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A comparison between the approaches to unfair discrimination in employment in South Africa and Nigeria

  • Authors: Odeyemi, Hannah Olubunmi
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Discrimination in employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Discrimination in employment -- Law and legislation -- Nigeria , Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Unfair labor practices -- Nigeria
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
  • Identifier: vital:10270 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012054 , Discrimination in employment -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Discrimination in employment -- Law and legislation -- Nigeria , Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Unfair labor practices -- Nigeria
  • Description: Issues concerning employment are some of the most serious issues of our time. But it is in the last two decades or so that these started receiving consideration. For instance, South Africa has experienced changes in the landscape of employment relations in organisations in the last decades. And no area of South Africa law is more critical than the prohibition of unfair discrimination, especially in the workpalce. The enactment of the Constitution brought about the need to eradicate unfair discrimination in the workpalce. Section 9 of the Constitution states that no person may unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone and that national legislation must be enacted to prevent or prohibit unfair discrimination. To enforce this, certain legislations like the Labour Law Act, Employment Act, Promotion of Equality and Prohibition of Unfair Discrimination Act (Equality Act), were enacted to give effect to the equality provision of the Constitution. In a similar vein, in Nigeria, workplace discrimination which is at the top of human rights violation perpetrated by employers of labour is of paramount concern to legislators and the government. Sex , age, ethinicty, religion, trade union membership and political opinion are some of the grounds upon which workers may not be discriminated against in Nigeria. Section 17 of the Constitution states that the State social order is founded on the ideals of freedom, equality and justice. It goes on to provide that every citizen shall have equality of rights, obligations and opportunities before the law. More specifically, the section stipilates that the State shall ensure that all citizens, without discrimination of any group whatsoever, have the opportunity of livehood as well as adequate opportunity to secure suitable employment and that there is equal pay for equal work without discrimination on account of sex, or any ground. Hence, there are The Nigerian Labour Act, the Federal Character Commission, etc that are saddled with the responsibility of addressing unfair discrimination and giving force to the provision of the Constitution. Despite the anti-discrimination laws and provisions made available in both countries, it is still alarming to see that unfair discrimination in the workplace is still on the increase. This, as will be discussed later, is probably due to factors such as lack of communication, long-stading patterns of educational inequalities that have resulted in inequalities in manpower, differences in drive, motivation, cultural disposition and geographical opportunities, racial difference and ethnicity, domination of one group by the other, etc. This research will briefly focus on the comparison between the approaches to unfair discrimination in employment between South Africa and Nigeria. It will discuss the development of unfair discrimination, grounds on which it is perpetrated, defences relating to unfair discrimination, and anti-discrimination laws put in place by the two jurisdictions to curb discrimination, as well as suggest on how to forestall unfair discrimination.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A comparison of harvester productivity and stump volume waste in coppiced and planted eucalyptus grandis pulpwood compartments in the KwaZulu-Natal forestry region of South Africa

  • Authors: Ramantswana, Mufhumudzi Muedanyi
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Forest productivity , Forest management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:10744 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019844
  • Description: Over the past decade the South African forestry industry has gradually experienced the ramifications of labour scarcity, increases in labour costs, the effect of HIV and AIDS and increasing timber demand. Consequently, this has led to an increase in the mechanisation rate, especially in timber harvesting operations. Due to the labour challenges in South Africa, mechanised forestry equipment has increasingly been required to operate in complex forest conditions, such as coppiced compartments, where they have not operated before. It therefore occurs that harvesters are either used in certain coppiced compartments with uncertain productivity expectations, or the harvesters are not used in these compartments due to a lack of productivity knowledge. The influence that certain factors have on harvester productivity and stump volume loss – factors such as coppice regeneration practices and stem form – is poorly understood and has not been quantified. No scientific research exists regarding the effects of coppice compartments on the productivity of a harvester and the amount of stump volume waste. This research aimed at determining the influence of tree volume, tree form, stem felled first and distance between stems on the productivity of an excavator based harvester in coppiced double, coppiced single and planted Eucalyptus grandis pulpwood compartments. Furthermore, the research determined whether there was any stump volume waste, and quantified how much of it was due to excessive stump heights by the harvester. Through regression analysis, productivity equations were derived to make productivity predictions in both coppiced and planted compartments. All stumps were evaluated for waste and the average stump volume waste in coppiced double, coppiced single and planted trees was determined. The research results showed that planted trees had the highest productivity across all tree sizes, followed by coppiced single trees and then coppiced double stems. When harvesting a 0.2 m3 tree, the mean harvester productivity was 8.7 m3 per PMH in coppiced double trees, 13.8 m3 per PMH in coppiced single trees and 16.1 m3 per PMH in planted trees. In coppiced double stems the productivity was not significantly influence by the distance between stems. However, the productivity was significantly influenced by the stem felled first. The regression results showed that if the smaller stem was felled first, the productivity would increase if the larger stem’s volume was less than 0.18 m3; however where the larger stem was greater than 0.18 m3, the relationship was reversed. In addition, the productivity for both coppiced single trees and coppiced double stems were significantly influenced by stem form. The poorly formed trees had low productivity compared to the trees with good form. The stump volume findings showed that coppiced double stems had the highest average stump volume waste per stump, with 0.00307 m3 waste, followed by coppiced single trees (0.001954 m3) and planted trees (0.001650 m3). The average stump volume waste per stump with waste for the planted trees was negligible. This research provides forestry companies and harvesting contractors with information on the effect of tree volume, tree form and stem felled first on harvester productivity in E. grandis coppiced double, coppiced single and planted compartments. This information will assist in making equipment and system selection decisions and improve operational management and control. In addition, they will also be aware of stump volume losses that will occur in the three scenarios.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A conceptual model of an access-technology-agnostic delivery mechanism for ICT4D services

