An investigation into what influences action competence-oriented teaching and learning processes in a school environmental club
- Authors: James, Alison
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Environmental education -- South Africa -- East London Environmental education -- Activity programs -- South Africa -- East London Environmental literacy -- South Africa -- East London Environmental literacy -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- East London Active learning -- South Africa -- East London Competency-based education -- South Africa -- East London Teacher-student relationships -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1619 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003501
- Description: This interpretive case study sought to determine what influenced action competence-oriented teaching and learning processes in a high school environmental club. The goals were to describe a year of activities, within the TALON environmental club at Hudson Park High School in East London, South Africa and to identify how pedagogical, contextual and relational factors influenced action competence processes amongst club members. I explored how action competence theory and praxis have helped in other school education settings with the aim of establishing better environmental practices. The IVAC model of pedagogy (Jensen & Schnack, 1997) was used as a framework to operationalise action competence processes within the TALON Club. This entailed carefully examining investigative, visioning, action and change processes unfolding through the four themes of the club: plants, animal welfare, waste issues and our community outreach programme at Bongulethu High School. Using questionnaires, interviews, observation and a journal as the main methods of data collection I was able to make five analytical statements that related to the influence of pedagogy, the influence of context and the influence of relational dynamics within the TALON Club. The pedagogical processes were affected by the TALON members wanting to avoid any activities that were ‘too much like school’. However this served to compromise the action and visioning phases within the club, resulting in superficial and poorly-informed action-taking. The influence of context served to both enable and constrain action competence processes. The club and school structures therefore shaped the form that fledgling actions took as the TALON members participated in the meetings and outings and fulfilling the traditional expectations of the school community. Relational dynamics and a desire for fun took precedence over the action competence processes. Although the Club members were motivated by a sense of moral responsibility they were unable to articulate this concept into the club activities. In addition there were the power gradients between the educators and members to consider as determinants of the extent of participatory, democratic interactions. This complex interplay of factors influenced the action competence processes in the club. Recommendations were made on how best to work with the concepts of participation and democracy towards improving the reflexivity and knowledge base of both the educators and learners. In this way action competence processes will be better supported within the club in future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: James, Alison
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Environmental education -- South Africa -- East London Environmental education -- Activity programs -- South Africa -- East London Environmental literacy -- South Africa -- East London Environmental literacy -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- East London Active learning -- South Africa -- East London Competency-based education -- South Africa -- East London Teacher-student relationships -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1619 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003501
- Description: This interpretive case study sought to determine what influenced action competence-oriented teaching and learning processes in a high school environmental club. The goals were to describe a year of activities, within the TALON environmental club at Hudson Park High School in East London, South Africa and to identify how pedagogical, contextual and relational factors influenced action competence processes amongst club members. I explored how action competence theory and praxis have helped in other school education settings with the aim of establishing better environmental practices. The IVAC model of pedagogy (Jensen & Schnack, 1997) was used as a framework to operationalise action competence processes within the TALON Club. This entailed carefully examining investigative, visioning, action and change processes unfolding through the four themes of the club: plants, animal welfare, waste issues and our community outreach programme at Bongulethu High School. Using questionnaires, interviews, observation and a journal as the main methods of data collection I was able to make five analytical statements that related to the influence of pedagogy, the influence of context and the influence of relational dynamics within the TALON Club. The pedagogical processes were affected by the TALON members wanting to avoid any activities that were ‘too much like school’. However this served to compromise the action and visioning phases within the club, resulting in superficial and poorly-informed action-taking. The influence of context served to both enable and constrain action competence processes. The club and school structures therefore shaped the form that fledgling actions took as the TALON members participated in the meetings and outings and fulfilling the traditional expectations of the school community. Relational dynamics and a desire for fun took precedence over the action competence processes. Although the Club members were motivated by a sense of moral responsibility they were unable to articulate this concept into the club activities. In addition there were the power gradients between the educators and members to consider as determinants of the extent of participatory, democratic interactions. This complex interplay of factors influenced the action competence processes in the club. Recommendations were made on how best to work with the concepts of participation and democracy towards improving the reflexivity and knowledge base of both the educators and learners. In this way action competence processes will be better supported within the club in future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Geographies of juvenile crime: a study of crime in selected high schools in East London, South Africa
- Authors: Ladokun, Ayodele Olanrewaju
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Juvenile delinquency -- South Africa -- East London , School violence -- South Africa -- East London , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- East London , High schools -- South Africa -- East London , School management and organization -- South Africa -- East London , Crime--South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geography)
- Identifier: vital:11507 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/345 , Juvenile delinquency -- South Africa -- East London , School violence -- South Africa -- East London , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- East London , High schools -- South Africa -- East London , School management and organization -- South Africa -- East London , Crime--South Africa -- East London
- Description: Youth crime has been and still is a social problem in South Africa. It is a problem that shakes the very fabric of the society. The problem with the youth in modern society is both a national concern and an important subject for academic study. High school environments are where youths converge for learning purposes, but they have also turned to hotspots for crime. Different theories on explanations for high school crime have been developed over time. This particular study, conducted in 2008, adopts the criminal opportunity theory to study the social, economic and the demographic characteristics of selected environments in which high schools are located to determine significant factors that are conducive for high schools to be crime hotspots. Three schools were selected in different neighbourhoods in East London for the study. The study used an intensive case design technique to conduct the research. Different characteristics of the communities in which the schools that were studied were located showed different crime pattern. The Law enforcement agencies also realize these differences and they try to address crime issues in various communities in the study areas individually
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Ladokun, Ayodele Olanrewaju
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Juvenile delinquency -- South Africa -- East London , School violence -- South Africa -- East London , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- East London , High schools -- South Africa -- East London , School management and organization -- South Africa -- East London , Crime--South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geography)
- Identifier: vital:11507 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/345 , Juvenile delinquency -- South Africa -- East London , School violence -- South Africa -- East London , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- East London , High schools -- South Africa -- East London , School management and organization -- South Africa -- East London , Crime--South Africa -- East London
- Description: Youth crime has been and still is a social problem in South Africa. It is a problem that shakes the very fabric of the society. The problem with the youth in modern society is both a national concern and an important subject for academic study. High school environments are where youths converge for learning purposes, but they have also turned to hotspots for crime. Different theories on explanations for high school crime have been developed over time. This particular study, conducted in 2008, adopts the criminal opportunity theory to study the social, economic and the demographic characteristics of selected environments in which high schools are located to determine significant factors that are conducive for high schools to be crime hotspots. Three schools were selected in different neighbourhoods in East London for the study. The study used an intensive case design technique to conduct the research. Different characteristics of the communities in which the schools that were studied were located showed different crime pattern. The Law enforcement agencies also realize these differences and they try to address crime issues in various communities in the study areas individually
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Mental health care practitioners' perceptions of mental illness within the isiXhosa cultural context
- Authors: Lombo, Nocawa Philomina
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Mental illness -- South Africa , Mental health personnel , Psychiatric nursing , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9997 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1179 , Mental illness -- South Africa , Mental health personnel , Psychiatric nursing , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Description: This study sought to explore the perceptions of mental health care practitioners’ perceptions on mental illness within the isiXhosa cultural context. A qualitative exploratory descriptive and contextual design was used for the study. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used to select eight participants from Komani Hospital in Queenstown. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The services of an Independent Interviewer were used to avoid any bias as interviews took place where the researcher is employed. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and the data collected was analyzed according to Tesch’s eight steps of data analysis as described in Cresswell (1994:155). The researcher utilized services of an Independent Coder who verified the identified major themes. Four major themes emerged from the analysis of the interview: Mental health care practitioner’s perceptions of mental illness, perception of the causes of mental illness within the isiXhosa cultural context, mental health care practitioners’ views in the management and treatment of mental illness and suggestions put forward to improve the services to mental health care users. The major findings of this study were the lack of knowledge of culture of mental health care users. It is recommended that it would be proper if there could be co-operation between mental health care practitioners and traditional healers by working together as a team.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Mental health care practitioners' perceptions of mental illness within the isiXhosa cultural context
- Authors: Lombo, Nocawa Philomina
