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The experiences of school leaders regarding action research as a tool to enhance school functioning

  • Authors: Govender, Bernadette
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Action research in education -- South Africa , Transformational leadership -- South Africa , Educational change -- South Africa , Educational leadership -- South Africa , School improvement programs -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:9494 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1623 , Action research in education -- South Africa , Transformational leadership -- South Africa , Educational change -- South Africa , Educational leadership -- South Africa , School improvement programs -- South Africa
  • Description: South African schools especially those situated in previously disadvantaged communities, are faced with a myriad of challenges that school leaders have to deal with on a daily basis. School leaders are inter alia required to improve the running and functioning of their schools. A prerequisite for good schools is strong leadership. Transformational leadership seemed an appropriate focus for this research study, in which an action research approach was followed to deal with issues that impact negatively on the functioning of schools. The aim was to explore the potential benefits of this approach in terms of improving school functioning. A qualitative approach was adopted, as the experiences of the school leaders regarding action research as a tool to enhance the functioning of their schools were described. The aim was also to describe not only school leaders‟ experiences of action research, but also to interpret these so as to make recommendations based on the findings of the qualitative investigation, as to how best action research can be used as a tool for helping school leaders address issues that impinge on school functioning. This study was informed by phenomenology, and an interpretive as well as a critical paradigm. Multiple data gathering, such as field notes, observation and interviews were employed. In line with the qualitative approach, purposive sampling was used. The results of the research study appear to suggest that the benefits of an action research approach in improving school functioning relate to the transformation of the school climate, and that school leaders experience personal as well as professional transformation. This study recommends that action research as a model be incorporated into preparation programmes as well as professional development programmes for school leaders.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The experiences of the development support group DSG in the integrated quality management system IQMS in Butterworth District, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Ndandani- Msindwana, Judith Nonkululeko
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work capacity evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
  • Identifier: vital:16173 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/467 , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work capacity evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: This study investigated the experiences of the Development Support Group (DGS) when implementing the IQMS (Integrated Quality Management System) in Butterworth District of the Eastern Cape. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of the DSG when implementing the IQMS in an attempt to determine whether the DSG can cope with the task of being part of evaluation in education, and how the negative experiences could be improved. In order to get the experiences of the DSG when implementing the IQMS, the researcher embarked on this phenomenological study. Data were collected by means of one-on-one semi-structured interviews and the perusal of the IQMS document, Resolution 8 of 2003. Responses from the participants were tape-recorded and eventually transcribed, analyzed and interpreted. The main feature revealed by the study is gross lack of confidence, feeling of insecurity and ambivalence on the part of the DSG. On the basis of the findings, recommendations that will assist the DSG (and other IQMS implementers) to improve IQMS implementation, have been made. This study also serves as the voice of the DSG for they have also made suggestions to improve on the negative experiences they have highlighted. The conclusions arrived at in this study are specific to the DSG of the sampled schools. The conclusions reflect and explain the challenges faced by the DSG in Butterworth district. But the findings give a reflective explanatory depth to the experiences the DSG when implementing the IQMS.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The exploration of sustainable and diversified livelihood options for residents of Enon-Bersheba

  • Authors: Dlamini, Tembile Daniel
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable living -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable living
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9115 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015643
  • Description: Enon-Bersheba (E&B) area has approximately 10 200 hectors of pristine communal land that is rare to find in the Cacadu region. This prime communal land is situated in the bank of the Sundays River Valley in the Eastern Cape Province. Enon-Bersheba falls under the jurisdiction of the Sundays River Local Municipality. The Municipal jurisdiction provides easy access to this pristine commonage that presents opportunities for economic development as well as residential opportunities. This study presents the diversity of sustainable livelihood alternatives from the community‟s perspective. This study finds that giving the beneficiaries of land restitution authority over decision-making on land usage is an important contributor to success. Land is a significant asset, and it becomes more valuable and development-worthy if legal institutions are in place to manage the planning and development processes, for its full utilisation. In addition to this, the study provides a community-driven development framework with which potential development partners can interact to enhance revenue generating activities and strengthen the institutional environment through the formation of community-private-public-partnerships. The participatory research process that was undertaken made essential findings. The study validates the use of livelihoods-based approach to poverty alleviation. A bottom-up participatory process was effective in determining how best Enon-Bersheba communal land can be put into effective and efficient use. Likewise, an integrated approach to development planning was proven to be important. This study proved an extra-ordinary belief that the stability and changed value systems within a community often derive from complex social problems that are inherently dynamic. The involvement of the Independent Electoral Commission in the referendum process for Enon-Bersheba‟s legal entity that will manage the land suggests the credibility of the process. The existing information around potential development options of Enon-Bersheba was consolidated and verified by the community. The awareness of community abilities and resources served to enhance community mobilization for social action. The study provides a framework for development policy imperatives and a new vision for Enon-Bersheba.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The extent of accessibility of public buildings to persons with disabilities in Kenya

