Factors inhibiting rural development in the Amahlathi Local Municipality
- Authors: Ngamile, Nolundi Cordelia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19431 , vital:28872
- Description: In South Africa, since 1994 when democratic government came into power, the issue of development was raised as one of the priorities of government. Government promised citizens livelihoods to be improved through quality, effective and efficient services. Rural development was identified as one priorities of government to ensure better life for all the citizens. The issue of rural development was still a challenge in South Africa especially in the Eastern Cape Province. Amahlathi local municipality is not an exception from these challenges. Transformation of rural communities in this area through rural development is very slow. It is quite evident that although rural development was a priority initiative this municipality is still facing challenges. There are factors and constraints inhibiting rural development. The primary objective of this research was to obtain a better understanding of poverty and development in rural areas and also to identify the underlying factors and challenges inhibiting rural development. The study had three objectives. The first objective was to identify factors inhibiting rural development in the Amahlathi Local Municipality; the second objective was to identify the constraints on economic activities in Amahlathi Municipality. The third objective was to ascertain what has been done to address the needs of rural people in Amahlathi Local Municipality by agents of development, such as government and non-governmental organisations. The study employed a qualitative approach for an in-depth understanding and verification. Source of documents included academic and non -academic books, journal articles published and unpublished dissertations, official documents of the government and the magazines and the internet were used as sources of secondary data. The main finding in terms of the research objective is that there a number of factors inhibiting rural development include lack of basic infrastructure, lack of access to markets, low employment, and training and capacity building. Infrastructure such as roads, transport and irrigation is crucial for improving and stabilising the livelihoods of rural households and providing access to markets and key social services in the Amahlathi Municipality. The recommends that a serious interventions by the states should be employed and also has to encourage investment in infrastructure using labour-intensive methods to reduce service backlogs in underserviced areas in Amahlathi. Government has to develop service-improvement programmes that generate income and employment in order to reduce poverty in Amahlathi Municipality. This includes empowerment of people.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Factors relating to academic success in the first semester of the bachelor of pharmacy degree at NMMU
- Authors: Nagel, Timothy Shaun
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Pharmacy -- Study and teaching , College students -- South Africa Academic achievement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14201 , vital:27446
- Description: Student throughput rates and academic achievement at universities are a concern at a national level in South Africa. Statistics have shown that on average, only ±17% of students who enrolled at a university, managed to graduate. The aim of the study was to determine the factors pertaining to student achievement and success in the first semester of the first year Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. This study was a longitudinal, observational study which incorporated only quantitative aspects. Factors included in the investigation were: student motivation; learning styles; prior academic achievement; language use and sources of financial support. In order to determine student motivation, an Academic Motivation Scale (AMS) was used. Learning styles were assessed using a Kolb Learning Style Inventory (LSI) tool. The student’s National Senior Certificate (NSC) results were compared to the students 2016 semester one final marks, to correlate student readiness and prior academic achievement with current academic achievement. Home language and sources of financial support were also evaluated using a purpose-designed questionnaire. Results showed that only the Life Sciences module was practically and statistically significant as a predictor of academic success, with a p-value of .001 and a correlation coefficient |r| value of .369. The minimum entry requirements for the BPharm Degree do not include Life Science, however, based on this study, inclusion of Life Sciences at a specific achievement level should be considered.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Factors that prevent black South Africans from attaining adequate levels of saving
- Authors: Mantashe, Zuko Nathi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Saving and investment -- Blacks -- South Africa Finance, Personal -- Blacks -- South Africa , Economic development -- Blacks -- South Africa Economics -- Blacks -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18551 , vital:28676
