The endocannabinoid system in inflammatory bowel system
- Authors: Ababio, Frank James Kweku
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Inflammatory bowel diseases , Gastrointestinal system , Gastrointestinal system -- Diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10346 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020338
- Description: Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) constitute the two major forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which are disorders of chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract that are associated with significant morbidity and socioeconomic burden. IBD patients with long-standing intestinal inflammation are more prone to developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Until now, none of the existing IBD treatments is able to heal the mucosal ulcerations satisfactorily. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), which comprises of endogenous cannabinoid ligands, their receptors, and metabolic enzymes, has been implicated in gut homeostasis, visceral sensation, inflammation and gastrointestinal motility. Available studies in rodent models of IBD suggest that enhancing the ECS tone may reduce inflammation and improve mucosal integrity. This evidence indicates that the components of the ECS seem well positioned to exert a protective role in IBD and also to offer a great opportunity for therapeutic exploitation. Despite the role of the ECS in the gut, the presence and function of the components of the ECS is not well characterised in human IBD. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the state of the major components of the ECS in human IBD and to establish whether IBD is associated with any changes of the components of the ECS. Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, enzymes for endocannabinoid biosynthesis PLC, “LRAT”, NAPE-PLD and DAGL, and endocannabinoid metabolic enzymes FAAH and MAGL were analysed from colonic tissue samples of CD, UC and control patients by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to determine the relative mRNA expression of the above genes. The RT-qPCR analysis showed that the mRNA expression of PLC, LRAT, and NAPE-PLD were unchanged in both CD and UC, whiles DAGL mRNA was decreased in UC but was unchanged in CD. The endocannabinoid degradation enzymes, FAAH mRNA expression was also unchanged in CD but decreased in UC, whereas the mRNA expression of MAGL was significantly decreased in both CD and UC. NAPE-PLD/FAAH and DAGL/MAGL ratios, an estimation of the balance of AEA and 2-AG levels, showed that AEA and 2-AG levels could be increased and unchanged, respectively, in IBD. The mRNA expression of CB1 was significantly decreased in CD and UC whilst CB2 mRNA expression was unchanged in both forms of IBD. The study demonstrated that the components of the ECS which were investigated were present in colonic tissues of both IBD patients and healthy individuals, but they appear to be off balance in CD and UC patients. The decreased CB1 receptors in IBD patients could be an important modifier in the disease and could also provide a possible pathoaetiological mechanism linking IBD and CRC. Although these findings look promising, more studies with larger sample size are required to characterise the components of the ECS in human IBD.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Cost comparison between repackaging bulk oral solid medicines and purchasing manufacturer-prepared patient-ready packs in the public sector in South Africa
- Authors: Abahamye, Aloysius
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Packaging -- Cost control , Business logistics -- Costs , Drugs -- Packaging , Manufacturing processes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:10163 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020596 , Drugs -- Packaging
- Description: In an attempt to have medicines available in patient-ready packs (PRPs) prior to the dispensing process, the provincial medicine depots in South Africa have, for many years, been repackaging bulk medicines into PRPs. Notwithstanding the fact that bulk medicine packages may have been the only packages available from the manufacturers to service the Primary Health Care (PHC) sector, the main aim of this process was to ensure that medicines were available in PRPs for dispensing to patients, thus, minimising the time spent on each prescription by the pharmacist, pharmacist’s assistant or Nurse. Currently, some medicines are being procured in PRPs from the manufacturers, whereas others are still procured in bulk packs which must be repackaged into PRPs. After a thorough literature search, it was established that, up until this point in time, no studies have been performed to compare costs of repackaged medicines from bulk packs with costs of medicines procured from manufacturers in PRPs. There was very scanty literature comparing the use of medicines procured either in PRPs or bulk packs. However, literature on cost comparison between repackaging and purchasing of commercially available manufacturer-prepared PRPs was not identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Parents' experiences of monitoring their adolescents' compliance with diversion orders
- Authors: Abdulla, Zurina
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Juvenile delinquents , Juvenile delinquents -- Family relationships -- South Africa , Juvenile justice, Administration of -- South Africa , Parent and child
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10006 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020090
- Description: The increased incidence of children committing crime and the realisation that the existing legislature dealing with offenders failed to cater for the rights and needs of child offenders gave rise to the introduction of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008. This Act enables the South African criminal justice system to deal with children in a manner appropriate to their developmental stage. One of the initiatives introduced by the Act is termed ‘diversion’, where children are diverted from the criminal justice system into restorative developmental programmes, offered by organisations such as NICRO (National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders). Their parents or guardians are tasked with the responsibility of monitoring their compliance with the diversion order in terms of Section 24(5) of the aforementioned Act. The monitoring responsibility assigned to the parents of diverted adolescents prompted the research question and aim of this study, namely to explore parents’ experiences in monitoring their adolescents’ compliance with diversion orders and to identify service needs in supporting parents in fulfilling their role as stipulated in the Act. This was a qualitative study that was exploratory-descriptive and contextual in nature. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was employed to identify the parents or guardians of adolescents aged 14 to 17 years that had been diverted to NICRO between June 2011 and June 2012. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with the selected parents, and the data collected was analysed using thematic data analysis. The trustworthiness of the research process and the findings was enhanced by employing a variety of data verification strategies. This research contributes to a greater understanding of parents’ monitoring experiences of their adolescents’ compliance with diversion orders. The study revealed that most parents experienced their role as an additional responsibility; they needed access to counseling and information on the child justice process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Impacts of climate change on food security in southern Ghana : a community perspective
