The development of an integrated management model for occupational health and safety in medical institutions
- Authors: Du Toit, Willem Johannes
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Industrial safety -- South Africa -- Management , Industrial hygiene -- South Africa -- Management , Health facilities -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8551 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1300 , Industrial safety -- South Africa -- Management , Industrial hygiene -- South Africa -- Management , Health facilities -- South Africa
- Description: Health and safety management forms part of the overall risk management of medical institutions, and deals with the responsibility of an organisation to provide a risk free environment for all who are exposed to the activities of such medical institutions. Affected people include health care workers, contractors, visitors, and patients. Medical institutions, and hospitals specifically, are uniquely distinct from other industries in that they employ highly skilled staff with specific specialised knowledge. These institutions are also increasingly making use of complex technology that requires specialist staff to operate medical machines and equipment. These specific aspects are accounted for in this research. The overall purpose of this research is to determine the need for an alternative approach to the management of health and safety in medical institutions. An appropriate model will be developed that can be integrated into the existing health and safety management system. The research methodology for this study comprises the following steps: Firstly, the health and safety environment was researched in relation to all stakeholders, external and internal, that are affected by medical institutions’ activities. The effect of these activities, and how it influences health and safety management, was evaluated in a South African context. Secondly, the overall risk management approach of medical institutions and the effect of organisational culture were researched to determine the effect on health and safety performance. Thirdly, a questionnaire was sent to selected staff of five hospitals in the Eastern and Western Cape to determine their perception and experience of health and safety management. Quantitative data on incidents in Netcare Hospitals were obtained, and a comparison of the questionnaire studies was done to determine the need for a health and safety model. The final step of this study entailed the development of a health and safety model using legislative requirements and the needs identified in the research. A proposal is made to integrate specialist functions and departments into the existing health and safety management system, in order to strengthen the managerial capabilities of such a system. The importance of improving the safety and compliance culture is indicated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Du Toit, Willem Johannes
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Industrial safety -- South Africa -- Management , Industrial hygiene -- South Africa -- Management , Health facilities -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8551 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1300 , Industrial safety -- South Africa -- Management , Industrial hygiene -- South Africa -- Management , Health facilities -- South Africa
- Description: Health and safety management forms part of the overall risk management of medical institutions, and deals with the responsibility of an organisation to provide a risk free environment for all who are exposed to the activities of such medical institutions. Affected people include health care workers, contractors, visitors, and patients. Medical institutions, and hospitals specifically, are uniquely distinct from other industries in that they employ highly skilled staff with specific specialised knowledge. These institutions are also increasingly making use of complex technology that requires specialist staff to operate medical machines and equipment. These specific aspects are accounted for in this research. The overall purpose of this research is to determine the need for an alternative approach to the management of health and safety in medical institutions. An appropriate model will be developed that can be integrated into the existing health and safety management system. The research methodology for this study comprises the following steps: Firstly, the health and safety environment was researched in relation to all stakeholders, external and internal, that are affected by medical institutions’ activities. The effect of these activities, and how it influences health and safety management, was evaluated in a South African context. Secondly, the overall risk management approach of medical institutions and the effect of organisational culture were researched to determine the effect on health and safety performance. Thirdly, a questionnaire was sent to selected staff of five hospitals in the Eastern and Western Cape to determine their perception and experience of health and safety management. Quantitative data on incidents in Netcare Hospitals were obtained, and a comparison of the questionnaire studies was done to determine the need for a health and safety model. The final step of this study entailed the development of a health and safety model using legislative requirements and the needs identified in the research. A proposal is made to integrate specialist functions and departments into the existing health and safety management system, in order to strengthen the managerial capabilities of such a system. The importance of improving the safety and compliance culture is indicated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The development of best practice guidelines for the contingency management of health-related absenteeism in the motor manufacturing industry
- Authors: Werner, Amanda
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Sick leave , Absenteeism (Labor) , Contingency theory (Management) , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: vital:9379 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/160 , Sick leave , Absenteeism (Labor) , Contingency theory (Management) , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: The research problem in this study was to identify best practices for the contingency management of health-related absenteeism. To achieve this goal, the following actions were taken: A literature study was conducted to identify the scope and impact of health-related absenteeism on organisations and the legal parameters within which health-related absenteeism should be managed. A literature study was also conducted to identify strategies to prevent and reduce health-related absenteeism and strategies to ensure the continuous provision of products and services in periods of high absenteeism. The theoretical study focused on the management of absenteeism, wellness, ill-health/mental problems and HIV/AIDS, as well as contingency strategies aimed at maintaining production and service provision. iii The findings from the literature study were integrated into a model of best practices for the contingency management of health-related absenteeism. This model was used as a basis for the development of a survey questionnaire to determine whether senior human resources practitioners, occupational health practitioners or line managers, who were responsible for the management of health-related absenteeism in organisations, agreed with the best practice guidelines developed in the study. The survey was conducted in the motor and motor component industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality and Buffalo City Metropole. The empirical results from the study showed a strong concurrence with the best practices guidelines developed in the study, with the exception of the strategies aimed at maintaining undisrupted production and service provision during periods of high absenteeism. In particular, disagreement was shown with regard to alternative work arrangements such as flexible work-hours, a compressed workweek, telecommuting and job-sharing. Absenteeism, in general, is an issue that organisations are challenged with on a daily basis. The proliferation of various diseases, specifically HIV/AIDS, is contributing to this problem. An integrated and strategic approach is required to deal effectively and constructively with the immediate and expected future impact of health-related issues on absenteeism. Organisations could use the best practices guidelines, identified in this study, as a mechanism to benchmark how well they manage health-related absenteeism
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Werner, Amanda
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Sick leave , Absenteeism (Labor) , Contingency theory (Management) , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: vital:9379 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/160 , Sick leave , Absenteeism (Labor) , Contingency theory (Management) , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: The research problem in this study was to identify best practices for the contingency management of health-related absenteeism. To achieve this goal, the following actions were taken: A literature study was conducted to identify the scope and impact of health-related absenteeism on organisations and the legal parameters within which health-related absenteeism should be managed. A literature study was also conducted to identify strategies to prevent and reduce health-related absenteeism and strategies to ensure the continuous provision of products and services in periods of high absenteeism. The theoretical study focused on the management of absenteeism, wellness, ill-health/mental problems and HIV/AIDS, as well as contingency strategies aimed at maintaining production and service provision. iii The findings from the literature study were integrated into a model of best practices for the contingency management of health-related absenteeism. This model was used as a basis for the development of a survey questionnaire to determine whether senior human resources practitioners, occupational health practitioners or line managers, who were responsible for the management of health-related absenteeism in organisations, agreed with the best practice guidelines developed in the study. The survey was conducted in the motor and motor component industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality and Buffalo City Metropole. The empirical results from the study showed a strong concurrence with the best practices guidelines developed in the study, with the exception of the strategies aimed at maintaining undisrupted production and service provision during periods of high absenteeism. In particular, disagreement was shown with regard to alternative work arrangements such as flexible work-hours, a compressed workweek, telecommuting and job-sharing. Absenteeism, in general, is an issue that organisations are challenged with on a daily basis. The proliferation of various diseases, specifically HIV/AIDS, is contributing to this problem. An integrated and strategic approach is required to deal effectively and constructively with the immediate and expected future impact of health-related issues on absenteeism. Organisations could use the best practices guidelines, identified in this study, as a mechanism to benchmark how well they manage health-related absenteeism
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The development of independent contractors within the Working for Water Programme over a twenty-four month period : a programme evaluation : Western region, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Knipe, Andrew
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Working for Water Programme Contractors -- South Africa Construction contracts -- South Africa Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa Employee empowerment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:799 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004916
