Understanding the sexual practices of medically circumcised males in the context of HIV and AIDS : a study in Harare Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chamuka, Paidashe
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Circumcision -- Zimbabwe , Men -- Sexual behavior -- Zimbabwe -- Case studies , AIDS (Disease) -- Zimbabwe -- Prevention , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3363 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011745 , Circumcision -- Zimbabwe , Men -- Sexual behavior -- Zimbabwe -- Case studies , AIDS (Disease) -- Zimbabwe -- Prevention , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Description: Zimbabwe is one of the priority countries nominated by the World Health Organisation and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS to adopt and implement voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) because of its high rate of HIV prevalence and its low level of male circumcision. VMMC, which was introduced in Zimbabwe in 2009, is a new HIV prevention method which reportedly offers partial protection of about 60 percent for circumcised males with respect to contracting HIV through sexual relations. The other key prevention method, namely the use of condoms consistently and correctly, has a protection rate of up to 95 percent. As a result, because of only partial protection, medically-circumcised men are encouraged to use condoms to decrease the chances of HIV infection. Concerns though have been raised about the possibility of risk compensation by circumcised males by way of increases in unsafe or risky sexual practices subsequent to circumcision and arising from perceptions of reduced risk through VMMC. This compensation may take the form of condom use aversion including when involved with concurrent sexual partners. If risk compensation does take place, this would lead to increases in HIV transmissions affecting not only the circumcised men but their sexual partners as well. The supposed effectiveness of VMMC as a HIV prevention method has been subjected to significant criticism and, as yet, no significant study has been undertaken in Zimbabwe on the relationship between VMMC, condom use, concurrent sexual partners and risk compensation. Based on a study of twenty-five medically-circumcised males in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, this thesis seeks to understand and explain the relationship between voluntary medical male circumcision and risky sexual practices with particular reference to condom use amongst men engaged in concurrent sexual partnerships. While the thesis finds evidence of risky sexual practices subsequent to circumcision, risk compensation does not seem to be particularly prevalent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Undertaking to care and to protect : The experience of killing healthy homeless animals in South Africa
- Authors: Van Zyl, Henriette Louise
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Animal welfare -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa , Euthanasia of animals -- South Africa , Euthanasia of animals -- Psychological aspects , Human-animal relationships -- South Africa , Animal rights -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3245 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013577
- Description: Although animal welfare workers overwhelmingly describe themselves as animal lovers the exigencies of day to day animal welfare work often require that they perform euthanasia of healthy animals as part of welfare shelter management, and animal population control. In this research study, the particular burdens placed upon seven South Animal welfare workers who are required to rescue, care for, nurture and rehabilitate the animals in their care; while simultaneously being required to kill these same – often physically and behaviourally healthy - animals after a specific period of time, or in response to various logistical, procedural and practical intricacies, ranging from lack of space and resources to an unavailability of suitable homes; are explored from an interpretative phenomenological approach using the Interpretative Phenomenological Method (IPA), and from a South African perspective. It was found that animal-loving individuals engaged in the care and subsequent euthanasia of healthy animals report experiencing profound personal, interpersonal and professional and ideological (dis)stress related to guilt, sorrow, moral unease and horror. Four themes emerged from interview data, which are discussed in relation to relevant research and literature. Experiences in a South African context were found to be very much aligned with those reported in previous research and literature pertaining to this topic. In particular, it was found that there is a need to articulate specifically, and precisely the nature of the act. It is proposed that the term “Agapéthanasia” would be appropriate and useful in this field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Urban agriculture for sustainable livelihood : a case study of migrants' women in Johannesburg
- Authors: Agho, Njenyuei Gideon
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural-urban migration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9228 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020980
- Description: This research examines how urban agriculture contributes to the sustainable livelihood of migrants’ women living in the inner city of Johannesburg. The study focuses on the Cameroonian women community living in Turffontein. It explores the significant process of migration into the Republic of South Africa and the inspiration behind the choice of urban agriculture in the inner city of Johannesburg by women. The research report assesses the impact of urban agriculture on sustainable livelihood in the life of Cameroonian women living in Turffontein. It also examines the constraints encountered by these Cameroonians women in Turffontein in the practice of urban agriculture for sustainable livelihood. The findings of this study reveal that urban agriculture is used as a strategy for sustainable livelihood to a lot of Cameroonian migrants’ women living in Turffontein. The study has also shown how through urban agriculture these migrants’ women have been able to raise substantial income to support their respective families both in South Africa and in Cameroon. The study is based on a purposeful sample of Cameroonian migrants’ women living in the inner city of Johannesburg practicing urban agriculture. It uses a mixed method of approach with a transect walk to the area where this women practice the urban agriculture. It also included an in-depth face to face interactive interview and written sources such as journals, books and research reports where combined to gather relevant data. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Usage of tribal assets towards community development : case study Royal Bafokeng Nation
