The training of artisans for house building projects in South Western Nigeria
- Authors: Oni, Oluwole Joseph
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Skilled labor -- Nigeria , Artisans -- Training of -- Nigeria , Construction industry -- Employees -- Training of -- Nigeria , Training needs -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9726 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020625
- Description: The current shortage of artisans in the Nigerian house construction sector has constrained the productivity of the sector and exacerbated the nation‟s housing problem. The persistent neglect of the artisan training system has negatively impacted on the stock of artisans available for house construction projects. Nigeria‟s large and fast-growing population of over 140 million with an estimated growth rate of 3.2 percent has engendered increased investment in shelter provision; especially by individuals and families due to fast rising housing rentals- mainly in the urban centres. Past policies have not adequately addressed the realities of the skills crisis occasioned by inadequate and neglected apprenticeship training and poorly developed vocational education and training systems. The fallout of this is manifested in the difficulties faced by developers in sourcing suitably qualified and experienced artisans for house construction projects. In response to this challenge, an upsurge of migrant artisans and craftsmen from neighbouring West African nations like Togo, Benin Republic and Ghana to Nigeria has occurred in the recent times. They were attracted by building contracting firms to fill the gap created by inadequate artisan supply that is currently being experienced locally. This development is totally unacceptable as it exacerbates the overarching socio-economic problems in Nigeria, especially the already high unemployment rate which is estimated to be 23.9 percent. This study has consequently investigated the inadequate training of house construction artisans in South Western Nigeria; evolving interventions and developing a strategic model for improving the artisan training system to ensure an adequate and sustainable artisan supply in the house construction sector. The model incorporates best practices, rethinking strategies and integrated approaches in mitigating the identified challenges. The model is underpinned by reviewed literature and empirical findings. Quantitative surveys and interviews were utilised as the data sources. The research findings show that the factors which negatively impact on the artisan training system in the house construction sector include: the poor image of artisans in society; lack of recruitment strategies for attracting potential artisans; inadequate policy framework for training and employment; a faulty and rigid National Qualification Framework (NQF); the non-participation of employers in training; a poor funding mechanism; a weak regulatory framework and corrupt practices in training administration. Recommendations for addressing the inadequate training of artisans include education policy reforms to give priority to vocational education; a new regime of funding for vocational education and training; a review of the National Qualification Framework to integrate the vocational colleges with the university system; a reform of the regulatory framework; public re-orientation on the societal image of the artisans; adoption of a new approach of public- private partnership in artisan training; the provision of incentives schemes to attract potential artisans and the appropriation of the proposed model for an integrated approach to addressing the challenges.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The effects of the labour skills shortage in the construction industry
- Authors: Vanqa, Inga Bongo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Building trades -- Employees , Skilled labor -- South Africa , Labor supply -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9728 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021125
- Description: Purpose of this treatise: The aim of this research is to determine, if the skilled labour shortage has had any impact on how construction projects are executed. If there is an impact the study aims to determine the nature and extent of the problem. Design/methodology/approach: A review of related literature was conducted, mainly to ensure that existing research is not replicated, in order to generate new ideas. The quantitative research approach was applied for this research. The questionnaire was designed so that scores can be easily summed in order to obtain an overall measure of the attitudes and opinions of the respondents. Findings: The results revealed that the skilled labour shortage has a negative effect on how construction projects are executed. The results further revealed that the biggest concern amongst employers and management of construction companies was the negative impact the shortage of skilled labour has on the levels of workmanship. Research limitations: The sample (construction companies) is mostly situated in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Practical implications: The research is of importance to managers and supervisors of construction companies of all sizes. The findings of this study will assist in ensuring that projects are efficiently managed irrespective of the current skills crisis in the construction industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The effects of shot peening on low cycle fatigue life of 7075-T6 aluminium alloy round bar
- Authors: Peters, Donald Michael Dirk
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Shot peening , Aluminum alloys -- Fatigue , Metals -- Fatigue
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/2929 , vital:20364
- Description: The aim in this dissertation was to improve our understanding of the effectiveness of shot peening in prolonging fatigue life, of 7075-T6 Aluminium Alloy round bar, taking into consideration surface residual stress, microstructural and micro-hardness parameters. Three point bending, high stress, moderately low cycle, fatigue tests were conducted to study the effects of shot peening and associated surface residual compressive stresses on fatigue life. The influence of shot peening on the microstructure was explored, including the application of mechanical small plastic straining and surface skimming, to vary the surface residual compressive stresses and induce strain hardening. Tests were performed to measure residual stress-depth distribution, plastic straining, micro-hardness, and the microstructure analysed on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) fractographs. The Juvinall and Marshek life prediction model was used in conjunction with the Gerber equation for non-zero mean stress applications to generate a proposed life prediction model for this material which is user-friendly. The proposed life prediction model has a linear equation format with the flexibility to conservatively accommodate most of the various types, and combinations, of treatments applied in this research by the use of customised constants. The results show that there was good correlation between actual and predicted fatigue life as well as useful insights into the role of the microstructure in explaining fatigue life behaviour.
