The framing of China in Nigeria : an analysis of the coverage of China's involvement in Nigeria by Thisday newspaper
- Authors: Umejei, Emeka Lucky
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Thisday (Nigeria) , Nigeria -- Foreign economic relations -- China , China -- Foreign economic relations -- Nigeria , Journalism -- Nigeria , Journalism -- Political aspects -- Nigeria , Nigerian newspapers -- Objectivity , Social responsibility of business -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3525 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012974
- Description: This study identified the media frames that dominate Thisday newspaper's coverage of China's engagement with Nigeria and relate these frames to frame sponsors, who articulate and contest these framings. Frame analysis is applied to a sample of 40 news, feature and opinion articles between the sample period of 1 November 2011 and 31 December 2012. The study analysed media content from Thisday newspapers, drawing on the four dimensions of frames identified by Entman: define problems, diagnose causes, evaluate causal agents and their effects, and recommend treatment (Entman 1993). Using an inductive approach to frame analysis, the study identified two overarching mega frames, contested among the ruling elites who sponsor their views on China in the media, which define China's engagement with Nigeria; partner/role model and predator. The two mega frames mirror the broad characterisation prevalent in the academic literature on China in Africa. The primary partner/role model mega frame constructs China's engagement with Nigeria as a mutually beneficial economic partnership while on the other hand the predator mega frame constructs it as unequal and exploitative. The study identified the activities of frame sponsors who are articulating and promoting their views on China's engagement with Nigeria in the media as primarily responsible for these framings. The study also identified the activities of frame sponsors (ruling and economic elites) was key to the exclusion of ordinary peoples' voices, civic organisations, trade unions and human rights organisation in the text. However, the study also attributes the exclusion of ordinary voices, human rights, democracy and civic engagements in the text to the weakness of Thisday journalism in mediating the framings of China being promoted and articulated by elite frame sponsors. This is, however, symptomatic of the fault lines of journalism practice in Nigeria.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The generalization ability of artificial neural networks in forecasting TCP/IP network traffic trends
- Authors: Moyo, Vusumuzi
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11404 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021127
- Description: Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) have been used in many fields for a variety of applications, and proved to be reliable. They have proved to be one of the most powerful tools in the domain of forecasting and analysis of various time series. The forecasting of TCP/IP network traffic is an important issue receiving growing attention from the computer networks. By improving upon this task, efficient network traffic engineering and anomaly detection tools can be created, resulting in economic gains from better resource management. The use of ANNs requires some critical decisions on the part of the user. These decisions, which are mainly concerned with the determinations of the components of the network structure and the parameters defined for the learning algorithm, can significantly affect the ability of the ANN to generalize, i.e. to have the outputs of the ANN approximate target values given inputs that are not in the training set. This has an impact on the quality of forecasts produced by the ANN. Although there are some discussions in the literature regarding the issues that affect network generalization ability, there is no standard method or approach that is universally accepted to determine the optimum values of these parameters for a particular problem. This research examined the impact a selection of key design features has on the generalization ability of ANNs. We examined how the size and composition of the network architecture, the size of the training samples, the choice of learning algorithm, the training schedule and the size of the learning rate both individually and collectively affect the ability of an ANN to learn the training data and to generalize well to novel data. To investigate this matter, we empirically conducted several experiments in forecasting a real world TCP/IP network traffic time series and the network performance validated using an independent test set. MATLAB version 7.4.0.287’s Neural Network toolbox version 5.0.2 (R2007a) was used for our experiments. The results are found to be promising in terms of ease of design and use of ANNs. Our results indicate that in contrast to Occam’s razor principle for a single hidden layer an increase in number of hidden neurons produces a corresponding increase in generalization ability of ANNs, however larger networks do not always improve the generalization ability of ANNs even though an increase in number of hidden neurons results in a concomitant rise in network generalization. Also, contradicting commonly accepted guidelines, networks trained with a larger representation of the data, exhibit better generalization than networks trained on smaller representations, even though the larger networks have a significantly greater capacity. Furthermore, the results obtained indicate that the learning rate, momentum, training schedule and choice of learning algorithm have as much a significant effect on ANN generalization ability. A number of conclusions were drawn from the results and later used to generate a comprehensive set of guidelines that will facilitate the process of design and use of ANNs in TCP/IP network traffic forecasting. The main contribution of this research lies in the identification of optimal strategies for the use of ANNs in forecasting TCP/IP network traffic trends. Although the information obtained from the tests carried out in this research is specific to the problem considered, it provides users of back-propagation networks with a valuable guide on the behaviour of networks under a wide range of operating conditions. It is important to note that the guidelines accrued from this research are of an assistive and not necessarily restrictive nature to potential ANN modellers.