- Description: This research is concerned with the development of independent contractors within the Working for Water Programme over a twenty-four month period. The meaningful participation of previously disadvantaged South Africans fall within the ambit of black economic empowerment. The Government Gazette (1997: No. 1820) defines black economic empowerment as a deliberate programme to achieve the meaningful participation of disadvantaged South Africans in the mainstream economy as managers, owners of capital and employees. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the contractors within the Western Region of the Eastern Cape, in order to assess how they have developed as independent contractors within the developmental framework provided by the Working for Water Programme. This developmental framework takes place over a 462-day period or roughly 24 months. The evaluation aimed to determine whether the two-year development period sufficiently prepared contractors for competition in the open market and if contractors had acquired the necessary skills to run a successful business. A formative programme evaluation was used as a tool of analysis to identify areas of weakness and establish priorities for improvement. A qualitative research approach was followed, guided by an adapted version of the Context, Input, Process and Product approach to evaluation (Parlett and Hamilton cited in Calder, 1995, p.25). Using structured interviews comprising of closed and open ended questions, data was gathered from thirty contractors, five managers and one Senior Executive Officer within the Western Region of the Eastern Cape. An interview was also conducted with the Regional Programme leader of the Eastern Cape. Further data collection techniques included documentary research. Data was analysed using qualitative data analysis techniques described by Thorne (1997, p.118), as relying on inductive reasoning to interpret and structure the meanings that can be derived from the data. Passages of interest were marked so that the data could be reduced to a manageable size as described by Seidman (1991, p.91-1 01) and various categories were developed that had commonalties and thematic connections. The Working for Water Programme aims to exit contractors successfully after a twenty-four month developmental period. The Working for Water Programme has formalised its development framework through a training matrix in which the required training at contractor level is outlined. The finding of the research is that the current contractor development programme do not adequately prepare contractors for independence and entrepreneurship in a competitive market. There is no co-ordinated development of predetermined skills. Contractors are not able to articulate what their plans are after exit from the WFW Programme. No concrete evidence of actively pursuing alternative contract opportunities was evident from contractors who were about to exit the Programme and there is no person to champion the cause of meaningful post exit opportunities. The main recommendations from this research are that contractors be selected via an application system rather that appointment through steering committees. Selected contractors must be medically fit and at least have a matriculation certificate. Contractors should be assessed on a 6-monthly basis and contractors not achieving a minimum competency level must be removed from the programme. Managers should also have basic competency levels in order to facilitate skill transfer through a mentorship process. The charge out rate of equipment should be revised every six months. The charge out rates should also be increased significantly to cater for the harsh conditions under which contractors are operational. A "champion" needs to be appointed which will actively seek exit opportunities for trained contractors. This person will also seek to develop functional partnerships with various private and government institutions to create opportunities for exited contractors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Knipe, Andrew
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Working for Water Programme Contractors -- South Africa Construction contracts -- South Africa Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa Employee empowerment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:799 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004916
- Description: This research is concerned with the development of independent contractors within the Working for Water Programme over a twenty-four month period. The meaningful participation of previously disadvantaged South Africans fall within the ambit of black economic empowerment. The Government Gazette (1997: No. 1820) defines black economic empowerment as a deliberate programme to achieve the meaningful participation of disadvantaged South Africans in the mainstream economy as managers, owners of capital and employees. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the contractors within the Western Region of the Eastern Cape, in order to assess how they have developed as independent contractors within the developmental framework provided by the Working for Water Programme. This developmental framework takes place over a 462-day period or roughly 24 months. The evaluation aimed to determine whether the two-year development period sufficiently prepared contractors for competition in the open market and if contractors had acquired the necessary skills to run a successful business. A formative programme evaluation was used as a tool of analysis to identify areas of weakness and establish priorities for improvement. A qualitative research approach was followed, guided by an adapted version of the Context, Input, Process and Product approach to evaluation (Parlett and Hamilton cited in Calder, 1995, p.25). Using structured interviews comprising of closed and open ended questions, data was gathered from thirty contractors, five managers and one Senior Executive Officer within the Western Region of the Eastern Cape. An interview was also conducted with the Regional Programme leader of the Eastern Cape. Further data collection techniques included documentary research. Data was analysed using qualitative data analysis techniques described by Thorne (1997, p.118), as relying on inductive reasoning to interpret and structure the meanings that can be derived from the data. Passages of interest were marked so that the data could be reduced to a manageable size as described by Seidman (1991, p.91-1 01) and various categories were developed that had commonalties and thematic connections. The Working for Water Programme aims to exit contractors successfully after a twenty-four month developmental period. The Working for Water Programme has formalised its development framework through a training matrix in which the required training at contractor level is outlined. The finding of the research is that the current contractor development programme do not adequately prepare contractors for independence and entrepreneurship in a competitive market. There is no co-ordinated development of predetermined skills. Contractors are not able to articulate what their plans are after exit from the WFW Programme. No concrete evidence of actively pursuing alternative contract opportunities was evident from contractors who were about to exit the Programme and there is no person to champion the cause of meaningful post exit opportunities. The main recommendations from this research are that contractors be selected via an application system rather that appointment through steering committees. Selected contractors must be medically fit and at least have a matriculation certificate. Contractors should be assessed on a 6-monthly basis and contractors not achieving a minimum competency level must be removed from the programme. Managers should also have basic competency levels in order to facilitate skill transfer through a mentorship process. The charge out rate of equipment should be revised every six months. The charge out rates should also be increased significantly to cater for the harsh conditions under which contractors are operational. A "champion" needs to be appointed which will actively seek exit opportunities for trained contractors. This person will also seek to develop functional partnerships with various private and government institutions to create opportunities for exited contractors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The development of motivational strategies for public sector workers in Kenya
- Authors: Chepkilot, Ronald Kiprop
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Public administration -- Kenya , Employee motivation , Civil service -- Kenya -- Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: vital:9380 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/161 , Public administration -- Kenya , Employee motivation , Civil service -- Kenya -- Personnel management
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop motivational strategies for motivating public sector workers in Kenya. To achieve this objective the following procedure was followed: • An examination of the public service was undertaken and the following factors were considered: The history of the public service; Past government reform programmes; The problem of corruption; Future government reform programmes; and The motivational climate in the service. iv • A literature survey was conducted on the approaches used by organisations in motivating employees. The findings were used to develop a motivational strategy model. On the basis of the strategies in the model, a questionnaire was developed for the empirical research study. • The empirical study was undertaken to examine the level of motivation in the public service and to identify the motivational strategies currently used in the public service in Kenya. The study also sought to determine the extent to which public sector managers agreed or disagreed that the motivational strategies developed by the study would be effective in motivating employees in their organisations. The results of the empirical study were incorporated into the integrated motivational strategy model presented in chapter six. The study established that the level of motivation among the public sector workers was extremely low. According to the research findings, 87 per cent of the respondents indicated that the level of motivation of employees in their organisation was low while 13 per cent indicated that it was high. It was also established that the climate in the public service was not conducive for motivating employees: the indicators were lack of job security; very low salaries; limited training and development opportunities; lack of career development programmes and lack of adequate working tools and equipment. It was further established that the government could no longer afford to make any substantial increases in salaries to the workers because the wage bill was extremely high at the level of 9.6 per cent of the GDP. It was observed that any further increases in salaries would v have a negative impact on the economy of the country. In view of the above, this study becomes extremely relevant as it suggests ways of enhancing the levels of motivation in the public service to improve service delivery in the public sector without allocation of vast financial resources. The study strongly recommends the application of the integrated motivational strategy model in its entirety; to enhance the level of employee’s motivation and work performance and achieve efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery. The study also recommends that further research be carried out to determine the effects of corruption on employee motivation and ways of eliminating the vice in the public service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Chepkilot, Ronald Kiprop
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Public administration -- Kenya , Employee motivation , Civil service -- Kenya -- Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: vital:9380 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/161 , Public administration -- Kenya , Employee motivation , Civil service -- Kenya -- Personnel management
