Composition portfolio
- Authors: Webb, Cassidy Frank
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:2659 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003729
- Description: Introduction: This portfolio consists of musical ideas which I have had for some time now. I have attempted to capture these ideas throughout the portfolio, starting with the smaller works (Brumes et Pluies) and building up to the larger works (James Tiberius, The tide). Brumes et Pluies is minimalistic in style. The interlocking of the two pianos plays an important role in the texture of the piece. The rhythms are repetitive throughout, with only slight variations. Kalahari is more idiomatic, rhythmical and has a main theme which recurs throughout the piece. Melodic fragments are used, sometimes with slight variations. This piece was inspired by the Kalahari desert, with its abundance of life. I enjoy the string quartet because of the homogeneity of sound on the one hand, and the diversity possible by using different techniques and effects on the other. James Tiberius is a work for chamber orchestra. Motifs in the music resemble certain animals. The rhythm is unstable, as is the harmony. There are many melodic fragments throughout. The texture is thin in certain areas (at the beginning) and dense in others (the waltz). The harmony is sometimes unconventional. The Tide was written in response to a memory of a drowning incident I experienced when I was a child. This orchestral piece is strong in form. The opening, for example, is tense and slightly atonal in harmony. The pomposo section tends to utilise most of the orchestra, so the texture is a lot denser here and the harmony is more conventional. I try not to use traditional forms in my composition. Rather, I prefer to compose by re-using and re-introducing ideas as I proceed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Webb, Cassidy Frank
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:2659 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003729
- Description: Introduction: This portfolio consists of musical ideas which I have had for some time now. I have attempted to capture these ideas throughout the portfolio, starting with the smaller works (Brumes et Pluies) and building up to the larger works (James Tiberius, The tide). Brumes et Pluies is minimalistic in style. The interlocking of the two pianos plays an important role in the texture of the piece. The rhythms are repetitive throughout, with only slight variations. Kalahari is more idiomatic, rhythmical and has a main theme which recurs throughout the piece. Melodic fragments are used, sometimes with slight variations. This piece was inspired by the Kalahari desert, with its abundance of life. I enjoy the string quartet because of the homogeneity of sound on the one hand, and the diversity possible by using different techniques and effects on the other. James Tiberius is a work for chamber orchestra. Motifs in the music resemble certain animals. The rhythm is unstable, as is the harmony. There are many melodic fragments throughout. The texture is thin in certain areas (at the beginning) and dense in others (the waltz). The harmony is sometimes unconventional. The Tide was written in response to a memory of a drowning incident I experienced when I was a child. This orchestral piece is strong in form. The opening, for example, is tense and slightly atonal in harmony. The pomposo section tends to utilise most of the orchestra, so the texture is a lot denser here and the harmony is more conventional. I try not to use traditional forms in my composition. Rather, I prefer to compose by re-using and re-introducing ideas as I proceed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Comprehension and acceptability of a patient information leaflet (PIL) for antiretroviral therapy:
- Mwingira, Betty, Dowse, Roslind
- Authors: Mwingira, Betty , Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156902 , vital:40065 , https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v11i3.236
- Description: The patient information leaflet (PIL) is recognised as playing a key role in informing patients about their medicines. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the readability and understanding of a PIL for the first-line ARV (antiretroviral) regimen available in the South African public health sector, and investigate its acceptability in the target Xhosa population. The study took place between August 2003 and July 2004. A PIL was designed for the antiretroviral regimen of stavudine, lamivudine and efavirenz, using established usability guidelines. South African legal requirements concerning PILs were incorporated and the PILs were available in both English and isiXhosa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Mwingira, Betty , Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156902 , vital:40065 , https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v11i3.236
- Description: The patient information leaflet (PIL) is recognised as playing a key role in informing patients about their medicines. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the readability and understanding of a PIL for the first-line ARV (antiretroviral) regimen available in the South African public health sector, and investigate its acceptability in the target Xhosa population. The study took place between August 2003 and July 2004. A PIL was designed for the antiretroviral regimen of stavudine, lamivudine and efavirenz, using established usability guidelines. South African legal requirements concerning PILs were incorporated and the PILs were available in both English and isiXhosa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Confession and public life in post‐apartheid South Africa: A Foucauldian reading of Antjie Krog's country of my skull
- Authors: Garman, Anthea
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/159724 , vital:40337 , DOI: 10.1080/02564710608530406
- Description: Truth commissions around the world have given the technique of confession a new public currency and political power. Many works of literature thematising these commissions have also adopted the technique of confession for literary purposes. In this paper I bring Foucault's understanding of the technique of confession, and his discourse on the role of public intellectuals in modernity, to bear upon an examination of Antjie Krog's literary reflection of the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), entitled Country of My Skull (1998). I look at how this text, and Krog's subsequent public intellectual status as a witness of the TRC, perpetuate the technique of confession without problematising it in ways that Foucault's work would suggest is necessary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Garman, Anthea
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/159724 , vital:40337 , DOI: 10.1080/02564710608530406
- Description: Truth commissions around the world have given the technique of confession a new public currency and political power. Many works of literature thematising these commissions have also adopted the technique of confession for literary purposes. In this paper I bring Foucault's understanding of the technique of confession, and his discourse on the role of public intellectuals in modernity, to bear upon an examination of Antjie Krog's literary reflection of the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), entitled Country of My Skull (1998). I look at how this text, and Krog's subsequent public intellectual status as a witness of the TRC, perpetuate the technique of confession without problematising it in ways that Foucault's work would suggest is necessary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Contrasting livelihoods in the upper and lower Gariep River basin: a study of livelihood change and household development
- Authors: McDermott, Lindsay
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Rural development -- Lesotho , Rural development -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Sustainable development -- Lesotho , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Households -- Economic aspects -- Lesotho , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Rural poor -- Lesotho , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Agriculture -- Lesotho , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4758 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007147 , Rural development -- Lesotho , Rural development -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Sustainable development -- Lesotho , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Households -- Economic aspects -- Lesotho , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Rural poor -- Lesotho , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Agriculture -- Lesotho , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Description: This study investigated rural livelihoods in two contrasting environments in the upper and lower reaches of the Gariep River: Sehlabathebe in the Lesotho highlands, and the Richtersveld in the Northern Cape, and how these have changed over time. Livelihoods were examined using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework in conjunction with the household development cycle. This study therefore adopted a multi-scale approach, where a micro-level household analysis was framed within the macro