The personal financial management attitudes and practices of South African rugby players
- Authors: Acker, Enrico
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Rugby football players -- South Africa -- Finance, Personal Finance, Personal -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11363 , vital:26915
- Description: When rugby became professional in 1995, both the game and the social and financial position of the players changed (Basson, 2003). Players started to train full-time and earned annual salaries (Goldman& Johns, 2009). Due to the transition from amateur to professional status, rugby players needed to make adequate personal financial management decisions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the personal financial management attitudes and practices of South African rugby players. Previous research about personal financial management largely focussed on the general public, and did not focus on South African rugby players. Rugby is a professional sport where players earn money from a young age. It is expected of rugby players to make adequate personal financial decisions from as early as 19 years old. The literature review provided an overview of personal financial management and a discussion on the various components that should be included in personal financial management. A framework for this study was developed. The framework used these components as the base for the personal financial attitudes and practices and how it relates to the demographics of the respondents. Three hypotheses were also formulated based on the literature overview and framework. The objectives of this study were achieved by adopting a quantitative research methodology. A convenience sample of 132 rugby players was drawn for this study. Rugby players from NMMU Madibaz, Eastern Province Rugby Union (EP), South Western Districts Rugby Union (SWD) and Sharks Rugby Union participated in this study. The results of the empirical survey showed that respondents have positive attitudes towards the importance of budgeting, retirement planning, risk management, debt management and investment and the importance of employing a financial planner. On the other hand the personal financial management practices of the respondents in this study can be described as weak. From the results of the empirical survey it is clear that the respondents have weak practices towards the majority of the personal financial management practices. Only one of the three hypotheses was accepted namely that there is a relationship between the demographics of rugby players and their personal financial practices. There is no relationship between personal financial management attitudes and personal financial management practices of South African rugby players and that there is also no relationship between demographic variables and personal financial management attitudes of South African rugby players. This study has provided insight into the personal financial management attitudes and practices of South African rugby players. Valuable information was obtained that could help to address the personal financial management needs of rugby players.
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- Date Issued: 2016
An international marketing framework for Ford South Africa in Nigeria
- Authors: Adams, Pedro Duan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Export marketing -- Cross-cultural studies , Marketing -- Cross-cultural studies , Marketing -- Management -- Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3869 , vital:20471
- Description: Africa is seen as the last investment frontier and according to literature will have a GDP of $1.5 trillion by the year 2016 and a population that is double the size of Europe. The rapid expansion of infrastructure and construction in African countries, such as Mozambique and Zambia has increased the demand for commercial vehicles. This has sparked unparalleled marketing opportunities for automotive manufacturers and the continent is fast attracting major players in this sector. The international marketing literature still lacks detailed studies and research into the marketing deliberations and trades in Africa. Therefore, according literature a greater representation of African culture within the international marketing literature would provide relevance and richness in the global market place and offer greater insight to organisations who are seeking to invest and expand their businesses in Africa. The management issue here is to comprehend the diversity and vastness of this region and putting together all spheres to ensure growth and creating brand loyalty. The key challenge here is for management to be able to grasp and understand not only the various cultures but also the way of doing business in such a vastly different region. It is therefore imperative for Ford Motor Company to fully understand these factors so as to take full advantage associated with entering a market early which is commonly referred as first-mover-advantage. A case in point is when General Motors entered the Chinese automotive industry in 1997 when the Chinese market was relatively small. General Motors’ enthusiasm and commitment back in 1997 was driven by a belief that China would ultimately become an economic powerhouse and emerge as one of the world’s largest automotive markets. By the year 2010 China was one of the world’s biggest automotive markets and General Motors was a dominant force in this market. Africa has all the key elements for the growth and development of a robust automotive market. By studying past experiences and outcomes from empirical studies on international marketing with emphasis on the automotive industry, it will be possible to draw lessons and experience about the potential growth of the automotive sector on the African continent. This study will also be of great significance to other automotive manufacturers and suppliers looking to expand their business and market share across Africa due to the increase of the middle class. Therefore creative strategies and thinking of how to circumvent challenges in the African cultural environment, creativity in managing bureaucracy and due diligence about business and investment opportunities will uncover unprecedented volumes of profitable business that lies untapped on the African continent. Data from the quantitative study suggest that culture, political environment, country-of-origin, competition and country infrastructure in Nigeria, are essential factors to the development of a successful international marketing strategy for Ford South Africa. This study therefore concludes that Ford Motor Company of South Africa can utilize this framework in order to gain greater market share and ultimately success in Nigeria. Recommendations were also made for future research studies that can contribute to the international marketing literature with emphasis on the African market.
