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An entrepreneurial framework for new venture property development projects

  • Authors: Abrey, Mark Henry Shaw
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Real estate development -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Land subdivision -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:9709 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020162
  • Description: The business of real estate is one of the largest suppliers of employment, and contributes significantly to the gross domestic product of numerous countries worldwide. It is, therefore, imperative that new real estate development entrepreneurs entering the market identify key competitiveness indicators in order to survive and ensure their success within an ever-changing market. However, property development is a complex process and considered to be 'too risky' Consequently, property development entrepreneurs lack the skills and expertise to effectively manage their business enterprises and the associated risks from project inception to completion, and commissioning. The study was conducted by means of a review of the related literature and by conducting an empirical study. The empirical study was conducted using a quantitative statistical approach by distributing research questionnaires to members falling within the sample population. The primary objective of the study was to develop an entrepreneurial framework for perceived success of new venture property development projects. A descriptive survey was conducted among professionals registered with the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) and property development practitioners within South Africa. The salient findings suggest that the following variables positively influence the perceived success of new venture property development projects: Entrepreneurial vision; Strategic management; Stakeholders‘ interests; Professional feasibility and viability reporting; Procurement; Communication; Consumer confidence; Risk management; Governance structures; Specialist advice; The entrepreneurial framework, and The project management body of knowledge (PMBOK). Furthermore, the following variables were identified in the empirical framework affecting the perceived success of new venture property development projects: Entrepreneurial Vision; Strategic Management; Stakeholders‘ Interest; Professional Feasibility and Viability Reporting; Procurement; Communication; Consumer Confidence; Risk Management; Governance Structures; Specialist Advice, and The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). This study contributed to the South African property development body of knowledge by addressing the challenges faced by inexperienced entrepreneurs entering the property development market. Furthermore, this study aimed to improve the framework utilised by emerging property developers.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Isolation and structure elucidation of halogenated metabolites from Portieria hornemannii and Portieria tripinnata

  • Authors: Adam, Mohammed
  • Date: 2015
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64674 , vital:28591
  • Description: The red marine algal genus, Portieria, is known to produce a number of potent cytotoxic compounds with anticancer potential. The most important anticancer lead produced by this genus is the compound halomon. Unfortunately, the lack of sufficient quantities of this compound hampered its further development. Two Portieria species, Portieria hornemannii and Portieria tripinnata, are found along the South African coastline. Recent studies, based on DNA analysis, suggest that Portieria hornemannii may in fact be divided into several cryptic species. The current project is part of a larger study designed to investigate the use of secondary metabolites to identify new marine algal species. In this study 1H NMR profiles of the organic extracts of selected Portieria spp were compared in order to identify new species. Selected compounds were then isolated and characterised as potential chemotaxonomic markers. Four halogenated monoterpenes were isolated from Portieria hornemannii. Two of these were new compounds 4-(3-bromo-4-chloro-4-methylpentyl)-3-chlorofuran-2(5H)-one, which were isomers of each other. The two known compounds had been previously isolated from Portieria hornemannii samples off the Madagascar coast. These compounds could prove to be useful as chemotaxonomic marker compounds, as they have never been isolated from any other species of marine algae. Three known halogenated monoterpenes were isolated from Portieria tripinnata. These compounds had been previously isolated from different species of marine algae and therefore, could not serve as chemotaxonomic marker compounds for this species of marine alga. Further work needs to be done on Portieria tripinnata, with regards to its chemistry, as it is a species of marine algae that has not been previously researched.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Towards measuring corporate sustainability in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive manufacturing sector

  • Authors: Adams, Abulele
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Sustainability -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18465 , vital:28648
  • Description: This study explored the methods available for measuring corporate sustainability and created an instrument to measure corporate sustainability in the Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) automotive manufacturing sector. The instrument was created based on three components of sustainability which are environment, society and economy. The study went a step further and added a fourth dimension, current trends to design a measuring instrument. The instrument was then applied on participating companies and further refined to improve it. A total of 16 multi-dimensional indicators to measure corporate sustainability were created and applied to 12 companies in the automotive manufacturing sector. The indicators were used to create a composite corporate sustainability index which can be used to compare the corporate sustainability performance of companies. These indicators were created based on theoretical research and fist hand experience observing the automotive manufacturing sector in the NMB. The indicators were applied to companies as a pilot to test whether they are feasible. Following this, the indicators were refined, improved and applied to more companies to measure corporate sustainability performance. The results of the study were the measuring instrument created, the creation of a composite index as well as the application of the instrument on 12 companies to determine whether the instrument was refined enough to detect differences in the corporate sustainability performance of companies. The results are discussed and further recommendations are made for improvements in the creation and application of the instrument to measure corporate sustainability in the NMB automotive manufacturing sector.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Improving integrated waste management with community education programmes : the case of New Brighton in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