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Mental illness -- South Africa , Mental health personnel , Psychiatric nursing , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9997 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1179 , Mental illness -- South Africa , Mental health personnel , Psychiatric nursing , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Description: This study sought to explore the perceptions of mental health care practitioners’ perceptions on mental illness within the isiXhosa cultural context. A qualitative exploratory descriptive and contextual design was used for the study. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used to select eight participants from Komani Hospital in Queenstown. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The services of an Independent Interviewer were used to avoid any bias as interviews took place where the researcher is employed. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and the data collected was analyzed according to Tesch’s eight steps of data analysis as described in Cresswell (1994:155). The researcher utilized services of an Independent Coder who verified the identified major themes. Four major themes emerged from the analysis of the interview: Mental health care practitioner’s perceptions of mental illness, perception of the causes of mental illness within the isiXhosa cultural context, mental health care practitioners’ views in the management and treatment of mental illness and suggestions put forward to improve the services to mental health care users. The major findings of this study were the lack of knowledge of culture of mental health care users. It is recommended that it would be proper if there could be co-operation between mental health care practitioners and traditional healers by working together as a team.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The migration of the term "civil war" : a social constructivist explanation
- Authors: Bailie, Lawrence Craig
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Civil Wars United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 Iraq -- History -- Civil War, 1991
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006022 , DOI http://doi.org/10.21504/10962/d1006022
- Description: Although the occurrence of wars between states has been in decline, the same cannot be said of conflict within states – especially when considering the innumerable ‘Civil Wars’ said to have occurred since the end of the Cold War. In this context the use of the word ‘innumerable’ is qualified more by the variance in how ‘Civil War’ is understood as a concept (leading to different claims as to how many conflicts of this kind may have occurred over a period of time) and less by their large number. Claims regarding the occurrence of ‘Civil War’ suggest this type of conflict to be the dominant form at least since the end of World War Two. This prevalence in the face of a decline in inter-state warfare has afforded greater interest to ‘Civil War’ as a topic of inquiry. The understanding that ‘Civil Wars’ have with time increased in their occurrence and changed in their nature comes under investigation in this thesis and is seen as problematic in that the means by which a phenomenon is measured (i.e. through its nature) must be fixed so as to measure the frequency of that phenomenon. Using Social Constructivism as a theoretical lens of inquiry, sense is made of this understanding and, furthermore, the true meaning behind the claim that ‘Civil War’ has changed is revealed. The empirical evidence that accompanies this theoretical work exists in the American Civil War of 1861–1865 and the debate over the conflict in Iraq following the U.S. invasion in 2003. This debate is used as a means by which to bring the contestation over the notion of ‘Civil War’ to the fore, while a comparison of this conflict with the quintessential American Civil War reveals the migration of the term.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Bailie, Lawrence Craig
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Civil Wars United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 Iraq -- History -- Civil War, 1991
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006022 , DOI http://doi.org/10.21504/10962/d1006022
- Description: Although the occurrence of wars between states has been in decline, the same cannot be said of conflict within states – especially when considering the innumerable ‘Civil Wars’ said to have occurred since the end of the Cold War. In this context the use of the word ‘innumerable’ is qualified more by the variance in how ‘Civil War’ is understood as a concept (leading to different claims as to how many conflicts of this kind may have occurred over a period of time) and less by their large number. Claims regarding the occurrence of ‘Civil War’ suggest this type of conflict to be the dominant form at least since the end of World War Two. This prevalence in the face of a decline in inter-state warfare has afforded greater interest to ‘Civil War’ as a topic of inquiry. The understanding that ‘Civil Wars’ have with time increased in their occurrence and changed in their nature comes under investigation in this thesis and is seen as problematic in that the means by which a phenomenon is measured (i.e. through its nature) must be fixed so as to measure the frequency of that phenomenon. Using Social Constructivism as a theoretical lens of inquiry, sense is made of this understanding and, furthermore, the true meaning behind the claim that ‘Civil War’ has changed is revealed. The empirical evidence that accompanies this theoretical work exists in the American Civil War of 1861–1865 and the debate over the conflict in Iraq following the U.S. invasion in 2003. This debate is used as a means by which to bring the contestation over the notion of ‘Civil War’ to the fore, while a comparison of this conflict with the quintessential American Civil War reveals the migration of the term.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
White rhinoceros populations in the Eastern Cape: distribution, performance and diet
- Authors: Kraai, Manqhai
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rhinoceroses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rhinoceroses -- Habitat -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rhinoceroses -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10692 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1297 , Rhinoceroses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rhinoceroses -- Habitat -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rhinoceroses -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: White rhino populations did not occur historically in the Eastern Cape, South Africa (Skead 2007). They have, however, been introduced into a number of reserves within the Eastern Cape for reasons such as conservation, ecotourism and hunting. Based on the literature on the species, it was hypothesized that white rhinoceros would have been introduced in grass-rich habitats, as they are bulk grazers. White rhinoceros populations were further assessed in terms of population establishment by outlining their distribution and performance since introductions and this was done by extracting intercalving intervals from the literature of native populations and comparing such to the Eastern Cape intercalving intervals, extracted from data obtained from landowners. Finally, the diet of white rhinoceros was quantified, in order to identify plant species potentially at risk from white rhino herbivory using Shamwari Private Game Reserve as a study site. The distribution of white rhino in the Eastern Cape varies in terms of habitat and vegetation types. The majority (62%) of white rhino are located in grass-poor habitats and are primarily there for ecotourism purposes with only a small percentage kept for conservation purposes in the state reserves. Limited data for intercalving intervals of the white rhino in Eastern Cape are comparable to those of populations in the natural range. The ex situ conservation of white rhino in the Eastern Cape proved to be a success as population numbers have increased markedly since the first survey was conducted (Buijs 1999). The diet section of this study showed that white rhino are highly selective grazers even in a grass-limiting habitat which is dominated by browse. Twenty-five principal dietary items were identified in their diet, with only six being preferred in autumn. These are thus the plant species that could be the most vulnerable to white rhino herbivory. Supplementary food provision plays a big part of the feeding scheme of white rhino in Shamwari Private Game Reserve during the winter season, revealing the little confidence that the management has on natural resource availability to the animals at this time. These findings support the value of the Eastern Cape for ex situ conservation of white rhino, and highlight plant species potentially at risk. There is a need for further research on the population performance of these animals, and the plants identified here need to be monitored to assess white rhino impact on the vegetation
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Kraai, Manqhai
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rhinoceroses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rhinoceroses -- Habitat -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rhinoceroses -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10692 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1297 , Rhinoceroses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rhinoceroses -- Habitat -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rhinoceroses -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: White rhino populations did not occur historically in the Eastern Cape, South Africa (Skead 2007). They have, however, been introduced into a number of reserves within the Eastern Cape for reasons such as conservation, ecotourism and hunting. Based on the literature on the species, it was hypothesized that white rhinoceros would have been introduced in grass-rich habitats, as they are bulk grazers. White rhinoceros populations were further assessed in terms of population establishment by outlining their distribution and performance since introductions and this was done by extracting intercalving intervals from the literature of native populations and comparing such to the Eastern Cape intercalving intervals, extracted from data obtained from landowners. Finally, the diet of white rhinoceros was quantified, in order to identify plant species potentially at risk from white rhino herbivory using Shamwari Private Game Reserve as a study site. The distribution of white rhino in the Eastern Cape varies in terms of habitat and vegetation types. The majority (62%) of white rhino are located in grass-poor habitats and are primarily there for ecotourism purposes with only a small percentage kept for conservation purposes in the state reserves. Limited data for intercalving intervals of the white rhino in Eastern Cape are comparable to those of populations in the natural range. The ex situ conservation of white rhino in the Eastern Cape proved to be a success as population numbers have increased markedly since the first survey was conducted (Buijs 1999). The diet section of this study showed that white rhino are highly selective grazers even in a grass-limiting habitat which is dominated by browse. Twenty-five principal dietary items were identified in their diet, with only six being preferred in autumn. These are thus the plant species that could be the most vulnerable to white rhino herbivory. Supplementary food provision plays a big part of the feeding scheme of white rhino in Shamwari Private Game Reserve during the winter season, revealing the little confidence that the management has on natural resource availability to the animals at this time. These findings support the value of the Eastern Cape for ex situ conservation of white rhino, and highlight plant species potentially at risk. There is a need for further research on the population performance of these animals, and the plants identified here need to be monitored to assess white rhino impact on the vegetation
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The biology of austroglanis gilli and austroglanis barnardi (siluriformes : austroglanididae) in the Olifants River system, South Africa
- Authors: Mthombeni, Vusi Gedla
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Catfishes -- South Africa -- Olifants River , Fishes -- South Africa -- Olifants River -- Growth , Freshwater fishes -- Effect of pesticides on -- South Africa -- Olifants River
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5370 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015222
