List of Titles

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Assessing the employee talent retention strategy at the industrial development corporation

Authors: Madondo, Lungile Sharon
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa , Labor turnover -- South Africa , Personnel management -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51798 , vital:43373
Description: Successful employee retention is essential to an organisation’s stability, growth and revenue. Without properly implemented employee retention strategies, the organisation may face high employee turnover rates. An increased longevity of an employee’s tenure is better for the organisation’s overall performance. This study sought to evaluate the factors affecting employee retention at the IDC. To enhance the success of the study, the research objective was to assess the relationship between five HR factors and employee retention within the IDC. The study used a descriptive survey research design. The sampling method used for this study was convenience sampling. A questionnaire was used for data collection. The researcher cleansed and coded the data, whilst a statistician entered the collected data into STATISTICA. The data was analysed descriptively and also by means of inferential analysis method that is. The descriptive data was presented in the format of pie charts and tables with percentages, means and standard deviations as measures for distribution mechanisms. While inferential analysis presented the regression in table formats but with a clear indication of significant levels and adjusted R-square for all the independent variables. The sample that participated in this study consisted of 288 respondents from the IDC. Empirical findings revealed that the working environment, work-life balance, compensation and employee engagement positively influenced employee retention. Career development was not significantly related to employee retention. The study concluded and made recommendations to four stakeholders, namely the government to have roadshows and marketing activities to promote the Skills Development Act and skills Levies Act, IDC to review their employee retention strategy, Managers or Supervisors to support their employees by providing market related salary packages and provide session where they engage the employees in the organisations developments, and the HR Practitioners must ensure that the right fit of candidates are recruited to the organisation. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences , Business Administration, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

Baculovirus synergism for improved management of false codling moth Thaumatotibia leucotreta Meyr. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

- Taylor, David Graham

Authors: Taylor, David Graham
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Baculoviruses , Cryptophlebia leucotreta , Cryptophlebia leucotreta -- Biological control , Biological pest control agents , Citrus -- Diseases and pests , Codling moth , Cryptophlebia peltastica nucleopolyhedrovirus (CrpeNPV)
Language: English
Type: thesis , text , Masters , MSc
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/176942 , vital:42774
Description: Baculoviruses are an environmentally friendly and effective agent for managing lepidopteran pests. This includes the management of Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a serious pest of citrus in Southern Africa and a major threat to the South African citrus export industry. For more than 15 years, CrleGV-SA- based biopesticides have been used as part of an integrated pest management strategy for the control of T. leucotreta in citrus orchards in South Africa, under the names Cryptogran™ and Cryptex®. While these biopesticides have been effective during this period, there are some areas in which baculovirus use could potentially be improved. Baculoviruses are notoriously slow to kill in comparison to chemical-based pesticides, and lately, pest resistance to baculoviruses has become a major concern with the development of resistance by Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) to its granulovirus occurring in the field in Europe. The consistent use of CrleGV-SA for more than 15 years in the field has raised concern that T. leucotreta could develop resistance to this virus, and has made it necessary to alter baculovirus-based management strategies to prevent this from occurring. A second baculovirus, Cryptophlebia peltastica nucleopolyhedrovirus (CrpeNPV), has recently been isolated and was shown to be effective against T. leucotreta. However, the interactions between CrleGV-SA and CrpeNPV are not yet understood and so it is important to test these interactions before both viruses are applied on the same orchards. Not only is it important to know whether these viruses could negatively impact each other, but it is also important to test whether they could interact synergistically. A synergistic interaction could not only provide a potential tool for the management of resistance, but it could also be exploited to improve baculovirus-based management of T. leucotreta. In this study, a stock of CrleGV-SA was purified by glycerol gradient centrifugation from T. leucotreta cadavers, while a stock of CrpeNPV purified from Cryptophlebia peltastica (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) cadavers was provided by River Bioscience (Pty) Ltd. These stocks were screened for purity by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) protocol designed to detect CrleGV-SA and CrpeNPV. The occlusion body (OB) density was then calculated using darkfield microscopy and a counting chamber. Both stocks were shown to be pure within the limits of the mPCR protocol, and the CrleGV-SA and CrpeNPV stocks were calculated to contain 3.08 × 1011 OBs/mL and 1.92 × 1011 OBs/mL respectively The first aspect of the interaction between CrleGV-SA and CrpeNPV that was investigated was the dose mortality, in terms of lethal concentration. This was calculated using 7-day surface-dose biological assays for each virus and a 1:1 mixture of OBs of the two against T. leucotreta neonates. The lethal concentrations of each treatment required to kill 50 % of larvae (LC50) and 90 % of larvae (LC90) for each treatment were then calculated and compared using a probit regression. The mixed infection performed significantly better than either virus by itself, while each virus by itself did not differ significantly from the other. The LC50 for CrleGV-SA, CrpeNPV and the mixed infection were 1.53 × 104 OBs/mL, 1.15 × 104 OBs/mL and 4.38 × 103 OBs/mL respectively. The LC90 of CrleGV-SA, CrpeNPV and the mixed infection were calculated to be 4.10 × 105 OBs/mL, 1.05 × 105 OBs/mL, and 4.09 × 104 OBs/mL respectively. The second aspect of the interaction between CrleGV-SA and CrpeNPV that was investigated was the speed of kill. A time-response biological assay protocol was created that allowed for effective observation of the larvae. This was then used to generate time-mortality data that were analysed by a logit regression function to calculate and compare the treatments at the time of 50 % larval mortality (LT50) and the time of 90 % mortality (LT90). Each virus by itself did not differ significantly from the other, while the mixed infection took significantly longer to kill 50 % and 90 % of the larvae, suggesting that there is competition for resources between viruses during the secondary, systemic phase of infection. The LT50 for CrleGV-SA, CrpeNPV and the mixed infection were 117.5 hours, 113.5 hours and 139.0 hours respectively. The LT90 for CrleGV-SA, CrpeNPV and the mixed infection were 153.2 hours, 159.3, and 193.4 hours respectively. Finally, the composition of OBs recovered from the cadavers produced by the time-response biological assays were investigated by mPCR. A method for extracting gDNA from OBs in neonate-sized T. leucotreta larvae is described. The presence of CrpeNPV along with CrleGV-SA was noted in 4 out of 9 larvae inoculated with only CrleGV-SA. The presence of CrleGV-SA as well as CrpeNPV was noted in all but one larva inoculated with only CrpeNPV, and both CrleGV-SA and CrpeNPV were noted in all but one larva inoculated with a 1:1 mixture of the two, with one larva only being positive for CrleGV-SA. This suggests either stock contamination or the presence of covert infections of CrleGV-SA and CrpeNPV in the T. leucotreta population used in this study. This is the second study to report an improved lethal concentration of a mixed infection of CrleGV-SA and CrpeNPV against T. leucotreta neonates, and the first study to report the slower speed of kill of a mixed infection of CrleGV-SA and CrpeNPV against T. leucotreta neonates. While the improved lethal concentration of the mixed infection is a promising step in the future improvement of baculovirus-based biopesticides, it is at the cost of a slower speed of kill. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology and Entomology, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Bayesian tolerance intervals and their application to ballistic grouping consistency in competitive shooting