  • Authors: Adams, Bulelwa Avril
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Integrated solid waste management -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Community development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Salvage (Waste, etc.) -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:8323 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020161
  • Description: Municipal solid waste management is gradually becoming a major challenge that is confronting governments in all spheres. This can be attributed to urbanisation and startling population escalation. Each and every member in a community is a contributor to this dilemma and a generator of waste. The essence of this study is to investigate whether the utilisation of education programmes can assist to improve how communities handle and dispose their household waste and its contribution to the effectiveness of the integrated solid waste management system for the New Brighton Township in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. A theoretical framework is developed using the systems theory in trying to address the challenge. The study used the qualitative research method. Data were gathered using questionnaires and face-to face interviews. The empirical survey was employed for the purposes of the study and the interpretation of the research findings were analysed and described. As a metropolitan municipality, it is envisaged that this research will assist the NMBM, to identify how to manage solid waste efficiently and effectively and thus enhancing service delivery that will ensure communities of their well-being and dignity. Various recommendations are presented, based on the findings of the study. It is hoped that these recommendations If are adopted, the NMBM will be able to deal more effectively and efficiently with the challenges that the NMBM is faced with in dealing with waste management issues thereby enabling the NMBM to deliver the most basic need to the communities of the New Brighton Townships.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Contributions to the study of a class of optimal control problems on the orthogonal groups SO(3) and SO(4)

  • Authors: Adams, Ross Montague
  • Date: 2015
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64826 , vital:28608
  • Description: In this thesis we investigate a class of invariant optimal control problems, and their associated quadratic Hamilton-Poisson systems, on the orthogonal groups SO(3) and SO(4). Specifically, we are concerned with the class of left-invariant control affine systems. We begin by classifying all cost-extended systems on SO(3) under cost equivalence. (Cost-extended systems are closely related to optimal control problems.) A classification of all quadratic Hamilton-Poisson systems on the (minus) Lie-Poisson space so(3)*, under affine equivalence, is also obtained. For the normal forms obtained in our classification (of Hamilton-Poisson systems) we investigate the (Lyapunov) stability nature of the equilibria using spectral and energy-Casimir methods. For a subclass of these systems, we obtain analytic expressions for the integral curves of the associated Hamiltonian vector fields in terms of (basic) Jacobi elliptic functions. The explicit relationship between the classification of cost-extended systems on SO(3) and the classification of quadratic Hamilton- Poisson systems on so(3)* is provided. On SO(4), a classification of all left-invariant control affine systems under L-equivalence is obtained. We then determine which of these representatives are controllable, thus obtaining a classification under detached feedback equivalence. We also obtain a partial classification of quadratic Hamilton-Poisson systems on the Lie-Poisson space so(4)*. An investigation of the stability nature of the equilibria for a subclass of these systems is also done. Several illustrative examples of optimal control problems on the orthogonal group SO(3) are provided. More specifically, we consider an optimal control problem corresponding to a representative of our classification (of cost-extended system) for each possible number of control inputs. For each of these problems, we obtain explicit expressions for the extremal trajectories on the homogeneous space S2 by projecting the extremal trajectories on the group SO(3). The examples provided show how our classifications of cost-extended systems and Hamilton-Poisson systems can be used to obtain the optimal controls and the extremal trajectories corresponding to a large class of optimal control problems on SO(3). An example of a four-input optimal control problem on SO(4) is also provided. This example is provided to show how the solutions of certain problems on SO(4) can be related to the solutions of certain optimal control problems on SO(3).
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Maintenance management systems of on-campus student hostels at Nigerian universities

  • Authors: Adamu, Anita Dzikwi
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: School buildings -- Maintenance and repair , Dormitories -- Nigeria , Nigeria -- Student housing
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:9710 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020168
  • Description: Most universities have long recognised the importance and contribution of on-campus hostels to the learning process. In so doing, most of these institutions have provided and maintained building facilities for academic purposes (teaching and research). Hostels are integral components of most campuses of Nigerian universities, and they are part of the built assets of the institutions in terms of both administration and maintenance management. Currently, there is little understanding of the maintenance management systems of on-campus hostel buildings in both the public and the private universities. Moreover, there is a dearth of research evidence demonstrating that there is an appreciable difference in the maintenance management systems of the Federal, State and private universities in Nigeria. This research aimed at establishing an understanding of maintenance management systems of on-campus hostel buildings at Nigerian universities owned by the Federal and State governments and the Private Sector, relative to stipulated criteria for best practice.The qualitative method of research inquiry that is rooted in the phenomenological paradigm was employed in the investigations. The research activities included a comprehensive review of the related literature and study of selected cases. The North-central geopolitical zone of Nigeria was the selected geographical scope of this research. Ten universities were purposefully selected for the study, and they include three Federal, four state and three private universities. The nature and differences in the research questions necessitated generating different forms of data. The questions that were related to the maintenance management systems for the hostels in place at the universities were addressed with the outcomes of interviews with the hostel managers. The questions that were about the structures and current conditions of the hostel buildings at the three categories of universities were addressed with data that were generated from condition assessments of the facilities and physical observations with the aid of cameras. The study reveals apparent deteriorated and unhealthy conditions of most of the on-campus hostels at the public universities, while those of the private universities are satisfactory. The research also found that the maintenance management systems in use at all the universities are reactive and lack proper planning and coordination of maintenance activities. There is no significant difference in the maintenance management systems of hostels at the public and the private universities and the systems have major negative impact on the conditions of the buildings and their performances. The research has developed a conceptual model for the study of maintenance management informed by the theoretical framework. The model considered the impact of the external environmental factors on the management and maintenance of the hostels. Secondly, the interrelationships of strategic and performance management with maintenance management in developing an effective maintenance management system were established. The study has achieved its aim of establishing an understanding of maintenance management systems of on-campus hostel buildings at Nigerian universities owned by the Federal and, State governments and the Private Sector. The maintenance management model developed in the study is recommended to maintenance management departments as a guide for effective maintenance of the built facilities in their institutions.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

