An evaluation of mentoring to develop a strategy for facilitating the objectives of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998)
- Authors: Berry, David Michael
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Mentoring in business , Employees -- Training of -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech (Human Resource Management)
- Identifier: vital:10858 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/127 , Mentoring in business , Employees -- Training of -- Evaluation
- Description: The research problem in this study was to identify what mentoring strategies organisations can use to facilitate the objectives of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998). To achieve this objective a nine-phase theoretical model for organisational mentoring was presented. The presentation of the theoretical model consisted of the following three sub-processes: -The first consisted of a survey of literature related to the development of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998) and the implications of the Act for organisations: The second comprised surveying the literature dealing specifically with the impact of mentoring programmes on career development, organisational success and career satisfaction, particularly in terms of employees from designated groups; The third surveyed the literature dealing with various mentoring strategies and models used by organisations for facilitating management development. The theoretical model served as a basis for drawing up a survey questionnaire to establish the extent to which individuals at different levels in the organisations agree with the theoretical model developed in the study. The survey questionnaire was sent to a random sample of individuals employed in the automobile industries of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality and the Buffalo City Metropole. The empirical results obtained from the survey indicated a strong concurrence with the theoretical organisational mentoring model presented in the study. These results were included in the theoretical model, leading to the development of an integrated model for organisational mentoring. From the survey literature and the study it became evident that if organisations plan to introduce mentoring strategies that will contribute towards facilitating their employment equity objectives, it is necessary to ensure that a transformational culture exists. Many South African organisations are currently experiencing problems in recruiting, training and retaining individuals from designated groups. The introduction of a mentoring programme based on the integrated model for organisational mentoring cannot be considered as the sole strategy for alleviating these problems and for facilitating management development to achieve the objectives of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998). However, when this programme is effectively managed and incorporated into the overall development programme of an organisation committed to transformation, the potential to ease these problems and achieve the objectives of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998) is greatly enhanced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Berry, David Michael
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Mentoring in business , Employees -- Training of -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech (Human Resource Management)
- Identifier: vital:10858 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/127 , Mentoring in business , Employees -- Training of -- Evaluation
- Description: The research problem in this study was to identify what mentoring strategies organisations can use to facilitate the objectives of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998). To achieve this objective a nine-phase theoretical model for organisational mentoring was presented. The presentation of the theoretical model consisted of the following three sub-processes: -The first consisted of a survey of literature related to the development of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998) and the implications of the Act for organisations: The second comprised surveying the literature dealing specifically with the impact of mentoring programmes on career development, organisational success and career satisfaction, particularly in terms of employees from designated groups; The third surveyed the literature dealing with various mentoring strategies and models used by organisations for facilitating management development. The theoretical model served as a basis for drawing up a survey questionnaire to establish the extent to which individuals at different levels in the organisations agree with the theoretical model developed in the study. The survey questionnaire was sent to a random sample of individuals employed in the automobile industries of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality and the Buffalo City Metropole. The empirical results obtained from the survey indicated a strong concurrence with the theoretical organisational mentoring model presented in the study. These results were included in the theoretical model, leading to the development of an integrated model for organisational mentoring. From the survey literature and the study it became evident that if organisations plan to introduce mentoring strategies that will contribute towards facilitating their employment equity objectives, it is necessary to ensure that a transformational culture exists. Many South African organisations are currently experiencing problems in recruiting, training and retaining individuals from designated groups. The introduction of a mentoring programme based on the integrated model for organisational mentoring cannot be considered as the sole strategy for alleviating these problems and for facilitating management development to achieve the objectives of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998). However, when this programme is effectively managed and incorporated into the overall development programme of an organisation committed to transformation, the potential to ease these problems and achieve the objectives of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998) is greatly enhanced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
To investigate the effect of a change in hard gelatin capsule supplier on a phenytoin sodium capsule formulation
- Authors: Marx, Amor
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Capsules (Pharmacy) , Phenytoin
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:10984 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/265 , Capsules (Pharmacy) , Phenytoin