- Gardiner, Marcell

Authors: Gardiner, Marcell
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Bayesian statistical decision theory -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52456 , vital:43662
Description: Competitive shooting has become immensely popular since the first modern Games held in 1896. Competitive shooting remains the fastest growing segment in the firearm industry, catering to individuals of all ages. Elite shooters are capable of reaching extreme levels of precision and accuracy, despite many factors existing that affect performance in Olympic shooting. One such factor is speed variability, which is dependent on the mass of the bullet, how constant is the lead being used, and, how constant the gunpowder is. The study focusses on the Bayesian simulation method proposed by Wolfinger (1998) for determining three kinds of tolerance intervals when applied to competitive shooting data, particularly examining speed variability. These tolerance intervals included the (𝛼𝛼,𝛿𝛿) tolerance interval (where 𝛼𝛼 is the content and 𝛿𝛿 is the confidence), the 𝛼𝛼 - expectation tolerance interval (where 𝛼𝛼 is the expected coverage of the interval) and the fixed-in advance tolerance interval in which the interval is held fixed and the proportion of process measurements it contains, is estimated. Speed measurements of individual shots fired were measured with either an Oeler 35P or Magneto Speed V3 chronograph and the data was fitted to a one-way random effects model. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Benthic habitat mapping using marine geophysics and machine learning on the continental shelf of South Africa

- Pillay, Talicia

Authors: Pillay, Talicia
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Marine geophysics
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52061 , vital:43452
Description: A method to map seafloor substrates using machine learning, based primarily on hydroacoustic data including multibeam bathymetry, backscatter, and side-scan sonar, has been developed. The aim was to produce a customdesigned benthic habitat classification method that digitally integrates marine geophysics and biological science data, with relevance to all elements of the local substrate, and this was the first time it was attempted in a South African context. The algorithm developed is able to produce bio-physical benthic habitat maps and this can be extended along the continental shelf of South Africa as new data setsare collected and the algorithm is supplemented. At the outset, this work has focused on broad categories of rock and detailed categories of sediment. Four study sites with varying substrate were selected to holistically build the algorithm that followed a tiered approach of machine learning: Table Bay, Clifton, Koeberg Harbour and Cape St Francis. Table Bay was used to develop a new method of physical seafloor classification, by comparing and contrasting a number of statistical algorithms and software programs. Clifton was used to test the developed clustering algorithm, and Koeberg which is 35 km to the north was used to validate the algorithm because sediment samples, along with drop camera footage, were integrated to better define the results. The resultant verified algorithm was tested at Cape St Francis, where Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) footage was acquired in addition to hydroacoustic data. In the first phase of the process towards developing an algorithm, a customised tool was created within ArcGIS using python scripting language to classify seafloor bathymetry, which can be applied to any area of seafloor whatsoever. The tool was based on pioneering work done by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on a benthic terrain modelling toolbox and adapted to include side-scan sonar data. In the second phase of work, multibeam bathymetry, backscatter and side-scan sonar data that were processed using Qimera, Fledermaus Geocoder Toolbox, and Navlog processing software, were classified using different machine learning techniques including Decision Trees, Random Forests, and k-means clustering computer algorithms. The results from these algorithms were compared to manually-digitised polygons which were created to classify the seafloor substrate distribution by identification of different textures. Integrating all results facilitated a quantitative comparison that illuminated advantages and disadvantages of each machine learning technique and ultimately the k-means clustering techniques were found to be the simplest to implement and understand and worked most efficiently based on their seafloor segmentation capabilities in Table Bay, against all three hydroacoustic data sets (multibeam bathymetry, backscatter and side-scan sonar). In the third phase of work, ground-truthed seafloor characterisation maps were produced for the two study areas of Clifton and Koeberg Harbour. This applied multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data that were collected and processed with machine learning clustering techniques. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ocean Sciences, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Best practice psychosocial–cultural care guideline for primary caregivers of couples in the Talensi and Nabdam districts of Ghana experiencing infertility

- Kuug, Anthony Kolsabilik

Authors: Kuug, Anthony Kolsabilik
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Caregivers -- Infertility -- Ghana , Couples -- Infertility -- Ghana
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51264 , vital:43258
Description: Infertility remains a major clinical and social problem, affecting approximately one in every ten couples. The implications of infertility range from physical abuse to denial of family property, divorce, psychological problems, such as withdrawal, anxiety and depression to social isolation, scorn, rejection and stigmatisation. The health of infertile couples needs holistic attention because, while their medical and surgical needs are addressed to correct physical and physiological barriers of infertility, their psychological and emotive needs, which constitute the psychosocial aspects of infertility, need to be addressed as well. The current study explored and described the experiences of couples with infertility and primary caregivers who rendered care to couples. The study aimed to develop a best practice psychosocial-cultural care guideline for primary caregivers to enhance the management of couples experiencing infertility in Talensi and Nabdam districts of the Upper East Region in Ghana. The study followed a qualitative design while making use of explorative, descriptive contextual and interpretive ethnographic approaches. The research populations comprised couples experiencing infertility and the primary caregivers who cared for them, consisting of public health nurses and midwives. The research study comprised three phases. In Phase 1, semi-structured interviews, narrative sketching and storytelling were used to collect data on experiences of couples with infertility while semi-structured interviews were used to explore and describe the experiences of primary caregivers who cared for them. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using Tesch’s eight steps of data analysis to make sense of the data collected. The researcher ensured the validity of the study by conforming to the Lincoln and Guba’s approach to trustworthiness by using an independent coder to validate the researcher’s coding. In Phase 2, an integrative literature review was conducted to identify previous guidelines and systematic reviews regarding psychosocial–cultural care of infertility. Relevant guidelines and reviews were selected and critically appraised. Data were extracted and synthesised for the development of a best practice guideline for psychosocial–cultural care of couples experiencing infertility. An independent appraiser critically appraised relevant guidelines to ensure trustworthiness. In phase 3, the findings of Phases 1 and 2 were integrated to formulate a draft best practice guideline for psychosocial–cultural care of couples experiencing infertility. The guideline was reviewed by a six-member expert panel and modified based on their recommendations, suggestions and comments leading to the finalisation of the best practice psychosocial–cultural care guideline for primary caregivers of couples experiencing infertility in the Talensi and Nabdam districts in Ghana. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Biology, ecology and management of the Keurboom moth, Leto venus Cramer and the leafhopper Molopopterus sp. Jacobi in cultivated Honeybush (Cyclopia spp.)