- Description: Austroglanis gilli and A. barnardi are endemic to the Clanwilliam-Olifants System in the Western Cape, South Africa. The populations of each of these species are considered to be threatened by various anthropogenic activities, which include inappropriate agricultural practice and impacts of alien invasive fish species. The purpose of this thesis was to assess the life-history of these two endangered species in order to contribute to understanding their biology. Such information is vital for the development of strategies for their conservation. Marginal zone and marginal increment analyses from sectioned lapilliar otoliths of both A. gilli and A. barnardi showed a unimodal peak, suggesting a single annulus formation. The oldest specimens of A. gilli and A. barnardi were 12+ and 14+ years, respectively. The growth of A. gilli and A. barnardi was relatively slow and was best described by the von Bertalanffy growth curve as: L, = 131.56(1 - exp(- 0.27(t - 1.18 ))) for male and L, = 113.86(1 - exp(- 0.43(1- 0.74))) for female A. gilli from the Rondegat River. In the Noordhoeks River, growth was L, = 99.67(1 - exp(- 0.53(t - 0.35))) for male and L, = 96.60(1 - exp(- 0.64(t - 0.11 ))) for female A. gilli, and L, =71.02(1-exp(-0.26(1-3.07))) and L, = 69.50(1-exp(-0.36(1 - 1.88))) for male and female A. barnardi, respectively. The average natural mortality for the combined sexes was estimated using catch curve analysis at 0.37 ± 0.12 per year for A. gilli from the Rondegat River, and at 0.71 ± 0.05 and 0.39 ± 0.04 per year for A. gilli and A. barnardi from the Noordhoeks River, respectively. For A. gilli in the Rondegat River, the first maturity was estimated at 3.3 years (97.3 mm SL) for males and 3.1 years (94.3 mm SL) for females. In the Noordhoeks River, the first maturity for A. gilli was estimated at 2.0 years (71.9 mm SL) for males and 1.7 (66.4 mm SL) for females, and for A. barnardi at 2.0 (55.0 nun SL) for males and 2.9 years (58.9 mm SL) for females. Maturity corresponded closely to the asymptotic sizes from the von Bertalanffy curves, suggesting a shift in energy use from somatic growth to gonad development. Macroscopic assessment of the state of gonads, the Ganado-somatic index and histological examinations revealed that both A. gilli and A. barnardi have a single spawning season. The presence of oocytes in different stages of development in each of the ovaries of mature females collected between November and January suggested asynchronous, iteroperous serial spawning. The resorption of yolk was observed from ovaries collected between February and March and no vitellogenic oocyte was visible from ovaries collected between April and August. A similar trend was observed for males, with spermatozoa filling the lumen between November and January and some residual spermatozoa being present in the lumens soon after the breeding season. Spermatocytes and spermatids were dominant in the testes until October. An Index of Relative Importance revealed that A. gilli feeds predominantly on the benthic macroinvertebrate larvae of Ephemeroptera (particularly Baetidae), Diptera (particularly Chironomidae and Simuliidae) and Trichoptera. Austroglanis barnardi feeds predominantly on dipteran larvae (particularly Chironornidae and Simuliidae). Chi square contingency tables showed a significant difference in the dominant prey items of A. gilli and A. barnardi in the Noordhoeks River (X₂= 53.79, d.f. = 4, p > 0.001) and A. gilli between Rondegat and Noordhoeks rivers (x₂ = 34.74, d.f. = 4, p > 0.001). The Spearman's rank correlation test showed no shifts in the diet of A. barnardi from Noordhoeks River and A. gilli from Rondegat River with a change in size and season (p>O.OS). However, there was a shift in the diet of A. gilli from the Noordhoeks River which could suggest a distinct patchiness of benthic macroinvertebrates between the riffle feeding areas used by juveniles and other biotopes used by adults. The occurrence, in stomach contents, of other prey items from a wide variety of taxa and the presence of allochthonous material from the terrestrial environment could suggest an opportunistic feeding guild for both Austroglanis species. The life-history traits of A. gilli and A. barnardi, which are charaterized by slow growth, long life span and low relative fecundity, indicate that both species are relatively precocial and K-selected. The population of a precocial species is relatively stable and if population numbers were to be greatly reduced, they would require a long time to rebuild. An urgent conservation intervention is therefore recommended for Austroglanis spp. so as to maintain the diversity of populations within these species. The creation of protected river reserves and raising public conservation awareness may minimise activities that result in altered river hydrology and the destruction of complex benthic habitats.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mthombeni, Vusi Gedla
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Catfishes -- South Africa -- Olifants River , Fishes -- South Africa -- Olifants River -- Growth , Freshwater fishes -- Effect of pesticides on -- South Africa -- Olifants River
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5370 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015222
- Description: Austroglanis gilli and A. barnardi are endemic to the Clanwilliam-Olifants System in the Western Cape, South Africa. The populations of each of these species are considered to be threatened by various anthropogenic activities, which include inappropriate agricultural practice and impacts of alien invasive fish species. The purpose of this thesis was to assess the life-history of these two endangered species in order to contribute to understanding their biology. Such information is vital for the development of strategies for their conservation. Marginal zone and marginal increment analyses from sectioned lapilliar otoliths of both A. gilli and A. barnardi showed a unimodal peak, suggesting a single annulus formation. The oldest specimens of A. gilli and A. barnardi were 12+ and 14+ years, respectively. The growth of A. gilli and A. barnardi was relatively slow and was best described by the von Bertalanffy growth curve as: L, = 131.56(1 - exp(- 0.27(t - 1.18 ))) for male and L, = 113.86(1 - exp(- 0.43(1- 0.74))) for female A. gilli from the Rondegat River. In the Noordhoeks River, growth was L, = 99.67(1 - exp(- 0.53(t - 0.35))) for male and L, = 96.60(1 - exp(- 0.64(t - 0.11 ))) for female A. gilli, and L, =71.02(1-exp(-0.26(1-3.07))) and L, = 69.50(1-exp(-0.36(1 - 1.88))) for male and female A. barnardi, respectively. The average natural mortality for the combined sexes was estimated using catch curve analysis at 0.37 ± 0.12 per year for A. gilli from the Rondegat River, and at 0.71 ± 0.05 and 0.39 ± 0.04 per year for A. gilli and A. barnardi from the Noordhoeks River, respectively. For A. gilli in the Rondegat River, the first maturity was estimated at 3.3 years (97.3 mm SL) for males and 3.1 years (94.3 mm SL) for females. In the Noordhoeks River, the first maturity for A. gilli was estimated at 2.0 years (71.9 mm SL) for males and 1.7 (66.4 mm SL) for females, and for A. barnardi at 2.0 (55.0 nun SL) for males and 2.9 years (58.9 mm SL) for females. Maturity corresponded closely to the asymptotic sizes from the von Bertalanffy curves, suggesting a shift in energy use from somatic growth to gonad development. Macroscopic assessment of the state of gonads, the Ganado-somatic index and histological examinations revealed that both A. gilli and A. barnardi have a single spawning season. The presence of oocytes in different stages of development in each of the ovaries of mature females collected between November and January suggested asynchronous, iteroperous serial spawning. The resorption of yolk was observed from ovaries collected between February and March and no vitellogenic oocyte was visible from ovaries collected between April and August. A similar trend was observed for males, with spermatozoa filling the lumen between November and January and some residual spermatozoa being present in the lumens soon after the breeding season. Spermatocytes and spermatids were dominant in the testes until October. An Index of Relative Importance revealed that A. gilli feeds predominantly on the benthic macroinvertebrate larvae of Ephemeroptera (particularly Baetidae), Diptera (particularly Chironomidae and Simuliidae) and Trichoptera. Austroglanis barnardi feeds predominantly on dipteran larvae (particularly Chironornidae and Simuliidae). Chi square contingency tables showed a significant difference in the dominant prey items of A. gilli and A. barnardi in the Noordhoeks River (X₂= 53.79, d.f. = 4, p > 0.001) and A. gilli between Rondegat and Noordhoeks rivers (x₂ = 34.74, d.f. = 4, p > 0.001). The Spearman's rank correlation test showed no shifts in the diet of A. barnardi from Noordhoeks River and A. gilli from Rondegat River with a change in size and season (p>O.OS). However, there was a shift in the diet of A. gilli from the Noordhoeks River which could suggest a distinct patchiness of benthic macroinvertebrates between the riffle feeding areas used by juveniles and other biotopes used by adults. The occurrence, in stomach contents, of other prey items from a wide variety of taxa and the presence of allochthonous material from the terrestrial environment could suggest an opportunistic feeding guild for both Austroglanis species. The life-history traits of A. gilli and A. barnardi, which are charaterized by slow growth, long life span and low relative fecundity, indicate that both species are relatively precocial and K-selected. The population of a precocial species is relatively stable and if population numbers were to be greatly reduced, they would require a long time to rebuild. An urgent conservation intervention is therefore recommended for Austroglanis spp. so as to maintain the diversity of populations within these species. The creation of protected river reserves and raising public conservation awareness may minimise activities that result in altered river hydrology and the destruction of complex benthic habitats.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Effect of repeated eccentric demands placed on the lower limb musculature during simulated Rugby Union play
- Authors: Brown, Lisa Gill
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Sports injuries , Muscles -- Wounds and injuries , Tendons -- Wounds and injuries , Muscles -- Examination , Rugby football injuries , Rugby Union football players
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5114 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005192 , Sports injuries , Muscles -- Wounds and injuries , Tendons -- Wounds and injuries , Muscles -- Examination , Rugby football injuries , Rugby Union football players
- Description: Epidemiological studies consistently report that muscular strains are a primary injury type in rugby union with the majority of the strains occurring to the quadricep and hamstring musculature. Recently it has been suggested that poor eccentric muscular strength is a precursor to hamstring and quadriceps strains during intermittent sports that require rapid acceleration and deceleration. Despite the high incidence of these muscle injuries in Rugby Union there has been little research into the possible mechanisms involved. Thus, the purpose of this study was to measure the physiological and perceptual responses during a simulated Rugby Union laboratory protocol and further, to identify changes in muscle recruitment patterns and muscle strength over time by comparing this protocol to a continuous, constant load protocol covering the same distance. The experimental condition (EXP) required university level players to perform 80 minutes of simulated rugby union play in a laboratory setting (on a walkway of 22m) which was compared to that of a control condition (CON) which involved subjects covering the same distance, at a constant speed of 4.2km.h-1 on a treadmill. Physiological, biophysical and perceptual responses were measured pre-, at half-time and post-protocol. Heart rate was significantly (p<0.01) greater as a result of EXP in comparison to the CON. Electromyography (EMG) of the vastus medialis was significantly (p<0.01) greater during the CON protocol. The EXP condition elicited higher iEMG activity in the hamstring musculature at all time intervals. In addition the iEMG of the semitendinosus decreased significantly (p<0.01) as a result of the EXP protocol. Peak eccentric knee extensors (EXT) (-13.19%) and flexors (FLEX) (-12.81%) torque decreased significantly during the experimental protocol. After passive half-time (236.67 + 56.27Nm (EXT) and 173.89 + 33.3NM (FLEX)) and at the end of the protocol (220.39 + 55.16Nm and 162.89 + 30.66Nm) reduced relative to pre protocol (253.89 + 54.54Nm and 186.83 + 33.3Nm). Peak eccentric knee extensors did not change during the control protocol. „Central‟ and ‟Local” Rating of Perceived Exertion values were significantly (P<0.01) greater during the EXP protocol with an increased incidence of hamstring discomfort and perceived pain (5 out of 10). The EXP protocol resulted in significantly (p<0.01) increased incidence of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). In conclusion, a stop-start laboratory protocol elicited increased heart rate, negatively impacted on muscle activity of the hamstrings, decreased eccentric strength in the lower limb musculature, resulted in increased ratings of „Central‟ and „Local‟ exertion and increased pain perception and increased incidence of DOMS. Thus, a stop-start rugby specific laboratory protocol has a negative impact on performance. Due to the specificity of the protocol being designed to match the demands of competitive match play it is expected that these changes in heart rate, muscle activity and strength, particularly eccentric strength, will impact negativity on performance during rugby match play and increase the likelihood of injury
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Brown, Lisa Gill
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Sports injuries , Muscles -- Wounds and injuries , Tendons -- Wounds and injuries , Muscles -- Examination , Rugby football injuries , Rugby Union football players
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5114 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005192 , Sports injuries , Muscles -- Wounds and injuries , Tendons -- Wounds and injuries , Muscles -- Examination , Rugby football injuries , Rugby Union football players
