The management of conflict between employees: a case study of an information technology company in Johannesburg
- Authors: Monakali, Robin
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Conflict management -- Case studies Interpersonal relations Personnel management -- Psychological aspects Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41997 , vital:36616
- Description: The global working environment has transformed significantly over the last two decades, with rapid advancements in technology and information as well as the levels of diversity in the workplace. This process of adaptation, the failure to adapt or weaknesses in adaptation can be an underlying cause of conflict within organizations. For an organization to be successful, there must be effective conflict management techniques in place in order to resolve or keep the conflict at a minimum. The aim of this exploratory case study was to therefore explore the management of conflict between employees in an Information Technology company in Johannesburg. The human needs theory, which states that the deprivation of human needs is a major source of conflict, was used as the theoretical framework guiding this study. A mixed methods approach, also known as methodological triangulation, was used, which involved combining qualitative and quantitative research methods in order to achieve triangulation of data. The qualitative research method that was used comprised individual semi-structured interviews with two Human Resources managers and the quantitative research method involved the completion of self-administered questionnaires by 94 employees of the IT company. The researcher used a purposive sampling design for the interviews and simple random sampling for the questionnaires. Ethics permission for this research was received from Nelson Mandela University’s Research Ethics Committee and the study was conducted in accordance with the university’s Policy on Research Ethics. The findings of this study have revealed that the type of conflict mainly experienced in this organization was employee conflict, due to interpersonal clashes relating to personality differences. The employees were unanimous that conflict can have both a positive and negative effect. The interviews confirmed that the IT company makes use of negotiation and mediation to resolve workplace conflict, with the literature review providing evidence that negotiation and mediation are useful means of managing conflict between employees. However, the results from the completed questionnaires revealed that employees attempt to manage conflict by avoiding the conflict, which could be due to employees having limited awareness of the organization’s procedures to address conflict. This study can therefore potentially be beneficial to organizations and assist the latter in developing conflict management skills and practices, which can enhance organizational performance, productivity and employee retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Monakali, Robin
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Conflict management -- Case studies Interpersonal relations Personnel management -- Psychological aspects Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41997 , vital:36616
- Description: The global working environment has transformed significantly over the last two decades, with rapid advancements in technology and information as well as the levels of diversity in the workplace. This process of adaptation, the failure to adapt or weaknesses in adaptation can be an underlying cause of conflict within organizations. For an organization to be successful, there must be effective conflict management techniques in place in order to resolve or keep the conflict at a minimum. The aim of this exploratory case study was to therefore explore the management of conflict between employees in an Information Technology company in Johannesburg. The human needs theory, which states that the deprivation of human needs is a major source of conflict, was used as the theoretical framework guiding this study. A mixed methods approach, also known as methodological triangulation, was used, which involved combining qualitative and quantitative research methods in order to achieve triangulation of data. The qualitative research method that was used comprised individual semi-structured interviews with two Human Resources managers and the quantitative research method involved the completion of self-administered questionnaires by 94 employees of the IT company. The researcher used a purposive sampling design for the interviews and simple random sampling for the questionnaires. Ethics permission for this research was received from Nelson Mandela University’s Research Ethics Committee and the study was conducted in accordance with the university’s Policy on Research Ethics. The findings of this study have revealed that the type of conflict mainly experienced in this organization was employee conflict, due to interpersonal clashes relating to personality differences. The employees were unanimous that conflict can have both a positive and negative effect. The interviews confirmed that the IT company makes use of negotiation and mediation to resolve workplace conflict, with the literature review providing evidence that negotiation and mediation are useful means of managing conflict between employees. However, the results from the completed questionnaires revealed that employees attempt to manage conflict by avoiding the conflict, which could be due to employees having limited awareness of the organization’s procedures to address conflict. This study can therefore potentially be beneficial to organizations and assist the latter in developing conflict management skills and practices, which can enhance organizational performance, productivity and employee retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Mineralogy and geochemistry of permian black shales and carbonate concretions in the lower ECCA formations of the Steytlerville- Jansenville area, southern Karoo basin
- Authors: Maake, Laurentias Tebatso
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Black shales -- South Africa -- Jansenville , Geochemistry Chemistry, Analytic Mineralogy -- Analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40643 , vital:36206
- Description: The Lower Permian Ecca Group formations of the Karoo Basin of South Africa have recently been identified as a target for shale gas exploration. These units, named the Prince Albert, Whitehill and Collingham formations, comprise organic-rich shales with occasional associated carbonate deposits, and siliciclastic facies. Mineralogical and geochemical investigations were conducted into carbonaceous shales and associated sedimentary rocks in the Jansenville area of the southern Karoo Basin with the ultimate aim to decipher the paleoenvironment and post-depositional conditions of these shales and their associated features such as prominent intra-formational carbonate deposits. Sediments of the main Karoo Basin were deposited from ~350 Ma to ~182 Ma, the end of sedimentation being marked by eruption of basaltic lava. This period, which began with the Dwyka continental glaciation, included tectonism of the Cape Fold Belt, the end-Permian mass extinction at ~250 Ma, and major intrusion of dolerite associated with the lavas of the Karoo Large Igneous Province. Subsequent to this, the basin experienced faulting associated with Gondwana breakup, uplift and intrusion of small volume kimberlite and melilite magmas, and erosion resulting in formation of a major escarpment. Each episode was imprinted upon the Karoo rocks and to a greater or lesser extent erases the signature of older episodes. To decipher the depositional paleoenvironment and post-depositional conditions of the black shales and the dolomite concretions posed a challenge due to deformation, orogeny, metamorphism, and weathering and erosion. Therefore, deep borehole core-logging and sampling was generally preferred over surface fieldwork, and trace elements backed up by scanning electron microscopy-based petrography was the method most relied upon to decipher the redox conditions of the black shales and the intra-formational carbonates. Relevant sections from three SOEKOR boreholes SP1/69, AB1/65 and QU1/65 were logged and carbonate concretions localities studied in four field locations. Samples collected from the core and field localities were prepared for thin section optical, SEM petrographical analysis, mineral identification, modal estimation by XRD, major, and trace element analysis by XRF and Laser Ablation-ICPMS, and acid leaching of a sample subset to determine the degree of pyritization (DOP). Logging of the SOEKOR boreholes indicates that in the western part of the basin all three lower Ecca formations, namely the Prince Albert, Whitehill and Collingham, overlie the tillites of the Dwyka Group, whereas near East London only the Whitehill Formation is present. Dwyka diamictites occur in all the studied boreholes overlying the crystalline basement in AB 1/65 and QU 1/65 boreholes whereas in the SP 1/69 the tillites rest above the quartzite of Witteberg Group of the Cape Supergroup. The shale consists of discontinuous, wavy and straight parallel laminae. Parallel, discontinuous and elongate micro-lenses of very fine-grained quartz are diagnostic and suggest late-stage silicification. Thin laminae of black shale are interlaminated with grey clay. The black shales are composed of quartz and clay minerals (illite and chlorite) as the major crystalline minerals with minor quantities of sulphides and heavy minerals. Organic matter occurs as unstructured, anhedral patches of amorphous material. It contains abundant small (~10nm) and less common larger (~100 nm) pores of subsphaeroidal shape. Carbonates occur as cementation and concretions. Heavy minerals identified by SEM include detrital zircon, thorite, titanite, authigenic fluorite, galena, sphene, and sphalerite and apatite, monazite and epidote-group minerals that appear to be of later stage metamorphic origin, some a product of hydrothermal feldspar alteration. Zircon and monazite show evidence of partial corrosion and/or new overgrowth. Titanite occurs in greater abundance in the SP1/69 section than other boreholes, where it exhibits a porphyroblastic texture suggesting secondary growth. These features all suggest modification of detrital minerals by metamorphic fluids and therefore some possible modification of bulk geochemical composition. Pyrite is abundant, commonly occurring as framboidal and occasional euhedral grains. Pyrite-bearing, calcite veins are common in the Whitehill Formation. Some pyrite is metamorphosed to pyrrhotite in the shales adjacent to dolerite intrusions. The carbonate deposits in the lower Ecca occur mostly as large concretions of 0.5-2.5 m in diameter at intensely faulted areas, and as laterally continuous beds at less intensely faulted areas. They consist of dominant dolomite with calcite (differentiated by thin section staining) and minor associated quartz veins, and appear to have formed in an early diagenetic stage of the black shale. Five different dolomite-rock textures were identified indicating varying crystal growth conditions. Calcite cementation types accompany these dolomite textures. The major types include mosaic, sparry and bladed/prismatic calcite cement. Calcite occurs mainly as cement in pores and grain replacement, as well as crudely radial septerian veins. XRD indicates that the carbonate concretions are made up of more than 90% dolomite, especially within the intensely folded areas. The remaining 10% consist of post-depositional quartz veins and secondary calcite associated with the quartz veins. In one locality (VAAL) the carbonate samples are dominates by bladed/prismatic calcite. The black shales in this study have similar geochemical signature to previously analysed samples from the Karoo Basin and to black shales worldwide. The geochemical signature results from the combined input of detrital sedimentary materials as well as enrichment or depletions acquired from pore water, biological activity and during diagenesis. Positive correlation of K2O, Na2O with Al2O3 suggests control by the detrital contribution. CaO and P2O5, have a negative correlation with Al2O3 suggesting a biogenic source. Elemental ratios suggest that the sediments derive from felsic source rock, most likely Cape Supergroup and underlying crystalline basement. These shales exhibit different degrees of trace-element enrichment relative to global average shale, the approximate order being Pb> V> Zn> Cr> Cu> Co > Ni. Assessment of selected trace elements, V/(V+Ni), V/Cr, Ni/Co and EF Mn ratios describes the paleoenvironment of these sediments to have been partially oxygenated before sulphate reduction interface. The pyrite size distribution, DOP, Fe and S correlation points to an organic matter limited environment, where the main sulphur sink is pyrite rather than organic matter. The DOP and Fe/Al indicated that the sediments became anoxic at the sediment-water interface (early diagenetic stages). V/Cr assessment of the dolomite concretions suggested partially oxygenated environment corresponding to the black shale deposition. The occurrence of concretions at the base of the Whitehill Formation, which has the highest TOC content of 14% compared to other associated formations, is evidence that organic matter preservation was important to their origins. The parameters used here to assess the redox conditions of the black shales and the dolomite concretions in this region of the Karoo Basin suggest a normal marine redox environment, rather than the anoxic Black Sea-type environment. The conditions that affected the lower Ecca formations varied from semi-oxygenated to oxygen depletion environment. The oxygen depletion environment occurred during the deposition of the Whitehill Formation of which organic matter preservation was favoured..