- Description: South Africa is trailing behind its BRICS counterparts in terms of Gross national Savings rates. South Africa stands at around 16% of gross domestic product, fellow BRICS members China and Russia are standing at approximately 52% and 22% respectively. South Africa saw a decline from approximately 30% GDP to savings ratio before 1994 to the current level of approximately 16%. The trend has been very similar in comparison with India. The other similarity between these BRICS countries is that they all have seen very rapid growth. All economic indicators have indicated that the economies of the BRICS nations are very strong and have been performing at a superior level to South Africa. South Africa compares even worse with regards to household savings versus its BRICS counterparts. Various arguments and explanations as to why this is so come up on a number of social, government and corporate platforms. The “aspirational” culture is widely blamed for the poor showing of South African households when it comes to savings. The South African financial sector is very sophisticated and is widely blamed for the encouraging consumption and even worse credit consumption. An analysis done by Ecnometrics found that amongst the significant determinants of household saving rates are: uncertainty (inflation), income level, public sector savings, development’s in the global economy and government economic policy. The study revealed that the above factors were very influential in the rapid economic growth and increased per capita net worth seen of the most BRICS countries. The correlation between saving/investment and consumption/irresponsible consumer behavior is indicated to be a very strong one and takes a very longtime to evolve. This requires outrooting certain societal norms, attitudes and culture and replacing it with a brand new behavior, beliefs and aspirations. Role players that emerge as strong drivers in this phenomena is the societal culture however the other role player who prove to be prominent are the policy makers. In most cases the economic and gross national saving rates coincided with major economic policy reforms in the countries that have performed well.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Farmers’ perception on factors influencing small-scale vegetable production at Tsengiwe village, South Africa
- Authors: Gqibityala, Akhona
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Vegetable gardening -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15281 , vital:28210
- Description: Food security and self-sufficiency in the rural areas has been and remains a major concern for the South African government. The study aimed to investigate farmer’s perception of factors influencing small-scale vegetable production in Tsengiwe village in the Eastern Cape. The research focus was on the following aspects that may have an influence on small-scale vegetable production: socio-economic factors, production and resource deficiencies and the impact of indigenous leafy vegetables. The researcher conducted several demonstration workshops during the field work. The pilot studies and community engagements were essential to extract knowledge systems embedded in the cultural traditions of indigenous or local communities. The action research was part of the reflective process of broadminded problem solving led by researcher and community. The research approach used a triangulation research method to extract information, whereby both quantitative and qualitative research was used to ensure greater accuracy. The main data collection was obtained from interviews with small-scale farming households in the Tsengiwe area. The study revealed that households were dependent on elderly female pensioners to source food and water. These women received most of their income from social grants and were mainly responsible for all farming activities in the households. Most households attempted to produce vegetables, although food security and self-sufficiency through own production was rarely achieved.Other perceived farming challenges included: lack of market accessibility, irrigation infrastructure, drought, financial limitations and soil degradation. Indigenous leafy vegetables were found to play a nutritional role in times of food shortage and not as much for their medicinal value. The study recommended the following interventions: Support for the elderly women in development and production practices, interventions to address factors affecting vegetable production, improving soil structure, working towards food self-sufficiency, moving away from dependence on mechanisation in rural farming.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Female university students’ perceptions of the effects of maternal loss on their identity and intimacy development
- Authors: Makalima, Phaphama
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Intimacy (Psychology) Identity (Psychology) , Students -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects Developmental psychology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18090 , vital:28575
- Description: Early maternal loss and its effects on daughters’ development has generated interest internationally. Yet very few studies have been conducted within South Africa, even though the prevalence of South African children growing up with the loss of their mothers is on the increase particularly due to HIV and Aids. This field of study is particularly important as mothers play a significant developmental role in children’s wellbeing. This study focused on exploring NMMU female students’ perceptions of the effects of maternal loss before adolescence on their identity and intimacy development. A qualitative research approach was followed in order to gain in-depth understanding regarding these perceived effects. A purposive, non-probability sampling method was employed to select participants and semi-structured interviews were conducted with them to explore and describe their perceptions. Attachment theory was utilised to provide a theoretical understanding of the potential impact of such loss on identity and intimacy development. Erikson’s psychosocial development theory was employed to describe the nature of personal identity and intimacy. The role of mothers in the South African context is perceived to be of importance with much focus on daughters’ identity development. Childhood maternal loss for daughters was perceived to effect the identity formation of participants in the study. The majority of participants perceived not having been able to spend enough time with their biological mothers to have limited their self-exploration. The participants perceived that this loss also had an effect on their intimacy as it isolated them from their peers and available support systems due to the fear of experiencing losing a person again in their lives.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Financial development in the SADC: growth and cross-country spatial spill-over effects
- Authors: Bara, Alex