  • Authors: Maigua, Mwaura Isaac
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Buildings -- Barrier-free design -- Kenya , People with disabilities -- Kenya , Barrier-free design -- Kenya
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9124 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1017098
  • Description: Many countries in the world have in recent years developed measures to increase accessibility to the built environment for persons with disabilities. Of particular concern are facilities such as roads, railways and public premises. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities (CRPD) confers accessibility as a right and gives responsibility to state parties to ensure to persons with disabilities (PWDs) a barrier free environment. The Constitution of Kenya (2010) states that PWDs have a right to facilities including educational that integrate their needs. The Person With Disabilities Act (2003) provides for mechanisms through which such enforcements can be enacted. The body responsible for implementing the Act has developed minimum accessibility guidelines to inform this endeavor as part of Kenya‟s dream of becoming a middle income economy by the year 2030. This research report/treatise details the findings of a pilot baseline survey study conducted in Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa Cities.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The feasibility of monetary integration within the SADC region

  • Authors: Nindi, Angelique Gugulethu
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Southern African Development Community Monetary policy -- Africa, Southern Macroeconomics Africa, Southern -- Economic policy
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:1021 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002756
  • Description: The Southern African Development Community (SADC) aims to have a regional central bank by 2016 and a common currency by 2018. The member states are at the early stages of the process of regional economic integration, having launched a free trade area in 2008. Monetary integration is an advanced stage of regional economic integration that requires progressive changes in the participating countries. The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of monetary integration within the SADC countries and hence, provide policy recommendations to guide the integration process. To accomplish this, the study analyses the extent to which the member states meet the criteria for an optimum currency area (OCA) as well as the degree to which their economies are converging. The study finds that the main macroeconomic objectives of SADC countries differ due to a difference in the relative importance of monetary policy instruments in member states, which influences each country’s commitment towards achieving the macroeconomic convergence targets and harmonising policies. A more appropriate approach to macroeconomic convergence would be to allow for variable speed, geometry and depth in each country as premature adherence to convergence targets could prevent a harmonisation of the economies in the future and possibly destabilise the union. In addition, the study investigates the importance and similarities of the monetary aggregate channel, the interest rate channel, the exchange rate channel and the credit channel in the transmission of monetary policy using VAR analysis. This is important when considering monetary integration because differences in transmission mechanisms can result in asymmetric behaviour between member states, which in turn will prevent harmonisation of their economies. The results of the analysis suggest that SADC member states display asymmetries in their responses to monetary policy shocks as well as the relative importance of transmission mechanisms. In addition, the results suggest that national monetary policy is generally inefficient in determining economic performance in the member states. Furthermore, the study finds that the failure to meet the OCA criteria implies that the SADC member states will respond asymmetrically to shocks within a monetary union. With no effective alternative adjustment mechanisms in place, the effects of the shocks will endure in union members and possibly widen existing cyclical variation. Hence, monetary integration would not result in harmonisation of the economies of member states. It is therefore, concluded that the SADC countries were not suitable for monetary integration at present.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The feeding and spatial ecology of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and lions (Panthera leo) in the Little Karoo, South Africa

  • Authors: Vorster, Paul Hendrik
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Sanbona Wildlife Reserve , Cheetah -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Lion -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Cheetah -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Lion -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Cheetah -- Food -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Lion -- Food -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Spatial behavior in animals , Predation (Biology) , Game reserves -- Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5693 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005379 , Sanbona Wildlife Reserve , Cheetah -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Lion -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Cheetah -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Lion -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Cheetah -- Food -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Lion -- Food -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Spatial behavior in animals , Predation (Biology) , Game reserves -- Management
  • Description: The re-introduction of large carnivores into relatively small conservation areas that fall within the historic distribution range of the species is becoming an increasingly common occurrence. The success of such re-introductions depends very much on the quality of the information that is available to guide management decisions, but in many cases, little information is available. The re-introduction of lions and cheetahs to Sanbona created the opportunity to monitor the behaviour of re-introduced predators to a relatively large system that was characterised by a low ungulate stocking density and little standing water. The broad aims were to study the feeding and spatial ecologies of the lions and cheetahs, to collect standard base-line data, and to examine the effects of the low prey density and limited standing water on habitat selection, range size and diet. The diet (data collected from direct observation and faecal analysis) was similar to that reported in previous studies, and lions and cheetahs preferred greater kudu, black wildebeest and springbok. Lions preferred medium to large prey items, and cheetahs preferred medium to small prey items. The hilly and mountainous terrain of much of the reserve meant that only 50% of the total space was available to the predators. Home ranges of most of the predators were focused around the single large body of standing water. This is likely to have been a response to the water, the vegetation, and the prey that was attracted to these. Habitat selection was also influenced by inter and intra-specific interactions at least for a solitary male lion and female cheetahs. Range sizes were larger than on some other reserves and it is suggested that this was a result of the low prey density. These results form the basis for management recommendations including the importance of continuing to monitor the system and opening up additional parts of the reserve to the predators.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The fitting of statistical distributions to wind data in coastal areas of South Africa

