Implementing an environmental management system in an automative component manufacturing firm
- Authors: Da Fonseca, Carlos Manuel
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Manufacturing processes -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Management -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8687 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1112 , Automobile industry and trade -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Manufacturing processes -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Management -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Environmental issues seem to be one of the most important topics in the globalised world. Organisations of all sizes are subject to pressure from suppliers, customers and governments to be more environmentally responsible. This research focuses on implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS) in the automotive industry, both internationally and in South Africa, and examines the background and concepts of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), as well as the key implementation phases associated with the implementation of an EMS, in accordance with ISO 14001. The problem statement of this research is to determine if it is possible to transfer, apply and sustain environmental concepts to small, medium or large organisations. The primary objectives of this research, therefore, were to determine: does implementation of an EMS provide economic benefits to organisations; what drives an organisation to first implement an EMS; does implementation of an EMS improve environmental awareness and performance; and what implementation barriers are faced by small, medium and large organisations. To achieve these objectives, a literary review and an empirical survey were conducted. The survey consisted of an electronic, self-administered questionnaire that was circulated to respondents at various automotive organisations. Data collected from completed, returned questionnaires were analysed and graphically presented to complete the research and achieve the primary research objectives toward solving the afore-mentioned problem statement. Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that there is much to gain from implementing an EMS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Da Fonseca, Carlos Manuel
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Manufacturing processes -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Management -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8687 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1112 , Automobile industry and trade -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Manufacturing processes -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Management -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Environmental issues seem to be one of the most important topics in the globalised world. Organisations of all sizes are subject to pressure from suppliers, customers and governments to be more environmentally responsible. This research focuses on implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS) in the automotive industry, both internationally and in South Africa, and examines the background and concepts of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), as well as the key implementation phases associated with the implementation of an EMS, in accordance with ISO 14001. The problem statement of this research is to determine if it is possible to transfer, apply and sustain environmental concepts to small, medium or large organisations. The primary objectives of this research, therefore, were to determine: does implementation of an EMS provide economic benefits to organisations; what drives an organisation to first implement an EMS; does implementation of an EMS improve environmental awareness and performance; and what implementation barriers are faced by small, medium and large organisations. To achieve these objectives, a literary review and an empirical survey were conducted. The survey consisted of an electronic, self-administered questionnaire that was circulated to respondents at various automotive organisations. Data collected from completed, returned questionnaires were analysed and graphically presented to complete the research and achieve the primary research objectives toward solving the afore-mentioned problem statement. Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that there is much to gain from implementing an EMS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Implementing an integrated e-government functionality for a marginalized community in the Eastern Cape South Africa
- Authors: Jakachira, Bobby Tichaona
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11377 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/273 , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Traditional methods of providing public services to disadvantaged rural communities in South Africa have, over the years, proven to be inefficient and in most such communities, simply non-existent. Although the South African government has taken initiatives to make these public services cheaply and conveniently available online at national level, access at local municipal level is still lacking. The goal of this study is to develop a cost-effective e-government system that will contribute to improved provision of public services to the Dwesa area, a rural community in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, by the government. A prototype construction approach was used, to develop a cost-effective four-modular web application. Interviews were conducted in the field, resulting in four e-government system modules, based on open-source software, developed and integrated to form a single, dynamic web component that will act as a one-stop shop for Dwesa community members. These are the Dwesa Online Application Centre (DOAC) to apply for important government documents and grants, the Dwesa Online Reporting Centre (DORC) to report various grievances to the responsible agencies, the Dwesa Forum Corner (DFC), a digital community, and the management back-end module. The Dwesa e-government portal was developed using Linux-Apache-MySQL-PHP (LAMP) technology, a Zoop framework to model the individual components and a JQUERY JavaScript library to increase the responsiveness of the user interfaces. The most significant contributions of this thesis have been the development of a cost-effective, integrated e-government functionality, applicable to disadvantaged communities, and the greater understanding this has given of the tools and methodologies that can be used to deliver public services efficiently to citizens. The final evaluation of this e-government system gives significant evidence that the e-government portal provides a solid foundation that will allow e-government implementation to raise the provision of public services to a higher level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Jakachira, Bobby Tichaona
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11377 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/273 , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Traditional methods of providing public services to disadvantaged rural communities in South Africa have, over the years, proven to be inefficient and in most such communities, simply non-existent. Although the South African government has taken initiatives to make these public services cheaply and conveniently available online at national level, access at local municipal level is still lacking. The goal of this study is to develop a cost-effective e-government system that will contribute to improved provision of public services to the Dwesa area, a rural community in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, by the government. A prototype construction approach was used, to develop a cost-effective four-modular web application. Interviews were conducted in the field, resulting in four e-government system modules, based on open-source software, developed and integrated to form a single, dynamic web component that will act as a one-stop shop for Dwesa community members. These are the Dwesa Online Application Centre (DOAC) to apply for important government documents and grants, the Dwesa Online Reporting Centre (DORC) to report various grievances to the responsible agencies, the Dwesa Forum Corner (DFC), a digital community, and the management back-end module. The Dwesa e-government portal was developed using Linux-Apache-MySQL-PHP (LAMP) technology, a Zoop framework to model the individual components and a JQUERY JavaScript library to increase the responsiveness of the user interfaces. The most significant contributions of this thesis have been the development of a cost-effective, integrated e-government functionality, applicable to disadvantaged communities, and the greater understanding this has given of the tools and methodologies that can be used to deliver public services efficiently to citizens. The final evaluation of this e-government system gives significant evidence that the e-government portal provides a solid foundation that will allow e-government implementation to raise the provision of public services to a higher level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Improving the service quality of taxi operators in the Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Gule, Xolile Michael
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Service industries -- Quality control , Customer services -- Quality control , Transportation -- South Africa , Taxicabs -- South Africa , Quality Service
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8685 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1115 , Service industries -- Quality control , Customer services -- Quality control , Transportation -- South Africa , Taxicabs -- South Africa , Quality Service
- Description: The study focused on the taxi industry as a services industry due to its contribution to the economies of both developed and the developing countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate ways to improve service delivery in the South African taxi industry. This industry is one of the underperforming industries in South Africa with regard to service quality due to over-serviced taxi routes and a lack of information about the needs and desires of the taxi commuters. The primary objective of this study was to investigate how to improve the service quality of taxi operators in the Nelson Mandela Bay by applying theories and concepts of services marketing and total quality management (TQM). More specifically, the study investigated whether taxi drivers have the required knowledge of services marketing and service quality, and what service quality challenges taxi drivers and commuters face. The sample consisted of 20 taxi drivers and 101 student commuters using taxis on the Port Elizabeth routes. The empirical results showed that taxi drivers perform unsatisfactorily on the four TQM elements: leadership, employee involvement, product/ process excellence and customer focus. The results also reflected the general perception in the Eastern Cape that taxi service quality is poor. Of the five service quality dimensions (tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy), the taxi drivers performed the best in reliability and the worst in empathy. The empirical results further suggested that taxi services do not meet the expectations of commuters, as deficits were reported between expectations and perceptions of actual service quality. The different quality dimensions used in the measurement of taxi service quality and their empirical results could provide a guideline to taxi service leadership and government on the critical aspects of taxi service quality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Gule, Xolile Michael
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Service industries -- Quality control , Customer services -- Quality control , Transportation -- South Africa , Taxicabs -- South Africa , Quality Service
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8685 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1115 , Service industries -- Quality control , Customer services -- Quality control , Transportation -- South Africa , Taxicabs -- South Africa , Quality Service
- Description: The study focused on the taxi industry as a services industry due to its contribution to the economies of both developed and the developing countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate ways to improve service delivery in the South African taxi industry. This industry is one of the underperforming industries in South Africa with regard to service quality due to over-serviced taxi routes and a lack of information about the needs and desires of the taxi commuters. The primary objective of this study was to investigate how to improve the service quality of taxi operators in the Nelson Mandela Bay by applying theories and concepts of services marketing and total quality management (TQM). More specifically, the study investigated whether taxi drivers have the required knowledge of services marketing and service quality, and what service quality challenges taxi drivers and commuters face. The sample consisted of 20 taxi drivers and 101 student commuters using taxis on the Port Elizabeth routes. The empirical results showed that taxi drivers perform unsatisfactorily on the four TQM elements: leadership, employee involvement, product/ process excellence and customer focus. The results also reflected the general perception in the Eastern Cape that taxi service quality is poor. Of the five service quality dimensions (tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy), the taxi drivers performed the best in reliability and the worst in empathy. The empirical results further suggested that taxi services do not meet the expectations of commuters, as deficits were reported between expectations and perceptions of actual service quality. The different quality dimensions used in the measurement of taxi service quality and their empirical results could provide a guideline to taxi service leadership and government on the critical aspects of taxi service quality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Improving the strategic management of employee job performance and organisational commitment at merged higher education institutions in South Africa