- Mushore, Tapiwa Gift

Authors: Mushore, Tapiwa Gift
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Legumes , Legumes -- Diseases and pests , Hepialidae , Leafhoppers , Pests -- Biological control , Entomopathogenic fungi , Leafhoppers -- Biological control , Hepialidae -- Biological control , Keurboom moth (Leto venus Cramer) , Molopopterus sp. Jacobi , Honeybush (Cyclopia spp.)
Language: English
Type: thesis , text , Masters , MSc
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177125 , vital:42792
Description: Honeybush, Cyclopia spp. Vent (Fabaceae), farmers have raised pest concerns following commercial cultivation. The Keurboom moth Leto venus Cramer (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae) and the leafhopper Molopopterus sp. Jacobi (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), are two of the major pests identified in cultivated Honeybush. Laboratory and field studies were conducted to gain an understanding of the biology of these two pests to inform future pest management solutions. Additionally, entomopathogenic fungi were isolated from Honeybush farms and screened for virulence against Molopopterus sp. as a possible management strategy. This study showed that the L. venus infestation on Honeybush was a product of four fixed effects; stem diameter, species of Cyclopia, Farm location and age of the plants. Cyclopia subternata, had the highest likelihood of infestation. Increase in age of the plants resulted in an increase in the stem diameter and therefore a higher probability of infestation. Stem diameter was also shown to be a significant predictor of infestation likelihood. Infestation severity, determined by the number of larvae per plant, was shown to be influenced by three fixed effects; stem diameter, plant species and Farm location. The results also showed that L. venus prefers to initiate penetration at, or just aboveground level. Laboratory studies showed that the leafhopper Molopopterus sp. undergoes five nymphal instars with an average egg incubation time of 20 days, development time from 1st instar to adult of 26 days and average generation time of 47 days. Laboratory experiments revealed variations in host preference by the leafhopper over a period of 15 days. Cyclopia longifolia was identified to be the most preferred species for feeding compared to the two other commonly cultivated species, C. subternata and C. maculata. The results were consistent with those obtained from the field survey which showed that leafhopper density was influenced by four fixed effects; plant species, age of the plant, Farm location and harvesting practices. There were significant differences in leafhopper density in different species with C. longifolia having the highest number of leafhoppers per plant. There were differences in leafhopper density in different farms as 57% of the sampled farms had leafhopper infestations, of these farms, Lodestone and Kurland had the highest leafhopper densities. Harvested plants were shown to have significantly higher leafhopper density than non-harvested plants. Age was also shown to influence leafhopper density, which reduced with an increase in the age of the plants. A total of 20 fungal isolates were recovered from 98 soil samples of which 70% were from Honeybush fields and 30% were from surrounding refugia. Fusarium oxysporum isolates comprised 20% of the recovered isolates, with Metarhizium anisopliae isolates making up the remainder. Laboratory bioassays against adults and nymphs of the leafhopper, Molopopterus sp., showed that F. oxysporum isolates induced 10 – 45% mortality and M. anisopliae isolates induce 30 – 80% mortality. Metarhizium anisopliae isolates J S1, KF S3, KF S11, KF S13, LS1 and LS2 were the most virulent and induced over 60% mortality in both Molopopterus sp. nymphs and adults. The results of this study showed pest preference towards different Cyclopia species. As such, they should be managed differently. Furthermore, L. venus was observed to occur in low densities, hence, it cannot be considered a major pest. However, Molopopterus sp. recorded high population densities making it a major pest in Honeybush production. Positive results indicated that some of the isolated fungal isolates have potential for control, an avenue worth investigating further. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology and Entomology, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Bongani Ndodana-Breen’s compositional style and techniques: piano case study in Rituals for Forgotten Faces

- Julies, Jason

Authors: Julies, Jason
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Composers, Black -- South Africa , Hymns, Xhosa
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52897 , vital:44320
Description: Bongani Ndodana-Breen is a South African born Xhosa composer trained in Western Classical music and composition. His music is a reflection of his Xhosa heritage, and is internationally recognised. While there have been discussions of Ndodana-Breen’s individual works, the current available literature does not sufficiently investigate his compositional style. This treatise aims to address this. To determine Ndodana-Breen’s compositional style, the techniques and practices he uses in his works are investigated. This is achieved by deconstructing the compositional elements, and musical techniques and practices he employs in his compositions. They are then investigated through the use of thematic analysis and fragmentation, and are viewed through the lens of polystylism and postcolonialism. Ndodana-Breen’s composition Rituals for Forgotten Faces is used as a case study. The results of this investigation show that Ndodana-Breen, through the use of strong rhythms, light textures and simplicity in writing, creates a unique Africanness in his compositions. This Africanness overcomes the Eurocentric sound traditionally found in Western Classical composition. Furthermore, these findings suggest a hybridity of polystylistic elements found in Ndodana-Breen’s music, that could potentially be found in the works of other African musicians that are trained in Western Classical composition. On this basis, this study paves the way for further study of African composers and their works. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Caregivers’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of breastfeeding and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (pmtct) in Nelson Mandela Bay Health District: impact of a community dialogue intervention

- Barnard, Marné

Authors: Barnard, Marné
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Breastfeeding -- Transmission -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Prevention , Communicable diseases -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Prevention
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50988 , vital:43196
Description: Background: Globally, childhood mortality remains high with 5.3 million deaths occurring in children under the age of five years in 2018. Of these deaths, 43 000 were children from South Africa, with malnutrition being a significant risk factor contributing to disease and death. Breastfeeding has many benefits and reduces childhood mortality. Current primary health care strategies in South Africa are not having an adequate impact on breastfeeding rates, therefore appropriate messages need to be targeted at the community in order to improve breastfeeding rates. Participatory approaches have been identified as an effective tool to promote child health. Community dialogues led by skilled Early Childhood Development (ECD) mentors from the community might be key in order to improve caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in relation to breastfeeding and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT). Aim : The aim of the study was to explore the potential effects of community dialogues, led by ECD mentors, on caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in relation to breastfeeding and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). Methods: Quasi-experimental design was used to compare the KAP of caregivers in relation to breastfeeding and PMTCT. Convenience sampling was used to include 63 caregivers who participated in the umbrella project (mixed-methods) and 61 caregivers who did not participate in the project. Ethics approval was obtained from the Nelson Mandela University Faculty Postgraduate Studies Committee. Participants had to provide written informed consent. A skilled interviewer used a structured questionnaire to assess the KAP of all participants. Data were captured on an Excel spreadsheet and analysed in collaboration with a statistician, who analysed the data using Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistics were applied to numerical data, while frequency distributions were applied to categorical data. Correlations were calculated to describe the degree of relationship between two variables. Inferential statistic tests, conducted at a significance level of 0,05, were used for hypothesis testing. The t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used in tests involving mean values. Scheffé’s test was used in ANOVA to determine between which of the groups a statistically significant difference was found. Results: In the intervention group more than double the number participants (35%; n=22) had a good knowledge of breastfeeding when compared to participants (15%; n=9) in the control group. Additionally, the intervention group participants displayed better attitudes towards the RtHB (p=0.02). However, control group participants showed better knowledge towards the HIV (p=0.01). Finally, results suggest that in the intervention group, participants (33%; n=21) were more likely to have a good total KAP score in relation to breastfeeding and PMTCT when compared to participants (11%; n=7) in the control group. In the intervention group, better knowledge correlated with good practices relating to the RtHB (r=0.27). However, in the control group, positive attitudes correlated with better practices relating to HIV (r=0.29). Younger intervention group participants displayed better breastfeeding related practices (p=0.011). Additionally, younger control group participants displayed better knowledge of breastfeeding (p=0.001). Intervention group participants whose choices were influenced by their husband/ partner (p =0.016) and/ or radio/ magazines/ newspapers (p=0.004) had positive attitudes towards HIV. Control group participants whose choices were influenced by their other family members (p=0.043) and/ or clinic staff (p=0.016) had good knowledge of sharing their knowledge. Conclusions and recommendations: The intervention group displayed a better knowledge of breastfeeding as well as more desirable attitudes towards the RtHB, when compared to the control group. However, the control group displayed better knowledge of HIV, which could be due to the control group having more younger participants when compared to the intervention group. The community dialogue intervention had a positive impact on caregivers KAP relating to breastfeeding and PMTCT, which included all the different categories combined. In order to improve the Sakha Esethu intervention programme, managers need to provide guidance to the mentors on how to initiate conversations regarding HIV and discuss the stigma associated with HIV and breastfeeding. Results showed that including grandmothers and husbands or partners in the target population will benefit the intervention. Additionally, the use of radio needs to be considered especially for discussions regarding HIV. Lastly, sustainability needs to be improved due to many participants not remembering certain detail regarding topics that was discussed. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Cluster analysis for group selection in launch sales predictions