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop motivational strategies for motivating public sector workers in Kenya. To achieve this objective the following procedure was followed: • An examination of the public service was undertaken and the following factors were considered: The history of the public service; Past government reform programmes; The problem of corruption; Future government reform programmes; and The motivational climate in the service. iv • A literature survey was conducted on the approaches used by organisations in motivating employees. The findings were used to develop a motivational strategy model. On the basis of the strategies in the model, a questionnaire was developed for the empirical research study. • The empirical study was undertaken to examine the level of motivation in the public service and to identify the motivational strategies currently used in the public service in Kenya. The study also sought to determine the extent to which public sector managers agreed or disagreed that the motivational strategies developed by the study would be effective in motivating employees in their organisations. The results of the empirical study were incorporated into the integrated motivational strategy model presented in chapter six. The study established that the level of motivation among the public sector workers was extremely low. According to the research findings, 87 per cent of the respondents indicated that the level of motivation of employees in their organisation was low while 13 per cent indicated that it was high. It was also established that the climate in the public service was not conducive for motivating employees: the indicators were lack of job security; very low salaries; limited training and development opportunities; lack of career development programmes and lack of adequate working tools and equipment. It was further established that the government could no longer afford to make any substantial increases in salaries to the workers because the wage bill was extremely high at the level of 9.6 per cent of the GDP. It was observed that any further increases in salaries would v have a negative impact on the economy of the country. In view of the above, this study becomes extremely relevant as it suggests ways of enhancing the levels of motivation in the public service to improve service delivery in the public sector without allocation of vast financial resources. The study strongly recommends the application of the integrated motivational strategy model in its entirety; to enhance the level of employee’s motivation and work performance and achieve efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery. The study also recommends that further research be carried out to determine the effects of corruption on employee motivation and ways of eliminating the vice in the public service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The development of the emerging technologies sustainability assessment (ETSA) and its application in the design of a bioprocess for the treatment of wine distillery effluent
- Authors: Khan, Nuraan
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Technology assessment , Wine and wine making -- Waste disposal , Distilleries -- Waste disposal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3953 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004012 , Technology assessment , Wine and wine making -- Waste disposal , Distilleries -- Waste disposal
- Description: Emerging Technologies Sustainability Assessment (ETSA) is a new technology assessment tool that was developed in order to compare emerging processes or technologies to existing alternatives. It utilizes infoIDlation modules, with the minimum use of resources such as time and money, in order to deteIDline if the process under development is comparatively favourable and should be developed beyond the early conceptual phase. The preliminary ETSA is vital in order to identify the gaps in the existing information and the specific methodologies to be used for data capture and analysis. The use of experimental design tools, such as Design-Expert, can facilitate rapid and efficient collection of necessary data and fits in well with the rationale for the ETSA. Wine distillery effluent (vinasse) is the residue left after alcohol has been distilled from fennented grape juice. It is an acidic, darkly coloured effluent, with a high COD and polyphenol content. The most popular method of disposal of this effluent, land application, is no longer viable due to stricter legislation and pressure on the industry to better manage its wastes. Although the ability of whiterot fungi to degrade a number of pollutants is well-known, fungal treatment of wine distillery effluent is still in the conceptual phase. The perfoIDlance of the fungal remediation system was assessed experimentally in terms of COD removal and laccase production using Design-Expert. Although Pycnoporus sanguine us was found to be most efficient at COD removal (85%) from 30% vinasse, laccase production was low (0.021 U/I). The optimum design for economically viable fungal treatment used Trametespubescens. This fungus was able to remove over 50% of the COD from undiluted vinasse while producing almost 800U/l of the valuable laccase enzyme within three days. Since the effluent from the fungal system did not meet the legal limits for wastewater disposal, a two-stage aerobicanaerobic system is suggested to improve the quality of the effluent prior to disposal. The ETSA was used to assess the fungal technology in relation to the two current methods of vinasse treatment and disposal, namely land application and anaerobic digestion. Based on the ETSA, which considered environmental, social and economic impacts, the fungal system proved to be potentially competitive and further development of the technology is suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Khan, Nuraan
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Technology assessment , Wine and wine making -- Waste disposal , Distilleries -- Waste disposal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3953 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004012 , Technology assessment , Wine and wine making -- Waste disposal , Distilleries -- Waste disposal
- Description: Emerging Technologies Sustainability Assessment (ETSA) is a new technology assessment tool that was developed in order to compare emerging processes or technologies to existing alternatives. It utilizes infoIDlation modules, with the minimum use of resources such as time and money, in order to deteIDline if the process under development is comparatively favourable and should be developed beyond the early conceptual phase. The preliminary ETSA is vital in order to identify the gaps in the existing information and the specific methodologies to be used for data capture and analysis. The use of experimental design tools, such as Design-Expert, can facilitate rapid and efficient collection of necessary data and fits in well with the rationale for the ETSA. Wine distillery effluent (vinasse) is the residue left after alcohol has been distilled from fennented grape juice. It is an acidic, darkly coloured effluent, with a high COD and polyphenol content. The most popular method of disposal of this effluent, land application, is no longer viable due to stricter legislation and pressure on the industry to better manage its wastes. Although the ability of whiterot fungi to degrade a number of pollutants is well-known, fungal treatment of wine distillery effluent is still in the conceptual phase. The perfoIDlance of the fungal remediation system was assessed experimentally in terms of COD removal and laccase production using Design-Expert. Although Pycnoporus sanguine us was found to be most efficient at COD removal (85%) from 30% vinasse, laccase production was low (0.021 U/I). The optimum design for economically viable fungal treatment used Trametespubescens. This fungus was able to remove over 50% of the COD from undiluted vinasse while producing almost 800U/l of the valuable laccase enzyme within three days. Since the effluent from the fungal system did not meet the legal limits for wastewater disposal, a two-stage aerobicanaerobic system is suggested to improve the quality of the effluent prior to disposal. The ETSA was used to assess the fungal technology in relation to the two current methods of vinasse treatment and disposal, namely land application and anaerobic digestion. Based on the ETSA, which considered environmental, social and economic impacts, the fungal system proved to be potentially competitive and further development of the technology is suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The development phase of a case study of outcomes-based education assessment policy in the Human and Social Sciences learning area of C2005
- Authors: Wilmot, P Dianne
- Date: 2005
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6106 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009735
- Description: The second phase, the 'development phase' (January to December 2003), of an ongoing research project on policy implementation with specific reference to Grade 9 of the Human and Social Sciences (HSS) learning area of C2005 is described. More specifically, a journey, in which nine History and Geography teachers at two independent schools and one university lecturer, working collaboratively as an HSS research team, navigated their way through the national curriculum and assessment policy arena, pushed the boundaries of their own practice as reflexive practitioners, and implemented the first national application of the new General Education and Training Certificate (GETC), is outlined. The article consists of three sections. The first outlines and offers critical commentary on the national policy context in which the research was located, and in which all South African educators currently work. Drawing on national and international literature, it illuminates a number of issues pertinent to national policy enactment. The second section describes the Development Phase. It outlines two areas of curriculum innovation at the two schools, namely enquiry-based learning and the development of a learning process 'map', before honing in on Grade 9 CASS. Section three describes the implementation at the two schools of the HSS Common Tasks for Assessment (CTA) in October/November 2003. The conclusion synthesises the narrative.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Wilmot, P Dianne
- Date: 2005
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6106 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009735
- Description: The second phase, the 'development phase' (January to December 2003), of an ongoing research project on policy implementation with specific reference to Grade 9 of the Human and Social Sciences (HSS) learning area of C2005 is described. More specifically, a journey, in which nine History and Geography teachers at two independent schools and one university lecturer, working collaboratively as an HSS research team, navigated their way through the national curriculum and assessment policy arena, pushed the boundaries of their own practice as reflexive practitioners, and implemented the first national application of the new General Education and Training Certificate (GETC), is outlined. The article consists of three sections. The first outlines and offers critical commentary on the national policy context in which the research was located, and in which all South African educators currently work. Drawing on national and international literature, it illuminates a number of issues pertinent to national policy enactment. The second section describes the Development Phase. It outlines two areas of curriculum innovation at the two schools, namely enquiry-based learning and the development of a learning process 'map', before honing in on Grade 9 CASS. Section three describes the implementation at the two schools of the HSS Common Tasks for Assessment (CTA) in October/November 2003. The conclusion synthesises the narrative.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The diet and ecological role of giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) introduced to the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Parker, Daniel M, Bernard, Ric T F
- Authors: Parker, Daniel M , Bernard, Ric T F
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis Herbivore
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6942 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011967