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- Date Issued: 2016
The need for conflict management in organisations (a health insurance company, Port Elizabeth)
- Authors: Ajam, Razaana
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Conflict management , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Interpersonal relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3852 , vital:20469
- Description: Conflict is evident in many spheres of life, however this study concentrated more specifically on conflict relating to organisations. Organisational conflict is seen “as any social collectivity, organisations such as private sector companies, government departments, schools and universities, non-governmental organisations, and political parties all experience internal conflict in varying degrees” (Bradshaw, 2008: 22). Each individual coming into a workplace has created his or her own set of challenges especially in the brutal arena of business. Conflict has destructive and productive qualities that can diminish or elevate processes within an organization (Stone, 1999). If it is not harnessed properly or dealt with in the correct manner, it can damage the reputation of a business; resulting in its downfall and this in turn contaminates and affects peripheral businesses associated with the organisation downstream. This study explored the following key aspects: Background of organisational conflict and its management; Background of the organization; Whether these two areas mentioned above can work together to create a cost effective and efficient outcome when dealing with conflict. The research adopted a mixed method approach with predominant focus on qualitative research methodology. The main focus of this study was conflict management within organisations and to probe and determine whether companies see the need to employ the field of conflict management as a strategy in times of fluctuating dispositions. It is evident that the organisation may not be fully aware or make use of alternative conflict resolution strategies and that the main causes of conflict can be eliminated such as poor communication, ill-defined job descriptions and objectives and differing of opinions. The need to employ alternative methods of conflict management may be emphasised by looking at the costs that conflict produces and the use of limited vital resources and the loss of human capital.
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- Date Issued: 2016
The taxability of rewards from suppliers
- Authors: Akoonjie, Ahmed Hassen
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Taxation -- South Africa Industrial procurement -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11253 , vital:26902
- Description: Successful business in today’s competitive climate thrives on building relationships with one’s suppliers, clientele and employees. Businesses, as a form of strategic engagement, extend their appreciation and recognition to these key role players with rewards (or incentives) such as prizes, holidays and free goods and/or services. This treatise examines the taxation implications of such rewards and determines that the market value thereof should be taxed in the hands of their recipients. This study also investigates possible indicators (or points of reference) to establish such market value and suggests alternate values that may be ascribed thereto for inclusion in the recipient’s gross income. Where the rewards are passed onwards by the recipient to its employees, fringe benefit consequences are occasioned and this study observes that the market value thereof should be taxed in the employees’ hands. The study goes on further to consider the position of the supplier (or provider) of the rewards and finds that the supplier is entitled to a deduction of the cost of the rewards it has provided to its clients or customers. This study also reflects upon the penal implications of not including the market value of rewards in gross income and notes that such non-inclusion constitutes a fiscal loss and is subject to an understatement penalty. Key recommendations on how such omission may be addressed by the tax authorities are also presented.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Evaluating late payment-induced waste in South Africa through lean construction principles
- Authors: Akuffo-Ntow, Eric Ayesu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Finance , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8867 , vital:26437
- Description: Central to the sustainable and competitive growth of the South African construction industry is a predictable cash flow through on time payment by clients to contractors. However, chronic late payments, a recurring problem in the industry, especially in the public sector, is bringing untold hardship to contractors by derailing their competitiveness and also eroding the trust among the supply chain partners to the extent that some firms end up closing business in the industry. The situation is viewed from the lean construction perspective as an obstacle that is preventing the accrual of the required value to project parties in the construction industry. This research addresses the causes of late payments to contractors and the role of the quantity surveyor (QS) in terms of influencing early payment from a lean construction perspective. A mixed method approach was used for compiling the primary data for the study. Sequentially, one hundred and two (102) quantitative and twelve (12) interview questionnaires were administered to selected contractors and construction professionals working predominantly on public sector projects. The findings revealed that the approval process for evaluation and certification by the client- appointed agent and intermediary institutions is taking longer than contractually allowed, with parties independently undertaking their evaluation prior to the certification date. This is found to be adverse to achieving consensus on the values of the works for authorisation. Other significant barriers are the lack of funds to authorise payment, random auditor general’s documentation changes, lack of administrators’ system integration and capacity to handle cyclical payment processing. Also, contractors have been found to be in default of timeously submitting complete claim documents. It is therefore recommended that the client agents should partner with the contractor in regular design and documentation reviews, arranging the payment process and should also meet jointly to prepare monthly evaluations. In addition, contractors should be mentored from the onset of the project regarding all the necessary documentation and supporting documents that will be required by the client to ensure that payment approvals are not delayed. The payment authori-sation agent’s capacity should be enhanced through training and improved powers as a singular point of control to perform efficiently and their systems and processes should be integrated to ensure that all parties are implementing the same protocols.
