The perceived economic impact of the city of Johannesburg's storm water attenuation policy on private property developers
- Authors: Aldous, Michael Geoffrey
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Runoff -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Real estate development -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9668 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/765 , Runoff -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Real estate development -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Description: Stormwater attenuation policy has, over recent years, become a highly contentious issue for the property development community. Increased urbanisation, locally and internationally, has forced municipal authorities to reconsider the role of stormwater management in this evolving urban landscape. It is within this context that the legislative support and municipal policy for stormwater management in the City of Johannesburg has been explored, particularly in terms of the economic impact on property developers. The research aimed to explore the relationship between stormwater attenuation policy and the economic impact thereof on private property developers. Consideration was given to the cost, risk and time factors of legislative and policy requirements within the development process. Further consideration was given to the physical environment that has brought about current pressures. Based upon research of international issues highlighted in countries with well developed attenuation policy, a questionnaire was constructed to evaluate the response of local private property developers to selected issues as key sub-problems. The responses were tested against the developed set of hypotheses. The research indicated that developers had a generally poor level of knowledge with regard to the stormwater management policy of the City of Johannesburg, as well as the supporting legislative requirements of provincial and national policy documents. The results of the survey also indicated that developers were strongly opposed to the loss of developable area, but indicated a limited financial impact of the current stormwater attenuation policy. The risk inherent in incorporating an attenuation facility within a development was identified as being low with little perceived impact. Developers further indicated that the inclusion of attenuation facilities was seen as a significant contributing factor in the delay, approval and acceptance of new developments in which attenuation facilities were required, while maintenance costs were indicated to be of a low level of importance. Recommendations in response to the research findings included the establishment of detailed policy documentation and support for effective distribution channels in conjunction with industry and public focused information campaigns, improved municipal capacity and a greater level of technical support. A need for additional stormwater research and an increase in the capture of relevant data for GIS purposes was identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Aldous, Michael Geoffrey
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Runoff -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Real estate development -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9668 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/765 , Runoff -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Real estate development -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Description: Stormwater attenuation policy has, over recent years, become a highly contentious issue for the property development community. Increased urbanisation, locally and internationally, has forced municipal authorities to reconsider the role of stormwater management in this evolving urban landscape. It is within this context that the legislative support and municipal policy for stormwater management in the City of Johannesburg has been explored, particularly in terms of the economic impact on property developers. The research aimed to explore the relationship between stormwater attenuation policy and the economic impact thereof on private property developers. Consideration was given to the cost, risk and time factors of legislative and policy requirements within the development process. Further consideration was given to the physical environment that has brought about current pressures. Based upon research of international issues highlighted in countries with well developed attenuation policy, a questionnaire was constructed to evaluate the response of local private property developers to selected issues as key sub-problems. The responses were tested against the developed set of hypotheses. The research indicated that developers had a generally poor level of knowledge with regard to the stormwater management policy of the City of Johannesburg, as well as the supporting legislative requirements of provincial and national policy documents. The results of the survey also indicated that developers were strongly opposed to the loss of developable area, but indicated a limited financial impact of the current stormwater attenuation policy. The risk inherent in incorporating an attenuation facility within a development was identified as being low with little perceived impact. Developers further indicated that the inclusion of attenuation facilities was seen as a significant contributing factor in the delay, approval and acceptance of new developments in which attenuation facilities were required, while maintenance costs were indicated to be of a low level of importance. Recommendations in response to the research findings included the establishment of detailed policy documentation and support for effective distribution channels in conjunction with industry and public focused information campaigns, improved municipal capacity and a greater level of technical support. A need for additional stormwater research and an increase in the capture of relevant data for GIS purposes was identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Improving construction planning through 4D planning
- Authors: Allen, Christopher James
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Management , Construction industry -- Computer-aided design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9698 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/467 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011923 , Construction industry -- Management , Construction industry -- Computer-aided design
- Description: Construction Planning will increasingly play a more critical role within the realm of the Built Environment. Existing practices used to plan and communicate the construction process to be undertaken are failing to deliver the desired results for construction companies and clients alike. At a time of unprecedented growth in the industry around the world, which is leading to a general skills shortage, especially in management positions, construction planners are increasingly being asked to deal with more responsibility. As with other industries, technological improvement in the tools at their disposal is one way to address the inadequacies of the present situation. Increasingly, three dimensional design packages are being used to generate construction information which can then be used for quantities calculations, automated manufacturing processes and construction simulation. The latter forms the basis for their use in the process of planning, through new technologies being developed as virtual construction tools or 4D planning, the addition of time to the 3D model environment, but using the elements within the model as the basis for the construction programme. The benefit of using the design information to form the basis of the programme is that the interface tasks and logistical activities, as well as location related constraints, can be identified and then communicated to all levels within the construction team through a time based visual image. The purpose of this study is therefore to establish a scientifically analysed alternative method for the creation, review and delivery of construction programmes. In order to achieve the research objectives, three methodologies have been employed. Firstly, the literature review in the fields of planning including existing methodologies and previous research of 4D related techniques has been analysed. An overview of the perceived weaknesses to current practises and proposed solution will be explored and best case scenarios outlined and further investigated. Secondly, the 51 Lime Street project provides an environment in which the proposed 4D planning techniques have been implemented and the benefits of the process can, through observation / participation methodology, be validated. Thirdly, through interview questionnaires, with Lime St contractors and management, and e-mail questionnaires to a broader sample stratum, data on the ability of the tools, the techniques employed on 51 Lime Street and similar projects have been collated and statistically analysed to validate the reliability and relevance for future implementation. The result of the research will provide management teams with a practical alternative to existing planning methodologies. Construction planners will have alternative technique that can further enhance their role within the project team whilst increasing their ability to communicate the team’s vision to a wider audience, making them and the project more efficient and effective in the process. It has been proposed that clients insist on the use of 3D from the commencement of the design process so that this information can be passed downstream through the construction process and onto facilities management. Planners need to be able to communicate their requirements better and the 4D planning models provide both a more inclusive way of planning alongside a better communications medium in the form of moving images. A picture tells a thousand words.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Allen, Christopher James
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Management , Construction industry -- Computer-aided design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9698 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/467 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011923 , Construction industry -- Management , Construction industry -- Computer-aided design
- Description: Construction Planning will increasingly play a more critical role within the realm of the Built Environment. Existing practices used to plan and communicate the construction process to be undertaken are failing to deliver the desired results for construction companies and clients alike. At a time of unprecedented growth in the industry around the world, which is leading to a general skills shortage, especially in management positions, construction planners are increasingly being asked to deal with more responsibility. As with other industries, technological improvement in the tools at their disposal is one way to address the inadequacies of the present situation. Increasingly, three dimensional design packages are being used to generate construction information which can then be used for quantities calculations, automated manufacturing processes and construction simulation. The latter forms the basis for their use in the process of planning, through new technologies being developed as virtual construction tools or 4D planning, the addition of time to the 3D model environment, but using the elements within the model as the basis for the construction programme. The benefit of using the design information to form the basis of the programme is that the interface tasks and logistical activities, as well as location related constraints, can be identified and then communicated to all levels within the construction team through a time based visual image. The purpose of this study is therefore to establish a scientifically analysed alternative method for the creation, review and delivery of construction programmes. In order to achieve the research objectives, three methodologies have been employed. Firstly, the literature review in the fields of planning including existing methodologies and previous research of 4D related techniques has been analysed. An overview of the perceived weaknesses to current practises and proposed solution will be explored and best case scenarios outlined and further investigated. Secondly, the 51 Lime Street project provides an environment in which the proposed 4D planning techniques have been implemented and the benefits of the process can, through observation / participation methodology, be validated. Thirdly, through interview questionnaires, with Lime St contractors and management, and e-mail questionnaires to a broader sample stratum, data on the ability of the tools, the techniques employed on 51 Lime Street and similar projects have been collated and statistically analysed to validate the reliability and relevance for future implementation. The result of the research will provide management teams with a practical alternative to existing planning methodologies. Construction planners will have alternative technique that can further enhance their role within the project team whilst increasing their ability to communicate the team’s vision to a wider audience, making them and the project more efficient and effective in the process. It has been proposed that clients insist on the use of 3D from the commencement of the design process so that this information can be passed downstream through the construction process and onto facilities management. Planners need to be able to communicate their requirements better and the 4D planning models provide both a more inclusive way of planning alongside a better communications medium in the form of moving images. A picture tells a thousand words.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Creating value through customer relationships in the services sector
