Beneficiary perceptions regarding farm worker equity share schemes in South Africa
- Authors: Xolo, Siyavuya Nicholas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Investments -- South Africa , Investment analysis Land reform -- South Africa Agricultural laborers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36323 , vital:33920
- Description: The study aimed to assess beneficiary perceptions regarding farm worker equity share schemes in South Africa. Farm worker equity share schemes started in the early 1990s with the aim of having a special arrangement pertaining to the ownership and operation of a farm between the farmer and the farm workers. This was intended to assist farm workers in not only remaining as farm workers but also to gain ownership of the farm. This could lead to the empowerment of farm workers, better working conditions, improved living standards and their rights to land ownership. Farm worker equity share schemes have been widely reported as having failed to meet their intended objectives, thus, in 2009, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform initiated a study to assess the implementation of equity share schemes. Although the report was not made public, it reports that out of the 88 equity share schemes at the time, only nine managed to pay dividends ranging from R200 to R2000 per year. As a result, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform put a moratorium on equity share schemes; this was however removed in 2011. It is against this background that this study was undertaken to assess beneficiaries’ perceptions regarding farm worker equity share schemes in South Africa. A positivistic research paradigm was employed in this study, by means of quantitative research. Secondary data in the form of textbooks, journal articles and Internet sources provided the theoretical framework for this study. Primary data was obtained using the survey method, by means of self-administered structured questionnaires. Convenience and purposive sampling were applied in order to select 20 farms that use equity share schemes. The farms selected for this study were located in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape provinces, covering a variety of farming activities such as citrus fruits, crops, vegetables and wineries. Ideally, a total of 15 farm workers per farm were targeted. However, due to a variation in these farm worker equity share schemes, on some farms less than 15 workers and in others more than 15 workers were selected for the study; this resulted in a total sample size of 341 farm workers. Ten null-hypotheses and a hypothetical model of beneficiary perceptions regarding farm worker equity share schemes were tested. The influence of seven independent variables were tested, these are: stakeholder trust, operational risks, government interventions, two-way communication, farm worker empowerment, training and skills development, and access to resources on farm worker equity share schemes. In addition, the influence of farm worker equity share schemes on three dependent variables, namely, farming performance, sustainability and employee expectations were tested. The Statistica (version 13.2) computer programme was used to analyse the results by means of advanced statistical techniques (such as exploratory factor analysis, regression and correlation analyses) as well as descriptive analysis and frequency distributions. After various statistical procedures, the model was re-specified; some of the variables were then renamed and the hypotheses were adjusted accordingly. The empirical results showed that three key variables to the success of farm worker equity share schemes are stakeholder trust, government interventions and farm owner support. It was determined that these key variables could lead to increased farming performance, farming sustainability and meeting employee expectations. This study provided useful and practical guidelines to farm owners and administrators of equity share schemes, so as to ensure effective strategising that could enhance their competitiveness and long term survival. The findings of this study could inform strategy policy formulation and implementation in the agricultural sector, as pertaining to farm worker equity share schemes. The study used a sound and well-developed research design and methodology, which has been justified and successfully applied to this research; this method can be utilised by other similar studies to conduct empirical research in the field of farm worker equity share schemes. It is envisaged that the results and recommendations of this study could be used to implement effective strategies that could ensure the effective functioning of farm worker equity share schemes in South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2018
The economic and ecological trade-offs of wetland conversion for development projects: the case of the Kampala–Mukono corridor
- Authors: Wasswa, Hannington
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wetland ecology -- Uganda -- Kampala , Wetlands -- Uganda -- Kampala Wetland management -- Uganda -- Kampala Hydrogeology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36409 , vital:33939
- Description: Wetland diminution for development projects (DPs) in the Kampala–Mukono Corridor (KMC) continues to pose threats to the socio-economic and ecological benefits of wetlands because decision-makers and wetland users at various levels often have insufficient knowledge of these benefits. This situation has resulted in unsustainable development decisions that accord little weight to wetlands and have allocated many of them to DPs. In order to inform decision making for optimal development in the KMC, the present study analysed the spatial and temporal wetland loss to DPs, estimated the economic value of the KMC wetlands, and assessed the environmental consequences of wetland conversion for DPs. Sets of ortho-rectified and cloud-free multi-temporal Landsat MSS (1974) and Landsat TM/ETM+ images (30m) for 1986, 2006, and 2013 were analysed in a spatial and temporal framework. The 79m Landsat image (MSS) of 1974 was resampled and later filtered with subsequent 30m images using a majority filter method. An unsupervised classification approach was employed to characterize the wetlands and associated DPs. The classified DPs and wetland cover types were validated by reference to topographical maps (sheets) of 1974 at a scale of 1:50,000 obtained from Uganda Lands and Surveys, apriori knowledge and Google earth images corresponding to the same spatial and temporal frames. The IDRISI Selva-based Markov Chain model was employed to model future wetland loss to DPs. The Total Economic Valuation Approach (TEV) was employed to quantify selected use values of wetland economic benefits using the market price, replacement cost and contingent valuation techniques. The ecological implications of wetland loss focused on soil organic carbon (SOC) and hydrological impacts in the KMC wetlands. The estimated SOC was assessed with climatic data in order to infer the implication of SOC loss for local climate variability. The manual wet chemistry/oxidation method by Walkley-Black (1934) was adopted to estimate SOC in various wetland cover types. Hydrological impact assessments focused on water quality analysis in various wetland cover types, with major parameters being total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorous (TP) total dissolved solids – (TDS) and total suspended sediments (TSS). Hydrologic flow data parameters across the different wetland cover types in the KMC focused on water level, speed, stream width, and bed load. Results from analysis of the spatial-temporal wetland change revealed that by 2013 the KMC wetlands had lost almost half (47%) of their 1974 areal coverage, with 56% of this loss resulting from conversion to DPs. It is projected that 26% of the KMC wetlands will be lost to more DPs by 2040. Wetland loss is attributed to intensified economic activity and preference of Kampala as an industrial zone, weakness in the previous spatial planning of Kampala, and the general lack of information flow to various institutions involved in the establishment of DPs. The KMC wetlands provide a flow of economic benefits at a minimum approximated value of US$ 3,418 / ha / per year. It is revealed that a great deal of these economic benefits (88%) accrues to the local subsistence level in the form of livelihood products, incomes, and employment benefits. The 56% wetlands loss to DPs in the KMC by 2013 brings the minimum economic value lost to US$ 19,311,700 in the sampled wetlands, and projections of future wetland loss put the minimum economic loss at US$ 48,368,118 by 2040. Continuous degradation of these wetlands means serious economic costs to the government and local communities, as reflected in high replacement expenditures for wetland services, foregone incomes, subsistence livelihood support and alternative employment. The highest carbon (C) sinks were identified in forest swamps, palms, thickets and wetlands converted to agriculture, which accounted for 25% of the KMC wetlands by 2013, while the lowest total soil organic carbon (TSOC) range occurred in converted wetland cover types (converted wetlands to industrial and settlements) that occupied 47% of the study area. A general decrease in SOC