A framework for cloud computing adoption in small and medium-sized enterprises : a case of the Accra - Tema metropolis in Ghana

  • Authors: Adane, Martin
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Cloud computing -- Ghana Small business -- Ghana
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13803 , vital:39713
  • Description: Cloud computing adoption and usage is important to achieving business competition. This is done by making it a competitive tool for firms. The adoption of cloud computing enables firms to achieve greater business competency, improve performance, and allows them to maintain their competitive advantage. Since its emergence, there has been a surge in the adoption of cloud computing with research into its adoption primarily concentrated on bigger firms. However, a major characteristic of cloud computing is the anticipated possibilities it holds for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs typically operate differently from larger firms and are not limited by resource constraints. For SMEs, the reduction in the financial burden normally associated with the adoption of new technologies is a significant benefit of cloud computing due to their financial constraints. In Ghana, SMEs mostly use obsolete technologies and have a slow response towards new technologies. Thus, they are unable to harness the numerous opportunities technology presents to them to stay competitive. Cloud computing is still regarded as a new technology in the business world, therefore research that focuses on its adoption by SMEs to help them stay competitive is minimal. Available research on cloud computing in Ghana does not provide clear guidelines for ensuring a successful adoption process and the continued use of cloud computing services. This study seeks to investigate how a framework can assist SMEs in their use of cloud computing in the Accra-Tema metropolis of Ghana. A knowledge of the factors associated with adoption decisions and those that significantly influence the decision are required to ensure a successful adoption process. The empirical data was gathered using a questionnaire and face-to-face interviews developed from literature and administered to users and potential users of cloud computing. The questionnaire and interviews primarily investigate key adoption factors and the findings are reported in this research study. The findings reveal interesting insights into understanding issues that affect the overall decision to adopt and use cloud computing services by SMEs. The findings show that the adoption of cloud computing can improve information management practices within SMEs. The findings also reveal that several factors need to be considered in the overall decision to adopt and use cloud computing to ensure a successful adoption process. An initial cloud computing adoption model was proposed based on the empirical findings. Key adoption factors of the initial adoption model include adoption benefits and drivers, concerns and barriers, adoption interventions, and information management in the cloud. computing adoption framework. The proposed adoption framework aims to assist SMEs to adopt and use cloud computing services and make them relevant in the global market.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Risk factors associated with developing asthma and tuberculosis : a case study of a hospital, Lagos Nigeria

  • Authors: Adeniji, Tolulope Olubunmi
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Asthma -- Nigeria -- Epidemiology Diseases -- Risk factors -- Nigeria
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13216 , vital:39616
  • Description: Purpose: The purpose of the study is to assess risk factors associated with developing asthma and tuberculosis. Methodology: A quantitative study was conducted on 133 randomly selected tuberculosis respondents, 91 of whom were suffering from TB at the time of the study. 120 respondents were also selected randomly for asthma of which 82 were asthmatic. Data were collected by using a self-structured questionnaire. The statistical analysis was done with the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS, version 18) using the descriptive statistics and logistic regression model. Results: Findings from the study show that a large percentage of the participants for both diseases were male, and the carriers of the diseases were also mostly male. Amongst the factors assessed, smoking, a weak immune system and a history of contact with tuberculosis infected persons were factors independently associated with developing tuberculosis. In the case of asthma, family history, smoking and exposure to allergen irritants were the factors independently associated with developing the disease. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for increasing awareness through information, education and communication to address the risk factors of tuberculosis and asthma in order to decrease the rate of outspread. Recommendations: Factors triggering asthma among humans should be avoided. Since tuberculosis can be contracted through person to person contact, proper sanitation and regular medical attention are advocated for safeguarding personal and public health.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Studies towards the development of novel antimalarial agents