- Authors: Stofile, Regina Ntongolozi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Strategic planning -- Universities , Strategic planning -- Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Mergers -- Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Strategic planning -- Education (Higher)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9311 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018798
- Description: In reaction to intense global competition and increased customer demands, business firms are continuously engaged in activities to increase the effectiveness of their businesses. To be effective business firms must reduce costs, improve the quality of their products and respond quickly to the new opportunities in the market place. These activities often require the restructuring of such businesses. The restructuring of businesses often takes the form of strategic alliances, outsourcing, vertical integration, mergers or acquisitions. It is not only businesses that undergo restructuring, but recently also higher education institutions. The South African higher education system has undergone a complex restructuring process of merging universities, technikons, colleges and technical schools. This transformation of higher education in South Africa has been regulated by the Higher Education Act (101 of 1997). This restructuring took form of mergers between technikons and universities to form new higher education institutions and has been directed at correcting past educational discrimination and at ensuring equal opportunities for higher education. High levels of negativity, demoralization, demotivation and disempowerment due to higher-education restructuring have been reported, not only in South Africa, but also in other countries. Despite the above-mentioned problems identified in the restructuring of higher education world-wide, a lack of quantitative research appears to exist on the human dimension involved in the process. The main objective of the study is to improve the strategic management of the post-merger process at higher education institutions in South Africa by investigating what influence the present restructuring process exerts on the motivation, organisational commitment and job performance of their staff. The sample consisted of three hundred and twenty-nine (329) staff members from the three merged universities in South Africa. The empirical results revealed the following: To improve the strategic management of the post-merger process at universities, management needs to focus on the managing of organisational commitment, as it is the strongest determinant of the employees’ performance intent; To manage organisation commitment, management must manage especially the employees’ identification with the organisational culture of the new institutions; after organisational commitment, management must focus on employee motivation which includes increasing the employees’ satisfaction with their remuneration packages, their peer relations and their growth factors; and, To manage the employees’ identification with the organisational culture of the new institutions, management must manage employees’ perceptions about increased student access, successes in merger goal achievement and fairness of workload dispensations. The main contribution of the study is the empirical support produced for elements which should be focused upon in strategy execution, namely the interplay among employee job performance, organizational commitment, organizational culture identification and motivational rewards. By doing so, the study provided the empirical foundation for a model that could be used to strategically manage the post-merger process at universities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Stofile, Regina Ntongolozi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Strategic planning -- Universities , Strategic planning -- Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Mergers -- Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Strategic planning -- Education (Higher)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9311 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018798
- Description: In reaction to intense global competition and increased customer demands, business firms are continuously engaged in activities to increase the effectiveness of their businesses. To be effective business firms must reduce costs, improve the quality of their products and respond quickly to the new opportunities in the market place. These activities often require the restructuring of such businesses. The restructuring of businesses often takes the form of strategic alliances, outsourcing, vertical integration, mergers or acquisitions. It is not only businesses that undergo restructuring, but recently also higher education institutions. The South African higher education system has undergone a complex restructuring process of merging universities, technikons, colleges and technical schools. This transformation of higher education in South Africa has been regulated by the Higher Education Act (101 of 1997). This restructuring took form of mergers between technikons and universities to form new higher education institutions and has been directed at correcting past educational discrimination and at ensuring equal opportunities for higher education. High levels of negativity, demoralization, demotivation and disempowerment due to higher-education restructuring have been reported, not only in South Africa, but also in other countries. Despite the above-mentioned problems identified in the restructuring of higher education world-wide, a lack of quantitative research appears to exist on the human dimension involved in the process. The main objective of the study is to improve the strategic management of the post-merger process at higher education institutions in South Africa by investigating what influence the present restructuring process exerts on the motivation, organisational commitment and job performance of their staff. The sample consisted of three hundred and twenty-nine (329) staff members from the three merged universities in South Africa. The empirical results revealed the following: To improve the strategic management of the post-merger process at universities, management needs to focus on the managing of organisational commitment, as it is the strongest determinant of the employees’ performance intent; To manage organisation commitment, management must manage especially the employees’ identification with the organisational culture of the new institutions; after organisational commitment, management must focus on employee motivation which includes increasing the employees’ satisfaction with their remuneration packages, their peer relations and their growth factors; and, To manage the employees’ identification with the organisational culture of the new institutions, management must manage employees’ perceptions about increased student access, successes in merger goal achievement and fairness of workload dispensations. The main contribution of the study is the empirical support produced for elements which should be focused upon in strategy execution, namely the interplay among employee job performance, organizational commitment, organizational culture identification and motivational rewards. By doing so, the study provided the empirical foundation for a model that could be used to strategically manage the post-merger process at universities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
In vitro effects of endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids on insulin resistance and secretion
- Authors: Gallant, Megan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Cannabinoids , Cannabis , Insulin resistance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10324 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1076 , Cannabinoids , Cannabis , Insulin resistance
- Description: Type 2 diabetes mellitus results from a combination of insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids on insulin resistant cell lines, viz skeletal muscle (C2C12) and fat (3T3-L1), and to investigate the effects of these cannabinoids on insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells (INS 1). Insulin resistance was induced in the cells using 20 ng/mL TNF-α (3T3-L1) and 100 nM insulin (C2C12). Insulin resistant cells were exposed to cannabinoids for 48 hours after which glucose uptake, RT-PCR and Western blot analysis was performed. Additionally, adipokine assays were performed on the 3T3-L1 cells. The insulin resistant 3T3-L1 and C2C12 cells had reduced glucose uptake, decreased IRS-1 and Glut-4 expression indicative of an insulin resistant state. The extract and THC significantly enhanced glucose uptake, IRS-1 and Glut-4 in 3T3-L1 and C2C12 cells. The extract and THC thus have the potential to be an insulin sensitizing agent. Interleukin-6 was significantly decreased by THC. INS 1 cells, cultured under normoglycemic conditions, were exposed to cannabinoids for 48 hours after which glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, radioimmunoassay, oxygen consumption, RT-PCR and Western blot analysis was performed. Insulin stimulatory index was not significantly affected after cannabinoid exposure, except by THC. The cannabinoids decreased insulin content, in a concentration dependent manner, but the inhibition mechanism remains elusive. The cannabinoid Treated cells showed insulin gene expression levels similar to the control, while only THC proved effective in significantly stimulating Glut-2 gene expression. Oxygen consumption studies showed levels lower than the control cells. Most of the cannabinoids inhibited insulin secretion under normoglycemia except THC, while the cannabinoids exhibited the potential to improve insulin resistant adipocyte and myocytes response to glucose and gene regulation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Gallant, Megan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Cannabinoids , Cannabis , Insulin resistance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10324 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1076 , Cannabinoids , Cannabis , Insulin resistance
- Description: Type 2 diabetes mellitus results from a combination of insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids on insulin resistant cell lines, viz skeletal muscle (C2C12) and fat (3T3-L1), and to investigate the effects of these cannabinoids on insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells (INS 1). Insulin resistance was induced in the cells using 20 ng/mL TNF-α (3T3-L1) and 100 nM insulin (C2C12). Insulin resistant cells were exposed to cannabinoids for 48 hours after which glucose uptake, RT-PCR and Western blot analysis was performed. Additionally, adipokine assays were performed on the 3T3-L1 cells. The insulin resistant 3T3-L1 and C2C12 cells had reduced glucose uptake, decreased IRS-1 and Glut-4 expression indicative of an insulin resistant state. The extract and THC significantly enhanced glucose uptake, IRS-1 and Glut-4 in 3T3-L1 and C2C12 cells. The extract and THC thus have the potential to be an insulin sensitizing agent. Interleukin-6 was significantly decreased by THC. INS 1 cells, cultured under normoglycemic conditions, were exposed to cannabinoids for 48 hours after which glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, radioimmunoassay, oxygen consumption, RT-PCR and Western blot analysis was performed. Insulin stimulatory index was not significantly affected after cannabinoid exposure, except by THC. The cannabinoids decreased insulin content, in a concentration dependent manner, but the inhibition mechanism remains elusive. The cannabinoid Treated cells showed insulin gene expression levels similar to the control, while only THC proved effective in significantly stimulating Glut-2 gene expression. Oxygen consumption studies showed levels lower than the control cells. Most of the cannabinoids inhibited insulin secretion under normoglycemia except THC, while the cannabinoids exhibited the potential to improve insulin resistant adipocyte and myocytes response to glucose and gene regulation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Incorporating indigenous knowledge in the teaching of isiXhosa to pharmacy students at Rhodes University
- Authors: Mapi, Thandeka Priscilla
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Rhodes University. Academic Development Programme Healers -- South Africa Traditional medicine -- South Africa Xhosa language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Pharmacy -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Ethnoscience -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3622 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007469