level social, political, environmental, economic and institutional context, while taking into account the role of temporal scale of livelihood change. A multi-scale approach facilitated the identification of the major drivers of change, both exogenous and endogenous. The combination of livelihood strategies pursued differed between the two sites. Households in Sehlabathebe are reliant mainly on arable and garden cultivation, livestock in some households, occasional remittances, use of wild resources, petty trading and reliance on donations. Households in the Richtersveld relied primarily on livestock, wage labour, use of wild resources and State grants or pensions. The livelihood strategies pursued in each site have not changed markedly over time, but rather the relative importance of those strategies was found to have changed. The assets available to households, the livelihood strategies adopted and the changes in these livelihood strategies are influenced by a households stage in the development cycle and differing macro-level factors. Drivers of change operate at multiple spatial and temporal scales, and are often complex and interrelated. The major drivers of livelihood change were identified as macro-economic, demographic, institutional and social and climatic. This study highlights the importance of using historical analysis in the study of livelihoods, as well as the complexity and diversity of rural livelihoods. Ecosystem goods and services were found to play a fundamental role in rural livelihoods and are influenced by institutional factors. Rural households are heavily reliant on the formal economy, and macro-economic changes have had a significant impact on livelihoods. This is highlighted by how the drastic decline in migrant labour opportunities for households in Sehlabathebe has negatively affected them. Vulnerability was shown to be a result of external shocks and trends, such as institutional transformation, a decline in employment opportunities, theft and climatic variation; and differed between the two sites. The role of institutional breakdown was shown to be a major factor influencing rural livelihoods, and this is related to broader economic and political changes. This study contributes to the growing literature on rural livelihoods by allowing for an appreciation of how differing environments and contextual factors influence livelihood strategies adopted, and which different factors are driving change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: McDermott, Lindsay
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Rural development -- Lesotho , Rural development -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Sustainable development -- Lesotho , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Households -- Economic aspects -- Lesotho , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Rural poor -- Lesotho , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Agriculture -- Lesotho , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4758 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007147 , Rural development -- Lesotho , Rural development -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Sustainable development -- Lesotho , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Households -- Economic aspects -- Lesotho , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Rural poor -- Lesotho , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Agriculture -- Lesotho , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Description: This study investigated rural livelihoods in two contrasting environments in the upper and lower reaches of the Gariep River: Sehlabathebe in the Lesotho highlands, and the Richtersveld in the Northern Cape, and how these have changed over time. Livelihoods were examined using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework in conjunction with the household development cycle. This study therefore adopted a multi-scale approach, where a micro-level household analysis was framed within the macro level social, political, environmental, economic and institutional context, while taking into account the role of temporal scale of livelihood change. A multi-scale approach facilitated the identification of the major drivers of change, both exogenous and endogenous. The combination of livelihood strategies pursued differed between the two sites. Households in Sehlabathebe are reliant mainly on arable and garden cultivation, livestock in some households, occasional remittances, use of wild resources, petty trading and reliance on donations. Households in the Richtersveld relied primarily on livestock, wage labour, use of wild resources and State grants or pensions. The livelihood strategies pursued in each site have not changed markedly over time, but rather the relative importance of those strategies was found to have changed. The assets available to households, the livelihood strategies adopted and the changes in these livelihood strategies are influenced by a households stage in the development cycle and differing macro-level factors. Drivers of change operate at multiple spatial and temporal scales, and are often complex and interrelated. The major drivers of livelihood change were identified as macro-economic, demographic, institutional and social and climatic. This study highlights the importance of using historical analysis in the study of livelihoods, as well as the complexity and diversity of rural livelihoods. Ecosystem goods and services were found to play a fundamental role in rural livelihoods and are influenced by institutional factors. Rural households are heavily reliant on the formal economy, and macro-economic changes have had a significant impact on livelihoods. This is highlighted by how the drastic decline in migrant labour opportunities for households in Sehlabathebe has negatively affected them. Vulnerability was shown to be a result of external shocks and trends, such as institutional transformation, a decline in employment opportunities, theft and climatic variation; and differed between the two sites. The role of institutional breakdown was shown to be a major factor influencing rural livelihoods, and this is related to broader economic and political changes. This study contributes to the growing literature on rural livelihoods by allowing for an appreciation of how differing environments and contextual factors influence livelihood strategies adopted, and which different factors are driving change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Converts and conservatives: missionary representations of African rulers in the Northern Transvaal, c. 1870-1900
- Authors: Kirkaldy, Alan , Kriel, Lize
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6146 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003715 , http://www2.unil.ch/lefaitmissionnaire/pages/tables_publi/lfm18_tbl.htm
- Description: During the second half of the nineteenth century, the Berlin Mission Society made strenuous efforts to convert the rulers of the people in whose areas they worked in the Northern Transvaal. In this they were largely unsuccessful. This raises questions about what forces influenced success and failure, and how the missionaries interpreted this. In this article, we interrogate the Berlin Missions Society’s accounts of the life and death of August Makhahane, a ruler of the Vhavenda who converted to Christianity, against the background of the accounts dealing with Matsiokwane Leboho, a ruler of the Bahananwa who did not convert. Through such a comparison, we aim at exploring the contrasted ways in which the Berlin missionaries reported about the two rulers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Kirkaldy, Alan , Kriel, Lize
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6146 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003715 , http://www2.unil.ch/lefaitmissionnaire/pages/tables_publi/lfm18_tbl.htm
- Description: During the second half of the nineteenth century, the Berlin Mission Society made strenuous efforts to convert the rulers of the people in whose areas they worked in the Northern Transvaal. In this they were largely unsuccessful. This raises questions about what forces influenced success and failure, and how the missionaries interpreted this. In this article, we interrogate the Berlin Missions Society’s accounts of the life and death of August Makhahane, a ruler of the Vhavenda who converted to Christianity, against the background of the accounts dealing with Matsiokwane Leboho, a ruler of the Bahananwa who did not convert. Through such a comparison, we aim at exploring the contrasted ways in which the Berlin missionaries reported about the two rulers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Corporate information risk : an information security governance framework
- Authors: Posthumus, Shaun Murray
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Computer security , Business enterprises -- Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9776 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/814 , Computer security , Business enterprises -- Computer networks -- Security measures