sequestration from 1974 to 2013 across the KMC wetlands is identified, with the lowest C pool registered in 2013. The dwindling SOC banks are considered to be partly responsible for varying climate and related feedbacks on wetland benefits in the KMC. The hydrologic impacts of wetland loss are felt mainly in converted wetland cover types, in the form of compromised water quality, with increased nutrient pollution and TSS. These all create negative impacts on wetland hydrological services, particularly filtration, flood attenuation, recharge and discharge benefits, all of which have profound effects on biodiversity. There is an urgent need to reduce the scale of wetland diminution in the KMC. This will be achieved if mitigation and conservation measures are undertaken. Mitigation measures should include a revision of development plans, user sensitization on wetland economic values and enforcement of regulatory mechanisms. Conservation strategies should involve the use of economic incentives and disincentives which include: a revision of historic property rights to regulate wetland use, performance bonds or subsidies for environmentally friendly activities and taxes, fees or fines for unacceptable levels of degradation and tradable permits that utilise the concept of ‘wetland banks’ to ensure no further loss of the KMC wetlands to DPs. Future research should focus on modelling the response of wetland ecosystems to multiple threats and management interventions, and on a feasibility study of wetland restoration options and the implications for local people’s livelihoods in the KMC.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Compensation for distribution of timing and reference signals over optical fibre networks for telescope arrays
- Authors: Wassin, Shukree
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Fiber optics , Optical communications Very large array telescopes Optical fiber detectors
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36425 , vital:33941
- Description: Significant advancements and developments have been made in optical frequency standards, in recent years. In order to verify the accuracy and preciseness of the disseminated RF signal, it is essential to compare its stability with the standards provided in literature as well as by metrology institutes. However, conventional frequency comparison techniques via satellites have extremely inferior stability qualities. As a result, the need for an alternative ultra-high precision RF transfer method presented itself. Highly accurate and precise frequency dissemination across optical fiber has proved a leading contender and a possible solution. When compared to conventional data transfer media, optical fiber has proven to be more superior and yields lower transmission errors and is immune to radio frequency interference. A further quality of optical fibre is that its transmission distance can be extended to greater degree than the traditional coaxial cable due to its low loss property. This thesis deals with the compensation of phase noise in single mode optical fibre. Phase noise degrades the performance and stability of the RF signal as well as the optical carrier frequency across long-haul optical networks. This work begins by experimentally demonstrating a unique and novel way for measuring the round-trip optical fibre latency times. The technique is based on all optical wavelength conversion using a stable PPS injection signal. The result highlighted the importance for active phase error compensation along a fibre link. Various computer simulations were used to study the influence of temperature fluctuation on the optical fibre. The first ever error signals generated at NMU was experimentally demonstrated. Results illustrated that, by minimizing the error voltage the phase difference between the transmitted and reference signals were reduced to zero. Performance analysis testing of the VCSEL phase correction actuator showed that majority of the dither iterations that induced the phase compensation took approximately 0.15 s. Residual frequency instabilities of 3.39791 x 10-12 at 1 s and 8.14848 x 10-12 at 103 s was measured when the 26 km G.655 fibre link was running freely. Experimental results further showed that the relative frequency stabilities measured at 1 s and 103 s were 4.43902 x 10-12 and 1.62055 x 10-13 during active compensation, respectively. The novel work presented in this thesis is exciting since the VCSEL is used as the optical source as well as the phase correction actuator. The benefits of such a device is that is reduces system costs and complexities.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Population ecology of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins along the south-east coast of South Africa
- Authors: Vargas-Fonseca, O. Alejandra
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Bottlenose dolphin -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Bottlenose dolphin -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Western Cape Adaptation (Biology) Population biology -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36090 , vital:33890
- Description: In this study, the genetic population structure of the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) was assessed across the Agulhas and Natal Bioregions of South Africa. At the same time, the abundance, distribution and habitat use of T. aduncus was investigated using boat-based surveys along 145 km of coastline from Goukamma Marine Protected Area (MPA) to Tsitsikamma MPA along the south-east coast of South Africa (Agulhas Bioregion). Tursiops aduncus habitat preferences were assessed based on locations of sightings and recorded behaviour, and compared with those of the sympatric Indian Ocean humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea). Strong patterns of differentiation between two sub-populations of T. aduncus were identified using double digest Restriction Site Associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq). Pairwise FST were significant (p < 0.05) between individuals from the Agulhas and Natal Bioregions and yielded values of 0.033 for all the loci. Resource requirements, specialization and differences in habitat use possibly provided sufficient isolation allowing differentiation between sub-populations of the two ecologically distinct bioregions, despite the lack of any prominent boundary to gene flow. The two identified sub-populations should each be managed as a distinct conservation unit. The abundance estimate of T. aduncus for the study area according to an open population model (POPAN) was 2,295 individuals (95% CI: 1,157 - 4,553). Although closed models were considered inappropriate, such a model was applied for the Plettenberg Bay part of the study area in isolation, to allow for comparison with a previous estimate. The comparison showed a 72.3% decrease in abundance between the two periods: from 6,997 (95% CI: 5,230 - 9,492) in 2002 - 2003 to 1,940 (95% CI: 1,448 - 2,600) in 2014 - 2016. The mean group size also declined from 120 (range: 1 - 500) to 26 (range: 1 - 100). The results highlight the importance of assessing abundance changes at other sites to inform the revision of T. aduncus conservation status in South Africa. Tursiops aduncus were encountered throughout the area. The lowest encounter rate was along rocky and exposed shorelines. These areas were, however, associated with relatively larger group sizes and greater likelihood of travelling behaviour, whereas sandy bottomed areas, where encounter rates were highest (e.g. parts of Plettenberg Bay and the Goukamma MPA), were more likely to be associated with other behaviours (e.g. foraging, socialising). There was a relatively low association of encounters with MPAs, possibly due to the fact that two of the three MPAs in the area (Tsitsikamma and Robberg) were characterised by non-preferred habitat, namely rocky shorelines. Comparison with Sousa plumbea showed similarity in habitat preferences between the species, though S. plumbea also showed an affinity for estuarine habitats. Two areas that were highly utilised by both species were located along Goukamma MPA and the north-east section in Plettenberg Bay including the Keurbooms Estuary. The latter is unprotected and a management measure could be to create a controlled-use zone to reduce disturbance to dolphins there.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Factors affecting effective ecological restoration of Portulacaria afra (spekboom)-rich subtropical thicket and aboveground carbon endpoint projections
- Authors: Van der Vyver, Marius Lodewyk
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Restoration ecology , Plant conservation -- South Africa Portulacaria afra -- South Africa Shrubs -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23250 , vital:30468