- Description: Stability studies were undertaken at ambient (25ºC/60%RH) and accelerated conditions (40ºC/75%RH) to determine the effect of changing of hard gelatin capsule supplier on a phenytoin sodium (100 mg) capsule formulation. Three hard gelatin capsule suppliers: RP Scherer (Supplier A), Capsugel (supplier B) and Associated Caps (Supplier C) were used in the study. Capsules were analyzed just after filling of the capsules (T0), after 1 month (T1), after 2 months (T2) and after 3 months (T3) after being stored in securitainers under the above-mentioned conditions. The moisture content of the empty shells as well as the capsule contents were analysed at each time-point. The capsule disintegration time was recorded at each time point. Multi-point dissolution testing was performed at each time point to determine the release of the active substance in each case. Based on the achieved results, the best capsule shell supplier was recommended, and other suggestions were made to improve the capsule formulation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Marx, Amor
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Capsules (Pharmacy) , Phenytoin
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:10984 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/265 , Capsules (Pharmacy) , Phenytoin
- Description: Stability studies were undertaken at ambient (25ºC/60%RH) and accelerated conditions (40ºC/75%RH) to determine the effect of changing of hard gelatin capsule supplier on a phenytoin sodium (100 mg) capsule formulation. Three hard gelatin capsule suppliers: RP Scherer (Supplier A), Capsugel (supplier B) and Associated Caps (Supplier C) were used in the study. Capsules were analyzed just after filling of the capsules (T0), after 1 month (T1), after 2 months (T2) and after 3 months (T3) after being stored in securitainers under the above-mentioned conditions. The moisture content of the empty shells as well as the capsule contents were analysed at each time-point. The capsule disintegration time was recorded at each time point. Multi-point dissolution testing was performed at each time point to determine the release of the active substance in each case. Based on the achieved results, the best capsule shell supplier was recommended, and other suggestions were made to improve the capsule formulation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The determination of a strategy for the implementation of learnerships in the catalytic converter canning industry in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Heather, Keith Buxmann
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Automobiles -- Catalytic converters , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Apprenticeship programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10851 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/117 , Automobiles -- Catalytic converters , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Apprenticeship programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Eastern Cape Region, once had sufficient job seekers with automotive component manufacturing skills and experience. Indications are that this pool has been desiccated. The draining of skills out of the area is starting to affect growth potential and competitiveness in the industry in the area. In 1998, the Skills Development Act was passed to implement the National Skills Development Plan, and to encourage employers to train personnel. The strategy promotes a three faceted approach to encourage the development of skills; Workplace Skills Development Plans, Learnerships and Sector Specific Initiatives. This study will focus on the implementation of learnerships in the Catalytic Converter Canning Industry. The aim of this research is to verify the skills shortages; identify which skills are required by the Catalytic Converter Canning Industry in the Eastern Cape and propose a strategy of addressing these needs by means of learnerships. By studying the Legislation supporting the National Skills Development Plan, conducting a literature study, and interviewing knowledgeable people in the industry, the skills requirements of the industry were identified. Thereafter, a questionnaire was drawn up and completed together with representatives from Eberspächer South Africa, Faurecia Exhaust Systems South Africa, Precision Exhaust Systems and Tenneco Automotive South Africa, the active manufacturers of catalytic converters, for OEM’s worldwide, who are based in the Eastern Cape Region. The empirical study confirmed the findings of the research and skills deficiencies were identified. In conclusion, a strategy is proposed whereby the Catalytic Converter Canning Industry could address the skills shortage by the implementation and development of learnerships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Heather, Keith Buxmann
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Automobiles -- Catalytic converters , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Apprenticeship programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10851 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/117 , Automobiles -- Catalytic converters , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Apprenticeship programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Eastern Cape Region, once had sufficient job seekers with automotive component manufacturing skills and experience. Indications are that this pool has been desiccated. The draining of skills out of the area is starting to affect growth potential and competitiveness in the industry in the area. In 1998, the Skills Development Act was passed to implement the National Skills Development Plan, and to encourage employers to train personnel. The strategy promotes a three faceted approach to encourage the development of skills; Workplace Skills Development Plans, Learnerships and Sector Specific Initiatives. This study will focus on the implementation of learnerships in the Catalytic Converter Canning Industry. The aim of this research is to verify the skills shortages; identify which skills are required by the Catalytic Converter Canning Industry in the Eastern Cape and propose a strategy of addressing these needs by means of learnerships. By studying the Legislation supporting the National Skills Development Plan, conducting a literature study, and interviewing knowledgeable people in the industry, the skills requirements of the industry were identified. Thereafter, a questionnaire was drawn up and completed together with representatives from Eberspächer South Africa, Faurecia Exhaust Systems South Africa, Precision Exhaust Systems and Tenneco Automotive South Africa, the active manufacturers of catalytic converters, for OEM’s worldwide, who are based in the Eastern Cape Region. The empirical study confirmed the findings of the research and skills deficiencies were identified. In conclusion, a strategy is proposed whereby the Catalytic Converter Canning Industry could address the skills shortage by the implementation and development of learnerships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