- Description: Information Security is currently viewed from a technical point of view only. Some authors believe that Information Security is a process that involves more than merely Risk Management at the department level, as it is also a strategic and potentially legal issue. Hence, there is a need to elevate the importance of Information Security to a governance level through Information Security Governance and propose a framework to help guide the Board of Directors in their Information Security Governance efforts. IT is a major facilitator of organizational business processes and these processes manipulate and transmit sensitive customer and financial information. IT, which involves major risks, may threaten the security if corporate information assets. Therefore, IT requires attention at board level to ensure that technology-related information risks are within an organization’s accepted risk appetite. However, IT issues are a neglected topic at board level and this could bring about enronesque disasters. Therefore, there is a need for the Board of Directors to direct and control IT-related risks effectively to reduce the potential for Information Security breaches and bring about a stronger system of internal control. The IT Oversight Committee is a proven means of achieving this, and this study further motivates the necessity for such a committee to solidify an organization’s Information Security posture among other IT-related issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Posthumus, Shaun Murray
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Computer security , Business enterprises -- Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9776 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/814 , Computer security , Business enterprises -- Computer networks -- Security measures
- Description: Information Security is currently viewed from a technical point of view only. Some authors believe that Information Security is a process that involves more than merely Risk Management at the department level, as it is also a strategic and potentially legal issue. Hence, there is a need to elevate the importance of Information Security to a governance level through Information Security Governance and propose a framework to help guide the Board of Directors in their Information Security Governance efforts. IT is a major facilitator of organizational business processes and these processes manipulate and transmit sensitive customer and financial information. IT, which involves major risks, may threaten the security if corporate information assets. Therefore, IT requires attention at board level to ensure that technology-related information risks are within an organization’s accepted risk appetite. However, IT issues are a neglected topic at board level and this could bring about enronesque disasters. Therefore, there is a need for the Board of Directors to direct and control IT-related risks effectively to reduce the potential for Information Security breaches and bring about a stronger system of internal control. The IT Oversight Committee is a proven means of achieving this, and this study further motivates the necessity for such a committee to solidify an organization’s Information Security posture among other IT-related issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Corporate social responsibility: evaluating three South African Companies' initiatives
- Authors: Fourie, Neil
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa Case studies , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8563 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/568 , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa Case studies , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of this research project was to evaluate the available theoretical information on Corporate Social Responsibility and with this knowledge to then also evaluate three companieś initiatives based on this information. Gone are the days when an organisation could do business for the sole purpose of making a profit. If the organisation does not take the environment into account in doing business, or if the community where this organisation is situated or does business, feel “abused” or that their needs are not being addressed, the organisation will not survive and its future sustainability can not be assured or guaranteed. This has been proven internationally, but how does South African organisations fare when it comes to corporate social responsibility, and more specifically, what social responsible initiatives are taken? The research also attempted to determine how “industry specific” the three companies'́ initiatives are and whether any changes in initiative-directions should be considered. The Social Responsibility Initiatives of Woolworths, ENGEN and SABMiller (South Africa) were evaluated and certain shortcomings were identified and presented to the various companies. These companies deliver excellent products and services to their client base, but it was felt that should adherence be given to the recommendations that were made, the mentioned companies could in future improve their turnover, market position and increase their client support base. Finally, it could also assist in increasing brand loyalty amongst their customers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Fourie, Neil
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa Case studies , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8563 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/568 , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa Case studies , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of this research project was to evaluate the available theoretical information on Corporate Social Responsibility and with this knowledge to then also evaluate three companieś initiatives based on this information. Gone are the days when an organisation could do business for the sole purpose of making a profit. If the organisation does not take the environment into account in doing business, or if the community where this organisation is situated or does business, feel “abused” or that their needs are not being addressed, the organisation will not survive and its future sustainability can not be assured or guaranteed. This has been proven internationally, but how does South African organisations fare when it comes to corporate social responsibility, and more specifically, what social responsible initiatives are taken? The research also attempted to determine how “industry specific” the three companies'́ initiatives are and whether any changes in initiative-directions should be considered. The Social Responsibility Initiatives of Woolworths, ENGEN and SABMiller (South Africa) were evaluated and certain shortcomings were identified and presented to the various companies. These companies deliver excellent products and services to their client base, but it was felt that should adherence be given to the recommendations that were made, the mentioned companies could in future improve their turnover, market position and increase their client support base. Finally, it could also assist in increasing brand loyalty amongst their customers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Creating international support for the development of the news media in Africa
- Authors: Banda, Fackson
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6326 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008301
- Description: This article analyses the issues associated with providing support mechanisms for strengthening media institutions in Africa. It takes a historical look at the involvement of international actors in the evolution of African media, arguing that ideology plays a key role in the way international support is crafted for Africa's development, including media development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Banda, Fackson
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6326 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008301
- Description: This article analyses the issues associated with providing support mechanisms for strengthening media institutions in Africa. It takes a historical look at the involvement of international actors in the evolution of African media, arguing that ideology plays a key role in the way international support is crafted for Africa's development, including media development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Creating knowledge networks
- Kruss, G, Klerck, Gilton, Paterson, Angus William, Godfrey, S
- Authors: Kruss, G , Klerck, Gilton , Paterson, Angus William , Godfrey, S
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:544 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012400
- Description: The new science and technology framework has challenged higher education institutions in South Africa to create research partnerships with industry, to contribute to growing a national system of innovation. Through detailed case studies, this monograph explores how one new organisational form typical of the knowledge society, the network, is currently being created in practice, in all its complex and contingent reality, in three high technology fields. It is the third volume in the Working Partnerships: Higher Education, Industry and Innovation series. The case studies show that knowledge networks are primarily shaped by the competitive dynamics of the industrial sub-sector within which partner enterprises operate, intersecting with the levels of scientific and managerial expertise within higher education partner institutions, and facilitated by government policy steering mechanisms and intermediary partners. The intersection of interests gives all partners a stake in the research project at the heart of the knowledge network, and builds the levels of trust required to succeed. The analysis highlights some of the possibilities and constraints evident in the current policy context, suggesting that state attempts to steer the system need to be more nuanced and targeted, informed by the specificity of sectoral dynamics, and it suggests that universities need to identify their own strategic solutions to develop a flexible and adaptive institutional approach to networks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Kruss, G , Klerck, Gilton , Paterson, Angus William , Godfrey, S