- Authors: Aboagye, Dickson Danso
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sustainable agriculture -- Ghana , Climatic changes -- Ghana , Food security -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9182 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020166
- Description: This study will examine the impacts of climate change on food security in Southern Ghana. Southern Ghana reveals that the district suffers post- harvest losses of about 8 percent of all cereals which hinders Ghana’s food security. Ghana still faces food insecurity due to high temperatures and low rainfall. This research therefore seeks to investigate what local communities of Southern Ghana are doing to address food insecurity problems with the advent of climate change. Several objectives to achieve this goal involves to identify factors hindering food security in Southern Ghana and to evaluate the extent that climate change has affected food security. A qualitative research approach was used by the researcher to come up with community strategies which this research seeks to address. Various conclusions such as community demand for support from the local government, sustainable irrigation programs, availability of pipe-borne water and environmental education were put in place, as possible solutions to the persisting food security problems in Southern Ghana.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Strengths that contribute towards resilience in the early years of marriage
- Authors: Aboagye, Lauren Lee
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Marriage -- Interpersonal relations , Marriage -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Resilience (Personality trait) , Communication in marriage , Adjustment (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9983 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1667 , Marriage -- Interpersonal relations , Marriage -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Resilience (Personality trait) , Communication in marriage , Adjustment (Psychology)
- Description: Divorce is a common phenomenon in South Africa, affecting many families across the country. On the other hand, there are many couples who choose to remain married, despite having endured significant stress. In a review of literature there have been studies conducted exploring enduring marriages (marriages that have lasted twenty years or more), but little on resilience in the early years of marriage. With many couples choosing to divorce within the first ten years of marriage, there is value in exploring the strengths of young marriages that contribute towards resilience. The following question then arises: what are the stressors that couples experience during the early years of marriage (under ten years) and how does the way they cope with these challenges enhance resilience in their marriages? This question has resulted in this qualitative study, employing an exploratory descriptive and contextual research design with the aim of exploring the strengths that contribute towards resilience in the early years of marriage. The study is based within the framework of positive psychology, as this facilitates the exploration of the factors that have contributed towards the resilience of the couples that were interviewed. A non-probability, purposive sampling technique was employed to obtain research participants. Data was collected through the use of individual semistructured interviews conducted with five couples (ten individuals) who have been married for ten years or less, have endured significant stress, have chosen to remain married, and experience their relationship as satisfying. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis. The results of the study may be used to develop a strengths based-intervention programme for couples in the early years of marriage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Political and religious identities : an exploration of changing identities amongst religious leaders in the Northern areas of Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Abrahams, Andre John
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Religion and politics -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Identification (Religion)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020087
- Description: The political transition from the oppressive apartheid system to post-apartheid South Africa has brought considerable change to the political climate. As a result of this transition, political and religious identities were also affected. This study explores the changing identities amongst religious leaders particularly in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth. The research has also explored how the advent of democracy has affected the political perspectives of these religious leaders who were ministering during apartheid. A qualitative research approach was used to frame the study, which employed an exploratory research design so as to understand the current political identities of these religious leaders. The sample of the study was purposively selected using the snowball sampling technique. As a means of collecting data in-depth interviews were conducted. The themes emanating from the study were recognised as being: - Church leaders reflecting on the political climate apparent in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth - Church leaders reflect reasons for limited political action from certain segments of the community sighting fear and poverty as central tenets. - Church leaders reveal close link between the church and politics during the apartheid period - The activities of the church in opposing the apartheid structure - Participants reflect on the role of Church leaders specifically during this period. - Church leaders articulate their disappointment in the political environment since 1994. - Church leaders reflect how race has affected the political climate since 1994 - The changing role of the church since 1994 - The growing silence on current political issues since 1994 Based on the identified themes conclusions could be drawn on the current political and religious identities of religious leaders compared to those adopted during the apartheid period. The outcome showed that religious leaders within the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth are disappointed in the current political government but despite this have remained silent on political issues unlike the visible activism and vocal upheaval waged against the apartheid system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Budgeting, forecasting and financial planning as a strategic tool in the Eastern Cape's manufacturing industry