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- Date Issued: 2016
An investigation into the provision of government social grants to people with disabilities in Amathole Distrcit municipality
- Authors: Aplom, Thobeka
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: South African Social Security Agency , Public welfare -- South Africa , Grants-in-aid -- South Africa , Welfare fraud -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social service -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5754 , vital:20998
- Description: This study seeks to investigate the efficiency and effectiveness of the process for providing government social grants to people with disabilities in the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Amathole District Municipality in order to determine the need for any improvement measures. Taylor’s scientific management theory and the Total Quality Management (TQM) concept were used to interpret efficiency in the functional activities of the officials working in the Disability Grant Unit in Amathole District. The study also sought to answer the question of whether exit programmes existed that were designed to assist the beneficiaries to support them and cater for their needs related to their disabilities. The study followed a qualitative method. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and the sample of this study consisted of ten participants who are working at Grant Administration. These participants included one General Manager; one District Manager; one SASSA doctor; one Head of Grants Administration in the district and six officials who are at lower levels of the hierarchy at Amathole District Municipality in East London service office. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes from the interviews. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of the respondents experienced challenges such as lack of assessment doctors, turn around-time, corruption, poor consultation, lack of managerial commitment and doctors regarding the assessment of applications. In this regards, the study made a set of recommendations on the measures and strategies that could improve efficiency in the provision of this service.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Construction project manager health and safety interventions towards improving workers' performance
- Authors: Ayessaki, Winn-Yam Houdou
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Management -- Health aspects Construction workers -- Health aspects -- South Africa Construction workers -- Safety measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12275 , vital:27050
- Description: Optimum construction worker (CW) performance is required to achieve project delivery within project parameters. It is not always the case as CWs are regularly exposed to hazards, involved in accidents, their productivity is poor, they suffer from ill health, suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and contractors lack resources to allocate towards H&S. However, the lack or the absence of health and safety (H&S) measures, which the aforementioned depend on, has a negative impact on workers’ performance. Two descriptive surveys were conducted among professional construction project managers (CPMs) registered with the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) and general contractors (GCs) registered with the East Cape Master Builders Association (ECMBA). Interviews were also conducted with CPMs registered with the SACPCMP residing in the Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan area. The salient findings include: • Accidents, which occur on construction sites, impact workers’ performance; • Inadequate H&S implementation affects both CW skills and motivation, which in turn affects their performance; • Poor constructability is relevant to H&S and CWs’ skills; • Provision and maintenance of welfare facilities are commonly inadequate and affect workers’ performance, and • Projects do not benefit from the adequate financial provision for H&S. It was concluded that exposure to hazards, poor site conditions, inadequate provision of welfare facilities, WMSDs, and insufficient financial provision for H&S affect workers’ performance by either incapacitating or demotivating them. Recommendations include : CPMs should make better use of their influence on clients; they should improve communication channels between project stakeholders; legislators need to raise awareness regarding H&S and worker welfare, and training and education institutions need to empower workers and professionals with H&S knowledge.
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- Date Issued: 2016
The physical activity and health-related fitness of female students at a South African university
- Authors: Baatjes, Tashrique
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Physical fitness for women Physical education and training Women college students -- Health and hygiene Health behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5575 , vital:20909
- Description: Physical inactivity and resultant chronic diseases of lifestyle (CDLs) are becoming a global epidemic as secular modernization and the sedentary lifestyles it brings with it become universal. The importance of physical activity (PA) in reducing morbidity and mortality from CDLs and related conditions has been well established. Since it is generally significant that the onset of many CDLs lies in childhood through to adolescence, preventative strategies should start as early in life as possible. Currently, university students are failing to engage in the levels of PA recommended for better health outcomes over the short and long term. To make matters worse, there is increasing evidence of a decrease in PA during the transitional phase from adolescence to adulthood. This study aimed to determine the physical activity (PA) levels, sedentary behaviour and health-related fitness (HRF) characteristics of female university students. In addition, the participants‘ perceived barriers to PA were investigated. The study was exploratory-descriptive and employed a quantitative research design. Five hundred and thirty-one full-time female students, between the ages of 18 and 46, studying at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University‘s (NMMU) South, North, Second Avenue and Missionvale campuses participated in the study. The participants (n=531) completed an online survey which determined their PA levels, sedentary behaviours and perceived barriers to PA participation. A health-related fitness (HRF) assessment was also administered to 68 participants who completed the online survey. Their height, weight, and waist and hip circumferences were measured, as well as their cardiovascular fitness (CF). The majority (88 percent) of the