  • Authors: Makitla, Mokone Ishmael
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Technological innovations -- Developing countries , Information technology -- Developing countries
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:9817 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019756
  • Description: Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) is an emerging research area that is concerned with the beneficial applications of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to achieve developmental goals. ICT4D is thus concerned with designing and developing innovative technologies for resource-constrained environments for applications in key areas of social development such as health, agriculture and education. The ICT4D initiatives, therefore, are driving three main tasks, namely developing the required infrastructure (connectivity, electricity and computing devices) sustainably, building the required ICT human capacity, and providing access to digital content and services. Each of these three main thrusts necessitates innovation. This study addresses the evident lack of delivery mechanisms to facilitate access to digital content and services to end-users through the technologies that these end-users already possess. This lack of innovative delivery mechanisms is both an impediment to achieving equitable access to digital content and service and an opportunity to innovate. Therefore, drawing from the theoretical background of ICT4D, this study develops a set of technical and socio-technical requirements that the missing delivery mechanisms should satisfy. The study also explores the Service Delivery Platform (SDP) concept as a technically viable basis for the required delivery mechanisms. The study then develops a conceptual model of an Access-Technology-Agnostic Delivery Mechanism as a possible delivery mechanism that facilitates equitable access to digital content and services within an ICT4D context. The relevance of the conceptual model is established and, through a prototype implementation, the technical feasibility and utility of the conceptual model is demonstrated. The conceptual model is demonstrated through a proof of concept implementation using standards-based open source technologies. The proof of concept clearly demonstrates that the access-technology-agnostic delivery of digital content and services is achievable, thus making the same service accessible through different access technologies. In developing the Access-Technology-Agnostic Delivery Mechanism, this study contributes through innovation to providing access to digital content and services in an access-technology-agnostic manner.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A conflict theory analysis of the 2007 South African public sector strike using a conflict model

  • Authors: Knowles, Kelvin David
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Collective bargaining -- South Africa , Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa , Strikes and lockouts -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9407 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015033
  • Description: Conflict is an inherent part of any service relationship, and is one of the important methods of effective organisational functioning. Depending on its management, it has both constructive and negative outcomes. The most extreme outcome of conflict in an industrial relationship is a strike. The South African Public Service strike of 2007 was the most protracted and united strike in the history of South Africa. In order to provide an insight into this strike, this treatise explores the following key aspects: • To present a short background of collective bargaining in the public sector through time. • To provide a short background to the public sector strike in 2007. • To develop a conflict model for analytic purposes based on a literature review and to use the conflict model to analyse the strike. A study of the strike was deemed essential because of its current nature and it being charged with political undertones. Moreover, conflict in the employment relationship has had an important influence on theories of industrial relations. The South African labour relations system is pluralist in nature, with a focus on the formal institutions of industrial relations. The focus should be on the motives and actions of parties in the employment relationship. Hence, one should look beyond conventional explanations in understanding conflict.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A critical analysis of the applicability of King III in the local government sphere: a case of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape from 2009-2011

  • Authors: Mawonga, Thembinkosi Arthwell
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11628 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001236 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The purpose of this mini-dissertation is to investigate the applicability of the King III in local government sphere, as well as to evaluate the impact it is likely to have if its principles and recommendations were to be fully implemented. Local government has been plagued by very serious challenges of poor service delivery and this has been attributed, in the main, to a lack of adequate resources to address backlogs and maintain existing infrastructure. it is therefore very important that all resources are harnessed and channelled to where they are most need, in service delivery. The investigation of the systems and procedures that are in place to ensure prudent financial management and accountability is a worthwhile study. the BMC, is one of two economic hubs of the Eastern Cape. The mini dissertation commences with assessment of governance arrangements that are in place at the BMC against the minimum standards proposed by the King III. It explores the full range of principles proposed in the codes and compares that to practices and procedures at BMC. To avoid a long winded discussion because the principles are close to ten in number; these have been combined and formulated into four broad themes. A consolidated discussion on manifestations on bad governance or poor adherence to good governance in the public sector is discussed in detail. Finally, the impact of various initiatives currently being pursued to promote good governance will be examined, key lessons will be drawn and recommendations for further studies will be made.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A critical analysis of the role of public participation in governance and service delivery with specific reference to the Buffalo City Municipality