- Watchurst, Lee

Authors: Watchurst, Lee
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Cluster analysis
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52003 , vital:43447
Description: One way for businesses to stay ahead in a competitive market is through the launch of new products and planning for these launches optimally. This includes ordering the correct quantity of stock in advance as well as maintaining these stock levels while the item launches. However, holding too much stock in warehouses can affect the business costs adversely. This research proposes the use of cluster analysis techniques to determine the up-front purchase quantity by identifying similar items and using their initial quantities sold. Products will be grouped based on their numerical and categorical attributes. Once the data is clustered, the Bass model will be used to obtain a sales profile for the new item. The Bass model is a popular choice for product life cycle planning due to the emphasis placed on the timing of adoption. The study will make use of data from a retail and wholesale company that sells, in part, single use items. With the planning for new launches being a key problem point in many companies, this research aims to optimise the planning process and ensure product launch success across stores. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Co-generating a people-centred approach to addressing student hunger at a South African university

- Mansvelt, Natalie

Authors: Mansvelt, Natalie
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Food security -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51309 , vital:43262
Description: While considerable progress has been made regarding access to higher education in South Africa for previously excluded and disadvantaged students, great challenges are experienced in terms of student well-being. One of the key factors contributing to students’ ability to complete their studies successfully is food-related challenges. Various programmes have been introduced at institutions of higher education to assist and support students who lack funds for food. However, these programmes are characteristic of the welfarist model, as it is often based on needs, short-term by nature, and dependent on external resources. Furthermore, it reduces students to the role of passive beneficiaries. This research answers the question of how student hunger can be addressed through co-generating a people-centred approach at one higher education institution in South Africa. The study was underpinned by Sen’s capabilities approach to enable a theoretical understanding of the issue of student hunger. Additionally, Korten’s people-centred development provided the value base of the study to place students at the centre of the problem-solving process. An approach to student hunger that would be participative, student-centred, and enhancing nutritional capabilities was invited. Situated within the critical paradigm, I employed the participatory action research design to facilitate a process whereby students critically questioned the issue of hunger and took action to address the issue. Eight students from various study fields volunteered to co-research the issue of student hunger. Over the period of one year, we generated data using different methods (including photovoice, community self-survey, workshops, purposeful group discussions, focus group discussions, and my reflective notes). We applied cyclical processes to plan, implement, and reflect on actions intended to address student hunger. Through a combination of collaborative and individual processes of data analysis, we responded to four subquestions through four phases, which culminated in the co-construction of a people-centred approach to student hunger. Students’ conceptualisations of student hunger revealed two types: hunger of the stomach and hunger of the mind. The cyclical relationship between the two types infers that nutritional well-being is not achieved adequately when students have the means to acquire food. Choices regarding the utilisation of the available means also need consideration. The findings revealed that students apply the conscientisation framework in the ways that they plan to address student hunger. Applying value-driven processes, actions entailed physical dialogues with groups of people. The approach developed in this study offers strategies for the stakeholders who attend to student hunger, to collaborate and make contributions towards comprehensively resolving the complex issue. It primarily could be useful to institutions of higher education as the suggested coordinators of a collaborative structure. A second part of the developed approach puts forward a strategy to address the financial capabilities of students. The study contributes a consideration to constraints that stem from students’ mindsets and adoption of a prevailing culture that maintains student hunger. This demonstrates that resolutions to addressing student hunger might be more effective and sustainable if the context, views and participation of people experiencing the hunger are considered. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Cognitive justice and environmental learning in South African social movements

- Burt, Jane Caroline

Authors: Burt, Jane Caroline
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Transformative learning , Water security -- South Africa , Environmental education -- South Africa , EEASA (Organization) , Civil society -- South Africa , Water justice , Cognitive justice
Language: English
Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174437 , vital:42477 , http://dx.doi.org/10.21504/10962/174437
Description: This thesis by publication is an applied study into transformative learning as an emancipatory practice for water justice. It is guided by the core research question: How can cognitively just learning be an activist practice in social movements working towards water justice? To address this question, I use the applied critical realist approach which makes use of three moments of moral reasoning which are very similar to the approach adopted in the learning intervention that is the focus of this research. These three moments are: Diagnose, Explain, Act – sometimes known as the DEA model (Bhaskar, 2008, 243; Munnik & Price, 2015). The research object is the Changing Practice course for community-based environmental and social movements. The course was developed and studied over seven years, starting from the reflexive scholarship of environmental learning in South Africa, particularly the adult learning model of working together/working away developed through the Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa in partnership with the Environmental Learning Research Centre at Rhodes University (Lotz-Sisitka & Raven, 2004). We (the facilitators/educators) ran the Changing Practice course three times (2012-2014; 2014-2016; 2016-2018), in which I generated substantive data which forms the empirical base on which this study was developed. We found the concept of cognitive justice (Visvanathan, 2005; de Sousa Santos, 2016) to be a powerful mobilizing concept with which to carry out emancipatory research and learning, in three ways. First, it brought together a group of researchers, activists and practitioners from different organizations to work on how to strengthen the role of civil society in monitoring government water policy and practice (Wilson et al., 2016). Second, within the Changing Practice course itself, it became a principle for guiding learning design and pedagogy as well as a way of engaging in dialogue with the participants around the politics of knowledge, exclusion and inclusion in knowledge production, systems of oppression and multiple knowledges (Wilson et al., 2016; Burt et al., 2018). Thirdly, the participants’ change projects (the applied projects undertaken during the ‘working away’ phase between course modules), allowed participants to draw on different knowledge systems, which they learnt to do in the ‘working together’ modules, and to address cognitive justice concerns linked to environmental justice. The change projects also challenged our learning pedagogy by raising contradictions in the course’s approach to learning that needed to be transformed in order for our pedagogy to be more cognitively just. Throughout this thesis I argue that the work of cognitive justice deepens the connections between people, institutions and structures, particularly in relation to transformative learning. Our intention was to identify and critique structures and ideologies that perpetuated oppressive relations, and then to identify and enact the work needed towards transforming these relations. This is why I often refer to cognitive justice as a solidarity and mobilizing concept, and I use the term cognitive justice praxis to mean the reflection and actions that are needed to enact cognitive just learning. The facilitators and participants of the Changing Practice course worked to remove the layered effects of oppression both in the practice of water justice and in the learning process itself. We worked, however imperfectly, with a caring, collectively-held ethic towards each other and the world. Using the DEA model I applied the critical realist dialectic to analyse contradictions and generate explanations through four articles as reflexive writing projects (See Part 2 of this thesis). I used the critical realist dialectic both to reveal contradictions, investigate how these contradictions have come to be, and to generate alternative explanations and action to absent them. Through this research I identified four essential mechanisms for cognitively just environmental learning: care work, co-learning, reflexivity and an interdisciplinary approach to learning scholarship as learning praxis. The essential elements that made the Changing Practice course so effective were the working together/working away design, the encouraging of participants to make the change project something they were passionate about, and the situating and grounding of the Changing Practice course within a social movement network. We were able to show that for academic scholarship to contribute meaningfully to cognitively just learning praxis, it needs to be collaborative and reflexive, and start from the embodied historical and contextual experience of learning as experienced and understood by participants on the course. This demanded an interdisciplinary approach to work with contradictions in learning practice, one that could take into consideration different knowledges and knowledge practices beyond professional disciplines. Both social movement communities and scholarly communities have valuable knowledge to offer each other. As argued in article one, rather than a lack of knowledge, what more often limits our emancipatory action are factors that prevent us from coming closer together. (Burt et al, 2018) This research revealed that social movement learning towards water justice is multi-level care work, the four levels being: individual psychology, our relations with others, our relations with structures such as our social movements, and our relations with the planet. When such care work attains self- reflexivity, practice-reflexivity, co-learning and collective scholarship, it is able to absent the contradictions that inhibit cognitive justice. This thesis is a record of our attempts to learn how to achieve this.
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Colourism, the commodification of complexion and a post-colonial analysis of skin-lightening campaigns: a case study of the South African Indian Community