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Maake, Laurentias Tebatso
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Black shales -- South Africa -- Jansenville , Geochemistry Chemistry, Analytic Mineralogy -- Analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40643 , vital:36206
- Description: The Lower Permian Ecca Group formations of the Karoo Basin of South Africa have recently been identified as a target for shale gas exploration. These units, named the Prince Albert, Whitehill and Collingham formations, comprise organic-rich shales with occasional associated carbonate deposits, and siliciclastic facies. Mineralogical and geochemical investigations were conducted into carbonaceous shales and associated sedimentary rocks in the Jansenville area of the southern Karoo Basin with the ultimate aim to decipher the paleoenvironment and post-depositional conditions of these shales and their associated features such as prominent intra-formational carbonate deposits. Sediments of the main Karoo Basin were deposited from ~350 Ma to ~182 Ma, the end of sedimentation being marked by eruption of basaltic lava. This period, which began with the Dwyka continental glaciation, included tectonism of the Cape Fold Belt, the end-Permian mass extinction at ~250 Ma, and major intrusion of dolerite associated with the lavas of the Karoo Large Igneous Province. Subsequent to this, the basin experienced faulting associated with Gondwana breakup, uplift and intrusion of small volume kimberlite and melilite magmas, and erosion resulting in formation of a major escarpment. Each episode was imprinted upon the Karoo rocks and to a greater or lesser extent erases the signature of older episodes. To decipher the depositional paleoenvironment and post-depositional conditions of the black shales and the dolomite concretions posed a challenge due to deformation, orogeny, metamorphism, and weathering and erosion. Therefore, deep borehole core-logging and sampling was generally preferred over surface fieldwork, and trace elements backed up by scanning electron microscopy-based petrography was the method most relied upon to decipher the redox conditions of the black shales and the intra-formational carbonates. Relevant sections from three SOEKOR boreholes SP1/69, AB1/65 and QU1/65 were logged and carbonate concretions localities studied in four field locations. Samples collected from the core and field localities were prepared for thin section optical, SEM petrographical analysis, mineral identification, modal estimation by XRD, major, and trace element analysis by XRF and Laser Ablation-ICPMS, and acid leaching of a sample subset to determine the degree of pyritization (DOP). Logging of the SOEKOR boreholes indicates that in the western part of the basin all three lower Ecca formations, namely the Prince Albert, Whitehill and Collingham, overlie the tillites of the Dwyka Group, whereas near East London only the Whitehill Formation is present. Dwyka diamictites occur in all the studied boreholes overlying the crystalline basement in AB 1/65 and QU 1/65 boreholes whereas in the SP 1/69 the tillites rest above the quartzite of Witteberg Group of the Cape Supergroup. The shale consists of discontinuous, wavy and straight parallel laminae. Parallel, discontinuous and elongate micro-lenses of very fine-grained quartz are diagnostic and suggest late-stage silicification. Thin laminae of black shale are interlaminated with grey clay. The black shales are composed of quartz and clay minerals (illite and chlorite) as the major crystalline minerals with minor quantities of sulphides and heavy minerals. Organic matter occurs as unstructured, anhedral patches of amorphous material. It contains abundant small (~10nm) and less common larger (~100 nm) pores of subsphaeroidal shape. Carbonates occur as cementation and concretions. Heavy minerals identified by SEM include detrital zircon, thorite, titanite, authigenic fluorite, galena, sphene, and sphalerite and apatite, monazite and epidote-group minerals that appear to be of later stage metamorphic origin, some a product of hydrothermal feldspar alteration. Zircon and monazite show evidence of partial corrosion and/or new overgrowth. Titanite occurs in greater abundance in the SP1/69 section than other boreholes, where it exhibits a porphyroblastic texture suggesting secondary growth. These features all suggest modification of detrital minerals by metamorphic fluids and therefore some possible modification of bulk geochemical composition. Pyrite is abundant, commonly occurring as framboidal and occasional euhedral grains. Pyrite-bearing, calcite veins are common in the Whitehill Formation. Some pyrite is metamorphosed to pyrrhotite in the shales adjacent to dolerite intrusions. The carbonate deposits in the lower Ecca occur mostly as large concretions of 0.5-2.5 m in diameter at intensely faulted areas, and as laterally continuous beds at less intensely faulted areas. They consist of dominant dolomite with calcite (differentiated by thin section staining) and minor associated quartz veins, and appear to have formed in an early diagenetic stage of the black shale. Five different dolomite-rock textures were identified indicating varying crystal growth conditions. Calcite cementation types accompany these dolomite textures. The major types include mosaic, sparry and bladed/prismatic calcite cement. Calcite occurs mainly as cement in pores and grain replacement, as well as crudely radial septerian veins. XRD indicates that the carbonate concretions are made up of more than 90% dolomite, especially within the intensely folded areas. The remaining 10% consist of post-depositional quartz veins and secondary calcite associated with the quartz veins. In one locality (VAAL) the carbonate samples are dominates by bladed/prismatic calcite. The black shales in this study have similar geochemical signature to previously analysed samples from the Karoo Basin and to black shales worldwide. The geochemical signature results from the combined input of detrital sedimentary materials as well as enrichment or depletions acquired from pore water, biological activity and during diagenesis. Positive correlation of K2O, Na2O with Al2O3 suggests control by the detrital contribution. CaO and P2O5, have a negative correlation with Al2O3 suggesting a biogenic source. Elemental ratios suggest that the sediments derive from felsic source rock, most likely Cape Supergroup and underlying crystalline basement. These shales exhibit different degrees of trace-element enrichment relative to global average shale, the approximate order being Pb> V> Zn> Cr> Cu> Co > Ni. Assessment of selected trace elements, V/(V+Ni), V/Cr, Ni/Co and EF Mn ratios describes the paleoenvironment of these sediments to have been partially oxygenated before sulphate reduction interface. The pyrite size distribution, DOP, Fe and S correlation points to an organic matter limited environment, where the main sulphur sink is pyrite rather than organic matter. The DOP and Fe/Al indicated that the sediments became anoxic at the sediment-water interface (early diagenetic stages). V/Cr assessment of the dolomite concretions suggested partially oxygenated environment corresponding to the black shale deposition. The occurrence of concretions at the base of the Whitehill Formation, which has the highest TOC content of 14% compared to other associated formations, is evidence that organic matter preservation was important to their origins. The parameters used here to assess the redox conditions of the black shales and the dolomite concretions in this region of the Karoo Basin suggest a normal marine redox environment, rather than the anoxic Black Sea-type environment. The conditions that affected the lower Ecca formations varied from semi-oxygenated to oxygen depletion environment. The oxygen depletion environment occurred during the deposition of the Whitehill Formation of which organic matter preservation was favoured..