  • Authors: Adeyemi, Christiana Modupe
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Antimalarials , Malaria , Drug resistance , Drug development , Enzyme inhibitors , Plasmodium
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54645 , vital:26596
  • Description: Considerable efforts have been made in the modification of existing antimalarial drugs, and the support of incentive programmes have led to a drastic decrease in malaria cases reported by WHO during the past 6 years. However, the development of drug resistance threatens the eradication of this deadly disease and has prompted research on the synthesis of novel antimalarial drugs. Our research has involved the design and synthesis of novel benzylated phosphonate esters as potential 1-deoxy-D-xylose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) inhibitors. A series of amidoalkylphosphonate esters were obtained by reacting various 3-subsituted anilines and heterocyclic amines with chloroalkanoyl chlorides and reacting the resulting chloroalkanamides with triethyl phosphite using Michaelis-Arbuzov methodology. Benzylation of the phosphonate esters afforded a series of novel N-benzylated derivatives in good yields and these compounds were fully characterised by NMR and HRMS methods. Several approaches to the introduction of a benzyl group at the C-2 position of the phosphonate ester derivatives have been explored, leading unexpectedly to the isolation of unprecedented tetrahydrofuranyl derivatives. Studies towards the preparation of potential bi-functional PfDXR / HIV-1 RT inhibitors have also been initiated. Preliminary in silico docking studies of selected non-benzylated and benzylated phosphonated derivatives into the Pf-DXR active-site has provided useful insight into the binding potential of these ligands. Bioassays have revealed a very low toxicity for all the synthesised phosphonated compounds and a number of these ligands also exhibit a promising inhibitory activity against the Plasmodium parasite.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

E-commerce: the challenge of virtual permanent establishments

  • Authors: Adlkofer, Michelle Leigh , Venter, Michelle
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development , Electronic commerce , Electronic commerce -- Taxation , Double taxation -- Treaties , Globalization
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:921 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020057
  • Description: The continued growth of world commerce has led to the advance of the permanent establishment principles. These principles are, however, constantly challenged by the developments of e-commerce. This thesis considers the taxing of a permanent establishment and the influence of e-commerce on the concept of a permanent establishment. In 2000, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) developed and introduced guidelines on how to deal with e-commerce in the context of a permanent establishment. Since the OECD guidelines on e-commerce were issued, the permanent establishment principles have come under further scrutiny. The latest development came about in 2013 with the release of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (“BEPS”) Action Plan. This Action Plan addresses the intention of the OECD to deal with the taxing of the digital economy. With the development of e-commerce and the result of e-commerce creating intangible boundaries between countries, the concept of a virtual permanent establishment has emerged. This has resulted in the need to tax a presence of an enterprise in a jurisdiction where no actual physical connection can be established. Various authors have made suggestions on how to ensure that an economy in which business is being carried on is correctly compensated for in the form of taxes. The source of income is the driving force for the imposition of taxation today. The main goal of this thesis was to explore the alignment of the concepts of a permanent establishment and e-commerce in the digital economy. This study therefore examined the concepts of both permanent establishments and e-commerce, and explored authors’ views and suggestions on how to deal with the inter-related effects of these two concepts. The relevant Action Points in the OECD Action Plan were also considered. , Maiden name: Venter, Michelle
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Factors influencing consumer decision-making process in the private health institutions

  • Authors: Akponah, Voke Blessing
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Consumer behavior Decision making , Public-private sector cooperation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50033 , vital:41993
  • Description: The development that has taken place in the health care sector includes all factors that have brought changes in the consumer decision-making process regarding the private health institutions. In Nigeria, the development is evident in the delivery of the health care services. This indicates that the private health institutions deliver quality health care service by using efficient and quality medical equipment. However, there is a growing awareness among clients to perform an extensive search before the purchase of health care service and the increased expectation from health care quality by clients and their family. The change in consumer behaviour has caused a shift in the consumer decision-making process due to the availability of several sources of information and various health institutions they can choose from. The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence the consumer decision-making process that can enhance customer satisfaction and reduce cognitive dissonance. In this study the behaviour of consumers is related to how they make decisions along several stages before they make a purchase and in a health care setting the decision-making process refers to the process that clients pass through in making choices on alternative health institutions. The quantitative research method was adopted in this study in describing, analysing and interpreting data. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect primary data from 450 respondents in Lagos state, Nigeria. The primary data was statistically analysed using five stages, namely, exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach‟s alpha reliability testing, descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis. The empirical results of this study indicates that service encounter experience, personal income and support sources are significantly related to the decision-making process. The decision-making process also has significant positive relationship with both customer satisfaction and cognitive dissonance. This indicates that influential factors that have been identified through the empirical results enlighten researchers and the private health institutions on issues that influence the clients‟ decisions to utilise private health institutions. The well-being and satisfaction of clients will be enhanced if the private health institutions can craft effective strategies that will enable clients to gain easy access and utilise health care services. This study emphasised that access to and utilisation of health care services in the private health institutions can be granted to clients through personal income and support sources from family members and private health institutions. Futhermore, health insurance coverage is an effective way that will help clients overcome the financial constraints and restricted access to and utilisation of private health institutions. The study further reveals that the well-being and satisfaction of clients will be enhanced if private health institutions improve access to quality health care. Failure to improve the overall quality and performances of the health care services in the private health institutions can lead to clients‟ cognitive dissonance. Both private and public health institutions should play a major role in providing the necessary facilities that can assist the clients in their decision-making process regarding their health care needs. This will enable the health care institutions‟ staff to understand what clients value and need and, therefore, how well to satisfy them and reduce cognitive dissonance. Easy access and utilisation of the private health institutions as well as satisfaction in quality health care delivery will create better health outcomes for the workforce and citizens of a country and this will improve economic development.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Exploring problematic experiences : an IPA study of 'Internet Addiction'