  • Authors: Moodley, Kirshnee
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Winds -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Speed -- Measurement , Wind power -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Winds -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Measurement -- Mathematical models
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:10579
  • Description: Coastal South African cities like Port Elizabeth are said to have a strong potential for wind energy. This study aims to model wind data in order to be able assess the power potential belonging to a given site. The main challenge in modelling wind direction data is that it is categorized as circular data and therefore requires special techniques for handling that are different from usual statistical samples. Statistical tools such as descriptive measures and distribution fitting, were re-invented for directional data by researchers in this field. The von Mises distribution is a predominant distribution in circular statistics and is commonly used to describe wind directions. In this study, the circular principles described by previous researchers were developed by using the statistical software, Mathematica. Graphical methods to present the wind data were developed to give an overview of the behaviour of the winds in any given area. Data collected at Coega, an area near Port Elizabeth, South Africa, was used to illustrate the models which were established in this study. Circular distributions were fit to the directional data in order to make appropriate conclusions about the prevailing wind directions in this area.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The fitting problem in a lattice Universe

  • Authors: Larena, Julien
  • Date: 2012
  • Language: English
  • Type: Text
  • Identifier: vital:6780 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012405
  • Description: We present a regular cubic lattice solution to Einstein field equations that is exact at second order in a small parameter. We show that this solution is kinematically equivalent to the Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) solution with the same averaged energy density. This allows us to discuss the fitting problem in that framework: are observables along the past lightcone of observers equivalent to those in the analogue FLRW model obtained by smoothing spatially the distribution of matter? We find a criterion on the compacity of the objects that must be satisfied in order for the answer to this question to be positive and given by perturbative arguments. If this criterion is not met, the answer to this question must be addressed fully non perturbatively along the past lightcone, even though the spacetime geometry can be described perturbatively. , Prepared for the Proceedings of the conference 'Relativity and Gravitation: 100 years after Einstein in Prague', Prague, 25-29th June 2012.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The further development, optimisation and application of a Yarn Dismantler

  • Authors: Fassihi, Ali Akbar
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Textile industry , Cotton yarn industry
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:10452 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016066
  • Description: The fibre properties of cotton, which vary widely according to genetic and environmental conditions, determine its price and textile processing performance and product quality. It is therefore hardly surprising that cotton fibre properties are routinely measured for trading and quality control purposes, with a great deal of research having been, and still being, devoted towards developing instruments which enable the various fibre properties to be measured rapidly and accurately. In many cases, it is also necessary to be able to measure properties of cotton fibres when they have already been converted into yarn and fabric form. To do so, the yarn has to be dismantled into its component fibres, preferably without significantly changing the fibre properties. This could only be done by manually untwisting the yarn and carefully extracting the fibres from the untwisted yarn, care being taken not to break or lose any fibres in the process. This is a time consuming, laborious and labour intensive process. In view of this, a „yarn dismantler‟ which could automatically, cost effectively and within acceptable time frames, dismantle a cotton yarn into its constituent fibres, without undue damage or changes to the fibres, was developed and patented. This thesis reports the results of research undertaken to further develop, evaluate and optimize the yarn dismantler into the final prototype, as well as those relating to its practical applications, including tracking changes in fibre properties during miniature and pilot scale processing, up to, and including the yarn stage. Initial research undertaken on the original bench and first prototype models indicated that, although they produced very promising results, certain improvements and modifications were necessary, if the dismantler was to perform in an efficient and operator friendly manner at the required speeds. These included changes in the axial position of the untwisting spindle and the perforated screen of the suction drum, increasing the air suction at the perforated drum, installing a new motor for the untwisting spindle drive, separating the drives to the different parts of the unit in order to control them independently, integrating a more effective steaming unit into the unit etc. It was found that the dismantling rate had to be set to equal about 95 percent of the original twist in the yarn, and that steaming of the dismantled (untwisted) yarn on the perforated drum was necessary in order to eliminate any twist liveliness (residual torque) in the dismantled yarn, and enable it to be handled and tested on the AFIS instrument. When the final prototype Yarn Dismantler was produced, incorporating all the above mentioned improvements, it functioned very well at dismantling speeds of at least 2m/min, enabling the length of yarn required for subsequent AFIS testing to be dismantled within an acceptable time of less than 10 minutes, with excellent reproducibility and repeatability of results, also under commercial conditions. It was found that the AFIS measured length characteristics of fibres from the instrument dismantled yarns compared very well with those of fibres from manually dismantled yarns, differences in fibre length generally being less than 1mm, and it was concluded from these and other evaluation tests, that the yarn dismantler produced fibres without any significant fibre breakage. Some limited tests, carried out on commercially produced carded and combed yarns, indicated that short fibre content and dust and trash levels, as measured by the AFIS on fibres from dismantled yarn, together with the corresponding Uster Statistics, could enable a carded cotton yarn to be distinguished from a combed cotton yarn. Statistical analysis of fibre test results obtained at the different stages during miniature and pilot plant scale processing of various cottons, clearly showed that very significant changes in fibre properties could be caused by certain of the processes. For example, significant fibre breakage occurred during the drafting on the spinning frame, prior to twist insertion. The thesis provides detailed results of changes in various fibre properties, including length, short fibre content, maturity, immature fibre content, seed coat neps and fibrous neps, which occurred from the lint to the final yarn, as well as on the relationship between the properties of the fibres from the dismantled yarn and those from the lint. The results obtained have clearly demonstrated the practical value of the yarn dismantler in enabling yarns to be automatically dismantled into their constituent fibres, which can then be tested by an instrument, such as the AFIS, and the test results related to those of the original lint fibres, thereby opening up many fields of research and practical applications, some of which are captured under „Recommended Further Work‟.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The growing South African municipal water service delivery problem