- Authors: Allie, Hisham
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Customer services , Value added
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/790 , Customer services , Value added
- Description: Many academic studies in the past have focussed on how to create value for businesses in terms of adding profit to the bottom line through performance, and many argue that adding value for the client is also viewed as a profitable business strategy. This strategy translates as a win-win business relationship since long-term relationships ensure customer loyalty, customer retention and repeat business. In the services sector, it is difficult to quantify the worth or value that a particular service has since services are intangible products. The perception of value of such a service is known as “perceived value” since value recognition rests with the consumer who attempts to quantify the worth of that service. It is generally accepted in the services sector that establishing long-term, mutually beneficial, meaningful business relationships add value for the client and helps them to attach a value to the services that company provides. A company cannot establish such relationships without the help of its employees who represents the face of the organisation and implements the value adding strategy on the organisation’s behalf. Recent studies have begun to address this, examining value creation in business relationships in the context of the sale of tangible goods. The process of value creation for customers in services relationships remains underresearched. Perceived value explains why customers choose one particular service over another, why service companies gain competitive advantage by maintaining genuine longterm customer relationships, and why “the personal touch”, created through emotional attributes such as trust, caring and empathy, adds value from customers’ perspective. This dissertation presents a study of perceived value from the perspective of the customer within the context of the delivery of a credence product in a services relationship model. Using grounded theory methodology; following in-depth interviews with consumers of general insurance, a number of customer-value creation dimensions for businesses have been identified. Parallel interviews with members of staff from the supplier company add a further perspective. This research demonstrates how organisations or suppliers in the services industry can add value when delivering a credence product in a services relationship context. It is believed that an understanding of the value-adding dimensions can be implemented to create opportunities to build value for customers, with commensurate benefits for suppliers. Following analysis of the interviews held with each buyer, a total of six value dimensions are identified in the findings chapter. Each dimension is individually described, discussed, and illustrated with quotations from customers and supplier’s staff. Other issues relating to value arising from the interviews are examined in the discussion chapter. Three areas for further research are proposed in the conclusion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Allie, Hisham
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Customer services , Value added
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/790 , Customer services , Value added
- Description: Many academic studies in the past have focussed on how to create value for businesses in terms of adding profit to the bottom line through performance, and many argue that adding value for the client is also viewed as a profitable business strategy. This strategy translates as a win-win business relationship since long-term relationships ensure customer loyalty, customer retention and repeat business. In the services sector, it is difficult to quantify the worth or value that a particular service has since services are intangible products. The perception of value of such a service is known as “perceived value” since value recognition rests with the consumer who attempts to quantify the worth of that service. It is generally accepted in the services sector that establishing long-term, mutually beneficial, meaningful business relationships add value for the client and helps them to attach a value to the services that company provides. A company cannot establish such relationships without the help of its employees who represents the face of the organisation and implements the value adding strategy on the organisation’s behalf. Recent studies have begun to address this, examining value creation in business relationships in the context of the sale of tangible goods. The process of value creation for customers in services relationships remains underresearched. Perceived value explains why customers choose one particular service over another, why service companies gain competitive advantage by maintaining genuine longterm customer relationships, and why “the personal touch”, created through emotional attributes such as trust, caring and empathy, adds value from customers’ perspective. This dissertation presents a study of perceived value from the perspective of the customer within the context of the delivery of a credence product in a services relationship model. Using grounded theory methodology; following in-depth interviews with consumers of general insurance, a number of customer-value creation dimensions for businesses have been identified. Parallel interviews with members of staff from the supplier company add a further perspective. This research demonstrates how organisations or suppliers in the services industry can add value when delivering a credence product in a services relationship context. It is believed that an understanding of the value-adding dimensions can be implemented to create opportunities to build value for customers, with commensurate benefits for suppliers. Following analysis of the interviews held with each buyer, a total of six value dimensions are identified in the findings chapter. Each dimension is individually described, discussed, and illustrated with quotations from customers and supplier’s staff. Other issues relating to value arising from the interviews are examined in the discussion chapter. Three areas for further research are proposed in the conclusion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An investigation of statistical methodologies for evaluating natural herbicides for the control of yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus)
- Authors: Asquith, Ilse Bernadette
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Chemometrics , Weeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:10376 , Chemometrics , Weeds
- Description: The present study was undertaken with the view to evaluate methodologies based on traditional Scheffé experimental designs that study mixtures as a tool for discovery research particularly when seeking new and or improved uses of existing mixtures. For the purpose of this study, the topic of controlling the problematic weed known as Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L. var. esculentus) or “Geel Uintjie”, was selected on a rather ad hoc basis. Yellow Nutsedge is a troublesome perennial weed found in most agricultural countries in the world. Herbicidal control is often difficult because of the weeds’ ability to propagate via tubers, which can remain dormant for a number of years and are also resistant to most synthetic herbicide controls. As a first step the study involved the selection of a group of chemical compounds that would be used in suppressing the germination of Yellow Nutsedge tubers. Treatment with various combinations of these chemical compounds as determined by statistical experimental designs was carried out. A review of the literature, particularly literature concerned with the study of the phenomenon of allelopathy, suggested that various phenolic-D-glucopyranosides could show promise in the suppressing the germination of Yellow Nutsedge tubers. This led to the selection of this group of compounds as the target group of “active” substances for the study. Since the group of phenolic-D-glucopyranosides is quite large, and in order to keep the study to a reasonable size, only four phenolic-D-glucopyranosides were selected namely: 4-nitrophenyl-D-glucopyranoside, 4-chlorophenyl--Dglucopyranoside, arbutin and salicin. This selection was based firstly based on a particular phenolic-D-glucopyranoside being a suspected allelochemical, and secondly the ease of technical synthesis using a catalytic process. In addition to the four selected phenolic-D-glucopyranosides, their aglycones (4,nitrophenol, 4,chlorophenol, hydroquinone and salicyl alcohol) were also included as potential “active” substances in order to discern any potential activity between the phenolic-D-glucopyranosides and the aglycones. iii The selected “active substances” were combined in various combinations according to various mixture designs in such a manner that the sum of the proportions of the various actives in any one mixture was always equal to 1. The mixtures of actives were then used in various germination experiments and three experimental responses were measured namely the germination, average dry mass and length of longest shoot. From the results of these germination studies the canonical form of the polynomial equation describing the variation in each of the three germination responses was calculated and evaluated statistically. These equations were then used to estimate the presence of, and the magnitude of synergism between the various active substances. The results from these screening experiments and their detailed statistical analysis indicated that the response surface model for the germination response contains three synergistic blends (4-nitrophenyl--D-glucopyranoside + arbutin; 4-nitrophenyl--Dglucopyranoside + hydroquinone; and 4-chlorophenyl--D-glucopyranoside + salicin) and one antagonistic blend (4-nitrophenyl--D-glucopyranoside + 4- chlorophenol--D-glucopyranoside). The response surface model for the average dry mass response contains two synergistic blends (4-nitrophenyl--Dglucopyranoside + hydroquinone; and 4-chlorophenol--D-glucopyranoside + salicin) and the same antagonistic blend as for germination response. For both germination and average dry mass responses, the most synergistic blend was found to be the combination of 4-chlorophenyl--D-glucopyranoside and salicin. Two additional tests were conducted and both confirmed the results obtained from the screening designs. These tests involved the identification of the two components responsible for the synergistic activity that resulted in the suppression of the germination of the tubers and growth of the seedlings. The experimental response measuring the longest shoot proved to be erroneous and was excluded from the statistical analysis. In summary, this study has clearly shown that statistically designed experiments based on mixture designs can be used as a powerful tool in identifying and quantifying synergistic (or antagonistic) effects of chemicals on the germination ability of plant seeds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Asquith, Ilse Bernadette
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Chemometrics , Weeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:10376 , Chemometrics , Weeds
- Description: The present study was undertaken with the view to evaluate methodologies based on traditional Scheffé experimental designs that study mixtures as a tool for discovery research particularly when seeking new and or improved uses of existing mixtures. For the purpose of this study, the topic of controlling the problematic weed known as Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L. var. esculentus) or “Geel Uintjie”, was selected on a rather ad hoc basis. Yellow Nutsedge is a troublesome perennial weed found in most agricultural countries in the world. Herbicidal control is often difficult because of the weeds’ ability to propagate via tubers, which can remain dormant for a number of years and are also resistant to most synthetic herbicide controls. As a first step the study involved the selection of a group of chemical compounds that would be used in suppressing the germination of Yellow Nutsedge tubers. Treatment with various combinations of these chemical compounds as determined by statistical experimental designs was carried out. A review of the literature, particularly literature concerned with the study of the phenomenon of allelopathy, suggested that various phenolic-D-glucopyranosides could show promise in the suppressing the germination of Yellow Nutsedge tubers. This led to the selection of this group of compounds as the target group of “active” substances for the study. Since the group of phenolic-D-glucopyranosides is quite large, and in order to keep the study to a reasonable size, only four phenolic-D-glucopyranosides were selected namely: 4-nitrophenyl-D-glucopyranoside, 4-chlorophenyl--Dglucopyranoside, arbutin and salicin. This selection was based firstly based on a particular phenolic-D-glucopyranoside being a suspected allelochemical, and secondly the ease of technical synthesis using a catalytic process. In addition to the four selected phenolic-D-glucopyranosides, their aglycones (4,nitrophenol, 4,chlorophenol, hydroquinone and salicyl alcohol) were also included as potential “active” substances in order to discern any potential activity between the phenolic-D-glucopyranosides and the aglycones. iii The selected “active substances” were combined