- Description: Among the requirements to achieve effective ecological restoration on a landscape scale are a scientific underpinning, strong adaptive management and the setting of realistic endpoints. Efficacy and success depend on a complex interplay of factors of both local and regional influence. Biome-wide restoration experiments are rare, but valuable for evaluating efficacy of different protocols according to local context. The Thicket-wide Plot (TWP) experiment was initiated by the Subtropical Thicket Restoration Programme to inform landscape-scale ecological restoration of degraded Portulacaria afra (spekboom)-rich Subtropical Thicket. Thirteen different planting treatments of Portulacaria afra (spekboom) truncheons were planted as replicated rows on 0.25 ha fenced plots across the distribution range of spekboom-rich thicket habitat to better establish effective restoration protocols. I used a rule-based learning ensemble algorithm to evaluate 60 different predictors that potentially impact effective restoration, covering a range of climatic, topographic, edaphic, ecological and management related factors observed at 227 of these TWP plots. Percentage survivorship and aboveground biomass carbon sequestration rate (ABCsr) were taken as proxies for efficacy derived from subsequent monitoring data gathered 2 - 5 years after establishment, and a new allometric model I developed for spekboom. I found herbivory and identification of target habitat the two most important predictors of restoration efficacy, both well within the control of the practitioner. Highest survivorship and ABCsr were associated with larger truncheons planted deeper. The only exception to this pattern was found amongst the two smallest size truncheon categories. The application of external rooting hormone or watering treatment to truncheons were found of no significance to effective restoration, while all the pruned treatments were, in association with lesser planting depth, found to be significantly less effective than untreated truncheons planted deeper. When the restoration protocol is optimal (largest truncheons planted deepest in target habitats and protected from herbivory), my results show higher annual carbon sequestration rates (1.46 - 3.7 t C ha−1 yr−1 in aboveground biomass) than most older restoration sites that have been identified as benchmarks of success. In order to project ABC endpoints, I generated 40 new species-specific allometric models and used them to estimate biomass and carbon of intact and degraded stands on five sites spread out across the region. The highest AGC for stands in both intact and degraded states were estimated at 42.96 t Cha−1 and 12.98 t C ha−1 respectively, and the lowest at 26.32 t C ha−1 and 2.52 t C ha−1. Large canopy dominant (LCD) species contributed the largest AGC portion at three intact stands. The second largest portion was recorded for spekboom. The difference between paired stands on each sample site ranged between 23.8 and 32.8 t C ha−1, which provide a realistic target for biome-wide restoration that, when adopted together with current protocols, may be reached within three decades of inception.
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- Date Issued: 2018
AP-MOVPE growth and characterisation of GaSb/GaAs quantum dots
- Authors: Tile, Ngcali
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Quantum theory , Quantum electronics Quantum dots Semiconductors
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36716 , vital:34047
- Description: GaSb/GaAs quantum dots (QD) were grown by atmospheric pressure (AP) metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) using triethylgallium (TEGa), tertiarybutylarsine (tBAs) and trimethylantimony (TMSb) as gallium (Ga), arsenic (As) and (Sb) sources, respectively. The effect of AP-MOVPE growth parameters on the formation of GaSb QD structures on GaAs was studied. The formation of small, coherent GaSb dots on GaAs improved with decreasing V/III ratios, which were controlled through changing either the TMSb/TEGa ratio at a constant growth temperature or changing the growth temperature at a constant TMSb/TEGa ratio. The maximum effective V/III ratio for dot formation was 0.175. The dot density was more sensitive to growth time than to source mole fraction in the reactor, since time determines the amount of deposited material. The dot density increased with increasing growth time, while the shape and size of the dots were more sensitive to the source vapour mole fraction, which controls the growth rate. Lower mole fractions resulted in smaller sized dots with a more uniform distribution compared to higher mole fractions. Dome-shaped dots with densities as high as 4×1010 cm-2, average base length of 35 nm and average height of 5 nm were achieved. Capping of GaSb QDs at high temperatures caused flattening and the formation of a thin, inhomogeneous GaSb layer inside GaAs. No obvious QD photoluminescence (PL) peak was detected for these samples. A two stage process for capping the dots (involving growth of a low temperature GaAs cap, followed by a high temperature cap) led to the retention of the dot-like features in/on a wetting layer (WL) of GaSb and distinct PL peaks for both the QDs and WL. An increase in excitation power during PL measurements for this particular sample caused the QD and WL peaks to shift to higher energies. This is attributed to electrostatic band bending, leading to triangular potential wells, typical for type II band alignment between GaAs and strained GaSb. Variable temperature PL measurements showed the decrease in the intensity of the WL peak to be faster than that of the QD peak as the measurement temperature increased. A detailed high resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis was performed to study the morphology and chemical interaction between GaAs and GaSb regions for capped GaSb/GaAs QDs. The capped dots had dimensions similar to those of uncapped dots and had a higher concentration of Sb at their center, with the periphery being intermixed with GaAs. Measurement of lattice strain performed inside these dots revealed the strain to be distributed inhomogenously throughout the dot area. The effect of GaAs host matrix on excitonic behaviour in AP-MOVPE grown GaSb/GaAs quantum dots was investigated. Room temperature (RT) PL emission was achieved from a single layer of quantum dots by controlling the GaAs host matrix growth temperature. These samples were prepared using a GaSb dot growth temperature of 530 °C, followed by growth of a thin GaAs ‘cold’ cap, before depositing the final part of the GaAs capping layer at either 550 °C, 600 °C or 650 °C. PL measurements at 10 K revealed QD emission peaks for all the samples at around 1.1 eV. However, variable temperature PL revealed different thermal quenching rates of the emission, with the rates of quenching reduced with increasing GaAs growth temperature. This was ascribed to reduced defect densities in GaAs grown at higher temperature, which resulted in QD emission even at RT. This RT emission peaked at approximately 1 eV. The hole localisation energy determined for these samples at RT was approximately 470 meV.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Linking people’s needs, preferences and values to ecosystem services provided by marine phytoplankton of Algoa Bay, South Africa
- Authors: Snow, Bernadette
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Marine phytoplankton -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Marine biology -- Research Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33363 , vital:32669
- Description: Marine, coastal and ocean development has gained impetus around the globe and in particular along Africa’s coastal states. A socio-ecological systems framework approach was adopted to explore marine and coastal socio-ecological systems in Algoa Bay, situated in the Eastern Cape, South Africa a Bay with a rich history steeped in culture and diversity. Phytoplankton biodiversity was determined for the Bay to characterise aspects of the marine environment in Algoa Bay. The policy landscape for South Africa was also analysed to characterise the governance landscape and identify if the policies, legislation and frameworks adopted and applied would support socio-ecological systems thinking and support equitable development of marine and coastal resources. Positives raised by manager are the general positive attitude and pro-environmental value system. To understand how people within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality value the marine and coastal environment, their knowledge of phytoplankton and services provided, governance knowledge, attitudes towards the future of the socio-environment landscape and value positions that would identify pro-environmental behaviour of the communities surveyed. Loss of marine and coastal environments and services would be a direct threat to spiritual and cultural practices and beliefs of the amaXhosa. Further access was a driving theme in this study and therefore development and conservation efforts need to heed the value and importance of having access to the marine and coastal environment, not only for sustaining livelihoods but for religious and leisure experiences. Size fractionated biomass was determined to describe the contribution of different cell size assemblages to the overall productivity of Algoa Bay. The analysis showed a general dominance of microplankton cell sizes with the picoplankton not contributing much towards the overall biomass of the period analysed. Cell size of the phytoplankton species provides an indication of the environmental changes, together with contribution towards biomass. Species that bloom also change the productivity of the system, for example a diatom bloom will increase productivity more so than a dinoflagellate bloom. Cell size will influence response of phytoplankton to environmental changes and how phytoplankton adapts physiologically to stressors such as climate change. However in the context of studies linking biodiversity to a socio-ecological framework, size fractionated data is not required and overall productivity and diversity of the system is better suited for this type of study. The direct link between the ecological and social data is the application of the information for management of the ecosystem and as an early warning system. The information learnt from the managers and community also highlights the need for a shared approach to gathering knowledge and learning about the world around us.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Prioritisation of spaces and services in on-campus student housing facilities in southern Ghana universities