- Juglal, Simran

Authors: Juglal, Simran
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Colorism -- South Africa , Skin -- Bleaching
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52568 , vital:43690
Description: As part of the legacy of colonialism, colourism, or intra-racial discrimination, is a complex phenomenon in India and in the Indian diaspora. To explore the nature of such intra-racial hierarchies, this research contextualises the historical frameworks of British colonial rule in India, the Indian indentured labour system in South Africa, and racial segregation during the Apartheid regime. Significantly, the legacies of these systems of oppression work on two distinct yet intertwined levels: race and colour. Because the colour of one’s skin can greatly influence education opportunities, socio-economic mobility, and general well-being in communities of colour, the problematic relationship between skin complexion and access to resources can encourage a yearning for whiteness or lightness. Aided by Eurocentric standards of beauty and ethnic marketing, the media plays a key role in exacerbating the issue of colourism and fortifying a multi-million dollar skin-lightening industry. From the vilification of darker-skinned actors in Bollywood to beauty products with potentially-harmful ingredients being promoted as the main, or only, means to success, the media and skin-lightening industry exploit the desire for a lighter skin tone to sell a lifestyle underpinned by white aesthetics. Thus, this research analyses the power of the media in championing colourist ideals as well as how the media can be used to dismantle such ideals. While there exists an extensive amount of academic literature on colourism, previous work has failed to address the ways in which colourism is present within the South African Indian diaspora. Arguably, Indian people have a unique history of being both oppressed and privileged in South Africa and it is in this in-between space where colourism thrives. Thus, through the use of an audience study and, consequently, data collection and analysis, this research explores the personal experiences of colourism-based discrimination and privileges in the South African Indian diaspora. While this research does not aim to provide conclusive answers and/or solutions to the issue of colourism, it is paramount to include an audience study as the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that 35% of South Africans participate in skin-lightening processes. Thus, this research aims to provide insights into the ways in which South African Indians engage with colourism and the extent to which they participate in skin-lightening practices. The findings of this research aim to illustrate that colourism remains rife in the South African Indian community as it is often ‘passed down’ from generation to generation. Moreover, the analysis of the participants’ responses demonstrates that, despite the fragile nature of determining one’s worth based on skin tone, colourism can have a long-term impact on the mental, emotional and physical health of South African Indians. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
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Conceptualisations and pedagogical practices of academic literacy in Namibian higher education

- Julius, Lukas Homateni

Authors: Julius, Lukas Homateni
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Information literacy -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Namibia , Academic writing -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Qualitative research -- Methodology , Academic language -- Namibia , Information literacy -- Social aspects
Language: English
Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177293 , vital:42807 , 10.21504/10962/177293
Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate academic literacy development lecturers’ conceptualisations of academic literacy and resultant pedagogical practices in academic development courses at three different Higher Education Institutional types in Namibia. The research sites were a Traditional University, a University of Technology and a Comprehensive University. The focus was to understand the extent to which the academics’ conceptions of academic literacy and the resultant pedagogical practices in the academic development courses at these three Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) facilitate epistemological access into students’ chosen fields of study. Bernstein’s Pedagogical theory (1990), Genre theory (1996) and Halliday’s Systemic Functional Linguistics (1978) were used as the study’s theoretical lenses and analytical framework. An interpretative paradigm and a qualitative case study design were employed as the research approach. Semi-structured interviews, classroom observations and documentary evidence were used to generate data. Research findings revealed a common (mis)conception of the nature of academic literacy, the resultant inadequate learning support offered to students in the selected academic literacy development courses, and a clear divorcing of academic literacy interventions from the students’ ‘home’ or mainstream disciplines at the three HEIs. The participants understood academic literacy from an autonomous position as a set of generic skills which could be taught outside of mainstream classes. Moreover, findings revealed that this understanding impacted on the design and assessments of all the academic literacy courses across the three universities under study. The study calls for a context sensitive model through which academic literacy acquisition can be scaffolded to meet the discipline-specific epistemological needs of the students. , Elalakano lyehokololoningomwa lyomapekapeko ndika olyo okukonakona ehumithokomeho lyomikalo dhokulesha nokushanga meilongngo lyopombada (oAcademic Literaci) maaputudhilongi, okukonakona omafatululo giisimanintsa moAcademic Literaci osho wo okutala iizemo yomikalo dhayooloka dhokulonga noku ilonga iilongwa yayooloka miiputudhilo yelongo lyopombada moNamibia. Omapekapeko ngaka oga li ga ningilwa miiputudhilo yomaukwatya ta ga landula; Oshiputudhiilo shopamudhigululwakalo, Oshiputudhilo shopaunongononi, nOshiputudilo shomailongo gaandjakana. Oshintsa shopokati shomapekapeko ngaka osho okuuva ko ondodo yowino osho wo euveko lyoAcademic Literaci maaputudhilongi nonkene euveko nontseyo ndjika tayi longithwa oku eta oshizemo tashi humitha komeho euveko lyopombanda lyaalongwa yomailongo geewino dhayooloka miiputudhilo itatu yelongo lyopombanda; shino otashi kwathele aalongwa yamone ontseyo ndjoka tayi ya kwathele meilongo lyawo. Omapekapeko ngano oga longitha omadhiladhiloukithi (eetheori) ga Bernstein’s Pedagogical theori (1990), Genre theori (1996) na Halliday’s Systemic Functional Linguistics theori (1978), mokufatulula nokundjandjukununa iizemo yomapekapeko. Omodela yokukonakona iizemo yongushu tayi ziilile maakonakonwa, oya tala ekonakono ndika onga oshintsa shopokati, oyo ya longithwa, opo ku monike uuyelele wothaathaa. Omikalo dha longifwa mokukonakona noku gongela uuyelele momapekapeko ngano ongaashi, eenkundathana dhayaali, omatalelo geetundi oshoyo omakonakono giinyanyangidhwa tayi kwandjangele nepekapeko ndika. Iizedjemo yepekapeko ndika otayi ulike kutya opena engwangwano montseyo nenge mefatululo lyuukwatya woAcademic Literaci, shoka sha eta enkundipalo meyambidhidho hali pewa aalongwa miilongwa yeewino dhayooloka. Shika otashi ulike kutya kapena etsokumwe pokati keenkambadhala tadhi ningwa kaapudhilongi dhokulonga oAcademic Litraci miilongwa ya yooloka mbyoka tayi ilongelwa kaalongwa miiputudhilo itatu yopombada. iizemmo yepekapeko olyo tuu mdika oya ulike wo kutya aalongwa mboka yaza komailongo ga yooloka oha yi ilongo nuudhigu opo ya pondole ondondo yomadhiladhilo gopombanda meilongo lyuukumwe. Mokukonakona euveko lyoAcademic Literaci, epekapeko ndika olya ndhindhilike kutya aakuthimbinga oyena euveko lyankundipala lyoterma ‘Academic Literaci,’ ano ya nyengwa okukwatakanitha oohedi dhopetameko ndhoka dhina oku ilongwa meikalekelo - ano pondje yiilongwa ikwao. Oshikwao, iizemo oya ulike kutya euveko ndika otali nwetha mo etungepo lyoAcademic Literaci onga oshilongwa, osho wo omakonakono gasho miiputudilo yombombanda itatu yakwatelwa momapekapeko. Hugunina, epekapeko ndika otali ulike/gandja oshiholelwa shomodela ndjoka oAcademic literacy tai vulu okulongwa opo yi kwatelemo eilongo lyiikwatelela kiilongwa osho yo komaitaalo nokeempumbwe dhaalongwa miiputudhilo yopombabda. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning (CHERTL), 2021
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Constraining simulation uncertainties in a hydrological model of the Congo River Basin including a combined modelling approach for channel-wetland exchanges