- Description: Traditional healing is one of the most trusted methods of healing in South Africa, especially in rural areas, where health-care infrastructure is inadequate. People have depended on this method of healing since time immemorial. That belief has been strengthened by the fact that this method keeps people in touch with their ancestors. Traditional healers are trusted and believed to be the link between people and their ancestors. The Dwesa community is amongst the areas that still have strong belief in traditional healing. Traditional healers have a variety of methods of healing that they use, these methods have been trusted for people of all age groups. These methods are ukugabha, ukufutha and ukucima. Traditional healers prescribe them for both major and minor illnesses. They are believed to play a role in cleansing people from inside and outside. These methods together with other methods that are used in traditional healing are being explored in this study. This exploration is based on the fact that this information will be integrated into the teaching of isiXhosa to Pharmacy students at Rhodes University. This is an initiative to create awareness amongst health-care practitioners about traditional healing methods, so that they can caution and advise their patients about medicine taking behaviours, also to make them approach the subject in a sensitive manner. An isiXhosa course has been taught to Pharmacy students, as a pilot in 2007 and as an elective in 2008 onwards. This course deals with cultural issues in a broad manner, the issue of traditional healing specifically, and these methods of healing are outlined in the course, such that students have an understanding first of what a traditional healer is and their role in providing health-care services.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mapi, Thandeka Priscilla
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Rhodes University. Academic Development Programme Healers -- South Africa Traditional medicine -- South Africa Xhosa language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Pharmacy -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Ethnoscience -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3622 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007469
- Description: Traditional healing is one of the most trusted methods of healing in South Africa, especially in rural areas, where health-care infrastructure is inadequate. People have depended on this method of healing since time immemorial. That belief has been strengthened by the fact that this method keeps people in touch with their ancestors. Traditional healers are trusted and believed to be the link between people and their ancestors. The Dwesa community is amongst the areas that still have strong belief in traditional healing. Traditional healers have a variety of methods of healing that they use, these methods have been trusted for people of all age groups. These methods are ukugabha, ukufutha and ukucima. Traditional healers prescribe them for both major and minor illnesses. They are believed to play a role in cleansing people from inside and outside. These methods together with other methods that are used in traditional healing are being explored in this study. This exploration is based on the fact that this information will be integrated into the teaching of isiXhosa to Pharmacy students at Rhodes University. This is an initiative to create awareness amongst health-care practitioners about traditional healing methods, so that they can caution and advise their patients about medicine taking behaviours, also to make them approach the subject in a sensitive manner. An isiXhosa course has been taught to Pharmacy students, as a pilot in 2007 and as an elective in 2008 onwards. This course deals with cultural issues in a broad manner, the issue of traditional healing specifically, and these methods of healing are outlined in the course, such that students have an understanding first of what a traditional healer is and their role in providing health-care services.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Integration between the South African and international bond markets : implications for portfolio diversification
- Authors: Rabana, Phomolo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Bond market , Bond market -- South Africa , Principal components analysis , International finance , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Investments -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:947 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002681 , Bond market , Bond market -- South Africa , Principal components analysis , International finance , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Investments -- South Africa
- Description: International bond market linkages are examined using monthly bond yield data and total return indices on government bonds with ten years to maturity. The bond yield data covers a nineteen-year period from January 1990 to July 2008, while the bond total return index data covers a nine-year period from August 2000 to July 2008. The international bond markets included in the study are Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The examination of international bond market linkages across these markets has important implications for the formulation of effective portfolio diversification strategies. The empirical analysis is carried out in three phases: the preliminary analysis, the principal component analysis (PCA), and the cointegration analysis. For each analysis and for each set of data the full sample period is first analysed and subsequently a five-year rolling window approach is implemented. Accordingly, this makes it possible to capture the time-varying nature of international bond market linkages. The preliminary analysis examines the bond market trends over the sample period, provides descriptive statistics, and reports the correlation coefficients between the selected bond markets. The PCA investigates the interrelationships among the bond markets according to their common sources of movement and identifies which markets tend to move together. The cointegration analysis is carried out using the Johansen cointegration procedure and investigates whether there is long-run comovement between South Africa and the selected bond markets. Where cointegration is found, Vector Error-Correction Models (VECMs) are estimated in order to examine the long-run equilibrium relationships in addition to their short-run adjustments over time. The empirical analysis results were robust, and overall integration between SA and the selected major bond markets remained weak and sporadic. In addition, the results showed that even after accounting for exchange rate differentials, international bond market diversification remained beneficial for a South African investor; and since international bond market linkages remained weak with no observable trend, international bond market diversification will remain beneficial for some time to come for a South African investor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Rabana, Phomolo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Bond market , Bond market -- South Africa , Principal components analysis , International finance , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Investments -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:947 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002681 , Bond market , Bond market -- South Africa , Principal components analysis , International finance , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Investments -- South Africa
- Description: International bond market linkages are examined using monthly bond yield data and total return indices on government bonds with ten years to maturity. The bond yield data covers a nineteen-year period from January 1990 to July 2008, while the bond total return index data covers a nine-year period from August 2000 to July 2008. The international bond markets included in the study are Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The examination of international bond market linkages across these markets has important implications for the formulation of effective portfolio diversification strategies. The empirical analysis is carried out in three phases: the preliminary analysis, the principal component analysis (PCA), and the cointegration analysis. For each analysis and for each set of data the full sample period is first analysed and subsequently a five-year rolling window approach is implemented. Accordingly, this makes it possible to capture the time-varying nature of international bond market linkages. The preliminary analysis examines the bond market trends over the sample period, provides descriptive statistics, and reports the correlation coefficients between the selected bond markets. The PCA investigates the interrelationships among the bond markets according to their common sources of movement and identifies which markets tend to move together. The cointegration analysis is carried out using the Johansen cointegration procedure and investigates whether there is long-run comovement between South Africa and the selected bond markets. Where cointegration is found, Vector Error-Correction Models (VECMs) are estimated in order to examine the long-run equilibrium relationships in addition to their short-run adjustments over time. The empirical analysis results were robust, and overall integration between SA and the selected major bond markets remained weak and sporadic. In addition, the results showed that even after accounting for exchange rate differentials, international bond market diversification remained beneficial for a South African investor; and since international bond market linkages remained weak with no observable trend, international bond market diversification will remain beneficial for some time to come for a South African investor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Intercultural communication in three Eastern Cape HIV/AIDS clinics
- Authors: Mandla, Veliswa Maureen
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Intercultural communication -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV-positive persons -- Medical care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Xhosa language -- Study and teaching -- English speakers Physician and patient -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communication in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3585 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002160
- Description: There are many inequities that exist in health-care that stem from culture related communication misunderstandings. In most cases where doctors and patients from different cultural and linguistic background interact, doctors use medical language which is different from everyday language used by patients. Patients enter this communication context with anxiety because they depend on the physicians to give them accurate information concerning their health, but they do not always understand all the terms used by physicians to inform them about their conditions. In some cases interpreters are used but their expertise is often inadequate and the interpreting of the patient’s statements to the health staff is also prone to distortion by interpreter / doctor because of the lack of proper understanding of the messages / languages. This may result in a deterioration of the patient’s health condition and unavoidable complications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mandla, Veliswa Maureen
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Intercultural communication -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV-positive persons -- Medical care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Xhosa language -- Study and teaching -- English speakers Physician and patient -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communication in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3585 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002160
- Description: There are many inequities that exist in health-care that stem from culture related communication misunderstandings. In most cases where doctors and patients from different cultural and linguistic background interact, doctors use medical language which is different from everyday language used by patients. Patients enter this communication context with anxiety because they depend on the physicians to give them accurate information concerning their health, but they do not always understand all the terms used by physicians to inform them about their conditions. In some cases interpreters are used but their expertise is often inadequate and the interpreting of the patient’s statements to the health staff is also prone to distortion by interpreter / doctor because of the lack of proper understanding of the messages / languages. This may result in a deterioration of the patient’s health condition and unavoidable complications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Interdependence and business cycle transmission between South Africa and the USA, UK, Japan and Germany
- Authors: Mugova, Terrence Tafadzwa
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: International economic relations -- Developing countries , Business cycles -- Developing countries , Economic development -- Developing countries , Industrial policy -- Developing countries , International finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:946 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002680 , International economic relations -- Developing countries , Business cycles -- Developing countries , Economic development -- Developing countries , Industrial policy -- Developing countries , International finance