- Authors: Simpeh, Fredrick
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Student housing -- Ghana , College students -- Housing -- Ghana Student housing , Facility management -- Ghana Building management -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35637 , vital:33769
- Description: Student housing facilities (SHFs) are an integral part of universities’ physical facilities. Therefore, the management of SHF should be seen as part of broader university facility management. Moreover, it can be argued that by understanding the requirements of occupants, facility managers would be able to effectively prioritise the spaces and services required in the SHFs. However, studies from many parts of the world, including Ghana, show that users’ requirements and expectations are not duly incorporated into the management process of university building facilities. As a result, users’, in this case students requirements are not well prioritised by facility managers. Thus, the facility departments are unable to adequately provide and deliver SHF spaces and services to meet students’ requirements. With this in mind, this research aimed to develop a prioritisation and a standard SHF frameworks to enhance the provisioning and management of the on-campus SHF spaces and services at southern Ghana universities. The overarching research methodology was subjective. The qualitative method was adopted for the study. The research was conducted within the southern part of Ghana and limited to five universities. A total of ten focus group discussions were carried out in the five universities. Other sources of primary data were interviews and site visit. The study found that washrooms (toilet and bath), sleeping spaces, kitchens, study areas, libraries, sick bays, computer labs, bookshops, drying areas and discussion rooms as well as electricity, water, security, internet, cleaning services, maintenance services, generators, ventilation (fans), health services, library services, electric sockets, study furniture, refuse collection, pest control and fire extinguishers are extremely important spaces and services that students expect to have in a SHF. Furthermore, it was found that only 3 spaces out of the 10 rated as extremely important were rated as basic, whilst 10 out of the 15 services rated as extremely important received a basic priority rating. However, the study also found that some of these extremely important spaces and services such as study areas, computer labs, kitchens and internet were not provided in some SHFs. The study also revealed that students were generally not satisfied with some of the spaces and services that were provided in the SHFs; dissatisfaction was expressed with: the infrequent water supply; the poor condition of washrooms, i.e. bath and toilet facilities; the lack of study areas and also the condition, adequacy and availability of chairs and tables in the study rooms; the slow response of maintenance departments; the poor standard/quality of cleaning and availability of cleaners; the lack of adequate kitchens and the lack of stable internet connectivity. The study has achieved its aim by developing a prioritisation framework as well as an ideal SHF framework to enhance the provision and management of the on-campus SHF spaces and services at southern Ghana universities. It is recommended that SHFs which do not meet average students’ expected standards should be upgraded to meet such standards. The frameworks developed in the study could be used by facility managers or departments as a guide for effective on-campus SHF management.
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- Date Issued: 2018
The adoption of green building in South Africa
- Authors: Simpeh, Eric Kwame
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Ecological houses -- Design and construction -- South Africa , Sustainable buildings -- Design and construction -- South Africa Sustainable construction -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35653 , vital:33771
- Description: In South Africa there is pressure to deliver green building due to environmental issues such as climate changes, the energy crisis, as well as persistent water shortages. Although awareness and promotional effort have increased drastically concerning the adoption of green buildings, the South African design and construction industry is still lagging due to the conservativeness and slow rate of change in the construction industry. While enablers / facilitators have been recognised as opportunities to advance green building development, the South African built environment has not extensively explored the various possibilities to initiate enablers / facilitating conditions to enhance the adoption of green building. This study therefore investigates the critical factors impeding the adoption of green building and to explore the economic and non-economic facilitators / enablers regarded as the most important to stimulate stakeholders’ behavioural intentions to adopt green building. After an extensive review of literature with respect to barriers and factors that engender green building adoption, coupled with theoretical arguments relating change agents to construction innovation and sustainability theory, an exhaustive mixed-mode research approach was adopted. The sampling frame for the study was limited to four provinces, namely the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Kwazulu–Natal, and Western Cape, given that 99% of the green building accredited professionals registered with the GBCSA are from these four provinces. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, namely paired sample test, ANOVA test, Factor Analysis (FA), and logistic regression analysis (LRA). The qualitative data obtained across individual cases by means of a semi-structured interview was analysed using content analysis. In total, 106 professionals participated in the survey, and three respondents indicated their willingness and availability to be interviewed, hence three case studies were conducted. The results emanating from the study, inter-alia, indicate that the factors constraining the adoption of green building are categorised as: lack of information and incentives; inadequate skilled professionals; behavioural barriers; regulatory and steering factors, and the cost of green building. The results also indicate that green building consultants and environmental groups are classified as ‘innovators’, whilst architects are ‘early adopters’. However, government; municipalities, and general contractors are characterised as ‘late majority’. It was also evident from the empirical findings that the key attributes of adopters that encourage the adoption of green building were classified as: qualities of consultant team and contractor, and developers / clients’ experience. The perceived benefits of green buildings emanating from the findings were categorised as socio-economic, financial, and health and community benefits. The enablers that engender the adoption of green building were also categorised as: extended knowledge base and technical capacity; research and training of professionals; green lending incentives; progressive green building policy; economic incentives, and reward scheme and technical assistance. Two models have been developed using logistic regression model (LRM), model one (1) examined the predictable effect of economic and non-economic factors on the intention to adopt green building, whereas model two (2) examined the likelihood of the extent of green building adoption. The LRM results revealed five predictors and two control variables made a unique statistically significant contribution to model 1. The strongest predictor to enhance the intention to adopt green building was financial benefit (FB), recording an odds ratio of 9.1, which indicates that the likelihood to adopt is approximately 9.1 times more if financial benefits is evident. With respect to Model two (2), the LRM results showed that only two of the independent variables and three control variables contributed significantly to the model. The strongest predictor that determines the extent of adoption of green building was research and training of professionals (RTP), with odd ratio equal to 2.9. In effect, to engender the adoption of green building within the South African built environment, there is the need for an integrated and holistic approach forecasting on the importance of economic and non-economic enablers / facilitators in enhancing decision to adopt green building.