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A strategy to promote awareness and adherence to information security policy at Capricorn District Municipality
- Authors: Mamabolo, Mokgadi Hellen
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Computer security -- Management , Data protection -- Management Computer security Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40867 , vital:36245
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate the reasons for non-adherence to the ISP and to measure the current level of adherence to the ISP. The research revealed that non adherence to the ISP is caused by lack of training or awareness, and through non-communication of the ISP to employees. The study was conducted at Capricorn District Municipality, Polokwane Local Municipality, Molemole Local Municipality and Blouberg Local Municipality. A web-based questionnaire (QuestionPro) was developed and it was directed to every official who uses or interacts with municipal information, to quantify the level of adherence to ISP by employees. An email with the questionnaire link administered by www.questionpro.com was then sent to the population of 152 employees. Presently ISP adherence is one of the key concerns that are faced by organisations. Employees are perceived as one of the reasons that there are security breaches within organisations; hence, it is of paramount importance that these security breaches are noticed, as well as technical matters. Most researchers have reasoned that non-adherence to ISP is one of the major challenges faced by organisations. The non-adherence to ISP will lead to potential information security threats and unauthorised access to information that might compromise municipal business operations. The Information Security Officer together with the help of management must educate employees regarding the value of IS and why it is crucial to adhere to these policies. The proposed strategy summarises the various concepts required in the promotion of awareness and adherence to an effective ISP. Ultimately, this research study concludes that if management continually trains employees, raising awareness about ISP and monitoring their adherence to ISP, this should increase the adherence level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mamabolo, Mokgadi Hellen
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Computer security -- Management , Data protection -- Management Computer security Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40867 , vital:36245
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate the reasons for non-adherence to the ISP and to measure the current level of adherence to the ISP. The research revealed that non adherence to the ISP is caused by lack of training or awareness, and through non-communication of the ISP to employees. The study was conducted at Capricorn District Municipality, Polokwane Local Municipality, Molemole Local Municipality and Blouberg Local Municipality. A web-based questionnaire (QuestionPro) was developed and it was directed to every official who uses or interacts with municipal information, to quantify the level of adherence to ISP by employees. An email with the questionnaire link administered by www.questionpro.com was then sent to the population of 152 employees. Presently ISP adherence is one of the key concerns that are faced by organisations. Employees are perceived as one of the reasons that there are security breaches within organisations; hence, it is of paramount importance that these security breaches are noticed, as well as technical matters. Most researchers have reasoned that non-adherence to ISP is one of the major challenges faced by organisations. The non-adherence to ISP will lead to potential information security threats and unauthorised access to information that might compromise municipal business operations. The Information Security Officer together with the help of management must educate employees regarding the value of IS and why it is crucial to adhere to these policies. The proposed strategy summarises the various concepts required in the promotion of awareness and adherence to an effective ISP. Ultimately, this research study concludes that if management continually trains employees, raising awareness about ISP and monitoring their adherence to ISP, this should increase the adherence level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Data quality issues in electronic health records for large-scale databases
- Authors: Saiod, Abdul Kader
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electronic Health Records , Electronic Health Records--organization & administration Database management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44940 , vital:38190
- Description: Data Quality (DQ) in Electronic Health Records (EHRs) is one of the core functions that play a decisive role to improve the healthcare service quality. The DQ issues in EHRs are a noticeable trend to improve the introduction of an adaptive framework for interoperability and standards in Large-Scale Databases (LSDB) management systems. Therefore, large data communications are challenging in the traditional approaches to satisfy the needs of the consumers, as data is often not capture directly into the Database Management Systems (DBMS) in a seasonably enough fashion to enable their subsequent uses. In addition, large data plays a vital role in containing plenty of treasures for all the fields in the DBMS. EHRs technology provides portfolio management systems that allow HealthCare Organisations (HCOs) to deliver a higher quality of care to their patients than that which is possible with paper-based records. EHRs are in high demand for HCOs to run their daily services as increasing numbers of huge datasets occur every day. Efficient EHR systems reduce the data redundancy as well as the system application failure and increase the possibility to draw all necessary reports. However, one of the main challenges in developing efficient EHR systems is the inherent difficulty to coherently manage data from diverse heterogeneous sources. It is practically challenging to integrate diverse data into a global schema, which satisfies the need of users. The efficient management of HER systems using an existing DBMS present challenges because of incompatibility and sometimes inconsistency of data structures. As a result, no common methodological approach is currently in existence to effectively solve every data integration problem. The challenges of the DQ issue raised the need to find an efficient way to integrate large EHRs from diverse heterogeneous sources. To handle and align a large dataset efficiently, the hybrid algorithm method with the logical combination of Fuzzy-Ontology along with a large-scale EHRs analysis platform has shown the results in term of improved accuracy. This study investigated and addressed the raised DQ issues to interventions to overcome these barriers and challenges, including the provision of EHRs as they pertain to DQ and has combined features to search, extract, filter, clean and integrate data to ensure that users can coherently create new consistent data sets. The study researched the design of a hybrid method based on Fuzzy-Ontology with performed mathematical simulations based on the Markov Chain Probability Model. The similarity measurement based on dynamic Hungarian algorithm was followed by the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, which will increase the quality of service over HCOs in adaptive frameworks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Saiod, Abdul Kader
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electronic Health Records , Electronic Health Records--organization & administration Database management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44940 , vital:38190
- Description: Data Quality (DQ) in Electronic Health Records (EHRs) is one of the core functions that play a decisive role to improve the healthcare service quality. The DQ issues in EHRs are a noticeable trend to improve the introduction of an adaptive framework for interoperability and standards in Large-Scale Databases (LSDB) management systems. Therefore, large data communications are challenging in the traditional approaches to satisfy the needs of the consumers, as data is often not capture directly into the Database Management Systems (DBMS) in a seasonably enough fashion to enable their subsequent uses. In addition, large data plays a vital role in containing plenty of treasures for all the fields in the DBMS. EHRs technology provides portfolio management systems that allow HealthCare Organisations (HCOs) to deliver a higher quality of care to their patients than that which is possible with paper-based records. EHRs are in high demand for HCOs to run their daily services as increasing numbers of huge datasets occur every day. Efficient EHR systems reduce the data redundancy as well as the system application failure and increase the possibility to draw all necessary reports. However, one of the main challenges in developing efficient EHR systems is the inherent difficulty to coherently manage data from diverse heterogeneous sources. It is practically challenging to integrate diverse data into a global schema, which satisfies the need of users. The efficient management of HER systems using an existing DBMS present challenges because of incompatibility and sometimes inconsistency of data structures. As a result, no common methodological approach is currently in existence to effectively solve every data integration problem. The challenges of the DQ issue raised the need to find an efficient way to integrate large EHRs from diverse heterogeneous sources. To handle and align a large dataset efficiently, the hybrid algorithm method with the logical combination of Fuzzy-Ontology along with a large-scale EHRs analysis platform has shown the results in term of improved accuracy. This study investigated and addressed the raised DQ issues to interventions to overcome these barriers and challenges, including the provision of EHRs as they pertain to DQ and has combined features to search, extract, filter, clean and integrate data to ensure that users can coherently create new consistent data sets. The study researched the design of a hybrid method based on Fuzzy-Ontology with performed mathematical simulations based on the Markov Chain Probability Model. The similarity measurement based on dynamic Hungarian algorithm was followed by the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, which will increase the quality of service over HCOs in adaptive frameworks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An evaluation of performance management and development system: South African social security agency, Eastern Cape regional office
- Authors: Ndamase, Nkuthalo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41763 , vital:36579
- Description: The main aim and objective of the study was to conduct an evaluation of Performance Management and Development System with reference to South African Social Security Agency Eastern Cape Regional Office. In order to achieve the objective, the study applied stratified random sampling to draw a sample of 44 participants and 4 key informants representing the four PMDS Moderation Branch Committees. The study utilized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews as data collection instruments. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics in terms of frequencies and percentages of occurrences. Data was also analyzed using thematic content analysis and a number of themes were identified. The main findings of the study, were that there was alignment of individual key performance areas to their unit’s Operational Plan and ultimately to goals and objectives of the Agency. There was lack of performance feedback sessions between supervisor and supervisee, which resulted in training of employees not being conducted. PMDS Moderation Committee members were not equipped in terms of how to assess employee performance. The main recommendation of the study is for the Human Capital Development unit as custodians of the implementation of PMDS, to conduct regular workshops on the application of the PMDS Policy for the employees as well as training of the PMDS Moderation Committee members. This would be done in an effort to ensure that the implementation of PMDS leads to the achievement of the goals and objectives of the Agency. The implementation of the PMDS Policy at SASSA Eastern Cape Regional Office has the potential to contribute to improved service delivery and by implication, the improvement of the quality of life of the millions of the recipients of social grant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ndamase, Nkuthalo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41763 , vital:36579
- Description: The main aim and objective of the study was to conduct an evaluation of Performance Management and Development System with reference to South African Social Security Agency Eastern Cape Regional Office. In order to achieve the objective, the study applied stratified random sampling to draw a sample of 44 participants and 4 key informants representing the four PMDS Moderation Branch Committees. The study utilized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews as data collection instruments. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics in terms of frequencies and percentages of occurrences. Data was also analyzed using thematic content analysis and a number of themes were identified. The main findings of the study, were that there was alignment of individual key performance areas to their unit’s Operational Plan and ultimately to goals and objectives of the Agency. There was lack of performance feedback sessions between supervisor and supervisee, which resulted in training of employees not being conducted. PMDS Moderation Committee members were not equipped in terms of how to assess employee performance. The main recommendation of the study is for the Human Capital Development unit as custodians of the implementation of PMDS, to conduct regular workshops on the application of the PMDS Policy for the employees as well as training of the PMDS Moderation Committee members. This would be done in an effort to ensure that the implementation of PMDS leads to the achievement of the goals and objectives of the Agency. The implementation of the PMDS Policy at SASSA Eastern Cape Regional Office has the potential to contribute to improved service delivery and by implication, the improvement of the quality of life of the millions of the recipients of social grant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Teachers’use of curriculum materials in Grade 3 Mathematics: A Case Study
- Authors: Whale, Susan Gaye
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Primary) -- South Africa , Education -- curriculum innovation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PHD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45591 , vital:38916