Design and development of a remote reconfigurable internet embedded I/O controller
- Authors: Phillips, Grant
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Embedded computer systems -- Design and construction , Computer input-output equipment , Programmable controllers , Electronic controllers -- Design and construction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Electrical Engineering)
- Identifier: vital:10817 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/116 , Embedded computer systems -- Design and construction , Computer input-output equipment , Programmable controllers , Electronic controllers -- Design and construction
- Description: The use of embedded Internet systems is growing rapidly in the manufacturing sector. These systems allow the monitoring and controlling of plant machinery and manufactured items from a remote location via a standard Web interface. In a manufacturing environment, it is inevitable that long running processes will require support for dynamic reconfiguration because, for example, machines may fail, services may be moved or withdrawn and user requirements may change. In such an environment it is essential that the operation and architecture of such processes can be modified to reflect such changes. This research project will present methods and ideas for establishing a reconfigurable remote system by using standard 8-bit microcontrollers and reconfigurable hardware. It will allow a manufacturing process to be modified and changed within minutes without even having to be physically present at the location where the process is running.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Phillips, Grant
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Embedded computer systems -- Design and construction , Computer input-output equipment , Programmable controllers , Electronic controllers -- Design and construction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Electrical Engineering)
- Identifier: vital:10817 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/116 , Embedded computer systems -- Design and construction , Computer input-output equipment , Programmable controllers , Electronic controllers -- Design and construction
- Description: The use of embedded Internet systems is growing rapidly in the manufacturing sector. These systems allow the monitoring and controlling of plant machinery and manufactured items from a remote location via a standard Web interface. In a manufacturing environment, it is inevitable that long running processes will require support for dynamic reconfiguration because, for example, machines may fail, services may be moved or withdrawn and user requirements may change. In such an environment it is essential that the operation and architecture of such processes can be modified to reflect such changes. This research project will present methods and ideas for establishing a reconfigurable remote system by using standard 8-bit microcontrollers and reconfigurable hardware. It will allow a manufacturing process to be modified and changed within minutes without even having to be physically present at the location where the process is running.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
Using value stream mapping to identify waste in the manufacturing of automotive components at Federal Mogul
- Authors: Fry, Peter-John
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Industrial efficiency , Production planning , Value added , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10865 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/271 , Industrial efficiency , Production planning , Value added , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This research addresses the application of Value Stream Mapping in the automotive component industry. The goal of this research is to investigate how Value Stream Mapping can identify waste, and to evaluate its benefits on a specific application instance. Value Stream Mapping is used to first map the current state and then used to identify sources of waste and to identify lean tools to try eliminate this waste. The future state map is then developed with lean tools applied to it. A South African company, Federal Mogul South Africa (FMSA), has experienced the impact of globalisation and the need to become globally competitive first hand. FMSA will be used as a case study to illustrate the impact of using Value Stream Mapping as a tool for identify waste and the need for improving the performance of a company’s value stream in achieving the international goals set for the company and its supply chain.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Fry, Peter-John
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Industrial efficiency , Production planning , Value added , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10865 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/271 , Industrial efficiency , Production planning , Value added , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This research addresses the application of Value Stream Mapping in the automotive component industry. The goal of this research is to investigate how Value Stream Mapping can identify waste, and to evaluate its benefits on a specific application instance. Value Stream Mapping is used to first map the current state and then used to identify sources of waste and to identify lean tools to try eliminate this waste. The future state map is then developed with lean tools applied to it. A South African company, Federal Mogul South Africa (FMSA), has experienced the impact of globalisation and the need to become globally competitive first hand. FMSA will be used as a case study to illustrate the impact of using Value Stream Mapping as a tool for identify waste and the need for improving the performance of a company’s value stream in achieving the international goals set for the company and its supply chain.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
An analysis of strategies driving, and the successes achieved after the conversion of agricultural co-operatives to alternative business forms in South Africa
- Authors: Neser, Marius
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10921 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/146 , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa