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The genetic stock structure and distribution of Chrysoblephus Puniceus, a commercially important transboundary linefish species, endemic to the South West Indian Ocean
- Authors: Duncan, Murray Ian
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sparidae , Fishes -- Indian Ocean , Fish populations , Fishery management , Fish stock assessment -- South Africa , Fish stock assessment -- Mozambique , Overfishing , Habitat conservation , Fishes -- Genetics , Fishes -- Climatic factors , Fishes -- Variation , Fishes -- Migration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5360 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011868 , Sparidae , Fishes -- Indian Ocean , Fish populations , Fishery management , Fish stock assessment -- South Africa , Fish stock assessment -- Mozambique , Overfishing , Habitat conservation , Fishes -- Genetics , Fishes -- Climatic factors , Fishes -- Variation , Fishes -- Migration
- Description: Chrysoblephus puniceus is an over-exploited linefish species, endemic to the coastlines off southern Mozambique and eastern South Africa. Over-exploitation and habitat loss are two of the biggest threats to the sustainability of fisheries globally. Assessing the genetic stock structure (a prerequisite for effective management) and predicting climate related range changes will provide a better understanding of these threats to C. puniceus which can be used to improve the sustainability of the fishery. Two hundred and eighty four genetic samples were collected from eight sampling sites between Ponta da Barra in Mozambique and Coffee Bay in South Africa. The mitochondrial control region and ten microsatellite loci were amplified to analyse the stock structure of C. puniceus. The majority of microsatellite and mtDNA pairwise population comparisons were not significant (P > 0.05) although Xai Xai and Inhaca populations had some significant population comparisons for mtDNA (P < 0.05). AMOVA did not explain any significant variation at the between groups hierarchical level for any pre-defined groupings except for a mtDNA grouping which separated out Xai Xai and Inhaca from other sampling sites. SAMOVA, isolation by distance tests, structure analysis, principle component analysis and spatial autocorrelation analysis all indicated a single population of C. puniceus as being most likely. The migrate-n analysis provided evidence of current driven larval transport, with net migration rates influenced by current dynamics.Two hundred and thirty six unique presence points of C. puniceus were correlated with seasonal maximum and minimum temperature data and bathymetry to model the current distribution and predict future distribution changes of the species up until 2030. Eight individual species distribution models were developed and combined into a mean ensemble model using the Biomod2 package. Winter minimum temperature was the most important variable in determining models outputs. Overall the ensemble model was accurate with a true skills statistic score of 0.962. Binary transformed mean ensemble models predicted a northern and southern range contraction of C. puniceus' distribution of 15 percent; by 2030. The mean ensemble probability of occurrence models indicated that C. puniceus' abundance is likely to decrease off the southern Mozambique coastline but remain high off KwaZulu-Natal. The results of the genetic analysis support the theory of external recruitment sustaining the KwaZulu Natal fishery for C. puniceus. While the high genetic diversity and connectivity may make C. puniceus more resilient to disturbances, the loss of 15 percent; distribution and 11 percent; genetic diversity by 2030 will increase the species vulnerability. The decrease in abundance of C. puniceus off southern Mozambique together with current widespread exploitation levels could result in the collapse of the fishery. A single transboundary stock of C. puniceus highlights the need for co-management of the species. A combined stock assessment between South Africa and Mozambique and the development of further Marine Protected Areas off southern Mozambique are suggested as management options to minimise the vulnerability of this species.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The geographic stock structure of chokka squid, Loligo Reynaudi, and its implications for management of the fishery
- Authors: Van der Vyver, Johan Samuel Frederik
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Squids -- Geographical distribution , Loligo fisheries -- Africa, Southern , Fishery management -- Africa, Southern , Squids -- Africa, Southern , Squid fisheries -- Africa, Southern , Loliginidae -- Africa, Southern , Fish stock assessment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5363 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012973