- Authors: Abrahams, Shaheed
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Budget process -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business forecasting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manufacturing industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8940 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008408 , Budget process -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business forecasting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manufacturing industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The primary objective of the study is to assess whether organisations are using their budgeting, forecasting and financial planning information as a strategic tool in the decision-making process. The research aims to investigate the various factors that hinder the success of the finance department in delivering a quality financial plan, budget or forecast to top management and the rest of the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An entrepreneurial framework for new venture property development projects
- Authors: Abrey, Mark Henry Shaw
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Real estate development -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Land subdivision -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9709 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020162
- Description: The business of real estate is one of the largest suppliers of employment, and contributes significantly to the gross domestic product of numerous countries worldwide. It is, therefore, imperative that new real estate development entrepreneurs entering the market identify key competitiveness indicators in order to survive and ensure their success within an ever-changing market. However, property development is a complex process and considered to be 'too risky' Consequently, property development entrepreneurs lack the skills and expertise to effectively manage their business enterprises and the associated risks from project inception to completion, and commissioning. The study was conducted by means of a review of the related literature and by conducting an empirical study. The empirical study was conducted using a quantitative statistical approach by distributing research questionnaires to members falling within the sample population. The primary objective of the study was to develop an entrepreneurial framework for perceived success of new venture property development projects. A descriptive survey was conducted among professionals registered with the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) and property development practitioners within South Africa. The salient findings suggest that the following variables positively influence the perceived success of new venture property development projects: Entrepreneurial vision; Strategic management; Stakeholders‘ interests; Professional feasibility and viability reporting; Procurement; Communication; Consumer confidence; Risk management; Governance structures; Specialist advice; The entrepreneurial framework, and The project management body of knowledge (PMBOK). Furthermore, the following variables were identified in the empirical framework affecting the perceived success of new venture property development projects: Entrepreneurial Vision; Strategic Management; Stakeholders‘ Interest; Professional Feasibility and Viability Reporting; Procurement; Communication; Consumer Confidence; Risk Management; Governance Structures; Specialist Advice, and The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). This study contributed to the South African property development body of knowledge by addressing the challenges faced by inexperienced entrepreneurs entering the property development market. Furthermore, this study aimed to improve the framework utilised by emerging property developers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An analysis of the reporting on poverty and foreign aid in Sub-Saharan Africa before and during the current global economic crisis, in BBC online (Texts)
- Authors: Achu, Stella
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Economic assistance -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Financial crises , Africa, Sub-Saharan -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1257 , Economic assistance -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Financial crises , Africa, Sub-Saharan -- Economic conditions
- Description: Since 1929, the world economy has not encountered any financial crisis as severe as the case of the Great Depression, until 2007 when the fall of stock markets and the collapse of large financial institutions in the United States resulted in a worldwide recession. According to an IMF report, and as a result of the direct impact of the crisis, advanced economies such as those of the United States and Europe are suffering from a systemic banking crisis with economic output expected to contract by over 1 ¾ % in 2009. (Bourdin 2009:2) Although the crisis erupted in the United States, the effects quickly spread to countries worldwide. However, its effects are said to be more devastating for the poorest regions in the world including Sub-Saharan Africa. During the last few years, prior to the crisis, many Sub-Saharan African countries had enjoyed a growth rate of over 5%. This was partly as a result of sound economic policies and increased external support in the form of debt relief and higher inflows from economically powerful countries in the West. However, with the current financial crisis, wealthy nations have been forced to concentrate on sustaining their own economy. As a result, amongst changes like tighter immigration policies, skyrocketing oil prices and food prices, foreign aid is being withdrawn. (ibid 2009:3) According to foreign media reports, donor governments and the G8 are no longer as committed to aid as before the crisis. This research paper examines the evolution of aid to Africa in view of various contexts through a broad historical economic and political economy overview, and finally corroborates these observations with a discourse analysis of a sample of BBC online articles. The research project thus investigates in this last section, the BBC’s representation of poverty and aid in Sub-Saharan Africa before and during the current global economic crisis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Internal auditors perceptions of the impact of control elements on internal control systems