- Description: During the period 1994 to 2004, the Registrar of Co-operatives, situated in Pretoria (South Africa), considered applications and subsequently de-registered 102 agricultural and non-agricultural South African co-operatives, which then converted to alternative business forms. This research was conducted to determine the strategies driving co-operatives to convert to alternative business forms in South Africa, and to evaluate the level of success achieved in a specific case. During the research, the changing legislation relating to co-operatives was identified as one of the main drivers to convert, although during pilot testing, the respondents submitted capital forming or growth restrictions as main drivers for conversions. The main concerns about the impact of changing legislation were about voting rights changing to a one-person-one-vote, which, according to the respondents, could affect control within the co-operative. Financial ratio analysis to determine liquidity, debt management and profitability of a specific converted case was conducted by disseminating and processing data by means of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. In the selected case the conversion did not guarantee success, and the financial figures showed that a conversion did not have immediate impact, although the last three years of the 10-year period analysed showed signs of a positive growth on the return on total assets (ROA). External influences, especially legislation in the broad sense, and specifically regarding Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE), Employment Equity and Labour practise may have serious impact on the choice of business form the prospective entrepreneur decides upon, or the existing enterprise bases its decisions on as to its future business form.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Neser, Marius
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10921 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/146 , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa
- Description: During the period 1994 to 2004, the Registrar of Co-operatives, situated in Pretoria (South Africa), considered applications and subsequently de-registered 102 agricultural and non-agricultural South African co-operatives, which then converted to alternative business forms. This research was conducted to determine the strategies driving co-operatives to convert to alternative business forms in South Africa, and to evaluate the level of success achieved in a specific case. During the research, the changing legislation relating to co-operatives was identified as one of the main drivers to convert, although during pilot testing, the respondents submitted capital forming or growth restrictions as main drivers for conversions. The main concerns about the impact of changing legislation were about voting rights changing to a one-person-one-vote, which, according to the respondents, could affect control within the co-operative. Financial ratio analysis to determine liquidity, debt management and profitability of a specific converted case was conducted by disseminating and processing data by means of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. In the selected case the conversion did not guarantee success, and the financial figures showed that a conversion did not have immediate impact, although the last three years of the 10-year period analysed showed signs of a positive growth on the return on total assets (ROA). External influences, especially legislation in the broad sense, and specifically regarding Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE), Employment Equity and Labour practise may have serious impact on the choice of business form the prospective entrepreneur decides upon, or the existing enterprise bases its decisions on as to its future business form.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Motopomo: the historical-theoretical background to contemporary graphic design practices
- Authors: Economou, Inge
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Graphic arts , Graphic arts -- 20th century , Modernism (Art)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10764 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/179 , Graphic arts , Graphic arts -- 20th century , Modernism (Art)
- Description: This study proposes to illustrate that the twentieth century passage from modernity to postmodernity, with its induction of socio-cultural development and attitudinal change, exists as a fundamental means of informing the character of contemporary graphic design practice1. Today, in contrast to the intentions of this study, many appraisals of graphic design work would seem to place too much emphasis on the analyses and evaluation of the stylistic character of creative practices and not enough on the theoretical, historical and attitudinal issues surrounding them. As such, this study attempts to reveal the meaning and moreover the relevance of philosophical, social, cultural and critical theory for contemporary, postmodern graphic design practices. This is done in order to provide graphic designers with a reflective awareness of the structure of the cultural context within which they work, and takes into account twentieth century cultural theory and twentieth century, western graphic design practice, within the framework of the passage from modernity to postmodernity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Economou, Inge
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Graphic arts , Graphic arts -- 20th century , Modernism (Art)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10764 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/179 , Graphic arts , Graphic arts -- 20th century , Modernism (Art)
- Description: This study proposes to illustrate that the twentieth century passage from modernity to postmodernity, with its induction of socio-cultural development and attitudinal change, exists as a fundamental means of informing the character of contemporary graphic design practice1. Today, in contrast to the intentions of this study, many appraisals of graphic design work would seem to place too much emphasis on the analyses and evaluation of the stylistic character of creative practices and not enough on the theoretical, historical and attitudinal issues surrounding them. As such, this study attempts to reveal the meaning and moreover the relevance of philosophical, social, cultural and critical theory for contemporary, postmodern graphic design practices. This is done in order to provide graphic designers with a reflective awareness of the structure of the cultural context within which they work, and takes into account twentieth century cultural theory and twentieth century, western graphic design practice, within the framework of the passage from modernity to postmodernity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Towards an extended enterprise through e-Business integration