- Description: The process of globalisation has had a large impact on the world economy over the past three decades. Economic globalisation has manifested itself in the increasing integration of goods and services through international trade and the integration of financial markets. As a consequence the existence of co-movements in economic variables of different countries has become more evident. The extent to which globalisation causes a country’s economy to move together with the rest of the world concerns policy-makers. When such co-movement is significant, the influence of policy-makers on their respective domestic economies is significantly reduced. South Africa re-entered the international economy in the early 1990s when the forces of globalisation, especially for developing countries, seemed to gain momentum. Empirical research such as Kabundi and Loots (2005) found strong evidence of international co-movement between the world business cycle and the South African business cycle, particularly following South Africa’s integration into the global economy. This study examines the relationship and interdependence between South Africa and four of its major developed trading partners. More particularly, the study examines the question of whether business cycles are transmitted from Germany, Japan, US and UK to South Africa, and/or from South Africa to Germany, Japan, the US and UK. The study employs structural vector autoregressive (SVARs) models to analyse monthly data from 1980:01–2008:04 on industrial production, producer prices, short-term interest rates and real effective exchange rates. The results show that South Africa benefits from economic growth in both the UK and US. They also indicate significant price transmission from Germany and Japan to South Africa, with transmission in the opposite direction being statistically insignificant. The impulse response graphs show that a positive one standard deviation shock to both German and Japanese producer prices has a negative impact on South African output (industrial production) growth. Furthermore, South African monetary policy is relatively unresponsive to international monetary policy stances. The findings of this study indicate that South African policymakers need to take into consideration economic performance of the country’s major trading partners, with particular emphasis on the UK and US economies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mugova, Terrence Tafadzwa
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: International economic relations -- Developing countries , Business cycles -- Developing countries , Economic development -- Developing countries , Industrial policy -- Developing countries , International finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:946 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002680 , International economic relations -- Developing countries , Business cycles -- Developing countries , Economic development -- Developing countries , Industrial policy -- Developing countries , International finance
- Description: The process of globalisation has had a large impact on the world economy over the past three decades. Economic globalisation has manifested itself in the increasing integration of goods and services through international trade and the integration of financial markets. As a consequence the existence of co-movements in economic variables of different countries has become more evident. The extent to which globalisation causes a country’s economy to move together with the rest of the world concerns policy-makers. When such co-movement is significant, the influence of policy-makers on their respective domestic economies is significantly reduced. South Africa re-entered the international economy in the early 1990s when the forces of globalisation, especially for developing countries, seemed to gain momentum. Empirical research such as Kabundi and Loots (2005) found strong evidence of international co-movement between the world business cycle and the South African business cycle, particularly following South Africa’s integration into the global economy. This study examines the relationship and interdependence between South Africa and four of its major developed trading partners. More particularly, the study examines the question of whether business cycles are transmitted from Germany, Japan, US and UK to South Africa, and/or from South Africa to Germany, Japan, the US and UK. The study employs structural vector autoregressive (SVARs) models to analyse monthly data from 1980:01–2008:04 on industrial production, producer prices, short-term interest rates and real effective exchange rates. The results show that South Africa benefits from economic growth in both the UK and US. They also indicate significant price transmission from Germany and Japan to South Africa, with transmission in the opposite direction being statistically insignificant. The impulse response graphs show that a positive one standard deviation shock to both German and Japanese producer prices has a negative impact on South African output (industrial production) growth. Furthermore, South African monetary policy is relatively unresponsive to international monetary policy stances. The findings of this study indicate that South African policymakers need to take into consideration economic performance of the country’s major trading partners, with particular emphasis on the UK and US economies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Intergroup conflict in soccer stadiums
- Authors: Mazibuko, Vela Onke
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Collective behavior , Soccer fans , Soccer hooliganism , Police -- Violence against , Football stadiums , Group identity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (C Psy)
- Identifier: vital:11858 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/234 , Collective behavior , Soccer fans , Soccer hooliganism , Police -- Violence against , Football stadiums , Group identity
- Description: The aim of the present research is to investigate three factors, namely perceptions of fairness in intergroup situations, ingroup identification and spatial dimensions that are assumed to contribute to why individuals participate in violence against the police in soccer stadiums. In Study 1 perceptions of fairness, identification and spatial perspective were manipulated and the results indicated a significant interaction effect between identification and spatial perspective. This interaction effect had a significant influence on negative behavioural tendencies towards police. In Study 2, identification and spatial perspective were manipulated and once again the interaction effect between identification and spatial perspective was found. A main effect of identification was found in that participants who identified lower with fans showed significantly more positive attitudes towards police. The results of the two studies highlight the importance of looking beyond the inherent nature of the crowd itself when analysing situations of police/fan conflict, and also the need to further investigate the spatial dimension and how it influences social judgment and decision making.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mazibuko, Vela Onke
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Collective behavior , Soccer fans , Soccer hooliganism , Police -- Violence against , Football stadiums , Group identity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (C Psy)
- Identifier: vital:11858 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/234 , Collective behavior , Soccer fans , Soccer hooliganism , Police -- Violence against , Football stadiums , Group identity
- Description: The aim of the present research is to investigate three factors, namely perceptions of fairness in intergroup situations, ingroup identification and spatial dimensions that are assumed to contribute to why individuals participate in violence against the police in soccer stadiums. In Study 1 perceptions of fairness, identification and spatial perspective were manipulated and the results indicated a significant interaction effect between identification and spatial perspective. This interaction effect had a significant influence on negative behavioural tendencies towards police. In Study 2, identification and spatial perspective were manipulated and once again the interaction effect between identification and spatial perspective was found. A main effect of identification was found in that participants who identified lower with fans showed significantly more positive attitudes towards police. The results of the two studies highlight the importance of looking beyond the inherent nature of the crowd itself when analysing situations of police/fan conflict, and also the need to further investigate the spatial dimension and how it influences social judgment and decision making.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Interpretation of regional geochemical data as an aid to exploration target generation in the North West Province South Africa
- Authors: Mapukule, Livhuwani Ernest
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Ore deposits -- South Africa , Prospecting -- South Africa , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11519 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/268 , Ore deposits -- South Africa , Prospecting -- South Africa , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa
- Description: This study involves the application, interpretation and utilization of regional geochemical data for target generation in the North West Province, South Africa. A regional soil geochemical survey programme has been carried out by the Council of Geoscience South Africa since 1973. A number of 1:250 000 sheet areas have been completed, but there are no interpretative maps which could aid in mineral exploration and other purposes. In order to utilize the valuable and expensive data, the project was motivated through data acquisition and interpretation to generate exploration targets. The study area is confined to Mafikeng, Vryburg, Kuruman and Christiana in the Northwest Province, where potential exploration and mining opportunities exist in areas of great geological interest. These include geological events such as the Bushveld Complex, the Kalahari manganese field and the Kraaipan greenstone belts. The aim of this project was to utilize geochemical data together with geophysical and geological information to verify and identification of possible obscured ore bodies or zones of mineralization, and to generate targets. Another objective was the author to be trained in the techniques of geochemical data processing, interpretation and integration of techniques such as geophysics, in the understanding of the geology and economic geology of the areas. Approximately 5 kg of surface soil was collected per 1 km2 by CGS from foot traversing. Pellets of the samples were prepared and analyzed for TiO2, MnO and Fe2O3, Sc, V, Cr, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Y, Ba, Nb, Rb, Th, W, Zr, Pb, Sr and U using the simultaneous wavelengthdispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer technique at the Council for Geoscience, South Africa. For each element the mean +2 standard deviations were used as a threshold value to separate the negative from the positive anomalies. The integration of geological, geophysical and geochemical information was used to analyze and understand the areas of interest. A number of computer programmes were extensively used for data processing, manipulation, and presentation. These include Golden Software Surfer 8®, Arc-View 3.2a®, TNT-Mips®, JMP 8 ®, and Microsoft Excel®. Through geochemical data processing and interpretation, together with the low resolution aeromagnetic data, gravity data and geological data, seven (7) exploration target areas have been generated: These have been numbered A to G. It is concluded that there is good potential for Cr, PGMs, vanadium, nickel, iron, copper, manganese, uranium and niobium in the targets generated. The results provide some indication and guide for exploration in the target areas. In Target A, Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni and V anomalies from the lower chromitite zone of far western zone of the Bushveld Complex, which has be overlain buy the thick surface sand of the Gordonia Formation. Target B occurs over the diabase, norite, andesitic lava and andalusite muscovite hornfels of the Magaliesberg Formation. This target has the potential for Cu, Fe and Ni mineralization. The felsic rocks of the Kanye Formation and the Gaborone Granite in target C have shown some positive anomalies of niobium, uranium, yttrium and rubidium which give the area potential for Nb, REE and U exploration. Target D is located on the Allanridge Formation, and has significant potential for Ni-Cu mineralization, and is associated with the komatiitic lava at the base of the Allanridge Formation in the Christiana Area. The light green tholeiitic, calc-alkali basalt and andesitic rocks of the Rietgat Formation are characterized by a north-south trending yttrium anomaly with supporting Ba and Y anomalies (Target E). This makes the area a potential target for rare earth elements. Calcrete on the west of the Kuruman has a low b potential target for vanadium. It is believed that the area might be potential for potassium-uranium vanadate minerals, carnotite which is mostly found in calcrete deposits. This study has proved to be a useful and approach in utilizing the valuable geochemical data for exploration and future mining, generated by Council for Geoscience Science. It is recommended that further detailed soil, rock and geochemical surveys and ultimately diamond drilling be carried out in the exploration target areas generated by this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mapukule, Livhuwani Ernest