participants reported low and minimal levels of PA, and 44 percent were either overweight or obese. The participants had a low-risk waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (M=0.70). The majority of the population (94 percent) had poor cardiovascular fitness (CF). A high prevalence of sitting time was recorded among the participants: on average 855 minutes (14 hours) on a usual weekday and 720 minutes (12 hours) on a usual weekend day. Students reported the greatest length of sitting time at work/attending lectures/studying. Cross tabulations and Chi2 tests indicated no significant relationships among PA and HRF (BMI, WHR and CF) and sedentary behaviour and HRF. The ANOVA and t-test results for PA, sedentary behaviour and HRF related to various demographic variables, found small (0.19 < d < 0.50) and medium (0.49 < d < 0.80) significant differences by race (d=0.43; d=0.52), home language (d=0.41; d=0.44) and living arrangement (d=0.38; d=0.28). No significant relationship was found to exist between age, year of study and faculty of registration and sedentary behaviour or HRF. The participants listed: Not enough time; too expensive to exercise; and, no friends who can exercise with me as the most important barriers to participation in PA. Academic obligations (3.08 mean) was found to be the most important barrier to PA.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Uhlalutyo ngokwesithako sobunzululwazi nkcubeko-ntlalo yaseAfrika kwinoveli yesiXhosa: Inkululeko isentabeni
- Authors: Bali, Nolundi Monica
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Xhosa literature -- History and criticism
- Language: Xhosa
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9077 , vital:26462
- Description: Kule ngxoxo kuqwalaswele indlela amasiko nezithethe asetyenziswe ngayo kwincwadi kaSaule, ethi, Inkululeko isentabeni. Le ngxoxo ijolise ekuncomeni indlela lo kaSaule awasebenzise ngayo amasiko kunye nezithethe zakwaNtu ukwakha isizwe esimnyama. Konke oku kudandalazisa ukubaluleka kokusetyenziswa kwawo ukwakha isizwe. Injongo yolu phando kukuphendla indlela umtshato, isithembu, ulwaluko, imbeleko, intonjane, ukufa, ukukhapha, ukubuyisa nokungenwa ezaziqhutywa ngayo nezizathu zoko. Le ngxoxo iza kuphonononga ixhaswe ngezithako eziziimbono zeengcali zohlalutyo kwintlalo kaNtu. Ingxoxo le yahlulwe yazizahluko ezintandathu. Isahluko sokuqala sivula ngentshayelelo, ze sidandalazise intsusamabandla yolu phando, kushukuxwe imbangeli yophando, ze kwenziwe uphengululo lweencwadi zeengcali kwisithako sobuNzululwazi Nkcubeko-Ntlalo. Isahluko sesibini, siqwalasela ukuxabiseka kolwendo ngokwengcinga yesiNtu kwincwadi kaSaule. Indlela isiko lokuthwala lalisenziwa ngalo mandulo xa kuthelekiswa kweyangoku, nemiceli-mngeni elijamelene nalo eli siko. Isahluko sesithathu, sijongene nesithembu, iimeko ezazinyanzelisa ukuthathwa komfazi wesibini nangaphezulu nemiceli-mngeni ekhoyo kwesi sithethe. Isahluko sesine, singolwaluko ngemihla yamandulo size sithelekiswe nale mihla siphila kuyo. Iingxaki ezikhoyo kweli siko ezibangelwa kukungakhathali kwengcibi, namakhankatha. Esesihlanu, isahluko singamasiko nezithethe, iindlela ezazisaya kusetyenziswa mandulo kuthelekiswa nezeli xesha lokhanyo ekwenzeni la masiko nezi zithethe. Isahluko sesithandathu, sesokuphetha, siyintyilazwi yeengxoxo ezikolu hlalutyo, kuxilongwa ubuzaza besithako sobunzululwazi nkcubeko-ntlalo.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Optimisation of glass scoring operation
- Authors: Bechoo, Durvesh Sookraj
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Glass -- Mechanical properties , Glass manufacture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9283 , vital:26559
- Description: The economic crisis and prior recession made a huge dent in many industries. Companies want a cheaper manufactured product with same quality to satisfy the customer in order be competitive yet profitable. Shatterprufe is a company that produces automotive glass. The company has a vast number of products and experience short production run lengths because of its order intake from customers. These short production run lengths require accurate setup to have a repeatable and stable process. An incorrect setup will produce a high scrap rate on production runs. Glass being very brittle and machining it incorrectly results in flaws, breakages or edge stresses that lead to latter process failures. The scoring operation of glass is key to achieve good edge quality to prevent such defects. The correct tools and machine parameters influence good edge quality during the setup procedure. Due to the process having many variables it is difficult to have a stable process and a repeatable stable process. This research will analyse the tool, parameters of the tool and machine parameters to achieve best edge quality and correlating these parameters that will lead to a repeatable stable process. An experimental analysis was conducted on 2.1mm and 2.5mm thick glass. These thicknesses are used predominantly at Shatterprufe automotive glass manufacturing company. The first sample and last sample was analysed during a production run. An average production run length is 36 pieces of glass. The edge quality was seen under a microscope and the fissure depth was measured. To achieve ideal edge quality, the fissure depth must be 15-20% deep of the glass thickness. A fissure is a crack propagated during the scoring of glass. A carbide wheel is used to score the glass. The carbide wheel parameters were varied being the wheel angle and wheel diameter. A 145 degree-4.1mm wheel, 145degree-5.6mm wheel and a 155 degree- 4.1mm wheel was used. The following relationships where observed being the wheel diameter and fissure depth. An increase in wheel diameter resulted in an increase in fissure depth but decreases the wheel life as the wheel becomes blunt. There was inconsistency on fissure depth with the larger diameter wheel. An increased in wheel angle from 145 degree to 155 degree promoted flaws in the glass. Larger wheel angles work better on glass thicknesses of 4-5mm as currently used in the Shatterprufe Struandale Company. An investigation on pressure variation in the pneumatic system was analysed using a pressure transmitter. The pressure transmitter measured the pressure per second versus the set pressure and recorded this data on a data logger. There was no pressure variation in the pneumatic system that can influence poor glass edge quality. A load cell analysis will investigate the physical applied pressure on the glass versus the set pressure. This analysis was to determine the relationship between set versus actual on the glass. It will indicate any mechanical fault. A mechanical fault could be a loose coupling or linkage that can influence the fissure depth. A direct proportional relationship was achieved between the set pressure versus the load cell readings. This indicates no mechanical fault on the system.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Ecological principles for honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) conservation and cultivation