- Authors: Mostert, Nicolette
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Enterprise application integration (Computer systems) , Electronic commerce , Business enterprises -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Information Technology)
- Identifier: vital:10803 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/268 , Enterprise application integration (Computer systems) , Electronic commerce , Business enterprises -- Data processing
- Description: The focus of this project will be on introducing the concept of an extended enterprise to business leaders, subsequently presenting e- Business Integration and the supporting role that it can play in the establishment of an extended enterprise. Various literature sources will be consolidated to describe the integration approaches and supporting integration technologies and standards that can be employed in establishing integrated communication between the members of the extended enterprise. Finally, a phased approach will be proposed that can be employed in supporting the establishment of an extended enterprise through e-Business Integration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Mostert, Nicolette
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Enterprise application integration (Computer systems) , Electronic commerce , Business enterprises -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Information Technology)
- Identifier: vital:10803 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/268 , Enterprise application integration (Computer systems) , Electronic commerce , Business enterprises -- Data processing
- Description: The focus of this project will be on introducing the concept of an extended enterprise to business leaders, subsequently presenting e- Business Integration and the supporting role that it can play in the establishment of an extended enterprise. Various literature sources will be consolidated to describe the integration approaches and supporting integration technologies and standards that can be employed in establishing integrated communication between the members of the extended enterprise. Finally, a phased approach will be proposed that can be employed in supporting the establishment of an extended enterprise through e-Business Integration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Application of Pascale's constructive 'conflict paradigm' to consider transformation efforts at a selected bank with particular attention to the ATM devision
- Authors: Coetzer, Gary
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Organizational change , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10843 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39 , Organizational change , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Description: In applying Pascale’s (1990) constructive ‘conflict paradigm’ to consider transformation efforts at a selected bank, this study argues that transformation could be sustained if the organisation were to self-reflect on the paradoxes that are generated when constructive conflict is encouraged. Underlying this supposition is the notion of “disequilibrium” which supports creative tension within organisations and prompts inquiry and dialogue, leading to the new. Sustaining disequilibrium allows an organisation to develop the “requisite internal variety” in order to meet the challenges in its environment. Key to encouraging this form of organisational resilience to its environment is the nature of the organisation’s culture or context. Johnson’s (1998) “cultural web” is used to analyse the culture of the selected bank and “re-map” the culture in line with the bank’s transformation strategies. Pascale’s seven domains of contention are applied with particular emphasis on the ATM division in order to develop a profile of conflict in the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Coetzer, Gary
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Organizational change , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10843 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39 , Organizational change , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Description: In applying Pascale’s (1990) constructive ‘conflict paradigm’ to consider transformation efforts at a selected bank, this study argues that transformation could be sustained if the organisation were to self-reflect on the paradoxes that are generated when constructive conflict is encouraged. Underlying this supposition is the notion of “disequilibrium” which supports creative tension within organisations and prompts inquiry and dialogue, leading to the new. Sustaining disequilibrium allows an organisation to develop the “requisite internal variety” in order to meet the challenges in its environment. Key to encouraging this form of organisational resilience to its environment is the nature of the organisation’s culture or context. Johnson’s (1998) “cultural web” is used to analyse the culture of the selected bank and “re-map” the culture in line with the bank’s transformation strategies. Pascale’s seven domains of contention are applied with particular emphasis on the ATM division in order to develop a profile of conflict in the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Improving job performance by using non-monetary reward systems to motivate low-skilled workers in the automotive component industry
- Authors: Taljaard, Jacob Johannes
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Employee motivation -- South Africa , Performance awards
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10910 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/131 , Employee motivation -- South Africa , Performance awards