- Description: It is currently hypothesised that the chokka squid (Loligo reynaudi) consist of a single stock. This was tested through a spatial comparison of the morphology of this species. Forty three morphometric characters were measured from 1079 chokka squid collected from three regions: the south coast of South Africa, the west coast of South Africa, and southern Angola. While no significant differences were found for the hard body parts, results from discriminant function analyses showed the soft body morphometric characters from each of the three regions differed, with an overall correct classification rate of 100% for males and 99% for females in all three regions. Due to the existing model being used to assess the resource currently being updated it was not feasible to apply this model to the area-disaggregated data from this study. Rather, the CPUE trends and catches from the area-disaggregated data were compared against those of the area-aggregated data, as a first attempt to discern any appreciable differences which would suggest the use of disaggregated data in future assessments. Both the trawl and jig CPUE trends from the area-disaggregated analysis differed only slightly from those of the area-aggregated data. Similarly, the spring and autumn biomass trends for the main spawning area (east of 22°E) followed the same trends as for the full area. It is therefore concluded that there is currently no need to assess the resource on an area-disaggregated basis.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The hoof-printed rock
- Authors: Maahlamela, David wa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: South African poetry (English) -- 21st century.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5978 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013076
- Description: Many of these poems, although written in English, are inspired by Sepedi idioms and proverbs. Some invoke township and village life, others the observations and questions that come from writing poetry and experiences of travelling to different countries to read my poems. Others dwell on the political transformation in South Africa, or its absence, and on my own spiritual transformation.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The impact of financial development on private investment in south Africa
- Authors: Mukuya, Prisca R
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Gross domestic product -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11488 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018210 , Economic development -- South Africa , Gross domestic product -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa
- Description: Empirical evidence and theoretical propositions suggest that financial development is strongly correlated to private investment because financial development positively affects investments by affecting capital accumulation, altering savings rate or by channelizing savings to various capital producing technologies. This study empirically investigated the impact of financial development on private investment in South Africa using quarterly data for the period 1994/01 to 2011/04. This study assess whether the theoretical and empirical propositions can be supported in South Africa. Cointegration tests using the Johansen approach (1988) were conducted to examine if there is a stable relationship in the level of private investment and financial development in South Africa. As a proxy for financial sector development, credit to private sector as per cent of GDP and stock market development were employed. Other variables that affect investment such as real interest rates and real GDP were also included in the model. Results of the study indicate that stock market development and real GDP have a positive relationship with private investment. Bank credit to the private sector however showed a negative relationship with private investment. A negative relationship was also noted for the relationship between private investment and real interest rates.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The impact of financial intermediaries on the savings-investment ratio in South Africa
- Authors: Mtimkhulu, Ayibongwe Joseph
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Saving and investment -- South Africa , Intermediation (Finance) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11484 , Saving and investment -- South Africa , Intermediation (Finance) -- South Africa
- Description: This study examined whether or not financial intermediation can explain the variations in the savings-investment ratio in South Africa during the period 1990 to 2012. The study specifically tests the McKinnon Conduit Effect hypothesis which states that increasing interest rate raises the capacity of financial savings via financial intermediaries based on data from South Africa. Apart from informal graphical test, this study employed formal tests such as the Augmented Dickey-Fuller and Phillips Perron stationarity tests to test the properties of the variables considered, including interest rates, for stationarity. In order to ascertain the long-run and short-run dynamics between its variables, the Johansen co-integration test is utilized, while the Error Correction Mechanism is also employed. Results from the study state that financial assets (a proxy for financial intermediation), income and real interest rate all positively impact the savings-investment ratio. Additionally, short-run analysis results showed that income, financial assets and real interest rates positively influence the savings-investment ratio. Real interest rates were seen as being both positive and statistically significant. Therefore the study recommended that the financial services sector and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) should work together as this will result in the improvement of efficiencies in price discovery with regards to bank charges, access to banking facilities and the timely provision of services in order to encourage savings (for investment purposes) in the South African economy.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The impact of human resource practices on employee commitment and retention among nurses in Amathole district, South Africa
