A co-constructed practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law
- Authors: Abdulla, Zurina
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Children's rights -- South Africa , Children -- Legal status, laws, etc --South Africa , Parent and child -- Research -- South Africa , Social work with youth -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30474 , vital:30949
- Description: The unique historical stressors linked to South Africa’s apartheid legacy, continues to manifest in the form of economic exclusion, social exclusion, inequality and poverty, with parents being subjugated to service users and extenders rather than included as service advocates, particularly in the child justice system. Furthermore, policies and practices do not include, engage and support parents on an intra and interpersonal level. Parents of children in conflict with the law, experience their children’s charge or arrest as well as their subsequent journey through the child justice system as a crisis resulting in their need for emotional, informational, practical and professional support during the child justice process. The similarities and differences between the contexts of child protection and child justice in supporting parents illuminates the existing gaps in child justice legislation, policy and practice resulting in a lack of support for parents during the child justice process. In the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, it is recognised that parents have a legal responsibility towards their children and that in fulfilling this responsibility parents can access support services to assist them when they face challenges in fulfilling this responsibility. In contrast, despite 80 percent of children in conflict with the law being released into parental care and parents expressing the need for support in fulfilling their parental responsibility, in this regard the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 fails to make provision for parents to access support services. The child justice system’s narrow focus on parents as service extenders contributes to parents’ being excluded from targeted support services resulting in parents’ support needs not being addressed. The lack of programmes and services aimed at supporting parents highlight the need for coordinated services that address the multiple stressors parents are exposed to. To this end, this study was aimed at coconstructing a practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law. The theoretical lenses employed in the current study namely; the Ecological systems model and the Buffering effect model describes the various systems parents need support from and the type of support they need from their family, community and professionals. Guided by a qualitative approach, the present study integrated applied research, in particular intervention design and development with participatory action research as it allowed systematic collaboration during the research process to ensure rigour. This study involved participants from two research sites namely, the Nerina One- Stop Child Justice Centre in Port Elizabeth and the Reception, Assessment and Referral office at the Uitenhage magistrates’ court. Employing a non-probability purposive sampling method, this study facilitated the participation of parents of children in conflict with the law and child justice officials who met the inclusion criteria, in the co-design and development of a practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law. Participants assumed an expert and collaborative role, which enabled the co-construction of knowledge, meaning and innovation of the practice model. Qualitative data collection methods namely, twelve focus groups and thirty two participant observations, were used to explore, co-construct, describe and design a practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law during the child justice process. Thematic analyses was employed to condense the data, search for codes, categories, themes, relationships and patterns in the data. Due to the research approach and design, data analysis was ongoing and informed design and development of the practice model. Based on the thematic analysis and synthesis both descriptive and analytic themes emerged. To ensure trustworthiness, this study employed various strategies to strengthen commitment, rigour, transparency and coherence. In addition, the participative research process, the inclusion of multiple forms of qualitative inquiry and the significance of the study contributed to the validity and quality of the study. Ethical considerations applicable to the study included participants’ voluntary participation, their informed consent and ensuring participants’ privacy or maintaining confidentially. Various strategies were employed to prevent or minimise risk to participants. The findings showed that formal sources of support, in particular, offer opportunities for parents to access individual and family counselling, parenting advice, and peer support. The study also highlighted the importance of recognising parents as a subsystem in the child justice system offers potential opportunities for inclusion of parents as co-facilitators of parenting programmes or support groups, as peer supporters during the child justice process. Parents’ inclusion as a partner in the child justice system is highlighted as an opportunity for parents to be able to vi participate in child justice fora, oversight committees and accreditation committees to influence policy, services and budget allocations for services to support parents of children in conflict with the law. This study’s contribution to the existing body of knowledge is an integrated, multidisciplinary, multi-phase co-constructed practice model that would enable inclusion of, and support for, parents of children in conflict with the law prior to, during and after the child justice. The co-constructed practice model (a) involves a continuum of parent-centred support for and inclusion of parents prior to, during and after the child justice process; (b) advances an inclusive and collaborative child justice system that views parents as important stakeholders in determining the type of services they need and being involved in developing practice; and (c) promotes parents as equal partners in decision making and policy making to influence legislation, policy and practice in the child justice system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Abdulla, Zurina
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Children's rights -- South Africa , Children -- Legal status, laws, etc --South Africa , Parent and child -- Research -- South Africa , Social work with youth -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30474 , vital:30949
- Description: The unique historical stressors linked to South Africa’s apartheid legacy, continues to manifest in the form of economic exclusion, social exclusion, inequality and poverty, with parents being subjugated to service users and extenders rather than included as service advocates, particularly in the child justice system. Furthermore, policies and practices do not include, engage and support parents on an intra and interpersonal level. Parents of children in conflict with the law, experience their children’s charge or arrest as well as their subsequent journey through the child justice system as a crisis resulting in their need for emotional, informational, practical and professional support during the child justice process. The similarities and differences between the contexts of child protection and child justice in supporting parents illuminates the existing gaps in child justice legislation, policy and practice resulting in a lack of support for parents during the child justice process. In the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, it is recognised that parents have a legal responsibility towards their children and that in fulfilling this responsibility parents can access support services to assist them when they face challenges in fulfilling this responsibility. In contrast, despite 80 percent of children in conflict with the law being released into parental care and parents expressing the need for support in fulfilling their parental responsibility, in this regard the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 fails to make provision for parents to access support services. The child justice system’s narrow focus on parents as service extenders contributes to parents’ being excluded from targeted support services resulting in parents’ support needs not being addressed. The lack of programmes and services aimed at supporting parents highlight the need for coordinated services that address the multiple stressors parents are exposed to. To this end, this study was aimed at coconstructing a practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law. The theoretical lenses employed in the current study namely; the Ecological systems model and the Buffering effect model describes the various systems parents need support from and the type of support they need from their family, community and professionals. Guided by a qualitative approach, the present study integrated applied research, in particular intervention design and development with participatory action research as it allowed systematic collaboration during the research process to ensure rigour. This study involved participants from two research sites namely, the Nerina One- Stop Child Justice Centre in Port Elizabeth and the Reception, Assessment and Referral office at the Uitenhage magistrates’ court. Employing a non-probability purposive sampling method, this study facilitated the participation of parents of children in conflict with the law and child justice officials who met the inclusion criteria, in the co-design and development of a practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law. Participants assumed an expert and collaborative role, which enabled the co-construction of knowledge, meaning and innovation of the practice model. Qualitative data collection methods namely, twelve focus groups and thirty two participant observations, were used to explore, co-construct, describe and design a practice model for supporting parents of children in conflict with the law during the child justice process. Thematic analyses was employed to condense the data, search for codes, categories, themes, relationships and patterns in the data. Due to the research approach and design, data analysis was ongoing and informed design and development of the practice model. Based on the thematic analysis and synthesis both descriptive and analytic themes emerged. To ensure trustworthiness, this study employed various strategies to strengthen commitment, rigour, transparency and coherence. In addition, the participative research process, the inclusion of multiple forms of qualitative inquiry and the significance of the study contributed to the validity and quality of the study. Ethical considerations applicable to the study included participants’ voluntary participation, their informed consent and ensuring participants’ privacy or maintaining confidentially. Various strategies were employed to prevent or minimise risk to participants. The findings showed that formal sources of support, in particular, offer opportunities for parents to access individual and family counselling, parenting advice, and peer support. The study also highlighted the importance of recognising parents as a subsystem in the child justice system offers potential opportunities for inclusion of parents as co-facilitators of parenting programmes or support groups, as peer supporters during the child justice process. Parents’ inclusion as a partner in the child justice system is highlighted as an opportunity for parents to be able to vi participate in child justice fora, oversight committees and accreditation committees to influence policy, services and budget allocations for services to support parents of children in conflict with the law. This study’s contribution to the existing body of knowledge is an integrated, multidisciplinary, multi-phase co-constructed practice model that would enable inclusion of, and support for, parents of children in conflict with the law prior to, during and after the child justice. The co-constructed practice model (a) involves a continuum of parent-centred support for and inclusion of parents prior to, during and after the child justice process; (b) advances an inclusive and collaborative child justice system that views parents as important stakeholders in determining the type of services they need and being involved in developing practice; and (c) promotes parents as equal partners in decision making and policy making to influence legislation, policy and practice in the child justice system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The protection against child labour in South Africa
- Authors: Abrahams, Collis
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Child labor
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40204 , vital:35986
- Description: This treatise seeks to describe the legal protection of children against child labour in South Africa. It does so within the context of international-law-protection in the form of Conventions of the International Labour Organisation. The treatise distinguishes between the concepts of child labour and child work and traces the history of international law prohibiting and regulating child labour. The two most important ILO Conventions, Convention 138 of 1973 and 182 of 1998 are considered in some detail before the national legislature is explained and analysed. From the discussion it is apparent that South Africa is giving effect to the applicable ILO Conventions. Not only does national legislation prohibit child labour, the state also adopted nation-wide programmes to eradicate child labour. Despite the efforts there is still room for improvement. The fight to eradicate child labour must continue!