- Description: Automotive component manufacturing companies where the labour is low skilled and the processes are labour intensive, are being challenged on a more regular basis to find methods to satisfy needs to motivate employees to improve performance. Automotive companies are becoming more under pressure to motivate employees through non-monetary rewards, due to collective bargaining which has made pay for performance very inflexible. It is because of this fact that employers have to assess non-monetary reward methods to motivate employees to improve performance. To be motivators, rewards must be aligned with the needs of people and the things that they value. If these rewards are aligned with employees needs, this could lead to increase in employee motivation, which will in turn lead to improvement in performance, and therefore lead to companies becoming more competitive. This research paper aims to assess what would be the motivators when establishing a non-monetary reward system. To this end the various motivational theories are presented which clearly identifies what needs people have and how they can be satisfied to change behaviour and therefore improve performance. Secondly, reward systems are discussed with various types of rewards being considered and more specifically non-monetary rewards. Applied research was undertaken to determine non-monetary rewards that will motivate low-skilled employees to improve performance. A survey, with the aid of a structured questionnaire, was used to gain information from 60 employees. The research was conducted in three companies that manufacture components for the auto industry. The majority of the respondents indicated that: 1. basic needs must be satisfied with monetary rewards; 2. non-monetary rewards, if linked to higher hierarchical needs, will then motivate employees; 3. non-monetary rewards should preferably be of a physical nature such as certificates, caps and t-shirts; 4. satisfaction of these higher level needs motivate employees and improve their performance; 5. employees prefer feedback and recognition as a non-monetary reward on a regular basis, and 6. the needs of employees should be identified through a survey to establish which rewards will satisfy these needs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Taljaard, Jacob Johannes
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Employee motivation -- South Africa , Performance awards
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10910 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/131 , Employee motivation -- South Africa , Performance awards
- Description: Automotive component manufacturing companies where the labour is low skilled and the processes are labour intensive, are being challenged on a more regular basis to find methods to satisfy needs to motivate employees to improve performance. Automotive companies are becoming more under pressure to motivate employees through non-monetary rewards, due to collective bargaining which has made pay for performance very inflexible. It is because of this fact that employers have to assess non-monetary reward methods to motivate employees to improve performance. To be motivators, rewards must be aligned with the needs of people and the things that they value. If these rewards are aligned with employees needs, this could lead to increase in employee motivation, which will in turn lead to improvement in performance, and therefore lead to companies becoming more competitive. This research paper aims to assess what would be the motivators when establishing a non-monetary reward system. To this end the various motivational theories are presented which clearly identifies what needs people have and how they can be satisfied to change behaviour and therefore improve performance. Secondly, reward systems are discussed with various types of rewards being considered and more specifically non-monetary rewards. Applied research was undertaken to determine non-monetary rewards that will motivate low-skilled employees to improve performance. A survey, with the aid of a structured questionnaire, was used to gain information from 60 employees. The research was conducted in three companies that manufacture components for the auto industry. The majority of the respondents indicated that: 1. basic needs must be satisfied with monetary rewards; 2. non-monetary rewards, if linked to higher hierarchical needs, will then motivate employees; 3. non-monetary rewards should preferably be of a physical nature such as certificates, caps and t-shirts; 4. satisfaction of these higher level needs motivate employees and improve their performance; 5. employees prefer feedback and recognition as a non-monetary reward on a regular basis, and 6. the needs of employees should be identified through a survey to establish which rewards will satisfy these needs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
Handheld infrared CO2 gas detector
- Authors: Coetzee, George
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Gas-detectors , Infrared detectors , Water quality -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10807 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/28 , Gas-detectors , Infrared detectors , Water quality -- Measurement
- Description: A handheld InfraRed (IR) Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas detector was developed and used to carry out a study of water and urine samples in South Africa. The details of the model and the results of the study are discussed here. The overseas markets are not geared for the current South African conditions. Use is made of components that can be obtained locally. Imported components are very expensive and should an imported model be damaged, it has to be returned overseas to be repaired. As an illustration of this technology it was decided to perform research in water technology and then develope a handheld Infrared CO2 gas detector based prototype which would: highlight the benefits of using handheld IR CO2 gas detectors; be built locally; be powered by a 12 Volt supply; be very easy to maintain; and be cost effective. Experimental results on the accuracy and stability of the instrument formed part of this study. The IR CO2 Gas detector that was developed was used throughout the project as a prototype and testing vehicle for numerous designs. It proved to be superior to the current imported commercial instruments in terms of size, cost effectiveness and user friendliness. A further advantage of the instrument is its robustness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Coetzee, George
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Gas-detectors , Infrared detectors , Water quality -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10807 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/28 , Gas-detectors , Infrared detectors , Water quality -- Measurement