- Description: The study examines four curriculum documents with regards to curriculum facets, further interrogated through indicators for certain facets in order to ascertain whether the documents could be considered to be educative. Comparison is made with selected resources internationally. Observed episodes in four mathematics classes are interrogated with regards to teacher facets and concomitant indicators, to assess whether the tenets proposed in the written curriculum are translated into practice in the classrooms. The four Grade 3 teachers are interviewed about their views on the curriculum, their views on teaching and their views on their own agency in teaching mathematics. The teachers’ complete selected examples from a Mathematics Knowledge for Training (MKT) questionnaire and are engaged in conversations about iii their beliefs about mathematics and their confidence in both doing and teaching mathematics. The study identifies that the current CAPS curriculum documents focus on mathematical content almost exclusively and give minimal guidance concerning pedagogical content knowledge. The agency of teachers is not addressed. The study suggests a three-dimensional model of curriculum design that encompasses new educative curriculum materials; guidance on innovative teacher practices and direction towards new beliefs in teachers which could build agency and confidence. The concern that this study uncovers is that although the school and teachers were specifically chosen to minimise linguistic and social detractors, the intended curriculum does not appear to have been universally translated into
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Whale, Susan Gaye
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Primary) -- South Africa , Education -- curriculum innovation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PHD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45591 , vital:38916
- Description: The study examines four curriculum documents with regards to curriculum facets, further interrogated through indicators for certain facets in order to ascertain whether the documents could be considered to be educative. Comparison is made with selected resources internationally. Observed episodes in four mathematics classes are interrogated with regards to teacher facets and concomitant indicators, to assess whether the tenets proposed in the written curriculum are translated into practice in the classrooms. The four Grade 3 teachers are interviewed about their views on the curriculum, their views on teaching and their views on their own agency in teaching mathematics. The teachers’ complete selected examples from a Mathematics Knowledge for Training (MKT) questionnaire and are engaged in conversations about iii their beliefs about mathematics and their confidence in both doing and teaching mathematics. The study identifies that the current CAPS curriculum documents focus on mathematical content almost exclusively and give minimal guidance concerning pedagogical content knowledge. The agency of teachers is not addressed. The study suggests a three-dimensional model of curriculum design that encompasses new educative curriculum materials; guidance on innovative teacher practices and direction towards new beliefs in teachers which could build agency and confidence. The concern that this study uncovers is that although the school and teachers were specifically chosen to minimise linguistic and social detractors, the intended curriculum does not appear to have been universally translated into
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Leadership influence on organisational performance at Eskom
- Authors: Xawuka, Asanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42433 , vital:36655
- Description: The role and the impact of leadership in business and society is a topic of interest to many in business. This is evident by the increase in the number of studies on the topic of leadership. Organisational leaders are responsible to oversee the company’s operations including the allocation of resources, people management and to facilitate process integration to enable the organisation to achieve its stated objectives. State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) such as Eskom has a mandate to provide infrastructure services to improve the country’s economic conditions. In particular, Eskom is responsible for electricity generation, transmission and distribution in South Africa and other neighbouring counties. Infrastructure development is much needed in South Africa (SA) to enable the country to attract investors and to grow local businesses, as its economy was downgraded to one notch above‘junk status’ in June 2017 (Mutize & Gossel, 2017). Apart from social responsibility, SOEs are required to operate efficiently in line with good corporate governance and become self-sufficient to fund their own future growth plans. Hence, the importance of SOEs to improve their own performance and efficiencies. In the past few years, Eskom has underperformed in meeting its key deliverables as stipulated in the shareholder compact. These include the electrification of households, maintenance of the current infrastructure and the building of excess electricity capacity. The poor performance has negatively affected the country economy due to planned outages when trying to balance electricity demand and supply. It has further contributed to ongoing community service delivery protests, which costs the country millions of rands (Kekana, 2017; Nyembezi, 2015). In the same period, the company faced many leadership changes which partly contribute to its not fully implementing its strategic plans. The objective of this study was to contribute to a possible improvement in Eskom’s performance by examining the influence of leadership on organisational performance, using the independent variables of the leadership conduct (authenticity), work support and performance determinants (culture, communication, change management, strategy implementation and talent management) and further to add to the current literature in explaining how leadership influences performance. The research design was positivistic asthe relationship amongst the above-mentioned variables was statistically tested. The sample consisted of 111 managerial and non-managerial employees in Eskom, across the nine provinces in South Africa. The empirical results were reported and interpreted. The results revealed that the talent management process, work support, effective communication and strategy implementation have a positive influence on employee performance, which in turn has a positive influence on organisational performance. These results were discussed in terms of the implications they hold for the leadership at Eskom. The limitations are reported, thereby providing areas for possible future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Xawuka, Asanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42433 , vital:36655
- Description: The role and the impact of leadership in business and society is a topic of interest to many in business. This is evident by the increase in the number of studies on the topic of leadership. Organisational leaders are responsible to oversee the company’s operations including the allocation of resources, people management and to facilitate process integration to enable the organisation to achieve its stated objectives. State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) such as Eskom has a mandate to provide infrastructure services to improve the country’s economic conditions. In particular, Eskom is responsible for electricity generation, transmission and distribution in South Africa and other neighbouring counties. Infrastructure development is much needed in South Africa (SA) to enable the country to attract investors and to grow local businesses, as its economy was downgraded to one notch above‘junk status’ in June 2017 (Mutize & Gossel, 2017). Apart from social responsibility, SOEs are required to operate efficiently in line with good corporate governance and become self-sufficient to fund their own future growth plans. Hence, the importance of SOEs to improve their own performance and efficiencies. In the past few years, Eskom has underperformed in meeting its key deliverables as stipulated in the shareholder compact. These include the electrification of households, maintenance of the current infrastructure and the building of excess electricity capacity. The poor performance has negatively affected the country economy due to planned outages when trying to balance electricity demand and supply. It has further contributed to ongoing community service delivery protests, which costs the country millions of rands (Kekana, 2017; Nyembezi, 2015). In the same period, the company faced many leadership changes which partly contribute to its not fully implementing its strategic plans. The objective of this study was to contribute to a possible improvement in Eskom’s performance by examining the influence of leadership on organisational performance, using the independent variables of the leadership conduct (authenticity), work support and performance determinants (culture, communication, change management, strategy implementation and talent management) and further to add to the current literature in explaining how leadership influences performance. The research design was positivistic asthe relationship amongst the above-mentioned variables was statistically tested. The sample consisted of 111 managerial and non-managerial employees in Eskom, across the nine provinces in South Africa. The empirical results were reported and interpreted. The results revealed that the talent management process, work support, effective communication and strategy implementation have a positive influence on employee performance, which in turn has a positive influence on organisational performance. These results were discussed in terms of the implications they hold for the leadership at Eskom. The limitations are reported, thereby providing areas for possible future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Strategies schools in a low-socio-economic are used to maintain discipline
- Authors: Manuel, Bianca Winestine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporal punishment -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44550 , vital:38143
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the strategies schools use to maintain discipline in a low socio-economic area. Poor discipline in public schools has become a major concern following the abolition of corporal punishment by the National Department of Education. The educational authorities left educators in schools with no constructive alternatives to maintain discipline and alternative strategies had to be found and implemented. Data were collected be means of semi-structured interviews, from principals, educators and school governing body (SGB) members. Three neighbouring high schools in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth in the Nelson Mandela Bay District of Education were used. A qualitative research approach was employed in the study. The findings supported the literature that was consulted in that there is a wide range of causes of disciplinary problems in schools. According to the findings, there is a lack of effective strategies to maintain discipline in schools but Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory is in line with the perceptions of the respondents in this study. This study opened a door for further research into effective strategies that are in line with the changing teaching environment in low socio-economic areas. The government should come on board to create an environment to promote the good life for educators and learners. The final outcome of this study focused on strategies that principals, educators and SGB members can use to maintain discipline in low socio-economic areas. These strategies can create an environment that is conducive for teaching and learning, especially in schools situated in low socio-economic areas. These include consistency, parental involvement, detention, suspension and the home environment and socio-economic circumstances. Learners must be disciplined and parents must be involved in the maintenance of discipline in schools situated in low socio-economic areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Manuel, Bianca Winestine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporal punishment -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44550 , vital:38143
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the strategies schools use to maintain discipline in a low socio-economic area. Poor discipline in public schools has become a major concern following the abolition of corporal punishment by the National Department of Education. The educational authorities left educators in schools with no constructive alternatives to maintain discipline and alternative strategies had to be found and implemented. Data were collected be means of semi-structured interviews, from principals, educators and school governing body (SGB) members. Three neighbouring high schools in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth in the Nelson Mandela Bay District of Education were used. A qualitative research approach was employed in the study. The findings supported the literature that was consulted in that there is a wide range of causes of disciplinary problems in schools. According to the findings, there is a lack of effective strategies to maintain discipline in schools but Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory is in line with the perceptions of the respondents in this study. This study opened a door for further research into effective strategies that are in line with the changing teaching environment in low socio-economic areas. The government should come on board to create an environment to promote the good life for educators and learners. The final outcome of this study focused on strategies that principals, educators and SGB members can use to maintain discipline in low socio-economic areas. These strategies can create an environment that is conducive for teaching and learning, especially in schools situated in low socio-economic areas. These include consistency, parental involvement, detention, suspension and the home environment and socio-economic circumstances. Learners must be disciplined and parents must be involved in the maintenance of discipline in schools situated in low socio-economic areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Youth development through basketball in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Thuo, Andrew G
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Youth development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Youth -- Services for Sports and state Basketball -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43776 , vital:37046
- Description: Limited research exists, both internationally and in the South African context, on the use of basketball as tool for youth development through sport. In almost all sport-based youth development programs, the desired sport is football and occasionally rugby. Developing the youth is crucial for the development of a nation and the United Nations has highlighted the progress sport has had as a development tool over the past 20 years. South Africa has recently received international acclaim by becoming the focal point of the National Basketball Associations (NBA) presence in Africa by hosting the last three NBA Africa games. South Africa’s Eastern Cape province was the home of elite basketball in the early eighties and is no stranger to the sport of basketball. The study aimed to explore the possibility of using basketball as a tool for youth development in Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape. The study employed a mixed methods research approach that was explorative, descriptive and contextual in design. The empirical data was collected by means of a questionnaire distributed to target basketball players in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. While the data analysis and literature favoured basketball as a suitable tool to be used in sport-based youth development programs, there were limitations with respect to the number of female participants in the study. It was recommended that further research be considered within this field of study and on a wider scale, in an effort to expand the knowledge base on youth development through basketball across South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Thuo, Andrew G