- Description: Epidemiological studies consistently report that muscular strains are a primary injury type in rugby union with the majority of the strains occurring to the quadricep and hamstring musculature. Recently it has been suggested that poor eccentric muscular strength is a precursor to hamstring and quadriceps strains during intermittent sports that require rapid acceleration and deceleration. Despite the high incidence of these muscle injuries in Rugby Union there has been little research into the possible mechanisms involved. Thus, the purpose of this study was to measure the physiological and perceptual responses during a simulated Rugby Union laboratory protocol and further, to identify changes in muscle recruitment patterns and muscle strength over time by comparing this protocol to a continuous, constant load protocol covering the same distance. The experimental condition (EXP) required university level players to perform 80 minutes of simulated rugby union play in a laboratory setting (on a walkway of 22m) which was compared to that of a control condition (CON) which involved subjects covering the same distance, at a constant speed of 4.2km.h-1 on a treadmill. Physiological, biophysical and perceptual responses were measured pre-, at half-time and post-protocol. Heart rate was significantly (p<0.01) greater as a result of EXP in comparison to the CON. Electromyography (EMG) of the vastus medialis was significantly (p<0.01) greater during the CON protocol. The EXP condition elicited higher iEMG activity in the hamstring musculature at all time intervals. In addition the iEMG of the semitendinosus decreased significantly (p<0.01) as a result of the EXP protocol. Peak eccentric knee extensors (EXT) (-13.19%) and flexors (FLEX) (-12.81%) torque decreased significantly during the experimental protocol. After passive half-time (236.67 + 56.27Nm (EXT) and 173.89 + 33.3NM (FLEX)) and at the end of the protocol (220.39 + 55.16Nm and 162.89 + 30.66Nm) reduced relative to pre protocol (253.89 + 54.54Nm and 186.83 + 33.3Nm). Peak eccentric knee extensors did not change during the control protocol. „Central‟ and ‟Local” Rating of Perceived Exertion values were significantly (P<0.01) greater during the EXP protocol with an increased incidence of hamstring discomfort and perceived pain (5 out of 10). The EXP protocol resulted in significantly (p<0.01) increased incidence of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). In conclusion, a stop-start laboratory protocol elicited increased heart rate, negatively impacted on muscle activity of the hamstrings, decreased eccentric strength in the lower limb musculature, resulted in increased ratings of „Central‟ and „Local‟ exertion and increased pain perception and increased incidence of DOMS. Thus, a stop-start rugby specific laboratory protocol has a negative impact on performance. Due to the specificity of the protocol being designed to match the demands of competitive match play it is expected that these changes in heart rate, muscle activity and strength, particularly eccentric strength, will impact negativity on performance during rugby match play and increase the likelihood of injury
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Immunological and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium species in HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative diarrhoea patients in the Nkonkobe Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: a pilot study
- Authors: Etinosa, Omoruyi Beauty
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Protozoa, Pathogenic , Pathogenic microorganisms -- Detection , Medical microbiology , HIV-positive persons , Cryptosporidium , Diarrhea , HIV-infections
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Biochemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11252 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/392 , Protozoa, Pathogenic , Pathogenic microorganisms -- Detection , Medical microbiology , HIV-positive persons , Cryptosporidium , Diarrhea , HIV-infections
- Description: Cryptosporidiosis is an infection caused by Cryptosporidium; a protozoan parasite that infects the gastrointestinal tract. The infection is of major public health concern in both developed and developing countries. Faecal samples were collected from 160 in-patient adults, with complaint of diarrhoea, admitted at Victoria hospital in Alice, Nkonkobe Municipality. Twenty apparently healthy subjects were included as controls. All diarrhoea positive patients were interviewed to record socio-demographic information, water supply and animal contact. Initial screening was carried out by microscopy and ELISA to detect positive Cryptosporidium. Genomic DNA was extracted from microscopically positive samples and a PCR reaction was perform to amplify the (18S) SSUrRNA gene for further identification and epidemiology of Cryptosporidium. Data were analysed using Pearson‘s χ2 and Fisher‘s exact test to assess the univariate association between Cryptosporidium infection and the possible risk factors. Of the 180 subjects screened for cryptosporidial infection, Cryptosporidium antigen was detected in 122 giving an overall prevalence of 67.8 percent. In HIV-positive diarrhoea patients, prevalence increased with ages; between 31-43 (mean age 36.5 yr) and 70-82 (mean age 75.8 yr) had a higher prevalence (100 percent) of the antigen than 18-30 (mean age 23.2 yr) and 83-95 (mean age 88.8 yr) (50.0 percent) in HIV-positive diarrhoea patients (P > 0.05). In HIV-negative diarrhoea patients, prevalence was highest in the 18-30 (mean age 23.2 yr) (87.5 percent) and least (35.7 percent) in those aged 83-95 (mean age 88.8 yr) (P > 0.05). Cryptosporidium antigen was higher in females than in males. Of 115 females (mean age 46.7yr) who participated in the study, antigen was detected in 90 (78.2 percent) against 32 (71.1 percent) of 45 males (mean age 42.6yr). None of the 20 apparently healthy control subjects was found to be infected with Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium was detected in 27 HIV-positive and 97 HIV-negative diarrhoea patients by any one of the techniques. Antigen detection by ELISA 14 showed the highest positivity 96 (76.8 percent) in HIV- negative and 26 (74.3 percent) in HIV- positive diarrhoea patients. PCR detected eighty-nine (71.2 percent) cases in HIV-negative and 23 (65.7 percent) in HIV-positive patients with diarrhoea. Only 13 (37.1 percent) HIV-positive and 34 (27.2 percent) HIV-negative diarrhoea patients were found positive for Cryptosporidium by modified ZN. No significant difference was observed in sensitivity of antigen detection by ELISA and PCR (96.9 percent) in HIV-negative diarrhoea patients, respectively. Specificity of the staining technique was 88.9 percent in HIV-positive and 96.6 percent in HIV-negative diarrhoea patients. No significant difference was found in specificity of antigen detection by ELISA and PCR in HIV-positive and HIV-negative diarrhoea patients, respectively. Positive predictive value of ZN staining in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative diarrhoea patients (92.3 and 96.9 percent) was statistically higher than ELISA and PCR. No significant difference was observed in negative predictive value of ZN technique for detection of Cryptosporidium between HIV-positive and HIV- negative diarrhoea patients. Differences found in prevalence rates due to water source, suggest that the high infection rates of specific groups are associated with their exposure to the contaminated water supply. The results indicate that Cryptosporidium infection is highly prevalent in adult faecal specimens in the Nkonkobe Municipality, an indication of active infection that is likely to emerge as major human pathogen in this location due to socioeconomic changes which favour transmission. However, sequencing analysis is required to differentiate between Cryptosporidium genotypes in the various outbreaks
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Etinosa, Omoruyi Beauty
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Protozoa, Pathogenic , Pathogenic microorganisms -- Detection , Medical microbiology , HIV-positive persons , Cryptosporidium , Diarrhea , HIV-infections
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Biochemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11252 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/392 , Protozoa, Pathogenic , Pathogenic microorganisms -- Detection , Medical microbiology , HIV-positive persons , Cryptosporidium , Diarrhea , HIV-infections
- Description: Cryptosporidiosis is an infection caused by Cryptosporidium; a protozoan parasite that infects the gastrointestinal tract. The infection is of major public health concern in both developed and developing countries. Faecal samples were collected from 160 in-patient adults, with complaint of diarrhoea, admitted at Victoria hospital in Alice, Nkonkobe Municipality. Twenty apparently healthy subjects were included as controls. All diarrhoea positive patients were interviewed to record socio-demographic information, water supply and animal contact. Initial screening was carried out by microscopy and ELISA to detect positive Cryptosporidium. Genomic DNA was extracted from microscopically positive samples and a PCR reaction was perform to amplify the (18S) SSUrRNA gene for further identification and epidemiology of Cryptosporidium. Data were analysed using Pearson‘s χ2 and Fisher‘s exact test to assess the univariate association between Cryptosporidium infection and the possible risk factors. Of the 180 subjects screened for cryptosporidial infection, Cryptosporidium antigen was detected in 122 giving an overall prevalence of 67.8 percent. In HIV-positive diarrhoea patients, prevalence increased with ages; between 31-43 (mean age 36.5 yr) and 70-82 (mean age 75.8 yr) had a higher prevalence (100 percent) of the antigen than 18-30 (mean age 23.2 yr) and 83-95 (mean age 88.8 yr) (50.0 percent) in HIV-positive diarrhoea patients (P > 0.05). In HIV-negative diarrhoea patients, prevalence was highest in the 18-30 (mean age 23.2 yr) (87.5 percent) and least (35.7 percent) in those aged 83-95 (mean age 88.8 yr) (P > 0.05). Cryptosporidium antigen was higher in females than in males. Of 115 females (mean age 46.7yr) who participated in the study, antigen was detected in 90 (78.2 percent) against 32 (71.1 percent) of 45 males (mean age 42.6yr). None of the 20 apparently healthy control subjects was found to be infected with Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium was detected in 27 HIV-positive and 97 HIV-negative diarrhoea patients by any one of the techniques. Antigen detection by ELISA 14 showed the highest positivity 96 (76.8 percent) in HIV- negative and 26 (74.3 percent) in HIV- positive diarrhoea patients. PCR detected eighty-nine (71.2 percent) cases in HIV-negative and 23 (65.7 percent) in HIV-positive patients with diarrhoea. Only 13 (37.1 percent) HIV-positive and 34 (27.2 percent) HIV-negative diarrhoea patients were found positive for Cryptosporidium by modified ZN. No significant difference was observed in sensitivity of antigen detection by ELISA and PCR (96.9 percent) in HIV-negative diarrhoea patients, respectively. Specificity of the staining technique was 88.9 percent in HIV-positive and 96.6 percent in HIV-negative diarrhoea patients. No significant difference was found in specificity of antigen detection by ELISA and PCR in HIV-positive and HIV-negative diarrhoea patients, respectively. Positive predictive value of ZN staining in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative diarrhoea patients (92.3 and 96.9 percent) was statistically higher than ELISA and PCR. No significant difference was observed in negative predictive value of ZN technique for detection of Cryptosporidium between HIV-positive and HIV- negative diarrhoea patients. Differences found in prevalence rates due to water source, suggest that the high infection rates of specific groups are associated with their exposure to the contaminated water supply. The results indicate that Cryptosporidium infection is highly prevalent in adult faecal specimens in the Nkonkobe Municipality, an indication of active infection that is likely to emerge as major human pathogen in this location due to socioeconomic changes which favour transmission. However, sequencing analysis is required to differentiate between Cryptosporidium genotypes in the various outbreaks
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Unionism and public service reform in Lesotho: between legislative constraints and apathy
- Authors: Maema, Mapule
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Civil service -- Lesotho , Labor unions -- Lesotho , Civil service reform -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3306 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003094 , Civil service -- Lesotho , Labor unions -- Lesotho , Civil service reform -- Lesotho
- Description: The study focuses on Lesotho‟s Public Service. The aims of this study were to examine the factors that led to the repeal of the Public Service Act No.13 of 1995. This study looks at the legislative constraints and attitudes of civil servants towards unionisation in the Public Service. It also outlines the relevant provisions of the Public Service Act No.1 of 2005; the changes that have occurred since its inception. Findings show that the Public Service Act No.13 of 1995 was repealed in order to reform the Public Service. The Ministry of the Public Service implemented five-year strategic plans to reform the public service. Changes have occurred in the public service since the inception of the 2005 Act; however, they differ from ministry to ministry. The respondents included public officers from the Ministry of the Public Service, Ministry of Justice, Law Office, Ministry of Employment and Labour, Ministry of Planning, the Ombudsman Office, Parliament, different ministries, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Congress of the Lesotho Trade Unions (COLETU) and the Lesotho Public Service Staff Association (LEPSSA).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Maema, Mapule
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Civil service -- Lesotho , Labor unions -- Lesotho , Civil service reform -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3306 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003094 , Civil service -- Lesotho , Labor unions -- Lesotho , Civil service reform -- Lesotho
- Description: The study focuses on Lesotho‟s Public Service. The aims of this study were to examine the factors that led to the repeal of the Public Service Act No.13 of 1995. This study looks at the legislative constraints and attitudes of civil servants towards unionisation in the Public Service. It also outlines the relevant provisions of the Public Service Act No.1 of 2005; the changes that have occurred since its inception. Findings show that the Public Service Act No.13 of 1995 was repealed in order to reform the Public Service. The Ministry of the Public Service implemented five-year strategic plans to reform the public service. Changes have occurred in the public service since the inception of the 2005 Act; however, they differ from ministry to ministry. The respondents included public officers from the Ministry of the Public Service, Ministry of Justice, Law Office, Ministry of Employment and Labour, Ministry of Planning, the Ombudsman Office, Parliament, different ministries, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Congress of the Lesotho Trade Unions (COLETU) and the Lesotho Public Service Staff Association (LEPSSA).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Risk management