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa Economic assistance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14950 , vital:27943
- Description: This study was prompted by the prevailing imbalance in financial development across SADC countries, which is not consistent with the linkages and interconnectedness of financial systems of these economies. South Africa is the most financially developed country in Africa, yet it is surrounded by economies with relatively small and underdeveloped financial systems, contrary to the spatial proximity theory in finance. The study performed a number of empirical estimations in respect of the spatiality of financial development, motivated by the intention to assess the growth and spatial spill-over effects of financial development in SADC. The study provides new information in spatial spill-over dynamics of financial development, which could inform policy development particularly in view of the on-going financial integration in the SADC region. The study also contributes to regional economic development in SADC from a finance perspective. The analysis was performed using annual data for all the 15 SADC countries, spanning for the period 1985 to 2014. Using the Generalised Method of Moments approach, the study finds that financial development does not support economic growth in SADC. Financial reforms were found to be insufficient to drive growth. A bi-directional causality between financial development and economic growth was established with causality being strong when flowing from economic growth to financial development. The extended Aghion, Howitt and Mayer-Foulkes Model, estimated by an Autoregressive Distributive Lag approach, established that financial innovation has a positive relation to economic growth in SADC, particularly in the long-run. There is no causality, in either direction, between financial innovation and economic growth in both the short and long-run. The Spatial Durbin Model reveals a presence of positive spatial effects on financial development in the region and that proximity to South Africa yields consistent effects of spatial externality in money markets and inconsistent spatial externality in credit markets. The monetary union has no influence on spatial dynamics of financial development in SADC. The generalised impulse response analysis of a Bayesian VAR model indicate that shocks in South Africa’s financial sector has positive, but constrained and in some cases weak, financial spill-over effects on both economic growth and financial development of other SADC countries. The study established, using the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, a high level of financial market concentration for SADC, cantered in South Africa, and a fair distribution when South Africa is excluded. Dynamic panel models established that financial market concentration reduces financial development in SADC. South Africa’s financial development has mixed and opposing effects on financial market concentration in SADC. The findings also show that international finance has a positive, but currently weak, effect on financial development in SADC and countries with international financial centres contribute more to financial development than countries without. Proximity to South Africa creates huge potential for increasing financial development in SADC through spill-overs and more benefits of spatial proximity are realised in the long-run. Given the strong spatial effects in money markets and significant positive spill-overs in credit markets in the region, countries closer to South Africa need to link their money and credit markets to the South African markets and possibly benchmark to the Rand so as to benefit from proximity and spill-overs from South Africa. The results also suggest that SADC countries need to capitalise on their proximity to South Africa to enhance financial development by promoting economic growth, financial innovation, opening and diversification of financial sectors and linkages to global financial markets. Financial innovation supports financial inclusion, cross-border flows of funds, remittances and trade in SADC and has effects of enabling integration with developed markets and facilitating economic activity. Opening financial sectors enhances diversification of financial systems, increases competition and efficiency. To enhance access to international finance, the study suggests the creation of information centres in South Africa with SADC countries as economic hinterlands, commercialisation of solutions to SADC countries financial challenges, financial integration and support for deepening of financial systems in these countries. Strengthening economic growth could also increase financial development given a strong demand-following causality. The major challenge, however, is that some of the SADC countries have underdeveloped and highly concentrated financial systems characterised by high financial intermediation inefficiencies, high financial exclusion, weak financial infrastructure and regulations. Consequently, countries suffer financial leakages, are not receptive to spatial externalities and financial spill-overs from South Africa and often generate financial spillbacks to South Africa. SADC countries should, however, first address the issue of financial exclusion, financial infrastructure and regulation as well as efficiency in the financial markets. The SADC countries need mechanisms to attract financial development from South Africa to benefit from positive spill-overs and instruments to deal with negative externalities of financial shocks in South Africa. Overall, there is potential for increased financial development in SADC by consolidating absorption of positive financial spill-overs and externalities of proximity to South Africa -particularly in the medium to long term. Heterogeneity among SADC countries and the varying levels of financial development, however, dictates that the region should promote financial integration in order to enhance development of underdeveloped financial systems through spatial spill-over gains.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Financial sustainability mechanisms for local NGOs in the Gauteng province, South Africa