in various combinations according to various mixture designs in such a manner that the sum of the proportions of the various actives in any one mixture was always equal to 1. The mixtures of actives were then used in various germination experiments and three experimental responses were measured namely the germination, average dry mass and length of longest shoot. From the results of these germination studies the canonical form of the polynomial equation describing the variation in each of the three germination responses was calculated and evaluated statistically. These equations were then used to estimate the presence of, and the magnitude of synergism between the various active substances. The results from these screening experiments and their detailed statistical analysis indicated that the response surface model for the germination response contains three synergistic blends (4-nitrophenyl--D-glucopyranoside + arbutin; 4-nitrophenyl--Dglucopyranoside + hydroquinone; and 4-chlorophenyl--D-glucopyranoside + salicin) and one antagonistic blend (4-nitrophenyl--D-glucopyranoside + 4- chlorophenol--D-glucopyranoside). The response surface model for the average dry mass response contains two synergistic blends (4-nitrophenyl--Dglucopyranoside + hydroquinone; and 4-chlorophenol--D-glucopyranoside + salicin) and the same antagonistic blend as for germination response. For both germination and average dry mass responses, the most synergistic blend was found to be the combination of 4-chlorophenyl--D-glucopyranoside and salicin. Two additional tests were conducted and both confirmed the results obtained from the screening designs. These tests involved the identification of the two components responsible for the synergistic activity that resulted in the suppression of the germination of the tubers and growth of the seedlings. The experimental response measuring the longest shoot proved to be erroneous and was excluded from the statistical analysis. In summary, this study has clearly shown that statistically designed experiments based on mixture designs can be used as a powerful tool in identifying and quantifying synergistic (or antagonistic) effects of chemicals on the germination ability of plant seeds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The family maths programme: facilitators' ability to implement inquiry-based teaching and learning with learners and parents
- Authors: Austin, Pamela Winifred
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Inquiry-based learning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9483 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/471 , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Inquiry-based learning -- South Africa
- Description: Despite the fact that the facilitation of inquiry learning is a core methodology in the General Education and Training (GET) band of the South African National Curriculum Statement, rote learning and memorization of algorithms remains common practice in many mathematics classrooms. The inquiry-based Family Maths professional development programme, offered by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, attempts not only to support the transformative education practices targeted by the South African National Department of Education, but also to extend them beyond the school walls to the community at large. This study investigates the extent to which the Family Maths professional development programme develops facilitators’ ability to implement inquiry-based learning. It also seeks to explore which aspects of the programme are effective in developing an inquiry-based approach. The research undertaken is an empirical study of 39 facilitators and uses both qualitative and quantitative methods. The facilitators’ inquiry beliefs and ability to implement inquiry learning was measured by means of questionnaires, observation schedules and interviews. As the ‘teacher as facilitator of inquiry-based teaching and learning’ is a requirement of all South African teachers, the findings of this research should make a meaningful contribution to the field of mathematics teacher education in the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Austin, Pamela Winifred
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Inquiry-based learning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9483 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/471 , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Inquiry-based learning -- South Africa
- Description: Despite the fact that the facilitation of inquiry learning is a core methodology in the General Education and Training (GET) band of the South African National Curriculum Statement, rote learning and memorization of algorithms remains common practice in many mathematics classrooms. The inquiry-based Family Maths professional development programme, offered by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, attempts not only to support the transformative education practices targeted by the South African National Department of Education, but also to extend them beyond the school walls to the community at large. This study investigates the extent to which the Family Maths professional development programme develops facilitators’ ability to implement inquiry-based learning. It also seeks to explore which aspects of the programme are effective in developing an inquiry-based approach. The research undertaken is an empirical study of 39 facilitators and uses both qualitative and quantitative methods. The facilitators’ inquiry beliefs and ability to implement inquiry learning was measured by means of questionnaires, observation schedules and interviews. As the ‘teacher as facilitator of inquiry-based teaching and learning’ is a requirement of all South African teachers, the findings of this research should make a meaningful contribution to the field of mathematics teacher education in the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The use of thermal modelling in improving rural subsistence aquaculture
- Authors: Bailey, Dylan Francis
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Sustainable aquaculture -- South Africa , Aquaculture industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10715 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/473 , Sustainable aquaculture -- South Africa , Aquaculture industry -- South Africa
- Description: There has been a long history of attempts to promote subsistence rural aquaculture within South Africa. Many of these attempts have failed due to inadequate support from government and support agencies. There has been a recent revived interest in promoting rural aquaculture development. Presented in this project are six scenarios demonstrating the potential application of thermal modelling techniques to improving subsistence rural aquaculture. These scenarios were based on a model validated against a real life system, and run with environmental data for the year 2005. Bovine manure, grass thatch, cereal straw and Typha spp. water reeds were tested for thermal performance. These results were then applied to the scenarios. The open and kraal enclosed pond scenarios yielded the widest deviation in temperatures throughout the year, with an average temperature of 3.8oC and 6.0oC above ambient and a temperature range of 10.6oC and 12.4oC for the year respectively. Eliminating solar radiation and reducing wind speed resulted in an average difference of 1.5oC below ambient and a temperature range of 7.5oC for the year. When completely enclosed in a well-sealed traditional Xhosa style hut, the pond had an average difference of 5.6oC below outside ambient temperature, with a range of 7.8oC for the year. A passive solar heating scenario added to the sealed hut scenario, which when run continuously maintained an average difference of 34.7oC above outside ambient temperatures, with a range of 56oC for the year. When a hypothetical 25oC temperature control was included in the model, the system maintained an average of 7.1oC above ambient outside temperatures, with a temperature range of 0.8oC throughout the year. The wider range of temperatures made available through the use of thermal modelling approaches provides a more diverse range of species available for subsistence rural aquaculture at any site, significantly improving its potential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Bailey, Dylan Francis
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Sustainable aquaculture -- South Africa , Aquaculture industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10715 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/473 , Sustainable aquaculture -- South Africa , Aquaculture industry -- South Africa
- Description: There has been a long history of attempts to promote subsistence rural aquaculture within South Africa. Many of these attempts have failed due to inadequate support from government and support agencies. There has been a recent revived interest in promoting rural aquaculture development. Presented in this project are six scenarios demonstrating the potential application of thermal modelling techniques to improving subsistence rural aquaculture. These scenarios were based on a model validated against a real life system, and run with environmental data for the year 2005. Bovine manure, grass thatch, cereal straw and Typha spp. water reeds were tested for thermal performance. These results were then applied to the scenarios. The open and kraal enclosed pond scenarios yielded the widest deviation in temperatures throughout the year, with an average temperature of 3.8oC and 6.0oC above ambient and a temperature range of 10.6oC and 12.4oC for the year respectively. Eliminating solar radiation and reducing wind speed resulted in an average difference of 1.5oC below ambient and a temperature range of 7.5oC for the year. When completely enclosed in a well-sealed traditional Xhosa style hut, the pond had an average difference of 5.6oC below outside ambient temperature, with a range of 7.8oC for the year. A passive solar heating scenario added to the sealed hut scenario, which when run continuously maintained an average difference of 34.7oC above outside ambient temperatures, with a range of 56oC for the year. When a hypothetical 25oC temperature control was included in the model, the system maintained an average of 7.1oC above ambient outside temperatures, with a temperature range of 0.8oC throughout the year. The wider range of temperatures made available through the use of thermal modelling approaches provides a more diverse range of species available for subsistence rural aquaculture at any site, significantly improving its potential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Characterisation of InAs-based epilayers by FTIR spectroscopy
- Authors: Baisitse, Tshepiso Revonia
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , Gallium arsenide semiconductors
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10534 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/474 , Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , Gallium arsenide semiconductors
- Description: This study focuses on the characterization of InAs and InAs1-xSbx epitaxial layers by infrared reflectance and transmittance spectroscopy and Hall measurements. Reflectance measurements were performed in order to obtain the dielectric parameters and to extract from these information about the electrical properties (mobility and carrier concentration) of this important III-V material system. The transmittance measurements were used to determine the bandgap of InAsSb. Infrared reflectivity and transmittance measurements were performed in the wavelength range 200 – 2000 cm-1 on InAs and InAsSb layers grown on three types of substrates. A classical two oscillator model that takes into account both the free carriers and the lattice, was used to analyse the reflectance data using the BMDP® computer curve fitting software. The dielectric parameters and the electrical properties (carrier concentration and mobility) were extracted from the simulations. Due to the low free carrier concentration in the epitaxial structures, the plasma resonance frequency (ωp) values obtained from the simulations of reflectance spectra measured above 200 cm-1, were in the order of 20-30 cm-1. These low values were confirmed by direct measurements of ωp in reflectance spectra obtained in the range 15-200 cm-1. The simulated carrier concentration and mobility values determined optically were compared to the values determined by Hall measurements at room temperature and previously reported values by other researchers. The simulated values obtained were in reasonable agreement with the Hall values. The simulated and measured carrier concentrations obtained for InAs layers were significantly higher than the intrinsic carrier concentration for InAs at room temperature, indicating notable concentrations of donors resulting from the growth process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Baisitse, Tshepiso Revonia
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , Gallium arsenide semiconductors
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10534 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/474 , Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , Gallium arsenide semiconductors