- Authors: Mosarwa, Ipeleng Felicia
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- North-West , Sustainable living -- South Africa -- North-West
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9194 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020378
- Description: Tribal (rural) communities possess assets/resources that can be utilised in improving the quality of life of their residents. The processes involved in the usage of these assets toward community-led development can determine the success or failure of the development efforts by the community. The research conducted was aimed at investigating the processes involved in utilising these assets, with reference being placed on two community-led development approaches namely Asset Based Community Development and Sustainable Livelihood Framework. The research will examine the processes that the Royal Bafokeng Nation has used in the successful development of its community. A comparison of the community-led development processes will be compared to the Integrated Sustainable Development Strategy formulated by the South African government to develop rural communities. The results indicate that development is not just about asset identification, it‟s more complex than that. If development was just about resource identification then a lot of tribal communities would be developed. Development is about the interactions between leaders, community and external sources and in the case of RBN, administration as well. It is about interaction between leaders and community in the form of participation in development efforts; interaction between leaders (and administration) with external sources such as municipalities to enhance development; and interaction between community and external sources through social capital. The results also indicate that whilst it is the duty of government to provide basic services, communities can partake in other development initiatives. That development in it‟s entirely should not be left to government if communities have the means of initiating development. That government has to improve certain aspects in their development strategies, but that it has made strides in formulating strategies to develop rural communities. The challenges for government come in the implementation of these strategies. That partnership between community and government can lead to better and sustainable development initiatives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Using a mobile pill reminder to support medication compliance in South Africa
- Authors: Mukandatsama, Cainos
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Mobile apps -- South Africa , Mobile computing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4889 , vital:20719
- Description: This project investigated how to develop a mobile intervention to support medication compliance for patients with chronic and acute diseases. Chronic diseases cannot be cured but can be controlled, usually by taking medication every-day. Therefore, it is very crucial for a patient with a chronic disease to take their medication on time to prevent complications or negative impact on their health. Due to the widespread use of mobile phones, having an automated mobile mechanism to remind patients to take medication is regarded as an effective way of supporting medication compliance. The focus of the research was on investigating how mobile health applications can be used to support patients with chronic and acute diseases in South Africa. Literature identified that medication compliance is low and that a need exists for an intervention to increase compliance. The main goal of this research was to produce a mobile health application to assist medication compliance and support patients with chronic and acute diseases in South Africa and investigate its perceived usefulness. The project made use of two field studies to substantiate its results. The first field study involved patients with chronic diseases and the second one involved patients with acute diseases. The feedback from the first field study and from a literature review was used to redesign the mobile application. The project also investigated the attitude of patients taking medication over a short period of time as well as how such patients compared with those taking chronic medication. The project identified the benefits and disadvantages of using an m-health application to support medication compliance based on the participants’ feedback and behaviour observed in using the application.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Using natural user interfaces to support synchronous distributed collaborative work
- Authors: Potgieter, Timothy Kyle
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Human-computer interaction User interfaces (Computer systems) Teams in the workplace -- Computer networks
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10880 , vital:26832
- Description: Synchronous Distributed Collaborative Work (SDCW) occurs when group members work together at the same time from different places together to achieve a common goal. Effective SDCW requires good communication, continuous coordination and shared information among group members. SDCW is possible because of groupware, a class of computer software systems that supports group work. Shared-workspace groupware systems are systems that provide a common workspace that aims to replicate aspects of a physical workspace that is shared among group members in a co-located environment. Shared-workspace groupware systems have failed to provide the same degree of coordination and awareness among distributed group members that exists in co-located groups owing to unintuitive interaction techniques that these systems have incorporated. Natural User Interfaces (NUIs) focus on reusing natural human abilities such as touch, speech, gestures and proximity awareness to allow intuitive human-computer interaction. These interaction techniques could provide solutions to the existing issues of groupware systems by breaking down the barrier between people and technology created by the interaction techniques currently utilised. The aim of this research was to investigate how NUI interaction techniques could be used to effectively support SDCW. An architecture for such a shared-workspace groupware system was proposed and a prototype, called