- Kabuya, Pierre Mulamba

Authors: Kabuya, Pierre Mulamba
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Congo River Watershed , Watersheds -- Congo (Democratic Republic) , Hydrologic models , Rain and rainfall -- Mathematical models , Runoff -- Mathematical models , Wetland hydrology
Language: English
Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177997 , vital:42897 , 10.21504/10962/177997
Description: Compared to other large river basins of the world, such as the Amazon, the Congo River Basin appears to be the most ungauged and less studied. This is partly because the basin lacks sufficient observational hydro-climatic monitoring stations and appropriate information on physiographic basin properties at a spatial scale deemed for hydrological applications, making it difficult to estimate water resources at the scale of sub-basins (Chapter 3). In the same time, the basin is facing the challenges related to rapid population growth, uncontrolled urbanisation as well as climate change. Adequate quantification of hydrological processes across different spatial and temporal scales in the basin, and the drivers of change, is essential for prediction and strategic planning to ensure sustainable management of water resources in the Congo River Basin. Hydrological models are particularly important to generate the required information. However, the shortness of the available streamflow records, lack of spatial representativeness of the available streamflow gauging stations and the lack of understanding of the processes in channel-wetland exchanges, are the main challenges that constrain the use of traditional approaches to models development. They also contribute to increased uncertainty in the estimation of water resources across the basin (Chapter 1 and 2). Given this ungauged nature of the Congo River Basin, it is important to resort to hydrological modelling approaches that can reasonably quantify and model the uncertainty associated with water resources estimation (Chapter 4) to make hydrological predictions reliable. This study explores appropriate methods for hydrological predictions and water resources assessment in ungauged catchments of the Congo River Basin. In this context, the core modelling framework combines the quantification of uncertainty in constraint indices, hydrological modelling and hydrodynamic modelling. The latter accounts for channel-wetland exchanges in sub-basins where wetlands exert considerable influence on downstream flow regimes at the monthly time scale. The constraint indices are the characteristics of a sub-basin’s long-term hydrological behaviour and may reflect the dynamics of the different components of the catchment water balance such as climate, water storage and different runoff processes. Currently, six constraint indices namely the mean monthly runoff volume (MMQ in m3 *106), mean monthly groundwater recharge depth (MMR in mm), the 10th, 50th and 90th percentiles of the flow duration curve expressed as a fraction of MMQ (Q10/MMQ, Q50/MMQ, Q90/MMQ) and the percentage of time that zero flows are expected (%Zero), are used in the modelling approach. These were judged to be the minimum number of key indices that can discriminate between different hydrological responses. The constraint indices in the framework help to determine an uncertainty range within which behavioural model parameters of the expected hydrological response can be identified. Predictive equations of the constraint indices across all climate and physiographic regions of the Congo Basin were based only on the aridity index because it was the most influential sub-basin attribute (Chapter 5) for which quantitative information was available. The degree of uncertainty in the constraint Q10/MMQ and Q50/MMQ indices is less than 41%, while it is somewhat higher for the mean monthly runoff (MMQ) and Q90/MMQ constraint indices. The established uncertainty ranges of the constraint indices were tested in some selected sub-basins of the Congo Basin, including the Lualaba (93 sub-basins), Sangha (24 sub-basins), Oubangui (19 sub-basins), Batéké plateaux (4 sub-basins), Kasai (4 sub-basins) and Inkisi (3 sub-basins). The results proved useful through the application of a 2-stage uncertainty approach of the PITMAN model. However, it comes out of this study that the application of the original constraint indices ranges (Chapter 5) generated satisfactory simulation results in some areas, while in others both small and large adjustments were required to fully capture some aspects of the observed hydrological responses (Chapter 6). Part of the reason is attributed to the availability and quality of streamflow data used to develop the constraint indices ranges (Chapter 5). The main issue identified in the modelling process was whether the changes made to the original constraints at headwater-gauged sub-basins can be applied to ungauged upstream sub-basins to match the observed flow at downstream gauging stations. Ideally, only gauged sub-basin’s constraints can be easily revised based on the observed flow. However, the refinement made to gauged sub-basins alone may fail to substantially affect the results if ungauged upstream sub-basins exert a major impact on defining downstream hydrological response. The majority of gauging stations used in this analysis are located downstream of many upstream ungauged sub-basins and therefore adjustments were required in ungauged sub-basins. These adjustments consist of shifting the full range of a constraint index either towards higher or lower values, depending on the degree to which the simulated uncertainty bounds depart from the observed flow. While this modelling approach seems effective in capturing many aspects of the hydrological responses with a reduced level of uncertainty compared to a previous study, it is recommended that the approach be extended to the remaining parts of the Congo Basin and assessed under current and future development conditions including environmental changes. A 2D hydrodynamic river-wetland model (LISFLOOD-FP) has been used to explicitly represent the inundation process exchanges between river channels and wetland systems. The hydrodynamic modelling outputs are used to calibrate the PITMAN wetland sub-model parameters. The five hydrodynamic models constructed for Ankoro, Kamalondo, Kundelungu, Mweru and Tshiangalele wetland systems have been partially validated using independent estimates of inundation extents available from Landsat imagery. Other sources of data such as remote sensing of water level altimetry, SAR images and wetland storage estimates may be used to improve the validation results. However, the important objective in this study was to make sure that flow volume exchanges between river channels and their adjacent floodplains were being simulated realistically. The wetland sub-model parameters are calibrated in a spreadsheet version of the PITMAN wetland routine to achieve visual correspondence between the LISFLOOD-FP and PITMAN wetland sub-model outputs (Storage volumes and channel outputs). The hysteretic patterns of the river-wetland processes were quantified using hysteresis indices and were associated with the spill and return flow parameters of the wetland sub-model and eventually with the wetland morphometric characteristics. One example is the scale parameter of the return flow function (AA), which shows a good relationship with the average surface slope of the wetland when the coefficient parameter (BB) of the same function is kept constant to a value of 1.25. The same parameter (AA) is a good indicator of the wetland emptying mechanism. A small AA indicates a wetland that slowly releases its flow, resulting in a highly delayed and attenuated hydrological response in downstream sub-basins. This understanding has a practical advantage for the estimation of the PITMAN wetland parameters in the many areas where it is not possible, or where the resources are not available, to run complex hydrodynamic models (Chapter 7). The inclusion of these LISFLOOD-FP informed wetland parameters in the basin-scale hydrological modelling results in acceptable simulations for the lower Lualaba drainage system. The small wetlands, like Ankoro and Tshiangalele, have a negligible impact on downstream flow regimes, whereas large wetlands, such as Kamalondo and Mweru, have very large impacts. In general, the testing of the original constraint indices in the region of wetlands and further downstream of the Lualaba drainage system has shown acceptable results. However, there remains an unresolved uncertainty issue related to the under and over-estimation of some aspects of the hydrological response at both Mulongo and Ankoro, two gauging stations in the immediate downstream of the Kamalondo wetland system. It is difficult to attribute this uncertainty to Kamalondo wetland parameters alone because many of the incremental sub-basins contributing to wetland inflows are ungauged. The issue at Mulongo is the under simulation of low flow, while the high flows at the Ankoro gauging station are over-simulated. However, the pattern of the calibrated constraint indices in this region (Chapter 8) shows that the under simulation of low flow at Mulongo cannot be attributed to incremental sub-basins (between Bukama, Kapolowe and Mulongo gauging stations), because their Q90/MMQ constraint indices are even slightly above the original constraint ranges, but maintain a spatial consistency with sub-basins of other regions. Similarly, sub-basins located between Mulongo, Luvua and Ankoro gauging stations have high flow indices slightly below the original constraint ranges and therefore they are unlikely to be responsible for the over simulation of high flow at the Ankoro gauging station. These facts highlight the need for a further understanding of the complex wetland system of Kamalondo. Short-term data collection and monitoring programme are required. Important tributaries that drain to this wetland need to be monitored by installing water level loggers and periodically collecting flow data and river bathymetry. This programme should lead to the development of rating curves of wetland input tributaries. This would partially solve the unresolved uncertainty issues at the Ankoro and Mulongo gauging stations. The integrated modelling approach offers many opportunities in the Congo Basin. The quantified and modelled uncertainty helps to identify regions with high uncertainty and allows for the identification of various data collection and management strategies that can potentially contribute to the uncertainty reduction. The quantified channel-wetland exchanges contribute to the improvement of the overall knowledge of water resources estimation within the regions where the effects of wetlands are evident even at the monthly time scale. In contrast, ignoring uncertainty in the estimates of water resources availability means that water resources planning and management decisions in the Congo Basin will continue to be based on inadequate information and unquantified uncertainty, thus increasing the risk associated with water resources decision making. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2021
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Constraining the role of carbonate assimilation on spinel stability in oxide ores of the Flatreef, Bushveld Complex, South Africa