- Description: With an increase in the popularity of wildlife ranching in southern Africa has come the introduction of non-native (extralimital) mammalian herbivores. Financial gain has arguably been at the forefront of these introductions, with little or no assessment of the ecological consequences. The diet of three populations of introduced giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis was assessed by direct observation in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa between January 2002 and October 2003, as the first step towards understanding the ecological role played by giraffe in the region. Similar to the diet of giraffe within their native range, a deciduous species from the genus Acacia (Acacia karroo) was the most important species in the diet. Giraffe in the Eastern Cape Province, however, consumed more evergreen species than those within their native range. The relative lack of deciduous species in the Eastern Cape Province provides a probable explanation for such a result. Seasonal variation in the consumption of the most important species in the diet was evident with members of the genus Rhus being more important in the winter months. This was attributed to the deciduous nature of A. karroo. The potential for giraffe to have a detrimental effect on the indigenous vegetation is discussed. We conclude that the study provides a much-needed list of plant species threatened by giraffe browsing in a region where the vegetation is thought to have evolved in the absence of such a browser.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Parker, Daniel M , Bernard, Ric T F
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis Herbivore
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6942 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011967
- Description: With an increase in the popularity of wildlife ranching in southern Africa has come the introduction of non-native (extralimital) mammalian herbivores. Financial gain has arguably been at the forefront of these introductions, with little or no assessment of the ecological consequences. The diet of three populations of introduced giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis was assessed by direct observation in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa between January 2002 and October 2003, as the first step towards understanding the ecological role played by giraffe in the region. Similar to the diet of giraffe within their native range, a deciduous species from the genus Acacia (Acacia karroo) was the most important species in the diet. Giraffe in the Eastern Cape Province, however, consumed more evergreen species than those within their native range. The relative lack of deciduous species in the Eastern Cape Province provides a probable explanation for such a result. Seasonal variation in the consumption of the most important species in the diet was evident with members of the genus Rhus being more important in the winter months. This was attributed to the deciduous nature of A. karroo. The potential for giraffe to have a detrimental effect on the indigenous vegetation is discussed. We conclude that the study provides a much-needed list of plant species threatened by giraffe browsing in a region where the vegetation is thought to have evolved in the absence of such a browser.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The diet of Cape clawless otters at two sites along the Bloukrans River, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Parker, Daniel M, Burchell, R K, Bernard, Ric T F
- Authors: Parker, Daniel M , Burchell, R K , Bernard, Ric T F
- Date: 2005
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6959 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012004
- Description: The diet of Cape clawless otters was assessed at two sites along the Bloukrans River using faecal analysis. Spraints (n = 78) were collected during 2000 and 2001 and analysed using the relative frequency of occurrence and the reconstituted wet weight methods. Both methods found crab (Potamonautes perlatus) to be the most important component (>50%) of the diet. Frog, Xenopus and Rana spp., (11–42%) was the second most important component while fish (Micropteris salmoides) was relatively unimportant (<14%). Although the diet of Cape clawless otters in the Eastern Cape Province was similar to that reported elsewhere, the fact that they were preying on an alien invasive fish and not the indigenous endemic Sandelia bainsii is significant. The validity of faecal analysis methods is also discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Parker, Daniel M , Burchell, R K , Bernard, Ric T F
- Date: 2005
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6959 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012004
- Description: The diet of Cape clawless otters was assessed at two sites along the Bloukrans River using faecal analysis. Spraints (n = 78) were collected during 2000 and 2001 and analysed using the relative frequency of occurrence and the reconstituted wet weight methods. Both methods found crab (Potamonautes perlatus) to be the most important component (>50%) of the diet. Frog, Xenopus and Rana spp., (11–42%) was the second most important component while fish (Micropteris salmoides) was relatively unimportant (<14%). Although the diet of Cape clawless otters in the Eastern Cape Province was similar to that reported elsewhere, the fact that they were preying on an alien invasive fish and not the indigenous endemic Sandelia bainsii is significant. The validity of faecal analysis methods is also discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The direction of trade and its implications for labour in South Africa
- Authors: Cameron, Iona R
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Labor demand -- South Africa , Labor market -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Foreign trade and employment -- South Africa , International economic relations , Free trade -- South Africa , South Africa -- Commercial policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:948 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002682 , Labor demand -- South Africa , Labor market -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Foreign trade and employment -- South Africa , International economic relations , Free trade -- South Africa , South Africa -- Commercial policy
- Description: This aim of this thesis is to analyse the demand for labour from trade with a selection of South Africa’s trading partners. It is expected that labour demand will be greater in trade with developed blocs. Trade between developing blocs, however, is thought to be more skilled labour intensive and such trade should have greater linkages. This ought to feed through into greater labour demand so that South-South trade may be more ‘labour creating’ than expected. As it is more skill intensive, it may also be more dynamic, which has implications for future growth and development. Factor content methodology is used to assess labour demand. Calculations consider linkages to other sectors (which will increase labour demand) and the use of scarce resources (which has an opportunity cost to labour). The findings support the claim that trade with developing blocs is more professional labour intensive. Evidence that it may be more dynamic and have greater linkages to labour is borne out in exports to SADC. Greater labour demand through linkages, however, is not evident in net trade to SADC. Neither are they of significance in trade with any of the other developing blocs so labour effects due to linkages appear to be negligible. The advantages of South-South trade may rather lie in the dynamic benefits that trade in higher technology goods provides. When scarce resources such as capital and professional labour are taken into account, it is found that labour demand is negative in net trade to all blocs. However, even without the problem of scarce resources, most blocs have a negative demand for labour in net trade. The indication is that with the present trade patterns, South Africa cannot expect trade to increase labour demand. Policy which could improve this situation would be to increase labour force skills, improve the flexibility of the labour market and develop sectors which are both more advanced as well as labour intensive. Despite the negative impact of trade on labour in general, it is found that trade does differ by direction and that for each labour type there are certain blocs where labour demand is positive. This is also the case in net trade for particular sectors. Such information could be used as part of a targeted trade policy to assist in the marketing of particular sectors in trade and also for increasing labour demand for certain labour groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Cameron, Iona R
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Labor demand -- South Africa , Labor market -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Foreign trade and employment -- South Africa , International economic relations , Free trade -- South Africa , South Africa -- Commercial policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:948 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002682 , Labor demand -- South Africa , Labor market -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Foreign trade and employment -- South Africa , International economic relations , Free trade -- South Africa , South Africa -- Commercial policy
- Description: This aim of this thesis is to analyse the demand for labour from trade with a selection of South Africa’s trading partners. It is expected that labour demand will be greater in trade with developed blocs. Trade between developing blocs, however, is thought to be more skilled labour intensive and such trade should have greater linkages. This ought to feed through into greater labour demand so that South-South trade may be more ‘labour creating’ than expected. As it is more skill intensive, it may also be more dynamic, which has implications for future growth and development. Factor content methodology is used to assess labour demand. Calculations consider linkages to other sectors (which will increase labour demand) and the use of scarce resources (which has an opportunity cost to labour). The findings support the claim that trade with developing blocs is more professional labour intensive. Evidence that it may be more dynamic and have greater linkages to labour is borne out in exports to SADC. Greater labour demand through linkages, however, is not evident in net trade to SADC. Neither are they of significance in trade with any of the other developing blocs so labour effects due to linkages appear to be negligible. The advantages of South-South trade may rather lie in the dynamic benefits that trade in higher technology goods provides. When scarce resources such as capital and professional labour are taken into account, it is found that labour demand is negative in net trade to all blocs. However, even without the problem of scarce resources, most blocs have a negative demand for labour in net trade. The indication is that with the present trade patterns, South Africa cannot expect trade to increase labour demand. Policy which could improve this situation would be to increase labour force skills, improve the flexibility of the labour market and develop sectors which are both more advanced as well as labour intensive. Despite the negative impact of trade on labour in general, it is found that trade does differ by direction and that for each labour type there are certain blocs where labour demand is positive. This is also the case in net trade for particular sectors. Such information could be used as part of a targeted trade policy to assist in the marketing of particular sectors in trade and also for increasing labour demand for certain labour groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The early proterozoic Makganyene glacial event in South Africa : its implication in sequence stratigraphy interpretations, paleoenvironmental conditions and iron and manganese ore deposition
- Authors: Polteau, Stéphane
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Geology, Stratigraphic -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Geochemistry -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Paleogeography -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Petrology -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Ore deposits -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5039 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007612