  • Authors: Maphazi, Nondumiso
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City -- Citizen participation , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Buffalo City -- Citizen participation , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Municipal services -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Buffalo City Municipality
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:8257 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012147 , Local government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City -- Citizen participation , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Buffalo City -- Citizen participation , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Municipal services -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Buffalo City Municipality
  • Description: This study undertook a critical analysis of the role of public participation in local governance and service delivery, with specific reference to the Buffalo City Municipality. The main aims of the study were to identify possible deficiencies in public participation processes, the development of strategies to enhance public participation, the development of mechanisms to ensure coordinated, integrated and focused public participation initiatives and the development of a normative model for improved public participation. The triangulation research methodology was employed with emphasis on the quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The sample comprised of councillors, officials and ward committee members. Questionnaires, with open and closed questions, were employed for the councillors and focus group interviews were conducted with ward committee members. Statistical procedures were utilised to interpret and analyse the quantitative data to determine the results using the Statistica package for data analysis. The qualitative data analysis involved thematic content analysis. Findings suggest that the current public participation strategies are inadequate. The correlation of results further reveals that a significant negative relationship exists between the councillors, officials and ward committee members. Despite various legislative prescriptions pertaining to public participation requirements in local government, the results imply that the Buffalo City Municipality has not fully complied with such prescriptions and national policy directives. The thesis proposes specific recommendations on how the Buffalo City Municipality can address the current short comings in terms of its public participation programmes and strategies. Recommendations include the establishment of a centralised Public Participation Unit, the empowerment of ward committee members and ward councillors, adequate resource allocation for ward committees, enhanced coordination between the various community structures, improved interaction with local communities, enhanced public participation initiatives and the need for additional anti-fraud and anti-corruption strategies within the municipality. A normative model, for enhanced public participation in local government, is also proposed in the thesis.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A critical analysis of the screen adaptation of Saule’s Unyana womntu

  • Authors: Mbatsha, Thembisa
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Xhosa fiction -- 20th century , Authors, African -- Biography , Literature -- Adaptations
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Arts)
  • Identifier: vital:11842 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018674 , Xhosa fiction -- 20th century , Authors, African -- Biography , Literature -- Adaptations
  • Description: This research will concentrate on various aspects of the screen adaptation of “Unyana womntu” (Saule, 1989). This study comprises of six chapters. In Chapter 1 of this study, the research aims and objectives are formulated. The research methods that are to be followed will involve a thorough reading of the written text, as well as a comprehensive repetitive viewing of all the episodes of the screen version. In the final part of Chapter 1, background information is provided on the personal life of the author as well as on his contributions to the African literary tradition. Background information on the production of the screen version is also provided. In the Chapter 2, the theoretical aspects of the phenomenon of literary adaptation are discussed. This discussion provides a framework for the analysis of the adaptation of “Unyana womntu” (Saule, 1989) in the remaining chapters of this study. The aim of this chapter is to identify and discuss the most important principles which come into play when the written text is adapted into a screen production. Since the screen production belongs to the genre of the performing arts, this chapter is introduced with a discussion on the performing arts and on the drama, in particular. The section will be concluded with a discussion on the different sub-types of the drama which can be found, including the screen production. The main emphasis is on an analysis of the basic features and principles of the drama in screen format. Since the screen play Unyana Womntu (1998) is based upon a novel by the same title, the literary features of the novel are to be discussed here as well. The specific features of the Xhosa novel will also receive attention.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A critical assessment of the quality of community home-based care