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Abrahams, Collis
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Child labor
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40204 , vital:35986
- Description: This treatise seeks to describe the legal protection of children against child labour in South Africa. It does so within the context of international-law-protection in the form of Conventions of the International Labour Organisation. The treatise distinguishes between the concepts of child labour and child work and traces the history of international law prohibiting and regulating child labour. The two most important ILO Conventions, Convention 138 of 1973 and 182 of 1998 are considered in some detail before the national legislature is explained and analysed. From the discussion it is apparent that South Africa is giving effect to the applicable ILO Conventions. Not only does national legislation prohibit child labour, the state also adopted nation-wide programmes to eradicate child labour. Despite the efforts there is still room for improvement. The fight to eradicate child labour must continue!
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The potential for concept cartoons to assist natural sciences teachers with developing scientific jargon for primary school learners
- Authors: Abrahams, Warda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Science--Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40219 , vital:35984
- Description: The study was undertaken to investigate whether a teaching tool Concept Cartoons may assist Intermediate Phase (IP) Natural Sciences teachers with the development and understanding of scientific jargon, when implemented in Natural Sciences investigations. As a novice Natural Sciences teacher it was important to find a teaching tool which would assist second language learners with scientific concepts, particularly focusing on science investigations. The focal aim was to search for a fun, captivating, educational resource that would cater for these learners’ barriers to science learning. This research falls within a constructivist worldview, and the research method employed was a case study. Data were collected through qualitative approach, via semi-structured interviews. A total of nine participating Intermediate Phase Natural Sciences teachers from the Port Elizabeth Northern Areas schools contributed towards the findings of this study. This study was an investigation undertaken to see whether a different teaching approach may encourage change. The findings of this study suggested that Concept Cartoons used in Natural Sciences investigations created an educational effect towards the learners understanding of science concepts. Intermediate Phase learners were introduced to Concept Cartoons to assist with their understanding of science terminology during practical investigations. The results of this investigation suggested that Concept Cartoons assisted English second-language learners with scientific jargon and served as an educative curriculum material for Intermediate Phase teachers. Furthermore Grade 4 findings suggested English home-language speakers struggled with scientific language, compared to their second-language peers who achieved greater results due to the amount of effort and determination they dedicated to translating these concepts. Further studies suggested this maybe because science terminology does not form part of their everyday vocabulary, therefore experiencing difficulty with scien1. Concept Cartoons: teachers and scientific investigations 2. Concept Cartoons: design, characters and speech bubbles 3. Concept Cartoons: enabling scientific talk 4. Concept Cartoons: scientific jargon 5. Concept Cartoons: scientific jargon and ESL learners 6. Concept Cartoons: teacher learning. This study, which aimed at introducing Concept Cartoons as an educative curriculum tool in Natural Sciences investigations, is expected to fill an important gap in literature surrounding teaching science jargon to English second-language learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Abrahams, Warda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Science--Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40219 , vital:35984
- Description: The study was undertaken to investigate whether a teaching tool Concept Cartoons may assist Intermediate Phase (IP) Natural Sciences teachers with the development and understanding of scientific jargon, when implemented in Natural Sciences investigations. As a novice Natural Sciences teacher it was important to find a teaching tool which would assist second language learners with scientific concepts, particularly focusing on science investigations. The focal aim was to search for a fun, captivating, educational resource that would cater for these learners’ barriers to science learning. This research falls within a constructivist worldview, and the research method employed was a case study. Data were collected through qualitative approach, via semi-structured interviews. A total of nine participating Intermediate Phase Natural Sciences teachers from the Port Elizabeth Northern Areas schools contributed towards the findings of this study. This study was an investigation undertaken to see whether a different teaching approach may encourage change. The findings of this study suggested that Concept Cartoons used in Natural Sciences investigations created an educational effect towards the learners understanding of science concepts. Intermediate Phase learners were introduced to Concept Cartoons to assist with their understanding of science terminology during practical investigations. The results of this investigation suggested that Concept Cartoons assisted English second-language learners with scientific jargon and served as an educative curriculum material for Intermediate Phase teachers. Furthermore Grade 4 findings suggested English home-language speakers struggled with scientific language, compared to their second-language peers who achieved greater results due to the amount of effort and determination they dedicated to translating these concepts. Further studies suggested this maybe because science terminology does not form part of their everyday vocabulary, therefore experiencing difficulty with scien1. Concept Cartoons: teachers and scientific investigations 2. Concept Cartoons: design, characters and speech bubbles 3. Concept Cartoons: enabling scientific talk 4. Concept Cartoons: scientific jargon 5. Concept Cartoons: scientific jargon and ESL learners 6. Concept Cartoons: teacher learning. This study, which aimed at introducing Concept Cartoons as an educative curriculum tool in Natural Sciences investigations, is expected to fill an important gap in literature surrounding teaching science jargon to English second-language learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Effect of school-based interventions on attention and academic performance of primary schoolchildren from lower socioeconomic communities in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Adams, Larissa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Academic achievement -- South Africa , Exercise -- Physiological aspects Physical education for children Physical education and training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42085 , vital:36624
- Description: Health benefits associated with regular physical activity (PA) have been widely established. Regular PA is not only associated with improved physical and psychological well-being, but also with improved brain function and cognition, thereby enhancing academic performance (AP). Despite these benefits, decreasing levels of PA and increasing levels of overweight and obesity exist world-wide, making childhood physical inactivity a global concern. Research suggests children who meet the recommended PA guidelines of 60-minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity attain substantially higher academic grades. Schools provide ideal settings for PA promotion due to the substantial amount of time children spend at school. However, in many countries, including South Africa (SA), Physical Education (PE) programmes have been reduced and replaced with other subjects to increase AP. Furthermore, a scarcity of water, limited accessibility to improved sanitation and lack of personal hygiene at home and in school substantially contributes to the burden of preventable childhood diseases. These hygiene-related illnesses augment the cycle of poverty and disease through its detrimental effect on children’s school attendance, academic performance and productivity. Studies also show that obesity, poor nutrition and food insufficiency affect children’s school achievement. Hence, the school environment plays an essential role in improving children’s health, since many teaching opportunities about important health and nutrition practices are provided. The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of various combinations of school-based interventions on the attention and AP of primary schoolchildren from disadvantaged communities in Port Elizabeth. Overall, 857 schoolchildren (n = 434 boys and n = 423 girls, aged 8 – 13 years) participated in the study. A 10-week cluster randomised controlled trial using four experimental and four control schools was conducted. Setting-specific interventions incorporated PA, health and hygiene education and nutrition components. The d2 Test of Attention measured selective visual attention and concentration with outcome measures of the percentage of errors, total performance and concentration performance. End of year school results were used to assess AP. Post-intervention and pre- to post-intervention differences between the inter-school comparisons revealed mixed results for the attention and AP measurements, therefore, no conclusions could be drawn regarding the assessed variables. Intervention group comparisons at post-intervention indicated that the PA intervention group achieved a statistically significant improvement (p < .05 and d > 0.8) for AP, when compared with the non-PA intervention group. No significant differences were found for AP in relation to intervention group comparisons for the health and hygiene education and nutrition intervention groups. Similarly, the intervention group comparisons revealed no significant differences regarding attention for post-intervention and pre- to post-intervention differences. Findings suggest that a school-based PA intervention can positively affect children’s AP. The current study emphasises the necessity of PA and reinforces the importance of PE in the school curriculum. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that PE regains its rightful place and be actively taught within the school curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Adams, Larissa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Academic achievement -- South Africa , Exercise -- Physiological aspects Physical education for children Physical education and training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42085 , vital:36624
- Description: Health benefits associated with regular physical activity (PA) have been widely established. Regular PA is not only associated with improved physical and psychological well-being, but also with improved brain function and cognition, thereby enhancing academic performance (AP). Despite these benefits, decreasing levels of PA and increasing levels of overweight and obesity exist world-wide, making childhood physical inactivity a global concern. Research suggests children who meet the recommended PA guidelines of 60-minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity attain substantially higher academic grades. Schools provide ideal settings for PA promotion due to the substantial amount of time children spend at school. However, in many countries, including South Africa (SA), Physical Education (PE) programmes have been reduced and replaced with other subjects to increase AP. Furthermore, a scarcity of water, limited accessibility to improved sanitation and lack of personal hygiene at home and in school substantially contributes to the burden of preventable childhood diseases. These hygiene-related illnesses augment the cycle of poverty and disease through its detrimental effect on children’s school attendance, academic performance and productivity. Studies also show that obesity, poor nutrition and food insufficiency affect children’s school achievement. Hence, the school environment plays an essential role in improving children’s health, since many teaching opportunities about important health and nutrition practices are provided. The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of various combinations of school-based interventions on the attention and AP of primary schoolchildren from disadvantaged communities in Port Elizabeth. Overall, 857 schoolchildren (n = 434 boys and n = 423 girls, aged 8 – 13 years) participated in the study. A 10-week cluster randomised controlled trial using four experimental and four control schools was conducted. Setting-specific interventions incorporated PA, health and hygiene education and nutrition components. The d2 Test of Attention measured selective visual attention and concentration with outcome measures of the percentage of errors, total performance and concentration performance. End of year school results were used to assess AP. Post-intervention and pre- to post-intervention differences between the inter-school comparisons revealed mixed results for the attention and AP measurements, therefore, no conclusions could be drawn regarding the assessed variables. Intervention group comparisons at post-intervention indicated that the PA intervention group achieved a statistically significant improvement (p < .05 and d > 0.8) for AP, when compared with the non-PA intervention group. No significant differences were found for AP in relation to intervention group comparisons for the health and hygiene education and nutrition intervention groups. Similarly, the intervention group comparisons revealed no significant differences regarding attention for post-intervention and pre- to post-intervention differences. Findings suggest that a school-based PA intervention can positively affect children’s AP. The current study emphasises the necessity of PA and reinforces the importance of PE in the school curriculum. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that PE regains its rightful place and be actively taught within the school curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An investigation of the challenges and their impacts as experienced by experts at the forensic pathology services in Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- Authors: Adams, Terry