- Description: This study focuses on the characterization of InAs and InAs1-xSbx epitaxial layers by infrared reflectance and transmittance spectroscopy and Hall measurements. Reflectance measurements were performed in order to obtain the dielectric parameters and to extract from these information about the electrical properties (mobility and carrier concentration) of this important III-V material system. The transmittance measurements were used to determine the bandgap of InAsSb. Infrared reflectivity and transmittance measurements were performed in the wavelength range 200 – 2000 cm-1 on InAs and InAsSb layers grown on three types of substrates. A classical two oscillator model that takes into account both the free carriers and the lattice, was used to analyse the reflectance data using the BMDP® computer curve fitting software. The dielectric parameters and the electrical properties (carrier concentration and mobility) were extracted from the simulations. Due to the low free carrier concentration in the epitaxial structures, the plasma resonance frequency (ωp) values obtained from the simulations of reflectance spectra measured above 200 cm-1, were in the order of 20-30 cm-1. These low values were confirmed by direct measurements of ωp in reflectance spectra obtained in the range 15-200 cm-1. The simulated carrier concentration and mobility values determined optically were compared to the values determined by Hall measurements at room temperature and previously reported values by other researchers. The simulated values obtained were in reasonable agreement with the Hall values. The simulated and measured carrier concentrations obtained for InAs layers were significantly higher than the intrinsic carrier concentration for InAs at room temperature, indicating notable concentrations of donors resulting from the growth process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Purchasing determinants of food insercurity conditions amongst shoppers in Klipplaat
- Ballantine, Nicole Marguerite
- Authors: Ballantine, Nicole Marguerite
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Food -- Safety measures , Food supply -- South Africa -- Klipplaat , Households -- South Africa -- Klipplaat , Quality of life -- South Africa -- Klipplaat
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9404 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/835 , Food -- Safety measures , Food supply -- South Africa -- Klipplaat , Households -- South Africa -- Klipplaat , Quality of life -- South Africa -- Klipplaat
- Description: This study sought to investigate the purchasing determinants of food insecurity conditions in Klipplaat, in the Eastern Cape. The study comprised a pilot study and main study (n=459) making use of an adapted version of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. It was found that food insecurity conditions in Klipplaat were high, with most households experiencing food insecurity conditions between three and ten times per month. Income level was found to have a significant effect on food insecurity conditions in Klipplaat. The availability of efficient transport and refrigeration was also found to significantly influence the experience of food insecurity conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Ballantine, Nicole Marguerite
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Food -- Safety measures , Food supply -- South Africa -- Klipplaat , Households -- South Africa -- Klipplaat , Quality of life -- South Africa -- Klipplaat
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9404 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/835 , Food -- Safety measures , Food supply -- South Africa -- Klipplaat , Households -- South Africa -- Klipplaat , Quality of life -- South Africa -- Klipplaat
- Description: This study sought to investigate the purchasing determinants of food insecurity conditions in Klipplaat, in the Eastern Cape. The study comprised a pilot study and main study (n=459) making use of an adapted version of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. It was found that food insecurity conditions in Klipplaat were high, with most households experiencing food insecurity conditions between three and ten times per month. Income level was found to have a significant effect on food insecurity conditions in Klipplaat. The availability of efficient transport and refrigeration was also found to significantly influence the experience of food insecurity conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Improving the service quality of a civil consulting engineering firm through benchmarking
- Authors: Bellingan, Werner
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Performance -- Measurement , Quality assurance -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8746 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/743 , Performance -- Measurement , Quality assurance -- Measurement
- Description: The civil engineering industry in South Africa has seen a steady decline in the number of professionals during the last few decades, however it is expected that the government and private sectors are to spend over R200 billion on infrastructure in the next few years. This increases the demand on civil consulting engineering firms to achieve greater productivity, with reduced time and human resources, which has had a profound effect on the quality of service delivered to clients. These firms need to gain a competitive advantage by consistently providing Service Excellence, which is superior to their competitors. One way of achieving this is by benchmarking firms against their competitors. In this research paper the Service Quality and Service Recovery procedures of Company X in Port Elizabeth were benchmarked against its competitors using a customised form of the recognised SERVQUAL research instrument - the SERVPERF questionnaire. The results proved to be invaluable because the survey revealed insightful information which can be used to their strategic benefit. Civil consulting engineering firms need to be aware that Service Excellence is an imperative in the service industry, but do not necessarily have to be perfect. Firms simply need to outperform their competitors to be rated as market leaders. Strategies to improve the Service Quality and Service Recovery of the firm under review are suggested and this work concludes with suggestions for future research projects, which may be beneficial to the researcher, the civil engineering industry and the economy of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Bellingan, Werner
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Performance -- Measurement , Quality assurance -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8746 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/743 , Performance -- Measurement , Quality assurance -- Measurement
- Description: The civil engineering industry in South Africa has seen a steady decline in the number of professionals during the last few decades, however it is expected that the government and private sectors are to spend over R200 billion on infrastructure in the next few years. This increases the demand on civil consulting engineering firms to achieve greater productivity, with reduced time and human resources, which has had a profound effect on the quality of service delivered to clients. These firms need to gain a competitive advantage by consistently providing Service Excellence, which is superior to their competitors. One way of achieving this is by benchmarking firms against their competitors. In this research paper the Service Quality and Service Recovery procedures of Company X in Port Elizabeth were benchmarked against its competitors using a customised form of the recognised SERVQUAL research instrument - the SERVPERF questionnaire. The results proved to be invaluable because the survey revealed insightful information which can be used to their strategic benefit. Civil consulting engineering firms need to be aware that Service Excellence is an imperative in the service industry, but do not necessarily have to be perfect. Firms simply need to outperform their competitors to be rated as market leaders. Strategies to improve the Service Quality and Service Recovery of the firm under review are suggested and this work concludes with suggestions for future research projects, which may be beneficial to the researcher, the civil engineering industry and the economy of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Continuous auditing technologies and models
- Authors: Blundell, Adrian Wesley
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Auditing , Auditing -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9798 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/476 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011922 , Auditing , Auditing -- Data processing
- Description: Continuous auditing is not a totally new concept, but it has not been widely implemented, and has existed mostly as a point of debate amongst the auditing fraternity. This may soon change, as continuous auditing has become a topic of great interest, especially in the last decade. This may be due to a combination of reasons. In the last decade, much of the confidence in auditors’ reports was lost due to corporate governance scandals. This also brought about a greater desire for faster, more reliable reporting on which to base decisions. This desire has been transposed into regulations such as the Sarbanes-Oxley act in the United States, which encourages real-time auditing activities, which would benefit from continuous auditing. A second, possible contributing factor to the heightened interest in continuous auditing is that much of the requisite technology has matured to a point where it can be successfully used to implement continuous auditing. It is the technologies which form the focus of this research. It is therefore, the primary objective of this research to investigate and identify the essential technologies, and identify and define their roles within a continuous auditing solution. To explore this area, three models of continuous auditing are compared according to the roles of the technologies within them. The roots of some auditing technologies which can be adapted to the paradigm of continuous auditing are explored, as well as new technologies, such as XML-based reporting languages. In order to fully explore these technologies, the concepts of data integrity and data quality are first defined and discussed, and some security measures which contribute to integrity are identified. An obstacle to implementing a continuous model is that even with the newly available technologies, the multitudes of systems which are used in organisations, produce data in a plethora of data formats. In performing an audit the continuous auditing system needs to first gather this data and then needs to be able to compare “apples with apples”. Therefore, the technologies which can be used to acquire and standardise the data are identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Blundell, Adrian Wesley
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Auditing , Auditing -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9798 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/476 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011922 , Auditing , Auditing -- Data processing
- Description: Continuous auditing is not a totally new concept, but it has not been widely implemented, and has existed mostly as a point of debate amongst the auditing fraternity. This may soon change, as continuous auditing has become a topic of great interest, especially in the last decade. This may be due to a combination of reasons. In the last decade, much of the confidence in auditors’ reports was lost due to corporate governance scandals. This also brought about a greater desire for faster, more reliable reporting on which to base decisions. This desire has been transposed into regulations such as the Sarbanes-Oxley act in the United States, which encourages real-time auditing activities, which would benefit from continuous auditing. A second, possible contributing factor to the heightened interest in continuous auditing is that much of the requisite technology has matured to a point where it can be successfully used to implement continuous auditing. It is the technologies which form the focus of this research. It is therefore, the primary objective of this research to investigate and identify the essential technologies, and identify and define their roles within a continuous auditing solution. To explore this area, three models of continuous auditing are compared according to the roles of the technologies within them. The roots of some auditing technologies which can be adapted to the paradigm of continuous auditing are explored, as well as new technologies, such as XML-based reporting languages. In order to fully explore these technologies, the concepts of data integrity and data quality are first defined and discussed, and some security measures which contribute to integrity are identified. An obstacle to implementing a continuous model is that even with the newly available technologies, the multitudes of systems which are used in organisations, produce data in a plethora of data formats. In performing an audit the continuous auditing system needs to first gather this data and then needs to be able to compare “apples with apples”. Therefore, the technologies which can be used to acquire and standardise the data are identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Cultural values and leadership styles of middle level managers in a private sector hospitals in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Boguslavsky, Marianna