  • Authors: Jacoby, Kevin Terence
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Municipal water supply -- South Africa , Municipal services -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9011 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016270
  • Description: The sustainability of South Africa municipal water services provision is being challenged by the desire of government to extend high quality services from a relatively small portion of the population to the whole. Evidence of failures in delivery are mounting and many reasons for this have been identified, including a lack of political will at local government levels, low budget priority, insufficient capital, lack of capacity and skill and flawed tariff and accounting structures. This study generates new perspectives by surveying selected but representative, South African municipalities in their capacities as water service authorities (WSAs) on a range of financial sustainability issues – including cost burden on users, cross sub-subsidisation and cost calculations to set tariffs. The study is part of a wider investigation into the setting of tariffs that cover costs and satisfy demand, funded and advised by the Water Research Commission (WRC). The conclusions and recommendations of WRC Project K3/2087 (Hosking, 2011b) are to address: 1. The choice of water service provider, including the private utility option; 2. Market vulnerabilities in water service provision under alternate models of supply; 3. The determination and realisation of full cost recovery; 4. Demand responsiveness/sensitivity of local government supply; 5. The increasing block tariff (IBT) tariff structure; and 6. Abuse of dominance in the market process. Given the limited perspective (i.e. a focus on WSAs), some important national water sustainability issues are given less prominence, e.g. raw water availability and national government capacity to subsidise water service delivery. The key water service sustainability elements on which attention was focused in this study are: • Backlogs in the water service coverage and infrastructure rehabilitation and maintenance. • Standard of water service indicators. • Relative importance of the provision of water services in water service authorities’ strategy and implementation (including budget and risk). • Adequacy of skills to provide a sustainable water service. • Budgeting and planning for the sustainability of the water service. • Adequacy of the costing and tariff setting nexus, with particular attention paid to method and principle. A survey was used to elicit information from selected municipalities (Chapter Four). The municipalities which formed part of the sample and were surveyed were: 1. Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality; 2. Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality; 3. eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality; 4. Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality; 5. Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality; 6. George Municipality; 7. uMhlathuze (Richards Bay) Municipality; 8. Steve Tshwete (Middleburg) Municipality; 9. Kouga Municipality; 10. Sol Plaatjie (Kimberley) Municipality; 11. Polokwane Municipality; 12. Stellenbosch Municipality; 13. Overstrand Municipality; 14. Midvaal Municipality; and 15. Amathole District Municipality.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The heuristic significance of enacted visualisation

  • Authors: Samson, Duncan Alistair
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Heuristic Visualization Problem solving Pattern perception Problem solving -- Ability testing Mathematics -- Study and teaching Education -- Research Interdisciplinary approach to knowledge
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:1552 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003434
  • Description: This study is centred on an analysis of pupils' lived experience while engaged in the generalisation of linear sequences/progressions presented in a pictorial context. The study is oriented within the conceptual framework of qualitative research, and is anchored within an interpretive paradigm. A case study methodological strategy was adopted, the research participants being the members of a mixed gender, high ability Grade 9 class of 23 pupils at an independent school in South Africa. The analytical framework is structured around a combination of complementary multiple perspectives provided by three theoretical ideas, enactivism, figural apprehension, and knowledge objectification. An important aspect of this analytical framework is the sensitivity it shows to the visual, phenomenological and semiotic aspects of figural pattern generalisation. It is the central thesis of this study that the combined complementary multiple perspectives of enactivism, figural apprehension and knowledge objectification provide a powerful depth of analysis to the exploration of the inter-relationship between the embodied processes of pattern generalisation and the visualisation of pictorial cues. The richly textured tapestry of activity captured through a multi-systemic semiotic analysis of participants' generalisation activity stands testament to this central thesis. Insights gleaned from this study are presented as practical strategies which support and encourage a multiple representational approach to pattern generalisation in the pedagogical context of the classroom.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The ichthyofauna of the Wilderness Lakes System, Western Cape, with particular emphasis on alien fish species and their establishment success