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:544 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012400
- Description: The new science and technology framework has challenged higher education institutions in South Africa to create research partnerships with industry, to contribute to growing a national system of innovation. Through detailed case studies, this monograph explores how one new organisational form typical of the knowledge society, the network, is currently being created in practice, in all its complex and contingent reality, in three high technology fields. It is the third volume in the Working Partnerships: Higher Education, Industry and Innovation series. The case studies show that knowledge networks are primarily shaped by the competitive dynamics of the industrial sub-sector within which partner enterprises operate, intersecting with the levels of scientific and managerial expertise within higher education partner institutions, and facilitated by government policy steering mechanisms and intermediary partners. The intersection of interests gives all partners a stake in the research project at the heart of the knowledge network, and builds the levels of trust required to succeed. The analysis highlights some of the possibilities and constraints evident in the current policy context, suggesting that state attempts to steer the system need to be more nuanced and targeted, informed by the specificity of sectoral dynamics, and it suggests that universities need to identify their own strategic solutions to develop a flexible and adaptive institutional approach to networks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Critical media literacy: a design for the future
- Authors: Prinsloo, Jeanne
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008476
- Description: [From OPENSPACE Editor Alice Kanengoni's editorial]: Professor Jeanne Prinsloo notes in her article that "In fact, it has been argued that the significance of the media in people’s lives has increased to the extent that it has been described as their primary curriculum, thereby recasting formal education as the secondary curriculum." This therefore requires an incestment in media literacy; people's ability to to understand the world around them, as represented in the media. Thus, Professor Prinsloo argues for critical media literacy, citing the role that the media played in fuelling the genocide in Rwanda, as an illustrative case in point. She states that "While we can not attribute all blame in the Rwandan scenario to the radio use, it is clear that the media mattered." She indicates that "media representations and engagements play a significant role in the way we understand the world, its people and events, and ourselves therein." As such, societies should invest in building a critical citizenry that can read and deconstruct the various ideologies that are often carries in and through the media.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Prinsloo, Jeanne
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008476
- Description: [From OPENSPACE Editor Alice Kanengoni's editorial]: Professor Jeanne Prinsloo notes in her article that "In fact, it has been argued that the significance of the media in people’s lives has increased to the extent that it has been described as their primary curriculum, thereby recasting formal education as the secondary curriculum." This therefore requires an incestment in media literacy; people's ability to to understand the world around them, as represented in the media. Thus, Professor Prinsloo argues for critical media literacy, citing the role that the media played in fuelling the genocide in Rwanda, as an illustrative case in point. She states that "While we can not attribute all blame in the Rwandan scenario to the radio use, it is clear that the media mattered." She indicates that "media representations and engagements play a significant role in the way we understand the world, its people and events, and ourselves therein." As such, societies should invest in building a critical citizenry that can read and deconstruct the various ideologies that are often carries in and through the media.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Cross-cultural differences in IQ test performance: extension of an existing normative database on WAIS-III test performance
- Authors: Gaylard, Emma K
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale , Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale -- South Africa , Black people -- Education , Black people -- Social conditions , Intelligence tests -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2979 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002488 , Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale , Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale -- South Africa , Black people -- Education , Black people -- Social conditions , Intelligence tests -- South Africa
- Description: Prior research (Shuttleworth-Edwards et al., 2004) presented preliminary normative data for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – III (WAIS-III) for Southern Africa, stratified according to gender (female vs. male), language (black African vs. white English), level of education (matric/12+ years of education vs. Graduate/15+ years of education) and quality of education (disadvantaged – Department of Education and Training vs. advantaged - Private/Model C). IQ scores for black African language and white English Southern Africans were comparable with the United States of America (USA) standardization when level and quality of education were equitable. (‘White English’ is the term used to denote those of European descent whose first language is English). A limitation of the research was the lack of control for language for most of the black groups and particularly in the Private/Model C Graduate group, where sixty percent of the participants originated from Zimbabwe. These represented a particularly elite group whose education was equitable to that of the white participants throughout their education (i.e. at primary, secondary and tertiary level). In order to rectify the lack of homogeneity of language, all non- Xhosa first language participants were excluded from the black sample and sixteen additional Xhosa first language participants were tested on the WAIS-III. Data analyses found no significant differences between the original and new groups, except in the comparison between Mixed African language Private/Model C Graduates and the Xhosa first language Private/Model C Graduate/15+ years of education, where there was a lowering of WAIS-III subtest, index and IQ scores in the newly constituted group. This lowering in test performance is explained in that the new Xhosa first language 15+ years of education group was a less advantaged group than the original Mixed African Language Private/Model C Graduate group, as the new group generally had less advantaged primary school education and had generally studied less at a tertiary level. Overall, these results demonstrate an incremental increase in WAIS-III test performance for sample groups on a continuum of quality of education from least to most advantaged education. This was true for both verbal and non-verbal subtests.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Gaylard, Emma K
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale , Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale -- South Africa , Black people -- Education , Black people -- Social conditions , Intelligence tests -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2979 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002488 , Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale , Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale -- South Africa , Black people -- Education , Black people -- Social conditions , Intelligence tests -- South Africa