  • Authors: Morton, David Gerard
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Home care services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home nursing -- Equipment and supplies , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home health aides
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
  • Identifier: vital:16133 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1606 , Home care services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home nursing -- Equipment and supplies , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home health aides
  • Description: Volunteer home-based caregivers are critical role players in South Africa‘s health care system and in the South African government‘s strategy to fight HIV and AIDS. In order to achieve the aims that the government seeks to attain, it is important that the care and treatment provided to patients receiving community home-based care (CHBC) be of a high quality. While the need for quality care is supported by government and civil society, research indicates that it is not clear whether quality care is indeed being provided and therefore there is a need for research into the quality of CHBC. The research aimed to undertake a critical assessment of CHBC programmes to determine the quality of care provided by volunteer caregivers using social capital theory as a theoretical framework. The study examined the quality of CHBC by analysing the context of CHBC, by investigating the support that volunteer caregivers and their clients receive and by discussing the support that volunteer caregivers and their clients still need. The study used one-on-one in-depth interviews and focus groups to obtain relevant data. The participants included volunteer caregivers, clients and supervisors who took part in the one-on-one interviews. The focus groups consisted of key informants and supervisors respectively. The quantitative data consisted of descriptive statistics which helped describe the participants. The qualitative data was coded and themes and sub-themes were developed. The data was also analysed by an independent coder. The results showed that poverty, and the related problems of poor living conditions and a lack of food security affects the quality CHBC. In addition, unemployment and the problem of stipends also affect quality CHBC. Certain socio-economic factors were also found to lead people to choose to become volunteer caregivers and unemployment was found to be an important driving force behind the choice to undertake volunteer caregiving. Furthermore, the volunteer caregivers in the sample received organisational support from their supervisors and their fellow caregivers or peers. They also received social support from their families and their communities. Regarding the clients of the volunteer caregivers, it was found that they received a number of types of support including psycho- iv social counselling, spiritual counselling and care of a holistic nature. In addition, the study found that there is a need for standardised quality training of volunteer caregivers, which will equip them with multiple skills. It was also found that volunteer caregivers require mentoring and quality supervision in order to be able to provide quality CHBC to their clients. Government has the ability to put the necessary systems and structures in place, such as a scope of practice for volunteers, standardised training and monitoring and evaluation, to enable CHBC and its relevant role players to operate at optimum levels. It also has the authority to make the changes and to enforce rules. Furthermore, it has the ability to unite CHBC organisations and can create the necessary conditions that can lead to increased social capital. Furthermore, the study recommends that two additional dimensions of quality care be added to existing dimensions of quality in health care. The first is the holistic approach to caregiving and the second is social support systems, namely supervisor/mentor and peer support and family and community support. This second dimension is also closely linked to social capital and the networks that make up CHBC.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A critical evaluation of the management and implementation of performance management and development system: a case study in the Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs; Bhisho, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Mzileni, Nompumezo
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Performance -- Management , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance awards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11666 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007109 , Performance -- Management , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance awards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: Performance management systems help align individual goals and objectives with those of the organisation. The system engages employees and thereby directs them toward achieving the strategic goals of the organisation. The purpose of this research study was to conduct a critical evaluation on the management and implementation of Performance management and development System in the Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs. Despite the importance of performance management, most organisations find it difficult to implement, manage and sustain performance management systems and processes effectively. It is therefore crucial to ensure adequate planning, evaluation and training is done that will support a sustainable process. Given the strategic role played by the SMS, especially the management of Performance Agreements in the realization of government programmes, it is important that departmental officials make efforts to ensure compliance with its provisions. This study has shown that officials have not been accurate enough in their implementation of the PMDS. The study reveals that there is no staff development programme in place that would help develop staff members to grow in the different fields of their jobs. This is a sound reason why staff responded that they are not happy with the current system. It would appear that management does not devote a great deal of time to staff development. The focus of the PMDS needs to be changed from an output-focused system to a management development system, where there is an increased focus on the development of competencies, compared to the current focus on rewarding only output.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A critical psychology of the postcolonial: the mind of apartheid. A book review

  • Authors: Matthews, Sally
  • Date: 2012
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142351 , vital:38072 , DOI: 10.1080/14725843.2012.730818
  • Description: This book provides a careful and detailed defence of the idea that the (post)colonial condition, and particularly the role that race has played in the (post)colony, cannot properly be understood without the theorisation of the ‘psychopolitical’. By the ‘psychopolitical’, Hook refers to ‘a reciprocal form of critique in which we not only place the psychological within the register of the political, but, perhaps more challengingly, in which the political is also – although strategically – approached through the register of the psychological’ (p. 40). In order to do this, Hook engages with and develops upon the insights of some key postcolonial thinkers, most notably Frantz Fanon and Homi Bhabha. Hook argues convincingly that concepts and approaches from psychoanalysis are helpful in properly understanding the postcolonial condition and, particularly, in getting to grips with the malleability and persistence of racism.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A critical realist exploration of the implementation of a new curriculum in Swaziland