  • Authors: Olds, Alexis Amy
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Introduced fishes -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Estuarine fishes -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Mozambique tilapia -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Western mosquitofish -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Carp -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Largemouth bass -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Estuarine fishes -- Effect of exotic animals on -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Fish communities -- South Africa -- Wilderness
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005132 , Introduced fishes -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Estuarine fishes -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Mozambique tilapia -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Western mosquitofish -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Carp -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Largemouth bass -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Estuarine fishes -- Effect of exotic animals on -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Fish communities -- South Africa -- Wilderness
  • Description: Freshwater fish species have been introduced into freshwater systems around the world, primarily for aquaculture, ornamental fish trade and sport fishing. Their introduction into estuarine systems is uncommon however, instances do occur and their establishment success and impacts on these estuarine systems is not well documented. The extent of invasion by four freshwater fishes in a RAMSAR listed estuarine system, the Wilderness Lakes, Western Cape was investigated. This thesis determined the relative abundance and distribution of alien fishes in relation to the native fish biota, their establishment success in the system, what factors inhibited their establishment and whether the introduction of alien fishes negatively impacted the native fish biota. The distribution and abundance of fishes were assessed primarily using fyke nets, seine nets and gill nets in each of the lakes, interconnecting channels and the Touw Estuary. The fish fauna was made up of euryhaline marine species comprising 46%, native estuarine species comprising 18%, catadromous species comprising 7% and freshwater alien species comprising 29% of the total biomass sampled. A total of 26 species were sampled in the system, three of which were considered alien; Oreochromis mossambicus, Gambusia affinis and Cyprinus carpio, and Micropterus salmoides were not sampled but confirmed in the system. Establishment success was determined by evidence of: a sustainable breeding population, a wide distribution, abundant in the sampling area, and all size classes of fish sampled. Gambusia affinis and Oreochromis mossambicus have been recorded in the system for a minimum of 13 and 26 years respectively. They were widely distributed and highly abundant and are established in the system. Micropterus salmoides was first recorded in the system in 1985 but abundances have remained low with fish appearing to be limited to Island Lake and Langvlei. Reproduction appeared to be limited by higher salinity and these factors indicated that this was a casual species which relies on repeated introductions for population maintenance. Cyprinus carpio spawned successfully in 2010 and was widely distributed but abundances were still low with a total of 15 fish being sampled throughout the system, and was thus in the establishing phase. As these are considered freshwater alien species, the physico-chemical parameters in the estuarine environment inhibiting the establishment success of the alien fishes were investigated. Gambusia affinis and O. mossambicus were not limited by the physical environment, and while O. mossambicus cannot tolerate temperatures below 11⁰C, temperatures only dropped below its tolerance for a total of two days between February 2010 and February 2011. Cyprinus carpio and M. salmoides were restricted by salinity in Rondevlei and Langvlei but could tolerate salinity in Island Lake and the Touw Estuary during closed mouth phases. While adults appeared to tolerate the salinity in the system, egg and larval development could be affected thus reducing the viability of the population. The abundance of alien fishes did not negatively impact the abundance of native fish species. The interactions between the native and alien fish biota tended towards biotic acceptance where, as alien abundance increased so did native fish abundance. The impacts of the alien fishes on the native fish biota were assessed by comparing the fish community from a study completed in 1985 to the findings of this study. From these two studies there were no apparent negative impacts on the native fish biota and the fish community composition would most likely be structured by estuarine mouth opening events.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The impact of capital flows on real exchange rates in South Africa