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Hospitals, Proprietary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Middle managers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10080 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/478 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011927 , Hospitals, Proprietary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Middle managers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In recent years, South Africa has seen increasing cultural diversification with regard to the appointment of managers in private healthcare facilities. However, research conducted in this area remains extremely limited. The aim of the present study was to explore and describe cultural values and leadership styles of middle managers at a private sector hospital in the Eastern Cape. Hofstede’s (1980, a ) model of cultural values served as a theoretical framework to conceptualise this study. The study was qualitative in nature and made use of in-depth research interviews conducted with a diverse sample of middle managers. The researcher made use of homogeneous and convenience sampling and utilised five participants. The qualitative data was analysed using Tesch’s (1990, in De Vos, 2002) method of analysis. Results revealed that despite the differences in personal culture, most of the managers are similar in their leadership styles and are also affected by the organizational culture. The results of the study contribute to a better understanding of the influence of cultural values and leadership styles in South Africa and will thereby benefit health institutions in their dealings with their modern day multi-cultural management staff.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Boguslavsky, Marianna
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Hospitals, Proprietary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Middle managers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10080 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/478 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011927 , Hospitals, Proprietary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Middle managers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In recent years, South Africa has seen increasing cultural diversification with regard to the appointment of managers in private healthcare facilities. However, research conducted in this area remains extremely limited. The aim of the present study was to explore and describe cultural values and leadership styles of middle managers at a private sector hospital in the Eastern Cape. Hofstede’s (1980, a ) model of cultural values served as a theoretical framework to conceptualise this study. The study was qualitative in nature and made use of in-depth research interviews conducted with a diverse sample of middle managers. The researcher made use of homogeneous and convenience sampling and utilised five participants. The qualitative data was analysed using Tesch’s (1990, in De Vos, 2002) method of analysis. Results revealed that despite the differences in personal culture, most of the managers are similar in their leadership styles and are also affected by the organizational culture. The results of the study contribute to a better understanding of the influence of cultural values and leadership styles in South Africa and will thereby benefit health institutions in their dealings with their modern day multi-cultural management staff.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Rhenium(V)-Imido complexes with potentially multidentate ligands containing the amino group
- Authors: Booysen, Irvin Noel
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Rhenium , Ligands
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10385 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/479 , Rhenium , Ligands
- Description: The complex trans-[Re(dab)Cl3(PPh3)2] (H2dab=1,2-diaminobenzene) was prepared from the reaction of trans-[ReOCl3(PPh3)2] with H2dab in ethanol. The ligand dab is coordinated to the rhenium(V) centre through a dianionic imido nitrogen only, in a distorted octahedral coordination geometry around the metal ion. The complex trans-[Re(ada)Cl3(PPh3)2] (H2ada=2-aminodiphenylamine) was prepared from the reaction of trans-[ReOCl3(PPh3)2] with H2ada in acetonitrile. The ligand ada is coordinated to the rhenium(V) centre through a dianionic imido nitrogen only, in a distorted octahedral coordination geometry around the metal ion. Surprisingly, the Re-Cl bond length trans to the Re=N bond is shorter than the two equatorial Re-Cl bond lengths. The reaction of equimolar quantities of cis-[ReO2I(PPh3)2] with 5,6-diamino-1,3- dimethyluracil (H2ddd) in acetonitrile led to the formation of [Re(ddd)(Hddd)I(PPh3)2](ReO4). The X-ray crystal structure shows that the ligand ddd is coordinated monodentately through the doubly deprotonated amino nitrogen and is therefore present as an imide. The chelate Hddd is coordinated bidentately via the neutral amino nitrogen, which is coordinated trans to the imido nitrogen, and the singly deprotonated amido nitrogen, trans to the iodide. The reaction of equimolar quantities of [NH4(ReO4)] with H2ddd in methanol under reflux conditions led to the isolation of [C12H12N6O4] as only product. The [ReO4]- ion is therefore instrumental in the formation of [C12H12N6O4], and since the product contains no rhenium in any oxidation state, the conclusion is that [ReO4]- catalyses the oxidative deamination of H2ddd. The X-ray crystal structure consists of two centrosymmetric, tricyclic rings, comprising a central pyrazine ring and two terminal pyrimidine rings. The reaction of a twofold molar excess of H2apb (H2apb=2-(2-aminophenyl)-1Hbenzimidazole) with trans-[ReO2(py)4]Cl in ethanol gave the green product of the formulation [ReO(Hapb)(apb)] in good yield. The rhenium atom lies in a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal environment. The two imidazole N(2) atoms lie in the apical positions trans to each other, with the oxo-oxygen and two amido N(1) atoms in the trigonal plane. The complex has C2-symmetry. The two amino groups are singly deprotonated and provide a negative charge each, so that they are coordinated as amides. The oxo group provides two negative charges. In order to obtain electroneutrality for the rhenium(V) complex, the two coordinated imidazole nitrogens provide one negative charge. The complex salt trans-[Re(mps)Cl(PPh3)2](ReO4) (H3mps=N-(2-amino-3- methylphenyl)salicylideneimine) was prepared by the reaction of trans- [ReOCl3(PPh3)2] with a twofold molar excess of H3mps. The X-ray crystal structure shows that the trianionic ligand mps acts as a tridentate chelate via the doubly deprotonated amino nitrogen (which is present in trans- [Re(mps)Cl(PPh3)2](ReO4) as an imide), the neutral imino nitrogen and the deprotonated phenolic oxygen. The [ReO4]- anion has approximately regular tetrahedral geometry. Two significant hydrogen bonds are formed between two of the perrhenyl oxygens and the water of crystallization. The six-coordinated complex cis-[Re(mps)Cl2(PPh3)2] was prepared by the reaction of trans-[ReOCl3(PPh3)2] with a twofold molar excess of H3mps in benzene. The Xray crystal structure shows that the mps ligand coordinates as a tridentate chelate via the doubly deprotonated 2-amino nitrogen, the neutral imino nitrogen and the phenolate oxygen. The imide and phenolate oxygen coordinate trans to each other in a distorted octahedral geometry around the rhenium(V) centre, with the two chlorides in cis positions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Booysen, Irvin Noel
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Rhenium , Ligands
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10385 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/479 , Rhenium , Ligands
- Description: The complex trans-[Re(dab)Cl3(PPh3)2] (H2dab=1,2-diaminobenzene) was prepared from the reaction of trans-[ReOCl3(PPh3)2] with H2dab in ethanol. The ligand dab is coordinated to the rhenium(V) centre through a dianionic imido nitrogen only, in a distorted octahedral coordination geometry around the metal ion. The complex trans-[Re(ada)Cl3(PPh3)2] (H2ada=2-aminodiphenylamine) was prepared from the reaction of trans-[ReOCl3(PPh3)2] with H2ada in acetonitrile. The ligand ada is coordinated to the rhenium(V) centre through a dianionic imido nitrogen only, in a distorted octahedral coordination geometry around the metal ion. Surprisingly, the Re-Cl bond length trans to the Re=N bond is shorter than the two equatorial Re-Cl bond lengths. The reaction of equimolar quantities of cis-[ReO2I(PPh3)2] with 5,6-diamino-1,3- dimethyluracil (H2ddd) in acetonitrile led to the formation of [Re(ddd)(Hddd)I(PPh3)2](ReO4). The X-ray crystal structure shows that the ligand ddd is coordinated monodentately through the doubly deprotonated amino nitrogen and is therefore present as an imide. The chelate Hddd is coordinated bidentately via the neutral amino nitrogen, which is coordinated trans to the imido nitrogen, and the singly deprotonated amido nitrogen, trans to the iodide. The reaction of equimolar quantities of [NH4(ReO4)] with H2ddd in methanol under reflux conditions led to the isolation of [C12H12N6O4] as only product. The [ReO4]- ion is therefore instrumental in the formation of [C12H12N6O4], and since the product contains no rhenium in any oxidation state, the conclusion is that [ReO4]- catalyses the oxidative deamination of H2ddd. The X-ray crystal structure consists of two centrosymmetric, tricyclic rings, comprising a central pyrazine ring and two terminal pyrimidine rings. The reaction of a twofold molar excess of H2apb (H2apb=2-(2-aminophenyl)-1Hbenzimidazole) with trans-[ReO2(py)4]Cl in ethanol gave the green product of the formulation [ReO(Hapb)(apb)] in good yield. The rhenium atom lies in a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal environment. The two imidazole N(2) atoms lie in the apical positions trans to each other, with the oxo-oxygen and two amido N(1) atoms in the trigonal plane. The complex has C2-symmetry. The two amino groups are singly deprotonated and provide a negative charge each, so that they are coordinated as amides. The oxo group provides two negative charges. In order to obtain electroneutrality for the rhenium(V) complex, the two coordinated imidazole nitrogens provide one negative charge. The complex salt trans-[Re(mps)Cl(PPh3)2](ReO4) (H3mps=N-(2-amino-3- methylphenyl)salicylideneimine) was prepared by the reaction of trans- [ReOCl3(PPh3)2] with a twofold molar excess of H3mps. The X-ray crystal structure shows that the trianionic ligand mps acts as a tridentate chelate via the doubly deprotonated amino nitrogen (which is present in trans- [Re(mps)Cl(PPh3)2](ReO4) as an imide), the neutral imino nitrogen and the deprotonated phenolic oxygen. The [ReO4]- anion has approximately regular tetrahedral geometry. Two significant hydrogen bonds are formed between two of the perrhenyl oxygens and the water of crystallization. The six-coordinated complex cis-[Re(mps)Cl2(PPh3)2] was prepared by the reaction of trans-[ReOCl3(PPh3)2] with a twofold molar excess of H3mps in benzene. The Xray crystal structure shows that the mps ligand coordinates as a tridentate chelate via the doubly deprotonated 2-amino nitrogen, the neutral imino nitrogen and the phenolate oxygen. The imide and phenolate oxygen coordinate trans to each other in a distorted octahedral geometry around the rhenium(V) centre, with the two chlorides in cis positions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Reproductive co-existence among five sympatric single-stemmed aloes in the Gamtoos River Valley, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Botes, Christo
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Aloe -- South Africa -- Gamtoos River Valley , Aloe -- South Africa -- Identification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10628 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/481 , Aloe -- South Africa -- Gamtoos River Valley , Aloe -- South Africa -- Identification
- Description: In this study I documented the convergence of five congeneric bird-pollinated plants (Aloe pluridens, A. lineata var. muirii, A. speciosa, A. africana, and A. ferox) into three functional groups based on size, shape, and the arrangements of flowers on the inflorescence, but also nectar rewards, pollen deposition sites on the bird-pollinators, and the degree to which bees play a role in their pollination. Individuals of similar functional groups were divergent in their peak flowering times and limited their degree of flowering overlap further by spatial aggregation and niche separation, within the Thicket of the Gamtoos River Valley. The nectar properties were especially useful in structuring the bird pollinator community, which resulted in greater ethological isolation and hence, greater reproductive assurance in the mixed co-flowering plant communities. Choice array experiments revealed that it was the fine scale aggregation of flowering individuals that ensured that bird-pollinators feed selectively, since when equal choice was available, interspecific visitation increased significantly compared to natural scenarios. Bird behaviour and the ecological intermediateness of one to the species explained its prominence in hybrid combinations. The spatial occurrence of hybrid individuals can be traced back to the energetics of foraging and its influence on bird floral constancy. The pollination ecology of similar South African Aloe species were extrapolated from these and recent findings by various authors, but emphasises the need for a robust natural phylogeny of the Aloaceae in order to draw comprehensive conclusions on the evolutionary radiation of this highly charismatic group.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Botes, Christo
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Aloe -- South Africa -- Gamtoos River Valley , Aloe -- South Africa -- Identification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10628 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/481 , Aloe -- South Africa -- Gamtoos River Valley , Aloe -- South Africa -- Identification