- Authors: Manzere, Bogadi Patricia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Gauteng -- Finance Nonprofit organizations -- South Africa -- Gauteng -- Finance , Nonprofit organizations -- South Africa -- Gauteng -- Management Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18562 , vital:28682
- Description: The role of NGOs has been widely recognised in eradicating poverty and creating sustainable development in communities. Governments and private corporations view them as complementary partners in enhancing the livelihoods of people. In order to survive, NGOs need to be financially sustainable to carry out their missions. Their existence is, however, threatened by the current economic and political climate. In South Africa, the recent global economic recession and the country’s recovery from the apartheid system since 1994 have both had a negative impact in funding financial flow to NGOs. Compounded by the growing demand for new NGOs, evidence shows that there is fierce competition between NGOs for the same funding and, since NGOs by nature do not produce commercial outputs, they are limited to pursue funding opportunities made available through donations. This study explored the issues of financial sustainability within local NGOs in the Gauteng Province. The aim was to build mechanisms that could be put in place to monitor organisational financial sustainability over time. The study used a qualitative methodology and the researcher adopted an exploratory design to gain insight and meaning into the issues faced by NGOs. A sample of ten members from local NGOs in the Gauteng Province was identified and data was collected through key informant interviews and questionnaires. The study found that the majority of NGOs face difficulties in achieving financial sustainability over the long-term. The results indicated that funding in the sector is shrinking, with very few NGOs surviving through endowments. Their major challenges in raising funds are due to area limitations, competition within the sector, lack of skills, staff shortage and visibility. They optimise available opportunities but also acknowledge that they are not implementing other fundraising strategies that could be effective in raising funds. Evidence also showed that these NGOs are meeting the requirements of good financial management practices, which could improve their likelihood to achieve financial sustainability. The research recommends that NGOs need to be empowered to negotiate restrictions under the grants, raise endowments through income-generating activities, manage stakeholder relationships and cost any future funding prospects for key decision making that is likely to have an impact on the structure and the strategic direction of an organisation.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Friction welding of thin walled zircaloy-4 tubes for the nuclear industry
- Authors: Koloi, Nthatisi Dinah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Friction welding Zirconium alloys
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18794 , vital:28724
- Description: This work reports on the process development of solid state welding as an alternative joining process for assembling Zircaloy-4 fuel rod components for the nuclear industry. A typical fuel rod consists of a thin tube that is blocked at both ends by end-caps. The welding of the thin wall tubes onto the end-caps is currently accomplished by employing fusion techniques. Due to limited thin wall Zircaloy-4 tube supplied, preliminary welding was initially performed with thin wall 316L stainless steel tube for the development of a joint geometry and establishment of an experimental welding and testing setup. A suitable joint geometry that would achieve higher static strength equal or above that of the parent material, as well as complete circumferential bonding was investigated through welding a tube on different volume interface geometries of the end-caps. Higher joint efficiency was obtained from a tube-to-tube joint geometry that allowed sufficient frictional heat input at the interface. Consequently, the successful joint geometry was employed to develop a friction welding process for the joining of thin wall Zircaloy-4 tubes. The influential process parameters, axial force, rotational speed and upset distance were varied during the investigation. The completed weld joints were evaluated by visual, metallurgical and mechanical means. Successful welds showed complete circumferential bonding and high joint efficiency that was above the parent plate material as well as parent tube material. The evaluation of the microstructure showed transformation of grain structure on the heat affected zone (HAZ) and friction weld zone when compared to the parent materials. Even though, this work could not resolve inner flash formation, there is enough evidence that friction welding can be used for assembling fuel rod components in the nuclear industry.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Funding and governance of cooperatives: a case study of Magwa and Majola tea estates in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Velani, Chuma
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- Finance -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14411 , vital:27585
- Description: The purpose of this research study is to assess the funding and governance models utilised in the operations of cooperatives, with specific reference to Magwa and Majola Tea Estates in the Eastern Cape. Luyt (2008) observes that poverty levels in South Africa remain high, and have not been greatly reduced since 1994. There is general agreement amongst Eastern Cape communities that more than two decades after apartheid has ended, nearly half of South Africa’s population continue to live in poverty. A common understanding, is that cooperatives are geared and established to address poverty, address both social and economic development, even though they also emphasise a social focus, they are expected to be operated on sound business principles.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Governing information security within the context of "bring your own device" in small, medium and micro enterprises