  • Authors: Pereira, Liphie
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Critical realism Education -- Philosophy Critical pedagogy -- Swaziland Curriculum change -- Swaziland Education -- Swaziland Education and state -- Swaziland Education -- Aims and objectives -- Swaziland Critical discourse analysis International General Certificate of Secondary Education
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:1484 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003365
  • Description: This study offers an in-depth exploration of the conditions from which the implementation of a curriculum called the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), later localised into Swaziland General Certificate of Secondary Education (SGCSE), emerged and the constraining and enabling conditions for the implementation of the new I/SGCSE curriculum. It derives its theoretical foundation from Roy Bhaskar’s critical realism and Margaret Archer’s concept of analytical separability. The study therefore offers explanations about the curriculum change and its implementation that are based on how structural, cultural, and agential mechanisms operating at a deeper level of reality (the intransitive layer of reality or the domain of the real) and existing independently of what we see, know or believe of them (the transitive layer of reality or domains of the actual and empirical) interacted to condition the emergence of I/SGCSE and the way it is implemented. I conduct a critical discourse analysis of relevant literature, I/SGCSE documents and interview data in order to identify those mechanisms that were cultural and also those that were structural and agential. Bernstein’s concepts of classification and framing are used to analyse observation data in order to explore the influence of these mechanisms on the teaching practices of the teachers who took part in the study. Analysis of the data suggests that the change from General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE O-level) to I/SGCSE was conditioned by inconsistencies between the cultural and structural mechanisms of the Swazi context. Many of the cultural elements of the Swazi context such as the discourses of good citizens, of competitive advantage, and of quality education draw from global discourses which view relations between people from a postmodernist position and therefore support weakly classified and framed pedagogic practices. In contrast, the discourse of morality and many of the structural elements of the Swazi context, such as the pre2006 education system and the Tinkhundla government system, all view reality from a modernist position, therefore supporting strong relations of power and control. The cultural system therefore exerted more influence in conditioning the change from the strongly classified and framed GCE O-level curriculum to the weakly classified and framed I/SGCSE curriculum. Furthermore, the analysis of interview and observation data suggests that inconsistencies between the global discourses and the discourses and structures that teachers confront in their day-to-day lives, together with the decisions teachers made in response to structural constraints, created constraining conditions for the change from GCE O-level to I/SGCSE. The study adds to knowledge on curriculum change and implementation through insights into the enabling and constraining effects of mechanisms operating at a deeper level of reality on curriculum-change decisions and on the ability of teachers to implement curriculum changes. The focus on the deeper level of reality may therefore contribute towards emancipatory knowledge which could be used not only by the Ministry of Education and Training and teachers in Swaziland but also elsewhere to inform future planning, decision making, and practice in relation to curriculum change and implementation.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A critical study of voice teaching method, with specific reference to solo singing, choral singing and vocal health for the teenage singer

  • Authors: Olivier, Madelie Charlotte
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Singing -- Instruction and study , Voice culture -- Exercises , Singing -- Methods
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
  • Identifier: vital:8523 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019926
  • Description: This dissertation presents a critical study of voice teaching method as this pertains to the high school learner studying voice within the South African educational environment, with learning outcomes determined for subject music within the GET (General Education and Training) and FET (Further Education and Training) bands of the Department of Basic Education at each school grade level, as well as by external examining bodies such as Unisa (University of South Africa), Trinity Guildhall and ABRSM (Amalgamated Board of the Royal Schools of Music). Emphasis is placed on the methodological principles applicable in the case of the Western classical music solo vocal repertoire, but reference is also made to the applicability of this method in other vocal genres and, in particular, in the case of choral music participation. Special attention is given to the subject of the vocal health of the developing teenage voice, which includes an overview of vocal disorders and suggestions for rehabilitation and remedial programmes where necessary. Triangulation of research results is achieved in this study through inclusion of: - A thorough survey of selected pertinent bibliographic sources - Description of and engagement with the researcher’s own numerous phenomenological encounters in this field - Interviews conducted in Port Elizabeth with Jill Nock, voice teacher, on the subject of voice teaching method, and with John Black, Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist, on the subject of vocal health. The researcher concludes that there is a need for continued education and training of music educators in the South African high school environment, many of whom are not trained voice specialists, in order to cater for the growing number of high school music learners who choose to specialise in voice. Although educator networking can go a long way towards creating an informal support system to address this need, it is ultimately the responsibility of the Department of Basic Education to address this in a formal and all-encompassing fashion.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A cross-sectional study to ascertain the prognostic factors and symptoms associated with cryptococcal meningitis cases treated at the East London Hospital complex