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- Date Issued: 2014
SecMVC : a model for secure software design based on the model-view-controller pattern
- Authors: Colesky, Michael Robert
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures -- Software , Computer software -- Development , Model-driven software architecture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9823 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020614
- Description: Current advances in the software development industry are growing more ubiquitous by the day. This has caused for security, not only in the broader sense, but specifically within the design and overall development of software itself, to become all the more important. An evidently prevalent problem in the domain of software development is that software security is not consistently addressed during design, which undermines core security concerns, and leads to the development of insecure software. This research seeks to address this issue via a model for secure software design, which is based on a software design pattern, namely, the Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern. The use of a pattern to convey knowledge is not a new notion. However, the ability of software design patterns to convey secure software design is an idea worth investigating. Following identification of secure software design principles and concepts, as well as software design patterns, specifically those relating to the MVC pattern, a model was designed and developed. With the MVC pattern argued as being a suitable foundation for the model, the security conscious MVC (SecMVC) combines secure software design principles and concepts into the MVC pattern. Together herewith, the MVC pattern’s components in the MVC Compound pattern, namely: the Observer pattern, the Strategy pattern, and the Composite pattern, have provided further sub-models for less abstraction and greater detail. These sub-models were developed, as a result of the SecMVC model’s evaluation in the validation for this study, an expert review. Argued in the light of similar research methods, the expert review was chosen – along with a process that included the use of two expert participants to validate the SecMVC model. It was determined through the expert review that the SecMVC model is of sufficient utility, quality, and efficacy to constitute research value. The research methodology process followed was design science, in which the SecMVC model, which includes its related sub-models, serves as the artefact and research output of this study. This research study contributes evidence of the feasibility for integrating knowledge into software design patterns. This includes the SecMVC model itself. In addition, it argues for the use of an expert review, as an evaluative research method for such an artifact.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Problems experienced by project managers on housing projects
- Authors: Mtshekexe, Ntombesibini Octavia
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Project management , Housing rehabilitation , Public housing -- South Africa , Building -- Superintendence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9675 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020930
- Description: Housing projects are amongst the South African (SA) Government’s major focus points with reference to budgeting for its financial years. The delivery of these housing projects is taking place at a slower rate than anticipated due to the problems experienced in the processes involved in their management. The project management shortcomings are a major setback with reference to the delivery of houses to the communities. It is, however, stated by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (RSA) that every South African citizen has a right to housing and that the Local Government, as the closest entity to communities, must do whatever it possibly can to ensure timeous service delivery to its communities. The objective of this research is to ascertain the nature and extent of project management problems experienced by municipal project managers, the impact thereof and potential solutions to the identified problems. The study is intended to advise on possible ways to address project management problems arising during the implementation of housing projects in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) through investigation and analysis of information gathered in both theory and practice. Project management is a process of controlling the achievement of project objectives through the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques. For a housing project the main objective is to deliver safe, quality houses on time and within budget. Problems which hinder the delivery of housing projects relate to cost, time and the quality of housing projects delivered. The fact that these key project objectives are not met needs to be addressed urgently in order to improve the housing delivery. The literature reviewed and the feedback from the surveys; indicate that these problems have a vast impact on housing projects. The survey also reveals that it is not only housing Project Managers (PMs) that are unable to perform well, but also other parties involved in the project management of housing projects and which play a great role in project management failures of housing projects. Some of these parties are consultants and contractors. The lack of performance by project managers affects the delivery of houses negatively in the NMBM.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Mechanisms, analysis and characterisation of mechanical properties of laser formed commercially pure grade 2 titanium alloy plates
- Authors: Mjali, Kadephi Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Materials -- Mechanical properties , Bending , Titanium-aluminum alloys
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9641 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021083