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Forensic pathology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40213 , vital:35985
- Description: This study focuses on the challenges facing the workers at the Port Elizabeth Forensic Pathology Services in Gelvandale and Mount Road stations. The study follow a qualitative approach which include among others, individual interviews using an interview guide containing questions. Observation has also been used as a research tool to observe at the two stations. To supplement the above research techniques, scholarly published journal articles and books were consulted to corroborate what might have transpired in other studies similar to this one. The concept backlog has been used as a conceptual framework to understand the challenges facing the workers in this study and relevant literature has been consulted. The research finding has been outlined and finally recommendations has been made with the view of addressing some of the problems encountered by the workers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Adams, Terry
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Forensic pathology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40213 , vital:35985
- Description: This study focuses on the challenges facing the workers at the Port Elizabeth Forensic Pathology Services in Gelvandale and Mount Road stations. The study follow a qualitative approach which include among others, individual interviews using an interview guide containing questions. Observation has also been used as a research tool to observe at the two stations. To supplement the above research techniques, scholarly published journal articles and books were consulted to corroborate what might have transpired in other studies similar to this one. The concept backlog has been used as a conceptual framework to understand the challenges facing the workers in this study and relevant literature has been consulted. The research finding has been outlined and finally recommendations has been made with the view of addressing some of the problems encountered by the workers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Investigating the effects of performance appraisal in the department of water and sanitation: a study of southern operations regional office
- Authors: Adonis, Phelisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40226 , vital:35983
- Description: This research examined the use of a personnel performance appraisal, a component of performance management system to evaluate employees at the Southern Operation Region Office of the Department of Water and Sanitation, Port Elizabeth and how this affects their performance. Writers in the available literature, contend that the objective of performance appraisal policy is to review work performance and provide feedback to facilitate measures and programmes to improve employee performance. Cascio and Aginis (2011:73) write that performance appraisal is a systematic description of individual or group job-relevant strengths and weaknesses as an important part of a performance management system. The study firstly analyses the effectiveness of performance appraisal in evaluating the management of the utilisation of resources. Secondly, the appropriateness of the tool in assessing the capacity of employees and contributing towards facilitating programmes and training to develop employee effectiveness. Thirdly, the study also examined the perception of employees on the use of performance appraisal as a management tool in the Department of Water and Sanitation Regional Operation Office. The study adopted a mainly qualitative methodological approach and purposively selected a sample of 30 employees at the Southern Operation Region Office of the Department of Water and Sanitation in Port Elizabeth who completed the questionnaire for the study. The choice of the qualitative research methodology is due to the fact that the approach is well suited to the collection of in-depth and perceptual information and for discovering underlying motivations and perceptions of the employees as respondents. The general employees at the area chosen for the study is one of a relatively young employee profile. The average age of the employees is about 28. The findings revealed that competence, assessment and development, communication and the adequate training which employees received based on the performance appraisal all had an impact on employee performance in Department of Water and Sanitation. Furthermore, factors, such as employee training, competence and communication could not be ignored since they were rated to a moderate extent v by the employees and it also contributed to employee performance. The study findings specifically highlight the importance of effective communication between the employer and the employees in order to improve employee performance appraisal processes. The study recommends a set of guidelines which could be used in improving the current performance appraisal policy and further boost employee performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Adonis, Phelisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40226 , vital:35983
- Description: This research examined the use of a personnel performance appraisal, a component of performance management system to evaluate employees at the Southern Operation Region Office of the Department of Water and Sanitation, Port Elizabeth and how this affects their performance. Writers in the available literature, contend that the objective of performance appraisal policy is to review work performance and provide feedback to facilitate measures and programmes to improve employee performance. Cascio and Aginis (2011:73) write that performance appraisal is a systematic description of individual or group job-relevant strengths and weaknesses as an important part of a performance management system. The study firstly analyses the effectiveness of performance appraisal in evaluating the management of the utilisation of resources. Secondly, the appropriateness of the tool in assessing the capacity of employees and contributing towards facilitating programmes and training to develop employee effectiveness. Thirdly, the study also examined the perception of employees on the use of performance appraisal as a management tool in the Department of Water and Sanitation Regional Operation Office. The study adopted a mainly qualitative methodological approach and purposively selected a sample of 30 employees at the Southern Operation Region Office of the Department of Water and Sanitation in Port Elizabeth who completed the questionnaire for the study. The choice of the qualitative research methodology is due to the fact that the approach is well suited to the collection of in-depth and perceptual information and for discovering underlying motivations and perceptions of the employees as respondents. The general employees at the area chosen for the study is one of a relatively young employee profile. The average age of the employees is about 28. The findings revealed that competence, assessment and development, communication and the adequate training which employees received based on the performance appraisal all had an impact on employee performance in Department of Water and Sanitation. Furthermore, factors, such as employee training, competence and communication could not be ignored since they were rated to a moderate extent v by the employees and it also contributed to employee performance. The study findings specifically highlight the importance of effective communication between the employer and the employees in order to improve employee performance appraisal processes. The study recommends a set of guidelines which could be used in improving the current performance appraisal policy and further boost employee performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An experimental study of self-regulated learning with mildly gifted learners in grade 3 mathematics
- Authors: Allers, Amanda Lynette
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gifted children -- Education , Motivation in education Academic achievement Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Primary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42074 , vital:36623
- Description: The study investigated whether self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies can be used successfully by Grade 3 mildly gifted learners (MGLs), in order to master an enriched advanced level mathematics curriculum. In accordance with internationally and nationally accepted principles, learners of diverse abilities should be given equal opportunities to achieve their full learning potential. The stark reality is that rigid application of the national curriculum currently used in South African primary schools, limits this ideal. MGLs possess skills that enable them to study at an increased level, a quicker pace and with an advanced degree of independence. The study employed the true experimental research. Sixty-four learners participated in the Mathematics Enrichment Programme. Purposive sampling was used to identify and select these learners. Subsequent to SRL pre-tests, simple random sampling was used to determine the experimental and control groups. The experimental group used problem-solving and 21st Century technology to develop SRL strategies. Direct teaching strategies were used for the control group. Learners were administered pre-tests, diagnostic problem-solving assessments, and post-tests relating to problem-solving and SRL. Chi-square tests and inferential t-tests were employed to draw comparisons within and between the groups regarding SRL and problem-solving scores. Univariate ANCOVAs were conducted to determine the post-test differences. Furthermore, Cronbach alpha was used to measure reliability of summated scores relating to SRL and problem-solving. The empirical results suggest that MGLs in Grade 3 are indeed capable of self-regulating their learning. This enhanced learners’ self-determination, self-confidence, self-motivation, self-independence, and self-empowerment in relation to their tasks. The empirical results suggest a significant constructive addition to the present standard curriculum for MGLs in the mainstream of education. The self-regulatory model for Foundation Phase MGLs which evolved from this study can be successfully employed to balance the diversity challenges in an inclusive education system. The findings of this study can have significant implications for future teacher training and education of MGLs in primary schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Allers, Amanda Lynette
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gifted children -- Education , Motivation in education Academic achievement Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Primary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42074 , vital:36623
- Description: The study investigated whether self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies can be used successfully by Grade 3 mildly gifted learners (MGLs), in order to master an enriched advanced level mathematics curriculum. In accordance with internationally and nationally accepted principles, learners of diverse abilities should be given equal opportunities to achieve their full learning potential. The stark reality is that rigid application of the national curriculum currently used in South African primary schools, limits this ideal. MGLs possess skills that enable them to study at an increased level, a quicker pace and with an advanced degree of independence. The study employed the true experimental research. Sixty-four learners participated in the Mathematics Enrichment Programme. Purposive sampling was used to identify and select these learners. Subsequent to SRL pre-tests, simple random sampling was used to determine the experimental and control groups. The experimental group used problem-solving and 21st Century technology to develop SRL strategies. Direct teaching strategies were used for the control group. Learners were administered pre-tests, diagnostic problem-solving assessments, and post-tests relating to problem-solving and SRL. Chi-square tests and inferential t-tests were employed to draw comparisons within and between the groups regarding SRL and problem-solving scores. Univariate ANCOVAs were conducted to determine the post-test differences. Furthermore, Cronbach alpha was used to measure reliability of summated scores relating to SRL and problem-solving. The empirical results suggest that MGLs in Grade 3 are indeed capable of self-regulating their learning. This enhanced learners’ self-determination, self-confidence, self-motivation, self-independence, and self-empowerment in relation to their tasks. The empirical results suggest a significant constructive addition to the present standard curriculum for MGLs in the mainstream of education. The self-regulatory model for Foundation Phase MGLs which evolved from this study can be successfully employed to balance the diversity challenges in an inclusive education system. The findings of this study can have significant implications for future teacher training and education of MGLs in primary schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Construction material logistics management: the case of north-central Nigeria