- Description: The Makganyene Formation forms the base of the Postmasburg Group in the Transvaal Supergroup in the Griqualand West Basin. It consists of diamictites, sandstones, banded iron-formations (BIFs), shales, siltstones and carbonates. It is generally accepted that the Makganyene Formation rests on an erosive regional unconformity throughout the Northern Cape Province. However this study demonstrates that this stratigraphic relationship is not universal, and conformable contacts have been observed. One of the principal aims of this study is to identify the nature of the Makganyene basal contact throughout the Griqualand West Basin. Intensive fieldwork was carried out from Prieska in the south, to Danielskuil in the north. In the Sishen and Hotazel areas, only borehole material was available to assess the stratigraphy. The Griquatown Fault Zone delimits the boundary between the deep basin and platform facies. The Koegas Subgroup is only present south of the Griquatown Fault Zone, where it pinches out. However, the transition Griquatown BIFs-Koegas Subgroup occurs in lacustrine deposits on the Ghaap platform (Beukes, 1983). The Griquatown Fault Zone represents the edge of the basin, which corresponds to a hinge rather than a fault zone. The Makganyene Formation rests with a conformable contact on the Koegas Subgroup south of the Griquatown Hinge Zone, and north of it the Makganyene Formation lies unconformably on the Asbestos Hills Subgroup. The Makganyene Formation displays lateral facies changes that reflect the paleogeography of the Griqualand West Basin, and the development of ice sheets/shelves. The Ghaap platform is characterised by coarse immature sand interbedded with the diamictites. The clasts in this area contain local Asbestos Hills material and no dropstones are present. Such settings are typical of sediments that are being deposited below a grounded ice mass. At the Griquatown Hinge Zone, the sandstone lenses are smaller, and the clasts consist of chert, of which a great number are striated and faceted. In the Matsap area, the presence of dropstones is strong evidence for the presence of a floating ice shelf that released its material by basal melting. Further south, the Makganyene Formation contains stromatolitic bioherms that only form if clastic contamination is minimal and therefore the ice that transported the detritus to the basin did not extend far into open sea conditions. The base of the Hotazel Formation also contains diamictite levels. Dropstones have been identified, implying a glacial origin. The Hotazel diamictites are interbedded with hyaloclastites and BIFs. The Makganyene glacial event, therefore, was not restricted to the Makganyene Formation, but also included the Ongeluk Formation, through to the base of the Hotazel Formation. Petrographic studies of the Makganyene Formation and the base of the Hotazel Formation reveal mineral assemblages that are diagnostic of early to late diagenetic crystallisation and of low-grade metamorphism not exceeding the very low green-schist facies. The facies identified display the same sense of basin deepening, from shallow high-energy Hotazel area on the Ghaap platform, to the deep basin in the Matsap area. Whole-rock geochemical analyses reveal that the elemental composition of the Makganyene Formation is very similar to that of the Asbestos Hills BIFs, which were the most important source of clastic detritus for the Makganyene Formation. However, minor amounts of carbonates of the Campbellrand Subgroup, as well as a felsic crustal input from the Archean granitoid basement, made contributions. On the Ghaap platform, the Makganyene diamictite is enriched in iron, calcium, and magnesium, while in the deeper parts of the basin the diamictites are enriched in detrital elements, such as titanium and aluminium, which occur in the fine clay component. The Hotazel diamictite displays a distinct mafic volcanic input, related to the extrusion of the Ongeluk basaltic andesites, which was incorporated in the glacial sediments. Sequence stratigraphy is based on the recognition of contacts separating the different systems tracts that compose a depositional sequence. However, because the basal contact of the Makganyene Formation has not been properly identified in previous work, no correct model has been proposed so far. Therefore correlations between the Griqualand West and the Transvaal basins, based on lithostratigraphic similarities and extrapolations of unconformities, have to be reviewed, especially since the publication of new radiometric ages contradict all previously proposed correlations. It is proposed here that the Transvaal Supergroup in the Griqualand West Basin represents a continuous depositional event that lasted about 200 Ma. The Makganyene glacial event occurred during changing conditions in the chemistries of the atmosphere and ocean, and in the continental configuration. A Snowball Earth event has been proposed as the causative process of such paleoenvironmental changes. However, evidence presented here of less dramatic glacial conditions, with areas of ice-free waters, implies an alternative to the Snowball Earth event. The paleoenvironmental changes are thought to represent a transition from an anaerobic to aerobic atmosphere, that was responsible for the global cooling of the surface of the Earth, Such a glacial event may have aided in the large-scale precipitation of iron and manganese in areas of intense upwellings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Polteau, Stéphane
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Geology, Stratigraphic -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Geochemistry -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Paleogeography -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Petrology -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Ore deposits -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5039 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007612
- Description: The Makganyene Formation forms the base of the Postmasburg Group in the Transvaal Supergroup in the Griqualand West Basin. It consists of diamictites, sandstones, banded iron-formations (BIFs), shales, siltstones and carbonates. It is generally accepted that the Makganyene Formation rests on an erosive regional unconformity throughout the Northern Cape Province. However this study demonstrates that this stratigraphic relationship is not universal, and conformable contacts have been observed. One of the principal aims of this study is to identify the nature of the Makganyene basal contact throughout the Griqualand West Basin. Intensive fieldwork was carried out from Prieska in the south, to Danielskuil in the north. In the Sishen and Hotazel areas, only borehole material was available to assess the stratigraphy. The Griquatown Fault Zone delimits the boundary between the deep basin and platform facies. The Koegas Subgroup is only present south of the Griquatown Fault Zone, where it pinches out. However, the transition Griquatown BIFs-Koegas Subgroup occurs in lacustrine deposits on the Ghaap platform (Beukes, 1983). The Griquatown Fault Zone represents the edge of the basin, which corresponds to a hinge rather than a fault zone. The Makganyene Formation rests with a conformable contact on the Koegas Subgroup south of the Griquatown Hinge Zone, and north of it the Makganyene Formation lies unconformably on the Asbestos Hills Subgroup. The Makganyene Formation displays lateral facies changes that reflect the paleogeography of the Griqualand West Basin, and the development of ice sheets/shelves. The Ghaap platform is characterised by coarse immature sand interbedded with the diamictites. The clasts in this area contain local Asbestos Hills material and no dropstones are present. Such settings are typical of sediments that are being deposited below a grounded ice mass. At the Griquatown Hinge Zone, the sandstone lenses are smaller, and the clasts consist of chert, of which a great number are striated and faceted. In the Matsap area, the presence of dropstones is strong evidence for the presence of a floating ice shelf that released its material by basal melting. Further south, the Makganyene Formation contains stromatolitic bioherms that only form if clastic contamination is minimal and therefore the ice that transported the detritus to the basin did not extend far into open sea conditions. The base of the Hotazel Formation also contains diamictite levels. Dropstones have been identified, implying a glacial origin. The Hotazel diamictites are interbedded with hyaloclastites and BIFs. The Makganyene glacial event, therefore, was not restricted to the Makganyene Formation, but also included the Ongeluk Formation, through to the base of the Hotazel Formation. Petrographic studies of the Makganyene Formation and the base of the Hotazel Formation reveal mineral assemblages that are diagnostic of early to late diagenetic crystallisation and of low-grade metamorphism not exceeding the very low green-schist facies. The facies identified display the same sense of basin deepening, from shallow high-energy Hotazel area on the Ghaap platform, to the deep basin in the Matsap area. Whole-rock geochemical analyses reveal that the elemental composition of the Makganyene Formation is very similar to that of the Asbestos Hills BIFs, which were the most important source of clastic detritus for the Makganyene Formation. However, minor amounts of carbonates of the Campbellrand Subgroup, as well as a felsic crustal input from the Archean granitoid basement, made contributions. On the Ghaap platform, the Makganyene diamictite is enriched in iron, calcium, and magnesium, while in the deeper parts of the basin the diamictites are enriched in detrital elements, such as titanium and aluminium, which occur in the fine clay component. The Hotazel diamictite displays a distinct mafic volcanic input, related to the extrusion of the Ongeluk basaltic andesites, which was incorporated in the glacial sediments. Sequence stratigraphy is based on the recognition of contacts separating the different systems tracts that compose a depositional sequence. However, because the basal contact of the Makganyene Formation has not been properly identified in previous work, no correct model has been proposed so far. Therefore correlations between the Griqualand West and the Transvaal basins, based on lithostratigraphic similarities and extrapolations of unconformities, have to be reviewed, especially since the publication of new radiometric ages contradict all previously proposed correlations. It is proposed here that the Transvaal Supergroup in the Griqualand West Basin represents a continuous depositional event that lasted about 200 Ma. The Makganyene glacial event occurred during changing conditions in the chemistries of the atmosphere and ocean, and in the continental configuration. A Snowball Earth event has been proposed as the causative process of such paleoenvironmental changes. However, evidence presented here of less dramatic glacial conditions, with areas of ice-free waters, implies an alternative to the Snowball Earth event. The paleoenvironmental changes are thought to represent a transition from an anaerobic to aerobic atmosphere, that was responsible for the global cooling of the surface of the Earth, Such a glacial event may have aided in the large-scale precipitation of iron and manganese in areas of intense upwellings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The economic impact of Rhodes University students on the Grahamstown economy
- Snowball, Jeanette D, Antrobus, Geoffrey G
- Authors: Snowball, Jeanette D , Antrobus, Geoffrey G
- Date: 2005
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67475 , vital:29099
- Description: Publisher version , From Executive Summary: This study compares the spending patterns and economic impact of three groups of Rhodes University students: South Africans (SA), Other Africans and students from the Rest of the World (RoW). Data was collected via self-completion questionnaires and the final sample size was 163. Despite differences in spending patterns, total spending was found to be remarkably similar across groups, the major differences being between those students in university residence and those in digs (rented accommodation in town). Total monthly spending for those in residence was highest for SA students (R1034), then Other Africans (R850) and finally RoW (R777). For those in digs, total monthly spending was very similar, but again highest for SA students (R2495), then RoW (R2480) and then students from Other African countries (R2461). SA students have a considerably lower average unearned income than other groups, with students from the RoW having the highest unearned income (R1060 for those in residence and R2300 for those in digs). However, 55% of SA students, compared to 47% of foreign students, have sources of earned income, usually related to the university. Monthly income also tended to be higher for SA students (R654) than for other groups (Other Africa = R557; RoW = R575). The general conclusion that can be drawn is that there is very little difference in total spending between groups, although SA students have a somewhat higher average than others. A straight line ordinary least squares regression showed that, holding all else constant, SA students spent on average R169 more per month than foreign students (significant at the 10% level).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Snowball, Jeanette D , Antrobus, Geoffrey G