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Youth development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Youth -- Services for Sports and state Basketball -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43776 , vital:37046
- Description: Limited research exists, both internationally and in the South African context, on the use of basketball as tool for youth development through sport. In almost all sport-based youth development programs, the desired sport is football and occasionally rugby. Developing the youth is crucial for the development of a nation and the United Nations has highlighted the progress sport has had as a development tool over the past 20 years. South Africa has recently received international acclaim by becoming the focal point of the National Basketball Associations (NBA) presence in Africa by hosting the last three NBA Africa games. South Africa’s Eastern Cape province was the home of elite basketball in the early eighties and is no stranger to the sport of basketball. The study aimed to explore the possibility of using basketball as a tool for youth development in Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape. The study employed a mixed methods research approach that was explorative, descriptive and contextual in design. The empirical data was collected by means of a questionnaire distributed to target basketball players in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. While the data analysis and literature favoured basketball as a suitable tool to be used in sport-based youth development programs, there were limitations with respect to the number of female participants in the study. It was recommended that further research be considered within this field of study and on a wider scale, in an effort to expand the knowledge base on youth development through basketball across South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Ecological assessment and biogeography of coastal vegetation and flora in southern Mozambique
- Authors: Massingue, Alice Obed
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Coastal plants -- Mozambique , Coastal plants Marine biodiversity -- Mozambique Coastal biodiversity -- Mozambique
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40988 , vital:36280
- Description: This study considered aspects of the vegetation of the coastal zone of southern Mozambique, an area with a rich biodiversity. The vegetation and flora were assessed in their current state including the associated anthropogenic pressures. The environmental conditions that determined the distribution of the vegetation were evaluated. A hierarchical classification, description and ecological interpretation of the vegetation and flora of the coastal zone in southern Mozambique are presented. Analysis was based on 242 sample quadrats that were distributed in a stratified manner throughout the study area. The vegetation could be grouped into six distinct types of vegetation: Dune Forest, Coastal Forest, Coastal Grassland, Coastal Miombo, Coastal Savanna and Coastal Woodland. Species diversity was high for the all the vegetation types, particularly in the woody elements. A total of 673 species in 410 genera was recorded. They represented 104 families with Fabaceae and Rubiaceae being the most common. Of these, 6.6% were endemic or near-endemic to the coastal zone of southern Mozambique with Coastal Forest being the habitat with the greatest endemism. All soils from different vegetation types had poor agricultural potential. Soil properties were the strongest defining environmental feature separating the vegetation types: e.g. pH was high in Dune Forest compared to the others. Results from Maxent modelling suggest that the distribution of endemic species is influenced by a combination of climatic and non-climatic variables. Soil type, temperature annual range and precipitation of the driest month were the most important predictor variables. Overlaying the potential distributions of the seven selected species indicated two areas of abundance of endemic species – these should be given attention for conservation. Endemic species are not well protected in southern Mozambique – their sampled and potential habitats are largely outside protected areas. Hence, additional reserves should be created to improve their protection. Most endemic and near-endemics species were found in the south, from Ponta de Ouro (Matutuine, south of Maputo Province) to Manhica district (north of the Maputo Province) forming part of the Maputaland Centre of Endemism. A second concentration of endemism was found in the Inhambane Province, specifically the Inhassoro and Vilanculos districts. This is proposed to be an Important Plants Area (IPA). Because most endemics and near-endemics are found in the Coastal Forest, their main threat is harvesting for charcoal production, although none of the endemic species are specifically targeted for charcoal production. In Inhambane they are also threatened by the tourism industry, agriculture and settlements. The impact of the habitat destruction on endemic species is expected to cause severe declines in the near future. The tourism industry and harvesting of trees for charcoal production and over-frequent fires are the main drivers of vegetation loss in this region. Shifting agriculture, harvesting for firewood and construction materials, cattle grazing (at a minor scale) are also impacts, but these were only observed in a small area of Maputo Province. Although the study was done in coastal zone of southern Mozambique, effective management of whole coastal zone of the country will be required to maintain a functioning and diverse ecosystem. Priorities for management are to ensure that forests are protected, in particular, Dune Forest. Actions are required to minimise degradation of coastal vegetation. Further research on Coastal Forest restoration should be planned, as field observations in this study confirm that forest in the coastal zone of southern Mozambique has resilience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Massingue, Alice Obed
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Coastal plants -- Mozambique , Coastal plants Marine biodiversity -- Mozambique Coastal biodiversity -- Mozambique
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40988 , vital:36280
- Description: This study considered aspects of the vegetation of the coastal zone of southern Mozambique, an area with a rich biodiversity. The vegetation and flora were assessed in their current state including the associated anthropogenic pressures. The environmental conditions that determined the distribution of the vegetation were evaluated. A hierarchical classification, description and ecological interpretation of the vegetation and flora of the coastal zone in southern Mozambique are presented. Analysis was based on 242 sample quadrats that were distributed in a stratified manner throughout the study area. The vegetation could be grouped into six distinct types of vegetation: Dune Forest, Coastal Forest, Coastal Grassland, Coastal Miombo, Coastal Savanna and Coastal Woodland. Species diversity was high for the all the vegetation types, particularly in the woody elements. A total of 673 species in 410 genera was recorded. They represented 104 families with Fabaceae and Rubiaceae being the most common. Of these, 6.6% were endemic or near-endemic to the coastal zone of southern Mozambique with Coastal Forest being the habitat with the greatest endemism. All soils from different vegetation types had poor agricultural potential. Soil properties were the strongest defining environmental feature separating the vegetation types: e.g. pH was high in Dune Forest compared to the others. Results from Maxent modelling suggest that the distribution of endemic species is influenced by a combination of climatic and non-climatic variables. Soil type, temperature annual range and precipitation of the driest month were the most important predictor variables. Overlaying the potential distributions of the seven selected species indicated two areas of abundance of endemic species – these should be given attention for conservation. Endemic species are not well protected in southern Mozambique – their sampled and potential habitats are largely outside protected areas. Hence, additional reserves should be created to improve their protection. Most endemic and near-endemics species were found in the south, from Ponta de Ouro (Matutuine, south of Maputo Province) to Manhica district (north of the Maputo Province) forming part of the Maputaland Centre of Endemism. A second concentration of endemism was found in the Inhambane Province, specifically the Inhassoro and Vilanculos districts. This is proposed to be an Important Plants Area (IPA). Because most endemics and near-endemics are found in the Coastal Forest, their main threat is harvesting for charcoal production, although none of the endemic species are specifically targeted for charcoal production. In Inhambane they are also threatened by the tourism industry, agriculture and settlements. The impact of the habitat destruction on endemic species is expected to cause severe declines in the near future. The tourism industry and harvesting of trees for charcoal production and over-frequent fires are the main drivers of vegetation loss in this region. Shifting agriculture, harvesting for firewood and construction materials, cattle grazing (at a minor scale) are also impacts, but these were only observed in a small area of Maputo Province. Although the study was done in coastal zone of southern Mozambique, effective management of whole coastal zone of the country will be required to maintain a functioning and diverse ecosystem. Priorities for management are to ensure that forests are protected, in particular, Dune Forest. Actions are required to minimise degradation of coastal vegetation. Further research on Coastal Forest restoration should be planned, as field observations in this study confirm that forest in the coastal zone of southern Mozambique has resilience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Catholic and charismatic: identity construction in a catholic charismatic movement in Nigeria
- Authors: Torty, Livinus
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Catholic Church -- Nigeria , Pentecostalism -- Catholic Church Identity (Psychology) Identity (Psychology) -- Social aspects -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43787 , vital:37047
- Description: The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is a movement within the Catholic Church that blends and synthesizes elements of Catholicism and Pentecostalism. The movement straddles these two religious traditions within Christianity. Besides its incorporation of elements of Catholicism and Pentecostalism, the movement also has as its objective, the revitalizing and renewal of the Catholic Church through the power of the Holy Spirit. These fundamental orientations of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal distinguish it from other Catholic movements, bestowing on it its unique identity. Although different from other Catholic movements, the movement and its members lay claim to a Catholic identity and seek to assert its legitimacy within the Catholic Church. Existing literature has provided useful insights into the question of identity within the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. However, the question of identity construction within the movement has not been adequately and comprehensively addressed in academic literature. This is especially the case in the African context. This leaves therefore a gap in our knowledge of how the movement and its members construct their catholic and charismatic identities. This study sets out to explore how the movement and its members construct their identity in relation to the Holy Spirit, the institutional Catholic Church and other Catholics, as well as in the context of the movement’s ritual music. Identity construction in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal is seen as key to making meaning of the movement and its place within Catholicism. The study adopted a qualitative research and ethnographic approach in which empirical data was collected in the context of fieldwork through informal, semi-structured and focus group interviews as well as participant observation during the activities of a Catholic Charismatic prayer group in Minna, Nigeria. Theoretical perspectives drawn from identity, hermeneutics and anthropology of extraordinary experience were used as analytical lens in the study. The study revealed that identity within the Catholic Charismatic Renewal was constructed principally in relation to the Holy Spirit. A spiritual experience or encounter was central in such identity construction, and the subjective and intersubjective identity of the members revolved around the two key concepts of ‘spirit-centred identity’ and ‘empowerment’. The study indicated that the members of the movement constructed their identity in ways that demonstrated their loyalty to the Church and their status as an officially recognised Catholic movement. In addition, their identity was also constructed in relation to the functions that they perceived themselves to perform within the Catholic Church. Although the members of the movement considered their charismatic and catholic identities to be compatible, they understood themselves to be different from other Catholics. The study also showed that while music was considered to be important within the movement, the context and content of its ritual music were overwhelmingly Pentecostal, and music that projected a catholic identity was relegated to the background and given expression mainly in the realm of individual religious practice. The study suggests that identity construction within the Catholic Charismatic Renewal is multiple, ongoing, flexible, and sometimes contradictory and paradoxical. Through its identity construction, the members of the movement demonstrate the heterogeneity of the Catholic space and seek to extend the boundaries of Catholicism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Torty, Livinus
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Catholic Church -- Nigeria , Pentecostalism -- Catholic Church Identity (Psychology) Identity (Psychology) -- Social aspects -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43787 , vital:37047