  • Authors: Allie, Naaheeda
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Internet addiction , Compulsive behavior , Security (Psychology)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:3256 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016395
  • Description: In the past two decades, a considerable amount of research has been carried out on the phenomenon of excessive Internet use, variously termed Internet addiction, Internet dependency and problematic Internet use. Despite this, there is still little agreement as to what constitutes this phenomenon, whether it should be considered a clinical disorder or not and what leads to this excessive or maladaptive use. The terminology used in this study is that of Problematic Internet Use (PIU). Several theoretical models have been proposed in the understanding of PIU including personality models, operant conditioning models, social cognitive and cognitive behavioural models (Davis, 2001; LaRose, lin & Eastin, 2003; Young, 1999). A proposed gap in the literature is the lack of studies exploring participant experiences of problematic Internet use. It is for this reason that this study aimed at exploring the experiences of a small sample of individuals with self-identified problematic Internet use. The implications of this phenomenological data for the above-mentioned theoretical models were then reviewed. This study used an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach in exploring these aims. A sample of four participants was selected through purposive sampling techniques. Four major themes emerged from the analysis namely: Escapism, Social Insecurity and Validation, Perfectionism and Control. These experiences of participants were also explored in terms of the conceptual models reviewed in order to compare how closely they related to participant experiences. A strong inter-relationship was found between the four themes mentioned above. The Internet appeared to provide a sense of control and validation to these individuals while simultaneously rendering them unable to maintain control of their Internet usage in relation to this. This sense of control was experienced through an escape from negative emotions, offline obligations and at times a dissatisfactory position in reality. Of the four models reviewed, the Social Cognitive model proposed by LaRose et al. (2003) appeared to offer the most relevant understanding of PIU to participant experiences. The presence of maladaptive cognitions also appeared to feature strongly as an underlying factor in participants' PIU, as theorised by cognitive behavioural models (Davis, 2001; Young, 1999) Finally recommendations are made for further more detailed exploration of PIU using interpretative, experiential methods.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

The design of Makana monument in Grahamstown: pathway of memory inspired by nature, mediating public and sacred space, as a regenerative mechanism of a forgotten place

  • Authors: Almon, Peta Pryor
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Monuments -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Historic buildings -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Historic sites -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Architecture and society -- History -- 21st century
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41283 , vital:36431
  • Description: Since 1994 the post-apartheid heritage discourse has become one of the primary tools to deal with culture, identity and citizenship in South Africa. It is one of the means by which a democratic national identity is being forged and the production of new monuments is the physical manifestation of this discourse. The South African landscape holds many suppressed or unarticulated histories; histories which are a function of socio-political and land battles throughout the years of colonisation and apartheid. In society, socio-political ideals are supported by daily practices, which in turn affect social structures. These structures and the values that they uphold, in turn are interned in the monument. The monument then radiates these through its physical form. Monuments are therefore a collective mirror from which society can position itself, expressing socio-political ideals that are reinforced by community actions. This treatise explores monument as a mechanism of social regeneration towards the vision of a democratic landscape. The treatise investigates the making of monuments by analysing philosophical positions, characteristics with the intention of extracting principles, and types of monuments. This was done in order to gain an understanding as to why monuments exist, the fundamental principles involved, and the architectural approaches to these. The work is centred around Grahamstown, focusing on heritage within the city. This heritage is explicitly represented in over seventy sites within the city. Through an analysis of these heritage sites, it became clear that there is an imbalance of represented histories; mainly favouring the colonial histories while the African histories remain unarticulated or poorly represented. This imbalance is testimony to the socio-political ideals over time which in turn affected the morphology of the city over time. This resulted in contrasting spatial structures; the colonial side of town structured by a grid plan centred on a major axial route from which the spatial hierarchy extends, and the township side which is characterised by a repetitive, non-hierarchical grid layout. The landscape of the city underpins this spatial layout where features are used to enforce socio-political ideals. The structuring elements of the landscape are crucial in this regard. Surrounding hills create a bowl condition in which the city is located which in turn is divided in half by a river reinforcing the two sides of the city. Two entry points into the city are demarcated by prominent hills, positioned directly opposite each other on either side of the city. Gunfire Hill on the west is accentuated by the 1820 Settlers Monument, while opposite to the east is Makana’s Kop surrounded by the township and remains unarticulated and known only by oral histories. This clear imbalance in the representation of histories is commonly characteristic in the South African landscape and settlement patterns. The treatise seeks to arrive at an architectural intervention that is a step towards reducing this imbalance, as well as representing these suppressed histories appropriately. Vincent Scully’s notion of architecture mimicking nature was used as a theoretical lens through which the approach to the architecure and landscape were viewed. Consequently, phenomenological ideas are used as an architectural approach which aims to integrate people, nature and heritage in the form of a monument. In line with this, African traditions and beliefs were investigated, specifically the inherent relationship between nature, human spirit and settlement. The proposal is the Makana Monument located on Makana’s Kop, maintining the principles of monuments while facilitating the social needs of the surrounding community within the township of Hlalani. The site is physically monumental in nature, due to its steep slope and prominent tree line. Presented with a naturally sacred site that is positoned at the centre of a community and contains significant history pertaining to Grahamstown. These themes became the informants of the design. The aim is to maintain the natural vertical prominence of the site by creating a building that gives definition through contrasting horizontal retaining walls positioned along the contour lines. Located at a crucial point on the slope, it mediates public and sacred space. Routes through and into the building are informed by the energies of existing desire lines of people’s pathways. The intention of the building is to give dignity to a sacred natural landscape, facilitate the needs of the community, and appropriately recognise the supressed heritage.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