- Authors: Alumbugu, Polycarp Olaku
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction projects-- Nigeria --Management Construction projects --Management Logistics-- Nigeria -- Management , Construction industry -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44879 , vital:38179
- Description: The Management of Construction Material Logistics Systems plays a significant role in meeting the goals of cost, quality and time to completion of a construction project. Studies have revealed that the cost of construction materials is usually about 50%-60% of the total cost of the project and that the logistic cost accounts for between 17%-35% of the cost material. Fundamentally, it is accepted that any inefficiency in the delivery of construction material could lead to a time overrun and thus, a rise in construction costs addressing the operational performance of logistics would have a positive impact on the goals of a construction project. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate the operational performance of material logistics in North-Central Nigeria as there is little specific research conducted on its effectiveness and efficiency. The methodology used included an extensive literature review and a field study conducted on ten quantitative approach that is rooted in the positivist paradigm, and purposive sampling techniques, was adopted. The descriptive method of data analysis was employed, and the findings and interpretations presented through graphs and images. Analysis of the findings led to the conclusion that material logistics did not operate as a system. There was almost no collaboration and integration of the logistics systems to create a synergistic interrelationship between functions in pursuit of higher overall effectiveness and efficiency. Improvement was needed in warehouse and transport operations and processes; technology and automation of logistics operations were absent, and delivery of material to customers was not effective. The implication was that the current materials logistics system did not meet the delivery goals of cost, quality and time of a construction project. The recommendations suggested included the adoption of the framework developed in this study. This would serve as a guide towards effective and efficient logistics management for material manufacturing firms, and for construction professionals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Alumbugu, Polycarp Olaku
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction projects-- Nigeria --Management Construction projects --Management Logistics-- Nigeria -- Management , Construction industry -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44879 , vital:38179
- Description: The Management of Construction Material Logistics Systems plays a significant role in meeting the goals of cost, quality and time to completion of a construction project. Studies have revealed that the cost of construction materials is usually about 50%-60% of the total cost of the project and that the logistic cost accounts for between 17%-35% of the cost material. Fundamentally, it is accepted that any inefficiency in the delivery of construction material could lead to a time overrun and thus, a rise in construction costs addressing the operational performance of logistics would have a positive impact on the goals of a construction project. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate the operational performance of material logistics in North-Central Nigeria as there is little specific research conducted on its effectiveness and efficiency. The methodology used included an extensive literature review and a field study conducted on ten quantitative approach that is rooted in the positivist paradigm, and purposive sampling techniques, was adopted. The descriptive method of data analysis was employed, and the findings and interpretations presented through graphs and images. Analysis of the findings led to the conclusion that material logistics did not operate as a system. There was almost no collaboration and integration of the logistics systems to create a synergistic interrelationship between functions in pursuit of higher overall effectiveness and efficiency. Improvement was needed in warehouse and transport operations and processes; technology and automation of logistics operations were absent, and delivery of material to customers was not effective. The implication was that the current materials logistics system did not meet the delivery goals of cost, quality and time of a construction project. The recommendations suggested included the adoption of the framework developed in this study. This would serve as a guide towards effective and efficient logistics management for material manufacturing firms, and for construction professionals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Construction material logistics management: the case of North-Central Nigeria
- Authors: Alumbugu, Polycarp Olaku
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44556 , vital:38132
- Description: The Management of Construction Material Logistics Systems plays a significant role in meeting the goals of cost, quality and time to completion of a construction project. Fundamentally, it is accepted that any inefficiency in the delivery of construction material could lead to a time overrun and thus, a rise in construction costs. Therefore addressing the operational performance of logistics would have a positive impact on the goals of a construction project. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate the operational performance of material logistics in North-Central Nigeria as there is little specific research conducted on its effectiveness and efficiency. The methodology used included an extensive literature review and a field study conducted on ten quantitative approach that is rooted in the positivist paradigm, and purposive sampling techniques, was adopted. The descriptive method of data analysis was employed, and the findings and interpretations presented through graphs and images. Analysis of the findings led to the conclusion that material logistics did not operate as a system. There was almost no collaboration and integration of the logistics systems to create a synergistic interrelationship between functions in pursuit of higher overall effectiveness and efficiency. Improvement was needed in warehouse and transport operations and processes; technology and automation of logistics operations were absent, and delivery of material to customers was not effective. The implication was that the current materials logistics system did not meet the delivery goals of cost, quality and time of a construction project. The recommendations suggested included the adoption of the framework developed in this study. This would serve as a guide towards effective and efficient logistics management for material manufacturing firms, and for construction professionals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Alumbugu, Polycarp Olaku
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44556 , vital:38132
- Description: The Management of Construction Material Logistics Systems plays a significant role in meeting the goals of cost, quality and time to completion of a construction project. Fundamentally, it is accepted that any inefficiency in the delivery of construction material could lead to a time overrun and thus, a rise in construction costs. Therefore addressing the operational performance of logistics would have a positive impact on the goals of a construction project. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate the operational performance of material logistics in North-Central Nigeria as there is little specific research conducted on its effectiveness and efficiency. The methodology used included an extensive literature review and a field study conducted on ten quantitative approach that is rooted in the positivist paradigm, and purposive sampling techniques, was adopted. The descriptive method of data analysis was employed, and the findings and interpretations presented through graphs and images. Analysis of the findings led to the conclusion that material logistics did not operate as a system. There was almost no collaboration and integration of the logistics systems to create a synergistic interrelationship between functions in pursuit of higher overall effectiveness and efficiency. Improvement was needed in warehouse and transport operations and processes; technology and automation of logistics operations were absent, and delivery of material to customers was not effective. The implication was that the current materials logistics system did not meet the delivery goals of cost, quality and time of a construction project. The recommendations suggested included the adoption of the framework developed in this study. This would serve as a guide towards effective and efficient logistics management for material manufacturing firms, and for construction professionals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The role of foreign aid in poverty alleviation and economic development in Malawi
- Authors: Amanda, Amerley Armah
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40220 , vital:35988
- Description: For over fifty years, the majority of the Western nations have provided foreign aid to underdeveloped countries, particularly on the African continent, claiming they wanted to bring about development and alleviate the so-called poverty trap. However, the effect of such financial transfer has not been significant in most of these countries, as many recipient countries still suffer from extreme poverty and underdevelopment. Malawi is a landlocked country found in south-eastern Africa. This small country, despite being a major recipient of foreign aid since the 1960s until the present day, continues to experience extreme poverty. Malawi is one of the world’s poorest countries, ranking 174 out of 187 as at 2013, with over 50.7% of its population living below the poverty line. Thus, this study sought to assess the role of foreign aid in poverty alleviation in Malawi over the years and particularly in the 2000-2015 period. Literature related to this study on foreign aid was reviewed to gain insight into the views of other writers on the topic under study. The study used secondary sources of data to examine the effect of foreign aid on poverty alleviation in Malawi. The study found out that, even though foreign aid to Malawi might have been provided to address poverty and economic challenges to some extent, these objectives have not been met because of donor conditionalities, poor coordination, corruption and mismanagement of donor funding. The study equally found that donors to Malawi over the years have laid much emphasis on good governance rather than poverty alleviation, hence no significant contribution of foreign aid assistance in poverty alleviation, particularly among the rural population which makes up the majority of the poor. This study recommends that to enhance aid effectiveness in poverty alleviation, there is a need for donors to revise their conditions based on the recipient country’s needs and not on donor motives. Secondly, the government of Malawi should consider establishing a legal and legislative framework that guides the use of donor funding and donor activities to ensure accountability and sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Amanda, Amerley Armah
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40220 , vital:35988