- Description: The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is a movement within the Catholic Church that blends and synthesizes elements of Catholicism and Pentecostalism. The movement straddles these two religious traditions within Christianity. Besides its incorporation of elements of Catholicism and Pentecostalism, the movement also has as its objective, the revitalizing and renewal of the Catholic Church through the power of the Holy Spirit. These fundamental orientations of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal distinguish it from other Catholic movements, bestowing on it its unique identity. Although different from other Catholic movements, the movement and its members lay claim to a Catholic identity and seek to assert its legitimacy within the Catholic Church. Existing literature has provided useful insights into the question of identity within the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. However, the question of identity construction within the movement has not been adequately and comprehensively addressed in academic literature. This is especially the case in the African context. This leaves therefore a gap in our knowledge of how the movement and its members construct their catholic and charismatic identities. This study sets out to explore how the movement and its members construct their identity in relation to the Holy Spirit, the institutional Catholic Church and other Catholics, as well as in the context of the movement’s ritual music. Identity construction in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal is seen as key to making meaning of the movement and its place within Catholicism. The study adopted a qualitative research and ethnographic approach in which empirical data was collected in the context of fieldwork through informal, semi-structured and focus group interviews as well as participant observation during the activities of a Catholic Charismatic prayer group in Minna, Nigeria. Theoretical perspectives drawn from identity, hermeneutics and anthropology of extraordinary experience were used as analytical lens in the study. The study revealed that identity within the Catholic Charismatic Renewal was constructed principally in relation to the Holy Spirit. A spiritual experience or encounter was central in such identity construction, and the subjective and intersubjective identity of the members revolved around the two key concepts of ‘spirit-centred identity’ and ‘empowerment’. The study indicated that the members of the movement constructed their identity in ways that demonstrated their loyalty to the Church and their status as an officially recognised Catholic movement. In addition, their identity was also constructed in relation to the functions that they perceived themselves to perform within the Catholic Church. Although the members of the movement considered their charismatic and catholic identities to be compatible, they understood themselves to be different from other Catholics. The study also showed that while music was considered to be important within the movement, the context and content of its ritual music were overwhelmingly Pentecostal, and music that projected a catholic identity was relegated to the background and given expression mainly in the realm of individual religious practice. The study suggests that identity construction within the Catholic Charismatic Renewal is multiple, ongoing, flexible, and sometimes contradictory and paradoxical. Through its identity construction, the members of the movement demonstrate the heterogeneity of the Catholic space and seek to extend the boundaries of Catholicism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Retailers’ food waste management: challenges and potential for action in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Đào, Thị Anh Thư
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Food industry and trade -- Waste minimization , Food industry and trade -- Waste disposal Refuse and refuse disposal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39359 , vital:35220
- Description: Food waste management within retailers is seen as an important solution to assist retailers in effectively managing food waste, and by doing so improving food security while limiting negative ecological consequences. Given the lack of research attention focusing on the importance of managing food waste among South African food retailers, and in particular the Eastern Cape, the primary objective of this research was to investigate retailers‟ food waste management in Port Elizabeth. Primary data was collected by conducting interviews with representatives of Port-Elizabeth-based participating stores and their individual Head Offices. This treatise reports on the findings and the conclusions drawn.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Đào, Thị Anh Thư
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Food industry and trade -- Waste minimization , Food industry and trade -- Waste disposal Refuse and refuse disposal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39359 , vital:35220
- Description: Food waste management within retailers is seen as an important solution to assist retailers in effectively managing food waste, and by doing so improving food security while limiting negative ecological consequences. Given the lack of research attention focusing on the importance of managing food waste among South African food retailers, and in particular the Eastern Cape, the primary objective of this research was to investigate retailers‟ food waste management in Port Elizabeth. Primary data was collected by conducting interviews with representatives of Port-Elizabeth-based participating stores and their individual Head Offices. This treatise reports on the findings and the conclusions drawn.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Testing the efficient market hypothesis in the cryptocurrency market
- Authors: Apopo, Natalya Camilla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Digital currency
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42427 , vital:36662
- Description: Digital currencies are rising in popularity owing to their purported benefits and the speculative profits that investors are making in the market. These currencies, though decentralised in substance, can be purchased using digital wallets from cryptocurrency exchange platforms around the world. In Africa, these platforms are still at the nascent stages of growth and development, but evidence suggests a burgeoning potential in these markets. Volatility in these markets has been a topic of concern for many empirical investigations with most finding corroborative evidence of excess volatility in the digital currency market. However, there is a conflicting body of evidence when it comes to the studies evaluating the efficiency of the virtual currency market. The efficient market hypothesis ( EMH)is a controversial theory in finance. Proponents argue that it provides a basis for understanding financial markets whereas opponents suggest that the hypothesis is premature in its assumptions of the real functioning of these markets. Though not perfect, the efficient markets model provides a sufficient baseline against which capital markets may be analysed. Besides being one of the most empirically investigated theories in finance, its utility led to the development of later models such as the capital asset pricing model. In postulating that the prices of securities reflect all available information in capital markets, the efficient markets theory lends itself to testing the efficacy levels of the cryptocurrency market. For the purposes of this study, the weak version of the efficient markets theory was evaluated as itis considered the lowest possible form of efficiency attainable. Using both linear and nonlinear unit root testing methodologies, a significant subset of the cryptocurrency market was investigated for inefficiencies via the null hypothesis of non-stationarity. There were mixed results from the testing process, but a substantial portion of the currencies investigated rejected the null of a unit root in favour of stationarity, providing some evidence against weak form efficiency. For these reasons, it is recommended that further research be conducted in the virtual currency markets to offer more conclusive findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Apopo, Natalya Camilla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Digital currency
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42427 , vital:36662
- Description: Digital currencies are rising in popularity owing to their purported benefits and the speculative profits that investors are making in the market. These currencies, though decentralised in substance, can be purchased using digital wallets from cryptocurrency exchange platforms around the world. In Africa, these platforms are still at the nascent stages of growth and development, but evidence suggests a burgeoning potential in these markets. Volatility in these markets has been a topic of concern for many empirical investigations with most finding corroborative evidence of excess volatility in the digital currency market. However, there is a conflicting body of evidence when it comes to the studies evaluating the efficiency of the virtual currency market. The efficient market hypothesis ( EMH)is a controversial theory in finance. Proponents argue that it provides a basis for understanding financial markets whereas opponents suggest that the hypothesis is premature in its assumptions of the real functioning of these markets. Though not perfect, the efficient markets model provides a sufficient baseline against which capital markets may be analysed. Besides being one of the most empirically investigated theories in finance, its utility led to the development of later models such as the capital asset pricing model. In postulating that the prices of securities reflect all available information in capital markets, the efficient markets theory lends itself to testing the efficacy levels of the cryptocurrency market. For the purposes of this study, the weak version of the efficient markets theory was evaluated as itis considered the lowest possible form of efficiency attainable. Using both linear and nonlinear unit root testing methodologies, a significant subset of the cryptocurrency market was investigated for inefficiencies via the null hypothesis of non-stationarity. There were mixed results from the testing process, but a substantial portion of the currencies investigated rejected the null of a unit root in favour of stationarity, providing some evidence against weak form efficiency. For these reasons, it is recommended that further research be conducted in the virtual currency markets to offer more conclusive findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Experiences of undergraduate diagnostic radiography students regarding assessor feedback during summative clinical assessments
- Authors: Hodgson, Hayley Dianne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical education , Teacher-student relationships Communication in education Mentoring in education Radiography, Medical -- Digital techniques
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42296 , vital:36643
- Description: Assessment and feedback are closely interlinked terms. High quality feedback within education and assessment can have a profound influence on learning. Summative clinical assessments and feedback, conducted in clinical training sites, are vital steps in successfully preparing an undergraduate diagnostic radiography student for the desired outcome of a competent, skilled diagnostic radiographer. Feedback has the potential to close the gap between a student’s actual clinical performance and desired clinical performance. Despite the importance of feedback, students across the globe, particularly in the health professions, are dissatisfied with the current feedback systems. Failure to provide effective feedback within the clinical context can be detrimental to patient safety because students have a false impression of their clinical skills and competencies. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of undergraduate diagnostic radiography students regarding assessor feedback during summative clinical assessments. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research design was used to gain in-depth knowledge of the experiences of undergraduate diagnostic radiography students regarding assessor feedback during summative clinical assessments. Data were gathered from students by means of semi-structured focus group interviews. Data were transcribed verbatim and coded using Tesch’s eight steps. Two principle themes emerged from the data analysis. Theme 1 unpacked whether an assessor is an ally or foe. Theme 2 focussed on key elements that influence the nature of the feedback process. There were various positive experiences regarding assessor feedback during the summative clinical assessments reported by the participants. However, they were dissatisfied with numerous aspects of assessor feedback during their summative clinical assessments and this subsequently impeded their learning experience. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical research practices governed this research study. Based on the findings, the recommendations include that the higher education institution, clinical supervisors, and radiography students, should utilise feedback as a learning tool for skills development during summative clinical assesssments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Hodgson, Hayley Dianne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical education , Teacher-student relationships Communication in education Mentoring in education Radiography, Medical -- Digital techniques
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42296 , vital:36643
- Description: Assessment and feedback are closely interlinked terms. High quality feedback within education and assessment can have a profound influence on learning. Summative clinical assessments and feedback, conducted in clinical training sites, are vital steps in successfully preparing an undergraduate diagnostic radiography student for the desired outcome of a competent, skilled diagnostic radiographer. Feedback has the potential to close the gap between a student’s actual clinical performance and desired clinical performance. Despite the importance of feedback, students across the globe, particularly in the health professions, are dissatisfied with the current feedback systems. Failure to provide effective feedback within the clinical context can be detrimental to patient safety because students have a false impression of their clinical skills and competencies. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of undergraduate diagnostic radiography students regarding assessor feedback during summative clinical assessments. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research design was used to gain in-depth knowledge of the experiences of undergraduate diagnostic radiography students regarding assessor feedback during summative clinical assessments. Data were gathered from students by means of semi-structured focus group interviews. Data were transcribed verbatim and coded using Tesch’s eight steps. Two principle themes emerged from the data analysis. Theme 1 unpacked whether an assessor is an ally or foe. Theme 2 focussed on key elements that influence the nature of the feedback process. There were various positive experiences regarding assessor feedback during the summative clinical assessments reported by the participants. However, they were dissatisfied with numerous aspects of assessor feedback during their summative clinical assessments and this subsequently impeded their learning experience. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical research practices governed this research study. Based on the findings, the recommendations include that the higher education institution, clinical supervisors, and radiography students, should utilise feedback as a learning tool for skills development during summative clinical assesssments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Improving public participation through ward based planning in Port St Johns Local Municipality
- Authors: Koninga, Siyabonga
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public Administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45194 , vital:38262