- Authors: Beyers, Andrea
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Fynbos -- South Africa , Rooibos tea industry -- South Africa , Herbal teas -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5723 , vital:20975
- Description: Market demand for the fynbos-derived honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) tea is on the rise, and there is an urgent need for better conservation of wild Cyclopia populations and for a shift to sustainable cultivation. Rooibos is another popular fynbos product that underwent exponential market growth over the last two decades but this resulted in large-scale conversion of pristine mountain fynbos to intensively-used crop lands. Adopting a conservation agriculture approach in expanding indigenous products will help in conserving biodiversity and ecosystem processes in this global biodiversity hotspot. Conservation agriculture of indigenous fynbos products grown in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) should follow five main principles in order to maximise biodiversity conservation alongside agriculture. These principles are: 1) maintain high diversity at all levels, 2) conserve soil structure and processes, 3) conserve and restore natural ecosystem processes, 4) promote ecosystem stability and self-perpetuation, and 5) maintain natural areas as sources of ecosystem components. Given the negative ecological consequences of the industrialisation of the rooibos industry, it would be in the interest of biodiversity conservation, and even of agriculture, to apply these principles to honeybush cultivation. In order to prevent further fynbos habitat loss, cultivation of honeybush could be catalysed on old fields rather than in ploughed or cleared fynbos. Here I compare germination, growth and survival of two species (Cyclopia intermedia E.Mey. and C. subternata Vogel) between different land use types (ploughed lands, old fields and intact fynbos) and treatments (cleared and uncleared) in the Langkloof, Eastern Cape, over one year. Plots of each land use type were subject to each of these two treatments, although the ploughed plot constituted only a cleared treatment. Growth was highest on ploughed land, while survival and growth were lowest in uncleared fynbos. Cleared fynbos had the lowest germination success in both species, with the other sites and treatments coming out roughly the same. These results show that although ploughed lands give highest yields, growth and survival on old fields without ploughing is comparable with that on ploughed lands and is therefore a feasible alternative. Understanding the recruitment dynamics of honeybush is imperative for adequate conservation of wild populations. Furthermore, understanding this ecological aspect of the genus will help in developing the honeybush industry as a sustainable, agroecological market that uses semi-natural populations for production. Although Cyclopia species are early-successional species that germinate after fire, recruitment of Cyclopia pubescens Eckl. & Zeyh. continues throughout the inter-fire period. Cyclopia pubescens populations near Port Elizabeth were described according to their age structure and plant densities to discern possible density-dependent recruitment effects. Results showed that dense stands for the most part do not support high post-fire recruitment. This gives insight into suitable planting densities for new or restore populations and into management guidelines for remnant populations of threatened species. This thesis highlights important issues facing the honeybush industry. Mainstreaming biodiversity conservation into honeybush production is achievable, given that the industry is still relatively young, but this will require further research and strong market leadership.
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- Date Issued: 2016
The design of an internet sever facility in central, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Binda, Mathew Ryan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: City planning -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Land use, Urban -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Central places -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18762 , vital:28720
- Description: The concepts underlying this treatise develop from an observation of contemporary society’s inherent reliance on technology, its growing popularity as an information exchange mechanism and Africa’s lack of connection to it’s foundation, the internet. Human interaction with digital technology, supported by the internet, has created a new social culture which manifests meaning through visual and virtual cues. These make reference to place and are experienced as real and individual, relating to theories such as Heidegger’s imagined place (Heidegger 1971). In order to enhance Southern Africa’s connection with the global network of the internet, the design of an Internet Server Facility will bridge previously under-utilized international lines into the country at Port Elizabeth engaging with the existing infrastructural system. At this point of connection the infrastructural zone impedes the extension of a public environment. The design seeks to challenge the conception of the highway infrastructure in Port Elizabeth as objects that dehumanise space. It intends to emphasise structure and building as a set of processes or systems able to work together to enable not only the functional aspects of data infrastructure, but also respond to the urban fabric providing a multitude of spatial environments that engage with everyday human activity. Investigations of the previous impact of infrastructure which has been layered onto the edge of Port Elizabeth’s historical core, reveal the stripping of it’s place-making qualities over time, resulting in an urban wasteland. In considering the placement of an infrastructural system, an existing vacant space that forms part of the current infrastructure is more appropriate than using up other urban spaces. In its response, the system would need to respond to its urban environment in a way that infrastructure has previously failed to do in this area, due to its position adjacent to the CBD. For this reason the design is concerned with the urban rejuvenation of the scarred landscape and a design strategy for the development of a contemporary digital infrastructural system, capable of not only being a non-evasive to the urban environment but also a catalyst in the creation of physical and digital place-making in the public realm.