- Authors: Derrocks, Velda Charmaine
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Risk management -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa , Financial risk management -- South Africa , Risk management -- South Africa -- Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8633 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1480 , Risk management -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa , Financial risk management -- South Africa , Risk management -- South Africa -- Decision making
- Description: The objective of the study is to establish a perspective of risk management by doing an assessment of current risk management practices, especially in the aftermath of the 2008/2009 global financial crisis. Risk management, as a component of corporate governance, was analysed by addressing the following: - The nature of value-creating assets in business; - The primary challenges for risk management over the next three years; - The changing approaches towards risk management; - The role of legislation and external stakeholders; - The role of risk management in strategic planning; - The cost of risk management; and - The benefits of improved risk management capabilities. A survey was conducted in the form of a questionnaire in order to obtain primary information from business owners on the current role of risk management in their organisations as well as their view on the role of risk management going forward. Businesses operating in the Port Elizabeth and surrounding area with an existing relationship with Absa Business Banking Services participated in the study. Quantitative techniques were used to analyse the data that were obtained from the sample group. The study revealed that the role of risk management in enterprises is evolving into an integrated, enterprise wide risk management function that can be utilised as a source of competitive advantage, from both a funding perspective for Banks and a business perspective for business owners. Capitalising on risk management as a competitive advantage will ultimately lead to long term sustainability and profitability of South African business enterprises and the South African Banking system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Derrocks, Velda Charmaine
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Risk management -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa , Financial risk management -- South Africa , Risk management -- South Africa -- Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8633 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1480 , Risk management -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa , Financial risk management -- South Africa , Risk management -- South Africa -- Decision making
- Description: The objective of the study is to establish a perspective of risk management by doing an assessment of current risk management practices, especially in the aftermath of the 2008/2009 global financial crisis. Risk management, as a component of corporate governance, was analysed by addressing the following: - The nature of value-creating assets in business; - The primary challenges for risk management over the next three years; - The changing approaches towards risk management; - The role of legislation and external stakeholders; - The role of risk management in strategic planning; - The cost of risk management; and - The benefits of improved risk management capabilities. A survey was conducted in the form of a questionnaire in order to obtain primary information from business owners on the current role of risk management in their organisations as well as their view on the role of risk management going forward. Businesses operating in the Port Elizabeth and surrounding area with an existing relationship with Absa Business Banking Services participated in the study. Quantitative techniques were used to analyse the data that were obtained from the sample group. The study revealed that the role of risk management in enterprises is evolving into an integrated, enterprise wide risk management function that can be utilised as a source of competitive advantage, from both a funding perspective for Banks and a business perspective for business owners. Capitalising on risk management as a competitive advantage will ultimately lead to long term sustainability and profitability of South African business enterprises and the South African Banking system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An investigation into parental involvements in the learning of mathematics : a case study involving grade 5 San learners and their parents
- Hamukwaya, Shemunyenge Taleiko
- Authors: Hamukwaya, Shemunyenge Taleiko
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Mathematics (Elementary) -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Mathematics (Elementary) -- Study and teaching -- Activity programs -- Namibia , Mathematics (Elementary) -- Study and teaching -- Parent participation -- Namibia , Parent-teacher relationships -- Namibia , Marginality, Social -- Namibia , Literacy -- Social aspects -- Namibia , Khoisan (African people) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1598 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003480 , Mathematics (Elementary) -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Mathematics (Elementary) -- Study and teaching -- Activity programs -- Namibia , Mathematics (Elementary) -- Study and teaching -- Parent participation -- Namibia , Parent-teacher relationships -- Namibia , Marginality, Social -- Namibia , Literacy -- Social aspects -- Namibia , Khoisan (African people) -- Namibia
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate and document parental involvement in a San community in Namibia over a period of two months. The emphasis was to investigate whether San parents in the Omusati region were involved in the learning of mathematics of their children. The learner participants were selected according to those who were open to sharing their ideas. An interpretive approach was used to collect and analyse data. The collected data was gathered from 9 participants (4 learners in grade 5 together with their parents, plus their mathematics teacher). Semi-structured interviews, parental contributions and home visit observations were the three tools that I used to collect data. The selected school is located in a rural area in the Omusati region of northern Namibia. The interviews were conducted in Oshiwambo (the participants‟ mother tongue) and translated into English and then analyzed. I discovered that the selected San parents were involved in some but limited school activities. The findings of this study emphasizes that illiteracy may be one of the contributing factors of low or non-involvement of parents among the San community. Other factors which I found caused parents not to assist their children with homework was parents spending much of their time at the local cuca shops during the day until late in the evenings. The study also highlights possible strategies that can be carried out by teachers to encourage parental involvement in school activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Hamukwaya, Shemunyenge Taleiko
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Mathematics (Elementary) -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Mathematics (Elementary) -- Study and teaching -- Activity programs -- Namibia , Mathematics (Elementary) -- Study and teaching -- Parent participation -- Namibia , Parent-teacher relationships -- Namibia , Marginality, Social -- Namibia , Literacy -- Social aspects -- Namibia , Khoisan (African people) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1598 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003480 , Mathematics (Elementary) -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Mathematics (Elementary) -- Study and teaching -- Activity programs -- Namibia , Mathematics (Elementary) -- Study and teaching -- Parent participation -- Namibia , Parent-teacher relationships -- Namibia , Marginality, Social -- Namibia , Literacy -- Social aspects -- Namibia , Khoisan (African people) -- Namibia
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate and document parental involvement in a San community in Namibia over a period of two months. The emphasis was to investigate whether San parents in the Omusati region were involved in the learning of mathematics of their children. The learner participants were selected according to those who were open to sharing their ideas. An interpretive approach was used to collect and analyse data. The collected data was gathered from 9 participants (4 learners in grade 5 together with their parents, plus their mathematics teacher). Semi-structured interviews, parental contributions and home visit observations were the three tools that I used to collect data. The selected school is located in a rural area in the Omusati region of northern Namibia. The interviews were conducted in Oshiwambo (the participants‟ mother tongue) and translated into English and then analyzed. I discovered that the selected San parents were involved in some but limited school activities. The findings of this study emphasizes that illiteracy may be one of the contributing factors of low or non-involvement of parents among the San community. Other factors which I found caused parents not to assist their children with homework was parents spending much of their time at the local cuca shops during the day until late in the evenings. The study also highlights possible strategies that can be carried out by teachers to encourage parental involvement in school activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An investigation of the middle managers' attitude towards organizational change: a case of the automotive industry
- Authors: Harunavamwe, Martha
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Management , Organizational change -- South Africa , Attitude (Psychology) , Motor industry -- South Africa -- Management , Executives -- Training of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11545 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001211 , Organizational change -- Management , Organizational change -- South Africa , Attitude (Psychology) , Motor industry -- South Africa -- Management , Executives -- Training of -- South Africa
- Description: The present study investigated the attitudes of middle managers towards organisational change within the automotive industry in South Africa. As a result of global recession, the automotive industry has been going through a series of changes but at a very slower pace. An empirical investigation was undertaken using a sample of seventy two (72) middle managers drawn using the cluster sampling technique. An organisational change attitude questionnaire adjusted to suit the automotive industry environment was employed to collect data. The findings of the study indicated that middle managers have positive attitudes towards technological change (59%), Innovative Change (84%) and Total Quality Management (65%) However, middle managers indicated that they have negative attitudes towards re-organisation. There was moderate significant relationship between factors influencing attitudes (administration, participation, communication and the threats and benefits) and the attitudes portrayed. Factors such as administration of the change process, threats and benefits of the outcomes as well as opportunity for personal growth were found to be highly influential to middle managers attitudes towards change. In all cases, demographic variables such as gender, age and experience played a significant role in the views of middle managers towards organisational change. Key words: Attitudes, organisational change, middle managers, factors influencing attitudes and automotive industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Harunavamwe, Martha
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Management , Organizational change -- South Africa , Attitude (Psychology) , Motor industry -- South Africa -- Management , Executives -- Training of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11545 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001211 , Organizational change -- Management , Organizational change -- South Africa , Attitude (Psychology) , Motor industry -- South Africa -- Management , Executives -- Training of -- South Africa
- Description: The present study investigated the attitudes of middle managers towards organisational change within the automotive industry in South Africa. As a result of global recession, the automotive industry has been going through a series of changes but at a very slower pace. An empirical investigation was undertaken using a sample of seventy two (72) middle managers drawn using the cluster sampling technique. An organisational change attitude questionnaire adjusted to suit the automotive industry environment was employed to collect data. The findings of the study indicated that middle managers have positive attitudes towards technological change (59%), Innovative Change (84%) and Total Quality Management (65%) However, middle managers indicated that they have negative attitudes towards re-organisation. There was moderate significant relationship between factors influencing attitudes (administration, participation, communication and the threats and benefits) and the attitudes portrayed. Factors such as administration of the change process, threats and benefits of the outcomes as well as opportunity for personal growth were found to be highly influential to middle managers attitudes towards change. In all cases, demographic variables such as gender, age and experience played a significant role in the views of middle managers towards organisational change. Key words: Attitudes, organisational change, middle managers, factors influencing attitudes and automotive industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Customer profiling using a service-orientated architecture