- Authors: Ackerman, Christo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Auditing, Internal , Financial statements , Controllership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8952 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008158 , Auditing, Internal , Financial statements , Controllership
- Description: The objective of this research report was to determine which internal controls are perceived, by internal auditors, to be contributing to the effectiveness of an internal control structure. The Committee for Sponsoring Organisations (COSO) integrated internal control framework was used as a basis for the questionnaire construction and respondents were asked to rate the perceived control effectiveness of each of the components of internal control. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the basic meaning of the data. The questionnaire was completed by following a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) which was sent to two internal auditors in audit firms. Thirty one responses were obtained; all the respondents have experience in the evaluation and assessment of internal control systems. This research showed that control elements as outlined in COSOs integrated internal control framework, if implemented, could contribute to the effectiveness of the internal control system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An exploration of collaborative group work with science students
- Authors: Adams, Aadiel
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Group work in education , Educational change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9840 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/392 , Science -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Group work in education , Educational change -- South Africa
- Description: Part of the transformation of education in South Africa emphasises the need to address historical barriers that have been impeding access into institutions of learning, and the need for empowering stakeholders democratically. Improving institutional responsiveness and focusing on Science, Technology, and Engineering and increasing the number of university graduates are amongst the more prominent strategies for changing the educational, socioeconomic, and political landscape within a global context. This research, as the first cycle of an action research project, explores collaborative group work with a group of science students at a Vista University campus (that is now part of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) as a contribution to institutional, professional, and personal responsiveness. The treatise traces my development as a novice researcher within an evolving action research context that became a terrain for facilitating a collaborative approach to learning. I describe my personal experience and the experiences of my co-researchers as collaborative partners, the systemic influences considered during the study, and the process of action research that encouraged movement from feelings of apprehension and inadequacy to feelings of anticipation and excitement regarding collaborative interactive learning and development opportunities. For the co-researchers and me an action research process in an interpretivist paradigm was not just suited to an exploration of collaboration, but also evolved into a vehicle for interactive teaching and learning, in a collaborative and student-centred way. Giving voice and being listened to, having perspectives validated, engaging in learning that could accompany academic and personal growth, and an acute sense of being empowered are ingredients that participants, and institutions of learning, can continue building on and building with along evolving spirals of life-long learning and meaning making.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Towards measuring corporate sustainability in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive manufacturing sector
- Authors: Adams, Abulele
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sustainability -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18465 , vital:28648
- Description: This study explored the methods available for measuring corporate sustainability and created an instrument to measure corporate sustainability in the Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) automotive manufacturing sector. The instrument was created based on three components of sustainability which are environment, society and economy. The study went a step further and added a fourth dimension, current trends to design a measuring instrument. The instrument was then applied on participating companies and further refined to improve it. A total of 16 multi-dimensional indicators to measure corporate sustainability were created and applied to 12 companies in the automotive manufacturing sector. The indicators were used to create a composite corporate sustainability index which can be used to compare the corporate sustainability performance of companies. These indicators were created based on theoretical research and fist hand experience observing the automotive manufacturing sector in the NMB. The indicators were applied to companies as a pilot to test whether they are feasible. Following this, the indicators were refined, improved and applied to more companies to measure corporate sustainability performance. The results of the study were the measuring instrument created, the creation of a composite index as well as the application of the instrument on 12 companies to determine whether the instrument was refined enough to detect differences in the corporate sustainability performance of companies. The results are discussed and further recommendations are made for improvements in the creation and application of the instrument to measure corporate sustainability in the NMB automotive manufacturing sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The education sector as an essential service
- Authors: Adams, Anton John
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Educational law and legislation -- South Africa , Teachers -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa , Right to education -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Basic education -- South Africa , Human rights -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10188 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1573 , Educational law and legislation -- South Africa , Teachers -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa , Right to education -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Basic education -- South Africa , Human rights -- Study and teaching