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- Date Issued: 2016
The role of emotional awareness in the retirement transition
- Authors: Black, Beverley Mary
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Retirement -- Psychological aspects , Aging -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5645 , vital:20947
- Description: This study examines the role of emotional awareness in the retirement transition. Retirement is viewed as one of the transitions in later life and has psychological consequences. It is an objective development and social-psychological transformation that is related to physical and psychological well-being. Research has shown that emotional awareness can have an impact on the retirement transition. A correlational research survey design was used for this study to determine and establish the role of emotional awareness, preparation and emotional responses in the retirement transition. Using a five-point Likert Scale, respondents were asked to score their responses to twenty-eight items. The questionnaire was distributed to retirees on the data bases of two financial companies that manage retirement funds. The SurveyMonkey application was used to distribute the survey to one financial company’s data base, and email was used for the other. Statistics such as means, relationships between factors, Cronbach’s Alpha, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. The findings of this study demonstrate inconclusive evidence of emotional awareness in retirement. In addition to this, there were no significant findings regarding preparation for retirement or emotional response to retirement which indicates a neutral attitude to preparation and retirement, on average. There is a need for further future studies that include a more balanced sample representation of men and women, a comparative study based on different cultures to determine if differences exist in the experience of emotions in the retirement transition, and a field study in retirement homes and villages to corroborate the findings of this study.
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- Date Issued: 2016
A critical assessment of team building as a tourism offering in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Blumel, Astrid
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tourism -- Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6225 , vital:21057
- Description: This study researched team building as a tourism offering. Team building has particular potential to benefit tourism in the Western Region of the Eastern Cape. Team building has grown in popularity and is offered by several tourism operators in the Western Region of the Eastern Cape. Team building can be practiced throughout the year by the use of numerous indoor and outdoor activities thereby attracting participants and tourists. The activity involves a wide range of tourism-related services and facilities which shows its potential value as tourism resource. The research methodology for this study aimed to identify the link between team building and tourism. Additionally, the study draws attention to team buildings possible socio-economic value which is added to a tourism business’s offering range and its effect on the host destination. A survey was conducted among a randomly selected target population representing role-players involved in team building and tourism activities, for which a questionnaire was developed by adapting the SERVPERF model. This enabled the researcher to identify the team building participants’ level of satisfaction with the team building operator, activity and host destination. Emerging from the gained insight into the dynamics between team building offerings and tourism businesses, recommendations have been formulated as to the relevance of team building for a tourism businesses’ offering range and the impact on the host destination. The research study identified numerous beneficial spin-off effects for the Western Region of the Eastern Cape driven from team building activities. These benefits were an increase in awareness of the destination, improved image of the Western Region of the Eastern Cape, and tourist engagement in other tourism offerings during their stay at the destination, among others.
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- Date Issued: 2016
The role of the Dohne Agricultural Research Institute in rural agricultural development in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Bolana, Khayalethu Kenneth
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8198 , vital:25965
- Description: The decline of sustainable farming in the past twenty years in the villages of Amahlathi Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province is a cause for concern as this has resulted in reduced food security and increased levels of poverty and unemployment in the villages. As this decline continues to escalate even to date, this study was intended to investigate the role that could be played by the Dohne Agricultural Research Institute in the reduction of poverty through sustainable agricultural activities in these villages. Using a case study of Kubusi village in Amahlathi Local Municiplality, data was gathered through interviewing farming and non-farming households as well as the extension officer for Kubusi village and Dohne officials in order to understand the reasons for and the nature of the decline in farming activities in the villages. The study was conducted against the background of sustainable liveIihood (SL) theory. Important findings revealed that economic factors, primarily lack of money to buy fence and hire tractors to plough are primary causes for the decline, this followed by the effects of global warming and the lack of interest by the young generation to participate in crop farming. The study recommends that the government of the Eastern Cape should intervene through the Dohne Agricultural Research Institute in reskilling rural people in modern farming methods and assisting rural farmers with inputs, primarily fence, tractors and irrigation systems.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Impact of a visual skills training program on visual performance of cricket fielders
- Authors: Bonnesse, Matthew Gregory
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Cricket -- Training , Cricket players Cricket. Vision
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7733 , vital:23440
- Description: The primary aim of this study was to determine whether a cricket specific visual skills training program has an impact on the visual performance of cricket fielders. The specific visual skills included accommodation, visual memory, speed of recognition, peripheral awareness, hand-eye coordination and saccadic eye movement. The study was exploratory and true-experimental in nature and utilized a quantitative approach. The pretest-posttest randomized group design was used. A total number of 20 participants that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study by means of purposive sampling. The 20 participants were randomly assigned to control (n=10) and experimental (n=10) groups. The experimental group underwent six-weeks of visual skills training. The tests used consisted of the Accumulator, Evasion, Corner Stretch and Flash tests on the Batak Pro, Hand-eye-coordination test, Hart Near Far Rock Chart and a Saccadic eye movement chart. Differences between the pre- and post-test scores were all positive and statistically (p<0.05) and practically (d>0.2) significant for the experimental group for the following visual skills tests: Hart Chart (M=7.90±3.73), Saccadic Chart (M=17.50±9.58), Accumulator (M=19.60±5.13), Corner Stretch (M=10.50±9.56) and Flash (M=5.40±3.75). The Evasion test (M=17.50±25.67) also showed a positive but insignificant improvement from pre- to post-test for the experimental group. The control group did not show any statistically significant improvements from pre- to post-test except in the case of Hart Chart (M=3.00±2.16) and Accumulator (M=2.40±2.55). Overall the experimental group produced significantly larger (p<0.05, d>0.20) pre- to post-test mean differences than the control group for six of the seven tests implemented. The Ball Toss test which was one of three hand-eye coordination tests did not show any significant differences between experimental and control groups even though the experimental group produced larger improvements. The other two tests that assessed hand-eye coordination (Accumulator and Corner Stretch) did, however reflect significant improvements for the experimental group. The findings of this study therefore revealed that improvements in visual skill performance of cricket players can be achieved through specific training.