- Authors: Fani, Noluvuyo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Data protection , Computer security -- Management , Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7626 , vital:22114
- Description: Throughout history, information has been core to the communication, processing and storage of most tasks in the organisation, in this case in Small-Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). The implementation of these tasks relies on Information and Communication Technology (ICT). ICT is constantly evolving, and with each developed ICT, it becomes important that organisations adapt to the changing environment. Organisations need to adapt to the changing environment by incorporating innovative ICT that allows employees to perform their tasks with ease anywhere and anytime, whilst reducing the costs affiliated with the ICT. In this modern, performing tasks with ease anywhere and anytime requires that the employee is mobile whilst using the ICT. As a result, a relatively new phenomenon called “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) is currently infiltrating most organisations, where personally-owned mobile devices are used to access organisational information that will be used to conduct the various tasks of the organisation. The use of BYOD in organisations breeds the previously mentioned benefits such as performing organisational tasks anywhere and anytime. However, with the benefits highlighted for BYOD, organisations should be aware that there are risks to the implementation of BYOD. Therefore, the implementation of BYOD deems that organisations should implement BYOD with proper management thereof.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Growth strategies for black township entrepreneurs
- Authors: Boniwe, Sihlangule
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14598 , vital:27800
- Description: The situation in South Africa throws up a trickier and more unconventional challenge. The country has symptoms of a spatial realm that is not fully connected with the urban systems (spatially, socially, or structurally) and is certainly disconnected from the rural economy. This is the realm of the country’s townships and informal settlements. Conceptually, they are relics of the country’s special past, but the policies of post-apartheid South Africa have inadvertently kept their contemporary reality alive. In many ways, the townships and especially the informal settlements are similar to the slums in much of the developing world, although never was a slum formed with as much central planning and purpose as were some of the larger South African townships. This paper undertakes to understand the growth strategies of black township entrepreneurs in South Africa. This paper also undertakes to investigate the perceived influence of education, government policies, access to funding, market constraints, crime and social norms on the development or perceived growth strategies for black township entrepreneurs. Propositions are made and tested through conducting interviews with individuals involved with the dynamics presented by this subject on a day to day basis. Evidence collected is interpreted into knowledge and finally recommendations are made.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Guidelines for secure cloud-based personal health records
- Authors: Mxoli, Ncedisa Avuya Mercia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cloud computing -- Security measures , Computer security Data mining Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14134 , vital:27433
- Description: Traditionally, health records have been stored in paper folders at the physician’s consulting rooms – or at the patient’s home. Some people stored the health records of their family members, so as to keep a running history of all the medical procedures they went through, and what medications they were given by different physicians at different stages of their lives. Technology has introduced better and safer ways of storing these records, namely, through the use of Personal Health Records (PHRs). With time, different types of PHRs have emerged, i.e. local, remote server-based, and hybrid PHRs. Web-based PHRs fall under the remote server-based PHRs; and recently, a new market in storing PHRs has emerged. Cloud computing has become a trend in storing PHRs in a more accessible and efficient manner. Despite its many benefits, cloud computing has many privacy and security concerns. As a result, the adoption rate of cloud services is not yet very high. A qualitative and exploratory research design approach was followed in this study, in order to reach the objective of proposing guidelines that could assist PHR providers in selecting a secure Cloud Service Provider (CSP) to store their customers’ health data. The research methods that were used include a literature review, systematic literature review, qualitative content analysis, reasoning, argumentation and elite interviews. A systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis were conducted to examine those risks in the cloud environment that could have a negative impact on the secure storing of PHRs. PHRs must satisfy certain dimensions, in order for them to be meaningful for use. While these were highlighted in the research, it also emerged that certain risks affect the PHR dimensions directly, thus threatening the meaningfulness and usability of cloud-based PHRs. The literature review revealed that specific control measures can be adopted to mitigate the identified risks. These control measures form part of the material used in this study to identify the guidelines for secure cloud-based PHRs. The guidelines were formulated through the use of reasoning and argumentation. After the guidelines were formulated, elite interviews were conducted, in order to validate and finalize the main research output: i.e. guidelines. The results of this study may alert PHR providers to the risks that exist in the cloud environment; so that they can make informed decisions when choosing a CSP for storing their customers’ health data.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Happiness in the private physiotherapy sector of South Africa