- Description: The processing of materials has become a specialist field and the industry will continue to grow due to rising costs in labour and raw materials which has forced many automotive industry suppliers to invest heavily in this field. In order to be relevant and competitive in today’s industrial world, companies in South Africa are now forced to dedicate billions of rands in profits to research and development. Metals like titanium are finding favour with automotive and aviation companies in pursuit of savings in fuel consumption. This saving is achieved by reducing weight on aircraft and automobiles yet still meeting acceptable and improved structural integrity. In-depth research into the behaviour of various materials under varying loading conditions is therefore essential. The study on the processing of commercially pure grade 2 titanium alloy plates focuses on the development of process parameters for bending the material using a 4kW Nd: YAG laser to an approximate radius of curvature of 120mm. The resulting mechanical properties of laser formed plates are then compared to those obtained from mechanically formed samples. The titanium parent material was used to benchmark the performance of formed samples. The effect of process parameters on the mechanical properties and structural integrity also formed part of this study. To obtain the bending parameters for laser forming, various combinations of processing speeds and laser powers were used. The line energy is dependent on the power and scanning velocity parameters and these are shown in table 1. The laser power, line energy and scanning velocity were the main parameters controlled in this study and the beam diameter remained unchanged. Residual stress analysis, micro-hardness and fatigue life testing were carried out to analyse mechanical properties and the structural integrity of the plate samples. Microstructural analysis was also done to observe changes in the material as a result of the forming processes. From the results it is evident that laser forming is beneficial to the hardness of titanium but detrimental to the fatigue life at higher line energies. Residual stress analysis showed the amount of stress within the study samples increased with each forming operation. This information was vital in the analysis of the fatigue life of titanium. A fatigue life prediction model was developed from this study and it shed some light on the behaviour of titanium in fatigue testing. The model could be used to predict fatigue life when no fatigue data is available for commercially pure grade 2 titanium alloy plates. In conclusion, this study helped establish parameters that could be used to bend titanium while the analysis of mechanical properties showed the limits of working with this alloy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Laser bending of commercially pure grade 2 titanium alloy plates: mechanisms analysis and characterisation of mechanical properties
- Authors: Mjali, Kadephi Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Materials -- Mechanical properties , Bending , Titanium-aluminum alloys
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9642 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021147
- Description: The processing of materials has become a specialist field and the industry will continue to grow due to rising costs in labour and raw materials which has forced many automotive industry suppliers to invest heavily in this field. In order to be relevant and competitive in today’s industrial world, companies in South Africa are now forced to dedicate billions of rands in profits to research and development. Metals like titanium are finding favour with automotive and aviation companies in pursuit of savings in fuel consumption. This saving is achieved by reducing weight on aircraft and automobiles yet still meeting acceptable and improved structural integrity. In-depth research into the behaviour of various materials under varying loading conditions is therefore essential. The study on the processing of commercially pure grade 2 titanium alloy plates focuses on the development of process parameters for bending the material using a 4kW Nd: YAG laser to an approximate radius of curvature of 120mm. The resulting mechanical properties of laser formed plates are then compared to those obtained from mechanically formed samples. The titanium parent material was used to benchmark the performance of formed samples. The effect of process parameters on the mechanical properties and structural integrity also formed part of this study. To obtain the bending parameters for laser forming, various combinations of processing speeds and laser powers were used. The line energy is dependent on the power and scanning velocity parameters and these are shown in table 1. The laser power, line energy and scanning velocity were the main parameters controlled in this study and the beam diameter remained unchanged. Residual stress analysis, micro-hardness and fatigue life testing were carried out to analyse mechanical properties and the structural integrity of the plate samples. Microstructural analysis was also done to observe changes in the material as a result of the forming processes. From the results it is evident that laser forming is beneficial to the hardness of titanium but detrimental to the fatigue life at higher line energies. Residual stress analysis showed the amount of stress within the study samples increased with each forming operation. This information was vital in the analysis of the fatigue life of titanium. A fatigue life prediction model was developed from this study and it shed some light on the behaviour of titanium in fatigue testing. The model could be used to predict fatigue life when no fatigue data is available for commercially pure grade 2 titanium alloy plates. In conclusion, this study helped establish parameters that could be used to bend titanium while the analysis of mechanical properties showed the limits of working with this alloy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Integration of an electrical discharge machining module onto a reconfigurable machine tool
- Authors: Roberts, Bryndan