- Authors: Terera, Sharon Ruvimbo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11566 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017905
- Description: This study explored the impact of human resource practices on employee commitment and retention among nurses in Amathole District, South Africa. The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of human resources practices (HR) on nurse retention in public hospitals; investigate the influence of HR practices on organizational commitment of nurses, and retention and to make recommendations to the hospitals on possible ways to improve the organisational commitment and employee retention of nurses based on the research findings. The study utilized a quantitative research design and questionnaires were used to collect data. The sample comprised of 150 nurses and the data was analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Research findings revealed that the effective use of sound human resources practices reduces nurse turnover whilst nurse organisational commitment and retention improves.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The impact of income generating projects for poverty alleviation in Sisonke District KwaZulu-Natal
- Authors: Mvana, Pumela
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Poverty -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9222 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020929
- Description: South Africa is a country faced with immense challenges, such as poverty, as a result of high levels of unemployment. Poverty reduction has become an international phenomenon in view of high levels of poverty in most under-developed and developing countries. From 1994, the South African Government implemented various income generating projects amongst other programs aimed at alleviating Poverty reduction initiatives in South Africa mostly come from government and civil society structures, or non – governmental organisations (NGO) with the aim of changing the living standards of the poor so that they can at least meet their basic needs, such as food, shelter and clothing. This study seeks to explore the impact of income generating projects funded by the Department of Economic Development in the Sisonke District at UMzimkhulu, focussing on the efforts the Paninkukhu co-operative. The study is important because of the high levels of poverty. South Africa (SA) is a country faced with the challenge of poverty as a result of the high levels of unemployment. The research method chosen for the study included a qualitative and quantitative research approach where data was collected through the use of interviews and a questionnaire. The findings of the study indicate a need to provide training to the project members on capacity building.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The impact of income generating projects on poverty alleviation : a case of Ibuyambo Sorghum Secondary Cooperative Ltd at Emalahleni Local Municipality
- Authors: Saki, Ayanda Watson
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9198 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020391
- Description: The study was about the impact of income generating projects on poverty alleviation and was conducted on Ibuyambo Secondary Cooperative Ltd at Emalahleni Local Municipality within Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Ibuyambo Secondary Cooperative Ltd consisted of seven primary cooperatives from which data was collected from 18 respondents through questionnaires. To complement that, interviews were conducted with six key informants from government departments and other development stakeholders in the same area. The study was conducted in August 2013. The study covered a literature review on poverty as one variable, with focus on its definition; theoretical perspectives of poverty; poverty in development thought; global statistics on poverty; historical background of poverty in South Africa; structural adjustment programmes as a major cause of poverty; and causes of poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. A literature review of income generation as another variable was also undertaken, with emphasis on definitions; the experience of income generation projects/activities (IGPs/IGAs); key factors for the successful implementation and management of projects; income generation projects and sustainable livelihoods; income generation and poverty alleviation programmes in South Africa; as well as a case study of projects under IRDP in India. The results of the study indicated that Ibuyambo Secondary Cooperative Ltd was generating income. However due to poor governance, mismanagement of funds and theft it was running at a loss and was struggling to finance its working capital and other member benefits. As such it was not making a meaningful impact on alleviating poverty on its members. The study also gave recommendations on the findings.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The impact of labour laws on small firms : a study of employer perceptions of the Labour Relations Act (66 of 1995) and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (75 of 1997) in Grahamstown, Port Alfred and Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Mfecane, Asanda
- Date: 2014 , 2014-07-10
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial laws and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012953