- Authors: Elliot, Michael
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Happiness Well-being , Health behavior -- Economic aspects Economics -- Sociological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15171 , vital:28171
- Description: There is limited research pertaining to assessing the happiness levels of various disciplines within the healthcare industry. Furthermore, happiness and physiotherapy studies are two research areas that are not necessarily associated with one another on a global perspective. Hence, the happiness levels have not been adequately established for private physiotherapists. This treatise is the first attempt to evaluate the happiness levels of private physiotherapists in South Africa. A thorough literature review was conducted to determine the current climate of happiness studies pertaining to the business industry, with focus on private physiotherapy businesses in the healthcare sector. The literature review enabled the development of a hypothesised model, which was tested with quantitative techniques consisting of a questionnaire, data collection and statistical analysis. The research confirmed that influence, social relations, life balance, optimism, work and leisure are all positively associated with the happiness levels of private physiotherapists in South Africa. These variables are recommended as key focus areas for physiotherapy business owners to address, in order to positively affect happiness levels in the workplace and thereby create favourable bottom line results. In accordance with the reviewed literature and the findings of this treatise, by adequately addressing these variables the business owners of physiotherapy practices will generate a workforce that are more productive, demonstrate greater collaboration with colleagues and customers, produce happier customers, are more positively energised and are less absent and more loyal to the business. It is recommended that the proposed model is tested to provide further benefit to the industry by constructing evidence-based retention and recruitment strategies for high performing private physiotherapy staff.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Home ownership in the gap-housing market in South Africa
- Authors: Ludidi, Daniel Dumisa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Home ownership -- South Africa Housing -- South Africa , Bond market -- South Africa Real estate investment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18299 , vital:28616
- Description: The access to adequate housing is a constitutional right, in terms of Section 26 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996. Access to housing in South Africa is still an ideal and not a reality. The increase in housing prices reduces affordability, which creates a barrier to the housing market for South Africans to fully participate. The South African housing market is divided, based on the affordability of households, with a gap within the property market. The gap-housing market is a market, which does not receive a government subsidy; and furthermore, it does not qualify for bond finance by the private financial institutions. The gap-housing market includes households that earn between R3,500 to R15,000 per month for residential properties valued between R116,703 to R483,481. The problem is a lack of supply in the gap-housing market to meet the demand; and this is also affected by the poor performance of the subsidy-housing market. The gap-housing market is not traded adequately, due to a lack of supply caused by stricter lending criteria from the banks. The study was conducted by means of reviewing the related literature and by an empirical study. A survey was conducted using the quantitative approach through a distribution of research questionnaires to different organizations within the judgement sample population. The objective of the study is to review the gap-housing market and to make recommendations. The descriptive survey was conducted among specialists that are participating in the South African housing market. The findings of the study suggest that there is a relationship between incentive and participation, as well as a relationship between participation – with access, supply and trading in the gap-housing market. This study will contribute to the South African housing market body of knowledge – by addressing the problem of a gap within the housing market.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Hybrid additive manufacturing platform for the production of composite wind turbine blade moulds
- Authors: Momsen, Timothy Benjamin
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Manufacturing processes -- Automation Production control -- Automation , Production management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19091 , vital:28772
- Description: This dissertation discusses the application of additive manufacturing technologies for production of a large-scale rapid prototyping machine, which will be used to produce moulds for prototype composite turbine blades for the emerging renewables energy industry within the Eastern Cape region in South Africa. The conceptualization and design of three complete printer builds resulted in the amalgamation of a final system, following stringent theoretical design, simulation, and feasibility analysis. Following the initial product design cycle stage, construction and performance testing of a large-scale additive manufacturing platform were performed. In-depth statistical analysis of the mechatronic system was undertaken, particularly related to print-head locational accuracy, repeatability, and effects of parameter variation on printer performance. The machine was analysed to assess feasibility for use in the mould-making industry with accuracy and repeatability metrics of 0.121 mm and 0.156 mm rivalling those produced by some of the more accurate fused deposition modellers commercially available. The research data gathered serves to confirm that rapid prototyping is a good alternative manufacturing method for wind turbine blade plug and mould production.