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- Date Issued: 2018
A programme of academic support for students at the public nursing college of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa
- Authors: Senti, Nomandithini Innocent
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nursing -- Study and teaching Nursing -- Study and teaching -- Simulation methods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10997 , vital:36128
- Description: A comprehensive academic support at the public nursing college is important. Despite this, there is no such support in public nursing colleges in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The aim of the study was to develop an academic support programme for students in order to improve their success in Higher Education. The study endeavoured to answer the following questions: What are the academic support needs of students at the public nursing college in the Eastern Cape of South Africa? What conceptual framework can be developed for the academic support programme of students? What academic support programme can be developed for students at the public nursing college? What guidelines can be developed for implementation of academic support programme of students? The objectives were: to describe academic support needs of students at the public nursing college in the eastern Cape Province of South Africa; to develop a conceptual framework for the academic support programme for students at the public nursing college in the Eastern Cape of South Africa; to develop an academic support programme for students at the public nursing college in the Eastern Cape in south Africa and lastly to describe guidelines for implementation and evaluation of the academic support programme. The research design used in this study was quantitative, qualitative, descriptive, evaluative, and theory generation. The study was conducted according to four phases. Phase one focussed on academic supports needs of the student. Phase two focussed on development of conceptual framework for the students at the public nursing college in Eastern Cape Province. Phase three focussed on the development of the academic support programme for the students, whereas phase four focussed on description of guidelines for implementation and evaluation of the academic support programme. The population of the study consisted of students undergoing training in a four-year programme at the Public Nursing College. The target population was the students in the same programme from level one to level four of training. The sampling technique used was a probability sampling with multi-stage and cluster sampling techniques being utilized. The total sample was n=333 participants. A quantitative self-developed questionnaire was used to collect empirical data. The questionnaire consisted of eight sections. Descriptive data was analysed using Statistic Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the descriptive data collected in phase one. Concept analysis and identification were done through the utilisation of exploratory factor analysis. The conceptual framework for the academic support programme was identified through the analysed factors. Fifteen factors were derived from the descriptive data. The conceptual framework of the academic support programme discussed in Chapter 5 was used also in the development of the academic support programme. It is in this chapter that assumptions, context, stakeholders, process, outcome, dynamics and, lastly, the recipient were discussed, along with a description of the programme. The programme was evaluated in accordance with the criteria for programme evaluation. The recommendations brought forward for the academic support programme were: The guidelines have to be tested for the implementation of the programme; benchmarking should be done to compare with other institutions of higher learning regarding their academic support programmes; an academic brochure regarding academic support must be available in the college and should be given to students on arrival as part of a package; and neutral researcher should conduct the same research in the same college.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Exploring lecturer preparedness to apply a critical approach to curriculum implementation: a case study
- Authors: Sathorar, Heloise Helena
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Teacher participation in curriculum planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31786 , vital:31828
- Description: This study sought to investigate lecturer preparedness to apply a critical approach to curriculum implementation and to establish their willingness or unwillingness to engage as transformative intellectuals with their students and to apply a problem-posing education in their classrooms. The study investigated lecturers’ critical pedagogy dispositions as well as their orientations towards applying a critical approach to curriculum implementation. A comprehensive literature review was done regarding the concept critical pedagogy, its tenets and principles as well as what it entails to apply a critical approach to curriculum implementation. In particular the literature review highlighted the responsibilities of a transformative intellectual as well as the requirements of applying a problem-posing education. The study was conducted through a constructivist lens and theoretically framed by referring to specific critical pedagogy concepts. The study is located in the interpretive paradigm and a qualitative research approach was followed. In particular, an instrumental case study analysis was used as research method. The sample consisted of 20 permanently employed lecturers from the School for Initial Teacher Education in the Faculty of Education at Nelson Mandela University who volunteered to participate in an online investigation regarding their critical pedagogy dispositions as well as their orientations towards applying a critical approach to curriculum implementation. The findings of the study revealed that lecturers generally have a positive disposition towards critical pedagogy as well as towards the application of a critical approach to curriculum implementation. Despite this positive picture there were pockets of resistance towards critical pedagogy and the application of a critical approach to curriculum implementation. Finally, the study proposes a critical approach model that could be employed to enhance lecturer preparedness to apply a critical approach in their classes.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Narcissistic defenses and alienation in the life of Howard Hughes: a case study
- Authors: Sandison, Alida
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Hughes, Howard -- 1905-1976 , Narcissism Self psychology Personality disorders
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35038 , vital:33609
- Description: Narcissism is a personality configuration which has both normal and pathological personality expressions. It is associated with a very broad field of literature and theoretical formulations, put forward to understand it. To add to this knowledge base, the aim of the research was to explore and describe narcissistic defenses and the consequent alienation of others within the narcissistic personality configuration. The aim was attained through the exploration of the life of Howard Hughes, by examining the interplay between Kernberg’s Object Relations Theory (1974; 1975; 1976; 1980; 1984; 1992; 2001) and Hughes’s lived experiences. Hughes was chosen as the subject as he is renowned for being an eccentric billionaire who was revolutionary in his effect on the world, but concurrently disturbed within his personal pathologies. The study took the form of a case study. Data was collected using Yin’s (1994) guidelines for data collection, which include using multiple sources of evidence, creating a case study database, and keeping and maintaining a reliable chain of evidence. Data was furthermore collected and analysed using Miles and Huberman’s (1994) strategy of data analysis which consists of three steps, namely data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. Research findings confirmed the presence of primitive defense mechanisms associated with the lower level pathologies described by Kernberg within Hughes’ patterns. Findings confirmed the defense mechanisms as alienating others. Learnings produced were presented in a model to be used in clinical practice to support others in interaction with narcissistic individuals. Steps outlined included, understand, decontaminate and reconstruct, reaffirm reality, and find something positive.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Time-driven activity-based costing for small to medium manufacturing enterprises in South Africa: an integrated balanced scorecard approach
- Authors: Reynolds, Arthur
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Activity-based costing , Managerial accounting Small business -- Finance Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35125 , vital:33630