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Machine-tools -- Numerical control , Electric discharges , Manufacturing processes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEngineering (Mechatronics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6182 , vital:21047
- Description: Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is a non-contact manufacturing process in which material is removed from a metal workpiece by high frequency electrical pulses produced between an electrode and the workpiece. EDM machines are usually stand-alone devices, and are quite expensive. The objective of this research was to integrate an EDM machine and an existing reconfigurable CNC machine tool, using a modular approach, to enable conventional milling and EDM to be conducted in a co-ordinated fashion on the same machine tool.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Guidelines to address the human factor in the South African National Research and Education Network beneficiary institutions
- Authors: Mjikeliso, Yolanda
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: National Research and Education Network (Computer network) Information networks -- South Africa Computer networks -- Security measures -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9946 , vital:26635
- Description: Even if all the technical security solutions appropriate for an organisation’s network are implemented, for example, firewalls, antivirus programs and encryption, if the human factor is neglected then these technical security solutions will serve no purpose. The greatest challenge to network security is probably not the technological solutions that organisations invest in, but the human factor (non-technical solutions), which most organisations neglect. The human factor is often ignored even though humans are the most important resources of organisations and perform all the physical tasks, configure and manage equipment, enter data, manage people and operate the systems and networks. The same people that manage and operate networks and systems have vulnerabilities. They are not perfect and there will always be an element of mistake-making or error. In other words, humans make mistakes that could result in security vulnerabilities, and the exploitation of these vulnerabilities could in turn result in network security breaches. Human vulnerabilities are driven by many factors including insufficient security education, training and awareness, a lack of security policies and procedures in the organisation, a limited attention span and negligence. Network security may thus be compromised by this human vulnerability. In the context of this dissertation, both physical and technological controls should be implemented to ensure the security of the SANReN network. However, if the human factors are not adequately addressed, the network would become vulnerable to risks posed by the human factor which could threaten the security of the network. Accordingly, the primary research objective of this study is to formulate guidelines that address the information security related human factors in the rolling out and continued management of the SANReN network. An analysis of existing policies and procedures governing the SANReN network was conducted and it was determined that there are currently no guidelines addressing the human factor in the SANReN beneficiary institutions. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide the guidelines for addressing the human factor threats in the SANReN beneficiary institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Factors impacting Tablet PC usage in low-income communities
- Authors: Meiring, Natalie
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Information technology -- Economic aspects , Information technology -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4642 , vital:20625
- Description: The purpose of this research was to identify factors that impact on tablet PC usage in low-income communities. In order to determine and identify these factors a main research question and sub-research questions were formulated. The primary research question of this study was "What factors impact on tablet PC usage in low-income communities?" This main research question was answered by creating three sub-research questions followed by triangulating the results from these questions. The first sub-research question was aimed at determining whether prior exposure to touch screen technology impacts the user experience. In order to reach this objective an extensive literature review was conducted on the tablet PC landscape in South Africa. This literature review, coupled with the case study helped answer this first research question. The second sub-research question was concerned with determining whether existing user experience guidelines are relevant to South African users. A thorough literature review was conducted on user experience guidelines and related studies. This literature review, together with the results from the case study helped answer this second research question. The third sub-research question involved identifying specific factors which help improve the user experience of tablet PC users in a specific context. This research question was addressed in the case study. Each sub-research question provided results which were analysed in order to answer the main research question. The factors which impact on tablet PC usage were thus identified and recommendations were proposed.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Effectiveness of the project management profession in the Ugandan oil industry : performance, benefits and challenges
- Authors: Kiggundu, Kamulegeya John
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Project Mangement -- Uganda , Oil industry workers -- Uganda , Benchmarking (Management) -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020059