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Ore deposits -- South Africa , Prospecting -- South Africa , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11519 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/268 , Ore deposits -- South Africa , Prospecting -- South Africa , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa
- Description: This study involves the application, interpretation and utilization of regional geochemical data for target generation in the North West Province, South Africa. A regional soil geochemical survey programme has been carried out by the Council of Geoscience South Africa since 1973. A number of 1:250 000 sheet areas have been completed, but there are no interpretative maps which could aid in mineral exploration and other purposes. In order to utilize the valuable and expensive data, the project was motivated through data acquisition and interpretation to generate exploration targets. The study area is confined to Mafikeng, Vryburg, Kuruman and Christiana in the Northwest Province, where potential exploration and mining opportunities exist in areas of great geological interest. These include geological events such as the Bushveld Complex, the Kalahari manganese field and the Kraaipan greenstone belts. The aim of this project was to utilize geochemical data together with geophysical and geological information to verify and identification of possible obscured ore bodies or zones of mineralization, and to generate targets. Another objective was the author to be trained in the techniques of geochemical data processing, interpretation and integration of techniques such as geophysics, in the understanding of the geology and economic geology of the areas. Approximately 5 kg of surface soil was collected per 1 km2 by CGS from foot traversing. Pellets of the samples were prepared and analyzed for TiO2, MnO and Fe2O3, Sc, V, Cr, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Y, Ba, Nb, Rb, Th, W, Zr, Pb, Sr and U using the simultaneous wavelengthdispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer technique at the Council for Geoscience, South Africa. For each element the mean +2 standard deviations were used as a threshold value to separate the negative from the positive anomalies. The integration of geological, geophysical and geochemical information was used to analyze and understand the areas of interest. A number of computer programmes were extensively used for data processing, manipulation, and presentation. These include Golden Software Surfer 8®, Arc-View 3.2a®, TNT-Mips®, JMP 8 ®, and Microsoft Excel®. Through geochemical data processing and interpretation, together with the low resolution aeromagnetic data, gravity data and geological data, seven (7) exploration target areas have been generated: These have been numbered A to G. It is concluded that there is good potential for Cr, PGMs, vanadium, nickel, iron, copper, manganese, uranium and niobium in the targets generated. The results provide some indication and guide for exploration in the target areas. In Target A, Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni and V anomalies from the lower chromitite zone of far western zone of the Bushveld Complex, which has be overlain buy the thick surface sand of the Gordonia Formation. Target B occurs over the diabase, norite, andesitic lava and andalusite muscovite hornfels of the Magaliesberg Formation. This target has the potential for Cu, Fe and Ni mineralization. The felsic rocks of the Kanye Formation and the Gaborone Granite in target C have shown some positive anomalies of niobium, uranium, yttrium and rubidium which give the area potential for Nb, REE and U exploration. Target D is located on the Allanridge Formation, and has significant potential for Ni-Cu mineralization, and is associated with the komatiitic lava at the base of the Allanridge Formation in the Christiana Area. The light green tholeiitic, calc-alkali basalt and andesitic rocks of the Rietgat Formation are characterized by a north-south trending yttrium anomaly with supporting Ba and Y anomalies (Target E). This makes the area a potential target for rare earth elements. Calcrete on the west of the Kuruman has a low b potential target for vanadium. It is believed that the area might be potential for potassium-uranium vanadate minerals, carnotite which is mostly found in calcrete deposits. This study has proved to be a useful and approach in utilizing the valuable geochemical data for exploration and future mining, generated by Council for Geoscience Science. It is recommended that further detailed soil, rock and geochemical surveys and ultimately diamond drilling be carried out in the exploration target areas generated by this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Interrogating gender constructions in the Daily Sun: an analysis of the coverage of the 'Charter for a Man' campaign against gender violence between November and December 2007
- Authors: Dewa, Nonhlanhla
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Foucault, Michel, 1926-1984 -- Criticism and interpretation Daily Sun Women -- Violence against Mass media and women Abused women Tabloid newspapers Discourse analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3426 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002879
- Description: The study seeks to interrogate the gender constructions in the Daily Sun’s “Charter for a Man” campaign which ran from 7 November to 7 December 2007. It coincided with the 16 Days of Activism against gender violence and was designed to lobby support for this campaign and discourage men from physically abusing women. The “Charter for a Man” listed nine principles that signatories were to abide by. It included a section to be signed by men to be submitted to and collected by the Daily Sun. The campaign was constructed as an intervention into the issue of gender violence. Consequently, the 30 news stories, four editorial pieces and 11 letters to the editor that were published during the campaign period make up the textual data analysed in the study. The news stories consisted of testimonies from abused women and some women abusers. In addition, celebrity signatories were selected to endorse the campaign and encourage other men to follow suit. In the editorials, the campaign was consistently flagged as a nation building initiative which all men were supposed to support. The letters to the editor consisted of readers who either supported or rejected the campaign. The study takes place against the context of a patriarchal society characterised by high levels of violence. Given this scenario, the study is informed by a concern with gender justice and therefore considers whether such a campaign, ostensibly aimed at eradicating gender violence, has the potential of being transformative of gender inequalities. The study set out to establish the kinds of masculinities and femininities that were variously constituted in the campaign as well as the gender discourses that were privileged. It is informed by the theories of feminist poststructuralism and Foucault’s conceptualisation of discourse. As the campaign is the initiative of a tabloid newspaper, it is also considered within the framework of newspaper campaigns and arguments about tabloids and the public sphere. As text based research, the study employs critical discourse analysis as a qualitative procedure of textual analysis. It makes use of an eclectic approach to textual analysis that draws on linguistics, narrative and argumentation. The texts are analysed according to the categories of news texts contained which includes the Charter itself, signatory articles, testimonies, vox pops and letters to the editor. The overarching theme of nationhood projected in the editorials and other categories is also discussed as part of the analysis. The study concludes that the Daily Sun campaign might be a seemingly progressive action at first glance. However, it does not challenge the existing gender order but rather maintains and sustains patriarchal attitudes through the repeated representation of women as weak and in need of patronage and men as their protectors and providers. In some instances, women are constructed primarily as sexual beings as their physical attributes are emphasised, while men are constructed as working class citizens and rational beings. The study therefore proposes that the Daily Sun fails as an alternative public sphere that might make visible the concerns of women as a marginalised group in society. The campaign, it is argued, is self-serving in its promotion of the Daily Sun’s image as the “People’s Paper” rather than serious concerns about gender violence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Dewa, Nonhlanhla
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Foucault, Michel, 1926-1984 -- Criticism and interpretation Daily Sun Women -- Violence against Mass media and women Abused women Tabloid newspapers Discourse analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3426 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002879
- Description: The study seeks to interrogate the gender constructions in the Daily Sun’s “Charter for a Man” campaign which ran from 7 November to 7 December 2007. It coincided with the 16 Days of Activism against gender violence and was designed to lobby support for this campaign and discourage men from physically abusing women. The “Charter for a Man” listed nine principles that signatories were to abide by. It included a section to be signed by men to be submitted to and collected by the Daily Sun. The campaign was constructed as an intervention into the issue of gender violence. Consequently, the 30 news stories, four editorial pieces and 11 letters to the editor that were published during the campaign period make up the textual data analysed in the study. The news stories consisted of testimonies from abused women and some women abusers. In addition, celebrity signatories were selected to endorse the campaign and encourage other men to follow suit. In the editorials, the campaign was consistently flagged as a nation building initiative which all men were supposed to support. The letters to the editor consisted of readers who either supported or rejected the campaign. The study takes place against the context of a patriarchal society characterised by high levels of violence. Given this scenario, the study is informed by a concern with gender justice and therefore considers whether such a campaign, ostensibly aimed at eradicating gender violence, has the potential of being transformative of gender inequalities. The study set out to establish the kinds of masculinities and femininities that were variously constituted in the campaign as well as the gender discourses that were privileged. It is informed by the theories of feminist poststructuralism and Foucault’s conceptualisation of discourse. As the campaign is the initiative of a tabloid newspaper, it is also considered within the framework of newspaper campaigns and arguments about tabloids and the public sphere. As text based research, the study employs critical discourse analysis as a qualitative procedure of textual analysis. It makes use of an eclectic approach to textual analysis that draws on linguistics, narrative and argumentation. The texts are analysed according to the categories of news texts contained which includes the Charter itself, signatory articles, testimonies, vox pops and letters to the editor. The overarching theme of nationhood projected in the editorials and other categories is also discussed as part of the analysis. The study concludes that the Daily Sun campaign might be a seemingly progressive action at first glance. However, it does not challenge the existing gender order but rather maintains and sustains patriarchal attitudes through the repeated representation of women as weak and in need of patronage and men as their protectors and providers. In some instances, women are constructed primarily as sexual beings as their physical attributes are emphasised, while men are constructed as working class citizens and rational beings. The study therefore proposes that the Daily Sun fails as an alternative public sphere that might make visible the concerns of women as a marginalised group in society. The campaign, it is argued, is self-serving in its promotion of the Daily Sun’s image as the “People’s Paper” rather than serious concerns about gender violence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Investigating customer service excellence at Lakeside Spar
- Authors: Meyer, Warren Carlo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction , Customer services , Customer relations management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8700 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1016 , Consumer satisfaction , Customer services , Customer relations management