GroupAware, was designed and developed based on this architecture. GroupAware allows multiple users from distributed locations to simultaneously view and annotate text documents, and create graphic designs in a shared workspace. Documents are represented as visual objects that can be manipulated through touch gestures. Group coordination and awareness is maintained through document updates via immediate workspace synchronization, user action tracking via user labels and user availability identification via basic proxemic interaction. Members can effectively communicate via audio and video conferencing. A user study was conducted to evaluate GroupAware and determine whether NUI interaction techniques effectively supported SDCW. Ten groups of three members each participated in the study. High levels of performance, user satisfaction and collaboration demonstrated that GroupAware was an effective groupware system that was easy to learn and use, and effectively supported group work in terms of communication, coordination and information sharing. Participants gave highly positive comments about the system that further supported the results. The successful implementation of GroupAware and the positive results obtained from the user evaluation provides evidence that NUI interaction techniques can effectively support SDCW.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Validation of an assessment tool for mental fatigue applied to rotational shift work
- Authors: Huysamen, Kirsten Christina
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Mental fatigue , Shift systems , Performance , Motor ability , Memory
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5154 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013551
- Description: Mental fatigue has been proven to be highly prominent during shift work, due to long, irregular working hours and disruption of the circadian rhythm. Measuring mental fatigue has been a challenge for many years, where commonly cognitive test tasks are used to assess mental fatigue. Moreover, these test tasks do not isolate where fatigue is occurring during human information processing. The human information processing system consists of four core stages, each of which requires numerous cognitive functions in order to process information. The Human Kinetics and Ergonomics Department at Rhodes University has developed six cognitive test tasks where each isolates a cognitive function: an accommodation test task, a visual detection test task, a reading test task, a memory test task, a tapping test task and a neural control test task. The cognitive functions include: eye accommodation, visual discrimination, visual pattern recognition, memory duration, motor programming and peripheral neural control. General task-related effect can also be examined for each of these cognitive test tasks which include choice reaction time, visual detection, reading performance, short-term memory, motor control and tracking performance. Additionally, a simple reaction time test task has been developed to analyse simple reaction time. This test task does not isolate a cognitive function. One or more parameters can be examined for each cognitive function and task-related effect. The first aim of this study was to validate numerous cognitive test tasks for mental fatigue in a simulated shift work laboratory setting. The second aim was to assess the validated cognitive test tasks in Phase 1 in a field-based rotational shift work setting. Parameters revealing sensitivity to mental fatigue would be validated for mental fatigue applied to rotational shift work and would be inserted into an assessment tool. In the laboratory setting, the seven cognitive test tasks were examined on four different types of shift work regimes. The first regime was a standard eight-hour shift work system, and the other three were non-conventional shift work regimes. Participants (n = 12 per regime) were required to complete one day shift followed by four night shifts, where testing occurred before and after each shift and four times within each shift. The cognitive test tasks revealing sensitivity to fatigue included: visual detection test task, reading test task, memory test task, tapping test task, neural control test task and simple reaction time test task. The testing of Phase 2 was conducted in three different companies, where each performed a different type of rotational shift work. The six cognitive test tasks validated for mental fatigue in Phase 1 were tested before and after work for each shift type within the rotational shift work system adopted by each company. Company A (n = 18) and Company B (n = 24) performed two-shift rotational shift work systems, where the shift length of Company A was 12-hours and the shift length of Company B was irregular hours. Company C (n = 21) performed an eight-hour three-shift rotational shift work system. Nine parameters revealed fatiguing effects and were inserted into the assessment tool, five of which provided information on a specific cognitive function: error rate for visual discrimination, processing time for visual pattern recognition, error rate for visual pattern recognition, impact of rehearsal time on memory recall rate for memory duration and the high-precision condition for motor programming time. The remaining four parameters provided information on general task-related effects: reading speed for reading performance, recall rate for short-term memory, reaction time for motor control and simple reaction time. Therefore, an assessment tool comprising nine parameters was validated for mental fatigue applied to rotational shift work, where five of the parameters were able to isolate exactly where fatigue was occurring during human information processing and the other four parameters were able to assess fatigue occurring throughout the human information processing chain.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Valuation of banks in emerging markets: an exploratory study
- Authors: Sabilika, Keith
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Valuation , Banks and banking -- Valuation -- Developing countries , Discounted cash flow , Capital assets pricing model , Capital -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1200 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013057