- Description: Oil is one of the most valuable resources. For a country like Uganda, which is one of the least developed countries in the world with more than one third of the population still living below the poverty line; the discovery of this valuable resource has the capacity to radically alter the economy of the country. But on the other hand, oil exploration, mining and refining are complex, costly, long duration projects with many challenges that require sophisticated financial management, planning, scheduling and cost control. The project management profession is charged as a single point of responsibility for initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling projects in order to meet stakeholder’s needs and expectations. The research objectives were: 1. To identify and examine the challenges and risks associated with the oil industry in Uganda. 2. To investigate the effectiveness of project management practices in the Ugandan oil industry in terms 1 above. 3. Identify how project success can be measured in the Ugandan oil industry. A case study was the research technique adopted and interviews were conducted with the major stakeholders in the Ugandan oil industry. The research findings reveal the challenges and risks that continue to plague the Ugandan oil industry and the role of project management in the exploration phase of the project. The research findings were used to evaluate the role, responsibility and service that project management professionals are expected to render and the actual role, responsibility and service that the professionals have been rendering to the stakeholders in the Ugandan oil industry. The research then concludes by proposing ways of improving the chances of project success in the Ugandan oil industry.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Development of a mechatronic transmission control system for the drivetrain of the K71 project
- Authors: Nortemann, Alexander
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Motor vehicles -- Transmission devices , Automobiles -- Power trains , Automobile driving -- Shifting gear
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEngineering (Mechatronics)
- Identifier: vital:9659
- Description: The tractive force has to be interrupted during a gear-shifting operation in a manual vehicle transmission, leading into a decrease of speed while changing gears during the acceleration process. Therefore in a racing application, the shifting time has to be as short as possible so that the required performance of a racing car can be achieved. The following dissertation describes the development of a transmission control system to enable gear changes within a manual gearbox, which was designed for the Formula Student racing series. Various solutions were developed on the basis of reviewed literature, technical data of components and experiences of Formula Student teams. Following this, a comparison of the concepts by means of a utility analysis identified the pneumatic actuation of selector forks to be the most suitable concept. This was mainly due to the expected shifting time, the weight, and its advantageous energy supply requirement. After the selection of the actuators and the position sensors, the system was implemented into the drivetrain to check the tment and the technical feasibility. To draw conclusions regarding the shifting time and to prove the functionality of the system, an open test bench was constructed. Additionally, the hardware and software had to be developed to enable the test run. After the manufacturing and assembling of the test bench, the optimal settings for the test run were determined. By comparing the achieved shifting time of alternative solutions, an improvement in the driving performance of a Formula Student race car is probable.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Consumer health informatics in the information age and beyond
- Authors: Pottas, Dalenca
- Subjects: Medical informatics , Information technology , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20757 , vital:29386
- Description: This paper reviews current and future trends and challenges in the field of consumer health informatics. Emergent innovations driving consumer health informatics in the information age include devices, tools and applications supporting personalised healthcare, electronic personal health record (PHR) systems and a plethora of tools in the health social media domain. Within this domain, a new kind of social media citizen, the consumer specialist or patient opinion leader, is taking the lead in online communities of patients. A new generation of personal health records combining PHRs and social media is emerging, even though pervasive adoption and use of PHRs remains elusive. The accuracy of information, security and privacy of personal health information, legislative matters and the digital divide remain recurring challenges of consumer health informatics. In future, PHR vendors will have to address the lack of espousal of PHRs in innovative ways to provide a compelling case for adoption. The continued uptake of health social media necessitates efforts to understand, through longitudinal studies, precisely who the users are, what they use it for and how it contributes to the achievement of both personal and public health outcomes. Health information consumers, of varying levels of techno-literacy, needs and preferences, must be assisted to move from simply accessing information to distilling relevant and credible information and making informed decisions. Further research is required to understand the changing relationships between patients and healthcare providers and how consumer health information technologies can best support these. There is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of consumer health information technologies to inform both public policy and the next generation of tools, technologies and artefacts that could better facilitate improved health outcomes. Lastly, more effort is required to erode digital inequalities. As we move into a future emphasising both the global and the individual, accelerated connectedness and speed of change, consumer health informatics must respond such that it remains germane and amplifies the value that can be gained by all stakeholders.