- Authors: Ntawanga, Felix
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Consumer profiling -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Service-oriented architecture (Computer science) , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Computer programs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10464 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1146 , Consumer profiling -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Service-oriented architecture (Computer science) , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Computer programs
- Description: Customer profiling has recently gained much recognition in the e-commerce domain because of the benefits it is capable of bringing to online business. Customer profiling has been implemented in various systems development approaches such as in a client-server environment. Recently there has been an increase in the number of organisations adopting and implementing e-commerce systems using service-oriented architecture (SOA) principles. This research set out to determine how a customer profile can be implemented using open source SOA implementation tools, and how SOA-based customer profiles can be utilised to provide appropriate personalisation in an SOA environment. The research further endeavoured to complete a comparative study on customer profile implementation in two different architectures, namely SOA and client-server. An extensive literature review was conducted on SOA, customer profiling and e-commerce systems development. SOA enabling technologies, such as, web services, enterprise service bus (ESB) and open source Sun Java SOA implementation tools, for example, Open ESB, GlassFish application server and Netbeans IDE were analysed. A Java web services-based customer profiling system was prototyped following SOA design principles. An end-user evaluation survey was conducted using eye tracking with a sample of 30 participants. The evaluation was done on two e-commerce systems with the same interface but running on two different customer profile back-ends, SOA and client-server. The results show that participants did not experience significant difference between the two systems, however, eye tracking results showed a significant difference between the two systems. The research concluded that customer profiling using SOA offers more benefits than implementations using other architectures such as client-server. SOA component-based development proved to be easier to manage, develop, integrate and improves interoperability between different technologies. The research brought together necessary techniques and technologies that organisations can use to implement SOA. Using SOA, organisations can integrate and utilise different technologies seamlessly to achieve business goals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Ntawanga, Felix
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Consumer profiling -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Service-oriented architecture (Computer science) , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Computer programs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10464 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1146 , Consumer profiling -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Service-oriented architecture (Computer science) , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Computer programs
- Description: Customer profiling has recently gained much recognition in the e-commerce domain because of the benefits it is capable of bringing to online business. Customer profiling has been implemented in various systems development approaches such as in a client-server environment. Recently there has been an increase in the number of organisations adopting and implementing e-commerce systems using service-oriented architecture (SOA) principles. This research set out to determine how a customer profile can be implemented using open source SOA implementation tools, and how SOA-based customer profiles can be utilised to provide appropriate personalisation in an SOA environment. The research further endeavoured to complete a comparative study on customer profile implementation in two different architectures, namely SOA and client-server. An extensive literature review was conducted on SOA, customer profiling and e-commerce systems development. SOA enabling technologies, such as, web services, enterprise service bus (ESB) and open source Sun Java SOA implementation tools, for example, Open ESB, GlassFish application server and Netbeans IDE were analysed. A Java web services-based customer profiling system was prototyped following SOA design principles. An end-user evaluation survey was conducted using eye tracking with a sample of 30 participants. The evaluation was done on two e-commerce systems with the same interface but running on two different customer profile back-ends, SOA and client-server. The results show that participants did not experience significant difference between the two systems, however, eye tracking results showed a significant difference between the two systems. The research concluded that customer profiling using SOA offers more benefits than implementations using other architectures such as client-server. SOA component-based development proved to be easier to manage, develop, integrate and improves interoperability between different technologies. The research brought together necessary techniques and technologies that organisations can use to implement SOA. Using SOA, organisations can integrate and utilise different technologies seamlessly to achieve business goals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Social relationships and identity online and offline: a study of the interplay between offline social relationships and facebook usage by Rhodes University students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds
- Authors: Chatora, Arther Tichaona
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Facebook (Electronic resource) Online social networks Information technology -- Social aspects Identity (Psychology) and mass media Rhodes University -- Students -- Social life and customs Rhodes University -- Students -- Social networks Rhodes University -- Students -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3421 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002874
- Description: Based on in-depth focus group and individual interviews, this thesis examines how Rhodes University students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds experience campus social life and how they subsequently use Facebook to perform, represent and negotiate their social identities. The study discusses utopian and dystopian positions and interrogates these theoretical perspectives in relation to the students‟ Facebook usage. The popularity and uptake of Facebook by students from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as those here at Rhodes University, is a growing phenomenon, provoking questions about the relationship between social experiences, social identity and social networks. Rhodes University‟s social space has been identified by previous studies as modern, liberal, “elite” and divided along race and class lines. The ways in which students experience this campus social space relates to their subject positions and identities. The study employs different perspectives of identity construction to interrogate the students‟ subject experiences in home and school contexts before coming to Rhodes University. The students‟ subjective positions are primarily embedded in tradition and their subject positions are sometimes in tension or come in conflict with the modern and liberal elements permitted by the Rhodes University context. The students also experience and adopt modern and liberal elements in their lifestyles which are permitted within the Rhodes University social space. The thesis found that Facebook offers a platform which facilitates a social connectivity that influences how students perform their identities in relation to their offline social identities and lived social experiences. This study concludes that the mediated symbolic materials for the construction and negotiation of identity provided by Facebook are sometimes in tension with the demands of traditional subjectivities experienced by these students at Rhodes University. Facebook allows the students to reinforce and affirm the validity of their traditional identities in this modern and liberal space. However, it also emerged that Facebook facilitates and allows students who experience and incorporate the modern and liberal elements permitted at Rhodes University to represent and negotiate their subjective positions online. The findings of the study indicate that participants primarily communicate with their friends, families, relatives and acquaintances - people they know personally offline, in line with the theoretical position which argues that online relationships are primarily shaped by offline relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Chatora, Arther Tichaona
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Facebook (Electronic resource) Online social networks Information technology -- Social aspects Identity (Psychology) and mass media Rhodes University -- Students -- Social life and customs Rhodes University -- Students -- Social networks Rhodes University -- Students -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3421 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002874
- Description: Based on in-depth focus group and individual interviews, this thesis examines how Rhodes University students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds experience campus social life and how they subsequently use Facebook to perform, represent and negotiate their social identities. The study discusses utopian and dystopian positions and interrogates these theoretical perspectives in relation to the students‟ Facebook usage. The popularity and uptake of Facebook by students from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as those here at Rhodes University, is a growing phenomenon, provoking questions about the relationship between social experiences, social identity and social networks. Rhodes University‟s social space has been identified by previous studies as modern, liberal, “elite” and divided along race and class lines. The ways in which students experience this campus social space relates to their subject positions and identities. The study employs different perspectives of identity construction to interrogate the students‟ subject experiences in home and school contexts before coming to Rhodes University. The students‟ subjective positions are primarily embedded in tradition and their subject positions are sometimes in tension or come in conflict with the modern and liberal elements permitted by the Rhodes University context. The students also experience and adopt modern and liberal elements in their lifestyles which are permitted within the Rhodes University social space. The thesis found that Facebook offers a platform which facilitates a social connectivity that influences how students perform their identities in relation to their offline social identities and lived social experiences. This study concludes that the mediated symbolic materials for the construction and negotiation of identity provided by Facebook are sometimes in tension with the demands of traditional subjectivities experienced by these students at Rhodes University. Facebook allows the students to reinforce and affirm the validity of their traditional identities in this modern and liberal space. However, it also emerged that Facebook facilitates and allows students who experience and incorporate the modern and liberal elements permitted at Rhodes University to represent and negotiate their subjective positions online. The findings of the study indicate that participants primarily communicate with their friends, families, relatives and acquaintances - people they know personally offline, in line with the theoretical position which argues that online relationships are primarily shaped by offline relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
A critical analysis of the income tax implications of persons ceasing to be a resident of South Africa
- Authors: Loyson, Richard Michael
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Income tax -- South Africa , Double taxation -- South Africa , Aliens -- Taxation -- South Africa , Capital gains tax -- South Africa , Citizenship -- South Africa , Emigration and immigration law -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8957 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1180 , Income tax -- South Africa , Double taxation -- South Africa , Aliens -- Taxation -- South Africa , Capital gains tax -- South Africa , Citizenship -- South Africa , Emigration and immigration law -- South Africa