- Description: This research study deals with ways in which to improve public participation through ward based planning in Port St Johns local municipality. Public participation in South Africa is important, as it is the backbone of the democratic state that was introduced by the 1994 democratic elections. Public participation is essentially a process that engages communities from the planning phase to the implementation and evaluation phases of a particular activity or project. Public participation has become a key aspect of South African planning and is a recurring theme in several legislative and theoretical documents. Public participation is a principle that is accepted throughout all spheres of government. It is important because it is the only method whereby government can gain a sense of the needs and aspirations of the various communities. With specific reference to municipalities, public participation is enhanced through the establishment of ward based planning. The Port St Johns ward based planning process has not only been an opportunity for households and communities to contribute to the integrated development plan (IDP), it has also provided them with access to information. This is the first step towards re-skilling our people to participate in the knowledge economy. The ward based planning process provides a link between municipal level planning and delivery and activities at ward level. Port St Johns’ ward based planning process is the vehicle for entrenching participation in the IDP in order to maximise co-ordination and synergy between priorities and municipal programs. The main objective and aim of the study was to advance recommendations that may be adopted as solutions to Port St Johns’ municipal management for improving a strategy for the public to participate in municipal activities. In conclusion, this study found that community based planning does influence the municipality’s integrated development plan but its effectiveness lies in proper planning and giving it the attention it deserves as one of the tools to be used to improve public participation in the affairs of the Port St Johns Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Koninga, Siyabonga
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public Administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45194 , vital:38262
- Description: This research study deals with ways in which to improve public participation through ward based planning in Port St Johns local municipality. Public participation in South Africa is important, as it is the backbone of the democratic state that was introduced by the 1994 democratic elections. Public participation is essentially a process that engages communities from the planning phase to the implementation and evaluation phases of a particular activity or project. Public participation has become a key aspect of South African planning and is a recurring theme in several legislative and theoretical documents. Public participation is a principle that is accepted throughout all spheres of government. It is important because it is the only method whereby government can gain a sense of the needs and aspirations of the various communities. With specific reference to municipalities, public participation is enhanced through the establishment of ward based planning. The Port St Johns ward based planning process has not only been an opportunity for households and communities to contribute to the integrated development plan (IDP), it has also provided them with access to information. This is the first step towards re-skilling our people to participate in the knowledge economy. The ward based planning process provides a link between municipal level planning and delivery and activities at ward level. Port St Johns’ ward based planning process is the vehicle for entrenching participation in the IDP in order to maximise co-ordination and synergy between priorities and municipal programs. The main objective and aim of the study was to advance recommendations that may be adopted as solutions to Port St Johns’ municipal management for improving a strategy for the public to participate in municipal activities. In conclusion, this study found that community based planning does influence the municipality’s integrated development plan but its effectiveness lies in proper planning and giving it the attention it deserves as one of the tools to be used to improve public participation in the affairs of the Port St Johns Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Evaluating the benefits of the extended public works programme in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Lindani-Beni, Bulelwa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Public service employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Job creation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Public works -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40555 , vital:36182
- Description: Public Works Programmes (PWPs) are interventions implemented by the government to overcome the high levels of unemployment and to provide the poor with salaries so that they can meet their basic needs. This was done in response to the United Nations (UN) call to meet the sustainable development goals adopted in 2015. The study defines PWPs and gives an overview of the categories of the intervention programmes. Different countries use the PWPs for different aims from poverty reduction, response to economic shocks and guaranteed employment. Most of the countries, like South Africa, use these programmes as a temporary relief. Unemployment remains a challenge in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) and the municipality has always been unsuccessful in reaching the targets expected in job creation. The study compares the South African Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) with the two other international programmes, India and Malawi. The analysis of the three phases of the South African EPWP since its inception in 2004 is done in this study. The paper analysed the BCMM’s EPWP projects in the Eastern Cape where there is a high level of unemployment and a high degree of rural-urban migration. An overview of the Malawi Social Action Fund (MASAF) and India’s National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGA) is also presented in this study. The researcher analysed documents and desktop reviews for the study. The available information such as the programme strategic plans, logical frameworks, policy documents, implementation reports, academic journals and media reports were consulted for this study. The study highlighted challenges in the South African EPWP which contributes towards the inefficiency of the programme in reducing the high levels of unemployment in the BCMM. The researcher provided recommendations that may improve the effectiveness of the public works programme in South Africa. One recommendation is the development of a Management Information System for EPWP that can assist the government in monitoring and evaluating the whole programme in the different departments and municipalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Lindani-Beni, Bulelwa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Public service employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Job creation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Public works -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40555 , vital:36182
- Description: Public Works Programmes (PWPs) are interventions implemented by the government to overcome the high levels of unemployment and to provide the poor with salaries so that they can meet their basic needs. This was done in response to the United Nations (UN) call to meet the sustainable development goals adopted in 2015. The study defines PWPs and gives an overview of the categories of the intervention programmes. Different countries use the PWPs for different aims from poverty reduction, response to economic shocks and guaranteed employment. Most of the countries, like South Africa, use these programmes as a temporary relief. Unemployment remains a challenge in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) and the municipality has always been unsuccessful in reaching the targets expected in job creation. The study compares the South African Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) with the two other international programmes, India and Malawi. The analysis of the three phases of the South African EPWP since its inception in 2004 is done in this study. The paper analysed the BCMM’s EPWP projects in the Eastern Cape where there is a high level of unemployment and a high degree of rural-urban migration. An overview of the Malawi Social Action Fund (MASAF) and India’s National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGA) is also presented in this study. The researcher analysed documents and desktop reviews for the study. The available information such as the programme strategic plans, logical frameworks, policy documents, implementation reports, academic journals and media reports were consulted for this study. The study highlighted challenges in the South African EPWP which contributes towards the inefficiency of the programme in reducing the high levels of unemployment in the BCMM. The researcher provided recommendations that may improve the effectiveness of the public works programme in South Africa. One recommendation is the development of a Management Information System for EPWP that can assist the government in monitoring and evaluating the whole programme in the different departments and municipalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An assessment of the implementation of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 by the Eastern Cape Department of Education: the case of the provincial office in Zwelitsha
- Authors: Sikhotha, Mvumelwano
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employment equity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44743 , vital:38162
- Description: Before 1994, South Africa was under colonialism and apartheid government. The South African work environment was characterised by many cases of injustices, unfair treatment, unfair discrimination in employment, which led to continuous industrial actions. With the advent of democracy in South Africa in the early 1990s, many labour laws were passed to address labour disputesand to make the labour environment governable and conducive for maximum performance.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sikhotha, Mvumelwano
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employment equity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44743 , vital:38162
- Description: Before 1994, South Africa was under colonialism and apartheid government. The South African work environment was characterised by many cases of injustices, unfair treatment, unfair discrimination in employment, which led to continuous industrial actions. With the advent of democracy in South Africa in the early 1990s, many labour laws were passed to address labour disputesand to make the labour environment governable and conducive for maximum performance.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
The social construction of a racial identity on social media sites: a narrative inquiry
- Authors: van Vught, Chandré
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction of Racial Identity , Colored people (South Africa) -- Psychological aspects Internet users -- Psychology Cyberspace -- Psychological aspects Social psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44169 , vital:37122
- Description: The present study aimed to enhance the understanding of the social construction of Coloured identity on social media sites from the perspective of individuals who identify themselves as Coloured. Furthermore, the study explored how the participants’ engagement on social media sites influenced the construction of their online identities. A qualitative research approach was utilised with narrative inquiry as the research design to explore the perceptions that the participants held about identity, and in particular about Coloured identity. The aim of the study was achieved as six participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. The data collection method was individual semi-structured interviews, with the exception of one interview conducted with two participants. The findings were conceptualised according to credible literature sources and theories. Through the process of thematic analysis, the research yielded valuable findings. The study found that there was strong objection by one participant and ambivalence by other participants about the use of the term Coloured, and its association with identity due to the derogatory associations which stems from its origin. It was found that social media users who identify themselves as Coloured construct their online identities in such a way that it is consistent with their narration of their offline identities. Moreover, minimal importance was placed on racial identity online, as well as offline. However, the participants acknowledged that Coloured identity had predominantly been portrayed in accordance with negative stereotypes. The negative portrayals of Coloured identity were challenged, as these portrayals were not truthful to how the participants were socialised. Furthermore, there was a consensus among the participants that dominant narratives about Coloured identity must be de-constructed and re-constructed. As a social justice study, the present study challenged dominant constructs about Coloured identity in South Africa and is thus able to contribute towards heritage studies in vi South Africa. The significance of heritage studies in South Africa is paramount, as identity and heritage are interlinked. The study created meaning about the participants’ online identities, and thus created meaning of who they are on their social media platforms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: van Vught, Chandré
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction of Racial Identity , Colored people (South Africa) -- Psychological aspects Internet users -- Psychology Cyberspace -- Psychological aspects Social psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44169 , vital:37122
- Description: The present study aimed to enhance the understanding of the social construction of Coloured identity on social media sites from the perspective of individuals who identify themselves as Coloured. Furthermore, the study explored how the participants’ engagement on social media sites influenced the construction of their online identities. A qualitative research approach was utilised with narrative inquiry as the research design to explore the perceptions that the participants held about identity, and in particular about Coloured identity. The aim of the study was achieved as six participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. The data collection method was individual semi-structured interviews, with the exception of one interview conducted with two participants. The findings were conceptualised according to credible literature sources and theories. Through the process of thematic analysis, the research yielded valuable findings. The study found that there was strong objection by one participant and ambivalence by other participants about the use of the term Coloured, and its association with identity due to the derogatory associations which stems from its origin. It was found that social media users who identify themselves as Coloured construct their online identities in such a way that it is consistent with their narration of their offline identities. Moreover, minimal importance was placed on racial identity online, as well as offline. However, the participants acknowledged that Coloured identity had predominantly been portrayed in accordance with negative stereotypes. The negative portrayals of Coloured identity were challenged, as these portrayals were not truthful to how the participants were socialised. Furthermore, there was a consensus among the participants that dominant narratives about Coloured identity must be de-constructed and re-constructed. As a social justice study, the present study challenged dominant constructs about Coloured identity in South Africa and is thus able to contribute towards heritage studies in vi South Africa. The significance of heritage studies in South Africa is paramount, as identity and heritage are interlinked. The study created meaning about the participants’ online identities, and thus created meaning of who they are on their social media platforms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Quality in low - cost houses in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Gogela, Nwabisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Housing development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Housing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Dwellings -- Defects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Construction industry -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39709 , vital:35350