  • Authors: Mishi, Syden
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Capital movements -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Foreign exchange -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Currency question -- South Africa , Saving and investment -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Anti-inflationary policies -- South Africa , Cointegration -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
  • Identifier: vital:11466 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007089 , Capital movements -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Foreign exchange -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Currency question -- South Africa , Saving and investment -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Anti-inflationary policies -- South Africa , Cointegration -- South Africa
  • Description: The neoclassical theory suggests that free flows of external capital should be equilibrating and thereby facilitating smoothening of an economy's consumption or production patterns. South Africa has a very low savings rate, making it highly dependent on capital inflows which create instability and volatility in global markets. A policy dilemma is undoubtedly evident: capital inflows help to cater for the domestic low savings and at the same time the inflows pose instability, a threat on competitiveness and volatility challenges to the same economy due to their impact on exchange rates. The question is: are all forms of capital flows equally destabilizing? Since studies based on South Africa considered only the relationship between aggregate capital flows and real exchange rate, modelling individual components of capital flows could enlighten policy formulation even further. The composition of the flows and their effects on the composition of aggregate demand determine the evolution of real exchange rate response to surges in capital flows. Through co-integration and vector error correction modelling techniques applied to South African data between 1990 and 2010, the study found out that foreign portfolio investment exerts the greatest appreciation effect on the South African real exchange rate, followed by other investment and finally foreign direct investment. Thus the impact of capital flows on real exchange rate in South Africa differs by type of capital. This presents varied policy implications.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The impact of clothing and protective gear on biophysical, physiological, perceptual and performance responses of rugby players during a simulated rugby protocol

  • Authors: Cannon, Michael-John
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Protective clothing -- Rugby football -- Health aspects -- Research , Rugby football injuries -- Prevention -- Research , Sports injuries -- Prevention -- Research
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5124 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005202 , Protective clothing -- Rugby football -- Health aspects -- Research , Rugby football injuries -- Prevention -- Research , Sports injuries -- Prevention -- Research
  • Description: Background: Clothing and protective gear worn during intermittent exercise has shown to increase physiological and perceptual responses, and negatively impact performance capacities, due to increased heat strain, suggested to hasten the onset of fatigue. However, the mechanisms of fatigue experienced in rugby remain unclear. Objectives: The aim of this study was establish whether clothing and protective gear worn during a simulated rugby protocol impacts players‘ biophysical, physiological, perceptual and performance responses. Methods: 15 registered university and school first XV rugby players with a mean (± SD) age of 20.9 years (± 1.9) volunteered to participate in the study. Testing was performed in a controlled laboratory setting, with temperatures having to be within the range of 16º C-22º C. The mean (± SD) ambient temperature was 17.6º C (± 1.6) for the control condition and 17.3º C (1.5) for the experimental condition. The mean (± SD) relative humidity was 65.2 % (± 9.5) for the control condition and 66.3 % (± 10.0) for the experimental condition. Player‘s performed two protocols of 80-minutes; a control condition (minimal clothing and protective gear) and an experimental condition (full clothing and protective gear). Physiological, perceptual and performance responses were measured at set intervals during the protocol, while biophysical responses were measured pre-, at half-time and post-protocol during a 3-minute EMG treadmill protocol. Results: Muscle activity significantly (p< 0.05) increased with increasing running speeds. There were no significant (p> 0.05) differences for muscle activity between conditions, except for the semitendinosus muscle, which was significantly (p< 0.05) higher during the control condition while running at high speeds. Players‘ heart rates, core temperatures and perceptual responses were significantly (p< 0.05) higher during the experimental condition, compared to the control condition. Performance responses were significantly (p< 0.05) lower during the experimental condition. Conclusion: The main driver of physiological and perceptual responses was the exercise itself. However, the additional clothing and protective gear exacerbated the responses, particularly towards the end stages of the protocol. This negatively impacted players‘ performance. Muscle activity appeared to be unaffected by increased body temperatures. However, core temperatures never reached critically high levels during either condition.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The impact of crime on the South African economic growth