- Description: For over fifty years, the majority of the Western nations have provided foreign aid to underdeveloped countries, particularly on the African continent, claiming they wanted to bring about development and alleviate the so-called poverty trap. However, the effect of such financial transfer has not been significant in most of these countries, as many recipient countries still suffer from extreme poverty and underdevelopment. Malawi is a landlocked country found in south-eastern Africa. This small country, despite being a major recipient of foreign aid since the 1960s until the present day, continues to experience extreme poverty. Malawi is one of the world’s poorest countries, ranking 174 out of 187 as at 2013, with over 50.7% of its population living below the poverty line. Thus, this study sought to assess the role of foreign aid in poverty alleviation in Malawi over the years and particularly in the 2000-2015 period. Literature related to this study on foreign aid was reviewed to gain insight into the views of other writers on the topic under study. The study used secondary sources of data to examine the effect of foreign aid on poverty alleviation in Malawi. The study found out that, even though foreign aid to Malawi might have been provided to address poverty and economic challenges to some extent, these objectives have not been met because of donor conditionalities, poor coordination, corruption and mismanagement of donor funding. The study equally found that donors to Malawi over the years have laid much emphasis on good governance rather than poverty alleviation, hence no significant contribution of foreign aid assistance in poverty alleviation, particularly among the rural population which makes up the majority of the poor. This study recommends that to enhance aid effectiveness in poverty alleviation, there is a need for donors to revise their conditions based on the recipient country’s needs and not on donor motives. Secondly, the government of Malawi should consider establishing a legal and legislative framework that guides the use of donor funding and donor activities to ensure accountability and sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Financial inclusion and economic growth in Ghana
- Authors: Anane, Alexander Kwabena
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40210 , vital:35990
- Description: The relationship between financial inclusion and the growth of the economy is a topic of debate in the existing literature. Yet globally and at individual country level, policy makers have accepted financial inclusion as a developmental agenda. This study, therefore, empirically investigates the relationship between financial inclusion and economic growth in Ghana using quarterly time series data from 2005 to 2016. Employing the commonly used indicators, the ARDL bounds test with cointergration was applied to examine the short and the long run relationship between the variables. Furthermore, the Granger causality approach was also used to establish the direction between financial inclusion and economic growth in Ghana. The result of the findings confirmed mixed results and no clear cut relationship between the direction of causality between the indicators of financial inclusion and economic growth. The study concluded that whether financial inclusion positively or negatively impact economic growth rests on the indicators employed. The study therefore cautions in the choice of financial indicators as policy tools in designing and executing economic growth and development policies in Ghana.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Anane, Alexander Kwabena
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40210 , vital:35990
- Description: The relationship between financial inclusion and the growth of the economy is a topic of debate in the existing literature. Yet globally and at individual country level, policy makers have accepted financial inclusion as a developmental agenda. This study, therefore, empirically investigates the relationship between financial inclusion and economic growth in Ghana using quarterly time series data from 2005 to 2016. Employing the commonly used indicators, the ARDL bounds test with cointergration was applied to examine the short and the long run relationship between the variables. Furthermore, the Granger causality approach was also used to establish the direction between financial inclusion and economic growth in Ghana. The result of the findings confirmed mixed results and no clear cut relationship between the direction of causality between the indicators of financial inclusion and economic growth. The study concluded that whether financial inclusion positively or negatively impact economic growth rests on the indicators employed. The study therefore cautions in the choice of financial indicators as policy tools in designing and executing economic growth and development policies in Ghana.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The evolution of the Lepilemuridae-Cheirogaleidae clade
- Authors: Andrews, Curswan Allan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Lemurs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40216 , vital:35989
- Description: The Lepilemuridae and the Cheirogaleidae, according to recent molecular reconstructions, share a more recent common ancestor than previously thought. Further phylogenetic reconstructions have indicated that body size evolution in this clade was marked by repeated dwarfing events that coincided with changes in the environment. I aimed to investigate the morphological implications of changes in body size within the Lepilemur-cheirogaleid clade, testing four predictions. Together with Dr. Couette, I collected data on the overall palate shape and predicted that shape is likely to be influenced by several factors including phylogeny, body size and diet. Geometric morphometric analyses revealed that, although a strong phylogenetic signal was detected, diet had the major effect on palate shape. In a similar vein, when examining the arterial circulation patterns in these taxa, I predicted that changes in body size would result in changes and possible reductions in arterial size, particularly the internal carotid artery (ICA) and stapedial artery (SA). Analyses with micro-computed tomography (CT) and 3D imaging indicated that changes in body size led to reduction of a functional stapedial artery in Lepilemur, making it an intermediate stage between the daubentoniid, lemurid and indriid species with large stapedial arteries, and the smaller bodied cheirogaleids with an alternative blood supply in the form of an enlarged ascending pharyngeal artery. Lepilemur is the smallest living folivorous primate, and likely to be at the threshold body size to be able to subsist on such a poor diet. To investigate shifts in dietary patterns that accompanied changes in body size, I chose to explore the reported behaviour of caecotrophy as a possible means for the sportive lemurs to derive additional nutrient from their food sources. I predicted that, if caecotrophy is a way to assist folivory at small body size, the energy contained in “caecotrophic” and latrine faecal samples should be different. Analyses showed significant iv differences between the two types of faeces and, combined with an analysis of faecal bacterial diversity, support the occurrence of caecotrophy. Finally, I compared the digestive efficiency of two small, distantly related gummivorous primates that evolved their diets convergently. I studied the digestion of gum in Microcebus griseorufus and compared this with gum digestion in Galago moholi. I predicted that an evolutionary disposition to fermentation inherited from a folivorous ancestor would aid in the digestion of gum in mouse lemurs. Results indicated that retention time was prolonged by the presence of secondary compounds in Microcebus fed with Commiphora gum but relatively shorter (< 24 hrs) when fed Alantsilodenron gum, a preferred food. Despite the fact that G. moholi has an ansa coli, which is missing in M. griseorufus species, both are highly efficient at digesting gum. These data provide some of the first indicators of how dietary changes from a larger-bodied folivorous ancestor to partially gummivorous, small-bodied descendants may have occurred in evolutionary time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Andrews, Curswan Allan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Lemurs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40216 , vital:35989
- Description: The Lepilemuridae and the Cheirogaleidae, according to recent molecular reconstructions, share a more recent common ancestor than previously thought. Further phylogenetic reconstructions have indicated that body size evolution in this clade was marked by repeated dwarfing events that coincided with changes in the environment. I aimed to investigate the morphological implications of changes in body size within the Lepilemur-cheirogaleid clade, testing four predictions. Together with Dr. Couette, I collected data on the overall palate shape and predicted that shape is likely to be influenced by several factors including phylogeny, body size and diet. Geometric morphometric analyses revealed that, although a strong phylogenetic signal was detected, diet had the major effect on palate shape. In a similar vein, when examining the arterial circulation patterns in these taxa, I predicted that changes in body size would result in changes and possible reductions in arterial size, particularly the internal carotid artery (ICA) and stapedial artery (SA). Analyses with micro-computed tomography (CT) and 3D imaging indicated that changes in body size led to reduction of a functional stapedial artery in Lepilemur, making it an intermediate stage between the daubentoniid, lemurid and indriid species with large stapedial arteries, and the smaller bodied cheirogaleids with an alternative blood supply in the form of an enlarged ascending pharyngeal artery. Lepilemur is the smallest living folivorous primate, and likely to be at the threshold body size to be able to subsist on such a poor diet. To investigate shifts in dietary patterns that accompanied changes in body size, I chose to explore the reported behaviour of caecotrophy as a possible means for the sportive lemurs to derive additional nutrient from their food sources. I predicted that, if caecotrophy is a way to assist folivory at small body size, the energy contained in “caecotrophic” and latrine faecal samples should be different. Analyses showed significant iv differences between the two types of faeces and, combined with an analysis of faecal bacterial diversity, support the occurrence of caecotrophy. Finally, I compared the digestive efficiency of two small, distantly related gummivorous primates that evolved their diets convergently. I studied the digestion of gum in Microcebus griseorufus and compared this with gum digestion in Galago moholi. I predicted that an evolutionary disposition to fermentation inherited from a folivorous ancestor would aid in the digestion of gum in mouse lemurs. Results indicated that retention time was prolonged by the presence of secondary compounds in Microcebus fed with Commiphora gum but relatively shorter (< 24 hrs) when fed Alantsilodenron gum, a preferred food. Despite the fact that G. moholi has an ansa coli, which is missing in M. griseorufus species, both are highly efficient at digesting gum. These data provide some of the first indicators of how dietary changes from a larger-bodied folivorous ancestor to partially gummivorous, small-bodied descendants may have occurred in evolutionary time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The development of sustainability ratios for public listed companies
- Authors: Anywar, Apio Dorcas
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40229 , vital:35991
- Description: Financial analysis is important when assessing a business’ financial as well as economic performance, and ratios are among the best known and most widely - used tools for financial analysis. Ratios act as a benchmarking and trend analysis tool by disclosing relationships as well as bases of comparison that reveal conditions and trends that cannot be detected by the individual components of the ratio. In addition, there is a need to measure sustainability performance as sustainability aims to radically transform how businesses understand and create value. Measuring sustainability performance can determine whether a business is moving in the right direction. This study developed a proposed set of sustainability ratios that could be used to determine the efficient and effective sustainability performance of public listed companies in South Africa. The study used a mixed methods research approach in three phases consisting of ten steps. In Phase 1 (Step 1), a secondary research in the form of a literature review was conducted. The critically evaluated secondary literature sources were used to create a theoretical framework of sustainability ratios and a ‘schedule for content analyses. In Phase 2 (Steps 2, 3, 4, 5), a quantitative content analysis of sustainability reports of FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Top 30 Index companies was performed to obtain the variables that were used to calculate the sustainability ratios in the theoretical framework. It also identified additional sustainability ratios that were used by companies in practice, but that were not included in the theoretical framework of sustainability ratios. The sustainability ratios from the theoretical framework were calculated using the variables collected from the sustainability reports. Thereafter, descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyse the results. Lastly, in Phase 3 (Steps 6, 7, 8, 9), qualitative criteria were used to test the variables for the sustainability ratios that could not be calculated and to select the ratios from those calculated, reported and tested to be included in the proposed set of sustainability ratios. The purpose of Phase 3 was to test the usability, relevance, measurability, understandability and comparability of the sustainability ratios proposed in the theoretical framework as well as the sustainability ratios that were applied in the content of sustainability reports in South Africa. Step 10 represented the outcome of the study, a set of sustainability ratios was proposed. A set of 101 sustainability ratios were proposed. The proposed set of sustainability ratios linked the different sustainability issues to financial results by classifying them into four main categories, namely, (i) sustainable operational efficiency and effectiveness ratios (SOEE), (ii) sustainable risk - minimisation ratios (SRM), (iii) sustainable reputation – brand value ratios (SRBV) and (iv) sustainable innovation ratios (SI). These sustainability ratios could be used to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of a business’ sustainability strategies, its risk minimisation strategies, innovative capacities and reputation as well as brand value enhancing strategies. As the concern for business sustainability increases, the proposed sustainability ratios might satisfy the concerns of customers and stakeholders. These proposed ratios could also be refined in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Anywar, Apio Dorcas