- Description: Practitioners and academics in emerging markets are yet to agree on how best they can value companies in emerging markets. In contrast, academics and practitioners in developed markets seem to agree on mainstream valuation practices (Bruner, Eades, Harris and Haggins, 1998; Graham and Harvey, 2001). This study was therefore aimed at achieving such consensus with particular attention being paid to the emerging market banks. Emerging market banks are by no means small and are growing fast. Furthermore, these banks are currently involved in lots of cutting age economic activities such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), joint ventures and strategic alliances which require sound valuation practices that are based on empirical evidence. The primary purpose of this research was to establish consensus of opinion among experts with regard to the valuation of banks in emerging markets. To achieve the purpose of this study the Delphi technique, which is a structured survey method that relies on a panel of experts to answer questionnaires in two or more Delphi rounds, was used to gather data and develop consensus among experts (Kalaian and Kasim, 2012). The main findings in this study pertain to aspects concerning the type of analysis considered by experts when analysing the performance of banks, how experts compare the discounted cash flow (DCF) approach to multiples valuation approach, the challenges encountered by experts when valuing banks in emerging markets, and how experts compute the cost of capital for banks in emerging markets. The main findings of this study can be summarised as follows: ∙ When analyzing the performance of banks, it is essential to conduct a bank-specific, industry and macroeconomic analysis; ∙ When estimating the future performance of banks, the time series analysis and an explicit forecast period of between 4-10 years may be used; ∙ When estimating the terminal value for banks in emerging markets, the perpetuity with growth is used; ∙ When computing the value for banks, the DCF valuation approach (equity DCF and DDM valuation models) are used as primary valuation methods and the relative valuation approach (P/E and P/BV ratio) are used as secondary valuation methods; ∙ The DCF valuation approach is considered as more accurate and popular when valuing banks in emerging markets; and ∙ When estimating the cost of equity, the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) is used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Variables influencing customers' buying behaviour in the South African clothing retail industry
- Authors: Ndi, Rene Xavier Owona
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Consumers' preferences -- South Africa , Retail trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3029 , vital:20388
- Description: It is important for business managers to understand customers’ buying behaviours, as customers are the cornerstone of the business’ marketing strategy and the main providers of businesses’ profits. Previous research have identified numerous factors that influence customers’ buying behaviour, factors such as prices, promotions, brand image, brand reputation, customer experience and socio-cultural aspects. Despite the attention given to variables influencing buying behaviour, there was still a gap to be filled in this field of study in the clothing retail industry, especially in the South African clothing retail industry. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to investigate how the understanding of customers’ brand perceptions, customer experience and social considerations can be used by clothing retailers to initiate a purchase. A literature overview was conducted on the global retail industry, the global clothing retail, as well as on the South African retail and, more specifically, the South African clothing retail. In addition, a literature overview on variables influencing buying behaviour was provided, with a special accent on the selected variables for this study, namely brand perceptions, customer experience and social considerations. From the literature overview conducted on variables, seven independent variables were selected to be investigated with the dependent variable, buying behaviour. The independent variables, namely brand perceptions (as measured by brand quality, brand reputation and brand image), customer experience (as measured by store physical environment and staff service), and lastly social considerations (as measured by reference groups and culture/subculture) and the dependent variable (buying behaviour) were then presented in a hypothesised model. An empirical investigation was undertaken to establish the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable. The measuring instrument used for the investigation was a self-administered questionnaire using seven-point Likert type of scale. The items were constructed based on previous research instruments found in secondary literature sources. The non-probability convenience sampling was implemented in this study to identify respondents. 207 usable questionnaires were collected and were examined through statistical analyses. The validity and the reliability of the measuring instruments were confirmed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Descriptive statistics were undertaken to summarise respondents’ demographic information, while Pearson’s Product Moment Correlations were calculated to determine the correlations among variables. Furthermore, the relationships between the variables were assessed through multiple regression analysis, while a t-test and ANOVA tests were conducted to determine the influence of demographic variables on independent variables that showed significant positive relationships with the dependent variable. In addition, post-hoc Scheffe tests were undertaken to elaborate on the significant differences resulting from the t-test and ANOVA tests. Significant positive relationships were found between Brand Image/Reputation and Buying Behaviour, between Store Physical Environment and Buying Behaviour and between Cultural Clothing and Buying Behaviour. The empirical results also showed that there was a significant relationship between Age and Cultural Clothing. In the same way, there was a significant relationship between Population Group and the variables Brand Image/Reputation and Cultural Clothing. This study has contributed to the body of literature on buying behaviour, especially in the field of clothing retail, by extending the factors to consider when aiming at improving buying behaviour. In addition, the development of the hypothesised model significantly contributed towards having a better understanding of customers’ perceptions of the selected variables, and ultimately how these variables could trigger their purchase decisions. As a result, this study enumerated some recommendations and suggestions that should enable retailers to create a positive image and reputation in customers’ minds, assist retailers in arranging the stores in a more attractive way for customers and reach more culture-conscious customers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Voluntary disclosure programmes and tax amnesties: an international appraisal