- Description: Over the last 10 years the South African fiscus has introduced numerous changes to the Income Tax Act (ITA) which affect the income tax implications of persons ceasing to be a resident of South Africa. The two main changes were: - The introduction of a world-wide basis of taxation for residents - The introduction of capital gains tax (CGT) as part of the ITA The aim of this treatise was to identify the income tax implications of persons ceasing to be a resident of South Africa. Resulting from this research, several issues in the ITA have been identified, and the two major ones are summarised below. Firstly, upon the emigration of the taxpayer, there is a deemed disposal of a taxpayer’s assets in terms of paragraph 12 of the Eighth Schedule. It is submitted that the resulting exit tax may be unconstitutional for individuals. It is recommended that South Africa should adopt the deferral method within its domestic legislation for individuals who are emigrating. The deferral method postpones the liability until the disposal of the asset. Secondly, on the subsequent disposal of assets by former residents where there was no exit charge in terms of the exemption under paragraph 12(2)(a)(i) of the Eighth Schedule. Depending on the specific double tax agreement (DTA) that has been entered into with the foreign country, taxpayers have been given vii the opportunity to minimise or eliminate the tax liability with regard to certain assets. This should be of concern from the point of view of the South African government. Further issues noted in this treatise were the following: - It is submitted that the term ‘place of effective management’ has been incorrectly interpreted by SARS in Interpretation Note 6. - It is further submitted that the interpretation by SARS of paragraph 2(2) of the Eighth Schedule is technically incorrect. The above issues that have been identified present opportunities to emigrants to take advantage of the current tax legislation. It is further recommended that taxpayers who are emigrating need to consider the South African domestic tax law implications, respective DTA’s, as well as the domestic tax laws of the other jurisdiction, not only on the date of emigration but also on the subsequent disposal of the respective assets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Loyson, Richard Michael
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Income tax -- South Africa , Double taxation -- South Africa , Aliens -- Taxation -- South Africa , Capital gains tax -- South Africa , Citizenship -- South Africa , Emigration and immigration law -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8957 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1180 , Income tax -- South Africa , Double taxation -- South Africa , Aliens -- Taxation -- South Africa , Capital gains tax -- South Africa , Citizenship -- South Africa , Emigration and immigration law -- South Africa
- Description: Over the last 10 years the South African fiscus has introduced numerous changes to the Income Tax Act (ITA) which affect the income tax implications of persons ceasing to be a resident of South Africa. The two main changes were: - The introduction of a world-wide basis of taxation for residents - The introduction of capital gains tax (CGT) as part of the ITA The aim of this treatise was to identify the income tax implications of persons ceasing to be a resident of South Africa. Resulting from this research, several issues in the ITA have been identified, and the two major ones are summarised below. Firstly, upon the emigration of the taxpayer, there is a deemed disposal of a taxpayer’s assets in terms of paragraph 12 of the Eighth Schedule. It is submitted that the resulting exit tax may be unconstitutional for individuals. It is recommended that South Africa should adopt the deferral method within its domestic legislation for individuals who are emigrating. The deferral method postpones the liability until the disposal of the asset. Secondly, on the subsequent disposal of assets by former residents where there was no exit charge in terms of the exemption under paragraph 12(2)(a)(i) of the Eighth Schedule. Depending on the specific double tax agreement (DTA) that has been entered into with the foreign country, taxpayers have been given vii the opportunity to minimise or eliminate the tax liability with regard to certain assets. This should be of concern from the point of view of the South African government. Further issues noted in this treatise were the following: - It is submitted that the term ‘place of effective management’ has been incorrectly interpreted by SARS in Interpretation Note 6. - It is further submitted that the interpretation by SARS of paragraph 2(2) of the Eighth Schedule is technically incorrect. The above issues that have been identified present opportunities to emigrants to take advantage of the current tax legislation. It is further recommended that taxpayers who are emigrating need to consider the South African domestic tax law implications, respective DTA’s, as well as the domestic tax laws of the other jurisdiction, not only on the date of emigration but also on the subsequent disposal of the respective assets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
A critical investigation of the interpretation and implementation of the Parzival main lesson within the context of the Waldorf curriculum : a multiple case study
- Authors: Swanepoel, Elizabeth
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Waldorf method of education Education -- Philosophy Teaching -- South Africa Perceval (Legendary character) Perceval (Legendary character) -- Study and teaching Grail Legends -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1483 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003364
- Description: The Steiner/Waldorf school movement is currently one of the fastest growing independent school movements internationally. In several countries it seems to have developed into the most popular form of alternative education. South Africa has 17 Waldorf schools and one full-time teacher training facility. This study investigated the interpretation and implementation of the Parzival main lesson within the wider context of the Waldorf curriculum. The main lesson system is an essential constituent of the Waldorf curriculum. Most academic subjects in a Waldorf school are taught in a three- or four-week main lesson block. The main lesson occupies the first two hours of the school day. A main lesson consists of a particular three-part structure, and the main lesson book is the keystone to the Waldorf evaluative process. The Parzival main lesson is specifically taught in Class 11, and most Waldorf schools consider it as one of the most important main lessons in the high school. The interpretivist model was ideally suited to this research. The investigation was conducted as a multiple case study, and the main source of data was provided by classroom observation. This was supported by interviews and classroom artifacts. The study involved two South African Waldorf schools at which the Parzival main lesson is taught. This main lesson is presented at only three South African Waldorf schools. I teach at the remaining school, and therefore conducted my research at the other two schools. The teachers who facilitated the Parzival main lesson, as well as the Class students at the selected schools voluntarily participated in the research. My research findings indicate that the possibility exists for the teacher to exercise a certain degree of freedom and creativity within the parameters of Waldorf methodology and the Waldorf curriculum. The study also determines that teachers often find it difficult to integrate the three-part structure, as indicated by Waldorf methodology, in a single main lesson. Furthermore, my research establishes that main lesson books can indeed serve as both text and as an assessment tool. I therefore conclude and maintain in this study, with particular reference to the Parzival main lesson, that despite the prescriptive structure of the Waldorf system and Steiner pedagogy, teachers need not necessarily sacrifice their freedom and creativity within the classroom.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Swanepoel, Elizabeth
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Waldorf method of education Education -- Philosophy Teaching -- South Africa Perceval (Legendary character) Perceval (Legendary character) -- Study and teaching Grail Legends -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1483 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003364
- Description: The Steiner/Waldorf school movement is currently one of the fastest growing independent school movements internationally. In several countries it seems to have developed into the most popular form of alternative education. South Africa has 17 Waldorf schools and one full-time teacher training facility. This study investigated the interpretation and implementation of the Parzival main lesson within the wider context of the Waldorf curriculum. The main lesson system is an essential constituent of the Waldorf curriculum. Most academic subjects in a Waldorf school are taught in a three- or four-week main lesson block. The main lesson occupies the first two hours of the school day. A main lesson consists of a particular three-part structure, and the main lesson book is the keystone to the Waldorf evaluative process. The Parzival main lesson is specifically taught in Class 11, and most Waldorf schools consider it as one of the most important main lessons in the high school. The interpretivist model was ideally suited to this research. The investigation was conducted as a multiple case study, and the main source of data was provided by classroom observation. This was supported by interviews and classroom artifacts. The study involved two South African Waldorf schools at which the Parzival main lesson is taught. This main lesson is presented at only three South African Waldorf schools. I teach at the remaining school, and therefore conducted my research at the other two schools. The teachers who facilitated the Parzival main lesson, as well as the Class students at the selected schools voluntarily participated in the research. My research findings indicate that the possibility exists for the teacher to exercise a certain degree of freedom and creativity within the parameters of Waldorf methodology and the Waldorf curriculum. The study also determines that teachers often find it difficult to integrate the three-part structure, as indicated by Waldorf methodology, in a single main lesson. Furthermore, my research establishes that main lesson books can indeed serve as both text and as an assessment tool. I therefore conclude and maintain in this study, with particular reference to the Parzival main lesson, that despite the prescriptive structure of the Waldorf system and Steiner pedagogy, teachers need not necessarily sacrifice their freedom and creativity within the classroom.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Emotional intelligence and locus of control of adult breast cancer patients receiving treatment
- Authors: Swartz, Esti
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Breast -- Cancer -- Patients -- Psychological aspects , Breast -- Cancer -- Patients
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9949 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015686
- Description: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer of women in South Africa, with one in twenty-seven women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. By building on human strengths, ways can be found to cope effectively with adversity. This will contribute to psychological well-being and result in living constructive and meaningful lives. Emotional intelligence and locus of control are two constructs which, according to previous research, may be associated with psychological wellbeing. Limited research has been conducted on these constructs in populations facing adversity. Adaptation to breast cancer treatment is considered to be an extremely difficult process. The research aimed to explore and describe emotional intelligence and locus of control within an adult breast cancer population. A sample of 67 breast cancer patients receiving treatment was approached to complete a biographical questionnaire and two pencil-and-paper questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were be used to analyze the data. The results of the quantitative analysis indicated a significant negative correlation between emotional intelligence and locus of control which shows that patients with higher levels of emotional intelligence possess more internal locus of control orientations, while patients with lower emotional intelligence possess more external locus of control orientations. The population presented with above average emotional intelligence and an internal locus of control orientation. The study can be regarded as the first step in opening a field of research which could contribute to more effective coping and the overall psychological well-being of individuals facing adversity in South Africa. Furthermore, the findings of the study contributed to understanding the role of emotional intelligence and locus of control in these populations and encouraged further research and the development and implementation of programmes that promote skills development in these areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Swartz, Esti
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Breast -- Cancer -- Patients -- Psychological aspects , Breast -- Cancer -- Patients
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9949 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015686