- Date: 2005
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67475 , vital:29099
- Description: Publisher version , From Executive Summary: This study compares the spending patterns and economic impact of three groups of Rhodes University students: South Africans (SA), Other Africans and students from the Rest of the World (RoW). Data was collected via self-completion questionnaires and the final sample size was 163. Despite differences in spending patterns, total spending was found to be remarkably similar across groups, the major differences being between those students in university residence and those in digs (rented accommodation in town). Total monthly spending for those in residence was highest for SA students (R1034), then Other Africans (R850) and finally RoW (R777). For those in digs, total monthly spending was very similar, but again highest for SA students (R2495), then RoW (R2480) and then students from Other African countries (R2461). SA students have a considerably lower average unearned income than other groups, with students from the RoW having the highest unearned income (R1060 for those in residence and R2300 for those in digs). However, 55% of SA students, compared to 47% of foreign students, have sources of earned income, usually related to the university. Monthly income also tended to be higher for SA students (R654) than for other groups (Other Africa = R557; RoW = R575). The general conclusion that can be drawn is that there is very little difference in total spending between groups, although SA students have a somewhat higher average than others. A straight line ordinary least squares regression showed that, holding all else constant, SA students spent on average R169 more per month than foreign students (significant at the 10% level).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The effect of new teaching methods in chemistry on the foundation certificate learners' results
- Authors: Nagel, Lilian Estelle
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Chemistry -- Study and teaching (Higher)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10787 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/162 , Chemistry -- Study and teaching (Higher)
- Description: This study investigated possible alternative Chemistry teaching methods to improve the learning and thus the pass rate of the learners of access programmes at the Port Elizabeth Technikon. The study traced Chemistry learning from the Pre-Technician course to the present Science Foundation Certificate. Since the latter programme is a new course with new criteria, only implemented since the beginning of 2003, it provided a suitable platform for the evaluation and updating, if necessary, of new teaching methods. The study was limited to the subject of Chemistry. The participating learners in this qualitative research were fully informed of the objectives of this research and, for ethical reasons, their identities were protected. The methodology chosen was action research, which will include discussions regarding the choice, necessity and value of the research method. The following tools were used to collect data to determine approaches to learning and how the examination results were influenced: Questionnaires; Journal entries of students; Interviews; Data of examination results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Nagel, Lilian Estelle
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Chemistry -- Study and teaching (Higher)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10787 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/162 , Chemistry -- Study and teaching (Higher)
- Description: This study investigated possible alternative Chemistry teaching methods to improve the learning and thus the pass rate of the learners of access programmes at the Port Elizabeth Technikon. The study traced Chemistry learning from the Pre-Technician course to the present Science Foundation Certificate. Since the latter programme is a new course with new criteria, only implemented since the beginning of 2003, it provided a suitable platform for the evaluation and updating, if necessary, of new teaching methods. The study was limited to the subject of Chemistry. The participating learners in this qualitative research were fully informed of the objectives of this research and, for ethical reasons, their identities were protected. The methodology chosen was action research, which will include discussions regarding the choice, necessity and value of the research method. The following tools were used to collect data to determine approaches to learning and how the examination results were influenced: Questionnaires; Journal entries of students; Interviews; Data of examination results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The effect of personalised adjustments to computer workstations on the efficiency and physical comfort of computer operators
- Authors: James, Genevieve
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Human engineering , Engineering design , Work environment , Microcomputer workstations -- Health aspects , Occupational diseases -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5112 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005190 , Human engineering , Engineering design , Work environment , Microcomputer workstations -- Health aspects , Occupational diseases -- Prevention
- Description: The present study sought to investigate the effects of a Standard workstation, designed for “average” users, on an anthropometrically diverse sample of computer operators, and to assess whether physical and perceptual responses, as well as performance efficiency were dependent on stature. Further investigation assessed the influence of personalised adjustments to the Standard workstation, based on the anthropometric characteristics of the subjects, as well as the introduction of a custom-designed ‘floating’ wrist support, on subject responses. All subjects (n=30) were tested in each of the three workstations: Standard, Personalised and Wrist Support. For analysis of responses in the Standard workstation, subjects were divided into three groups depending on their stature: Short (<1650mm), Medium (1650mm to 1800mm), Tall (>1800mm). The musculoskeletal responses indicated that Tall subjects were forced to adopt the most awkward general body postures as a result of the low computer screen. However, the low screen allowed for the Short subjects to adopt the most natural general body postures, although levels of muscular activity in the upper trapezius suggest that the muscular load imposed on both Short and Tall subjects was significantly greater than that imposed on the Medium subjects. In addition, the Medium subjects’ perceptions of the Standard workstation dimensions support the fact that this workstation was better suited to users with “average” morphologies. The responses elicited in the Personalised and Wrist Support workstations were improved significantly when compared to the Standard workstation. Joint angles were more natural, upper trapezius EMG was reduced, standard of performance improved and perceptual responses indicated a diminished incidence of body and visual discomfort, as well as greater perceived satisfaction with these workstation dimensions. The improved physical responses suggest a decrease in the risk of developing cumulative trauma disorders. Although subjects were unaccustomed to the wrist support device, this workstation demonstrated a further reduction in the range of wrist angles, as well as a general positive attitude towards the concept.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: James, Genevieve
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Human engineering , Engineering design , Work environment , Microcomputer workstations -- Health aspects , Occupational diseases -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5112 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005190 , Human engineering , Engineering design , Work environment , Microcomputer workstations -- Health aspects , Occupational diseases -- Prevention
- Description: The present study sought to investigate the effects of a Standard workstation, designed for “average” users, on an anthropometrically diverse sample of computer operators, and to assess whether physical and perceptual responses, as well as performance efficiency were dependent on stature. Further investigation assessed the influence of personalised adjustments to the Standard workstation, based on the anthropometric characteristics of the subjects, as well as the introduction of a custom-designed ‘floating’ wrist support, on subject responses. All subjects (n=30) were tested in each of the three workstations: Standard, Personalised and Wrist Support. For analysis of responses in the Standard workstation, subjects were divided into three groups depending on their stature: Short (<1650mm), Medium (1650mm to 1800mm), Tall (>1800mm). The musculoskeletal responses indicated that Tall subjects were forced to adopt the most awkward general body postures as a result of the low computer screen. However, the low screen allowed for the Short subjects to adopt the most natural general body postures, although levels of muscular activity in the upper trapezius suggest that the muscular load imposed on both Short and Tall subjects was significantly greater than that imposed on the Medium subjects. In addition, the Medium subjects’ perceptions of the Standard workstation dimensions support the fact that this workstation was better suited to users with “average” morphologies. The responses elicited in the Personalised and Wrist Support workstations were improved significantly when compared to the Standard workstation. Joint angles were more natural, upper trapezius EMG was reduced, standard of performance improved and perceptual responses indicated a diminished incidence of body and visual discomfort, as well as greater perceived satisfaction with these workstation dimensions. The improved physical responses suggest a decrease in the risk of developing cumulative trauma disorders. Although subjects were unaccustomed to the wrist support device, this workstation demonstrated a further reduction in the range of wrist angles, as well as a general positive attitude towards the concept.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The effect of prolonged cold storage of eland (Taurotragus oryx) cauda epididymides on the spermatozoa: possible implications for the conservation of biodiversity
- Bissett, Charlene, Bernard, Ric T F
- Authors: Bissett, Charlene , Bernard, Ric T F
- Date: 2005
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6947 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011976
- Description: The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of prolonged storage of cauda epididymides at 4 °C on spermatozoa, and to determine the practicality of utilising epididymal sperm, harvested from testes collected during routine culling of game animals, in assisted reproductive technologies. Testes from eland (Taurotragus oryx) were collected and epididymides removed and maintained at 4 °C. Sperm motility, viability, morphology and membrane integrity were examined at 12 h intervals for 108 h. Sperm motility and viability were significantly lower at the end of the experiment than at the start (P < 0.05) and there was individual variation in the rate at which motility and viability declined. The total number of normal sperm decreased significantly with prolonged storage at 4 °C. Midpiece defects were the most common and head and tail abnormalities were rare. A significant decrease in acrosomal and nuclear membrane integrity was observed with prolonged cold storage but there was no significant change in cell membrane integrity. However, about 30% of epididymal sperm survived for 3 days at 4 °C and more than 10% survived for 4 days, and it should be possible to use sperm from culled animals in some assisted reproductive technologies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Bissett, Charlene , Bernard, Ric T F