- Description: The failure rate of small to medium enterprises in South Africa is very high. This is problematic as there is a large dependence on the ongoing success of small to medium enterprises from the economy and society. Increasing labour costs and inflationary pressure have contributed to the high failure rates of small to medium enterprises. In addition, the manufacturing sector for small to medium enterprises has showed a decline over recent years. There is thus a need to identify and manage the critical success factors (CSFs) for small to medium manufacturing enterprises. The balanced scorecard (BSC) has been used successfully to manage CSFs. Furthermore, research on time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) has illustrated that this costing system could be implemented successfully at small to medium enterprises across the world to manage costs, and that the BSC could be used successfully together with TDABC. However, research has shown that implementing a BSC at small to medium enterprises could be challenging. As a result, the theory of constraints (TOC) that can be used to explain the phenomenon of constraints of resources is recognised as the underlying theory for this study. The availability of a generic yet adaptable BSC could potentially enable owners and managers of small to medium manufacturing enterprises to manage the CSFs that together with the TDABC system can lower costs and identify unused capacity. This study has developed and implemented a generic TDABC/BSC costing system by investigating literature and conducting a Delphi study and a case study at a small to medium enterprise specialising in manufacturing. Firstly, it was found that a generic BSC for small to medium manufacturing enterprises could be developed by using a Delphi study to create a BSC template with optional key metrics/key performance indicators (KPIs) to suit different types of manufacturing industries. Secondly, it was demonstrated in a case study that TDABC could still be beneficial for a small to medium manufacturing enterprise if focus is only on a single product. Thirdly, it became evident that the system could be used to manage the TOC. Finally, the case study shows that cost savings could be achieved in small to medium enterprise by using the integrated TDABC/BSC costing system and by that increase the success of the business.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Development of high capacity lithium-manganese-rich cathode materials xLi2MnO3•(1-x)LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2 for lithium ion batteries
- Authors: Rapulenyane, Nomasonto
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Lithium ion batteries , Electrochemistry Lithium cells
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34766 , vital:33442
- Description: In this study, a facile synthesis method was developed to produce layered-layered cathode materials with the formula xLi2MnO3•(1-x)LiMO2 (M= Ni and Mn) referred to as lithium-manganese-rich materials for lithium ion batteries. The prepared materials displayed high capacity ≥200 mAh/g at a current density of 20 mA/g in the voltage range of 2.0 V to 4.8 V. In particular the cathode material prepared at pH 10.0 delivered a high initial discharge capacity of 266 mAh/g at 20 mA/g current density and maintained a discharge capacity ≥220 mAh/g at 50 mA/g after 50 cycles. The synthesis method was used to further investigate the effect of lithium ratio in the layered-layered material. Li1+xMn0.6Ni0.2O2, x= 0.2, 0.25, 0.3 and 0.4 cathode materials were produced respectively. The BET surface area analysis results showed that Li1.3Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 material had comparatively higher surface area to the other cathode materials and also delivered good electrochemical results. XPS showed that the cation distribution is affected by the increase in lithium ratio, the Mn4+ percentages decreased significantly with an increase in lithium ratio. All materials peaks deconvoluted into two peaks namely Mn4+ and Mn3+, Li1.3Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 had the highest percentages of the stable Mn4+ 70.8%. Further investigation focused on the effect of the sintering temperature on the structure and the electrochemical performance of Li1+xMn0.6Ni0.2O2, x= 0.25, 0.3 and 0.4 cathode materials. X-ray diffraction showed the same patterns for all cathode materials sintered at 700˚C, 800˚C and 900˚C. Rietveld refined results however, showed that the increase in the sintering temperature, results in a decrease in the Li2MnO3 component percentage in the layered structures. Scanning electron microscopy images further proved that the particle size increases with increasing temperature. The charge–discharge tests of coin cells demonstrated that the materials sintered at 800˚C delivered higher discharge capacities above 200 mAh/g at 20 mA/g current density when compared to the materials made at the lower temperatures. Lastly the cathode material prepared at pH 10.0 was further evaluated in a cell using lithium titanate oxide Li4Ti5O12 as anode material. The cells delivered an initial discharge capacity of 213 mAh/g at 20 mA/g within a voltage range 3.3V-0.5V. The coin cells developed in this work delivered good cycling performance.
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- Date Issued: 2018
The extraction, quantification and application of high-value biological compounds from olive oil processing waste
- Authors: Postma-Botha, Marthie
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Organic compounds , Biochemistry , Biomass energy , Olive oil industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34383 , vital:33371
- Description: Olive oil processing waste (pomace) as a by-product of the olive oil industry is regarded as a rich source of high-value biological compounds exhibiting antioxidant potential. The objective of the present work was to obtain a concentrated extract of high-value biological antioxidants from the pomace. The effect of extraction conditions on the concentration of the bioactive compounds in the extracts was investigated. The simultaneous recovery of both hydrophilic and lipophilic high-value biological compounds exhibiting antioxidant potential was achieved through a one-step extraction method under reduced pressure using a non-toxic solvent blend. A multilevel experimental design was implemented with the aim of optimising the recovery of selected compounds, namely, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleuropein, α-tocopherol and squalene from olive pomace by using solvent blends of n-heptane, d-limonene, ethanol and water. The factors considered were: extraction time, percentage composition of solvent blends and extraction temperature. The results suggested that a good recovery of the hydrophilic polyphenolic compounds, namely, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and oleuropein, as well as the lipophilic compounds, α-tocopherol and squalene may be achieved at a solvent temperature of 60°C at 400 mbar with a solvent blend of 30% n-heptane, 50% ethanol and 20% water and an extraction time of two hours. It was found that freeze-drying the pomace before extraction minimised production of artefacts, avoided degradation of biophenols, ensured long term stability of a reproducible sample and achieved better recovery of important hydrophilic and lipophilic bioactive compounds. Since the bioactive compounds are temperature sensitive, the extraction was performed under reduced pressure in order to reduce solvent reflux temperature and to improve extraction efficiency. The quantitative and qualitative determinations of the aforementioned high-value compounds were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which revealed that the hydrophilic polyphenolic as well as the lipophilic α-tocopherol and squalene were present. In this study hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleuropein, α-tocopherol and squalene were extracted from the pomace of two olive cultivars (Frantoio and Coratina). A comparison among the two cultivars showed quantitative differences between the two cultivars in all five high-value biological compounds and in the antioxidant capacity of the extracts evaluated by measuring the radical scavenging effect on 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical. Coratina cultivar was found to have a significantly higher antioxidant capacity than Frantoio due to the much greater oleuropein content in the Coratina compared to the Frantoio although Frantoio had a significantly greater amount of hydroxytyrosol. The stability of olive waste extracts stored at four temperatures was also investigated and the results show that increased temperatures caused greater extent of degradation of both the hydrophilic polyphenolic and lipophilic compounds. The proposed optimum storage condition for the olive pomace extracts was found to be at 5°C in the absence of light. The extracts were incorporated into two cosmetic formulations and were found, from a stability study, to be stable at room temperature and optimally stable at 5°C in the absence of light.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Investigation of the potential separation of isomers and related compounds using host compound (2R,3R)-(−)-2,3-dimethoxy-1,1,4,4-tetraphenylbutane-1,4-diol
- Authors: Pohl, Pieter Lourens
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Chemistry, Organic , Clathrate compounds Thermal analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23131 , vital:30432