- Description: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer of women in South Africa, with one in twenty-seven women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. By building on human strengths, ways can be found to cope effectively with adversity. This will contribute to psychological well-being and result in living constructive and meaningful lives. Emotional intelligence and locus of control are two constructs which, according to previous research, may be associated with psychological wellbeing. Limited research has been conducted on these constructs in populations facing adversity. Adaptation to breast cancer treatment is considered to be an extremely difficult process. The research aimed to explore and describe emotional intelligence and locus of control within an adult breast cancer population. A sample of 67 breast cancer patients receiving treatment was approached to complete a biographical questionnaire and two pencil-and-paper questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were be used to analyze the data. The results of the quantitative analysis indicated a significant negative correlation between emotional intelligence and locus of control which shows that patients with higher levels of emotional intelligence possess more internal locus of control orientations, while patients with lower emotional intelligence possess more external locus of control orientations. The population presented with above average emotional intelligence and an internal locus of control orientation. The study can be regarded as the first step in opening a field of research which could contribute to more effective coping and the overall psychological well-being of individuals facing adversity in South Africa. Furthermore, the findings of the study contributed to understanding the role of emotional intelligence and locus of control in these populations and encouraged further research and the development and implementation of programmes that promote skills development in these areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The dynamics of Larval fish and Zooplankton assemblages in the Sundays Estuary, South Africa
- Authors: Sutherland, Kate
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Marine zooplankton -- South Africa , Zooplankton -- South Africa , Fishes -- Larvae -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Management , Environmental monitoring -- South Africa , Coastal zone management -- South Africa , Estuarine area conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10697 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1119 , Marine zooplankton -- South Africa , Zooplankton -- South Africa , Fishes -- Larvae -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Management , Environmental monitoring -- South Africa , Coastal zone management -- South Africa , Estuarine area conservation -- South Africa
- Description: The larval fish and zooplankton assemblages were studied in the permanently open Sundays Estuary on the south-east coast of South Africa, using standard boat-based plankton towing methods. A total of 8174 larval and early juvenile fishes were caught, representing 12 families and 23 taxa. The Clupeidae, Gobiidae and Blenniidae were the dominant fish families. Common species included Gilchristella aestuaria, Caffrogobius gilchristi, Omobranchus woodi, Liza dumerilii, Glossogobius callidus and Myxus capensis. Estuarine resident species (Category I) predominantly in the preflexion developmental stage, dominated the system. A total of 19 zooplankton taxa were recorded. Copepoda dominated the zooplankton community. Dominant species included Pseudodiaptomus hessei, Acartia longipatella, Halicyclops sp., Mesopodopsis wooldridgei, and the larvae of Paratylodiplax edwardsii and Hymenosoma orbiculare. Mean larval fish density showed similar trends seasonally, spatially and across salinity zones, with mean zooplankton density in the Sundays Estuary. Gut content analysis of five larval fish species: Gilchristella aestuaria, Pomadasys commersonnii, Monodactylus falciformis, Myxus capensis and Rhabdosargus holubi, revealed species specific diet and prey selection. Although larval fish diet contained a variety of prey items, guts were dominated by P. hessei, chironomid larvae, Corophium triaenonyx, copepod eggs and insect larvae. Physico-chemical drivers and the interactions between these two plankton communities provide information that enables a more holistic view of the dynamics occurring in the Sundays Estuary planktonic ecosystem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Sutherland, Kate
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Marine zooplankton -- South Africa , Zooplankton -- South Africa , Fishes -- Larvae -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Management , Environmental monitoring -- South Africa , Coastal zone management -- South Africa , Estuarine area conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10697 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1119 , Marine zooplankton -- South Africa , Zooplankton -- South Africa , Fishes -- Larvae -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Management , Environmental monitoring -- South Africa , Coastal zone management -- South Africa , Estuarine area conservation -- South Africa
- Description: The larval fish and zooplankton assemblages were studied in the permanently open Sundays Estuary on the south-east coast of South Africa, using standard boat-based plankton towing methods. A total of 8174 larval and early juvenile fishes were caught, representing 12 families and 23 taxa. The Clupeidae, Gobiidae and Blenniidae were the dominant fish families. Common species included Gilchristella aestuaria, Caffrogobius gilchristi, Omobranchus woodi, Liza dumerilii, Glossogobius callidus and Myxus capensis. Estuarine resident species (Category I) predominantly in the preflexion developmental stage, dominated the system. A total of 19 zooplankton taxa were recorded. Copepoda dominated the zooplankton community. Dominant species included Pseudodiaptomus hessei, Acartia longipatella, Halicyclops sp., Mesopodopsis wooldridgei, and the larvae of Paratylodiplax edwardsii and Hymenosoma orbiculare. Mean larval fish density showed similar trends seasonally, spatially and across salinity zones, with mean zooplankton density in the Sundays Estuary. Gut content analysis of five larval fish species: Gilchristella aestuaria, Pomadasys commersonnii, Monodactylus falciformis, Myxus capensis and Rhabdosargus holubi, revealed species specific diet and prey selection. Although larval fish diet contained a variety of prey items, guts were dominated by P. hessei, chironomid larvae, Corophium triaenonyx, copepod eggs and insect larvae. Physico-chemical drivers and the interactions between these two plankton communities provide information that enables a more holistic view of the dynamics occurring in the Sundays Estuary planktonic ecosystem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Effects of removing Acacia Mearnsii on the water table, soil and vegetation properties in the Tsomo Valley of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Moyo, Hloniphani Peter Mthunzi
- Authors: Moyo, Hloniphani Peter Mthunzi
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Plant-water relationships , Acacia mearnsii , Water table , Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Streamflow -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Groundwater -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Groundwater recharge -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Pasture Science)
- Identifier: vital:11173 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001011 , Plant-water relationships , Acacia mearnsii , Water table , Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Streamflow -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Groundwater -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Groundwater recharge -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Moyo, Hloniphani Peter Mthunzi
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Plant-water relationships , Acacia mearnsii , Water table , Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Streamflow -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Groundwater -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Groundwater recharge -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Pasture Science)
- Identifier: vital:11173 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001011 , Plant-water relationships , Acacia mearnsii , Water table , Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Streamflow -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Groundwater -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Groundwater recharge -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The role played by business development services providers (BDSs) in improving access to finance by start-up SMEs in the Buffalo City Municipality
- Authors: Musara, Mazanai
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Small business -- Finance , New business enterprises , Business enterprises -- Finance , Corporations -- Finance , Small business marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11315 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/359 , Small business -- Finance , New business enterprises , Business enterprises -- Finance , Corporations -- Finance , Small business marketing
- Description: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are very important to employment creation, poverty alleviation and the sustainable economic development of a nation. Encouraging SMEs, especially start-ups is crucial for sustainable economic growth. However, the failure rate of start-up SMEs in South Africa is one of the highest in the world. In reviewing the literature of the causes of the failure of start-up SMEs, access to finance emerged as a prime challenge. Start-up SMEs find it very difficult to obtain external finance from commercial banks and venture capitalists. The national and provincial governments in South Africa have realised that access to finance is a major constraint to the growth and survival of start-up SMEs and have put in place certain measures to improve access to finance by start-up SMEs. One of the primary measures put in place by government to improve access to finance by start-up SMEs is the provision of Business Development Service by some government agencies. This research investigates the role of Business Development Services Providers (BDSs) in improving access to finance for start-up SMEs. Questions arise as to why the failure rate of start-up SMEs is high in South Africa despite all these government measures aimed at assisting start-ups to access finance. Empirical research was conducted to investigate the role of BDS in improving access to finance by start-up SMEs. The instrument used for data collection was the self-administered questionnaire. The statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, T-test, ANOVA, correlation and regression analysis. The Cronbach‟s alpha was used as a measure of reliability. The results of the study revealed that: Access to finance is still a major problem hindering the survival of start-up SMEs. There is a lack of awareness of BDS providers and their services by the majority of start-up SMEs. There is a significant positive relationship between the use of BDS by start-up SMEs and success in accessing finance. Start-up SMEs that are aware of BDS do make use of the services. The results suggest that BDS are important to improving access to finance by start-up SMEs. However, there is a need to build awareness and encourage the use of BDS by start-up SMEs to improve their access to finance and ultimately increase their chances of survival.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Musara, Mazanai
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Small business -- Finance , New business enterprises , Business enterprises -- Finance , Corporations -- Finance , Small business marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11315 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/359 , Small business -- Finance , New business enterprises , Business enterprises -- Finance , Corporations -- Finance , Small business marketing
- Description: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are very important to employment creation, poverty alleviation and the sustainable economic development of a nation. Encouraging SMEs, especially start-ups is crucial for sustainable economic growth. However, the failure rate of start-up SMEs in South Africa is one of the highest in the world. In reviewing the literature of the causes of the failure of start-up SMEs, access to finance emerged as a prime challenge. Start-up SMEs find it very difficult to obtain external finance from commercial banks and venture capitalists. The national and provincial governments in South Africa have realised that access to finance is a major constraint to the growth and survival of start-up SMEs and have put in place certain measures to improve access to finance by start-up SMEs. One of the primary measures put in place by government to improve access to finance by start-up SMEs is the provision of Business Development Service by some government agencies. This research investigates the role of Business Development Services Providers (BDSs) in improving access to finance for start-up SMEs. Questions arise as to why the failure rate of start-up SMEs is high in South Africa despite all these government measures aimed at assisting start-ups to access finance. Empirical research was conducted to investigate the role of BDS in improving access to finance by start-up SMEs. The instrument used for data collection was the self-administered questionnaire. The statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, T-test, ANOVA, correlation and regression analysis. The Cronbach‟s alpha was used as a measure of reliability. The results of the study revealed that: Access to finance is still a major problem hindering the survival of start-up SMEs. There is a lack of awareness of BDS providers and their services by the majority of start-up SMEs. There is a significant positive relationship between the use of BDS by start-up SMEs and success in accessing finance. Start-up SMEs that are aware of BDS do make use of the services. The results suggest that BDS are important to improving access to finance by start-up SMEs. However, there is a need to build awareness and encourage the use of BDS by start-up SMEs to improve their access to finance and ultimately increase their chances of survival.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010