- Date: 2005
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6947 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011976
- Description: The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of prolonged storage of cauda epididymides at 4 °C on spermatozoa, and to determine the practicality of utilising epididymal sperm, harvested from testes collected during routine culling of game animals, in assisted reproductive technologies. Testes from eland (Taurotragus oryx) were collected and epididymides removed and maintained at 4 °C. Sperm motility, viability, morphology and membrane integrity were examined at 12 h intervals for 108 h. Sperm motility and viability were significantly lower at the end of the experiment than at the start (P < 0.05) and there was individual variation in the rate at which motility and viability declined. The total number of normal sperm decreased significantly with prolonged storage at 4 °C. Midpiece defects were the most common and head and tail abnormalities were rare. A significant decrease in acrosomal and nuclear membrane integrity was observed with prolonged cold storage but there was no significant change in cell membrane integrity. However, about 30% of epididymal sperm survived for 3 days at 4 °C and more than 10% survived for 4 days, and it should be possible to use sperm from culled animals in some assisted reproductive technologies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The effect of structure on the electrochemical properties of 14 marine pyrroloquinoline metabolites
- Antunes, Edith M, Maree, Suzanne E, Nyokong, Tebello, Davies-Coleman, Mike T, Maree, M David
- Authors: Antunes, Edith M , Maree, Suzanne E , Nyokong, Tebello , Davies-Coleman, Mike T , Maree, M David
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/286126 , vital:56242 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3184/030823405775146915"
- Description: The electrochemical properties of 14 structurally related pyrroloquinoline metabolites (compounds 1–14) isolated from marine sponges were studied in pH-varied experiments using cyclic and square wave voltammetry. In general both substitution patterns and pH were observed to influence the reduction potentials of these molecules.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Antunes, Edith M , Maree, Suzanne E , Nyokong, Tebello , Davies-Coleman, Mike T , Maree, M David
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/286126 , vital:56242 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3184/030823405775146915"
- Description: The electrochemical properties of 14 structurally related pyrroloquinoline metabolites (compounds 1–14) isolated from marine sponges were studied in pH-varied experiments using cyclic and square wave voltammetry. In general both substitution patterns and pH were observed to influence the reduction potentials of these molecules.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The effects of the invasive mussel mytilus galloprovincialis and human exploitation on the indigenous mussel Perna perna on the South Coast of South Africa
- Authors: Rius Viladomiu, Marc
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Mussels -- South Africa , Perna -- South Africa , Mytilus galloprovincialis -- South Africa , Mytilidae -- South Africa , Biological invasions , Marine resources conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5684 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005370 , Mussels -- South Africa , Perna -- South Africa , Mytilus galloprovincialis -- South Africa , Mytilidae -- South Africa , Biological invasions , Marine resources conservation -- South Africa
- Description: In South Africa, the indigenous mussel Perna perna is threatened by both an invasive species and excessive human exploitation. The Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis is an invasive species that has been introduced to many parts of the world. In South Africa, this species arrived in the 1970s and spread rapidly along the west coast where today it is the dominant mussel species. Along the west coast, M. galloprovincialis is competitively superior in all aspects to the indigenous mussel species, and, as a result, has displaced some of them. On the south coast, M. galloprovincialis found more oligotrophic waters, higher species richness, and a stronger competitor in the indigenous mussel P. perna. The rate of spread of M. galloprovincialis along the south coast has decreased over the last 10 years and the present eastern limit of its distribution in South African is East London. On the south coast, M. galloprovincialis has not yet completely replaced P. perna; instead, the two exhibit spatial segregation, with P. perna dominating the low shore, M. galloprovincialis the high shore and an overlap zone between the two. An experiment on competition was carried out at one site on the south coast. The results showed that, on the low shore, P. perna is a more dominant competitor for space than M. galloprovincialis. Also byssus attachment of the two species differs, P. perna being much stronger than M. galloprovincialis, which suffers high mortality due to wave action on the low shore, especially in monospecific beds. As a result, mortality of M. galloprovincialis through wave action is reduced by the presence of P. perna, which seems to confer protection against dislodgement. However, in the absence of strong wave action, P. perna competitively excludes M. galloprovincialis. Human exploitation along 160 km of coast was examined by sampling mussel populations and using aerial surveys to determine where harvesters were distributed. Collectors did not seem to discriminate between species. The study has shown that higher abundances of mussels were found in protected or inaccessible sites, while in unprotected sites mussels were scarce. Coastal nature reserves are being proven to be effective in protecting mussel populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Rius Viladomiu, Marc
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Mussels -- South Africa , Perna -- South Africa , Mytilus galloprovincialis -- South Africa , Mytilidae -- South Africa , Biological invasions , Marine resources conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5684 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005370 , Mussels -- South Africa , Perna -- South Africa , Mytilus galloprovincialis -- South Africa , Mytilidae -- South Africa , Biological invasions , Marine resources conservation -- South Africa
- Description: In South Africa, the indigenous mussel Perna perna is threatened by both an invasive species and excessive human exploitation. The Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis is an invasive species that has been introduced to many parts of the world. In South Africa, this species arrived in the 1970s and spread rapidly along the west coast where today it is the dominant mussel species. Along the west coast, M. galloprovincialis is competitively superior in all aspects to the indigenous mussel species, and, as a result, has displaced some of them. On the south coast, M. galloprovincialis found more oligotrophic waters, higher species richness, and a stronger competitor in the indigenous mussel P. perna. The rate of spread of M. galloprovincialis along the south coast has decreased over the last 10 years and the present eastern limit of its distribution in South African is East London. On the south coast, M. galloprovincialis has not yet completely replaced P. perna; instead, the two exhibit spatial segregation, with P. perna dominating the low shore, M. galloprovincialis the high shore and an overlap zone between the two. An experiment on competition was carried out at one site on the south coast. The results showed that, on the low shore, P. perna is a more dominant competitor for space than M. galloprovincialis. Also byssus attachment of the two species differs, P. perna being much stronger than M. galloprovincialis, which suffers high mortality due to wave action on the low shore, especially in monospecific beds. As a result, mortality of M. galloprovincialis through wave action is reduced by the presence of P. perna, which seems to confer protection against dislodgement. However, in the absence of strong wave action, P. perna competitively excludes M. galloprovincialis. Human exploitation along 160 km of coast was examined by sampling mussel populations and using aerial surveys to determine where harvesters were distributed. Collectors did not seem to discriminate between species. The study has shown that higher abundances of mussels were found in protected or inaccessible sites, while in unprotected sites mussels were scarce. Coastal nature reserves are being proven to be effective in protecting mussel populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The environmental Kuznets curve: a literature survey
- Nahman, Anton, Antrobus, Geoffrey G
- Authors: Nahman, Anton , Antrobus, Geoffrey G
- Date: 2005
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143191 , vital:38209 , DOI: 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2005.00008.x
- Description: Literature on the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) is examined, focussing on the possibility that the EKC may be explained by trade patterns. If significant, this trade effect would cast doubt on the oft‐stated conclusion that economic growth automatically leads to environmental improvement. Research has been insufficient, although a number of promising approaches have been developed. Although evidence on the pollution‐haven hypothesis is mixed, there is enough to suggest that the EKC development path may not be available to today's developing countries. Other problems cast doubt on whether the EKC exists in any relevant sense at all.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Nahman, Anton , Antrobus, Geoffrey G
- Date: 2005
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143191 , vital:38209 , DOI: 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2005.00008.x
- Description: Literature on the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) is examined, focussing on the possibility that the EKC may be explained by trade patterns. If significant, this trade effect would cast doubt on the oft‐stated conclusion that economic growth automatically leads to environmental improvement. Research has been insufficient, although a number of promising approaches have been developed. Although evidence on the pollution‐haven hypothesis is mixed, there is enough to suggest that the EKC development path may not be available to today's developing countries. Other problems cast doubt on whether the EKC exists in any relevant sense at all.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The evaluation of a multi-modal cognitive-behavioural approach to treating an adolescent with conduct disorder
- Authors: Mashalaba, Eugenia Dudu
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Conduct disorders in adolescence , Aggressiveness in adolescence , Violence in children , Behavior disorders in children -- Treatment , Attention-deficit disorder in adolescence , Oppositional defiant disorder in adolescence , Cognitive therapy Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3014 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002523 , Conduct disorders in adolescence , Aggressiveness in adolescence , Violence in children , Behavior disorders in children -- Treatment , Attention-deficit disorder in adolescence , Oppositional defiant disorder in adolescence , Cognitive therapy Case studies