A natural user interface architecture using gestures to facilitate the detection of fundamental movement skills

  • Authors: Amanzi, Richard
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Human activity recognition , Human-computer interaction
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6204 , vital:21055
  • Description: Fundamental movement skills (FMSs) are considered to be one of the essential phases of motor skill development. The proper development of FMSs allows children to participate in more advanced forms of movements and sports. To be able to perform an FMS correctly, children need to learn the right way of performing it. By making use of technology, a system can be developed that can help facilitate the learning of FMSs. The objective of the research was to propose an effective natural user interface (NUI) architecture for detecting FMSs using the Kinect. In order to achieve the stated objective, an investigation into FMSs and the challenges faced when teaching them was presented. An investigation into NUIs was also presented including the merits of the Kinect as the most appropriate device to be used to facilitate the detection of an FMS. An NUI architecture was proposed that uses the Kinect to facilitate the detection of an FMS. A framework was implemented from the design of the architecture. The successful implementation of the framework provides evidence that the design of the proposed architecture is feasible. An instance of the framework incorporating the jump FMS was used as a case study in the development of a prototype that detects the correct and incorrect performance of a jump. The evaluation of the prototype proved the following: - The developed prototype was effective in detecting the correct and incorrect performance of the jump FMS; and - The implemented framework was robust for the incorporation of an FMS. The successful implementation of the prototype shows that an effective NUI architecture using the Kinect can be used to facilitate the detection of FMSs. The proposed architecture provides a structured way of developing a system using the Kinect to facilitate the detection of FMSs. This allows developers to add future FMSs to the system. This dissertation therefore makes the following contributions: - An experimental design to evaluate the effectiveness of a prototype that detects FMSs - A robust framework that incorporates FMSs; and - An effective NUI architecture to facilitate the detection of fundamental movement skills using the Kinect.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

An investigation into the nature of mathematical connections selected grade 7 teachers make when teaching fractions : a Namibian case study.

  • Authors: Amupolo, Loide M
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Fractions -- Study and teaching -- Namibia
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:2016 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016374
  • Description: The general understanding of mathematics as a subject and its implications is, in reality alarmingly low. Evidence of this is evident in learners’ performance and their reaction towards the subject. Fractions as a domain of Mathematics are no exception. The majority of the learners do not learn Fractions comfortably. The causes of this may be varied. However, it is believed that one way of ensuring meaningful teaching and learning is to make use of appropriate connections. The significance and the important role of the teacher in making mathematical connections in learning for understanding are well documented in the literature. This study focuses on the nature of mathematical connections selected Grade 7 teachers make when teaching Fractions, as well as their perceptions of the importance of making such connections. This qualitative case study was conducted in three schools in the Oshana region. The purpose was to investigate how mathematics teachers make connections in fractions. Underpinned by an interpretive paradigm, the study made use of observations and interviews to generate data. The framework borrowed from Businkas’ (2008) study was used in analysing and coding the nature of connections used in the lessons observed. An individual conversation on the nature and perceptions of the connections made in the observed lessons was undertaken with each teacher followed by a focus group discussion that aimed at analysing deeper perceptions on connections. The main findings of the study revealed that teachers made use of all the different types of connections as per Businkas’s framework. The frequency of occurrence showed that Instruction-Oriented Connection and Multiple Representation connections topped the list of connections used. Teachers pointed out that connections to prior knowledge and making multiple representations were most significant, as they related to learners’ existing knowledge and pointed to different ways of solving a problem. The teachers were, however, not familiar with the other connections identified as this was their first experience of interrogating connections. They, however, agreed on the importance of making those connections. The teachers agreed that meaningful connections indeed helped with their conceptual understanding of Mathematics. They believed that connections can increase learners’ interest in school and help reduce negative views of fractions, in particular, and mathematics in general. However, they felt that the limited number of resources, poor teaching approaches and the inability of creating fraction sense may hinder them from making appropriate connections.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Understanding how Grade 11 Biology teachers mediate learning of respiration: A Namibian case study