- Description: Prior research (Shuttleworth-Edwards et al., 2004) presented preliminary normative data for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – III (WAIS-III) for Southern Africa, stratified according to gender (female vs. male), language (black African vs. white English), level of education (matric/12+ years of education vs. Graduate/15+ years of education) and quality of education (disadvantaged – Department of Education and Training vs. advantaged - Private/Model C). IQ scores for black African language and white English Southern Africans were comparable with the United States of America (USA) standardization when level and quality of education were equitable. (‘White English’ is the term used to denote those of European descent whose first language is English). A limitation of the research was the lack of control for language for most of the black groups and particularly in the Private/Model C Graduate group, where sixty percent of the participants originated from Zimbabwe. These represented a particularly elite group whose education was equitable to that of the white participants throughout their education (i.e. at primary, secondary and tertiary level). In order to rectify the lack of homogeneity of language, all non- Xhosa first language participants were excluded from the black sample and sixteen additional Xhosa first language participants were tested on the WAIS-III. Data analyses found no significant differences between the original and new groups, except in the comparison between Mixed African language Private/Model C Graduates and the Xhosa first language Private/Model C Graduate/15+ years of education, where there was a lowering of WAIS-III subtest, index and IQ scores in the newly constituted group. This lowering in test performance is explained in that the new Xhosa first language 15+ years of education group was a less advantaged group than the original Mixed African Language Private/Model C Graduate group, as the new group generally had less advantaged primary school education and had generally studied less at a tertiary level. Overall, these results demonstrate an incremental increase in WAIS-III test performance for sample groups on a continuum of quality of education from least to most advantaged education. This was true for both verbal and non-verbal subtests.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Cultural significance of biodiversity: the role of medicinal plants in urban African cultural practices in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Cocks, Michelle L, Dold, Anthony P
- Authors: Cocks, Michelle L , Dold, Anthony P
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141338 , vital:37963 , DOI: 10.2993/0278-0771(2006)26[60:CSOBTR]2.0.CO;2
- Description: Since the International Convention on Biodiversity in 1992 conservation biologists, ecologists and conservationists have devoted considerable attention to the conservation of biodiversity. With this has come the realization that solutions to biological problems often lie in the mechanisms of social, cultural, and economic systems. This shift has emphasized the relationship between biodiversity and human diversity, or what the Declaration of Belem (1988) calls an “inextricable link” between biological and cultural diversity. The term biocultural diversity was introduced by Posey to describe the concept denoting this link. To date this concept has been used only in reference to “indigenous people” who, as part of their traditional lifestyles, use biodiversity to sustain their cultural identity. Our research, however, demonstrates that Xhosa people (amaXhosa) living in an urban context in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa continue to use wild plants for cultural purposes and often access these through commercial trade. We suggest that recognition of the cultural and spiritual values associated with wild plants would greatly enhance biodiversity conservation efforts. Recognition of the significant role that wild plants play in fulfilling cultural needs for urban Xhosa people would go a long way towards achieving this.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Cocks, Michelle L , Dold, Anthony P
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141338 , vital:37963 , DOI: 10.2993/0278-0771(2006)26[60:CSOBTR]2.0.CO;2
- Description: Since the International Convention on Biodiversity in 1992 conservation biologists, ecologists and conservationists have devoted considerable attention to the conservation of biodiversity. With this has come the realization that solutions to biological problems often lie in the mechanisms of social, cultural, and economic systems. This shift has emphasized the relationship between biodiversity and human diversity, or what the Declaration of Belem (1988) calls an “inextricable link” between biological and cultural diversity. The term biocultural diversity was introduced by Posey to describe the concept denoting this link. To date this concept has been used only in reference to “indigenous people” who, as part of their traditional lifestyles, use biodiversity to sustain their cultural identity. Our research, however, demonstrates that Xhosa people (amaXhosa) living in an urban context in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa continue to use wild plants for cultural purposes and often access these through commercial trade. We suggest that recognition of the cultural and spiritual values associated with wild plants would greatly enhance biodiversity conservation efforts. Recognition of the significant role that wild plants play in fulfilling cultural needs for urban Xhosa people would go a long way towards achieving this.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Cytokine signalling functions of human soluble IgE receptors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from normal and hyper-allergic individuals and in B-lymphoblastoid and monocytic cell lines
- Authors: Askew, Sandra Lyn
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Ligands , Cell receptors , Cellular signal transduction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10305 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/455 , Ligands , Cell receptors , Cellular signal transduction
- Description: CD23 is a multifunctional receptor/ligand, found in a variety of cell types, such as human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), B-lymphoblastoid cell lines, mast cells and basophils. It is also found on a variety of haematopoietic cell lines. As the low-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E (IgE), CD23 plays a role in antigen-presentation and macrophage activation. As a surface molecule cleaved from the cell membrane, soluble CD23 (sCD23) can act as an adhesion molecule and a cytokine. Perturbances of such molecular interactions may lead to various diseases such as allergies and other inflammatory diseases. It has been speculated that elevated levels of sCD23 may be used to bind secreted IgE, thus preventing it from binding to membrane CD23 on haematopoietic cells, preventing B cells from being activated into IgE producing cells. Signal transduction by sCD23 is dependent on cell subsets, ligands and co-factors required for its function. sCD23 plays a direct role in inducing tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and soluble IL-1 receptor from activated human monocytes and PBMCs in vitro. Recombinant forms of 25 and 37 kDa human sCD23 were produced by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-cloning into pET23a, a bacterial expression vector. The proteins were expressed and refolded, followed by purification by gel filtration chromatography. The purified proteins were biochemically characterized to ensure purity and biological activity, by observing the binding to human IgE both in enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. ELISA showed KD values of 7.23 x 10-9M and 8.12 x 10-9M for the 25 and 37 kDa proteins, respectively. These values were significantly lower than that of Hibbert et al., (2005). SPR data obtained for the 25 kDa CD23 was not of reliable quality but SPR for the 33kDa sCD23 showed a KD of 1.18 x 10-7M, close to that of Hibbert et al., (2005), J. Exp. Med, 202: 751-760. To test the therapeutic potential of the recombinant molecule, a B-lymphoblastoid cell line (Raji), a pre-monocytic cell line (U937), and PBMCs from normal and hyper-allergic individuals were used. All cells showed no change in production of cytokines. It is essential to investigate further cytokine functions and production implicated by recombinant forms of sCD23, as well as binding of sCD23 to CD21 and CD11b/c, and in vivo IgE regulation before a conclusion can be drawn as to whether recombinant sCD23 is a potential therapeutic target against allergic disease.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Askew, Sandra Lyn
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Ligands , Cell receptors , Cellular signal transduction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10305 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/455 , Ligands , Cell receptors , Cellular signal transduction