  • Authors: Okorie, Ikechukwu Obinna
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Meningitis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Biostatistics and Epidemiology)
  • Identifier: vital:11782 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016194 , Meningitis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The focus of this study is to identify the potential prognostic factors and symptoms that are associated with Cryptococcal Meningitis and to establish a statistical model for the prediction of outcomes (survival and mortality) among in-hospital patients. Materials and Method: The hospital admission books in the medical wards and pharmacy of the East London Hospital Complex were searched to identify the folder numbers of all the patients that were admitted, diagnosed and or treated for Cryptococcal Meningitis at the hospital between the 1st of January 2009 and the 31st of August 2012. 237 folders out of 519 folders reviewed had confirmed cases of Cryptococcal Meningitis. Data on patients’ demographics, In-hospital care, and Concurrent infection/health condition were collected and analysed in a cross-sectional study, using the univariable and multiple logistic regression. Analysis of data was done with SAS version 9.1.3 and NCSS version 2007 software. Results: In a multivariable logistic analysis of variables found to be significantly associated with Cryptococcal Meningitis in a univariable logistic regression, Being Conscious (i.e. a Glasgow Coma score of 15) (OR= 5.34,CI=2.85-9.99 p =<0.000); Having no history of TB infection (OR=28.91, CI= 3.68-226.89, p = <0.001); No Fits (OR = 2.59, CI= 1.18-5.68 p = 0.017); Being a non-smoker (OR =2.22,CI=1.13-4.34 p = 0.020); and Adhering to treatment instruction and guidelines (OR = 2.38, 1.15-4.89, p = 0.019) were the variables found to be significantly associated with the survival of a Cryptococcal Meningitis patient. The uninterrupted use of Amphotericin B (OR=3.04, CI=1.06-8.72, P=0.038) as a first line regimen was also found to be significantly associated with survival.On the other hand, being unconscious (i.e. Glasgow Coma score <15) (OR =5.34, CI=2.85-9.99, p = < 0.000), Currently having a TB infection (OR = 9.20, CI=2.77-30.57, p = < 0.000), Not adhering to treatment guidelines (OR=2.38, CI=1.15-4.89, p=0.019 ); Being a smoker (OR = 2.22, CI=1.13-4.34, p = 0.020) and having Fits (OR=2.59 CI=1.18-5.68 p=0.017 ) were found to be significantly associated with mortality. Headache (p= 0.505) was found not to be a significant predictor of survival contrary to the findings in many publications on Cryptococcal Meningitis. Owing to time constraint, testing data was not collected to validate the prognostic models. However, model diagnostics was done and the relevant statistics confirmed the goodness of fit and the predictive ability of the model Conclusion: It has been established in this study that certain baseline variables can be helpful in the prognosis of Cryptococcal Meningitis infection. It is therefore believed that these variables will help in improving the prognosis of the infection especially at the East London Hospital Complex. Though the statistical models will work well in predicting the outcome of Cryptococcal Meningitis infection for patients admitted at the East London Hospital Complex, adequate precaution must be exercised while attempting to apply it in other geographical areas.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A data warehouse structure design methodology to support the efficient and effective analysis of online resource usage data

  • Authors: Ferreira, Cornél
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Data warehousing , Electronic information resources
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:10486 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016072
  • Description: The use of electronic services results in the generation of vast amounts of Online Resource Usage (ORU) data. ORU data typically consists of user login, printing and executed process information. The structure of this type of data restricts the ability of decision makers to effectively and efficiently analyse ORU data. A data warehouse (DW) structure is required which satisfies an organisation’s information requirements. In order to design a DW structure a methodology is needed to provide a design template according to acknowledged practices. The aim of this research was to primarily propose a methodology specifically for the design of a DW structure to support the efficient and effective analysis of ORU data. A variety of relevant DW structure design methodologies were investigated and a number of limitations were identified. These methodologies do not provide methodological support for metadata documentation, physical design and implementation. The most comprehensive methodology identified in the investigation was modified and the Adapted Triple-Driven DW Structure Design Methodology (ATDM) was proposed. The ATDM was successfully applied to the information and communication technology services (ICTS) department of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University as the case study for this research. The proposed ATDM consists of different phases which include a requirements analysis phase that was adapted from the identified comprehensive methodology. A physical design and an implementation phase were included in the ATDM. The ATDM was successfully applied to the ICTS case study as a proof of concept. The application of the ATDM to ICTS resulted in the generation and documentation of semantic and technical metadata which describes the DW structure derived from the application of the ATDM at a logical and physical level respectively. The implementation phase was applied using the Microsoft SQL Server integrated tool to obtain an implemented DW structure for ICTS that is described by technical metadata at an implementation level. This research has shown that the ATDM can be successfully applied to obtain an effective and efficient DW structure for analysing ORU data. The ATDM provides guidelines to develop a DW structure for ORU data and future research includes the generalisation of the ATDM to accommodate various domains and different data types.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A framework for information security governance in SMMEs