- Description: In this study I documented the convergence of five congeneric bird-pollinated plants (Aloe pluridens, A. lineata var. muirii, A. speciosa, A. africana, and A. ferox) into three functional groups based on size, shape, and the arrangements of flowers on the inflorescence, but also nectar rewards, pollen deposition sites on the bird-pollinators, and the degree to which bees play a role in their pollination. Individuals of similar functional groups were divergent in their peak flowering times and limited their degree of flowering overlap further by spatial aggregation and niche separation, within the Thicket of the Gamtoos River Valley. The nectar properties were especially useful in structuring the bird pollinator community, which resulted in greater ethological isolation and hence, greater reproductive assurance in the mixed co-flowering plant communities. Choice array experiments revealed that it was the fine scale aggregation of flowering individuals that ensured that bird-pollinators feed selectively, since when equal choice was available, interspecific visitation increased significantly compared to natural scenarios. Bird behaviour and the ecological intermediateness of one to the species explained its prominence in hybrid combinations. The spatial occurrence of hybrid individuals can be traced back to the energetics of foraging and its influence on bird floral constancy. The pollination ecology of similar South African Aloe species were extrapolated from these and recent findings by various authors, but emphasises the need for a robust natural phylogeny of the Aloaceae in order to draw comprehensive conclusions on the evolutionary radiation of this highly charismatic group.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An assessment of the performance appraisal system applied for the junior management level at the cold chain
- Authors: Botha, Johannes Jacobus
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Employees -- Rating of , Junior managers -- Rating of -- South Africa , Performance standards -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cold chain management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8735 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/796 , Employees -- Rating of , Junior managers -- Rating of -- South Africa , Performance standards -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cold chain management
- Description: The study aims to identify which performance appraisal system is currently used in The Cold Chain, how this system compare with the fundamental requirements of a successful appraisal system and what requirements can be adopted to make the way in which Team Leaders are appraised more effective. An introduction into The Cold Chain, the identification of the problem and the relevance of the study is followed by a literature overview of performance management, the role of performance appraisals and the requirements for a successful performance appraisal system. Various appraisal systems, problems associated with performance appraisals and a framework for the development of an efficient system is discussed. Research conducted using a questionnaire sent to Team Leaders in The Cold Chain, delivered results which were analysed and discussed in Chapter four. In addition to biographical information, the function, effectiveness, evaluator involvement, objectives and criteria, requirements for performance appraisals, organisational alignment and evaluator faults were discussed. It was found that the current performance appraisal system in use at Mercor is a trait scale system. A trait scale method of performance appraisals does not reflect measurement against clearly defined job criteria and is difficult to legally defend. The essential elements for successful appraisal systems such as reliability, relevance, sensitivity, uncontaminated information, acceptability, practicality and legality will be present in a 360-degree approach and the implementation of such a system in Mecor was recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Botha, Johannes Jacobus
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Employees -- Rating of , Junior managers -- Rating of -- South Africa , Performance standards -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cold chain management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8735 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/796 , Employees -- Rating of , Junior managers -- Rating of -- South Africa , Performance standards -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cold chain management
- Description: The study aims to identify which performance appraisal system is currently used in The Cold Chain, how this system compare with the fundamental requirements of a successful appraisal system and what requirements can be adopted to make the way in which Team Leaders are appraised more effective. An introduction into The Cold Chain, the identification of the problem and the relevance of the study is followed by a literature overview of performance management, the role of performance appraisals and the requirements for a successful performance appraisal system. Various appraisal systems, problems associated with performance appraisals and a framework for the development of an efficient system is discussed. Research conducted using a questionnaire sent to Team Leaders in The Cold Chain, delivered results which were analysed and discussed in Chapter four. In addition to biographical information, the function, effectiveness, evaluator involvement, objectives and criteria, requirements for performance appraisals, organisational alignment and evaluator faults were discussed. It was found that the current performance appraisal system in use at Mercor is a trait scale system. A trait scale method of performance appraisals does not reflect measurement against clearly defined job criteria and is difficult to legally defend. The essential elements for successful appraisal systems such as reliability, relevance, sensitivity, uncontaminated information, acceptability, practicality and legality will be present in a 360-degree approach and the implementation of such a system in Mecor was recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An evaluation of the application of specific conflict management mechanisms in the South African transition to democracy, 1985-2004 : a conflict resolution perspective
- Authors: Bradshaw, Gavin John
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa , Mediation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8160 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/482 , Conflict management -- South Africa , Mediation -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa has always been cited as an example of protracted social conflict by the analytical conflict resolution school. Given that appellation, the conflict, in terms of the understanding of that school of thought, would not have been amenable to resolution, and yet many observers hail the South African democratic transition as a miracle of transformation. This thesis, using a detailed application of the various elements of protracted or deep-rooted social conflict, demonstrates that South Africa is indeed an example of protracted social conflict. Given the application of pre-negotiation initiatives, and the establishment of a unique National Peace Accord, negotiations were enabled, and successfully delivered a democratic election, and so far, also a sustainable democracy. The establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was the result of a realization on the part of a wide spectrum of South African leadership and conflict resolution professionals, that negotiation alone would not provide conflict resolution for South Africans, and that there was therefore an additional need to deal with the deeper issues of conflict, if the settlement were to prove sustainable. The question remains whether ours represents a successful resolution of the conflict from the theoretical perspective of the analytical conflict resolution school. A close examination of South African socio-political issues across a number of domains regarded by the analytical conflict resolution school as important, indicates that while the requirements for conflict resolution were indeed met in the South African case, their more advanced stage of resolution; conflict provention has not been satisfied. That explains the fact that many tensions, much violence and intolerance remain. South Africa’s democracy has not been infused with analytical conflict management institutions, basic human needs have not been substantially met and valued relationships remain elusive. Because protracted social conflict is cyclical, we can expect high-levels of conflict behaviour to haunt, and even threaten our fledgling democracy. It is argued here that a coherent theoretical approach to the South African conflict management process would have produced a more sustainable outcome, and we recommend the continued use and institutionalization of analytical conflict provention processes to secure the future of our country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Bradshaw, Gavin John
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa , Mediation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8160 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/482 , Conflict management -- South Africa , Mediation -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa has always been cited as an example of protracted social conflict by the analytical conflict resolution school. Given that appellation, the conflict, in terms of the understanding of that school of thought, would not have been amenable to resolution, and yet many observers hail the South African democratic transition as a miracle of transformation. This thesis, using a detailed application of the various elements of protracted or deep-rooted social conflict, demonstrates that South Africa is indeed an example of protracted social conflict. Given the application of pre-negotiation initiatives, and the establishment of a unique National Peace Accord, negotiations were enabled, and successfully delivered a democratic election, and so far, also a sustainable democracy. The establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was the result of a realization on the part of a wide spectrum of South African leadership and conflict resolution professionals, that negotiation alone would not provide conflict resolution for South Africans, and that there was therefore an additional need to deal with the deeper issues of conflict, if the settlement were to prove sustainable. The question remains whether ours represents a successful resolution of the conflict from the theoretical perspective of the analytical conflict resolution school. A close examination of South African socio-political issues across a number of domains regarded by the analytical conflict resolution school as important, indicates that while the requirements for conflict resolution were indeed met in the South African case, their more advanced stage of resolution; conflict provention has not been satisfied. That explains the fact that many tensions, much violence and intolerance remain. South Africa’s democracy has not been infused with analytical conflict management institutions, basic human needs have not been substantially met and valued relationships remain elusive. Because protracted social conflict is cyclical, we can expect high-levels of conflict behaviour to haunt, and even threaten our fledgling democracy. It is argued here that a coherent theoretical approach to the South African conflict management process would have produced a more sustainable outcome, and we recommend the continued use and institutionalization of analytical conflict provention processes to secure the future of our country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
A model for adaptive multimodal mobile notification
- Authors: Brander, William
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Mobile computing , Context-aware computing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10473 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/699 , Mobile computing , Context-aware computing
- Description: Information is useless unless it is used whilst still applicable. Having a system that notifies the user of important messages using the most appropriate medium and device will benefit users that rely on time critical information. There are several existing systems and models for mobile notification as well as for adaptive mobile notification using context awareness. Current models and systems are typically designed for a specific set of mobile devices, modes and services. Communication however, can take place in many different modes, across many different devices and may originate from many different sources. The aim of this research was to develop a model for adaptive mobile notification using context awareness. An extensive literature study was performed into existing models for adaptive mobile notification systems using context awareness. The literature study identified several potential models but no way to evaluate and compare the models. A set of requirements to evaluate these models was developed and the models were evaluated against these criteria. The model satisfying the most requirements was adapted so as to satisfy the remaining criteria. The proposed model is extensible in terms of the modes, devices and notification sources supported. The proposed model determines the importance of a message, the appropriate device and mode (or modes) of communication based on the user‘s context, and alerts the user of the message using these modes. A prototype was developed as a proof-of-concept of the proposed model and evaluated by conducting an extensive field study. The field study highlighted the fact that most users did not choose the most suitable mode for the context during their initial subscription to the service. The field study also showed that more research needs to be done on an appropriate filtering mechanism for notifications. Users found that the notifications became intrusive and less useful the longer they used them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Brander, William