- Description: This study sought to explore and explain the impact of labour laws on small firms, focusing on employer perceptions of the Labour Relations Act of 1995 and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act of 1997 in three towns of the Eastern Cape. It is important to focus on this impact of labour laws on these firms because of the high unemployment that faces the country. In this regard, it must be emphasised, firstly, that small firms are central to job creation; therefore, they contribute to a reduction in the unemployment rate; hence, the strategies created by the government to reduce any burdens (including regulatory burdens) on small firms. It is therefore important to study the impact of labour law on small businesses in order to assess the regulatory burden on small firms. The theoretical framework which underpins this study on the impact of labour law on small firms arises from the neo-corporatist critique of neo-liberalism. The two frameworks maintain the extent to which the government should intervene in the industrial relations system. Liberalism maintains that there should be a minimum role of the government, which involves only the facilitation of a framework for negotiations between employers and employees. Corporatism, however, maintains a social democratic approach, and holds that there should be an active role of the government in the industrial relations system with business, labour and the state working co-operatively (Klerck, 2009). This theoretical framework therefore shapes the extent to which employers perceive labour laws or state’s regulatory role impacts small businesses. The data was collected through the qualitative inquiry; using face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. The findings in this study included negative employer perceptions of labour laws. More specifically, many of the employers that were interviewed claimed that labour laws were burdensome on their businesses. They claimed that labour laws imposed financial and administrative costs to their firms, negatively affected the employer-employee relationships in these firms as well as the employing decisions of the employers. As a result, the employers saw labour laws as undermining flexibility and imposing unfair rigidities on small firms. Furthermore, employers perceived South African labour laws as not addressing the unique iii circumstances of small firms. They maintained that labour laws treated small firms similarly to large firms. Even though the employers held these perceptions of labour laws, it was evident that these subjective perceptions did not reflect the objective impact of labour laws on small firms. This was firstly related to the fact that many of the employers that were interviewed had negative views of labour laws but these views were not substantiated by particular events in their firms. Secondly, it was revealed that the employers’ perceptions of labour laws were based on their misconception or misunderstanding of labour law. Thirdly, it was revealed in this thesis that small firms were not affected in the same way to big firms by labour regulation. This was related to the fact that many of the small firms’ employers that were interviewed tended to be less concerned by regulation. Specifically, although many employers that were interviewed claimed that labour laws were burdensome on their firms it was evident that regulation was avoided because of the informality that characterised these firms. Consequently informality mediated the impact of labour laws on these firms, and labour laws imposed less ‘costs’ on these firms. However, it cannot be argued that small firms are isolated from the sphere of labour laws. Rather, although these firms were governed by regulation it was found that the extent to which employers complied with regulation depended on the extent to which organisational practice already reflected similarity with the legislative objective. , Acrobat PDFMaker 10.1 for Word , Adobe PDF Library 10.0
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- Date Issued: 2014
The impact of land and agrarian reforms on poverty alleviation: lessons from the Jay Dee Rovon workers trust and Mon Desire in Joubertina, Eastern Cape-South Africa
- Authors: Mqikela, Ntombozuko
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11207 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016070 , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The broad objective of the study is to investigate the impact of Land and Agrarian reforms on poverty alleviation in Joubertina. Purposive sampling method (non-probability sampling) was carried out mainly on two groups of people, land reform beneficiary in Jay Dee Rovon and non-beneficiary in Mon Desire. Moreover, the stratified random sampling method was also applied in Jay Dee Rovon to choose a sample of 60 households from 129 land reform beneficiaries in Jay Dee Rovon and simple random sample of 60 applied to Mon Desire household subsistence. Binary Logistic Regression model was used to test factors that influenced beneficiary on level of production. Results indicated that age and farming experience were significant variables. Age had a negative coefficient value, meaning an increase in age was less likely to cause beneficiary to produce at commercial level. Descriptive statistics revealed that farming activities in the study areas seems to be performed mostly by relatively medium age people followed by younger people and lastly by the older people. Moreover, farming experience with positive coefficient revealed that it is highly likely to influence the beneficiary to produce at commercial for marketing. The older the farmer the more the experience s/he had in farming activities. However, descriptive revealed, medium and young age people with little knowledge tend to be more active than older people on farming activities but on the other hand they are more capable of carrying out physical activities. The results revealed that land reform beneficiaries likely to influence the level of production for marketing while non-beneficiaries produce for home consumption and little for sale in local market. An improvement on yield results an increase on income and thus leading to a change in ownership of household’s durable assets. An increase in yield also indirectly results employment recreation, increasing real wage and improve farm income thus leading to poverty reduction in JDR as compare to MD. The study recommends that the government should also assist non-beneficiaries in MD with agricultural infrastructure to improve their level of production and food security at household level.