- Authors: Jaramba, Toddy
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Tax amnesty -- South Africa , Tax evasion -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign -- Taxation -- South Africa , Tax collection -- South Africa , Tax administration and procedure -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:911 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015666
- Description: Tax amnesties are government programs that typically allow a short period of time for tax evaders to voluntarily repay previously evaded taxes without being subject to penalties and prosecution that discovery of such tax evasion normally brings. Tax amnesties differ widely in terms of coverage, tax types, and incentives offered. A state’s Voluntary Disclosure Programme is another avenue available to taxpayers to assist them in resolving their state tax delinquencies. This programme is an on-going programme as compared to a tax amnesty, which is there for a limited time period only. The main goal of the research was to describe the tax amnesty and the voluntary disclosure programmes in South Africa and to assess their advantages and disadvantages. This thesis also discussed another form of voluntary disclosure programme, referred to as an Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Programme, which allows taxpayers with unreported foreign bank accounts, and presumably unreported foreign income, to voluntarily disclose their affairs. The study found that, due to tax amnesties, Government raises more tax revenue not only in the short run from collecting overdue taxes but also by bringing former non-filers back into the tax system for the long run. It was also found that, initially short-run revenue brought in from overdue taxes will be positive for the first amnesty and then decline each time the amnesty is offered repeatedly. The reason for the decline in revenue might be that tax amnesties provide incentives for otherwise honest taxpayers to start evading taxes because they will anticipate the offering of future amnesties, thereby weakening tax compliance. The costs associated with amnesty programmes include negative long run revenue impact and also that amnesty programmes reduce compliance by taxpayers in the long-run. In South Africa tax amnesties, especially the voluntary disclosure programme, are likely to be successful since they will increase the revenue yield and also bring non-filers back on the tax rolls.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Voting and meaning in Hooggenoeg, Grahamstown : an audience's reception of Grocott's Mail's 2011 municipal election coverage
- Authors: Amzat, Ajibola Taofeek
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Grocott's Mail (Grahamstown, South Africa) Local elections -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Elections -- South Africa Press and politics -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Journalism -- Objectivity -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Newspapers -- Objectivity Journalism -- Political aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5970 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011729
- Description: This thesis examines the meanings that residents of the township of Hooggenoeg (in Grahamstown, in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa) made of the election coverage in the Grocott’s Mail newspaper during 2011 municipal elections in South Africa. In addition, this study also sought to understand the particular set of ‘normative roles’ played by the paper, both with reference to the well-established body of theory about the normative roles of journalism in a democracy, and in terms of the paper’s own conceptualisation of its role in the functioning of local democracy. Grocott’s Mail, the oldest independent newspaper in South Africa, provided extensive pre-election coverage, which included producing and distributing an unprecedented free edition of the paper. The paper also facilitated a town hall debate in order to encourage residents to vote, and empower them to make a more informed choice about their vote. Three qualitative research methods, namely qualitative content analysis, focus group interviews, and individual interviews were used to examine the relationship between the content provided by the paper and the audience’s process of ‘making sense’ and deriving meaning from the content provided. The study concludes that Grocott’s attempt to encourage democratic culture in Grahamstown, in keeping with the more ‘facilitative’ normative roles that the local media can play, was only partially successful. Much of the election reporting subordinated the voices of the ordinary people, and privileged reporting that focussed narrowly on the voting process, and which foregrounded the views of political parties. Overall this coverage largely failed to resonate with the Grocott’s readers who live in Hooggenoeg (a largely ‘coloured’ area of Grahamstown), whose key concerns in terms of their daily life – such as poverty, unemployment, crime, lack of services – seemed, to them, unaddressed by this election coverage and, consequently, was not as engaging or convincing as the publishers/editors had hoped it would be. It can be also argued that Grocott’s narrow conceptualisation of democracy as entailing only public participation in electoral processes failed to cater for how audiences can be made aware of how they can participate in governance beyond the election period.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Walls and remembrance
- Authors: M-Afrika, Andile Ernest
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) , South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , English language -- Writing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5973 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011940 , Creative writing (Higher education) , South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , English language -- Writing
- Description: This is a story of a quest that begins on a wall of history at a cemetery where Steve Biko was buried. The main character is the writer, who is partly the author, partly a fictionalised everyman. He is on a journey of self-discovery, while at the same time questioning contemporary South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Water footprint of growing vegetables in selected smallholder irrigation schemes in South Africa