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- Date Issued: 2017
ICT readiness for business continuity in local government
- Authors: Koen, Ruan
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Internet in public administration -- South Africa , Electronic commerce -- Government policy , Municipal services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7025 , vital:21192
- Description: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has evolved into a pervasive commodity in modern enterprises. ICT enables enterprises, regardless of sector, to achieve their strategic objectives. Similarly, ICT is regarded as a critical enabler in South African municipalities to reach their objectives and ultimately deliver sustainable services to their communities. This dependence on ICT, therefore, necessitates a resilient ICT environment where minimal disruption to ICT is a primary goal. Unfortunately, as reported by the Auditor-General of South Africa, the majority of South African municipalities are neglecting to address the continuity of their ICT services. Failing to implement adequate ICT continuity controls restrict these municipalities from achieving their strategic goals and, as a result, fulfilling their constitutional mandate of service delivery. It is, therefore, the objective of this study to devise a method, consisting of a theoretical foundation and a supporting tool-set, to assist municipalities in addressing a real-world ICT continuity problem. This method aims to be scalable and usable within different municipalities, and be simplistic and comprehensible enough to implement. The theoretical foundation will introduce the concept of ICT Readiness for Business Continuity, based on the recommendations of international best practices and standards, for example, the ISO 27031 (2011) standard. Furthermore, by considering various challenges within local government, the tool-set will ultimately help municipalities to help themselves in this regard.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Identification and classification of micro-estuaries using selected abiotic and biotic characteristics along the Eastern Cape coast, South Africa
- Authors: Naidoo, Lyndle Sherae
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11920 , vital:27007
- Description: Many of the larger estuaries along the South African coastline are highly degraded due to human impacts, highlighting the need to conserve pristine systems. There are approximately 100 micro-estuaries along our coastline which have not yet been identified or classified and hence their ecological functioning is unknown. The aim of this study was to identify and classify micro-estuaries along the Eastern Cape coast. Specific objectives of the study were to: 1) map the distribution of estuarine habitats in a selection of micro-estuaries and assess changes over time; 2) measure the physico-chemical characteristics of the micro-estuaries in the field; 3) investigate the distribution of vegetation, identify macrophyte species and habitat integrity and classify the micro-estuaries sampled using abiotic and botanical characteristics. A total of 30 systems were identified of which 10 were selected for sampling which took place seasonally (2015-2016). A relationship between open water surface area and short term rainfall was only evident in Cunge, Sandy Bottom and Ichabana. In the field it was observed that after heavy rainfall, open water surface area increased and mouth breaching occurred. Salinity was the only water column characteristic that showed differences; salinity increased in response to over wash events. Sand was dominant in all systems and there were no differences in sediment characteristics. A total of 8 macroalgal species, 16 estuarine macrophyte species, six freshwater species and 72 riparian plant species were found. Seed bank reserves were low in all systems despite them being vegetated. Only abiotic characteristics were used for classification using Principle Components Analysis since there were no botanical differences between systems. Micro-estuaries were larger (> 0.03 ha), had a higher salinity (oligohaline, mesohaline and polyhaline conditions) and a constant water body. Micro-outlets were smaller (< 0.03 ha), had a lower salinity (oligohaline conditions were most common) and showed periods of drying. Five micro-estuaries (Shelbertsstroom, Kwesani, Cunge, Mtwendwe and Mtendwe) and five micro-outlets (Stromatolite, Sandy Bottom, Ichabana, Palm Tree and Black Rock) were classified. This study has shown that the micro-estuaries along the Eastern Cape coast are pristine (i.e. intact riparian zone and catchment), untouched and highly dynamic systems (i.e. great variation in water surface area and mouth condition) highlighting their need for protection.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Identifying operations waste at a logistics service institution in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Bailey, Grizenier
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Service industries -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17537 , vital:28376
- Description: In today’s dynamic market, it is crucial that logistics systems understand their activities and processes in an efficient way. Lean, in essence, is a method to assist companies in rendering efficient services to customers (Andrejic, 2013, p. 84). The Lean approach for waste elimination can be applied to many different types of operations whether in manufacturing or service industries. The identification of warehousing wastes is sometimes considered difficult in its identification within processes (Villareal, Garza, Rosas & Garcia, 2012, p. 278). The purpose of this case study is to contribute to finding a solution for the decreasing operational efficiency in the operation under study. The researcher found that this paper filled an important research gap in terms of offering management of the selected logistics institution a better understanding of the different waste types in each process. Operational areas such as receiving, unboxing, put-away, picking and issuing were examined as possible reasons for concern about service orientated wastes. The research was conducted through observations and thereafter a questionnaire was distributed amongst a sample of 40 employees within a specific logistics institution. The study discussed certain key factors in Lean, specifically focusing on the types of waste in a service environment.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Impact of ambient air pollution on human health health in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Nodwele, Mzoxolo Patrick , Strumpher, J