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The impact of learning advancement and quality of work-life on turnover intentions among nurses in Amathole District, South Africa
- Authors: Marufu, Tandiwe Joy
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Nurses -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employee retention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5630 , vital:29353
- Description: Ongoing instability in the nursing workforce is raising questions globally about the issue of nurse turnover. It is against this background that this research examines the impact of learning, advancement and quality of work-life on turnover intentions among nurses in selected hospitals from Eastern Cape. Little research has been conducted to investigate the impact of the above mentioned subjects on turnover intentions among nurses in the South African health sector. Research questions as well as hypotheses were formulated as the means to gain data on the subject. The research employed a quantitative design with a sample size of 160 nurses and 159 were returned. The data analysis consisted of both descriptive and inferential statistics. The main findings of the study showed a positive relationship among job satisfaction, work-life rewards, learning and advancement opportunities and job satisfaction. However, there were negative relationships between job satisfaction and turnover intentions; work-life rewards and turnover intentions; and also among learning, career advancement and turnover intentions. Finally, suggestions were made to the top management in the Health sector to come up with strategies and mechanisms that improve nurses’ quality of work-life and offering them training and advancement opportunities through organisational change programs.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The impact of learning advancement and quality of work-life on turnover intentions among nurses in Amathole District, South Africa
- Authors: Marufu, Tandiwe Joy
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Nurses -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employee retention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2182 , vital:27666
- Description: Ongoing instability in the nursing workforce is raising questions globally about the issue of nurse turnover. It is against this background that this research examines the impact of learning, advancement and quality of work-life on turnover intentions among nurses in selected hospitals from Eastern Cape. Little research has been conducted to investigate the impact of the above mentioned subjects on turnover intentions among nurses in the South African health sector. Research questions as well as hypotheses were formulated as the means to gain data on the subject. The research employed a quantitative design with a sample size of 160 nurses and 159 were returned. The data analysis consisted of both descriptive and inferential statistics. The main findings of the study showed a positive relationship among job satisfaction, work-life rewards, learning and advancement opportunities and job satisfaction. However, there were negative relationships between job satisfaction and turnover intentions; work-life rewards and turnover intentions; and also among learning, career advancement and turnover intentions. Finally, suggestions were made to the top management in the Health sector to come up with strategies and mechanisms that improve nurses’ quality of work-life and offering them training and advancement opportunities through organisational change programs.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The impact of oil price changes on selected economic indicators in South Africa
- Authors: Vellem, Nomtha
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Petroleum industry and trade -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Interest rate futures -- South Africa , Economic indicators -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11485 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017862 , Petroleum industry and trade -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Interest rate futures -- South Africa , Economic indicators -- South Africa
- Description: The study examines the effect of oil price changes on selected economic indicators in South Africa. A VAR-5 model was applied to quarterly data of 1990:Q1-2012:Q4 estimating the impulse response functions, variance decomposition and Granger-causality tests. The findings allow for a conclusion that oil significantly affects the exchange rate and an inverse link between oil and GDP exists. A unidirectional relation is found where oil Granger-causes the exchange rate and GDP Granger-causes oil in South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The impact of oil price volatility on unemployment: a case study of South Africa
- Authors: Senzangakhona, Phakama