- Authors: Nyambo, Patrick
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Water consumption , Irrigation efficiency , Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Soil Science)
- Identifier: vital:11964 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019775 , Water consumption , Irrigation efficiency , Rural development
- Description: Knowledge of water use, through water foot printing (WF) in smallholder agriculture crop production is the key to the global fight against poverty, achievement of food security and sustainability within the world’s rural community. Water footprint of a crop can be defined as the volume of fresh water used to produce a certain crop in all the steps in the production line. This study, therefore aimed at contributing towards improvements in rural livelihoods by raising awareness of the increased productive use of green, blue and grey water in smallholder agriculture in South Africa. This was done through determination of water footprints of five vegetable crops, i.e. potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), cabbage (Brassica oleracea spp) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) in the 2000-2013 period. Quantification of water footprints has been done worldwide but, in South Africa (SA) focus has mostly been on the industrial and domestic sector. Water footprint assessment framework, was used to estimate the full impact of vegetable production on water resources at Zanyokwe, Thabina and Tugela Ferry irrigation schemes as case studies. The CROPWAT@ model was used to calculate crop evapotranspiration, differentiating green and blue water. Local climatic data were obtained from SA weather services, while the crop and soil parameters were obtained from the FAO data base. Nitrogen was considered the main pollutant hence its use in the grey water footprint calculation. Generally, Thabina irrigation scheme had the highest water footprint, followed by Tugela Ferry irrigation scheme whilst Zanyokwe irrigation scheme had the lowest. Green beans had the highest water footprint at all the three irrigation schemes with Thabina irrigation scheme having the highest (3535.1 m3/ton). For Tugela Ferry irrigation scheme, the calculated WF was 2753 m3/ton whilst the lowest was observed at ZIS i.e. 2407.6 m3/ton. Cabbage had the lowest water footprint. The highest water footprint for growing cabbage was 254.5 m3/ton in TFIS, 223.1 m3/ton in TIS and the lowest was 217.8 m3/ton in ZIS. The differences observed in the WF of a crop at each scheme maybe attributed to the differences management, weather and environmental characteristics, in the three locations. Moreover, the needs for ET are related to soil type and plant growth, and primarily depend on crop development and climatic factors which are closely related to climatic demands. The grey water footprint was calculated using the recommended fertilizer application rates for all the three sites. Green beans had the highest WFgrey i.e. 373 m3/ton and the lowest was cabbage with 37 m3/ton. Potato, spinach and tomatoes had 156 m3/ton, 214 m3/ton and 132 m3/ton, respectively. Grey water footprint in this study was higher as compared to other studies, possibly because of the high rates of nitrogen fertilizers used in the calculations and the low yields farmers get. Compared with estimates from other studies, the water footprints of vegetable production within smallholder irrigation schemes was relatively high. There is therefore, a need to focus on crop management and tillage practices that will help in increasing yield while minimizing water usage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Web-based M-learning system for ad-hoc learning of mathematical concepts amongst first year students at the University of Namibia
- Authors: Ntinda, Maria Ndapewa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Namibia , Mathematics -- Technological innovations , Mobile communication systems in education , Teaching -- Aids and devices , Educational innovations , Open source software
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4701 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013174
- Description: In the last decade, there has been an increase in the number of web-enabled mobile devices, offering a new platform that can be targeted for the development of learning applications. Worldwide, developers have taken initiatives in developing mobile learning (M-learning) systems to provide students with access to learning materials regardless of time and location. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether it is viable for first year students enrolled at the University of Namibia (UNAM) to use mobile phones for ad-hoc learning of mathematical concepts. A system, EnjoyMath, aiming to assist students in preparing for tests, examinations, review contents and reinforce knowledge acquired during traditional classroom interactions was designed and implemented. The EnjoyMath system was designed and implemented through the use of the Human Centred Design (HCD) methodology. Two revolutions of the four-step process of the HCD cycle were completed in this study. Due to the distance between UNAM and Rhodes University (where the researcher was based), the researcher could not always work in close relation with the UNAM students. Students from the Extended Study Unit (ESU) at Rhodes University were therefore selected in the first iteration of the project due to their proximity to the researcher and their similar demographics to the first year UNAM students, while the UNAM students were targeted in the second iteration of the study. This thesis presents the outcome of the two pre-intervention studies of the first-year students' perceptions about M-learning conducted at Rhodes University and UNAM. The results of the pre-intervention studies showed that the students are enthusiastic about using an M-learning system, because it would allow them to put in more time to practice their skills whenever and wherever they are. Moreover, the thesis presents the different stages undertaken to develop the EnjoyMath system using Open Source Software (PHP and MySQL). The results of a user study (post-intervention) conducted with participants at UNAM, ascertained the participants' perception of the usability of the EnjoyMath system and are also presented in this thesis. The EnjoyMath system was perceived by the participants to be "passable"; hence an M-learning system could be used to compliment an E-learning system at UNAM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Why has South Africa been relatively unsuccessful at attracting inward foreign direct investment since 1994?