  • Authors: Amutenya, Laina N
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Biology -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia , Respiration -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:2020 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017331
  • Description: The new curriculum in Namibia has introduced a new approach to teaching and learning requiring teachers to make use of learners’ prior everyday knowledge (PEK) including indigenous knowledge (IK) and practical work/activities. It further emphasizes some variations in teaching methods such as; the use of analogies, the use of mind maps, and so forth with the aim to actively involve learners in the learning process and develop skills to solve global challenges. The emphasis is on understanding of knowledge, skills and the will to use them appropriately throughout their lives. The main aim of this study was to understand and document how Biology teachers mediate learning of the topic respiration. Informed by an interpretive paradigm, a qualitative case study was conducted at two secondary schools in the Kunene region. The participants were selected using a convenience sampling. Data were gathered using three main sources, namely, documents, semi-structured interview questions which culminated into a questionnaire and observations. Triangulation was thus used to give credibility, objectivity and validity to the interpretation of the data. Data analysis in this case study involved a multi-stage process of organizing, coding and categorizing, synthesizing and summarizing. The audio recorded lessons were transcribed into text and I analyzed data using a colour coding technique by segmenting and labelling text to identify descriptions and broad themes in the data. Vygotsky’s Mediation of Learning and Social Constructivism in conjunction with Shulman’s Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) informed the data analysis process. Teacher-learner interactions were the main theme for mediation of learning (social constructivist perspective), hence during analysis I paid more attention to moments where interactions evolved and I used PCK to gain insights in teaching and instructional strategies used by teachers. The findings of this study revealed that: 1) teachers endeavor to use a variety of teaching methods such as the use of a mind maps and question and answer method. Learners were keen to ask questions in order to understand this topic. 2) The study also revealed that a lack of practical activities is one of the challenges teachers are faced with. Based on my research findings, I therefore suggest that there is a need for continuous professional development of biology teachers and capacity building in order to improve both their content and pedagogical content knowledge.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Effects of political instability in development in South Sudan

  • Authors: Annan, David
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Political stability -- Africa -- History , Economic development -- Political aspects , Africa -- Politics and government
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9184 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020190
  • Description: The signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the Republic of Sudan represented by the National Congress Party (NCP) and the SPLM (Sudan People’s Liberation Movement) which represented the people of the Southern part of Sudan in January 2005 ushered in a rare era of peace and hope for the rebuilding and construction of the war ravaged South Sudan. Coupled with the attainment of Independence for South Sudan through an internationally supervised referendum in January 2011, the objectives of years of struggle by the people of the formerly semi-autonomous region were completed. From 2005 until after the independence of South Sudan however, a period that initially was marked by huge euphoria and broad based anticipation of development boom, the support from both local and international actors for the struggle and the plight of the people of South Sudan is waning and at worst has now turned into despair and hopelessness. After attaining independence in 2011, the highest party organ, the Political Bureau decided to remove candidates who were popularly voted by their constituents and replaced them with their cronies, leading to mass exodus of cadres from the party. On top of that, the wide believe that the elections were rigged for SPLM candidates at the expense of the Independent candidates led to another wave of exodus and open rebellion by many veteran cadres of the movement. Today, these rebellions coupled with some complex problematic societal issues are major concern and a source of political instability and violence in some parts of the country. Secondly, the hasty process of the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) campaign, which in some cases were forcefully done left some communities exposed and venerable to attacks by rival communities. This continue to exacerbate and ignite tribal hatred, tension and stereotypes between communities especially in the traditionally volatile parts of the country that are known for cattle rustling and tribal rivalry as a form of cultural practice. Unresolved post secession issues within the SPLM had resulted to political instability and violence thus having negative economic consequences for South Sudan and all the gains the country had made in the past few years vanished after December 15 2013 political upheaval. This thesis will examine the effects of these mentioned complex political instability and economic dilemma South Sudan is being confronted with in the face of the fact that it is still in the process of nation building having attained its Independence only in July 2011.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Investigating the use of social networking via mobile phone as an extension tool in small-scale (emerging) agriculture in selected farming communities in the Cacadu District

