed to form nanoparticles, which allow for the efficient encapsulation of this hydrophobic antiviral agent. Reformulation of drugs in liposomes has provided an opportunity to enhance the therapeutic indices of various agents mainly via alteration of their bio-distribution. Liposomal drug delivery systems have received considerable attention due to their immense advantages which include, effective encapsulation of both small and large molecules that have a wide range of hydrophobicity levels and pKa values, prolonging and targeting release of therapeutic agents by modification of liposomal surface and also minimising clinical drug dose thus reducing toxicity effects. Liposomes exhibit a number of special biological characteristics, including specific interactions with biological membranes and various cells, hence, liposomes are used as biocompatible carriers to improve delivery properties across mucus membranes. Mucoadhesive dosage forms may be designed to enable prolonged retention at the site of application, providing a controlled rate of drug release for improved therapeutic outcome. The aim of this study was to develop an acyclovir liposomal mucoadhesive film by actively encapsulating acyclovir into liposomes and preparing a mucoadhesive film to optimise delivery of acyclovir liposomes at target sites. To actively encapsulate acyclovir and prepare the acyclovir-containing liposomes, a comprehensive statistical methodology was used in optimising the liposome formulation to encapsulate acyclovir. Central composite design was used as the response surface methodology statistical tool to design and develop an optimised method for active encapsulation of acyclovir into liposomes. The predicted optimised encapsulation parameters were incubation temperature of 60 °C and incubation time of 45 minutes. The mean percentage encapsulation calculated was 27.72%. The overall average size of the liposomes was 99.5 nm with a narrow distribution polydispersity index of 0.105 and were physically characterised as small unilamellar vesicles which possessed an average zeta potential of -45.6 mV. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyse and determine acyclovir drug content in the liposomes and drug release pattern from the mucoadhesive film. Polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP) and Polyethylene glycol (PEG) were used in the preparation of mucoadhesive film, in which the acyclovir encapsulated liposomes were incorporated. The average amount of acyclovir drug content quantified to be in 4 cm2 of the mucoadhesive film was 36.8543 μg. The average tensile strength of the mucoadhesive film was determined to be 3.06 N/mm2 with an elongation percentage of 4.54%. The toughness of the film was 71.50 N.mm and the force required to rupture film was 16.49 N. The work and maximum force required to detach the mucoadhesive film from the glass side was 2.58 N.mm and 11615.32 mN, respectively. A Franz diffusion cell was used to perform acyclovir drug release studies from the mucoadhesive film and a commercial brand of acyclovir cream (Acitop®). Percentage acyclovir drug release from the film and cream was plotted against time using Sigmaplot® software version 13 following First order, Peppas, Hixon and Crowell, Higuchi (Square Root Time) and Bakers and Lonsdale mathematical models. The mucoadhesive film acyclovir attained the highest correlation coefficient r2 of 0.9879 following the Baker & Lonsdale mathematical model which describes controlled drug release from spherical matrices hence fits the model as the acyclovir is encapsulated in liposomes which are incorporated in the polymer mucoadhesive film. And the acyclovir cream (Acitop®) attained the highest correlation coefficient r2 of 0.9944 following the Peppas mathematical model. The Peppas model has been used to describe drug release from various release dosage forms when there is more than one type of dosage release or when release mechanism is not well known. One assumption of this model is that drug release occurs in one dimension, which is a suitable release profile for the cream as it is absorbed through the skin in one dimension when applied topically. There was significant difference between the drug release data for the mucoadhesive film and the acyclovir cream (Acitop®). A physically stable mucoadhesive film containing acyclovir-loaded liposomes was developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Devulcanization of model compounds by a variety of diphenyldisulfides
- Authors: Boyce, Annemè
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rubber -- Recycling Rubber, Reclaimed , Rubber -- Standards -- South Africa Rubber -- Research Chromatographic analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14730 , vital:27834
- Description: Improvements to the properties of recycled rubber, by developing a more selective breakdown process, is an important issue and a global challenge. Devulcanization is the most promising way to achieve this. It is a process which aims to totally or partially cleave monosulfidic (C-S-C), disulfidic (C-S-S-C) and polysulfidic (C-Sx-C) crosslinks of vulcanized rubber. In this study, the devulcanization of sulfur-vulcanized natural rubber with a variety of diphenyldisulfides has been studied using 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene and squalene as model compounds, vulcanized by sulfur and 2-bisbenzothiazole-2,2’-disulfide. 2-aminodiphenyldisulfide; 4-amino-diphenyldisulfide; bis(2-benzamido-)diphenyldisulfide and 2,2’-bithiosalicylic acid were used as aromatic disulfides devulcanization agents. Thermal analysis was used to investigate interactions between various combinations of curatives in the vulcanization systems in the absence of model compounds. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to detect mass changes during vulcanization and whether the samples decompose/evaporate so as not to contaminate differential scanning calorimetry instrumentation. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to investigate reactions occurring between curatives. Comparison of reversing and non-reversing signals in modulated experiments are suggestive of reactions between devulcanization agents and sulfur, and accelerators Vulcanization of the model compounds were performed in 10m evacuated sealed glass ampoules placed in an oil bath at 160 °C and agitated for the duration of vulcanization. After 60 min the ampoules were removed and quenched. These were then devulcanized by exposure to a devulcanization agent in a sealed ampoule at 180 for 60 min. Crosslinked 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene species were isolated and analysed by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. Particular attention was paid to changes in the number of sulfur atoms in the crosslinks. Results indicate that of the devulcanization agents tested 4-amino-diphenyldisulfide was the most effective. No detrimental effect on devulcanization efficiency was caused by the substitution of a basic amino group with an acidic carboxylic acid group Gel permeation chromatography was performed on devulcanized squalene crosslinks using a tetrahydrofuran eluent. GPC investigations with squalene were less effective than HPLC experiments with 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene at evaluating the relative efficiency of individual devulcanization agents. Results were, however, consistent with 4-amino-diphenyldisulfide again being the most efficient devulcanization agent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Boyce, Annemè