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Characterisation of Young's modulus and loss factor of damping materials
- Authors: Nortemann, Markus
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Elasticity , Simulation methods , Damping (Mechanics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEngineering (Mechatronics)
- Identifier: vital:9662 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021036
- Description: Given the importance of simulation techniques in automotive engineering, there is a lack of implementation regarding these techniques in the acoustics of damping materials for air-borne sound. Biot’s calculations have proven its abilities to simulate the acoustic characteristics of these damping materials. However, the characterisation of essential structural parameters, such as Young’s modulus and loss factor, in order to conduct Biot’s calculations have been inconclusive. Thus, the primary research objective of this study is to propose a new measurement system for the structural Biot parameters. After a comprehensive literature review has been undertaken on damping materials, as well as measurement apparatuses for Young’s modulus and loss factor of damping materials, two causes of measurement errors have been identified. Unknown stresses in measurement apparatuses and inhomogeneous, polytrophic and viscoelastic behaviour of specimens. A new measurement system that does not affect the specimens with unknown stresses and accounts for their complex behaviour required investigation. Non-contact ultrasound had been selected as a solution to determine the aforementioned parameters, since these methods do not necessarily touch or compress the specimen, which led to unknown stresses and neglection of the complex specimen behaviour with the aforementioned techniques. Although ultrasound had been used to determine structural parameters on various types of materials, it has never been used to measure soft porous damping materials. In order to find possible solutions, various sources using ultrasonics to investigate struc- tural parameters had been reviewed. In order to calculate structural parameters, the longitudinal and transversal wave velocity inside the specimen had to be determined. The main findings showed that non-contact ultrasound will be able to evaluate the Young’s modulus, loss factor as well as Poisson’s ratio. Consequently, it was shown that longitudinal velocity measurements could be conducted using well known transmission measurements. However, well known approaches would not be sufficient measuring the transversal wave velocity in soft damping materials. This problem was addressed with a special gas to be used, with lower sound speed velocity in the fluid than in the solid. Moreso, a new method determining the transversal wave velocity had been found, as it would enable the use of an even larger range of damping materials, especially ones with heavy frames and lower porosity. It will use refracted waves inside the specimen and the determination of the convertion position of the transversal to the longitudinal wave at the rear specimen surface. At the end of the study, hardware components were selected and a test rig was constructed, which should be able to prove that a determination of structural Biot parameters with non-contact ultrasound is possible with less errors instead of using mechanical transfer function systems. The development of measurement software as well as the testing of the measurement system and its validation was not under investigation in this dissertation. This study has expanded on the body of literature knowledge regarding non-contact ultrasound. Furthermore, a significant contribution has been made towards a new measurement system measuring Young’s modulus and loss factor which circumvents errors in mechanical transfer function systems. This will contribute to more precise simulations of damping materials and damped enclosures, which may ultimately result in enhanced efficiency of damping materials as well as the acoustic packaging of cars.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Causes and effects of non-payment of residential property rates in Mahikeng
- Authors: Asianoah, Rexford Kofi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Debts, Public -- South Africa -- Mahikeng , Municipal default -- South Africa -- Mahikeng , Public utilities -- South Africa -- Mahikeng , Collecting of accounts -- South Africa -- Mahikeng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9674 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020076
- Description: One of the major sources of income to South African Municipalities is property rates. Income generated from property rates is meant to develop and deliver services to residents living in the said Municipal area. The main aim of the research was to identify the causes and effects of the non-payment of residential property rates, and also to develop workable strategies to maximise the collection of residential property rates in order to ensure developmental growth sustenance, specifically in Mahikeng Municipal area. Related literature was reviewed on the non-financial viability of Municipalities, maintenance of public infrastructure, service delivery and Municipal development plans in establishing the relationship with non-payment of residential property rates. Four hypotheses were set to guide the research with two testing positive with high level of confidence using the chi square method of testing. The research methodology employed in the research was mainly quantitative where the results and findings obtained from the questionnaire were statistically analysed. The research revealed that: The Mahikeng Local Municipality has failed to find the right medium to send rates bills to clients on time, is not taking active responsibility to recover rates debts, does not provide quality service delivery and the reluctance by locals to pay their property rates. The effects thereof, are the inability of the Municipality to deliver effective and efficient services, lack of maintenance of public infrastructure and development in the area. By implementing various options such as email, sms and the post to send rates bills to property owners, by employing different payment options, for example debit orders, transfers, bank deposits and discounts for property owners and embarking on periodic public awareness campaigns in educating the community regarding the importance of payment of property rates could serve as effective mechanisms to address the non-payment of residential property rates faced by the Mahikeng Local Municipality.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Building Information Modelling as a catalyst for an Integrated Construction Project Delivery culture in South Africa
- Authors: Froise, Timothy
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa , Construction projects -- South Africa , Acculturation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020872