- Description: A handheld InfraRed (IR) Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas detector was developed and used to carry out a study of water and urine samples in South Africa. The details of the model and the results of the study are discussed here. The overseas markets are not geared for the current South African conditions. Use is made of components that can be obtained locally. Imported components are very expensive and should an imported model be damaged, it has to be returned overseas to be repaired. As an illustration of this technology it was decided to perform research in water technology and then develope a handheld Infrared CO2 gas detector based prototype which would: highlight the benefits of using handheld IR CO2 gas detectors; be built locally; be powered by a 12 Volt supply; be very easy to maintain; and be cost effective. Experimental results on the accuracy and stability of the instrument formed part of this study. The IR CO2 Gas detector that was developed was used throughout the project as a prototype and testing vehicle for numerous designs. It proved to be superior to the current imported commercial instruments in terms of size, cost effectiveness and user friendliness. A further advantage of the instrument is its robustness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Modelling the broiler performance under small-scales and semi commercial management condition
- Authors: Prince, Siliga Hulisani
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Agricultural Management)
- Identifier: vital:10963 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/110 , Broilers (Chickens)
- Description: Introduction : World poultry meat consumption consists of three major segments: broilers, turkeys, and other poultry which includes spent egg layers, spent breeder hens/males, ducks, geese, guinea-fowl, pheasants, quail, ratites, ostriches and emus. Broilers clearly dominate the world poultry consumption contributing about 70 percent to the world poultry market. Turkeys account for about eight percent while other poultry provides the balance of 22 percent (Roenick, 1998). The world broiler industry has been, and continues to be a very dynamic industry. It has been typified with unprecedented growth in terms of production. In 1961, the world produced 6.5 billion broilers. By 1990, the total annual production was a little over 27 billion broilers and by 1996, total world production had grown to 35.3 billion (Van der Sluis., 1999). This represents a fivefold increase in 35 years, and it has not stopped growing since, with world production surpassed 38 billion in 1998 (Van der Sluis., 1999). In Africa the human population was estimated to be 819.9 million, while the total poultry population of the continent was estimated as 1.133 million chickens, 15 million ducks and seven million turkeys in 1998. Production scale being 1.781701 metric tones (MT) of hen eggs, 2.269000 MT of chickens’ meat, 32.824MT of turkey meat and 52.989MT of duck meat (Gueye, 2000). Commercial poultry products are also imported and exported. For example, 12.000 metric tons of poultry meat was estimated to have been exported from South Africa in 1999, whereas 87.000 and 10.000 metric tons of poultry meat was imported into South Africa and Egypt, respectively (Gueye, 2000). In South Africa poultry production is moving toward the 21st century with the potential for increased development being greater than any other sector of the agricultural industry. The small-scale to medium-scale or semi-commercial farmer is becoming a role-player that needs to be serviced by the poultry industry (Fourie, 2000). The industry will have to take up the challenges that are facing an entrepreneur starting with a poultry venture. The poultry industry has developed from a humble beginning at the turn of the century into a multi-million Rand enterprise where protein is provided through the commercial and small marketing sector (Fourie, 2000). Some of the larger commercial companies market three million birds per week. It is estimated that the commercial company sector is responsible for 75 to 85 percent of production and marketing of white meat in this country whereas the small-scale and medium-scale or semi commercial poultry production enterprises provide 20 to 25 percent of the white meat through the sales of slaughtered and live poultry sale to rural, peri-urban and urban settlements (Fourie., 2000). Small-scale and semi-commercial broiler production is developed by entrepreneurs who buy day-old chicks from the big commercial hatcheries, rear them to the age of five to eight weeks and sell them through a marketing network or small outlets. The small-scale consist of farmers who reared 100 t0 1000 chickens per batch and semi-commercial consist of farmers who reared 1000 to 5000 chickens per batch. These types of farmers acquire very little technical backup in terms of a training and services center where assistance is available every day of the week. The broiler industry requires birds that are of commercial crosses selected for their ability to grow very fast and produce a good quality carcass in the shortest time frame. The small farmers purchase broiler stock, as the day-old chicks from commercial hatcheries and reared them up to six to eight weeks before slaughtered or sold as live chickens. The selling of live chickens through a network outlets system is becoming an industry that is growing at a steady pace, as household food security is becoming important to communities (Fourie, 2000). The price of feed is the single most expensive item on the list of expenses of a farmer because of their financial constraints. The small-scale and semicommercial broiler farmer is faced with the problem of buying small quantities of feed at an inflated price. The problem can be alleviated by groups of small farmers joining co-operative and buying feeds in bulk from suppliers and redistributing to small farmers. The community co-operative can once again play a major role in the distribution of small amounts of feed to its member. The biggest challenge is to provide training with a “hands on” approach. It will be ideal to have a training center where small farmers can be trained in all aspects of poultry production. The training facility will have to operate as a fully operational poultry unit with no risks to bio-security of a commercial enterprise. Training will have to be provided in aspects like hatchery, housing, broilers and record management depending on the farmer’s needs. There is also a need for the research on broiler performance under small-scale and semi commercial farming. Research in this sector of poultry production should look in appropriate feeds, feeding, technology, genotype and performance of genotypes under the system. Emphasis in this study will be on growth patterns and performance of the Ross hybrids as a modern broiler under small-scale and semi commercial management condition. Aspect of the environment such as age, type of feeds and feeding methods, housing, seasons, lighting and genotype will be taken into consideration. The result of the study will provide a realistic database for mathematical modeling of production response and guideline for management planning in small-scale and semi-commercial management condition. Also this result will be important to broiler breeders, to determine the suitability of the modern broiler to small-scale and semi commercial management conditions. The objective of the study was to evaluate the mathematical model that could describe the performance of broilers under the small-scale and semi-commercial management conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Prince, Siliga Hulisani