- Authors: Fulton, Mark Hugh John
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign -- Africa, Southern , Investments, Foreign -- Chile , Investments, Foreign -- Botswana , Economic development -- South Africa , Economic development -- Developing countries , Political corruption -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1097 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013056
- Description: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows into South Africa have been very low for several decades, and this research examines the reason(s) why this has been the case since 1994. There is a common belief amongst economists that there is a positive relationship between the amount of FDI received and economic growth, thus the desire to attract greater FDI inflows. A literature review was conducted to establish the determinants of FDI globally and then data were collected and assessed to test which causes are most important. The performance of developing nations in attracting FDI was first compared with that of the developed nations. Thereafter, a regional breakdown of FDI flows was presented, with a particular focus on the Southern African region. FDI inflows to South Africa since 1994 were compared against the identified determinants of FDI, as well as with FDI inflows into two other major mining economies, Chile and Botswana. The friendliness of the government towards business was identified as a significant determinant of FDI inflows and the importance of this factor in explaining FDI inflows into environment in South Africa was looked at in more depth. It was found that many investors perceive the South African government as hostile towards business and as corrupt and/or inefficient. The empirical results show that this negative perception helps explain the FDI inflows attracted by South Africa since 1994. Therefore, increased friendliness to business by the government should increase future inward FDI flows into South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Willingness to pay for marine-based tourism within the Ponto do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve, Mozambique
- Authors: Daly, Clare Amelie Keating
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Ponto do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve , Marine ecotourism -- Mozambique , Marine ecotourism -- Economic aspects -- Mozambique , Marine ecotourism -- Mozambique -- Marketing , Ecotourism -- Economic aspects -- Mozambique , Coastal zone management -- Mozambique , Marine resources conservation -- Mozambique
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1102 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013304
- Description: Marine and coastal ecosystems face widespread degradation largely because market failure hides the economic value of the goods and services provided by them. Marine protected areas (MPAs) can serve as a structure that ensures the continuing function of marine and coastal ecosystem goods and services. Yet, to be effective and sustainable, MPAs must be able to prove their economic worth and generate revenue. User-fees are a common system used to partially finance multi-use MPAs. This study applies contingent valuation as a method of economic valuation within an MPA in southern Mozambique. The objectives of this study are to determine the willingness to pay of combined user groups and of individual user groups for use of the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve and to investigate the potential for the reserve to increase revenues for conservation through the implementation of a user-fee for marine based activities. The payment card contingent valuation method was employed to determine willingness to pay of dolphin swim tourists, scuba divers and fishermen. Data was collected by face-to-face interviews of 120 respondents within two popular tourist locations in the PPMR. Results show that visitors within the PPMR are mainly South Africans, loyal to the area. Probit and OLS regressions were used to determine the effects of various independent variables on willingness to pay. Results from the Probit model indicate that African residency, activity and environmental awareness were significant factors that influenced visitors being WTP more than R20 per person per day as a user fee within the PPMR. The OLS model examined independent variables that influenced visitors being willing to pay as well as the impact of the variables on the amount visitors were willing to pay. The OLS model found income, African residency and environmental awareness to be significant factors influencing visitors being willing to pay. The mean WTP was R43.75 per person per day. Using data supplied by the PPMR, conservative estimated annual revenues based on the implementation of this fee amount would range between R1.46m – R 3.3m.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Woolworths Holdings Limited's (WHL) strategic business positioning in the South African clothing and food industry
- Authors: Kuhn, Ralph Ulrich
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Retail trade -- South Africa , Branding (Marketing) -- South Africa , Food industry and trade -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7793 , vital:24286
- Description: The South African food and clothing retail industry is highly sophisticated and dominated by a few large competitors. The market is unique and has been shaped by abnormal political influences that have created a polarised society. The market holds a high potential owing to the burgeoning young middle class that is also attracting global attention. This necessitates an increase in economies of scale through expansion and acquisition strategies. Woolworths Holdings Limited has experienced significant growth in tough trading conditions whilst many competitors have lost ground. The Woolworths’ brand is primarily aimed at the high-income groupings but also appeals to the burgeoning middle class with their private-label products. The clothing and food divisions also provide a unique appeal that concentrates on the strong brand name to cater to the polarised nature of the market. The Woolworths Holding Limited (WHL) business model aims to offer superior quality at a lower cost than competitors which competitors find difficult to imitate. The apparent paradox is solved through tightly-knit supplier relationships and a culture demanding continuous improvement. The company is uniquely positioned to service the Living Standards Measure (LSM) 8-10 niche market whilst improving efficiencies. The company drives its competitive advantage over competitors through the key competencies of a reputable brand name, a strong sustainability programme, a strong operation and supply chain network, all of which are crucially-supported by superior and innovative technology utilisation. The study analysed the strategic brand positioning with a focus on the introduction of the supermarket concept. The study indicated that the supermarket concept was a reaction from WHL to consumer’s requirements for a one-stop shop aimed at increasing existing customers’ basket spend and drawing similar new clients. An increase in spend is potentially lucrative to WHL, and the strategy is a viable option as long as the company remains focussed on the core principles of the business model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Work/family conflict across various life and career stages