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Mobile computing , Context-aware computing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10473 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/699 , Mobile computing , Context-aware computing
- Description: Information is useless unless it is used whilst still applicable. Having a system that notifies the user of important messages using the most appropriate medium and device will benefit users that rely on time critical information. There are several existing systems and models for mobile notification as well as for adaptive mobile notification using context awareness. Current models and systems are typically designed for a specific set of mobile devices, modes and services. Communication however, can take place in many different modes, across many different devices and may originate from many different sources. The aim of this research was to develop a model for adaptive mobile notification using context awareness. An extensive literature study was performed into existing models for adaptive mobile notification systems using context awareness. The literature study identified several potential models but no way to evaluate and compare the models. A set of requirements to evaluate these models was developed and the models were evaluated against these criteria. The model satisfying the most requirements was adapted so as to satisfy the remaining criteria. The proposed model is extensible in terms of the modes, devices and notification sources supported. The proposed model determines the importance of a message, the appropriate device and mode (or modes) of communication based on the user‘s context, and alerts the user of the message using these modes. A prototype was developed as a proof-of-concept of the proposed model and evaluated by conducting an extensive field study. The field study highlighted the fact that most users did not choose the most suitable mode for the context during their initial subscription to the service. The field study also showed that more research needs to be done on an appropriate filtering mechanism for notifications. Users found that the notifications became intrusive and less useful the longer they used them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
A drug utilisation review of Isotretinoin in the management of acne
- Authors: Burger, Solé
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Acne -- Treatment , Isotretinoin
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:10147 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/673 , Acne -- Treatment , Isotretinoin
- Description: Acne is a common, chronic disorder that affects many adolescents. The most effective acne medication is systemic isotretinoin. It provides a permanent cure for many patients, but has various side effects. A South African Acne Treatment Guideline was introduced in 2005. Adherence to this guideline could lead to safer, more effective acne management. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the appropriateness of medications prescribed in the treatment of acne in South Africa, and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of systemic isotretinoin utilised by patients in the Nelson Mandela Metropole (NMM). A drug utilisation study (including 18 803 South African acne patients’ chronic prescription data between 2000 and 2005) and a patient questionnaire survey (including information from 57 patients in the NMM who used systemic isotretinoin) were conducted. Basic descriptive and interferential statistics were calculated. The drug utilisation study revealed that systemic antibiotics were the acne treatment prescribed to most (43.3 percent) patients, followed by 42.1 percent of patients on systemic isotretinoin, 33.2 percent on hormonal therapy and 18.9 percent on topical therapy. Topical retinoids were underused. The questionnaire survey indicated a lack of compliance by prescribers with guideline recommendations regarding the prescription (and accompanying counselling and monitoring) of isotretinoin. Incorrect cumulative doses were frequently prescribed, and a lack of proper implementation of pregnancy prevention measures was evident. The majority of isotretinoin patients reported a high efficacy of isotretinoin in clearing their acne.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Burger, Solé
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Acne -- Treatment , Isotretinoin
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:10147 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/673 , Acne -- Treatment , Isotretinoin
- Description: Acne is a common, chronic disorder that affects many adolescents. The most effective acne medication is systemic isotretinoin. It provides a permanent cure for many patients, but has various side effects. A South African Acne Treatment Guideline was introduced in 2005. Adherence to this guideline could lead to safer, more effective acne management. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the appropriateness of medications prescribed in the treatment of acne in South Africa, and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of systemic isotretinoin utilised by patients in the Nelson Mandela Metropole (NMM). A drug utilisation study (including 18 803 South African acne patients’ chronic prescription data between 2000 and 2005) and a patient questionnaire survey (including information from 57 patients in the NMM who used systemic isotretinoin) were conducted. Basic descriptive and interferential statistics were calculated. The drug utilisation study revealed that systemic antibiotics were the acne treatment prescribed to most (43.3 percent) patients, followed by 42.1 percent of patients on systemic isotretinoin, 33.2 percent on hormonal therapy and 18.9 percent on topical therapy. Topical retinoids were underused. The questionnaire survey indicated a lack of compliance by prescribers with guideline recommendations regarding the prescription (and accompanying counselling and monitoring) of isotretinoin. Incorrect cumulative doses were frequently prescribed, and a lack of proper implementation of pregnancy prevention measures was evident. The majority of isotretinoin patients reported a high efficacy of isotretinoin in clearing their acne.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An investigation into the challenges affecting the effective implementation of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act 1 of 1999 as amended by Act 29 of 1999) int the Eastern Cape Province with specific reference to the Provincial Department of Public Works
- Authors: Buso, Luthando Gilbert
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Financial management , Public administration -- Africa, Southern , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8252 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/483 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011903 , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Financial management , Public administration -- Africa, Southern , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The objective of the study was to investigate challenges affecting the effective implementation of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999 as amended by Act No. 29 of 1999) in the Eastern Cape Province with specific reference to the Provincial Department of Public Works. The research study has been conducted in such a manner that the reason to send a team of experts by the DPSA on approval by the President to come to the Eastern Cape and assist the ailing administrations of four departments is determined. The four departments that had a problem were: 1. Department of Roads and Public Works 2. Department of Health 3. Department of Education and 4. Department of Social Development The roads function of the Department of Roads and Public Works was later transferred to the Department of Transport and the Department of Roads and Public Works changed the name to Department of Public Works in September 2004. The team that was sent to the Eastern Cape together with the Director-General of the Province and the Superintendent-General of the Provincial Treasury formed up the IMT. The objective was to introduce turnaround strategies that would enable the four departments to effectively and efficiently implement the PFMA to the best interest of the South African Government. The PFMA is part of the broader strategy on improving public financial management in the public sector in the Republic of South Africa. It prescribes measures to ensure responsibility, accountability and transparency in national and provincial departments. Qualified Auditor-General’s reports for the previous financial years compelled the President in 2002 to establish Interim Management Team (IMT) in the Eastern Cape, comprising of experts from national government, to assist the ailing administration in four provincial departments, including the Department of Roads and Public Works. Questionnaires to employees, Auditor-General, Provincial Director-General, Superintendent-General of Provincial Treasury and as well as to the Accounting Officer of the Department of Public Works, were designed and issued out for completion. Interviews were also conducted to some of the employees. The assumption is that the majority of employees do not understand policies and procedures of the department and they displayed this by remaining neutral in questions asked and disagreed with some of the statements. During the interview process, the majority emphasised their protest against over usage of consultants by the department. Preference given to candidates from outside the department when senior posts are advertised instead of looking for excellently performing candidates from the internal ranks of serving employees, has been outlined as one of the elements contributing to low moral and low productivity in the workplace. Over usage of consultants and a big number of employees who disagreed with statements and remained neutral signify incapacity of the management to perfectly implement the PFMA for sound public financial management in the department. It has been established that regular risk assessments are not conducted, poor organisational structure with many posts that are not filled, no Anti-Corruption Unit to implement Public Service Anti-Corruption Strategy and, no clear managerial lines of accountability due to poor planning, ineffective internal controls and procedures, all render the department incapable of becoming one of the best provincial departments that get unqualified audit report from the Auditor-General. The findings provide clear indication that drastic transformation of the department into an institution that can perfectly implement the PFMA is necessary. The implication is that mismanagement of financial resources and fraud and corruption defeat service delivery objectives. Strategic objectives of the department are not achieved. The Eastern Cape Provincial Departments are obliged to align their strategic plans to the Provincial Growth and Development Plan (2004 – 2014). Therefore the implication is that, poor performance by the Department of Public Works impacts negatively to this provincial objective. Lack of effective control systems has negative implications on the administration of the department and renders it vulnerable to fraud and corruption.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Buso, Luthando Gilbert