- Description: CD23 is a multifunctional receptor/ligand, found in a variety of cell types, such as human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), B-lymphoblastoid cell lines, mast cells and basophils. It is also found on a variety of haematopoietic cell lines. As the low-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E (IgE), CD23 plays a role in antigen-presentation and macrophage activation. As a surface molecule cleaved from the cell membrane, soluble CD23 (sCD23) can act as an adhesion molecule and a cytokine. Perturbances of such molecular interactions may lead to various diseases such as allergies and other inflammatory diseases. It has been speculated that elevated levels of sCD23 may be used to bind secreted IgE, thus preventing it from binding to membrane CD23 on haematopoietic cells, preventing B cells from being activated into IgE producing cells. Signal transduction by sCD23 is dependent on cell subsets, ligands and co-factors required for its function. sCD23 plays a direct role in inducing tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and soluble IL-1 receptor from activated human monocytes and PBMCs in vitro. Recombinant forms of 25 and 37 kDa human sCD23 were produced by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-cloning into pET23a, a bacterial expression vector. The proteins were expressed and refolded, followed by purification by gel filtration chromatography. The purified proteins were biochemically characterized to ensure purity and biological activity, by observing the binding to human IgE both in enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. ELISA showed KD values of 7.23 x 10-9M and 8.12 x 10-9M for the 25 and 37 kDa proteins, respectively. These values were significantly lower than that of Hibbert et al., (2005). SPR data obtained for the 25 kDa CD23 was not of reliable quality but SPR for the 33kDa sCD23 showed a KD of 1.18 x 10-7M, close to that of Hibbert et al., (2005), J. Exp. Med, 202: 751-760. To test the therapeutic potential of the recombinant molecule, a B-lymphoblastoid cell line (Raji), a pre-monocytic cell line (U937), and PBMCs from normal and hyper-allergic individuals were used. All cells showed no change in production of cytokines. It is essential to investigate further cytokine functions and production implicated by recombinant forms of sCD23, as well as binding of sCD23 to CD21 and CD11b/c, and in vivo IgE regulation before a conclusion can be drawn as to whether recombinant sCD23 is a potential therapeutic target against allergic disease.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Decorating Asterisk : experiments in service creation for a multi-protocol telephony environment using open source tools
- Authors: Hitchcock, Jonathan
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Asterisk (Computer file) , Internet telephony
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4635 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006539 , Asterisk (Computer file) , Internet telephony
- Description: As Voice over IP becomes more prevalent, value-adds to the service will become ubiquitous. Voice over IP (VoIP) is no longer a single service application, but an array of marketable services of increasing depth, which are moving into the non-desktop market. In addition, as the range of devices being generally used increases, it will become necessary for all services, including VoIP services, to be accessible from multiple platforms and through varied interfaces. With the recent introduction and growth of the open source software PBX system named Asterisk, the possibility of achieving these goals has become more concrete. In addition to Asterisk, a number of open source systems are being developed which facilitate the development of systems that interoperate over a wide variety of platforms and through multiple interfaces. This thesis investigates Asterisk in terms of its viability to provide the depth of services that will be required in a VoIP environment, as well as a number of other open source systems in terms of what they can offer such a system. In addition, it investigates whether these services can be made available on different devices. Using various systems built as a proof-of-concept, this thesis shows that Asterisk, in conjunction with various other open source projects, such as the Twisted framework provides a concrete tool which can be used to realise flexible and protocol independent telephony solutions for a small to medium enterprise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Hitchcock, Jonathan
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Asterisk (Computer file) , Internet telephony
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4635 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006539 , Asterisk (Computer file) , Internet telephony
- Description: As Voice over IP becomes more prevalent, value-adds to the service will become ubiquitous. Voice over IP (VoIP) is no longer a single service application, but an array of marketable services of increasing depth, which are moving into the non-desktop market. In addition, as the range of devices being generally used increases, it will become necessary for all services, including VoIP services, to be accessible from multiple platforms and through varied interfaces. With the recent introduction and growth of the open source software PBX system named Asterisk, the possibility of achieving these goals has become more concrete. In addition to Asterisk, a number of open source systems are being developed which facilitate the development of systems that interoperate over a wide variety of platforms and through multiple interfaces. This thesis investigates Asterisk in terms of its viability to provide the depth of services that will be required in a VoIP environment, as well as a number of other open source systems in terms of what they can offer such a system. In addition, it investigates whether these services can be made available on different devices. Using various systems built as a proof-of-concept, this thesis shows that Asterisk, in conjunction with various other open source projects, such as the Twisted framework provides a concrete tool which can be used to realise flexible and protocol independent telephony solutions for a small to medium enterprise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Democracy in Lesotho: theory and practice of opposition
- Authors: Mohapi, Refiloe Alphonce
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Democracy -- Lesotho , Political parties -- Lesotho , Lesotho -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2806 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003016 , Democracy -- Lesotho , Political parties -- Lesotho , Lesotho -- Politics and government
- Description: Using theoretical insights from elsewhere, this thesis examines and explains Lesotho’s opposition. It argues that the decline of single-member constituency and the rise of Mixed Member Proportionality (MMP) has weakened the prospects for a strong opposition in Lesotho; more parties in parliament have strengthened the hold of the ruling party. These parties cannot overturn the parliamentary decisions of the ruling Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD), which continues to win more than 90% of majority seats in successive elections. So, most bills and motions passed in parliament have support of the majority of the MPs of LCD. Opposition parties have little legislative impact in challenging the policies of government. Paradoxically, MPs of the LCD are often the only source of opposition in the country’s parliament.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Mohapi, Refiloe Alphonce
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Democracy -- Lesotho , Political parties -- Lesotho , Lesotho -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2806 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003016 , Democracy -- Lesotho , Political parties -- Lesotho , Lesotho -- Politics and government
- Description: Using theoretical insights from elsewhere, this thesis examines and explains Lesotho’s opposition. It argues that the decline of single-member constituency and the rise of Mixed Member Proportionality (MMP) has weakened the prospects for a strong opposition in Lesotho; more parties in parliament have strengthened the hold of the ruling party. These parties cannot overturn the parliamentary decisions of the ruling Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD), which continues to win more than 90% of majority seats in successive elections. So, most bills and motions passed in parliament have support of the majority of the MPs of LCD. Opposition parties have little legislative impact in challenging the policies of government. Paradoxically, MPs of the LCD are often the only source of opposition in the country’s parliament.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Designing a lean manufacturing model for Johnson Controls SA
- Authors: Andersson, Carl
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Production management -- South Africa , Just-in-time systems , Manufacturing resource planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8566 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/188 , Production management -- South Africa , Just-in-time systems , Manufacturing resource planning
- Description: An increase in global competitiveness has forced manufacturing organisations to re – look at their facility from an output and quality standpoint. Leveraging a manufacturing operation into a competitive advantage must at all times support the organisation’s objectives. It is therefore vital that the operation reviews its strategy so that it fulfils the everchanging needs of its market. The main objective of this research was to identify possible approaches that Johnson Controls South Africa (JCI SA) could pursue when implementing a Lean Manufacturing model. In doing this it will improve JCI SA’s manufacturing efficiency and quality, thus giving the organisation a competitive edge over its opposition. The research presented an empirical study of how a Lean Manufacturing model should be implemented in JCI SA. A theoretical and empirical study was conducted on how to successfully implement Lean Manufacturing within an organisation. The main purpose was to establish a theoretical Lean Manufacturing model that the organisation can utilise as a strategic plan to become the global leader in its market place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Andersson, Carl