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40229 , vital:35991
- Description: Financial analysis is important when assessing a business’ financial as well as economic performance, and ratios are among the best known and most widely - used tools for financial analysis. Ratios act as a benchmarking and trend analysis tool by disclosing relationships as well as bases of comparison that reveal conditions and trends that cannot be detected by the individual components of the ratio. In addition, there is a need to measure sustainability performance as sustainability aims to radically transform how businesses understand and create value. Measuring sustainability performance can determine whether a business is moving in the right direction. This study developed a proposed set of sustainability ratios that could be used to determine the efficient and effective sustainability performance of public listed companies in South Africa. The study used a mixed methods research approach in three phases consisting of ten steps. In Phase 1 (Step 1), a secondary research in the form of a literature review was conducted. The critically evaluated secondary literature sources were used to create a theoretical framework of sustainability ratios and a ‘schedule for content analyses. In Phase 2 (Steps 2, 3, 4, 5), a quantitative content analysis of sustainability reports of FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Top 30 Index companies was performed to obtain the variables that were used to calculate the sustainability ratios in the theoretical framework. It also identified additional sustainability ratios that were used by companies in practice, but that were not included in the theoretical framework of sustainability ratios. The sustainability ratios from the theoretical framework were calculated using the variables collected from the sustainability reports. Thereafter, descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyse the results. Lastly, in Phase 3 (Steps 6, 7, 8, 9), qualitative criteria were used to test the variables for the sustainability ratios that could not be calculated and to select the ratios from those calculated, reported and tested to be included in the proposed set of sustainability ratios. The purpose of Phase 3 was to test the usability, relevance, measurability, understandability and comparability of the sustainability ratios proposed in the theoretical framework as well as the sustainability ratios that were applied in the content of sustainability reports in South Africa. Step 10 represented the outcome of the study, a set of sustainability ratios was proposed. A set of 101 sustainability ratios were proposed. The proposed set of sustainability ratios linked the different sustainability issues to financial results by classifying them into four main categories, namely, (i) sustainable operational efficiency and effectiveness ratios (SOEE), (ii) sustainable risk - minimisation ratios (SRM), (iii) sustainable reputation – brand value ratios (SRBV) and (iv) sustainable innovation ratios (SI). These sustainability ratios could be used to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of a business’ sustainability strategies, its risk minimisation strategies, innovative capacities and reputation as well as brand value enhancing strategies. As the concern for business sustainability increases, the proposed sustainability ratios might satisfy the concerns of customers and stakeholders. These proposed ratios could also be refined in the future.
- 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
Residents’ perspectives on township tourism in Mondesa, Swakopmund, Namibia
- Auala, Lovisa Sisco Ndapanda
- Authors: Auala, Lovisa Sisco Ndapanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Tourism — Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42448 , vital:36661
- Description: Township tourism is regarded as one of the fastest growing tourist activities in Namibia (Buning, Legant, Schauwinhold, Steinbrink & Subenguth, 2016:14). This research study presents an exploratory inquiry that seeks an in-depth understanding of residents’perspectives on township tourism in Mondesa, Swakopmund, Namibia.In order to conceptualise the extent to which the residents’needs are being met through the benefits derived from township tourism. The residents’ perspectives on township tourism in Mondesa areexplored with respect to the benefits and costs derived from township tourism, participation in township tourism, and interaction with tourist during a township tour and consultation on township tourismwhich forms part of the research questions ofthe study. By applying the Social Exchange Theory (SET) in this study, the relationships between the variables that influence the residents perceived benefit and costs of township tourism in Mondesa are explored further in depth in combination with Pretty’s Typology of participation and Scheyne’s typology of community empowerment in tourism (Ap, 1992: 668; Mason, 2003:119; Sharpley and Telfer, 2002:152;Cooper, Fletcher, Gilbert & Wanhill, 1993:91).These variables are namely; social, economic, psychological, environmental, cultural, Manipulative, passive, educational and political factors. They form part of the conceptual framework of the study.This study followed a qualitative research approachandmultiple data sources were collected including semi-structured interviews with residents from Mondesa:these included residents involved in township tourism and those not involved in township tourism. To triangulate the data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives from tourism industry and government bodies related to townshiptourism. Data analysis was done through the facilitation of Atlas tiaqualitative data analysis software and deductive codes were established from the literature(variables from the conceptual framework)and themes were developed from the research questions.The findings indicate that residents who are not involved in township tourism arenot influenced by the benefit and cost equation of the social exchange theory (Andriotis, 2005:69). Therefore residents not involved in township tourism are positive about tourism irrespective of whether they benefit directly from financial gain through tourism. The findingsfurtheremphasis oncommunity benefitsfrom township tourism being as important, than individual benefits. This study also provides knowledge that meaningful interaction between tourist and residents has the ability to reduce the apartheid paradigm of racial division and discrimination, which was the basis of the formation of townships.Residents’ misconception about white people are changed due to their personal interaction and cultural exchange with white tourist during a township tour. Anothersignificant findings to emerge from this study is the ability for township tourism to transform the lives of residents living in townships through the intrinsic benefits derived from township tourism. Township tourism has the ability to contribute to positive human exchange through interaction between residents and tourists. By sharing a positive cultural exchange, strong relationships are built between the tourists and residents, which may provide long term sustainability of township tourism. The positive personal transformational effect on residents through interaction with tourists is contributing to residents’ socio-economic well-being. Therefore township tourism has the ability to quantitatively and qualitatively address the alleviationof poverty in townshipsand fostering understanding and mutual respect among peoples of the world.The studyconcluded with a framework of guidelines toaid key stakeholders in the development and planning of township tourism and encourages the practice of sustainable tourism in townships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Auala, Lovisa Sisco Ndapanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Tourism — Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42448 , vital:36661
- Description: Township tourism is regarded as one of the fastest growing tourist activities in Namibia (Buning, Legant, Schauwinhold, Steinbrink & Subenguth, 2016:14). This research study presents an exploratory inquiry that seeks an in-depth understanding of residents’perspectives on township tourism in Mondesa, Swakopmund, Namibia.In order to conceptualise the extent to which the residents’needs are being met through the benefits derived from township tourism. The residents’ perspectives on township tourism in Mondesa areexplored with respect to the benefits and costs derived from township tourism, participation in township tourism, and interaction with tourist during a township tour and consultation on township tourismwhich forms part of the research questions ofthe study. By applying the Social Exchange Theory (SET) in this study, the relationships between the variables that influence the residents perceived benefit and costs of township tourism in Mondesa are explored further in depth in combination with Pretty’s Typology of participation and Scheyne’s typology of community empowerment in tourism (Ap, 1992: 668; Mason, 2003:119; Sharpley and Telfer, 2002:152;Cooper, Fletcher, Gilbert & Wanhill, 1993:91).These variables are namely; social, economic, psychological, environmental, cultural, Manipulative, passive, educational and political factors. They form part of the conceptual framework of the study.This study followed a qualitative research approachandmultiple data sources were collected including semi-structured interviews with residents from Mondesa:these included residents involved in township tourism and those not involved in township tourism. To triangulate the data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives from tourism industry and government bodies related to townshiptourism. Data analysis was done through the facilitation of Atlas tiaqualitative data analysis software and deductive codes were established from the literature(variables from the conceptual framework)and themes were developed from the research questions.The findings indicate that residents who are not involved in township tourism arenot influenced by the benefit and cost equation of the social exchange theory (Andriotis, 2005:69). Therefore residents not involved in township tourism are positive about tourism irrespective of whether they benefit directly from financial gain through tourism. The findingsfurtheremphasis oncommunity benefitsfrom township tourism being as important, than individual benefits. This study also provides knowledge that meaningful interaction between tourist and residents has the ability to reduce the apartheid paradigm of racial division and discrimination, which was the basis of the formation of townships.Residents’ misconception about white people are changed due to their personal interaction and cultural exchange with white tourist during a township tour. Anothersignificant findings to emerge from this study is the ability for township tourism to transform the lives of residents living in townships through the intrinsic benefits derived from township tourism. Township tourism has the ability to contribute to positive human exchange through interaction between residents and tourists. By sharing a positive cultural exchange, strong relationships are built between the tourists and residents, which may provide long term sustainability of township tourism. The positive personal transformational effect on residents through interaction with tourists is contributing to residents’ socio-economic well-being. Therefore township tourism has the ability to quantitatively and qualitatively address the alleviationof poverty in townshipsand fostering understanding and mutual respect among peoples of the world.The studyconcluded with a framework of guidelines toaid key stakeholders in the development and planning of township tourism and encourages the practice of sustainable tourism in townships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Socio-ecological, contextual effects in Raven’s Colour Progressive Matrices scores: developing an index for guiding test selection and interpretation
- Authors: August, Justin Oswin
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Psychological testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50214 , vital:42071