  • Authors: Mtati, Nokuzola Julia
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Crime -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Crime -- Sociological aspects , Economic development -- South Africa , Criminal behavior
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9131 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018644
  • Description: Crime in South Africa has been escalating over the past few years. Crime affects all societies in South Africa. It occurs amongst the rich and the poor, in the suburbs as well as in the townships. Serious and violent crimes are reported in most of the national newspapers almost on daily basis. There is no single satisfactory answer as to the causes of crimes and its impact on the economy of South Africa. The aim of this research report is to assess the impact of crime in the South African economy. In order to formulate a conceptual and theoretical framework of the study, growth theories, namely neoclassical growth theory, Harrod-Domar growth model classical growth theory and endogenous growth theory were presented. Although all these growth theories relate to this study as crime cuts-across all sectors of the economy the endogenous growth theory was chosen as a theoretical framework on which to base this study. Endogenous growth theory deals with domestic absorption. Crime interferes with this absorption as it constitutes a cost to the economy. Firms lose profits whilst the opportunity cost of running prisons using a tax payers’ money continues to grow. This study is based on a quantitative research technique, using a vector error correction model (VECM) on a quarterly time series data over a period 2003 to 2011. The variables used to explain variations in economic growth over this period are crime, real interest rates, real exchange rates, unemployment and poverty. The findings of this study suggest that crime exerts a negative impact on economic growth in a long run in South Africa. However, this relationship is not statistically significant both in a short run and a long run. . However, no evidence of short run adjustments between crime and economic growth were found. There is a long run negative relationship between real interest rates and economic growth. This relationship is also statistically significant in a long run but not in a short run. However, the relationship between real interest rates and economic growth is positive in a short run. This can be explained by the fact that high interest rates attract foreign investments causing a rise in economic growth but in a long run high interest rates dampen domestic investments thereby aggravating the unemployment problem. Rising unemployment is likely to lead to increase levels of crime in South Africa. The results also show that unemployment has a negative relationship with economic growth both in the short run and a long run. However this relationship is not statistically significant in a short run but in a long run. Poverty has a negative relationship with economic growth in a short run but a positive relationship in a long run. However, in both instances the relationship between poverty and economic growth is not statistically significant. Real exchange rate has a positive relationship with economic growth in a long run but a negative relationship in a short run. This relationship is statistically significant in a long run but not in a short run. This means that the benefits of a weak currency in South Africa are realised in a long run. The implications of this study with regard to the variable of interest namely crime, is that crime constitutes a cost to the economy of South Africa. The econometric modelling used in this study suggests a negative relationship between crime and economic growth. This means that the problem of crime in South Africa goes beyond just simple counts on a number of offenses. Based on the findings of this study it is recommended that crime prevention is better than cure. Crime prevention should use a wide range of ideas and abilities found throughout the society. Community planning, neighbourhood action, juvenile advocacy, security planning, education and training are some of the ways in which crime actions can be mitigated in South Africa.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The impact of customer relationship management on retail banking using self-service channels

  • Authors: Bothma, Tracy
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Banks and banking -- Customer services , Service industries -- Technological innovations , Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:9346 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013654
  • Description: If you do not own the latest technology today it is thought that you are left behind in this technology driven age. More businesses use Self- Service channels to accommodate the increasing demands of customers. It has been said that the use of self-service channels can reduce input costs, increase efficiency and improve customer service. Unfortunately, many customers are left unsatisfied because retail banks are moving away from the human interaction when visiting a branch or advise customers to use their self-service channels, sometimes without any assistance. This causes customers to move banks, complain and in so doing reduce profits and customer relationships with their banks.This research’s main objective was to determine the impact of customer relationship management on retail banks that make use of self-service channels. A theoretical overview of self-service channels and customer relationship management was given. Advantages and disadvantages of each option were explored. The researcher wanted to explore the relation between customers using self-service channels and the assistance and protection provided by retail banks. The customer experience questionnaire used in this research asked retail banking customers from the South African population to determine how customers perceive and experience their banks’ self-service channels and customer service. Many questions relating to their needs and wants with regards to banking have been explored. The results show that most customers are satisfied with their banks in general but do feel that the banks can improve their customer service and assistance with regards to using self-service channels like ATM’s, online and telephone banking and E-Wallet. It has concluded that most customers choose their banks based on advertisements and other media, not customer service, product range or word-of-mouth. The general perception is that customers say that their bank charges do justify the customer service received.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The impact of divorce on work performance of professional nurses in the tertiary hospitals of the Buffalo City municipality

  • Authors: Murray, Daphne
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Nurses -- Attitudes , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Social aspects , Divorce -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Divorce counseling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11896 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/424 , Nurses -- Attitudes , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Social aspects , Divorce -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Divorce counseling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: Divorce is a phenomenon that affects the emotional, physical and social wellbeing of the divorcees and those close to them. The situation becomes complicated if the affected person has a responsibility of providing caring and nurturing services to the sick, either as a manager or as a practitioner. The extent of how the impact of divorce affects the performance of professional nurses in their roles as carers and as managers was unknown. The nature and quality of services that they render to their patients, their coping strategies and the support systems were unknown. The purpose of the study was to describe and explore the impact of divorce on work performance of professional nurses at the East London Hospital Complex with the aim of ensuring high quality patient care. The objectives of the study were to: explore and describe the lived experiences of female divorced professional nurses with regard to the impact of divorce on their work performance; identify their coping strategies and their support systems. An exploratory descriptive and contextual qualitative research design was used. A phenomenological approach was used. The participants were twelve (12) divorced female professional nurses. The purposive and snowball sampling as non-probability sampling techniques were used. An interview guide was used to conduct the interviews. Audiotape was used for recording the data. Tesch’s steps (1990) of analyzing qualitative data guided the data analysis process. According to the lived experiences of the participants, divorce is traumatic and painful with emotional, physical, financial and social impact. It had a negative impact on the professional nurses’ work performance. The coping strategies included acceptance of the reality, studying, involvement with club and church activities. Support was available from the families, church, friends, and colleagues. Recommendations are that: the employee assistance program be marketed more effectively by hospital management and be included in the hospital, departmental and unit orientation programmes; that a dedicated psychologist, as well as preventive intervention programs, be made available to employees dealing with divorce.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The impact of entrepreneurship education on the performance of small, micro and medium enterprises in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality