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- Date Issued: 2016
The experiences of older persons and their adult children on maintaining positive parent-child relationships
- Authors: Boshoff, Marcelle Dianne
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Parent and adult child , Fammilies -- Psychological aspects , Adult children -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4631 , vital:20624
- Description: The incidence of increased life span as well as a lack of care for older persons, gave rise to the South African Older persons Act (Act No 13 of 2006), which guides society in how our older persons should be treated. This Act also provides a clear indication of the expectations of caring for older persons within communities and families. Many older persons people rely on the relationships they have with their children in their golden years, to be fulfilling and loving. This study therefore aimed to explore the experiences of older persons and their adult children on maintaining positive relationships in order for the relationship to be most beneficial for both older persons and their adult children. The quality of relationships between adult children and older persons according to Newby (2010) can ease participation of adult children in the lives of older persons. This study was conducted from a qualitative research perspective that is exploratory, descriptive and contextual in nature. The exploratory-descriptive design allowed the researcher to understand the topic by using a narrative strategy of inquiry. A non-probability purposive sampling method was applied to identify five older persons as well as the adult children of these older persons who are retirees of an automotive company in South Africa. Individual, semi-structured face to face interviews were conducted with older persons as well as with at least one of their adult children who did not reside with them. Thematic data analysis technique was used to analyse the data collected. The study is viewed as significant in enhancing the understanding of satisfying and caring relationships between older persons and their adult children in order to add to the body of existing knowledge in social gerontology and to improve direct social work practice with older persons.
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- Date Issued: 2016
A model for Internet management at a higher education institution
- Authors: Boshoff, Ryno
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Internet governance -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Internet -- Security measures -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10839 , vital:26828
- Description: The management of the Internet at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), an Higher Education Institute (HEI) in the Eastern and Western Cape area in South Africa (SA) was the focus of this research. The investigation was conducted into the level of Internet usage by determining for what purpose the Internet is used by the people at NMMU. The empirical data was collected, analysed and interpreted. From these findings a proposed Internet Management Model was created that will assist NMMU with its Internet management obligations. It has become a standing practice at HEIs for its Internet management and relevant Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources to be continuously investigated by HEI Management as well as by its users. The reason is that the Internet has become the foundation on which most ICT resources function and therefore is labelled as a distinctive competency for the HEI. HEIs have limited ICT Internet resources and are expected to utilise these resources optimally, to ensure efficient and effective Internet connectivity on all campuses and to all users and systems. This is a daunting task for various reasons, amongst which are: guidelines, best practices, governance influences, etc. are not readily available to assist with decision-making processes; the number of devices that require Internet connectivity is increasing almost on a daily basis; the content found on the Internet has become extremely resources-demanding; the Internet is no longer being utilised only during working hours but on a 24/7 basis; and lastly, the Internet is increasingly being abused by its use for non-work related activities which hinder the required connection and resources requirements for those who are using the Internet for work and research purposes. The purpose of this research study was to provide a proposed Internet Management Model to address all weaknesses and threats, currently being experienced at NMMU. This was created by firstly; determining what was considered best practices regarding Internet management at HEI; secondly, determining what the NMMU Internet users were utilising the Internet for and lastly; using the combined findings to draw conclusions and thereafter create an Internet Management Model for the HEI. This can assist the NMMU ICT Management team to re-align the Internet resources to match the current business and customer requirements. This will ensure that the NMMU Internet resources are effectively and efficiently utilised, which in turn will confirm that the availability of the Internet to its users and systems becomes a reliable and pleasant experience. The ICT Management team can then focus their undivided attention on other ICT-related matters. This treatise is an exploratory, mixed method study which comprises of literature studies, surveys and cross-sectional studies. The literature studies were conducted on secondary sources to identify the national and international governance structures that influence Internet management. The empirical study which consisted of two surveys (questionnaires) was compiled from existing questionnaires as well as from literature studies, and was completed by its respective respondent groups. The first survey was used to gain an insight into what was considered best practices regarding Internet management at HEIs in South Africa. The survey consisted of questions regarding demographic data and various ICT Internet resources. Respondents were asked to identify the practices relevant to their HEI. The second survey was used to gain an insight into what the Internet was being used for at NMMU by staff and students. The survey consisted of questions regarding demographic data and the various uses, frequency and periods of Internet usage. These respondents were then asked to identify the practices relevant to their Internet usage patterns. A cross-sectional study was then used to compare the two different population groups, which were NMMU staff and students, at a single point in time. Both Descriptive and Inferential Statistical methods were used for the analysis of the data. The HEI Internet management survey samples were of various sizes with each sample having its Internet resources specifically aligned with its environment. The common stereotypes regarding their Internet resources were mostly not present.