- Description: With the changing landscape in South Africa to full democracy, increased research has been undertaken in the psychometric field on local and national normative studies regarding various assessment measures. Given that the Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) is purported to be culture-free and not heavily dependent on verbal and language skills; it has been extensively normed throughout the world for various population groups. While norms for normal populations of children have been developed in South Africa, these studies were based on race and gender predominantly and without taking into consideration the effects of socio-ecological factors on test performance. The research study aimed to understand the influence of socio-ecological factors on the expression of cognitive scores amongst a geographically diverse sample of South African learners. Through this study, research on the interplay between context and cognition was to be located within the Ecological Systems model of Bronfenbrenner. A secondary aim of the study was to develop an index that will guide test selection and interpretation of assessment results, taking into account the influence of socio-ecological factors and providing a conceptual framework for future test development. The study employed a quantitative methodology on a South African sample consisting of primary school children aged between the ages of 6 years to 11 years. The sample was drawn from schools in the Port Elizabeth area in South Africa that were classified into low, medium, and high opportunity, based on context. The results indicated that the type of school had a significant impact on test performance, suggesting that contextual factors were influential in this process. The item analysis conducted further indicated that learners from a low opportunity school performed significantly lower than the other two schools in the sample. The index development provides a foundation for further research that would enhance the interpretation of test results. In the South African context, this is considered important, given our political history and our diversity where a “one size fits all” approach is not possible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: August, Justin Oswin
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Psychological testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50214 , vital:42071
- Description: With the changing landscape in South Africa to full democracy, increased research has been undertaken in the psychometric field on local and national normative studies regarding various assessment measures. Given that the Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) is purported to be culture-free and not heavily dependent on verbal and language skills; it has been extensively normed throughout the world for various population groups. While norms for normal populations of children have been developed in South Africa, these studies were based on race and gender predominantly and without taking into consideration the effects of socio-ecological factors on test performance. The research study aimed to understand the influence of socio-ecological factors on the expression of cognitive scores amongst a geographically diverse sample of South African learners. Through this study, research on the interplay between context and cognition was to be located within the Ecological Systems model of Bronfenbrenner. A secondary aim of the study was to develop an index that will guide test selection and interpretation of assessment results, taking into account the influence of socio-ecological factors and providing a conceptual framework for future test development. The study employed a quantitative methodology on a South African sample consisting of primary school children aged between the ages of 6 years to 11 years. The sample was drawn from schools in the Port Elizabeth area in South Africa that were classified into low, medium, and high opportunity, based on context. The results indicated that the type of school had a significant impact on test performance, suggesting that contextual factors were influential in this process. The item analysis conducted further indicated that learners from a low opportunity school performed significantly lower than the other two schools in the sample. The index development provides a foundation for further research that would enhance the interpretation of test results. In the South African context, this is considered important, given our political history and our diversity where a “one size fits all” approach is not possible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An investigation ofthe effectiveness of using analogies to develop a robust understanding of direct current (DC) electric circuits in first-year university students
- Authors: Bacela, Mpathi Collin
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Physics -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42443 , vital:36657
- Description: The effectiveness of using a teaching strategy, based on analogies for direct current electric circuits, to attempt to address first-year underprepared university students was investigated. The study consisted of 53 participants drawn from the Faculty of Health Sciences at Nelson Mandela University. A quantitative research design was adopted using the “Determining and Interpreting Resistive Electric Circuits Concepts Test” (DIRECT) version 1.2 as a research instrument. The DIRECT is a 29-item multiple-choice test with only one correct answer in each question. The DIRECT was modified to further probe students’ confidence levels in their answers. The instrument served as a pre-test prior to the start of the formal lessons on direct current electric circuits. At the end of a five-week treatment period, the same instrument was administered to all participants as a post-test. The statistical analysis and interpretation of the preand post-test data were conducted using Software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 and STATISTICA version 12. In answering the main research question (How can a misconception-based module, using analogies,positively influence(or not)academically under-prepared first-year non-major Physics students’ conceptual understanding of direct current(DC)electricalcircuits?)and sub-questions thereof, the students’ mean scores between the pre-and posttest were calculate and compared using t-test at a significant level of 0.05. The results revealed a statistically significant difference between the preand post-test mean scores. The pre-test mean score was 22.24 with a standard deviation of 8.07. The post-test mean score was 38.68 with a standard deviation of 13.93. The mean score difference between the post-test and pre-test was 16.44 with a standard deviation of 13.82 at p-value less than 0.05. The results from the pre-test suggest that students held very strong alternative conceptions on direct current electric circuits. The post-test results also revealed that some alternative conceptions were still held onto after the intervention. There wasno statistical significant difference found between the students’ correct answers and their confidence levels. The quantitative analysis of the results suggested that there is a positive change between the post-testmean score and pre-test mean score and this change is statistically significant (p < 0.05). The results showed sufficient evidence to conclude that analogies-based teaching strategy was a vieffective means of reducing the number of alternative conceptions the students held about direct current electric circuits. The study recommended the need to ascertain out what the students felt about the improvement of their understanding of direct current electric circuits concepts. The study suggested a qualitative research methodology as an area for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Bacela, Mpathi Collin
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Physics -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42443 , vital:36657
- Description: The effectiveness of using a teaching strategy, based on analogies for direct current electric circuits, to attempt to address first-year underprepared university students was investigated. The study consisted of 53 participants drawn from the Faculty of Health Sciences at Nelson Mandela University. A quantitative research design was adopted using the “Determining and Interpreting Resistive Electric Circuits Concepts Test” (DIRECT) version 1.2 as a research instrument. The DIRECT is a 29-item multiple-choice test with only one correct answer in each question. The DIRECT was modified to further probe students’ confidence levels in their answers. The instrument served as a pre-test prior to the start of the formal lessons on direct current electric circuits. At the end of a five-week treatment period, the same instrument was administered to all participants as a post-test. The statistical analysis and interpretation of the preand post-test data were conducted using Software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 and STATISTICA version 12. In answering the main research question (How can a misconception-based module, using analogies,positively influence(or not)academically under-prepared first-year non-major Physics students’ conceptual understanding of direct current(DC)electricalcircuits?)and sub-questions thereof, the students’ mean scores between the pre-and posttest were calculate and compared using t-test at a significant level of 0.05. The results revealed a statistically significant difference between the preand post-test mean scores. The pre-test mean score was 22.24 with a standard deviation of 8.07. The post-test mean score was 38.68 with a standard deviation of 13.93. The mean score difference between the post-test and pre-test was 16.44 with a standard deviation of 13.82 at p-value less than 0.05. The results from the pre-test suggest that students held very strong alternative conceptions on direct current electric circuits. The post-test results also revealed that some alternative conceptions were still held onto after the intervention. There wasno statistical significant difference found between the students’ correct answers and their confidence levels. The quantitative analysis of the results suggested that there is a positive change between the post-testmean score and pre-test mean score and this change is statistically significant (p < 0.05). The results showed sufficient evidence to conclude that analogies-based teaching strategy was a vieffective means of reducing the number of alternative conceptions the students held about direct current electric circuits. The study recommended the need to ascertain out what the students felt about the improvement of their understanding of direct current electric circuits concepts. The study suggested a qualitative research methodology as an area for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A crowdsensing method for water resource monitoring in smart communities
- Authors: Banda, Clara Mloza
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Data collection platforms
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42449 , vital:36658
- Description: Crowdsensing aims to empower a large group of individuals to collect large amounts of data using their mobile devices, with the goal of sharing the collected data. Existing crowdsensing studies do not consider all the activities and methods of the crowdsensing process and the key success factors related to the process. Nor do they investigate the profile and behaviour of potential participants. The aim of this study was to design a crowdsensing method for water resource monitoring in smart communities. This study opted for an exploratory study using the Engaged Scholarship approach, which allows the study of complex real-world problems based on the different perspectives of key stakeholders. The proposed Crowdsensing Method considers the social, technical and programme design components. The study proposes a programme design for the Crowdsensing Methodwhich is crowdsensing ReferenceFrameworkthat includes Crowdsensing Processwith key success factors and guidelines that should be considered in each phase of the process. The method also uses the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to investigate citizens’intention to participate in crowdsensing for water resource monitoring and explores their attitudes, norms and perceived behavioural control on these intentions. Understanding the profiles of potential participants can assist with designing crowdsensing systems with appropriate incentive mechanisms to achieve adequate user participation and good service quality. A survey was conducted to validate the theoretical TB model in a real-world context. Regression and correlation analyses demonstrated that the attitudes, norms and perceived behavioural control can be used to predict participants’ intention to participate in crowdsensing for water resource monitoring. The survey results assisted with the development of an Incentive Mechanism as part of the Crowdsensing Method. This mechanism incorporates recruitment and incentive policies, as well as guidelines derived from the literature review and extant system analysis. The policies, called the OverSensepolicies, provide guidance for recruitment and rewarding of participants using the popular Stackelberg technique. The policies were evaluated using simulation experiments with a data set provided by the case study, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The results of the simulation experiments illustrated that the OverSenserecruitmentpolicycan reduce the computing resources required for the recruitment of participants and that the recruitment policy performs better than random or naïve recruitment policies. The proposed Crowdsensing Method was evaluated using an ecosystem of success factors for mobile-based interventions identified in the literature and the Crowdsensing Method adhered to a majority (90%) of the success factors. This study also contributes information systems design theory by proposing several sets of guidelines for crowdsensing projects and the development of crowdsensing systems. This study fulfils an identified need to study the applicability of crowdsensing for water resource monitoring and explores how a crowdsensing method can create a smart community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Banda, Clara Mloza