- Description: Because of the impact of teacher strikes on education there has been a call to declare the teacher‟s profession an essential service and thus prohibit them from striking. This call was made by the Democratic Alliance (DA). The Democratic Alliance arguments in their application to the Essential Services Committee was based on the fact that education in South Africa is in a crisis and the life-altering inconvenience this caused for children. The combined teacher unions in the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) expressed their concerns over the DA‟s call for education to be declared an Essential Service. The Bill of Rights grants every employee the fundamental right to strike. This is an absolute and should always be exercised under certain controlled conditions, as stipulated by the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995. Convention 87 of the International Labour Organising (ILO) recognises the right of trade unions, as an organisation of workers set up to further and defend their interest (Article 10), to formulate their programs and organise their activities (Article 3); this means that unions have the right to negotiate with employers and to express their views on economic and social issues affecting the occupational interest of their members. This constitutes the position that the right to strike is one of the legitimate and indeed essential means available to workers for furthering and defending their occupational interest. Balanced against the right of every teacher to strike is the right of everyone to have a basic education as set out in section 29 of the Constitution. In terms of section 29(1)(a) everyone has a right, enforceable against the state, to basic education. This creates a strong positive right. Aspects of the right to education are found in human rights treaties and declarations. This right to education is contained in article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) which states that “everyone has the right to education”. The International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural v Rights of 1966 covers the right to education comprehensively, especially article 13 and 14. In 1989 the Convention on the Rights of the Child further confirmed this right. The right to a basic education is further enhanced by section 28(2) of the Constitution “(a) child‟s best interest is of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child”. It is significant to note that in 2007 the Constitutional Court elevated the “best interest” principle to a right. This implies that the best interest of the child would be the decisive factor in each matter that affects the child. In deciding to declare the teaching profession as an essential service constitutional rights must be balanced. These are the right to strike, the right to a basic education and the best interest of the child principle.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The experiences of registered nurses' of their work environment in a critical care unit
- Authors: Adams, Bernardene Lucreshia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Intensive care units , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10013 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1057 , Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Intensive care units , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa
- Description: Critical care nursing is a vital and significant part of health care provision to critically ill patients. It is a specialty area of nursing that requires registered nurses who are highly motivated, knowledgeable and skilled to provide optimal care to critically ill patients. These patients are nursed in a complex environment consisting of specialised equipment (such as ventilators, defibrillators, intravenous pumps, and cardiac monitors) that is not found in any other field of nursing. Collegial support and an adequate registered nurse: patient ratio is vital in critical care units in order to provide optimal quality care to critically ill patients. However, an understaffed work environment, the demands of critical care nursing and other work-related problems, such as conflict with physicians, inadequate remuneration packages and an increased workload can cause serious distress and dissatisfaction amongst registered nurses in this specific environment (Carayon & Gürses, 2005:287). The objectives of this study therefore are to explore and describe the experiences of registered nurses of their work environment in a critical care unit and to make recommendations that will assist registered nurses working in a critical care unit. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design will be utilised. Data will be collected by means of semi-structured interviews and analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch (in Cresswell, 2003:192). Purposive sampling will be used to select a sample of registered nurses working in a critical care environment. Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991) will be utilised to verify data and to ensure trustworthiness of the study. Ethical considerations will be adhered to throughout the study. Once data has been analysed, recommendations will be made that will assist registered nurses working in a critical care unit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Improving integrated waste management with community education programmes : the case of New Brighton in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Adams, Bulelwa Avril
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Integrated solid waste management -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Community development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Salvage (Waste, etc.) -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8323 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020161
- Description: Municipal solid waste management is gradually becoming a major challenge that is confronting governments in all spheres. This can be attributed to urbanisation and startling population escalation. Each and every member in a community is a contributor to this dilemma and a generator of waste. The essence of this study is to investigate whether the utilisation of education programmes can assist to improve how communities handle and dispose their household waste and its contribution to the effectiveness of the integrated solid waste management system for the New Brighton Township in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. A theoretical framework is developed using the systems theory in trying to address the challenge. The study used the qualitative research method. Data were gathered using questionnaires and face-to face interviews. The empirical survey was employed for the purposes of the study and the interpretation of the research findings were analysed and described. As a metropolitan municipality, it is envisaged that this research will assist the NMBM, to identify how to manage solid waste efficiently and effectively and thus enhancing service delivery that will ensure communities of their well-being and dignity. Various recommendations are presented, based on the findings of the study. It is hoped that these recommendations If are adopted, the NMBM will be able to deal more effectively and efficiently with the challenges that the NMBM is faced with in dealing with waste management issues thereby enabling the NMBM to deliver the most basic need to the communities of the New Brighton Townships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The cultural determinants of success in Indian owned family businesses