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Environmental health -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Air -- Pollution -- Meteorological aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20142 , vital:29134
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess whether ambient-air pollution contributed negatively to ambient-air quality, and subsequently to human health in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (the study area). A research design that is descriptive and explorative in nature was followed. The research methodology conformed to the following procedure. Firstly, an emission inventory of one hundred and fifty (150) emission sources listed on the data base of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality was compiled (“N” and “n” = 150) in a quantitative research approach. Emission data from these sources, together with the relevant meteorological data from the weather stations in the study area (“N” and “n” = 5) were collected and used as input into a geographical information system-software program to quantify the contribution of each emission source to ambient air pollution. The said software program was also used to simulate the dispersion of emissions over the study area. The emission inventory was compiled in consultation with a focus group of experts in the field of air-pollution control in a qualitative-research approach. Secondly, health records of the patients who attend the clinics in the said municipality (“N” and “n” = 49) were assessed for air pollution-related health outcomes. Nineteen (19) of the forty-nine (49) clinics were situated in Sub-District A; fifteen (15) clinics were situated in Sub-District B. The last fifteen of the clinics were situated in Sub-District C, which was also the least-industrialised sub-district. Sub-districts A and B were found to be the most industrialised of the three Sub-districts. Air pollution related health statistics were compiled for the following air-pollution-related health outcomes, namely: lower respiratory tract infections in children under five (5) years of age, as well as pneumonia and asthma in the general population.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Implementation of National Health Insurance in South Africa: views of healthcare managers in a private healthcare institution
- Authors: Grewar, David Alan
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: National health insurance -- South Africa , Health care reform -- South Africa , Medical personnel -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7503 , vital:21789
- Description: South Africa is in the process of reforming its healthcare system by implementing universal health coverage for its citizens. Universal health coverage is defined as the access of all people to comprehensive health services at an affordable cost with protection against catastrophic health expenditures leading to financial hardship. The system being implemented in South Africa is known as National Health Insurance (NHI) and is seen by the South African government as the key to addressing the shortcomings and disparities in the current public and private healthcare sectors. Healthcare managers have a crucial role to play in health reform yet are often overlooked in debate over health reform. The primary aim of this study was to better understand the views of healthcare managers, working in a private healthcare institution in South Africa, towards the implementation of the NHI. The purpose of this was to make recommendations that would assist the private healthcare institution under investigation to optimise the implementation of the NHI. A quantitative research design was used to explore and describe the views of healthcare managers. Firstly, a literature review was conducted to gain international as well as local perspectives of healthcare practitioners on universal health coverage. Secondly, a census survey in the form of an online questionnaire was developed and distributed to 193 healthcare managers representing different managerial and medical disciplines in a private healthcare institution with facilities nation-wide. A total of 63 questionnaires were returned for analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using Microsoft Excel, Statistica and SPSS Statistics. Qualitative data in the form of written comments by the participants were analysed using interpretive analysis that involved sequential steps of familiarisation and immersion, development of themes, coding, elaboration and interpretation and checking. The qualitative element of the study was limited in nature and was used merely to enrich the quantitative findings. The study found that there was a lack of knowledge amongst private healthcare managers concerning the NHI, poor communication from the government regarding the proposed NHI and high levels of negativity towards the ability of the government to successfully implement the NHI. However it was found that despite concerns regarding the NHI, the private healthcare managers surveyed showed a willingness to actively participate in its implementation. Recommendations regarding policy and practise were made for private healthcare institutions as well as for the South African government in order to assist with the implementation of the NHI.
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- Date Issued: 2017