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Financial management , Public administration -- Africa, Southern , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8252 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/483 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011903 , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Financial management , Public administration -- Africa, Southern , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The objective of the study was to investigate challenges affecting the effective implementation of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999 as amended by Act No. 29 of 1999) in the Eastern Cape Province with specific reference to the Provincial Department of Public Works. The research study has been conducted in such a manner that the reason to send a team of experts by the DPSA on approval by the President to come to the Eastern Cape and assist the ailing administrations of four departments is determined. The four departments that had a problem were: 1. Department of Roads and Public Works 2. Department of Health 3. Department of Education and 4. Department of Social Development The roads function of the Department of Roads and Public Works was later transferred to the Department of Transport and the Department of Roads and Public Works changed the name to Department of Public Works in September 2004. The team that was sent to the Eastern Cape together with the Director-General of the Province and the Superintendent-General of the Provincial Treasury formed up the IMT. The objective was to introduce turnaround strategies that would enable the four departments to effectively and efficiently implement the PFMA to the best interest of the South African Government. The PFMA is part of the broader strategy on improving public financial management in the public sector in the Republic of South Africa. It prescribes measures to ensure responsibility, accountability and transparency in national and provincial departments. Qualified Auditor-General’s reports for the previous financial years compelled the President in 2002 to establish Interim Management Team (IMT) in the Eastern Cape, comprising of experts from national government, to assist the ailing administration in four provincial departments, including the Department of Roads and Public Works. Questionnaires to employees, Auditor-General, Provincial Director-General, Superintendent-General of Provincial Treasury and as well as to the Accounting Officer of the Department of Public Works, were designed and issued out for completion. Interviews were also conducted to some of the employees. The assumption is that the majority of employees do not understand policies and procedures of the department and they displayed this by remaining neutral in questions asked and disagreed with some of the statements. During the interview process, the majority emphasised their protest against over usage of consultants by the department. Preference given to candidates from outside the department when senior posts are advertised instead of looking for excellently performing candidates from the internal ranks of serving employees, has been outlined as one of the elements contributing to low moral and low productivity in the workplace. Over usage of consultants and a big number of employees who disagreed with statements and remained neutral signify incapacity of the management to perfectly implement the PFMA for sound public financial management in the department. It has been established that regular risk assessments are not conducted, poor organisational structure with many posts that are not filled, no Anti-Corruption Unit to implement Public Service Anti-Corruption Strategy and, no clear managerial lines of accountability due to poor planning, ineffective internal controls and procedures, all render the department incapable of becoming one of the best provincial departments that get unqualified audit report from the Auditor-General. The findings provide clear indication that drastic transformation of the department into an institution that can perfectly implement the PFMA is necessary. The implication is that mismanagement of financial resources and fraud and corruption defeat service delivery objectives. Strategic objectives of the department are not achieved. The Eastern Cape Provincial Departments are obliged to align their strategic plans to the Provincial Growth and Development Plan (2004 – 2014). Therefore the implication is that, poor performance by the Department of Public Works impacts negatively to this provincial objective. Lack of effective control systems has negative implications on the administration of the department and renders it vulnerable to fraud and corruption.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Improving certain high performance properties of natural fibres
- Authors: Chapple, Stephen Anthony
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Textile chemistry , Fireproofing of fabrics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10451 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/815 , Textile chemistry , Fireproofing of fabrics
- Description: Cotton possesses many characteristics that make it desirable to the consumer, and this has resulted in its usage in a broad range of products. Cotton, however, is a flammable material that is easily ignited and rapidly consumed. The flame retardant treatment of cotton is, therefore, an important textile process that has received wide attention over many years. There are a number of commercial flame retardant treatments available for cotton, the most common being phosphate-based. These treatments, however, often have drawbacks or have a negative impact on the desirable properties of the fibre and the challenge still exists for designing better flame retardant products and systems that are durable and have limited impact on fibre properties. The study considers the application of the sol-gel as a coating on fabric that was pre-treated with a phosphate-based flame retardant or as a means for applying a phosphate-based flame retardant. Both treatment methods were found to be suitable for imparting flame resistance to the fabric. The effect of various phosphate-based flame retardants on flammability and fabric properties such as colour, handle and strength was investigated and it was shown that a diammonium phosphate and urea combination gave the best flame resistance. In this regard, a flame resistance was achieved with a lower amount of phosphorous than was used in similar conventional treatments. The durability of the coating to rinsing with water and soaping with a detergent was also investigated. It was found that the flame resistance was lost after rinsing or soaping but the prevention of afterglow combustion was retained. It was shown that the preparatory treatment of the fabric influenced the sol-gel coating process and the flammability of the fabric. Mercerisation and bleaching of the fabric increased the “wet pick-up” during the coating process and improved the flame resistance. The influence of various factors was also investigated in further detail. The ratio of the sol-gel components, the delay after coating prior to drying (hang time) and the curing time were investigated using an experimental design. The curing time and the ratio of components in the sol-gel were shown to have the greatest influence on fabric properties and fabric flammability. It was shown that there is a trade-off between the desired high level of fabric flame resistance and preserving the inherent properties of the fabric such as colour, handle and strength.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Chapple, Stephen Anthony
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Textile chemistry , Fireproofing of fabrics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10451 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/815 , Textile chemistry , Fireproofing of fabrics
- Description: Cotton possesses many characteristics that make it desirable to the consumer, and this has resulted in its usage in a broad range of products. Cotton, however, is a flammable material that is easily ignited and rapidly consumed. The flame retardant treatment of cotton is, therefore, an important textile process that has received wide attention over many years. There are a number of commercial flame retardant treatments available for cotton, the most common being phosphate-based. These treatments, however, often have drawbacks or have a negative impact on the desirable properties of the fibre and the challenge still exists for designing better flame retardant products and systems that are durable and have limited impact on fibre properties. The study considers the application of the sol-gel as a coating on fabric that was pre-treated with a phosphate-based flame retardant or as a means for applying a phosphate-based flame retardant. Both treatment methods were found to be suitable for imparting flame resistance to the fabric. The effect of various phosphate-based flame retardants on flammability and fabric properties such as colour, handle and strength was investigated and it was shown that a diammonium phosphate and urea combination gave the best flame resistance. In this regard, a flame resistance was achieved with a lower amount of phosphorous than was used in similar conventional treatments. The durability of the coating to rinsing with water and soaping with a detergent was also investigated. It was found that the flame resistance was lost after rinsing or soaping but the prevention of afterglow combustion was retained. It was shown that the preparatory treatment of the fabric influenced the sol-gel coating process and the flammability of the fabric. Mercerisation and bleaching of the fabric increased the “wet pick-up” during the coating process and improved the flame resistance. The influence of various factors was also investigated in further detail. The ratio of the sol-gel components, the delay after coating prior to drying (hang time) and the curing time were investigated using an experimental design. The curing time and the ratio of components in the sol-gel were shown to have the greatest influence on fabric properties and fabric flammability. It was shown that there is a trade-off between the desired high level of fabric flame resistance and preserving the inherent properties of the fabric such as colour, handle and strength.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Child sex tourism in South African law
- Authors: Chetty, Kasturi
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Child sexual abuse -- South Africa , Sex tourism -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Sex crimes -- South Africa , Child prostitution -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10276 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/485 , Child sexual abuse -- South Africa , Sex tourism -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Sex crimes -- South Africa , Child prostitution -- South Africa
- Description: Child sex tourism is tourism organised with the primary purpose of facilitating a commercial sexual relationship with a child. It involves a segment of the local child sex industry that is directly connected to both an international and domestic tourist market. The increase of tourism has brought with it complications in that tourism is being used as a means for sex tourists to initiate contact with children. Aside from child sex tourists who are paedophiles, there are those who engage in the opportunistic exploitation of children while travelling on business or for other reasons. There are a number of social and economic factors leading to child sex tourism and the effect is that child victims are exposed to immediate harm, irreversible damage and even death. As South Africa's tourism industry expands into one of the country’s top earners of foreign currency, it is unfortunate to note that its child sex tourist trade is also on the increase. Reports show that sex tours are as easily organised as wine route tours in Cape Town. Commercial sexual exploitation of children is prevalent in South Africa and has become more organised in recent years. A comprehensive response to the problem is essential to ensure that South Africa does not become a “safe haven” for child sex tourists. Effective laws at home and the extraterritorial application of these laws to prosecute South African nationals for crimes committed abroad are imperative. Significant steps are being taken both nationally and internationally to target child sex tourism. South Africa has ratified several international instruments on children’s rights, trafficking in persons, child labour, and discrimination against women and young girls, all of which relate to child sex tourism. In doing so, South Africa has made an international commitment to uphold the provisions of these instruments and give effect to them. South Africa is therefore under an international obligation to create the necessary structures and apply mechanisms and resources to combat child sex tourism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Chetty, Kasturi
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Child sexual abuse -- South Africa , Sex tourism -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Sex crimes -- South Africa , Child prostitution -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10276 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/485 , Child sexual abuse -- South Africa , Sex tourism -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Sex crimes -- South Africa , Child prostitution -- South Africa
- Description: Child sex tourism is tourism organised with the primary purpose of facilitating a commercial sexual relationship with a child. It involves a segment of the local child sex industry that is directly connected to both an international and domestic tourist market. The increase of tourism has brought with it complications in that tourism is being used as a means for sex tourists to initiate contact with children. Aside from child sex tourists who are paedophiles, there are those who engage in the opportunistic exploitation of children while travelling on business or for other reasons. There are a number of social and economic factors leading to child sex tourism and the effect is that child victims are exposed to immediate harm, irreversible damage and even death. As South Africa's tourism industry expands into one of the country’s top earners of foreign currency, it is unfortunate to note that its child sex tourist trade is also on the increase. Reports show that sex tours are as easily organised as wine route tours in Cape Town. Commercial sexual exploitation of children is prevalent in South Africa and has become more organised in recent years. A comprehensive response to the problem is essential to ensure that South Africa does not become a “safe haven” for child sex tourists. Effective laws at home and the extraterritorial application of these laws to prosecute South African nationals for crimes committed abroad are imperative. Significant steps are being taken both nationally and internationally to target child sex tourism. South Africa has ratified several international instruments on children’s rights, trafficking in persons, child labour, and discrimination against women and young girls, all of which relate to child sex tourism. In doing so, South Africa has made an international commitment to uphold the provisions of these instruments and give effect to them. South Africa is therefore under an international obligation to create the necessary structures and apply mechanisms and resources to combat child sex tourism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007