- Dyan, Siyasanga

Authors: Dyan, Siyasanga
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Oxide minerals -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex , Transvaal Supergroup (South Africa) , Magmas -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex , Petrogenesis -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex , Spinel group – South Africa -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex , Dolomite -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex
Language: English
Type: thesis , text , Masters , MSc
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174578 , vital:42490
Description: The northern limb of the Bushveld Complex shows significant evidence for footwall rock- magma interaction, as a result of the emplacement of magmas onto the Transvaal Supergroup sediments. The Platreef of the northern limb is known to have involved extensive contamination of the magma. The lateral extension of the Platreef, the Flatreef, is less contaminated and comprises PGE-mineralization and thick chromitite layers. This enables successful stratigraphic correlation to the Upper Critical Zone of the eastern and western limbs of the Bushveld Complex. This study aims at addressing the influence of dolomitic floor rock contamination on the formation of spinels of the Flatreef and how they may differ to their occurrences in the Bushveld Complex elsewhere. Three main drill cores (UMT-345, UMT-335, and UMT-094) from the deep drilling program by Ivanhoe Mine, north of Turfspruit, were logged and sampled. The drill cores contained rocks contaminated by dolomite in varying degrees, depending on the proportion of carbonate xenoliths present. A total of sixty-two samples were obtained from the UG-2- equivalent chromitite seam, down into the hybrid contaminated units (Footwall Assimilation Zone; FAZ). Petrographic examination of the drill cores revealed that the feldspathic pyroxenite and chromitite layers are the most pristine lithologies in the Flatreef. The chromitite layers occur as a semi-massive to massive ores. The FAZ rocks are mainly dominated by the abundance of Al-rich Cr-spinels (Mg#30-80), clinopyroxenes with a high Ca-Tschermak component (up to 35 mol.%), olivines (Fo72-84), and plagioclase (An31-78). Geochemical characteristics of the feldspathic pyroxenite and chromitite seams include low CaO/Al2O3 and Ca/SiO2 ratios, the low abundance of REE and HFSE. In contrast, the FAZ samples display high CaO/Al2O3 and CaO/SiO2 ratios, suggesting mobilization of CaO-rich fluids derived from the associated dolomite xenoliths. Observations from lithostratigraphic element profiles indicate spikes in CaO within FAZ units relative to the feldspathic pyroxene, indicating a secondary source of CaO linked to proximity to carbonate xenoliths intersected in the core. The assimilation-fractional crystallization model performed with the Upper Critical Zone parental melt and dolomite produced assemblages dominated by spinel, olivine, clinopyroxene, and plagioclase, relating to those of the most contaminated rocks of footwall assimilation zones. The model also showed that large quantities of CO2 were produced during assimilation. High amounts of CO2-fluids mobilized in the melt would have interacted with the melt and increased the overall oxidation conditions. Oxygen fugacity (ƒO2) values were constrained from the spinels in the FAZ and chromites in chromitite seams. Spinels within the most contaminated rocks of the FAZ recorded relatively high ƒO2 values ranging between NNO-0.2 and NNO+1.8 (relative to the Nickel-Nickel-Oxide buffer. High ƒO2 values in spinels from the FAZ suggest that the melt interacted with greater amounts of oxidative CO2-fluids during decarbonation reactions. Such high redox conditions could have triggered the saturation and crystallization of spinels. Comparison of mineral compositions and ƒO2 of UG-2 chromites from the Flatreef with UG-2 from the eastern limb, western limb, chromitites from the Platreef and Uitkomst Complex reveal that Flatreef chromites are of most similar to those of the Platreef Uitkosmt Complex. The northern limb and Uitkomst Complex chromites have high ƒO2 values (NNO+0.3 to NNO+1.2), indicating their apparent link to the Malmani dolomite. Interaction of magma with the Malmani dolomite would have produced high quantities of CO2, triggering an increase in oxidizing conditions. Such an effect is most prominent in the Flatreef chromitites that are in contact with the FAZ. The chromites are characterised by high ƒO2 (NNO+1.2) and distinct compositions (low Cr2O3, high Fe3+/Fetotal, and TiO2). Thus, it is proposed that carbonate assimilation in the Flatreef triggered the precipitation of these distinctive chromites proximal to FAZ, due to liberation of substantial amounts of CO2-rich fluids with a highly oxidative capacity. Carbonate assimilation in layered intrusions can be used as a monitor potential precipitation of chromites. , Thesis (MSc)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Science, Department of Geology, 2021
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Contract compliance in procuring and disposing entities (PDES) in state departments in Uganda: subtitle if needed. If no subtitle follow instructions in manual