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Cointegration -- South Africa Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa Interest rate futures -- South Africa Petroleum products -- Prices -- South Africa Petroleum industry and trade -- South Africa -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1697 , vital:27550
- Description: This study analyses and investigates the impact of crude oil price vitality on unemployment in South Africa. This is done by firstly surveying theoretical and empirical literature on the crude oil price-unemployment relationship before relating it to South Africa. Secondly, crude oil and unemployment trends with their causes are overviewed. The study employs a Johansen co-integration technique based on VAR to model unemployment against crude oil prices, real effective exchange rate, real interest rates and real gross domestic product. Using quarterly data for the period 1990-2010, econometric results show that crude oil prices are positively related to unemployment in the long run while the opposite is true in the short run. Parameter estimates and variables are statistically significant; hence there are also policy recommendations which are related to both empirical and theoretical literature. Lastly, impulse response functions show that unemployment returns to equilibrium in the long run when crude oil price changes whereas real interest rates followed by crude oil prices explain most of unemployment changes compared to other variables in the long run.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The impact of performance management system on employees: the Eastern Cape provincial legislature (2009- 2011)
- Authors: Mfene, Ndileka Lorraine
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Performance management -- performance contracts , Quarterly reviews -- Performance assessment -- Training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1261 , vital:26540 , Performance management -- performance contracts , Quarterly reviews -- Performance assessment -- Training
- Description: The Performance Management System (PMS) has been introduced in the Republic of South African public service with intentions of planning, monitoring, developing under-performance, rating and rewarding good performance. The study was undertaken as an attempt to investigate the impact of the PMS on employees of the ECPL. The literature review shows that there are challenges facing the institution with regards to implementation of PMS. The findings of the study indicated that the supervisors have no understanding of PMS instead they used it as punishing tool. Other findings of the study showed that there’s a culture within the institution of using PMS as a money making scheme or a 14th checque. To achieve this, a semi- structured questionnaire was issued to employees of the ECPL. The recommendation on the basis of the study is that the compliance issue should be strengthened and disciplinary measures be taken against employees who failed to comply with the provisions of the PMS policy.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The impact of social network sites on written isiXhosa : a case study of a rural and an urban high school
- Authors: Dlutu, Bongiwe Agrienette
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Online social networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Use studies Mobile communication systems -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Interpersonal communication -- Technological innovations -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mobile communication systems in education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Aids and devices Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Electronic mail systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Slang Smartphones -- South Africa -- Use studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3629 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011826
- Description: The use of cellphones has increased all over the world. That invites many academics to conduct research on the usage of these devices, especially by young people, since young people join Social Network Sites (Facebook, Mxit, 2go, Whatsapp) and use a shorthand language. Most studies are related to the use of English and other languages that are recognised by computer software. There are few studies, if any, that have been done in relation to the use of African Languages on these sites. This research therefore aims to seek to explore the use of African Languages, especially isiXhosa, in assessing how technology might help in language development through the usage of SNSs that learners already use to equip them with educational material in their mother tongue. This study was conducted in two high schools, Nogemane Senior Secondary School in a disadvantaged and remote rural community with limited access to additional educational material such as magazines, newspapers, and television. The school also lacks basic study materials such as textbooks from the Education Department and they have no access to a library and laboratory. They also only have very few subjects to choose from. Nombulelo Senior Secondary School is in Grahamstown. This school has good infrastructure and learners have access to different technological devices and they can access libraries. What is common between learners in both schools is that they are all doing isiXhosa as a first language and are using SNSs to interact with each other. This study has found that learners enjoy using SNSs rather than reading the printed books. Furthermore, they enjoy and prefer interacting in isiXhosa in their conversations. Learners also use the web to post and show their creative writing, regardless of the shorthand form writing they use on the SNSs. This study has found that learners are not well equipped with basic