- Description: Conduct Disorder (CD) is a repetitive and persistent pattern of behaviour in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated. It is one of the most common problems in South African schools, particularly in those that are poverty-stricken. The child who participated in the study lived in the shelter that was for homeless and disadvantaged children. He attended at Amasango School where the majority of children in the shelter attended. There were many conduct-disordered children in the shelter and the school, particularly in the school. They disrupted classes making in difficult for teachers to carry out their education activities. The aim of this study was to draw on the standard procedures of the CBT in order to design interventions that would be effective in reducing aggressive behaviour in an adolescent who had CD Adolescent-Type and who lived at the shelter. This case study evaluated the effectiveness of a multi-modal CBT programme in a 16 year-old Black male who had been displaying aggressive behaviour for about a year. The treatment consisted of 23 sessions and included teacher counseling, contingency management, self-control and self-instructional training. The treatment was evaluated qualitatively by means of interviews with the child and teacher and quantitatively by means of repeated applications of behaviour checklists completed by the teacher. The results showed a decrease in the client's aggressive behaviour and an increase in prosocial behaviour. The client ultimately ceased from all aggressive behaviour towards his peers and this outcome was sustained during his last two months in therapy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Mashalaba, Eugenia Dudu
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Conduct disorders in adolescence , Aggressiveness in adolescence , Violence in children , Behavior disorders in children -- Treatment , Attention-deficit disorder in adolescence , Oppositional defiant disorder in adolescence , Cognitive therapy Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3014 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002523 , Conduct disorders in adolescence , Aggressiveness in adolescence , Violence in children , Behavior disorders in children -- Treatment , Attention-deficit disorder in adolescence , Oppositional defiant disorder in adolescence , Cognitive therapy Case studies
- Description: Conduct Disorder (CD) is a repetitive and persistent pattern of behaviour in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated. It is one of the most common problems in South African schools, particularly in those that are poverty-stricken. The child who participated in the study lived in the shelter that was for homeless and disadvantaged children. He attended at Amasango School where the majority of children in the shelter attended. There were many conduct-disordered children in the shelter and the school, particularly in the school. They disrupted classes making in difficult for teachers to carry out their education activities. The aim of this study was to draw on the standard procedures of the CBT in order to design interventions that would be effective in reducing aggressive behaviour in an adolescent who had CD Adolescent-Type and who lived at the shelter. This case study evaluated the effectiveness of a multi-modal CBT programme in a 16 year-old Black male who had been displaying aggressive behaviour for about a year. The treatment consisted of 23 sessions and included teacher counseling, contingency management, self-control and self-instructional training. The treatment was evaluated qualitatively by means of interviews with the child and teacher and quantitatively by means of repeated applications of behaviour checklists completed by the teacher. The results showed a decrease in the client's aggressive behaviour and an increase in prosocial behaviour. The client ultimately ceased from all aggressive behaviour towards his peers and this outcome was sustained during his last two months in therapy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The experiences and needs of HIV/AIDS counsellors at a South African hospital
- Authors: Nulty, M , Edwards, D J A
- Date: 2005
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6269 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008268
- Description: To increase the availability of HIV/AIDS counselling in South Africa, nurses have been trained to serve as counsellors within hospital services. The aim of the study was to document the experiences and needs of nurse HIV/AIDS counsellors at a small South African hospital (with 279 beds and 10 medical doctors on the staff). The design was a qualitative, multiple-case study. The sample consisted of four nurse counsellors and the co-ordinator of HIV/AIDS services at the hospital. Three semi-structured interviews with the counsellors were used as the basis for case narratives of their experiences. These narratives were in turn subjected to content analysis to determine the range and nature of the concerns identified by the counsellors. The counsellors found their HIV/AIDS counselling work to be emotionally demanding and identified several significant problems. These were related to confidentiality, stigmatisation, motional responses to informing clients of their HIV-positive status, cultural and contextual factors and situational stressors related to the organisation of the work environment. They did not feel sufficiently supported by their work infrastructure. It is recommended that in setting up counselling services of this sort, managers need to be aware of the need for ongoing support in the form of facilitated groups, professional supervision, managerial attention to problems in the working environment, and regular in-service training.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Nulty, M , Edwards, D J A
- Date: 2005
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6269 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008268
- Description: To increase the availability of HIV/AIDS counselling in South Africa, nurses have been trained to serve as counsellors within hospital services. The aim of the study was to document the experiences and needs of nurse HIV/AIDS counsellors at a small South African hospital (with 279 beds and 10 medical doctors on the staff). The design was a qualitative, multiple-case study. The sample consisted of four nurse counsellors and the co-ordinator of HIV/AIDS services at the hospital. Three semi-structured interviews with the counsellors were used as the basis for case narratives of their experiences. These narratives were in turn subjected to content analysis to determine the range and nature of the concerns identified by the counsellors. The counsellors found their HIV/AIDS counselling work to be emotionally demanding and identified several significant problems. These were related to confidentiality, stigmatisation, motional responses to informing clients of their HIV-positive status, cultural and contextual factors and situational stressors related to the organisation of the work environment. They did not feel sufficiently supported by their work infrastructure. It is recommended that in setting up counselling services of this sort, managers need to be aware of the need for ongoing support in the form of facilitated groups, professional supervision, managerial attention to problems in the working environment, and regular in-service training.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The exploration of the impact of state ownership on Uganda's New Vision Newspaper's social role
- Authors: Wasswa, John Baptist
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: New Vision (Uganda) , Government and the press -- Uganda , Press and politics -- Uganda , Newspaper publishing -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3493 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002948 , New Vision (Uganda) , Government and the press -- Uganda , Press and politics -- Uganda , Newspaper publishing -- Uganda
- Description: The global trends of democratisation and privatisation that swept much of the developing world in the 1980s and 1990s led to significant changes in the conceptualisation, organisation and performance of the media. In Africa democratisation attained a new meaning with associated processes of liberalisation of broadcasting to end the monopoly of broadcasting by the state. The private media of the liberalised market is increasingly putting the public media system, both broadcast and print, under serious competition, and forcing them to adjust to changing circumstances. The New Vision newspaper in Uganda is one such public service media organisations that are owned by the state and yet have to compete in the new more democratic and liberalised environment. This study set out to explore the extent to which state-ownership impacts on The New Vision’s social role. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods of date collection, I have established the that although The New Vision is a public service medium for which government remains the major source of news, it does not in most cases give the state more or preferentially prominent coverage at the expense of other interest groups in society. On contrary, basing of the amount of coverage of civil society I established that The New Vision enabled the various groups public sphere to interact. The newspaper to an extent also plays the democratic role of monitoring government although there was little evidence of monitoring of corporate abuse. The nature of The New Vision Statute, and the global trends that have changed the conduct of official and private business, have rendered the theories on the 1980s’ development media theories increasingly inapplicable, forcing The New Vision to develop its own version of development journalism that is socially relevant. The study recommends that whereas much of The New Vision Statute is progressive, sections of it should be removed to protect the newspaper from being manipulated by government functionaries, if the it is to continue enabling the public sphere. The newspaper should also increase its monitoring of corporate abuse, and make internal reforms to improve the coverage of development related issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Wasswa, John Baptist
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: New Vision (Uganda) , Government and the press -- Uganda , Press and politics -- Uganda , Newspaper publishing -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3493 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002948 , New Vision (Uganda) , Government and the press -- Uganda , Press and politics -- Uganda , Newspaper publishing -- Uganda
- Description: The global trends of democratisation and privatisation that swept much of the developing world in the 1980s and 1990s led to significant changes in the conceptualisation, organisation and performance of the media. In Africa democratisation attained a new meaning with associated processes of liberalisation of broadcasting to end the monopoly of broadcasting by the state. The private media of the liberalised market is increasingly putting the public media system, both broadcast and print, under serious competition, and forcing them to adjust to changing circumstances. The New Vision newspaper in Uganda is one such public service media organisations that are owned by the state and yet have to compete in the new more democratic and liberalised environment. This study set out to explore the extent to which state-ownership impacts on The New Vision’s social role. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods of date collection, I have established the that although The New Vision is a public service medium for which government remains the major source of news, it does not in most cases give the state more or preferentially prominent coverage at the expense of other interest groups in society. On contrary, basing of the amount of coverage of civil society I established that The New Vision enabled the various groups public sphere to interact. The newspaper to an extent also plays the democratic role of monitoring government although there was little evidence of monitoring of corporate abuse. The nature of The New Vision Statute, and the global trends that have changed the conduct of official and private business, have rendered the theories on the 1980s’ development media theories increasingly inapplicable, forcing The New Vision to develop its own version of development journalism that is socially relevant. The study recommends that whereas much of The New Vision Statute is progressive, sections of it should be removed to protect the newspaper from being manipulated by government functionaries, if the it is to continue enabling the public sphere. The newspaper should also increase its monitoring of corporate abuse, and make internal reforms to improve the coverage of development related issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005