- Description: The importance of technology in construction partnering agreements has been recognised as a vital part of integrated project delivery (IPD) philosophy. Building information modelling (BIM) is increasingly being used by consultants in South Africa during the design phase of construction projects. However, its use is generally not aimed at an integrated project delivery approach, but rather as a tool to generate documentation, as BIM is generally more efficient than traditional computer aided design (CAD) software. For the full benefits of BIM to be realised, a greater degree of acculturation is required between construction project organisations (CPOs). The current cultures of CPOs are separationist in nature and tend to inhibit acculturation within the industry. BIM provides a central source of information that can improve communications between CPOs and foster a collaborative culture. The research examines IPD and BIM in the South African context and investigates how BIM can contribute to IPD. A survey was conducted among registered contractors from the three top grades and architecture practices from two regions in South Africa. The survey was placed in context by a case study that analysed the use of BIM and the resulting communication network seen in a public works project using typical procurement methods. The associated problems with the current accepted paradigm are illuminated by the research.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Autonomous guided vehicle for agricultural application
- Authors: Chikosi, Gerald
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Autonomous vehicles , Farm equipment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEngineering (Mechatronics)
- Identifier: vital:9652 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016164
- Description: With the world's population expected to reach nine billion by 2050, agricultural production will have to double to meet this growing demand. Hence, a need for better infrastructure to enhance farming efficiency becomes apparent. There are a number of solutions that have been developed to date that are commercially available. They range from genetically modified seeds and bio/green fertilizers to advanced farming machinery amongst others. However most of the farming equipment developed has drawbacks such as: heavy weight – this leads to reduced yields due to soil compacting; human dependency – constant monitoring and controlling is needed; light dependency – excludes usage during the night or when visibility is poor. Therefore, a possible solution will be researched to enhance the evolution of farming equipment. Furthermore, a model will be developed for testing and verifying the research.
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- Date Issued: 2014
An investigation on the role of Development Finance Institutions (DFI) in building small emerging enterprises for property development initiatives in South Africa
- Authors: Noholoza, Alex
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Real estate development -- South Africa -- Finance , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9714 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020646
- Description: Purpose of this treatise: The aim of this treatise is to identify the challenges facing emerging entrepreneurs in accessing funding for property development initiatives which results in high levels of declined loans thereby limiting participation in the property market as well as the interventions necessary to improve access to finance. Design / methodology / approach: The questionnaires were emailed to funding institutions and emerging property developers. The questionnaire investigates the respondents‟ perception of importance and evidence of questions on property development, finance and managerial skills drawn from the literature. Findings: The findings of this study are consistent with and support the findings of previous local and international literature on constraints that SME‟s have in accessing finance for various initiatives. The findings indicate that the emerging property developers in South Africa are characterised by insufficient number in representation in the property sector, high risk averse financial institutions that requires collateral to lend. The findings of the study indicate that broader and bolder initiatives aimed at improving the emerging property developer's representation in the market needs a holistic and collaborative approach from the various institutions to aide these entrepreneurs. Value of paper: The research is of importance to all stakeholders involved in the property sector, financial institutions and economic development of the SME sector. The results of the study will contribute to the understanding of the current financing limitations facing SMEs and will assist funding institutions to better understand the role and importance of effective collaboration in improving access to finance to emerging property developers.
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- Date Issued: 2014
An incentive motivational approach to enhance successful delivery of construction projects
- Authors: Ndihokubwayo, Ruben
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Construction industry -- Management , Project management , Construction industry -- Public relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9727 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020649
- Description: The South African construction industry is faced with challenges which impede on successful project delivery. While incentives have been recognised as motivational tools for individual employees to achieve certain goals, the South African construction industry has not fully exploited the various avenues to initiate motivational approaches aligned with project objectives to enhance successful delivery of construction projects. This study is therefore aimed at exploring which monetary and non-monetary incentives would compel construction and consultant team members to improve successful project delivery. The study adopted a deductive approach whereby hypotheses were formulated based on motivation theories and applied them in construction project team situations. In this regard, the extensive literature related to motivation theories such as the hierarchy of needs, incentives, organisational commitment, and teamwork environment were reviewed. A web survey was adopted for the empirical data gathering by means of a questionnaire e-mailed to nationwide selected construction and consultant firms. Data analysis was done by means of ranking, paired sample test, T-Test, ANOVA test, Mann- Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis test of association, and the Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The reliability test was done using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of