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Production management -- South Africa , Just-in-time systems , Manufacturing resource planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8566 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/188 , Production management -- South Africa , Just-in-time systems , Manufacturing resource planning
- Description: An increase in global competitiveness has forced manufacturing organisations to re – look at their facility from an output and quality standpoint. Leveraging a manufacturing operation into a competitive advantage must at all times support the organisation’s objectives. It is therefore vital that the operation reviews its strategy so that it fulfils the everchanging needs of its market. The main objective of this research was to identify possible approaches that Johnson Controls South Africa (JCI SA) could pursue when implementing a Lean Manufacturing model. In doing this it will improve JCI SA’s manufacturing efficiency and quality, thus giving the organisation a competitive edge over its opposition. The research presented an empirical study of how a Lean Manufacturing model should be implemented in JCI SA. A theoretical and empirical study was conducted on how to successfully implement Lean Manufacturing within an organisation. The main purpose was to establish a theoretical Lean Manufacturing model that the organisation can utilise as a strategic plan to become the global leader in its market place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Designing for maintenance
- Authors: Syce, Melvin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Buildings -- Maintenance -- South Africa , Buildings -- Protection -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9670 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/440 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011924 , Buildings -- Maintenance -- South Africa , Buildings -- Protection -- South Africa
- Description: This treatise is a study of the methodology and the thought processes followed when buildings are designed, in order to determine to what extent, if any, designers consider the need for buildings to be maintained long after they walk off site and part with the project. The concept of taking future maintenance requirements into account as part of the design process is referred to as “designing for maintenance” (DFM). It can be assumed that, from a professional perspective, designers must keep the client’s needs in mind when designing. Facilities managers face the challenge of balancing a budget with maintaining a functional building – a dream building would be a maintenance-free building. Armed with the knowledge of DFM it is hoped that future buildings will be designed in a manner that will facilitate maintenance, thereby achieving significant savings on the life cycle costing of buildings. Buys (2004) suggests that designers should adopt a more open-minded approach toward maintenance during the design stages of buildings. Maintenance, with reference to access, methods, material and funding, could benefit from this approach, with a positive effect on the life cycle costing of a building. In order of priority when starting a building project, the design process is at the top of the list. Because this process happens right at the outset of a project, it is important to address the level of maintenance awareness that goes into designing, at this stage. The research concludes that one of the methods which could have a permanent effect on designers’ awareness of DFM would be to include it in the subjects taught at schools where designers are trained. This idea was discussed with a number of lecturers in this field and they were all in favour of this approach. There is a perception that built environment practitioners and professionals such as architects and contractors in the various fields related to the built environment, often engage in their particular task as if they exist in isolation from the project as a whole and from the rest of the project team. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that all built environment aspects are interwoven and interlinked, and that all are part of a larger context. With reference to the built environment as a whole, no action or element exists in isolation from a larger web of activity. The challenge, to nurture within students an awareness of the range and interconnectedness of elements and processes that contribute to the holistic idea, rests with the educators in the design fields, because it is clear that the final impact of any project relies to a large extent on what was specified by the designers in terms of materials and construction methods. The impact of the world’s six billion inhabitants on the environment is clearly a critical issue but does little to influence the actions of most design professionals. Documented experiences should serve as valuable tools to guide designers towards making more educated decisions on building design. Built environment professionals should educate themselves about the range of issues involved in the analysis, design and production of the built environment and the interaction between these factors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Syce, Melvin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Buildings -- Maintenance -- South Africa , Buildings -- Protection -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9670 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/440 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011924 , Buildings -- Maintenance -- South Africa , Buildings -- Protection -- South Africa
- Description: This treatise is a study of the methodology and the thought processes followed when buildings are designed, in order to determine to what extent, if any, designers consider the need for buildings to be maintained long after they walk off site and part with the project. The concept of taking future maintenance requirements into account as part of the design process is referred to as “designing for maintenance” (DFM). It can be assumed that, from a professional perspective, designers must keep the client’s needs in mind when designing. Facilities managers face the challenge of balancing a budget with maintaining a functional building – a dream building would be a maintenance-free building. Armed with the knowledge of DFM it is hoped that future buildings will be designed in a manner that will facilitate maintenance, thereby achieving significant savings on the life cycle costing of buildings. Buys (2004) suggests that designers should adopt a more open-minded approach toward maintenance during the design stages of buildings. Maintenance, with reference to access, methods, material and funding, could benefit from this approach, with a positive effect on the life cycle costing of a building. In order of priority when starting a building project, the design process is at the top of the list. Because this process happens right at the outset of a project, it is important to address the level of maintenance awareness that goes into designing, at this stage. The research concludes that one of the methods which could have a permanent effect on designers’ awareness of DFM would be to include it in the subjects taught at schools where designers are trained. This idea was discussed with a number of lecturers in this field and they were all in favour of this approach. There is a perception that built environment practitioners and professionals such as architects and contractors in the various fields related to the built environment, often engage in their particular task as if they exist in isolation from the project as a whole and from the rest of the project team. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that all built environment aspects are interwoven and interlinked, and that all are part of a larger context. With reference to the built environment as a whole, no action or element exists in isolation from a larger web of activity. The challenge, to nurture within students an awareness of the range and interconnectedness of elements and processes that contribute to the holistic idea, rests with the educators in the design fields, because it is clear that the final impact of any project relies to a large extent on what was specified by the designers in terms of materials and construction methods. The impact of the world’s six billion inhabitants on the environment is clearly a critical issue but does little to influence the actions of most design professionals. Documented experiences should serve as valuable tools to guide designers towards making more educated decisions on building design. Built environment professionals should educate themselves about the range of issues involved in the analysis, design and production of the built environment and the interaction between these factors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Destined to come to blows?: race and constructions of “rational-intellectual” masculinity ten years after apartheid
- Authors: Vincent, Louise
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141619 , vital:37990 , DOI: 10.1177/1097184X05277694