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Data collection platforms
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42449 , vital:36658
- Description: Crowdsensing aims to empower a large group of individuals to collect large amounts of data using their mobile devices, with the goal of sharing the collected data. Existing crowdsensing studies do not consider all the activities and methods of the crowdsensing process and the key success factors related to the process. Nor do they investigate the profile and behaviour of potential participants. The aim of this study was to design a crowdsensing method for water resource monitoring in smart communities. This study opted for an exploratory study using the Engaged Scholarship approach, which allows the study of complex real-world problems based on the different perspectives of key stakeholders. The proposed Crowdsensing Method considers the social, technical and programme design components. The study proposes a programme design for the Crowdsensing Methodwhich is crowdsensing ReferenceFrameworkthat includes Crowdsensing Processwith key success factors and guidelines that should be considered in each phase of the process. The method also uses the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to investigate citizens’intention to participate in crowdsensing for water resource monitoring and explores their attitudes, norms and perceived behavioural control on these intentions. Understanding the profiles of potential participants can assist with designing crowdsensing systems with appropriate incentive mechanisms to achieve adequate user participation and good service quality. A survey was conducted to validate the theoretical TB model in a real-world context. Regression and correlation analyses demonstrated that the attitudes, norms and perceived behavioural control can be used to predict participants’ intention to participate in crowdsensing for water resource monitoring. The survey results assisted with the development of an Incentive Mechanism as part of the Crowdsensing Method. This mechanism incorporates recruitment and incentive policies, as well as guidelines derived from the literature review and extant system analysis. The policies, called the OverSensepolicies, provide guidance for recruitment and rewarding of participants using the popular Stackelberg technique. The policies were evaluated using simulation experiments with a data set provided by the case study, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The results of the simulation experiments illustrated that the OverSenserecruitmentpolicycan reduce the computing resources required for the recruitment of participants and that the recruitment policy performs better than random or naïve recruitment policies. The proposed Crowdsensing Method was evaluated using an ecosystem of success factors for mobile-based interventions identified in the literature and the Crowdsensing Method adhered to a majority (90%) of the success factors. This study also contributes information systems design theory by proposing several sets of guidelines for crowdsensing projects and the development of crowdsensing systems. This study fulfils an identified need to study the applicability of crowdsensing for water resource monitoring and explores how a crowdsensing method can create a smart community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The use of image processing to determine cell defects in polycrystalline solar modules
- Authors: Banda, Peter
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Polycrystals
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36573 , vital:33996
- Description: This research aims to use image processingtodetermine cell defects in polycrystalline solar modules. Image processing is a process of enhancing images for differentapplications. One domain that seems to not yet utilise the use of image processing, is photovoltaics. An increased use of fossil fuels is damaging the earth and a call to protect the earth has resulted in the emergence of pollutant-free technologies such as polycrystalline photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are connected to make up solar modules. However, defects often affect the performance of PV cells and consequently solar modules. Electroluminescence (EL) images are used to examine polycrystalline solar (PV) modules to determine if the modules are defective. The main research question that this research addressed is“How can an image processing technique be used to effectively identify defective polycrystalline PV cells from EL images of such cells?“. The experimental research methodology was used to address the main research question. The initial investigation into the problem revealed that certain sectors within industry, as well as the Physics Department at Nelson Mandela University(NMU), do not currently utiliseimage processing when examining EL images of solar modules. The current process is a tedious, manual process whereby solar modules are manually inspected. An analysis of the current processes enabled the identification of ways in which to automatically examine EL images of solar modules. An analysis of literatureprovided a better understanding of the different techniques that are used to examine solar modules, and it was identified how image processing can be applied to EL images. Further analysis of literatureprovided a better understanding of image processing and how image classification experiments using Deep Learning (DL) as an image processing technique can be used to address the main research question. The outcome of the experiments conducted in this research weredifferentadaptive models(LeNet, MobileNet, Xception)that can classify EL images of PV cellsaccording to known standardsused by the Physics Department at NMU. The known standards yielded four classes; normal, uncritical, critical and very critical, which were used for the classification of EL images of PV cells. The adaptive models were evaluated to obtain the precision, recall and F1–scoreof the models.The precession, recall, and F1–score were required to determine how effective the models were in identifying defective PV cells from EL images.The results indicated that an image processing technique canbe used to identify defective polycrystalline PV cells from EL images of such cells. However, further research needs to be conducted to improve the effectiveness of the adaptive models.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Banda, Peter
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Polycrystals
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36573 , vital:33996
- Description: This research aims to use image processingtodetermine cell defects in polycrystalline solar modules. Image processing is a process of enhancing images for differentapplications. One domain that seems to not yet utilise the use of image processing, is photovoltaics. An increased use of fossil fuels is damaging the earth and a call to protect the earth has resulted in the emergence of pollutant-free technologies such as polycrystalline photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are connected to make up solar modules. However, defects often affect the performance of PV cells and consequently solar modules. Electroluminescence (EL) images are used to examine polycrystalline solar (PV) modules to determine if the modules are defective. The main research question that this research addressed is“How can an image processing technique be used to effectively identify defective polycrystalline PV cells from EL images of such cells?“. The experimental research methodology was used to address the main research question. The initial investigation into the problem revealed that certain sectors within industry, as well as the Physics Department at Nelson Mandela University(NMU), do not currently utiliseimage processing when examining EL images of solar modules. The current process is a tedious, manual process whereby solar modules are manually inspected. An analysis of the current processes enabled the identification of ways in which to automatically examine EL images of solar modules. An analysis of literatureprovided a better understanding of the different techniques that are used to examine solar modules, and it was identified how image processing can be applied to EL images. Further analysis of literatureprovided a better understanding of image processing and how image classification experiments using Deep Learning (DL) as an image processing technique can be used to address the main research question. The outcome of the experiments conducted in this research weredifferentadaptive models(LeNet, MobileNet, Xception)that can classify EL images of PV cellsaccording to known standardsused by the Physics Department at NMU. The known standards yielded four classes; normal, uncritical, critical and very critical, which were used for the classification of EL images of PV cells. The adaptive models were evaluated to obtain the precision, recall and F1–scoreof the models.The precession, recall, and F1–score were required to determine how effective the models were in identifying defective PV cells from EL images.The results indicated that an image processing technique canbe used to identify defective polycrystalline PV cells from EL images of such cells. However, further research needs to be conducted to improve the effectiveness of the adaptive models.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Student perceptions of online infidelity
- Authors: Bands, Luke
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Adultery , Online dating Sex -- Social aspects Sex -- Psychological aspects , College students -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42096 , vital:36625
- Description: There has been a large amount of research on infidelity and its effects on relationships. However, a new phenomenon, that of online infidelity, has emerged and with it comes some confusion as to what exactly constitutes an act of infidelity while exploring the limits of cyberspace. While some research has been done internationally on the perceptions of online infidelity, studies conducted in South Africa are lacking. The aim of the present study was to explore and describe student perceptions of online infidelity. Social Constructionism was used as the theoretical framework for the study. A qualitative approach was used and the study was exploratory and descriptive in design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, with the sample size of the study being twelve. Thematic analysis, as outlined by Braun and Clarke, was used in order to analyse the obtained data. Two main themes emerged, namely Defining Online Infidelity, and Reasons Surrounding Perceptions of Online Infidelity. The findings of the present study will provide a better understanding of perceptions of online infidelity within the South African context, and can be used for further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Bands, Luke
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Adultery , Online dating Sex -- Social aspects Sex -- Psychological aspects , College students -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42096 , vital:36625
- Description: There has been a large amount of research on infidelity and its effects on relationships. However, a new phenomenon, that of online infidelity, has emerged and with it comes some confusion as to what exactly constitutes an act of infidelity while exploring the limits of cyberspace. While some research has been done internationally on the perceptions of online infidelity, studies conducted in South Africa are lacking. The aim of the present study was to explore and describe student perceptions of online infidelity. Social Constructionism was used as the theoretical framework for the study. A qualitative approach was used and the study was exploratory and descriptive in design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, with the sample size of the study being twelve. Thematic analysis, as outlined by Braun and Clarke, was used in order to analyse the obtained data. Two main themes emerged, namely Defining Online Infidelity, and Reasons Surrounding Perceptions of Online Infidelity. The findings of the present study will provide a better understanding of perceptions of online infidelity within the South African context, and can be used for further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019