- Description: In this study, we investigated the potential of a host compound, (2R,3R)-(−)-2,3-dimethoxy-1,1,4,4-tetraphenylbutane-1,4-diol (DMT), for use in the separation of isomers and related compounds using host-guest chemistry. The title molecule, DMT, is composed of a butane chain bearing hydroxyl moieties on the terminal carbons and methoxy moieties on the two internal, chiral carbon atoms. In addition, there are two phenyl rings on each of the terminal carbons. The synthesis of DMT was carried out by subjecting the diester of naturally-occurring optically active tartaric acid to a Grignard reaction employing phenylmagnesium bromide. Subsequent methylation of the secondary hydroxy groups with dimethyl sulfate afforded DMT. The resulting host molecule was investigated for its inclusion abilities by crystallizing with a number of potential aromatic, aliphatic and alicyclic guests such as toluene, aniline, nitrobenzene, anisole, cyclohexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol. Host:guest ratios were determined by means of 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Of the hosts investigated, DMT favoured a host:guest ratio of 2:1 for all included guests investigated. It complexed with most non-polycyclic aromatic guests as well as cyclohexane, cyclohexene and cyclohexanone. It was not able to include short chain or branched alcohols such as methanol, ethanol or 2-propanol, or other hetero-aliphatic or hetero- cyclic compounds such as diethyl ether, acetonitrile, morpholine or dioxane. Competition inclusion experiments were performed in which DMT was crystallized from equimolar and non-equimolar binary, ternary and quaternary mixtures of appropriate guests. The mother liquor mixtures and resultant crystals were subjected to GC-MS analysis in order to determine whether DMT showed discriminatory behaviour towards the guests from a mixture. It was observed that DMT was able to differentiate between related compounds, for example, the host preferred to include N,N-dimethylaniline compared with N-methylaniline and aniline. The host also discriminated against isomers, for example, p-xylene was preferentially included over o-xylene and m-xylene, while o-cresol was included in preference to p-cresol and m-cresol. Single crystal X-ray analysis was used to investigate the host–guest interactions responsible for guest inclusion, as well as to discern reasons for the host’s selective behaviour. X-ray data for the inclusion complexes indicated that each complex was isostructural, crystallizing in the monoclinic C2 crystal system. A pair of 1,3- and 2,4- intramolecular hydrogen bonds, as well as intramolecular non-classic hydrogen bonds between adjacent ortho-aromatic hydrogens and hydroxy moieties was a significant stabilizing factor for the geometry of the host. Guests were held within discrete cavities in the crystal lattice, and experienced only π–π stacking, CH–π interactions and other short contacts. Thermal analyses were used to determine the relative thermal stabilities of the complexes, and these data compared to the selectivity preference of DMT, obtained from the competition experiments, in order to assess the reasons for any discriminatory behaviour. Finally, Hirshfeld surface analysis data was used to determine if the thermal stability of the complexes was related to the number and type of interactions between host and guest.
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- Date Issued: 2018
The machinability of rapidly solidified aluminium alloy for optical mould inserts
- Authors: Otieno, Timothy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Aluminum alloys , Automobiles -- Materials Materials -- Mechanical properties
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23097 , vital:30415
- Description: Ultra-high precision machining is a material removing process under the nanotechnology regime whereby the highest dimensional accuracies are attained. Critical components for optical devices and optical measuring systems are mainly produced through ultra-high precision machining. Their mass production is usually implemented by utilising optical moulds. Aluminium alloys have proven to be advantageous and very commonly used in the photonics industry for moulds. This ever-increasing use and demand within optics have led to the development of newly modified grades of aluminium alloys produced by rapid solidification in the foundry process. The newer grades are characterised by finer microstructures and improved mechanical and physical properties. The main inconvenience in their usage currently lies in their very limited machining database. This research investigates the machinability of rapidly solidified aluminium, RSA 905, under varying cutting conditions in single point diamond turning. The machining parameters varied were cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. The resulting surface roughness of the workpiece and wear of the diamond tool were measured at various intervals. Acoustic emissions and cutting force were also monitored during machining. The results were statistically analysed and accurate predictive models were developed. Generally, very low tool wear, within 3 to 5 μm, and very low surface roughness, within 3 to 8 nm, was obtained. Acoustic emissions recorded were in the range of 0.06 to 0.13 V and cutting forces were in the range of 0.08 to 0.94 N. The trends of the monitored acoustic emissions and cutting force showed to have a linked representation of the tool wear and surface roughness results. Contour maps were generated to identify zones where the cutting parameters produced the best results. In addition, a range of machining parameters were presented for optimum quality where surface roughness and tool wear can be minimised. As the machining is of a nanometric scale, a molecular dynamics approach was applied to investigate the underlying mechanisms at atom level. The nanomachining simulations were found to have a correlation to the actual machining results and microstructural nature of the alloy. This research proves that rapidly solidified aluminium is a superior alternative to traditional aluminium alloys and provides a good reference with room for flexibility that machinists can apply when using rapidly solidified aluminium alloys. Efficiency could be improved by reducing the required machining interruption through effective monitoring and performance could be improved by maintaining quality and extending tool life through parameter selection.
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- Date Issued: 2018
A critical analysis of disaster risk management in local governance with reference to Sarah Baartman District Municipality
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Rene Cheryl
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Disaster relief -- Citizen participation , Risk management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34487 , vital:33385
- Description: The devastation and destruction caused by natural and man-made disasters have become a global concern, particularly as such disasters affect the most vulnerable in society. The devastation they wreak frequently involves loss of lives and property. Globally, Disaster Management has moved in approach from reactive to proactive. Disaster management is now more than a field of study; it is the application of practices and principles which enable disasters to be managed both prior to and in the aftermath of their occurrence. Disaster risk management is the development approach to Disaster Management. The study addresses the integration of disaster risk management into integrated development planning at the local level in South Africa. The impact of disasters on social and economic development is of special interest. In many instances, resources that have been planned for development have to be diverted for response activities during disasters. Thus, development and disaster risk management are two sides of the same coin and should be dealt with in unison and not separately. There is also now widespread international acknowledgement for the idea of mainstreaming disaster risk management into development planning, particularly at the local level of government. The central argument of this study is that by integrating disaster risk management plans into integrated development plans at the local level, the risks faced by communities can be reduced. Risks can be even further reduced, and development enhanced when communities play an active role in disaster risk management. Within this context, the main objective of the study was to develop a model for integrating disaster risk management plans into integrated development plans at the local level. To achieve this key objective, the study used theoretical and empirical studies. The theoretical aspect focussed on international frameworks and national legislation for Disaster Management. Legislative requirements pertaining to the involvement of communities in integrated development planning were explored, as was the literature on asset-based community development. Empirical research complimented the theoretical research through the use of qualitative methods to collect data. This involved semi-structured interviews with eight government officials involved in provincial, district and municipal Disaster Management programmes, and focus group discussions with sixty ward committee members, so that community viewpoints would be included. The findings of the study reveal that the integration of disaster risk management plans into integrated development plans at the local level can greatly contribute towards reducing the risks faced by communities, especially high-risk communities. The study also revealed that by carefully considering and using community assets, local government could ameliorate the financial effects of Disaster Management and empower communities as first responders. The thesis gives an outline of a model that may be used by local government to integrate risks and community assets into an integrated development plan.