- Authors: Adams, Leigh Christie
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Indian business enterprises , Small business -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8543 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1258 , Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Indian business enterprises , Small business -- Management
- Description: Family owned businesses play a vital role in the economy of a country, therefore their sustainability and succession is a topic that requires adequate research and analysis. This is required to determine the impact and contribution at a socioeconomic level and future development of the family owned business. Within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area previous research has been conducted analysing the above with regard to Greek family businesses. There is a little evidence to suggest similar studies have been conducted on Indian owned family businesses, specifically businesses operating at a third generation level. This research will therefore analyse Indian owned family businesses that are at a minimum level of third generation within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. The purpose is to investigate whether there is any specific cultural attributes of the Indian culture which have contributed to their success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Possibilities for multilingualism: a critical case study with selected financial information systems (FIS) students
- Authors: Adams, Natalie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Bilingual method , Education, Bilingual
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8367 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011052 , Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Bilingual method , Education, Bilingual
- Description: This study aims at eliciting what shifts in term of multilingual possibilities can be detected in the language attitudes of first year National Diploma in Financial Information Systems students and their lectures. Qualitative methods are used: data is gathered using a questionnaire, 3 focus group discussions with students, interviews with 2 lecturers as well as an interview with language development practitioner. The questionnaire is modelled on attitudinal studies conducted at University of the Western Cape (Dyers 2001), University of Ford Hare (Dalwit 2001) and at Rhodes University (Aziakpono 2008). The questionnaire data, however, is only used a precursor to the study. The focuses of the study are the 3 focus group discussion and the semi structured interview with two lecturers and language development practitioner. The results of the snap shot questionnaire and first focus group discussion are similar to the three studies on language choices at Fort Hare, Rhodes and the University of the Western Cape respectively whereby students prefer English as the language of learning and teaching. The second focus group discussion is based on an article which students had to read. The article, Here, mother tongue clashes with her mother‟s tongue, focuses on the price that South African black children will pay for the constant erosion of African languages. The article‟s provocative focus challenges commonplace acceptance of English and so resonated with the students‟ exploration of multilingual possibilities. Focus group three revealed that students had experienced an attitudinal shift and realized the significance of mother tongue education as well as the importance of multilingual strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Investigating the devolution of decision-making in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Adams, Sandiswa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Decision making -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Local government --South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9053 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1006783 , Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Decision making -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Local government --South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The research investigates the devolution of decision-making at the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). The research sets out to investigate the extent to which the Municipality offers resources to its politically elected representatives and whether the support enables a devolution that includes local citizens in decision-making. The study was demarcated within the NMBM, using an empirical survey, a population group composed of councillors and officials who work very closely with politicians in mobilizing the community in public participation. The data collection tool of choice for the study was a selfadministered questionnaire, supplemented by document analysis, unstructured interviews and the researcher’s observations. The purpose of the study is to investigate reasons why devolution is not having the desired results at NMBM, Investigate and find alternatives to how devolved decision-making can be enhanced, using the viable local political process at the NMBM and similar municipalities. The study argues from a theoretical base of good governance and public participation. The findings made were inter alia: Politicians in public office are not using the resources at their disposal optimally; tussles amongst politicians and with officials do have a negative effect on devolved decision-making; and vandalism and closing down of ward council offices are not purely a reflection of a ward councillor’s failure to account to the constituency, and the ward committee system at NMBM has not since 2009. The recommendation is that deliberate efforts need to be made to establish democratically elected ward committees in all sixty wards of NMBM. The establishment of ward committees has to be a joint effort between political office bearers, the broader political landscape and officials as previous efforts have failed to produce legitimate structures. The politicians and officials need to work together to win over public opinion and community buy-in towards the establishment of ward committees that are representative and functional.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012