- Description: Service delivery is critical to the customer’s perception of value and is core to the success of an organisation. Excellent customer service incorporates the critical aspects of: expedient service delivery; open and honest communication; individual, personalised service; engendering customer loyalty; problem-solving; under-promising and over-delivering; meeting and exceeding expectations; efficient use of infrastructure, systems and procedures to facilitate efficient operations and, in particular, effective use of knowledge management with a focus on customer lifecycle care (Kingstone, 2004, 2005; Zarbock, 2006). Best-practice organisations now use Customer Relationship Management (CRM) programmes that are customer-centric based in order to ensure excellent customer service delivery. Recently, organisations such as Tesco and Nordstrom have adopted customer-centric CRM successfully, providing concrete proof that this CRM model is sustainable and that it produces the highly lucrative win-win benefits which organisations seek (Beasty, 2005; Hallberg, 2001:19; Gratehouse, 2002; Rowe, 2002). 5 Glossary • Continuous improvement: an approach to improving performance which assumes more and smaller incremental improvement steps (Pycraft, Singh, Phihlela, Slack, Chambers, Harland, Harrison, & Johnston, 2002); • Connectivity: the ability to communicate with another system or piece of hardware or software, or with an internet site (Encarta World English Dictionary); • Customer-centric: the use of every touch-point to stimulate interest, close business, satisfy a need or demonstrate commitment to the customer relationship (Gianforte, 2005); • Customer expectations: the customer's perception of the quality of service (LeBoeuf, 1991) and value (Thompson, 2004); • Customer Experience Management: managing customer interactions to build brand equity and long-term profitability (Thompson, 2006a); • Customer lifecycle care: to ensure that every touch-point fulfils its value-potential, regardless of whether the interaction happens in marketing, sales or customer service (Gianforte, 2005); • Customer loyalty: customer’s attitudes and behaviour relating to their perception of value at every touch-point where they feel welcome, important and valued (Thompson, 2004); • Customer Relationship.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Meyer, Warren Carlo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction , Customer services , Customer relations management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8700 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1016 , Consumer satisfaction , Customer services , Customer relations management
- Description: Service delivery is critical to the customer’s perception of value and is core to the success of an organisation. Excellent customer service incorporates the critical aspects of: expedient service delivery; open and honest communication; individual, personalised service; engendering customer loyalty; problem-solving; under-promising and over-delivering; meeting and exceeding expectations; efficient use of infrastructure, systems and procedures to facilitate efficient operations and, in particular, effective use of knowledge management with a focus on customer lifecycle care (Kingstone, 2004, 2005; Zarbock, 2006). Best-practice organisations now use Customer Relationship Management (CRM) programmes that are customer-centric based in order to ensure excellent customer service delivery. Recently, organisations such as Tesco and Nordstrom have adopted customer-centric CRM successfully, providing concrete proof that this CRM model is sustainable and that it produces the highly lucrative win-win benefits which organisations seek (Beasty, 2005; Hallberg, 2001:19; Gratehouse, 2002; Rowe, 2002). 5 Glossary • Continuous improvement: an approach to improving performance which assumes more and smaller incremental improvement steps (Pycraft, Singh, Phihlela, Slack, Chambers, Harland, Harrison, & Johnston, 2002); • Connectivity: the ability to communicate with another system or piece of hardware or software, or with an internet site (Encarta World English Dictionary); • Customer-centric: the use of every touch-point to stimulate interest, close business, satisfy a need or demonstrate commitment to the customer relationship (Gianforte, 2005); • Customer expectations: the customer's perception of the quality of service (LeBoeuf, 1991) and value (Thompson, 2004); • Customer Experience Management: managing customer interactions to build brand equity and long-term profitability (Thompson, 2006a); • Customer lifecycle care: to ensure that every touch-point fulfils its value-potential, regardless of whether the interaction happens in marketing, sales or customer service (Gianforte, 2005); • Customer loyalty: customer’s attitudes and behaviour relating to their perception of value at every touch-point where they feel welcome, important and valued (Thompson, 2004); • Customer Relationship.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Investigating perceptions of students' language needs at a Rwandan institution of higher learning
- Authors: Magambo, Joseph
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Kigali Institute of Science, Technology and Management English language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Rwanda English language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Rwanda -- Foreign speakers Universities and colleges -- Rwanda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007268
- Description: The site of this research is the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). The research was undertaken to investigate first year students' perceived English language needs in order to study successfully at KIST. The research was intended to pave the way for differentiated English language syllabuses for students of varying English proficiency. It sought to answer the following questions: (1) what are students' perceived language needs in order to study through the medium of English at KIST? (2) To what extent does the current English language programme address these perceived needs? And (3) what are the differences in students' perceived language needs at different levels of proficiency? The research was carried out in an interpretive paradigm using both qualitative and quantitative methods. It took the form of a case study utilising questionnaires to collect data. Questionnaires were administered to students, mainstream subject lecturers and English lecturers. The student sample consisted of 212 students chosen from the four previously identified levels of proficiency (beginner, elementary, intermediate and advanced). The lecturer samples consisted of seven subject lecturers and eleven lecturers in English. The research tools used to collect data were administered questionnaires and document analysis. The chi-square statistical test was used to analyse quantitative data especially in establishing differences that appeared between dissimilar proficiency levels. Findings have shown that, although English is no longer a credit-bearing course, students are still interested in learning it. Students expressed a high positive perception for learning language structures, listening and speaking, and a need for reading and writing. However, although it was possible to establish stakeholders' (students, subject lecturers and lecturers in English) perceptions of students' needs, it was not easy to establish what students' real needs and difficulties in English are. Attempts to get valid answers to my questions were not conclusive. Although this research has implications for the future of English language teaching/learning at KIST there is a need for further investigation of students' needs. An important starting point would be to begin a debate at KIST about the whole issue of students' needs. Such research would exploit research tools/methods not used in this research (e.g focus group interviews and observations).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Magambo, Joseph
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Kigali Institute of Science, Technology and Management English language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Rwanda English language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Rwanda -- Foreign speakers Universities and colleges -- Rwanda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007268
- Description: The site of this research is the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). The research was undertaken to investigate first year students' perceived English language needs in order to study successfully at KIST. The research was intended to pave the way for differentiated English language syllabuses for students of varying English proficiency. It sought to answer the following questions: (1) what are students' perceived language needs in order to study through the medium of English at KIST? (2) To what extent does the current English language programme address these perceived needs? And (3) what are the differences in students' perceived language needs at different levels of proficiency? The research was carried out in an interpretive paradigm using both qualitative and quantitative methods. It took the form of a case study utilising questionnaires to collect data. Questionnaires were administered to students, mainstream subject lecturers and English lecturers. The student sample consisted of 212 students chosen from the four previously identified levels of proficiency (beginner, elementary, intermediate and advanced). The lecturer samples consisted of seven subject lecturers and eleven lecturers in English. The research tools used to collect data were administered questionnaires and document analysis. The chi-square statistical test was used to analyse quantitative data especially in establishing differences that appeared between dissimilar proficiency levels. Findings have shown that, although English is no longer a credit-bearing course, students are still interested in learning it. Students expressed a high positive perception for learning language structures, listening and speaking, and a need for reading and writing. However, although it was possible to establish stakeholders' (students, subject lecturers and lecturers in English) perceptions of students' needs, it was not easy to establish what students' real needs and difficulties in English are. Attempts to get valid answers to my questions were not conclusive. Although this research has implications for the future of English language teaching/learning at KIST there is a need for further investigation of students' needs. An important starting point would be to begin a debate at KIST about the whole issue of students' needs. Such research would exploit research tools/methods not used in this research (e.g focus group interviews and observations).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Investigating relationships between mathematics teachers' content knowledge, their pedagogical knowledge and their learnes' achievement in terms of functions and graphs
- Authors: Stewart, Joyce
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Mathematics teachers -- Training of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9515 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1100 , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Mathematics teachers -- Training of -- South Africa
- Description: This study used diagnostic tests, questionnaires and interviews to investigate explore teachers’ subject content knowledge (SCK) and pedagogical subject knowledge (PCK). It also explored teachers’ and learners’ misconceptions within the topic of graphicacy and how teachers’ SCK and PCK possibly affect learner achievement. A small sample of teachers were drawn from the Keiskammahoek region; a deep rural area of the Eastern Cape. These teachers were part of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Amathole Cluster Schools Project who were registered for a three-year BEd (FET) in-service programme in mathematics education. As part of the programme they studied mathematics 1 and 2 at university level and received quarterly non-formal workshops on teaching mathematics at FET level. The findings of this study suggest that teachers with insufficient SCK will probably have limited PCK, although the two are not entirely dependent on each other. In cases where teachers’ displayed low levels of SCK and PCK, their learners were more likely to perform poorly and their results often indicated similar misconceptions as displayed by their teachers. This implies that we have to look at what teachers know and what they need to know in terms of SCK and PCK if we are to plan effectively for effective teacher development aimed at improving learner performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Stewart, Joyce
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Mathematics teachers -- Training of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9515 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1100 , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Mathematics teachers -- Training of -- South Africa
- Description: This study used diagnostic tests, questionnaires and interviews to investigate explore teachers’ subject content knowledge (SCK) and pedagogical subject knowledge (PCK). It also explored teachers’ and learners’ misconceptions within the topic of graphicacy and how teachers’ SCK and PCK possibly affect learner achievement. A small sample of teachers were drawn from the Keiskammahoek region; a deep rural area of the Eastern Cape. These teachers were part of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Amathole Cluster Schools Project who were registered for a three-year BEd (FET) in-service programme in mathematics education. As part of the programme they studied mathematics 1 and 2 at university level and received quarterly non-formal workshops on teaching mathematics at FET level. The findings of this study suggest that teachers with insufficient SCK will probably have limited PCK, although the two are not entirely dependent on each other. In cases where teachers’ displayed low levels of SCK and PCK, their learners were more likely to perform poorly and their results often indicated similar misconceptions as displayed by their teachers. This implies that we have to look at what teachers know and what they need to know in terms of SCK and PCK if we are to plan effectively for effective teacher development aimed at improving learner performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Investigating teacher's perceptions about the value and implementation of Arts at the lower primary phase: a case study in selected schools in Namibia