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- Date Issued: 2018
The role of psychosocial recuperative therapy in enhancing construction performance on projects
- Authors: Obiozo, Rita Ngozi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Building -- Psychological aspects , Construction industry -- Accidents Building -- Economic aspects Feng shui
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23080 , vital:30414
- Description: Research findings indicate that recent improvements in construction management initiatives have not substantially reduced the incidence of fatal occurrences and accidents in construction due to negligence and error. Some of the traumatic and causative factors include the dissipation of vital energy, health, safety, and wellbeing in the construction workforce due to the lack of contact with nature on construction sites, combined with the exhaustive nature of the work, and multiple stress factors in construction. The resultant effect is visible in the form of increased rework, disputes, and socio-psycho-traumatic factors that result in a reduction in profit margins due to the daily repetition of health and safety (H&S) hazards and quality errors. To address these issues there is a need for the exploration of the inherent potential to achieve exceptional environmental credentials on construction worksites attributable to the biophilic design concept of the intelligent construction workplace. This would involve the introduction of a biophilic construction site model (BCSM) that has the potential of establishing the continuous flow of natural energy that would replenish the vital life force and impact on the improvement of the performance of the construction workforce and management throughout the life cycle of the construction process. The objective of the initiative involves the introduction of dynamic harmonious energy in consonance with the theory of biophilia and feng shui principles of wellness interventions, which would introduce and enhance the flow of natural energy relative to the greening of construction sites in aid of H&S, wellbeing and human factors for ergonomics in construction. The methodology adopted, involved a survey of the related literature, and the triangulation and longitudinal assessment of multiple case studies of viable construction sites in progress. The applied technique included a greening construction site survey, interviews, observations, photo elicitation, questionnaire surveys, and a focus group study conducted with the construction workforce during the construction process. Findings indicate a potential increase in the level of sustainable behaviour in construction that impacts on the enhanced concentration and level of focus of the workforce, as well as a reduction in H&S and quality errors that militate against consistent improvement of the construction process. These efforts add value and novelty to the construction management body of knowledge (CMBOK) with regards to the green building construction and sustainable sites initiative. Research findings established the ‘greening of the construction site / biophilic construction site model (BCSM)’ as a cost-effective strategy towards the healing of the ‘sick construction site syndrome’ and the psychosocial recuperative and rejunative therapy for the workforce in construction for productive performance. It is significant and notable that the empirical findings relative to the BCSM strategy were found to substantiate effectively as the missing link in the establishment and reconstitution of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which according to research findings, is currently conceptual. The recommendations include the suggestions for the ‘informal dynamic rock garden design’ as suitable for the BCSM with the inclusion of ‘plants as a primary indicator’ in construction site premises, site offices, material sheds, welfare facilities including ‘lunch break retreats and outdoor shelters’. The recommendation of the BCSM strategy for the construction site is aimed towards the onset of construction as opposed to the conclusion of works / external works at the end of the project as is currently practiced. For effective application, the empirical findings relative to the study recommend that the procurement of the BCSM as a ‘silent and indispensable team mate’ should commence from the conceptual design, pre-bid / tender stages, to the fiscal planning and setting out of worksites, as well as its inclusion in the ‘curriculum of studies’ for the instruction of emerging construction management practitioners. In furtherance of the CMBOK and the enhancement of the BCSM strategy and the ‘humanistic value of the intelligent construction worksite’, the study recommends that the concept of ‘frozen music’ be addressed in future research relative to the ‘biophilic design concept’ to determine its role in enhancing cost effective performance, H&S, ergonomics, and the health and wellbeing of workers in construction.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Possible futures for agricultural financing in sub-Saharan Africa towards 2055
- Authors: Oberholster, Jacobus Hoon
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Africa, Sub-Saharan -- Finance , Agricultural industries -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Agricultural productivity -- Africa, Sub-Saharan
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23069 , vital:30403
- Description: The research developed four possible future scenarios for agricultural financing in Sub-Saharan Africa towards 2055, namely the “Rising Sun”, “Two Wolves”, “The Left Wing and the Right Wing”, and the “Two Moons” scenarios. The scenarios aim to stimulate new thoughts on an inclusive and broader development approach to agricultural financing, and to identify gaps in the knowledge about a broad range of research issues relating to the level of complexity with regard to the decision-making environment in agricultural financing. The scenarios are developed, according to a strict and predetermined process, which is guided by the Six-Pillars approach of futures studies. A conceptual futures study model for agricultural financing was also developed to guide and clarify the way in which the research on agricultural financing can be integrated into the body of existing futures study theory. The research begins with a comprehensive environmental scan, from which various trends and driving forces emerged. The causal-layered analysis (CLA) method is then used in tandem with other futures-study techniques, such as the futures triangle and emerging issues analyses, to guide the process of knowledge creation about the future of agricultural financing. A real-time Delphi study was also conducted to validate and prioritise the megatrends and driving forces that emerged from the research. Subsequently, the research presents four future scenarios that aim to provide a better understanding of the future of agricultural financing in Sub-Saharan Africa over next 40 years. The research presents agriculture as a multi-dimensional sector that fulfils different roles and functions in especially rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, which contribute to the perceived riskiness of agricultural financing. The scenarios illustrate how conditions for agricultural development and agricultural financing can develop and change in the region towards 2055. Furthermore, it provides useful insight into the drivers for change and how to anticipate these changes. The Delphibased scenario research also allowed the aggregation of expert knowledge, which can be used to inform decision-makers in the financial-service sector to test the robustness and appropriateness of existing business models and strategies. The scenarios can also be used as a starting point for financial-service providers and other key stakeholders to identify the future challenges and to maximise the emerging business and development opportunities, as offered by the agricultural sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. The research closes a research gap with regard to scenario development in agricultural financing in Sub-Saharan Africa within the context of the globaldevelopment agenda. The research looks at the future of agricultural financing in Sub-Saharan Africa over the next 40 years from a decision-maker’s point of view; and it provides key insights into especially the rural agricultural financial challenge in the region. A cornerstone of the research is to align policy initiatives and the business strategies of financial service providers with the vision of a broadened view of rural finance and increased financial inclusion in agriculture. The scenarios offer a starting point to develop new and more inclusive agricultural financing strategies that have the ability to speed up income convergence and economic diversification, especially with regard to rural economies in Sub-Saharan Africa that are heavily dependent on agriculture and its related industries. The research also makes a meaningful contribution by introducing a forward-looking, systems-thinking approach to agricultural financing, which is necessary to evaluate the sector’s financing needs within the context of modern food systems that are increasingly being characterised by increased levels of chain co-ordination and value creation. Subsequently, disruptive digital technologies and innovations in agricultural value-chain financing emerged as the most significant driving forces for agricultural financing in Sub-Saharan Africa towards 2055.
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- Date Issued: 2018