  • Authors: Coertze, Jacques Jacobus
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Business -- Data processing -- Security measures , Management information systems -- Security measures , Computer networks -- Security measures
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:9810 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014083
  • Description: It has been found that many small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) do not comply with sound information security governance principles, specifically the principles involved in drafting information security policies and monitoring compliance, mainly as a result of restricted resources and expertise. Research suggests that this problem occurs worldwide and that the impact it has on SMMEs is great. The problem is further compounded by the fact that, in our modern-day information technology environment, many larger organisations are providing SMMEs with access to their networks. This results not only in SMMEs being exposed to security risks, but the larger organisations as well. In previous research an information security management framework and toolbox was developed to assist SMMEs in drafting information security policies. Although this research was of some help to SMMEs, further research has shown that an even greater problem exists with the governance of information security as a result of the advancements that have been identified in information security literature. The aim of this dissertation is therefore to establish an information security governance framework that requires minimal effort and little expertise to alleviate governance problems. It is believed that such a framework would be useful for SMMEs and would result in the improved implementation of information security governance.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A framework for parental control of mobile devices in South Africa

  • Authors: Marais, Jacques
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Cell phones -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Digital communications -- Social aspects -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:9759 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008404 , Cell phones -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Digital communications -- Social aspects -- South Africa
  • Description: Future generations are built on the children of today. Thus, children's well- being and safety is of paramount importance. Children are making use of mobile devices, such as smart phones, to gain access to the Internet and other data driven mobile services. Children and parents alike are unaware of the risks they are exposed to when accessing such services. A clear lack of parental control over or awareness of this mobile use has been identified in South Africa. Without adequate awareness and successful use of a comprehensive mobile parental control solution, South African children may be at risk. This risk may include exposure to potentially harmful content and/or individuals. This dissertation presents a framework that supports the attainment of a comprehensive mobile parental control solution based on sound research.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A framework for personal health records in online social networking

  • Authors: Van der Westhuizen, Eldridge Werner
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Medical care -- Data processing , Medical records -- Access control , Medical informatics , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Medicine
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:9804 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012382 , Medical care -- Data processing , Medical records -- Access control , Medical informatics , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Medicine
  • Description: Since the early 20th century, the view has developed that high quality health care can be delivered only when all the pertinent data about the health of a patient is available to the clinician. Various types of health records have emerged to serve the needs of healthcare providers and more recently, patients or consumers. These health records include, but are not limited to, Personal Health Records, Electronic Heath Records, Electronic Medical Records and Payer-Based Health Records. Payer-Based Health Records emerged to serve the needs of medical aids or health care plans. Electronic Medical Records and Electronic Health Records were targeted at the healthcare provider market, whereas a gap developed in the patient market. Personal Health Records were developed to address the patient market, but adoption was slow at first. The success of online social networking reignited the flame that Personal Health Records needed and online consumer-based Personal Health Records were developed. Despite all the various types of health records, there still seems to be a lack of meaningful use of personal health records in modern society. The purpose of this dissertation is to propose a framework for Personal Health Records in online social networking, to address the issue of a lack of a central, accessible repository for health records. In order for a Personal Health Record to serve this need it has to be of meaningful use. The capability of a PHR to be of meaningful use is core to this research. In order to determine whether a Personal Health Record is of meaningful use, a tool is developed to evaluate Personal Health Records. This evaluation tool takes into account all the attributes that a Personal Health Record which is of meaningful use should comprise of. Suitable ratings are allocated to enable measuring of each attribute. A model is compiled to facilitate the selection of six Personal Health Records to be evaluated. One of these six Personal Health Records acts as a pilot site to test the evaluation tool in order to determine the tool’s utility and effect improvements. The other five Personal Health Records are then evaluated to measure their adherence to the attributes of meaningful use. These findings, together with a literature study on the various types of health records and the evaluation tool, inform the building blocks used to present the framework. It is hoped that the framework for Personal Health Records in online social networking proposed in this research, may be of benefit to provide clear guidance for the achievement of a central or integrated, accessible repository for health records through the meaningful use of Personal Health Records.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A framework for the development and measurement of agile enterprise architecture