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- Date Issued: 2016
The management of chacma baboons and humans in a peri-urban environment: a case study from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University's George Campus
- Authors: Botes, Peet
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Human-animal relationships , Animal behavior , Human beings , Bestiality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5135 , vital:20812
- Description: Conflicts between humans and baboons (Papio ursinus) have become a significant management challenge on Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s (NMMUs) George Campus, which is located in peri-urban George in the Garden Route, of the Western Cape of South Africa. Current management policy, although required to be ‘scientifically’ based, largely relies on studies done outside the Garden Route. This study addresses the question of how the management of human-baboon relations could be improved on the campus. A case study was undertaken which aimed at addressing the cohabitation of baboons and humans on the NMMU campus, specifically human-baboon resource selection and interaction. The research methodology and the related analytical tools were primarily quantitative but were supplemented by some qualitative data drawn from interviews. Data collected was used to determine landscape features acting as Keystone Resource Areas (KRAs) for both humans and baboons on the campus. Relationships between the frequency and location of negative interactions, and resident-baboon distribution on the campus were also determined. Two key findings emerged from the research. First, residences, non-residence buildings and waste disposal stations act as KRAs for both humans and baboons. Second, the frequency of negative interaction correlates with the time spent by residents and baboons at residences, where common negative interactions between baboons and humans are known to occur. It is postulated that cohabitation on the NMMU George Campus is causing the habituation of baboons, a loss of fear of humans and association of humans with high energy foods. As a result, present cohabitation contributes to negative human-baboon relations in the George area. To ensure sustainable co-existence between humans and baboons on the George Campus, management should implement zonation and wildlife monitoring to reverse the loss of baboon fear of humans and better limit the availability of human-derived foods. In addition, management should consider giving stakeholders co-management roles to foster and facilitate knowledge and responsibility partnerships, and subsequently correct any misunderstandings related to human-baboon relations on the campus. Recommendations for further research include sampling beyond campus boundaries to compensate for regional variations in baboon behaviour and the biophysical environment.
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- Date Issued: 2016
The effective management of customer orders received by a pharmaceutical manufacturer
- Authors: Botha, Risca
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- Customer services , Business logistics , Physical distribution of goods -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9087 , vital:26463
- Description: There is a great need for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to provide its customers with the right product at the right time, place and price and also to deliver the product in the right quantity and quality. Should pharmaceutical customers not receive their orders on time from the pharmaceutical manufacturer, the customers might face out-of-stock situations. As a result, the patients or customers might turn to an alternative product from a different pharmaceutical manufacturer, which has the required stock readily available. This could lead to loss in sales and even death amongst its customers. The main objective of this study was to determine the key factors that form part of the demand and operations planning strategies to ensure that these factors are in place to effectively manage and execute the supply chain and logistics processes to reduce possible out-of-stock situations amongst its customers. As a starting point to the study, an analysis was performed based on the review of relevant research and literature from various text books, journals, publications, as well as internet sources. The literature study covered various aspects such as demand planning, production planning, the use of different demand and operations planning strategies, as well as the importance of continuous internal and external customer service levels to ensure that customer orders are delivered on time. The analysis of the literature review was used to establish a theoretical basis for the design and structure of the questionnaire that was used as a research instrument in this study. A survey was conducted amongst the employees that are responsible for executing the supply chain and logistics processes within Aspen Pharmacare. These employees resided within the three main departments of the pharmaceutical manufacturer, namely, the Demand and Operations Planning, Production and Packing, as well as the Warehouse and Distribution departments. Each question posed in the questionnaire related to the role of each employee within these departments that are responsible for the logistics processes within Aspen Pharmacare. The empirical results from the study indicated that the respondents were in support that specific key factors are important for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to manage incoming customer orders efficiently and effectively to reduce possible out-of-stock situations amongst its end customers. However, the respondents also highlighted that there were a number of obstacles preventing them from implementing the key factors that are required to manage incoming customer orders more efficiently within the pharmaceutical manufacturer. Some of these obstacles include: the lack of pro- activeness; lack of accountability; and the lack of constant communication between the employees from the three main departments. Furthermore, incomplete hand-over information during shift changes amongst the employees of the Production and Packing department created unnecessary down-time. Also, the employees from the Warehouse and Distribution department were not informed timeously when changes to the production schedule were made. These obstacles will have a negative impact on the ultimate customer delivery dates and need to be addressed. The empirical results highlighted some recommendations to assist pharmaceutical manufacturing companies to more effectively and efficiently manage their incoming customer orders to reduce or eliminate any possible out-of-stock situations amongst its end customers. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the three main departments; to react immediately to out-of-stock products; and to ensure that internal and external customer service levels are adhered to at all times. The implementation of the recommendations based on the empirical findings of the study will assist the pharmaceutical manufacturing company to achieve excellence and to become a world-class supplier of generic pharmaceutical products. In this way, all incoming customer orders can be fulfilled on time.
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- Date Issued: 2016