- Authors: Chombo, Stanley Chombo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia Teachers -- Attitudes -- Namibia Arts -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1952 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008207
- Description: This study was conducted in order to investigate teachers' perceptions about the value and implementation of Arts in the Lower Primary Phase. The study adopted a qualitative approach and seeks to investigate (a) teachers' perceptions of the role and value of Arts at the Lower Primary Phase (b) the issues and problems teachers have in teaching Arts as a separate subject at the Lower Primary Phase (c) the opportunities for incorporating Arts with other subjects and with the cross-curricular issues. The data was gathered by using interviews, class observations and document analysis. The study focused on six teachers in two Schools in the Caprivi education region of the Republic of Namibia. The findings of the study revealed that Arts stimulates the learner's imagination and creativity. The teachers felt that by encouraging learners to explore their creativity through Arts we maintain the practice of the Arts through drawing, carving, modelling and music.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Chombo, Stanley Chombo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia Teachers -- Attitudes -- Namibia Arts -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1952 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008207
- Description: This study was conducted in order to investigate teachers' perceptions about the value and implementation of Arts in the Lower Primary Phase. The study adopted a qualitative approach and seeks to investigate (a) teachers' perceptions of the role and value of Arts at the Lower Primary Phase (b) the issues and problems teachers have in teaching Arts as a separate subject at the Lower Primary Phase (c) the opportunities for incorporating Arts with other subjects and with the cross-curricular issues. The data was gathered by using interviews, class observations and document analysis. The study focused on six teachers in two Schools in the Caprivi education region of the Republic of Namibia. The findings of the study revealed that Arts stimulates the learner's imagination and creativity. The teachers felt that by encouraging learners to explore their creativity through Arts we maintain the practice of the Arts through drawing, carving, modelling and music.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Investigating the enzymatic mechanism of platinum nanoparticle synthesis in sulfate-reducing bacteria
- Authors: Riddin, Tamsyn Louise
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Platinum , Nanoparticles , Sulfate-reducing bacteria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3965 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004024 , Platinum , Nanoparticles , Sulfate-reducing bacteria
- Description: Efforts to discover an efficient yet environmentally friendly mode of metal nanoparticle (NP) synthesis are increasing rapidly. A ‘green’ route that avoids the high costs, toxic wastes and complicated protocols associated with chemical synthesis methods is therefore highly sought after. A biologically based protocol will provide the possibility of gaining control over the mechanism merely by manipulating the experimental conditions of the system. Given that the properties of nanoparticles are highly dependant on the morphology of the particles themselves, this mechanistic control will provide significant industrial advantages with regards to tailoring specific properties of the nanoparticles produced. The key objectives of this study were to: a) determine whether a consortium of sulfate-reducing bacteria was capable of platinum nanoparticle synthesis, b) elucidate the bioreductive, enzymatic mechanism responsible, and c) attempt to control the morphologies of the particles produced. A consortium of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), isolated from sewage sludge, was used in these investigations due to the advantages a consortium provides in comparison to pure cultures. The syntrophic relationships established within the constituent species not only prevent the growth of contaminant microbes, but increases the oxygen-tolerance of the system as a whole. The sulfate-reducing consortium was shown to possess an aerobic mechanism for Pt(IV) reduction which, though different from the anaerobic bioreductive mechanism previously identified in literature, did not require an exogenous electron donor. It was demonstrated that the Pt(IV) ion becomes reduced to Pt(0) via a two-cycle mechanism involving Pt(II) as the intermediate. Further investigation elucidated the reduction of Pt(IV) to Pt(II) to be dependant on a novel Pt(IV) reductase which becomes upregulated in the presence of Cu(II), while the reduction of Pt(II) to Pt(0) occurred by means of a periplasmic hydrogenase. To our knowledge, this is the first time a coupled mechanism for Pt(IV) reduction by micro-organisms has been proposed. A cell-free, crude protein solution from the consortium produced both geometric and irregular platinum nanoparticles. The wavelength of 334 nm was chosen as a nonquantitative indicator of Pt(0) nanoparticle formation over time. The optimum conditions for nanoparticle synthesis were pH 9.0, 65 ˚C and 0.75 mM Pt(IV) as H2PtCl6 salt. In the absence of a buffer a Pt(IV) concentration > 1 mM resulted in the precipitation of protein-nanoparticle bioconjugates, due to unfavourable acidic conditions. This demonstrated that the nanoparticles were binding to and becoming stabilised by general protein in the cell-free solution. Upon addition of a sodium-bicarbonate buffer, a general increase in Pt(IV) reduction to Pt(II) was observed. The addition of the buffer also resulted in an unexplained change in particle morphology and for this reason was not used in subsequent investigations. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was shown to compromise the reduction rate of the Pt(IV) ion by SRB cells. The presence of extracellular NP’s was suggested by the colour of the supernatant turning brown and the A334 increasing over time. Attempts to visualise the particles by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) resulted in an unexpected phenomenon where nanoparticles could be observed to form dynamically upon irradiation by the electron beam. Extended irradiation by the electron beam also resulted in structural changes of the particles occurring during observation. An increase in temperature was shown to increase the reduction rate which in turn resulted in particles decreasing in size. The starting pH was shown to have a significant effect on the reduction rate and particle morphology although specific trends could not be identified. In conclusion, the cell-soluble extract from the sulfate-reducing consortium investigated, is capable of Pt(0) nanoparticle synthesis. Precise control over the particle morphology was not attained although the mechanism was further clarified and optimal conditions for nanoparticle synthesis were determined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Riddin, Tamsyn Louise
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Platinum , Nanoparticles , Sulfate-reducing bacteria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3965 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004024 , Platinum , Nanoparticles , Sulfate-reducing bacteria
- Description: Efforts to discover an efficient yet environmentally friendly mode of metal nanoparticle (NP) synthesis are increasing rapidly. A ‘green’ route that avoids the high costs, toxic wastes and complicated protocols associated with chemical synthesis methods is therefore highly sought after. A biologically based protocol will provide the possibility of gaining control over the mechanism merely by manipulating the experimental conditions of the system. Given that the properties of nanoparticles are highly dependant on the morphology of the particles themselves, this mechanistic control will provide significant industrial advantages with regards to tailoring specific properties of the nanoparticles produced. The key objectives of this study were to: a) determine whether a consortium of sulfate-reducing bacteria was capable of platinum nanoparticle synthesis, b) elucidate the bioreductive, enzymatic mechanism responsible, and c) attempt to control the morphologies of the particles produced. A consortium of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), isolated from sewage sludge, was used in these investigations due to the advantages a consortium provides in comparison to pure cultures. The syntrophic relationships established within the constituent species not only prevent the growth of contaminant microbes, but increases the oxygen-tolerance of the system as a whole. The sulfate-reducing consortium was shown to possess an aerobic mechanism for Pt(IV) reduction which, though different from the anaerobic bioreductive mechanism previously identified in literature, did not require an exogenous electron donor. It was demonstrated that the Pt(IV) ion becomes reduced to Pt(0) via a two-cycle mechanism involving Pt(II) as the intermediate. Further investigation elucidated the reduction of Pt(IV) to Pt(II) to be dependant on a novel Pt(IV) reductase which becomes upregulated in the presence of Cu(II), while the reduction of Pt(II) to Pt(0) occurred by means of a periplasmic hydrogenase. To our knowledge, this is the first time a coupled mechanism for Pt(IV) reduction by micro-organisms has been proposed. A cell-free, crude protein solution from the consortium produced both geometric and irregular platinum nanoparticles. The wavelength of 334 nm was chosen as a nonquantitative indicator of Pt(0) nanoparticle formation over time. The optimum conditions for nanoparticle synthesis were pH 9.0, 65 ˚C and 0.75 mM Pt(IV) as H2PtCl6 salt. In the absence of a buffer a Pt(IV) concentration > 1 mM resulted in the precipitation of protein-nanoparticle bioconjugates, due to unfavourable acidic conditions. This demonstrated that the nanoparticles were binding to and becoming stabilised by general protein in the cell-free solution. Upon addition of a sodium-bicarbonate buffer, a general increase in Pt(IV) reduction to Pt(II) was observed. The addition of the buffer also resulted in an unexplained change in particle morphology and for this reason was not used in subsequent investigations. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was shown to compromise the reduction rate of the Pt(IV) ion by SRB cells. The presence of extracellular NP’s was suggested by the colour of the supernatant turning brown and the A334 increasing over time. Attempts to visualise the particles by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) resulted in an unexpected phenomenon where nanoparticles could be observed to form dynamically upon irradiation by the electron beam. Extended irradiation by the electron beam also resulted in structural changes of the particles occurring during observation. An increase in temperature was shown to increase the reduction rate which in turn resulted in particles decreasing in size. The starting pH was shown to have a significant effect on the reduction rate and particle morphology although specific trends could not be identified. In conclusion, the cell-soluble extract from the sulfate-reducing consortium investigated, is capable of Pt(0) nanoparticle synthesis. Precise control over the particle morphology was not attained although the mechanism was further clarified and optimal conditions for nanoparticle synthesis were determined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Investigating the use of the ITIL framework towards IT services delivery at the NMMU
- Authors: Lubambo, Nontobeko
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Information technology -- Management , Management information systems , Computer industry -- Customer services -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9767 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1001 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009657 , Information technology -- Management , Management information systems , Computer industry -- Customer services -- Management
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate what is involved in IT Service Management and how the NMMU can implement it to improve the quality of IT service support and service delivery. The IT Service Management approach was investigated but the main focus was on the Service Support and Service Delivery in the ITIL framework. Higher Education was analyzed to try and measure the maturity level of the ITIL process implementation to see where Higher Education in South Africa is and to determine the gaps. Findings from the empirical study will be presented and recommendations highlighted to Top management and the IT department in order to promote and improve the quality of the IT service being delivered to users and customers. The data was collected and administered by means of a structured questionnaire based on the ITIL Service Capacity Maturity Model and Rick Leopoldi’s alternative Maturity Assessment method. An Association of South African University Directors of Information Technology (ASAUDIT) questionnaire on Service Management was also used to supplement the questionnaire. It was discovered that the implementation of ITIL in most organizations brought about improvements and benefits in the quality of the IT service being delivered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Lubambo, Nontobeko