  • Authors: Mthupha, Bokang
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Management information systems -- Research Industrial management -- Technological innovations -- Research Industrial organization -- Technological innovations -- Research System design
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:1147 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002777
  • Description: Enterprise architecture is the high-level design of the entire business, facilitated by enterprise architects. "Agile enterprise architecture" is the term used in enterprise architecture to describe an architecture that caters for future unknowns, enabling change to occur rapidly without undue resource utilization, yet in a controlled manner and with minimal adverse impact. Some enterprise architects still use outdated, rigid approaches to enterprise architecture which are incompatible with today‟s business environment. In addition, there is limited research into methods that can be applied to measure the agility of enterprise architecture. The current environment is such that there is a need for a more agile approach to developing and measuring enterprise architecture. This work will lead to the creation of a Framework for The Development and Measurement of Agile Enterprise Architecture. In support of the main goal of the development of the framework, a literature review will be conducted focusing on the necessary sub-goals of the research. The first sub-goal of the literature review is to develop a comprehensive definition for enterprise architecture (referred to as EA), as well as discover how it is currently practiced. Thereafter, the literature review will investigate a comprehensive definition for agility and research why it is emerging as a critical topic. The next chapter of the literature review will research how agility fits within the context of EA, uncovering a comprehensive definition for agile EA and the best practices in agile EA development. The final chapter of the literature review will investigate suitable measurement techniques that can be used to assess the level of agility of EA. On completion of the literature review, a preliminary framework will be created using the most important contributions from the literature. An empirical study will be conducted to explore the definitions for EA, agility, agile EA, the methods to measure the agility of EA and the concepts for the development of agile EA summarised in the preliminary framework. Data analysis follows an interpretive and qualitative approach based on four case studies through interviews with systems experts in four South African organizations in one province. Each interviewee was interviewed once. The initial interview with a Principal Consultant on Enterprise Strategy Consulting at organisation # 1 formed the basis of an exploratory study; the results of which were used to refine the research instrument and preliminary framework. Thereafter, a more rigorous empirical study focused on interviews with the Chief Architect, Senior Manager in Advisory Services and an Enterprise Architect at organizations 2, 3 and 4 respectively was conducted. The research follows an inductive approach to capture the interpretive experiences of participants and develop theoretical propositions from them. Following the exploratory pilot study it became necessary to make changes to the preliminary framework and initial survey instrument created. Thereafter, the empirical study consisting of the remaining three cases was conducted to test the important aspects of the framework and literature definitions. The analysis of the results of the empirical study prompted further changes to the theoretical framework and definitions created. The interviews conducted with each of the organizations confirmed the factors for agile EA development as well as the effectiveness of the definitions created in the literature review. The research uncovered that the need for a more agile approach to developing EA and a way to measure the level of agility of EA has become more and more significant in organizations. This begins with a better understanding of EA, agility, how agility fits within the context of EA, as well as appropriate methods to measure agility.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A framework for the governance of social media in the workplace

  • Authors: Scharneck, Justin William
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Social media -- Law and legislation , Social media -- Economic aspects , Work environment , Online social networks
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:8861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020180
  • Description: Social media is fast becoming an ever-increasingly significant part of the world of business and a phenomenon which cannot be evaded. The advent of social media in the workplace compels organisations to acclimatise to the transformation emanating from employees‟ adoption of these technologies (Hanaki & Casella, 2008). Approximately seventy percent of organisations do not have a social media governance framework in place (Fink et al., 2011). Social media governance in organisations is very disjointed; companies have varying stances as to social media strategy, the risks, benefits and business use of social media (Thompson et al., 2011). The growth of social media and its use in the business environment will see a more standardised approach to social media governance (Thompson et al., 2011). Being at the forefront of technology development in Africa, and in certain areas, globally (Government of the Republic of South Africa, 2012), places added emphasis on IT organisations in South Africa to set the standard as it relates to social media governance. The diversity and depth of the human and technology resources within these organisations, creates an environment conducive to establishing and pioneering sound social media governance structures. The treatise consists of a study on the governance of social media and the successive development of two frameworks; an integrated framework for the governance of social media in the workplace, as well as integrated framework for a social media policy within an IT organisation. These frameworks are empirically evaluated amongst employees, within the context of Information Technology (IT) organisations, in South Africa. Several recommendations are proposed by the author in relation to the adoption of the proposed frameworks.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

A framework to guide development through ICT in rural areas in South Africa

  • Authors: Mamba, Malungelo Siphiwosami Njinga
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Information technology -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Telecommunication -- South Africa , Information services industry -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa , Information services -- Government policy -- South Africa , Communication policy -- South Africa , Communication planning -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
  • Identifier: vital:11137 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007024 , Information technology -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Telecommunication -- South Africa , Information services industry -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa , Information services -- Government policy -- South Africa , Communication policy -- South Africa , Communication planning -- South Africa
  • Description: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is widely regarded as a key tool for bringing about development to people who live in underserved areas. Technologies such as mobile phones and Wi-Fi are seen as advantageous because they can be made available to poor places without the cost of building extensive physical infrastructure. However, researchers argue that ICTs have failed to live up to their potential in the context of development. Researchers point out developing countries lack frameworks to guide them through the implementation of ICTs in this context. The objective of this study is to come up with a framework that can be used in rural areas in South Africa to implement ICT projects. The researcher interviewed individuals who have been directly involved in an ICT initiative in a rural setting in the Eastern Cape Province to learn from their experiences. The researcher also studied publications that have been produced from these initiatives in order to gain a richer understanding. The findings of the study show that participants share similar views about how ICT projects should be approached and implemented in rural areas in South Africa. The views are grouped according to similarity into themes and discussed in detail in the study. From these themes a framework that can help implement ICT projects in rural areas is developed.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2012
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