- Babirye, Hamidah

Authors: Babirye, Hamidah
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Communication , Records -- Management , Public contracts -- Uganda
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50933 , vital:43173
Description: Contract compliance has continuously played a vital role in the development of nations globally. It is important, because it enhances the efficiency and success of projects; ensures value for money; mitigates risks and saves a considerable amount of time and resources. Despite its importance, projects continue to fail due to poor communication, untimely deliveries, poor quality deliveries and the lack of a suitable compliance environment. This study helped to address the aforementioned challenges by creating an enabling environment for contract compliance in procuring and disposing entities (PDEs) in state departments in Uganda. The purpose of this study was to determine the enabling factors necessary for contract compliance and how it can be effectively used to assist PDEs in the Ugandan context. This purpose was achieved through a qualitative research approach that provided insights into the need for contract compliance among PDEs and the perceptions thereof; the contract compliance processes; challenges associated with contract compliance and the factors to be considered when creating an enabling environment for contract compliance. Data was gathered from telephonic interviews with twenty one participants and focus group discussions via the Zoom online platform with eight participants, bringing the total number of participants to twenty nine. Participants included auditors, accounting officers, heads of finance departments, heads of procurement departments and procurement officers. Data was collected using an interview guide and analysed by means of content and thematic analyses. A conceptual framework for creating a suitable environment for contract compliance in PDEs was developed. Findings indicate that the critical factors for creating an enabling environment include: communication; reporting; records management; institutional structure; compliance checks; enforcement; a legal and regulatory framework; and evaluation. Other factors include: stakeholder involvement; contract management; funding; openness; ethical orientation; and capacity building. The proposed conceptual framework serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners, especially those involved in public procurement. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Management, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Creating shared value through innovating business models: a case study of the Mapela Water Project

- Moyo, Bonnie

Authors: Moyo, Bonnie
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Business planning -- South Africa , Strategic planning -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , Mineral industries -- South Africa , Mapela Water Project , Hourglass Model
Language: English
Type: thesis , text , Masters , MBA
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177135 , vital:42793
Description: Shared value creation is a contemporary concept that aims to address the strained relationship between business and society through business models that expand the competitive advantage of business while addressing societal challenges in the business environment. Being a novel concept, studies on how value is created and shared are limited, especially where the unit of analysis is a specific project. This paper investigates how value is created and shared among stakeholders using a water project case study reported as a shared value initiative. The investigation is considered under the Hourglass Model (Ludeke-Freund, Massa, Bocken, Brent and Musango, 2016) as a guiding framework. This sustainable business model is suggested as a business model that creates shared value. The study uses a qualitative research approach to investigate the inputs into the Hourglass Model (Ludeke-Freund et al., 2016) in the form of capitals, briefly considers the business models of specific stakeholders and then analyses the value created, missed and destroyed for each stakeholder through their value creation mechanisms. In the findings, six different capitals are identified from the participating stakeholders, and the value created, destroyed, and missed is discussed in the context of shared value principles. The findings show that capitals are used as inputs into the Hourglass Model and are consumed, created, and regenerated. There is also the realisation from the findings that different stakeholders required different and varying amounts of the six capitals identified. The interconnectedness of the capitals is shown in the study, and the findings show that the context of the environment within which a project operates contributes to the creation of shared value. As with the six capitals, the findings show that multiple stakeholders create shared value confirming stakeholder theory's guiding principles regarding stakeholder salience, which are relevant for creating shared value. Some stakeholders are identified as being more important to creating shared value in the project than others. Trade-offs are then required for value creation from a finite pool of capitals and stakeholders to consider the capitals and stakeholders' long and short-term impacts. Identifying stakeholders and the capitals allowed the researcher to consider the value created, destroyed and missed in the project. This assessment of shared value generated forms part of the findings on business models' outcomes for shared value, summarised for the project. Based on these areas where the outcomes are missing or destroying value, recommendations are made to address these opportunities, and an area of further research is identified. Drawing on these outcomes, developing clusters as per the value creation avenues of shared value would be the most appropriate avenue for this project. The study adds to the shared value body of knowledge by operationalising the Hourglass Model (Ludeke-Freund et al., 2016) and illustrating how the Model can be used to consider shared value creation. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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Customer experience in the grocery retail sector in South Africa

- Leander, Donovan

Authors: Leander, Donovan
Date: 2021-04
Subjects: Customer services -- Management , Consumer satisfaction , Grocery trade-Case studies
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51743 , vital:43368
Description: Customer Experience (CX) is the measurement of interaction between a customer and an organisation over a long time. Customer Experience is a strategic marketing effort that aims to improve the customer journey and touchpoints with the organisations’ product and services. It involves the complete customer journey – starting with the search process, purchase and after-sale processes of the experience. Google Trends identified that online users from all over the world search the key words “Customer Experience” more, often than not. This study considered a reliable measure for Customer Experience. This study endeavours to explore Customer Experience in the grocery retail sector in South Africa to put customer needs at the centre of their business. Extensive research on Customer Experience exist, however Customer Experience in the grocery retail sector in South Africa has not been measured using Professor Phillip Klaus’s new scale in CX. A broad literature review was conducted and Factors influencing Customer Experience in the grocery retail sector were identified and explored. The academic literature selected for the study is founded in the academic theories of Experienced Utility and Service-Dominant (S-D) Logic. The literature formed the foundation for the conceptual model that included the proposed Brand Experience (BE), Service Experience (SE) and Post-purchase / Consumption Experience (PE) independent factors. This treatise formed part of a bigger study of Customer Experience undertaken, using a questionnaire distributed via email, which 858 respondents completed. The study was quantitative. Data analysis included the use of descriptive and inferential statistics, Exploratory Factor Analysis, Reliability and Validity of Measurement, One-Sample T-Tests and the measurement of relationship between the factors. There is a need for companies to explore and understand CX in order to differentiate themselves strategically and to improve the bottom line. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by using academic literature and theories to explore Customer Experience in the grocery retail sector in South Africa. BE involves the customers’ perception of the brand and influence the customer’s experience. Customers look for clues to help inform their SE and expect companies to know their product and basic service promise. The findings of the study identified that BE and SE had a positive and significant influence on each other. Customers will show signs of commitment to an organisation during a positive PE. Similarly, the findings concluded that PE and CX had a statistical and practical significant positive correlation. PE was highlighted as a key determinant of CX. A positive CX will lead to a repeat purchases. Marketing managers need to take into account these factors when formulating CX strategies to influence the bottom line of the organisation. This study concludes with managerial recommendations that the grocery retail sector can implement to influence CX. Some of the recommendations include the appointment of a professional to manage all social media content; training and development opportunities for employees to enhance customer and shopping experience; and the use of customer data from loyalty programmes to promote personalised offers. In summary, a continuous review of CX with the emphasis on PE is recommended, to understand the changing needs of customers in the grocery retail sector. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-04

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