- Authors: Bostock, Natalie Jean
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Work and family , Work environment , Well-being
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9413 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020157
- Description: This study examines Work Family Conflict including Work Interferes with Family (WIF) conflict, Family Interferes with Work (FIW) conflict, role overload, role interference and the impact of children across various life and career stages. Much of the research in this area focuses on the differences in the way the genders experience Work Family Conflict. Research has shown that various life and career stages can have a marked impact on this type of conflict and this study aims to determine how individuals in the various life and career stages experience this conflict. A correlational research design was used for this study. Using a five point likert scale, participants were asked to score their responses to seventeen items. The instrument was based on Duxbury and Mills Measure of Work Family Conflict (1990) (in Handbook of Quality-of-Life Research: An Ethical Perspective by Sirgy, 2001) with the inclusion of two additional items due to their high face validity. The questionnaire was distributed to human resources managers in organisations, friends, family members and colleagues and friends, family members and colleagues of theirs. Most of the responses were scored using a pencil and paper technique and the remainder was distributed using a Surveymonkey application on social media platforms like Facebook and Linkedin. The overall sample size of respondents was 175. The raw data was entered on an excel spreadsheet and analysed using Statistica version 12 and Microsoft Excel applications with VBA macros developed by a consultant for the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Unit for Statistical Consultation. . Statistics such as means, Cronbach alpha’s, relationships between factors, descriptive statistics, MANOVA and Chi-squared tests were used to analyse the data. The results of this study demonstrate the need for organisations to take heed of the various challenges that individuals face in both the workplace and home environment and the different ways in which these are experienced across various life and career stages. This will enable them to design specific interventions to mitigate the effects of Work Family Conflict and improve employee’s level of performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Workplace discipline in the public education sector
- Authors: Loliwe, Fezeka Sister
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Labor discipline -- South Africa , Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10290 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020091
- Description: Discipline is crucial in the provision of quality public service work. This is because most citizens are serviced through the public service work. Adhering to rules and orders, exercise of self control and the ability to put needs of others over one’s own needs are fundamental aspects of discipline. Every workplace has its own pieces of legislation that are used as a guide on expected conduct as well as a tool to deal with failure to adhere to the outlined pieces of legislation governing the conduct in the workplace. There are institutions in place that deal with the crafting of the pieces of legislation which clearly outline the manner in which both the employer and employee should conduct themselves as well as rights of both parties as they interact in the employment relationship. The existing pieces of legislation as well as their implementation and relevance in this era needs to be closely scrutinised and critique with proposals within the prescripts of legislation is necessary as some pieces of legislation seem to be conclusive, thereby undermining procedures followed when dealing with cases of misconduct. In any disciplinary process, the sanction should be in line with the process as it has unfolded and not be influenced by how a piece of legislation is crafted. The Public Service Act, Employment of Educators’ Act and the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 are key statutes in dealing with discipline in public education. Sanctions for misconduct are dependent on the gravity of the misconduct. In order to discipline educators, sections 17 and 18 of the Employment of Educators Act are used as guides on processes and procedures to be followed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
‘Student life’ discourse and the perception of risk for HIV infection among undergraduate nursing students, at a university, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mnwana, Sindiswa Millicent
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11922 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019830
- Description: There is evidence that the HIV prevalence rates among South African university students remains low at 3.4 %. However, the vulnerability of young people to HIV/AIDS continues to be a serious concern as the prevalence of sexual risk behaviour among students in South African universities is reported to reach 68% in heterosexual relationships. Some analysts argue that so far little is known about the influence of the university culture (the so called “student life”) in this behaviour. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of the risk for HIV infection amongst undergraduate nursing students at an institution of higher learning (university) in East London, Eastern Cape. More specifically, the study examined the ways in which the ‘student life’ discourse functions to influence students’ perceptions of the risk to HIV infection at the selected institution of higher learning. An explorative and descriptive qualitative design was used. The purposive sampling technique was used to select participants. In total, 12 one to one interviews and four focus group discussions (n=35) were conducted. An interview guide was used and a voice recorder to record interviews. Through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, the research sought to provide insight into the perceptions of risk for HIV infection. The data were analysed using thematic analysis and the themes identified formed the basis for discussion in this study. Among the key findings, that emerged from this study was that knowledge about potential risks to HIV/AIDS did not seem to influence the general sexual behaviour of students. A majority of the participants, 90% that were interviewed individually perceived themselves to be at “little or no” risk of contracting HIV/AIDS despite the high prevalence of HIV risk indicators among them. One of the main findings was that the students’ values that they bring from home were seriously challenged by the student life when they arrived at the university. Therefore in this regard undergraduate nursing students should be equipped by the university with aspects of sexual behaviour such as sexual negotiation and sexual decision making. This would equip them with the necessary skills to resist peer pressure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014