- Description: Numerous low cost houses in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, and all over South Africa for that matter, have been handed back to the provincial governments by beneficiaries for remedial work in a government programme called Rectification. Several houses have required demolition and be rebuilt because of patent and latent defects. Government spends huge sums of money in rectifying and fixing the defects on houses that should have been built appropriately from the start; this leads to fruitless and ineffective expenditure. The Department of Human Settlements cannot be solely blamed for the poor quality housing delivery. The contractors, project managers and the inspectors from different stakeholders involved in a project also play a massive role in certifying that the houses delivered are of required norms and standards to assist in minimizing poor quality in the delivery of the low cost housing. The funding spent in rectifying low-cost housing has caused huge backlogs, triggering protests within the communities and, regrettably, incomplete projects around the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, contributing to urban decay. The aim of this study was to investigate the poor and unacceptable quality in the delivery of low-cost subsidized houses in the Nelson Mandela Metro Region. The focus of the study was to scrutinize the loopholes and the ambiguities that might exist throughout the life cycle of a low cost housing project, and suggestions to mitigate common problems emerging in various projects. A qualitative research approach was followed in this study. The sample was purposively selected and comprised of 15 beneficiaries residing in the three selected NMBM (housing projects), the Ward Councilors (3), Contractors (3), the Quality Assurance Project Managers managing and foreseeing these projects(3), Quality Coordinators(3) and Inspectors from each organization, (NHBRC, ECDHS and HDA), making three (3) in total.. The study revealed that skills shortage, insufficient workforce training and lack of strict quality control are some of the factors affecting quality. Compliancy to norms and standards is not fully emphasized to the relevant stakeholders during the initiation and the commencement of the project. Tools to measure the effectiveness of quality assurance practices are currently used, but it can be argued that they are not effective enough. The study has offered a set of recommendations to address the key findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Gogela, Nwabisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Housing development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Housing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Dwellings -- Defects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Construction industry -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39709 , vital:35350
- Description: Numerous low cost houses in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, and all over South Africa for that matter, have been handed back to the provincial governments by beneficiaries for remedial work in a government programme called Rectification. Several houses have required demolition and be rebuilt because of patent and latent defects. Government spends huge sums of money in rectifying and fixing the defects on houses that should have been built appropriately from the start; this leads to fruitless and ineffective expenditure. The Department of Human Settlements cannot be solely blamed for the poor quality housing delivery. The contractors, project managers and the inspectors from different stakeholders involved in a project also play a massive role in certifying that the houses delivered are of required norms and standards to assist in minimizing poor quality in the delivery of the low cost housing. The funding spent in rectifying low-cost housing has caused huge backlogs, triggering protests within the communities and, regrettably, incomplete projects around the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, contributing to urban decay. The aim of this study was to investigate the poor and unacceptable quality in the delivery of low-cost subsidized houses in the Nelson Mandela Metro Region. The focus of the study was to scrutinize the loopholes and the ambiguities that might exist throughout the life cycle of a low cost housing project, and suggestions to mitigate common problems emerging in various projects. A qualitative research approach was followed in this study. The sample was purposively selected and comprised of 15 beneficiaries residing in the three selected NMBM (housing projects), the Ward Councilors (3), Contractors (3), the Quality Assurance Project Managers managing and foreseeing these projects(3), Quality Coordinators(3) and Inspectors from each organization, (NHBRC, ECDHS and HDA), making three (3) in total.. The study revealed that skills shortage, insufficient workforce training and lack of strict quality control are some of the factors affecting quality. Compliancy to norms and standards is not fully emphasized to the relevant stakeholders during the initiation and the commencement of the project. Tools to measure the effectiveness of quality assurance practices are currently used, but it can be argued that they are not effective enough. The study has offered a set of recommendations to address the key findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Entrepreneurial intention in the public service of South Africa
- Authors: Mhlanga, Unathi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , New business enterprises -- South Africa Small business -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41106 , vital:36357
- Description: Entrepreneurship is a phenomenon that has been studied across the world by scholars, practitioners and governments. All these different researchers believe that it is a critical tool for economic growth, job creation and enhancing innovation. However, some researchers have conceded that there has been limited research in entrepreneurship and the public service. Thus, this treatise is one of the few studies that have been conducted in entrepreneurial intention in the public service and the examination of entrepreneurial intention of public servants and the factors that influence individuals to opt for employment in the public service. A literature review examining the current knowledge on entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial intention in various contexts was conducted. The reviewed literature allowed for the formation of the base for a conceptual model to be developed. The proposed model claimed that there was a positive influence of culture, family obligations, job security, role modelling, entrepreneurial self – efficacy, access to financial resources and locus of control on the entrepreneurial intentions of public servants in South Africa. Furthermore, the theory of planned behaviour and social learning theory also known as social cognitive theory were explored. There were various statistical analysis tests that were conducted on the quantitative data collected. The mono – method quantitative was used with 280 respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests and exploratory factor analysis were conducted to test the proposed conceptual model. The conceptual model tested consisted of the independent variables; culture, family obligations, job security, role modelling, entrepreneurial self – efficacy, access to financial resources and locus of control with entrepreneurial intention being the dependent variable for assessing the entrepreneurial intention of public servants in the public service of South Africa. The study found that the South African public servants have high entrepreneurial intentions and are very optimistic about creating and running their own business someday. The various statistical analyses split the independent variables from seven to eighteen variables: Family Commitments, Career, Job Purpose, Risk, Access to Knowledge, Entrepreneurship Exposure, Influence, Access to Finance, Financial Support, Business Financing, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Cultural Perceptions, Societal Standards, Cultural Dedication, Service, Self-Belief and Reward. However, after further analysis of the relationships between the independent variables and the dependent variable, some factors were rejected. A model comprising of factors useful for assessing the entrepreneurial intentions in the public service is recommended with the following factors: Family Commitments, Career, Entrepreneurship Exposure, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Cultural Perceptions, Societal Standards and Reward. Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy was found to explain approximately 75% of the movement in the entrepreneurial intentions of public servants. Significant differences on the entrepreneurial intentions of individuals from different races and those who varied according to years of experience were found. The study also found that Culture and Job Security influenced the decision to pursue public service employment. To conclude, the study makes managerial recommendations implementable for government and other stakeholders. Some of the recommendations include incentivising public servants with tax breaks, entrepreneurship courses and easier access to funding to enable them to exit the public service to start their own businesses. Additionally, entrepreneurship education is recommended to become compulsory in schools and for public servants through the National School of Government (NSG). Entrepreneurial ecosystems that encourage pay-it-forward type of interactions were also recommended. Seasoned entrepreneurs can be used as mentors to those public servants who wish to pursue entrepreneurship instead of remaining in the public service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mhlanga, Unathi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , New business enterprises -- South Africa Small business -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41106 , vital:36357
- Description: Entrepreneurship is a phenomenon that has been studied across the world by scholars, practitioners and governments. All these different researchers believe that it is a critical tool for economic growth, job creation and enhancing innovation. However, some researchers have conceded that there has been limited research in entrepreneurship and the public service. Thus, this treatise is one of the few studies that have been conducted in entrepreneurial intention in the public service and the examination of entrepreneurial intention of public servants and the factors that influence individuals to opt for employment in the public service. A literature review examining the current knowledge on entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial intention in various contexts was conducted. The reviewed literature allowed for the formation of the base for a conceptual model to be developed. The proposed model claimed that there was a positive influence of culture, family obligations, job security, role modelling, entrepreneurial self – efficacy, access to financial resources and locus of control on the entrepreneurial intentions of public servants in South Africa. Furthermore, the theory of planned behaviour and social learning theory also known as social cognitive theory were explored. There were various statistical analysis tests that were conducted on the quantitative data collected. The mono – method quantitative was used with 280 respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests and exploratory factor analysis were conducted to test the proposed conceptual model. The conceptual model tested consisted of the independent variables; culture, family obligations, job security, role modelling, entrepreneurial self – efficacy, access to financial resources and locus of control with entrepreneurial intention being the dependent variable for assessing the entrepreneurial intention of public servants in the public service of South Africa. The study found that the South African public servants have high entrepreneurial intentions and are very optimistic about creating and running their own business someday. The various statistical analyses split the independent variables from seven to eighteen variables: Family Commitments, Career, Job Purpose, Risk, Access to Knowledge, Entrepreneurship Exposure, Influence, Access to Finance, Financial Support, Business Financing, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Cultural Perceptions, Societal Standards, Cultural Dedication, Service, Self-Belief and Reward. However, after further analysis of the relationships between the independent variables and the dependent variable, some factors were rejected. A model comprising of factors useful for assessing the entrepreneurial intentions in the public service is recommended with the following factors: Family Commitments, Career, Entrepreneurship Exposure, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Cultural Perceptions, Societal Standards and Reward. Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy was found to explain approximately 75% of the movement in the entrepreneurial intentions of public servants. Significant differences on the entrepreneurial intentions of individuals from different races and those who varied according to years of experience were found. The study also found that Culture and Job Security influenced the decision to pursue public service employment. To conclude, the study makes managerial recommendations implementable for government and other stakeholders. Some of the recommendations include incentivising public servants with tax breaks, entrepreneurship courses and easier access to funding to enable them to exit the public service to start their own businesses. Additionally, entrepreneurship education is recommended to become compulsory in schools and for public servants through the National School of Government (NSG). Entrepreneurial ecosystems that encourage pay-it-forward type of interactions were also recommended. Seasoned entrepreneurs can be used as mentors to those public servants who wish to pursue entrepreneurship instead of remaining in the public service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019