  • Authors: Atinuke, Jimoh Rashidat
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Farms, Small -- Technological innovations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communication in economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Digital media -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social media -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18398 , vital:28633
  • Description: We live in the era in which the internet is now available on the majority of mobile phones at a very cheaper rate. This advancement in technology has created a boom in the use of mobile phone social networking as a primary communication tool - not only for individuals but also commonly used by professionals in most fields. The trends and growing usage of social networking via mobile phone indicate a potentially effective new platform for increasing production especially in agricultural sectors. In this age of information technology, farming communities can be empowered with the latest information and knowledge through mobile phone social networking to enhance agricultural development. The study investigates the use of mobile phone social networking as an extension tool in small-scale (emerging) farmers in selected farming communities in the Cacadu District Municipality of the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Specifically, the study investigates the use of available mobile phone social networks; what they are used for; and the importance and benefits of social networking both generally and to the farming communities. The study further identifies problems inhibiting the use of mobile phone social networking. Other channels through which the small-scale (emerging) farmers acquire agricultural information, aside from via mobile phone, and the type of agricultural information these farmers acquire, are also investigated. This study focuses on the use - and not the testing or adoption of - mobile phone social networking in small-scale (emerging) agriculture. In the exercise to investigate the use of social networking apps via mobile phone, data was collected from 40 small-scale (emerging) farmers using a purposive sampling method. This study used a survey design, exploratory and descriptive research methodologies. Data was captured by administering a questionnaire through personal face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics such as simple frequency tables, percentages and bar graphs were used. From the Chi-square testing, it was found that agricultural knowledge levels, internet access and size of production farm land influence the use of social networking by the small-scale (emerging) farmers. However, the result of this study showed that gender, age, other income and educational level of the small-scale (emerging) farmers are not statistically significant determinants of social networking use. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was found to be 0.95. To establish the strength of associations of the variables, Cramer’s V ranging between 0.04 and 0.9 (signifying relationships from negligible to very strong association) was used. The findings showed that different social networks are used by the farming communities, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Blackberry messenger, MXit, Twitter and YouTube. The various uses of these social networks by the farmers are discussed. The benefits and problems inhibiting their use are also outlined. Other sources of acquiring agricultural information by the farmers aside from social networking via mobile phone are examined. The result of the study shows that [agricultural extension officers, other farmers, farmers’ discussion groups, friends and family,] are major sources of agricultural information to the small-scale (emerging) farmers while other sources are television, radio, print media and result demonstrations. The study suggests that to enhance mobile phone social networking to ensure that timely and effective agricultural information is readily accessible to the small-scale (emerging) farmers. These include agricultural extension officers making optimal use of social networking via mobile phone, due to the strong interaction and trust between them and the farmers. This interaction can be instrumental in the effective use of this technology as a resourceful medium for accessing agricultural information to enhance productivity. Proper awareness and understanding of the potential and benefits of mobile social networking by the farmers will motivate the small-scale (emerging) farmers to use the technology for effective agricultural purposes. Also, ensuring the availability of agricultural information to small-scale (emerging) farmers by setting up on-line pages or websites to discuss matters of interest and educate and update farmers on agricultural issues should be encouraged. This may attract the younger generation and the youth to participate fully in agricultural activities - thereby enhancing agricultural development.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

Analysis of calendar effects and market anomalies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange

  • Authors: Atsin, Achiapo Jessica Lisette
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Stock exchanges -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Stocks -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:9028 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020372
  • Description: This study sought to empirically investigate the existence of calendar effects and market anomalies on the JSE using monthly and daily closing prices of the ALSI, Top 40, Mid Cap and Small Cap index; as well as, daily closing prices on the Value, Growth and Dividend Plus index during the sample period 2002 – 2013. The anomalies analysed are the January effect, the weekend effect, the size effect, the value effect, and the dividend yield effect. The empirical analysis uses a number of MSAR with a different number of regimes and lag orders. The results from the investigation of the January effect show the non-existence of the January effect and the value effect on the JSE during the periods 2002 – 2013 and 2004 – 2013, respectively. However, the weekend effect was found significant in the Mid Cap and the Small Cap index, and the size effect was also found significant during the same period 2002 - 2013. Finally the results from a Granger causality test concluded that there is a relationship between the returns on the Dividend Plus index and the ALSI, effectively proving the existence of the dividend yield effect on the JSE between 2006 and 2013. Additionally, the anomalies found imply the opportunity for investors to make returns above buy-and-hold.
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  • Date Issued: 2015

An analysis of use of cloud enterprise resource planning systems in South Africa

  • Authors: Atukwase, Denise
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Enterprise resource planning -- South Africa , Business planning -- South Africa , Management information systems -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:8874 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020352
  • Description: Due to innovation, Information Technology (IT) is changing all the time. One of the fast growing IT innovations is cloud computing. The phenomenon of cloud computing has changed the way that business consumes IT and in particular Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. This phenomenon has led to a need for research in the field of cloud ERP systems. A review of the literature revealed a gap in research related to cloud ERP systems and particularly to the adoption of these systems in South African companies. Only a few studies have been done regarding the adoption of cloud computing in South Africa, and the extent of adoption of cloud ERP systems in South Africa is not known. This study set out to answer the research question “What is the extent of understanding and adoption of ERP system in South African companies?” The study will be useful to the ERP industry in understanding the level of adoption of and perceptions about cloud ERP systems by South African companies. In order to answer the research question a survey research strategy was adopted and was of an exploratory nature. The sample was composed of IT professionals and line managers in South African companies. Questionnaires were sent via web link and 41 complete responses were obtained. The results showed that the respondents had a good understanding of the advantages/benefits of cloud ERP systems. However, a lack of clear understanding of the disadvantages/drawbacks of cloud ERP systems was evident in the research data which could lead to non-adoption of cloud ERP systems. Adoption of cloud ERP systems was highest in the engineering, manufacturing and IT sector. It was evident that IaaS and PaaS have not been adopted at all. The majority of the companies (60 percent) that had adopted cloud ERP systems were SMEs. This is in line with international studies that show that SMEs are driving the change in IT innovation such as cloud ERP systems.
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  • Date Issued: 2015
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