reliability. In total, 164 respondents participated in the study. It was revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between mean rankings of motivational factors, and organisational commitment was perceived as the most important motivational factor that compelled construction and consultant team members to achieve project success. There was no statistically significant difference between various demographics (gender, qualification, and experience) pertaining to self-development needs, organisational commitment, and teamwork environment motivational factors, except age groups, which displayed a statistically significant difference in self-development needs and teamwork environment. There was a statistically significant difference between mean rankings of monetary and non-monetary incentives, and non-monetary incentives were preferred to monetary incentives in achieving higher performance. There was no statistically significant difference between various demographics (gender, age, qualification, and experience in the construction industry) of construction and consultant team members pertaining to monetary and non-monetary incentives. There was no statistically significant difference between mean rankings of primary project objectives aligned with monetary incentives, where time was perceived as the most important. There was no statistically significant difference between various demographics (gender, qualification, and experience in the construction industry) of construction and consultant team members pertaining to project objectives aligned with incentives, except age groups which displayed a statistically significant difference in project objectives aligned with monetary and non-monetary incentives. Two models have been developed based on the PCA results of project objectives aligned with monetary and non-monetary incentives. Each model consisted of four parts, namely project objectives, demographic information, short-run project-based interventions, and long-run interventions. The PCA results showed monetary incentives could be a useful project-based intervention mechanism in the short-run to achieve secondary project objectives, such as the provision of work opportunities to SMMEs. In the long-run, this confirms the usefulness of the CIDB initiative consisting of the provision of work opportunities to SMMEs through the National Contractor Development Programme (NCDP) guidelines. The PCA results showed non-monetary incentives could be a useful project-based intervention mechanism in the short-run to achieve primary project objectives, such as quality. In the long-run, a continuous improvement mechanism by various construction industry stakeholders is deemed necessary to maintain project delivery standards.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A virtual-community-centric model for coordination in the South African public sector
- Authors: Thomas, Godwin Dogara Ayenajeh
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Electronic data processing -- Distributed processing , Interprofessional relations , Virtual work teams
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9831 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021073
- Description: Organizations face challenges constantly owing to limited resources. As such, to take advantage of new opportunities and to mitigate possible risks they look for new ways to collaborate, by sharing knowledge and competencies. Coordination among partners is critical in order to achieve success. The segmented South African public sector is no different. Driven by the desire to ensure proper service delivery in this sector, various government bodies and service providers play different roles towards the attainment of common goals. This is easier said than done, given the complexity of the distributed nature of the environment. Heterogeneity, autonomy, and the increasing need to collaborate provoke the need to develop an integrative and dynamic coordination support service system in the SA public sector. Thus, the research looks to theories/concepts and existing coordination practices to ground the process of development. To inform the design of the proposed artefact the research employs an interdisciplinary approach championed by coordination theory to review coordination-related theories and concepts. The effort accounts for coordination constructs that characterize and transform the problem and solution spaces. Thus, requirements are explicit towards identifying coordination breakdowns and their resolution. Furthermore, how coordination in a distributed environment is supported in practice is considered from a socio-technical perspective in an effort to account holistically for coordination support. Examining existing solutions identified shortcomings that, if addressed, can help to improve the solutions for coordination, which are often rigidly and narrowly defined. The research argues that introducing a mediating technological artefact conceived from a virtual community and service lenses can serve as a solution to the problem. By adopting a design-science research paradigm, the research develops a model as a primary artefact to support coordination from a collaboration standpoint. The suggestions from theory and practice and the unique case requirement identified through a novel case analysis framework form the basis of the model design. The proposed model support operation calls for an architecture which employs a design pattern that divides a complex whole into smaller, simpler parts, with the aim of reducing the system complexity. Four fundamental functions of the supporting architecture are introduced and discussed as they would support the operation and activities of the proposed collaboration lifecycle model geared towards streamlining coordination in a distributed environment. As part of the model development knowledge contributions are made in several ways. Firstly, an analytical instrument is presented that can be used by an enterprise architect or business analyst to study the coordination status quo of a collaborative activity in a distributed environment. Secondly, a lifecycle model is presented as meta-process model with activities that are geared towards streamlining the coordination of dynamic collaborative activities or projects. Thirdly, an architecture that will enable the technical virtual community-centric, context-aware environment that hosts the process-based operations is offered. Finally, the validation tool that represents the applied contribution to the research that promises possible adaptation for similar circumstances is presented. The artefacts contribute towards a design theory in IS research for the development and improvement of coordination support services in a distributed environment such as the South African public sector.
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- Date Issued: 2014