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Information technology -- Management , Management information systems , Computer industry -- Customer services -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9767 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1001 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009657 , Information technology -- Management , Management information systems , Computer industry -- Customer services -- Management
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate what is involved in IT Service Management and how the NMMU can implement it to improve the quality of IT service support and service delivery. The IT Service Management approach was investigated but the main focus was on the Service Support and Service Delivery in the ITIL framework. Higher Education was analyzed to try and measure the maturity level of the ITIL process implementation to see where Higher Education in South Africa is and to determine the gaps. Findings from the empirical study will be presented and recommendations highlighted to Top management and the IT department in order to promote and improve the quality of the IT service being delivered to users and customers. The data was collected and administered by means of a structured questionnaire based on the ITIL Service Capacity Maturity Model and Rick Leopoldi’s alternative Maturity Assessment method. An Association of South African University Directors of Information Technology (ASAUDIT) questionnaire on Service Management was also used to supplement the questionnaire. It was discovered that the implementation of ITIL in most organizations brought about improvements and benefits in the quality of the IT service being delivered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Investigation and prediction of autoignition during hot start conditions
- Authors: Wodausch, Jens
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Automobiles -- Ignition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9621 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/991 , Automobiles -- Ignition
- Description: This Master’s thesis discusses the investigation of autoignition (knock) of air-fuel mixtures in internal combustion engines (type EA 827; 1.6 and 1.4 l) under hot start conditions. Chapter Three comprehensively reviews literature on fuel characteristics; specifically boiling point, chemistry and the difference between the Research and Motor Octane Number (RON and MON). Furthermore different types of autoignition are discussed with regards to their detection and assessment in the chapter. The subsection on engine management looks at possible methods of altering and eliminating autoignition. Chapter Four details the equipment used to obtain data and measurements, as well as the signal conditioning of the spark and injector signal. Chapter Five discusses the actual results obtained during summer testing of the different methods of altering and eliminating autoignition in an internal combustion engine, as derived from the theories presented in Chapter Three. The summer tests finally verified the new application level and showed that only a reduction in the quantity of fuel injected can eliminate autoignition. However, a slight decrease in heat release does cause an increase in start time. In Chapter Six, based on the test results, a simulation model which calculates the probability of autoignition in a 1.4 l (Econo) engine during hot start conditions in Matlab/Simulink was developed. This simulation model satisfactorily verified test results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Wodausch, Jens
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Automobiles -- Ignition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9621 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/991 , Automobiles -- Ignition
- Description: This Master’s thesis discusses the investigation of autoignition (knock) of air-fuel mixtures in internal combustion engines (type EA 827; 1.6 and 1.4 l) under hot start conditions. Chapter Three comprehensively reviews literature on fuel characteristics; specifically boiling point, chemistry and the difference between the Research and Motor Octane Number (RON and MON). Furthermore different types of autoignition are discussed with regards to their detection and assessment in the chapter. The subsection on engine management looks at possible methods of altering and eliminating autoignition. Chapter Four details the equipment used to obtain data and measurements, as well as the signal conditioning of the spark and injector signal. Chapter Five discusses the actual results obtained during summer testing of the different methods of altering and eliminating autoignition in an internal combustion engine, as derived from the theories presented in Chapter Three. The summer tests finally verified the new application level and showed that only a reduction in the quantity of fuel injected can eliminate autoignition. However, a slight decrease in heat release does cause an increase in start time. In Chapter Six, based on the test results, a simulation model which calculates the probability of autoignition in a 1.4 l (Econo) engine during hot start conditions in Matlab/Simulink was developed. This simulation model satisfactorily verified test results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Investigation of the effects of 2000 & 2007 flooding on food security in two East African countries
- Authors: Albertsen, Jo-Anne Rose
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Food security -- Environmental aspects -- Africa, Eastern , Floods -- Africa, Eastern , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Africa, Eastern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9035 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/916 , Food security -- Environmental aspects -- Africa, Eastern , Floods -- Africa, Eastern , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Africa, Eastern
- Description: Flooding has been identified as the predominant, environmental generator of food emergencies. Climate change and climate variability have been blamed for these extreme weather events, which are envisioned to affect the future food security and nutritional status of populations across the African continent. It is thus expected that these weather phenomena will continue to increase in frequency and intensity as climate change progresses. Already, climate change has had a dramatic effect on the natural world with increased desertification, warming oceans, rising temperatures and changing weather patterns. In turn, this has affected agriculture and fishing, which subsequently determines the availability of food. On the contrary, weather alone, is not the sole contributing factor to problems that are associated with food security/insecurity. Elements embedded within a political, social, economical, and/or other, context also serve to contribute to how a population or individual experiences food security. It is therefore imperative that these aspects from the social or developmental arena are considered in conjunction with aspects from the natural or environmental sciences. Such a holistic approach to subjects relating to climate change and development will eventually lead to the realisation of sustainable development, which in turn serves to protect human security in the long-term. The research was primarily directed at examining how flooding affects food security and what can be done to avoid, or cope with, a potential food crisis. The above-mentioned social and developmental features shaped the scope of this research, giving rise to an investigation which transcended the confines of flooding as an independent cause and consequence of food insecurity. With East Africa as a focal point, Mozambique and Zambia emerged as the most affected countries with millions of people affected by these devastating waters in 2000 and 2007, respectively. Due to the past nature of the events, it was most appropriate to utilise statistics from sources such as existing databases, reports and articles. Some of the topics that were included in the investigation examined the causes and consequences of the flooding and the management of these disasters. These topics were scrutinised using both qualitative and quantitative dimensions of research, so that an interesting and viable study could be undertaken. ii The research found that frequent and severe flood disasters increase a population‟s vulnerability to food insecurity, as a wide variety of assets, structures and infrastructures are destroyed. However, with careful management, planning and adaptation, many of these unwanted consequences can be avoided or swiftly overcome. Both Mozambique and Zambia were found to be countries that were determined to overcome the barriers associated with climate change and its subsequent extreme weather events. This positively indicated that they were committed to the development process and the wellbeing of their populations. Apart from introducing the topic surrounding the influence of flooding on food security in East Africa, one of the main goals of this research was to gather recommendations and suggestions for avoiding or managing issues that could hamper food security. This ultimately forms an important source of reference for governmental and non-governmental institutions dealing with flooding and food security. Even though Mozambique and Zambia were chosen as the cases for investigation, many of the recommendations can be adapted and applied to countries world-wide.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Albertsen, Jo-Anne Rose
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Food security -- Environmental aspects -- Africa, Eastern , Floods -- Africa, Eastern , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Africa, Eastern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9035 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/916 , Food security -- Environmental aspects -- Africa, Eastern , Floods -- Africa, Eastern , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Africa, Eastern
- Description: Flooding has been identified as the predominant, environmental generator of food emergencies. Climate change and climate variability have been blamed for these extreme weather events, which are envisioned to affect the future food security and nutritional status of populations across the African continent. It is thus expected that these weather phenomena will continue to increase in frequency and intensity as climate change progresses. Already, climate change has had a dramatic effect on the natural world with increased desertification, warming oceans, rising temperatures and changing weather patterns. In turn, this has affected agriculture and fishing, which subsequently determines the availability of food. On the contrary, weather alone, is not the sole contributing factor to problems that are associated with food security/insecurity. Elements embedded within a political, social, economical, and/or other, context also serve to contribute to how a population or individual experiences food security. It is therefore imperative that these aspects from the social or developmental arena are considered in conjunction with aspects from the natural or environmental sciences. Such a holistic approach to subjects relating to climate change and development will eventually lead to the realisation of sustainable development, which in turn serves to protect human security in the long-term. The research was primarily directed at examining how flooding affects food security and what can be done to avoid, or cope with, a potential food crisis. The above-mentioned social and developmental features shaped the scope of this research, giving rise to an investigation which transcended the confines of flooding as an independent cause and consequence of food insecurity. With East Africa as a focal point, Mozambique and Zambia emerged as the most affected countries with millions of people affected by these devastating waters in 2000 and 2007, respectively. Due to the past nature of the events, it was most appropriate to utilise statistics from sources such as existing databases, reports and articles. Some of the topics that were included in the investigation examined the causes and consequences of the flooding and the management of these disasters. These topics were scrutinised using both qualitative and quantitative dimensions of research, so that an interesting and viable study could be undertaken. ii The research found that frequent and severe flood disasters increase a population‟s vulnerability to food insecurity, as a wide variety of assets, structures and infrastructures are destroyed. However, with careful management, planning and adaptation, many of these unwanted consequences can be avoided or swiftly overcome. Both Mozambique and Zambia were found to be countries that were determined to overcome the barriers associated with climate change and its subsequent extreme weather events. This positively indicated that they were committed to the development process and the wellbeing of their populations. Apart from introducing the topic surrounding the influence of flooding on food security in East Africa, one of the main goals of this research was to gather recommendations and suggestions for avoiding or managing issues that could hamper food security. This ultimately forms an important source of reference for governmental and non-governmental institutions dealing with flooding and food security. Even though Mozambique and Zambia were chosen as the cases for investigation, many of the recommendations can be adapted and applied to countries world-wide.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009