isiXhosa skills when reaching the FET phase. They lack the understanding of standard isiXhosa idioms and proverbs. That clearly means that they are equipped in the more modern forms of literature rather than the traditional oral forms. IsiXhosa teachers also see SNSs as the better platform to engage with learners and they suggest that there must be a section in the subjects at school that teaches about cyber bullying and being safe online. This thesis also presents examples of new and contemporary forms of SNS-speak that are used by learners in both the rural and urban schools. This study is more concerned with SNSs for literacy development and to assess whether the shorthand writing has negative or positive effects in writing isiXhosa. This is done against the backdrop of a literature review which explores new literacies, computer mediated communication, social identity models as well as language policy and planning.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The impact of solar water heaters on sustainable development
- Authors: Mbeng, Regina Nso
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Solar water heaters , Renewable energy sources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9238 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021103
- Description: In this present world order of growing information, communication and technological advancement, it is primordial that climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts seeks to make people resilient to inevitable climate inconsistency through the exploitation and development of renewable energy sources. Though climate impacts are global, the population most at risk is predominantly from developing countries, particularly poor communities who have experienced multi-layered threats from floods, droughts and energy supply, just to mention a few. This explains why sustainable development is at the heart of all development trajectories in the world today, specifically the post-2015 development tenets. Climate change adaptation and mitigation requires international collaboration from all nations in order to get an effective and unified response to climate change. Building a critical mass for action and an institutional memory to sustain policies and efforts is crucial. A resilient-based approach to climate mitigation and adaptation founded on a crisis-driven reaction to communities vulnerable to climate threat will boost quality of life through the provision and safeguarding of safety nets for the poor. Solar water heaters, a renewable energy source, are here considered as a critical option to South Africa’s coal-driven economy as a means of alleviating energy poverty in rural and low-income communities, to be more precise. Therefore, SWHs have become the epicentre of sustainable development policies and climate change mitigation efforts in South Africa. So far, this device has attracted the attention of local governments in the country who view it as a game changer in the field, particularly towards greenhouse gas emission and energy conservation. The contour of this thesis is to assess the impact of solar water heaters on sustainable development. Although it is generally difficult to assess the real impact of technology on people, that of SWHs was established by asking questions about livelihood before, during and after the introduction of this device.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The impact of the concept of decent work on the job security and the provisioning of educators
- Authors: Pretorius, William Richard
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Labor policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10262 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021218
- Description: Section 29(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (the Constitution) guarantees the right to a basic education, including a basic adult education and further education. In realising this right, the State is obliged to provide financial and human resources in a manner that will transform society as a whole and deliver a better life for all citizens. The human resources in the main refer to educators. Education is one of key priorities of the present government to the extent that President Zuma has instructed that a presidential commission be established to look into the conditions of service of public servants and in particular that of educators. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has proposed the Decent Work Country Programmes to help countries align their policies with the international goal of the achievement of Decent Work for all. South Africa has done a lot of work in this regard; however the main challenge remains with the implementation and acceptance of such policies by the major stakeholders especially the trade unions. This treatise investigates the impact of the Decent Work Agenda (DWA) on the job security and provisioning of educators in South Africa. It also explores the conditions of service of temporary educators and those educators who are teaching in the rural areas under extremely difficult conditions in comparison with their counterparts in urban areas. This treatise also examines the status of social dialogue in the education sector and the impact of same on collective bargaining. This treatise recommends that the utilisation of the services of temporary educators need to be regulated to address the continuous extension of temporary contracts that is impacting negatively on job security. It also suggests that urgent measures in the form of norms and standards be determined to improve the working conditions of educators who are teaching in rural areas under very difficult circumstances.
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- Date Issued: 2014