- Description: In 1994, a democratic government came to power in South Africa for the first time in the country's history. But political transition is never a single event or moment. Rather, it is a continuous process that faces setbacks and contradictions. One of the questions we might ask about a society in transition is to what extent its gender order has changed or is changing. The present paper sets out to read the country's transformation drama through the lens of contested conceptions of South African masculinity. The article is focused on one particular version of masculinity which it terms “rational-intellectual man,” and the argument is that a legacy of racism and the persistence of racialized modes of reasoning continue to marginalise black men from this and other powerful, high-status forms of hegemonic masculinity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Vincent, Louise
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141619 , vital:37990 , DOI: 10.1177/1097184X05277694
- Description: In 1994, a democratic government came to power in South Africa for the first time in the country's history. But political transition is never a single event or moment. Rather, it is a continuous process that faces setbacks and contradictions. One of the questions we might ask about a society in transition is to what extent its gender order has changed or is changing. The present paper sets out to read the country's transformation drama through the lens of contested conceptions of South African masculinity. The article is focused on one particular version of masculinity which it terms “rational-intellectual man,” and the argument is that a legacy of racism and the persistence of racialized modes of reasoning continue to marginalise black men from this and other powerful, high-status forms of hegemonic masculinity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Determining the critical success factors for implementing lean manufacturing in South Africa: a case study
- Authors: Pitout, Callum John
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Production management -- South Africa , Manufacturing processes -- Control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021082
- Description: The lean manufacturing system that evolved in Japan since World War II has leapt across the globe to North America and Europe. The secret success of Japan’s manufacturing machine has been shared. In Europe and America, lean has been identified as a manufacturing best practice that should be adopted to ensure competitive manufacturing efficiency. Many success stories have been told of American companies adopting the Japanese lean tools and techniques. Now, South African manufacturers are implementing the lean manufacturing philosophy, some with more success than others. This research paper explores lean manufacturing implementations at two South African automotive component manufacturers and identifies the critical success factors that have driven the implementation process forward. Commitment from top company executives, extensive training, worker empowerment and other critical success factors for implementing lean manufacturing into a South African environment are identified as a result of the research conducted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Pitout, Callum John
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Production management -- South Africa , Manufacturing processes -- Control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021082
- Description: The lean manufacturing system that evolved in Japan since World War II has leapt across the globe to North America and Europe. The secret success of Japan’s manufacturing machine has been shared. In Europe and America, lean has been identified as a manufacturing best practice that should be adopted to ensure competitive manufacturing efficiency. Many success stories have been told of American companies adopting the Japanese lean tools and techniques. Now, South African manufacturers are implementing the lean manufacturing philosophy, some with more success than others. This research paper explores lean manufacturing implementations at two South African automotive component manufacturers and identifies the critical success factors that have driven the implementation process forward. Commitment from top company executives, extensive training, worker empowerment and other critical success factors for implementing lean manufacturing into a South African environment are identified as a result of the research conducted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Determining the impact of emotional intelligence on organisational effectiveness
- Authors: Paul, Stephanie
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness , Emotional intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8762 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/591 , Organizational effectiveness , Emotional intelligence
- Description: Employees who are able to use their emotions intelligently can contribute meaningfully towards building an emotionally intelligent organisation, one in which everyone take responsibility for increasing his or her own emotional intelligence, for using it in relations with others, and for applying the skills of emotional intelligence to the organisation as a whole. The lack of emotional intelligence, however, undermines both an individual’s and a company’s growth and success. Expressing emotions within the workplace has for many years been considered inappropriate and irrelevant to business. This research study points to the fact that an overwhelming amount of research shows that not only are emotions very much a part if the work experience but, to a large degree, set the course that companies should follow. This research study firstly discusses the core components of emotional intelligence and its impact on individuals and how they relate to others. The study further focuses on the impact that emotional intelligence has on aspects that contribute to organisational effectiveness. This study suggests that emotional intelligence within companies could result in a situation where employees communicate with understanding and respect and where confidence and enthusiasm in the organisation are instilled. Knowing one’s own emotions and controlling them; recognizing emotions in others and managing them; and self-motivation are key dimensions of emotional intelligence covered in the theoretical perspective of emotional intelligence discussed in Chapter Two. This study points to the benefits of emotional intelligence as an indispensable element not only in creating a profitable business but also in leading a successful life. The findings discussed in Chapter Six indicate a reasonable level of emotional intelligence amongst employees at GMSA who participated in the survey. Recommendations from the study indicated a need for training in various aspects of emotional intelligence in order to derive the benefits of improved organisational effectiveness and profitability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Paul, Stephanie
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness , Emotional intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8762 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/591 , Organizational effectiveness , Emotional intelligence
- Description: Employees who are able to use their emotions intelligently can contribute meaningfully towards building an emotionally intelligent organisation, one in which everyone take responsibility for increasing his or her own emotional intelligence, for using it in relations with others, and for applying the skills of emotional intelligence to the organisation as a whole. The lack of emotional intelligence, however, undermines both an individual’s and a company’s growth and success. Expressing emotions within the workplace has for many years been considered inappropriate and irrelevant to business. This research study points to the fact that an overwhelming amount of research shows that not only are emotions very much a part if the work experience but, to a large degree, set the course that companies should follow. This research study firstly discusses the core components of emotional intelligence and its impact on individuals and how they relate to others. The study further focuses on the impact that emotional intelligence has on aspects that contribute to organisational effectiveness. This study suggests that emotional intelligence within companies could result in a situation where employees communicate with understanding and respect and where confidence and enthusiasm in the organisation are instilled. Knowing one’s own emotions and controlling them; recognizing emotions in others and managing them; and self-motivation are key dimensions of emotional intelligence covered in the theoretical perspective of emotional intelligence discussed in Chapter Two. This study points to the benefits of emotional intelligence as an indispensable element not only in creating a profitable business but also in leading a successful life. The findings discussed in Chapter Six indicate a reasonable level of emotional intelligence amongst employees at GMSA who participated in the survey. Recommendations from the study indicated a need for training in various aspects of emotional intelligence in order to derive the benefits of improved organisational effectiveness and profitability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006