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rubber -- Recycling Rubber, Reclaimed , Rubber -- Standards -- South Africa Rubber -- Research Chromatographic analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14730 , vital:27834
- Description: Improvements to the properties of recycled rubber, by developing a more selective breakdown process, is an important issue and a global challenge. Devulcanization is the most promising way to achieve this. It is a process which aims to totally or partially cleave monosulfidic (C-S-C), disulfidic (C-S-S-C) and polysulfidic (C-Sx-C) crosslinks of vulcanized rubber. In this study, the devulcanization of sulfur-vulcanized natural rubber with a variety of diphenyldisulfides has been studied using 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene and squalene as model compounds, vulcanized by sulfur and 2-bisbenzothiazole-2,2’-disulfide. 2-aminodiphenyldisulfide; 4-amino-diphenyldisulfide; bis(2-benzamido-)diphenyldisulfide and 2,2’-bithiosalicylic acid were used as aromatic disulfides devulcanization agents. Thermal analysis was used to investigate interactions between various combinations of curatives in the vulcanization systems in the absence of model compounds. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to detect mass changes during vulcanization and whether the samples decompose/evaporate so as not to contaminate differential scanning calorimetry instrumentation. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to investigate reactions occurring between curatives. Comparison of reversing and non-reversing signals in modulated experiments are suggestive of reactions between devulcanization agents and sulfur, and accelerators Vulcanization of the model compounds were performed in 10m evacuated sealed glass ampoules placed in an oil bath at 160 °C and agitated for the duration of vulcanization. After 60 min the ampoules were removed and quenched. These were then devulcanized by exposure to a devulcanization agent in a sealed ampoule at 180 for 60 min. Crosslinked 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene species were isolated and analysed by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. Particular attention was paid to changes in the number of sulfur atoms in the crosslinks. Results indicate that of the devulcanization agents tested 4-amino-diphenyldisulfide was the most effective. No detrimental effect on devulcanization efficiency was caused by the substitution of a basic amino group with an acidic carboxylic acid group Gel permeation chromatography was performed on devulcanized squalene crosslinks using a tetrahydrofuran eluent. GPC investigations with squalene were less effective than HPLC experiments with 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene at evaluating the relative efficiency of individual devulcanization agents. Results were, however, consistent with 4-amino-diphenyldisulfide again being the most efficient devulcanization agent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Diamond turning of contact lens polymers
- Authors: Liman, Muhammad Mukhtar
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Diamond turning Contact lenses , Electrostatic lenses Lenses -- Design and construction Neural networks (Computer science)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19223 , vital:28789
- Description: Contact lens production requires high accuracy and good surface integrity. Surface roughness is generally used to measure the index quality of a turning process. It has been an important response because it has direct influence toward the part performance and the production cost. Hence, choosing optimal cutting parameters will not only improve the quality measure but also the productivity. In this study, an ONSI-56 (Onsifocon A) contact lens buttons were used to investigate the triboelectric phenomena and the effects of turning parameters on surface finish of the lens materials. ONSI-56 specimens are machined by Precitech Nanoform Ultra-grind 250 precision machine and the roughness values of the diamond turned surfaces are measured by Taylor Hopson PGI Profilometer. Electrostatics values were measured using electrostatic voltmeter. An artificial neural network (ANN) and response surface (RS) model were developed to predict surface roughness and electrostatic discharge (ESD) on the turned ONSI-56. In the development of predictive models, turning parameters of cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut were considered as model variables. The required data for predictive models were obtained by conducting a series of turning test and measuring the surface roughness and ESD data. Good agreement is observed between the predictive models results and the experimental measurements. The ANN and RSM models for ONSI-56 are compared with each other using mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) for accuracy and computational cost.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Liman, Muhammad Mukhtar
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Diamond turning Contact lenses , Electrostatic lenses Lenses -- Design and construction Neural networks (Computer science)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19223 , vital:28789
- Description: Contact lens production requires high accuracy and good surface integrity. Surface roughness is generally used to measure the index quality of a turning process. It has been an important response because it has direct influence toward the part performance and the production cost. Hence, choosing optimal cutting parameters will not only improve the quality measure but also the productivity. In this study, an ONSI-56 (Onsifocon A) contact lens buttons were used to investigate the triboelectric phenomena and the effects of turning parameters on surface finish of the lens materials. ONSI-56 specimens are machined by Precitech Nanoform Ultra-grind 250 precision machine and the roughness values of the diamond turned surfaces are measured by Taylor Hopson PGI Profilometer. Electrostatics values were measured using electrostatic voltmeter. An artificial neural network (ANN) and response surface (RS) model were developed to predict surface roughness and electrostatic discharge (ESD) on the turned ONSI-56. In the development of predictive models, turning parameters of cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut were considered as model variables. The required data for predictive models were obtained by conducting a series of turning test and measuring the surface roughness and ESD data. Good agreement is observed between the predictive models results and the experimental measurements. The ANN and RSM models for ONSI-56 are compared with each other using mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) for accuracy and computational cost.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017