  • Authors: Chimucheka, Tendai
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance -- Management , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee empowerment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
  • Identifier: vital:11321 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007107 , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance -- Management , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee empowerment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) play an important role in contributing to economic development of many countries around the world, including South Africa. Despite the importance of SMMEs an unacceptable and disappointingly high number of these ventures fail during the first few years of operation. It is in light of the importance and challenges faced by SMMEs that the performance of SMMEs is of interest to all countries. This study investigated the impact of entrepreneurship education on the performance of SMMEs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The objectives of the study were to investigate the role of entrepreneurship education in improving entrepreneurship skills and knowledge of owner/managers of SMMEs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, to determine the role of entrepreneurship education on the establishment and survival of SMMEs and to identify strategies that can be implemented to improve the performance of SMMEs. Both primary and secondary data sources were used in this study. A quantitative research design was used in conducting this research. Simple random sampling, a probability sampling technique was used to select a sample of 201 from the sample frame of 420 registered SMMEs. The survey method, by way of a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect primary data. The statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) is the statistical software that was used to analyse data. The Chi-square test, the T-test, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Validity and reliability of the research instrument and the findings was assured. The results for this study are useful for the development of the SMME sector, which is very important to South Africa for they contribute to the solving of socio-economic challenges. The findings of this research showed that entrepreneurship education has a positive impact on the performance of SMMEs and it plays a critical role in improving entrepreneurial skills and knowledge of SMME owners and managers. It was also found that entrepreneurial education is very important for the establishment and survival of SMMEs. Strategies that can be implemented to improve the performance of SMMEs in South Africa were suggested to the government, government agencies, educational institutions, other organisations, and SMME owners and managers.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on rural livelihoods: the case of smallholder farming in Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Mago, Shamiso
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe , Family farms -- Zimbabwe , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Food security -- Zimbabwe , Information technology -- Management , Technological innovations -- Management , Management information systems
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
  • Identifier: vital:11433 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007185 , Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe , Family farms -- Zimbabwe , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Food security -- Zimbabwe , Information technology -- Management , Technological innovations -- Management , Management information systems
  • Description: This study seeks to determine the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. The study was motivated by the fact that benefits of ICT development still need to be known among rural smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. ICTs have been upheld as catalysts for the promotion of rural livelihoods the world over. The question that remains is whether ICTs in Zimbabwe promote livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Although the Government formulated the ICT policy in 2005, the benefits still need to be known among rural smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. The challenges faced by smallholder farmers include limited access to ICTs, high costs in ICT services and lack of ICT infrastructural development in the country. The challenges hindered ICT benefits that are expected to accrue to smallholder farmers. This study is significant in the view that most studies on ICT have focused on the general roles of ICT on rural development without giving particular attention to smallholder farming that has a potential of reducing poverty and promoting food security. For a theoretical lens, the Sustainable Livelihood Approach was used with special attention to Chapman et al (2001)’s information wheel. Regarding methodological issues, the study followed a qualitative research methodology guided by a secondary analysis research design. Data were collected from published reports of government, reports from the Ministry of ICT, internet, journals, newspapers and periodicals. The study established that ICTs promote livelihoods of smallholder farmers through the dissemination of vital information for improvement of agricultural productivity. From the research findings, the study proposes four main recommendations. Firstly, strengthening of ICT policy for effective smallholder farmers. Secondly, the government to organise ICT awareness campaigns directed towards rural people especially smallholder farmers. Thirdly, up scaling ICT Infrastructural development .Finally, a large-scale ICTs and livelihoods research must be commissioned in the country.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The impact of job satisfaction and organisational commitment on turnover intentions amongst high school teachers: a case of Fort Beaufort district in Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Magocoba, Noncedo
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Job satisfaction , Organisational commitment , Turnover intentions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
  • Identifier: vital:11560 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013589 , Job satisfaction , Organisational commitment , Turnover intentions
  • Description: This study focused on establishing the impact of job satisfaction (JS) and organisational commitment (OC) on turnover intentions of high school teachers in Fort Beaufort. Quantitative research methodology was used to gather data with the use of the short version of the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire; the Organisational Commitment Questionnaire measuring three facets of commitment (affective, continuance, and normative); and Turnover Intention Questionnaire consisting of three items. Validity and reliability of each instrument was presented and explained. Data analysis was facilitated by the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated that teachers’ level of satisfaction was high with many aspects of their job and it was low with some aspects with pay and the amount of work being the lowest. A negative relationship between job satisfaction and turnover was established, and organisational commitment was found to influence turnover intention.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2012
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