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Agricultural Management)
- Identifier: vital:10963 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/110 , Broilers (Chickens)
- Description: Introduction : World poultry meat consumption consists of three major segments: broilers, turkeys, and other poultry which includes spent egg layers, spent breeder hens/males, ducks, geese, guinea-fowl, pheasants, quail, ratites, ostriches and emus. Broilers clearly dominate the world poultry consumption contributing about 70 percent to the world poultry market. Turkeys account for about eight percent while other poultry provides the balance of 22 percent (Roenick, 1998). The world broiler industry has been, and continues to be a very dynamic industry. It has been typified with unprecedented growth in terms of production. In 1961, the world produced 6.5 billion broilers. By 1990, the total annual production was a little over 27 billion broilers and by 1996, total world production had grown to 35.3 billion (Van der Sluis., 1999). This represents a fivefold increase in 35 years, and it has not stopped growing since, with world production surpassed 38 billion in 1998 (Van der Sluis., 1999). In Africa the human population was estimated to be 819.9 million, while the total poultry population of the continent was estimated as 1.133 million chickens, 15 million ducks and seven million turkeys in 1998. Production scale being 1.781701 metric tones (MT) of hen eggs, 2.269000 MT of chickens’ meat, 32.824MT of turkey meat and 52.989MT of duck meat (Gueye, 2000). Commercial poultry products are also imported and exported. For example, 12.000 metric tons of poultry meat was estimated to have been exported from South Africa in 1999, whereas 87.000 and 10.000 metric tons of poultry meat was imported into South Africa and Egypt, respectively (Gueye, 2000). In South Africa poultry production is moving toward the 21st century with the potential for increased development being greater than any other sector of the agricultural industry. The small-scale to medium-scale or semi-commercial farmer is becoming a role-player that needs to be serviced by the poultry industry (Fourie, 2000). The industry will have to take up the challenges that are facing an entrepreneur starting with a poultry venture. The poultry industry has developed from a humble beginning at the turn of the century into a multi-million Rand enterprise where protein is provided through the commercial and small marketing sector (Fourie, 2000). Some of the larger commercial companies market three million birds per week. It is estimated that the commercial company sector is responsible for 75 to 85 percent of production and marketing of white meat in this country whereas the small-scale and medium-scale or semi commercial poultry production enterprises provide 20 to 25 percent of the white meat through the sales of slaughtered and live poultry sale to rural, peri-urban and urban settlements (Fourie., 2000). Small-scale and semi-commercial broiler production is developed by entrepreneurs who buy day-old chicks from the big commercial hatcheries, rear them to the age of five to eight weeks and sell them through a marketing network or small outlets. The small-scale consist of farmers who reared 100 t0 1000 chickens per batch and semi-commercial consist of farmers who reared 1000 to 5000 chickens per batch. These types of farmers acquire very little technical backup in terms of a training and services center where assistance is available every day of the week. The broiler industry requires birds that are of commercial crosses selected for their ability to grow very fast and produce a good quality carcass in the shortest time frame. The small farmers purchase broiler stock, as the day-old chicks from commercial hatcheries and reared them up to six to eight weeks before slaughtered or sold as live chickens. The selling of live chickens through a network outlets system is becoming an industry that is growing at a steady pace, as household food security is becoming important to communities (Fourie, 2000). The price of feed is the single most expensive item on the list of expenses of a farmer because of their financial constraints. The small-scale and semicommercial broiler farmer is faced with the problem of buying small quantities of feed at an inflated price. The problem can be alleviated by groups of small farmers joining co-operative and buying feeds in bulk from suppliers and redistributing to small farmers. The community co-operative can once again play a major role in the distribution of small amounts of feed to its member. The biggest challenge is to provide training with a “hands on” approach. It will be ideal to have a training center where small farmers can be trained in all aspects of poultry production. The training facility will have to operate as a fully operational poultry unit with no risks to bio-security of a commercial enterprise. Training will have to be provided in aspects like hatchery, housing, broilers and record management depending on the farmer’s needs. There is also a need for the research on broiler performance under small-scale and semi commercial farming. Research in this sector of poultry production should look in appropriate feeds, feeding, technology, genotype and performance of genotypes under the system. Emphasis in this study will be on growth patterns and performance of the Ross hybrids as a modern broiler under small-scale and semi commercial management condition. Aspect of the environment such as age, type of feeds and feeding methods, housing, seasons, lighting and genotype will be taken into consideration. The result of the study will provide a realistic database for mathematical modeling of production response and guideline for management planning in small-scale and semi-commercial management condition. Also this result will be important to broiler breeders, to determine the suitability of the modern broiler to small-scale and semi commercial management conditions. The objective of the study was to evaluate the mathematical model that could describe the performance of broilers under the small-scale and semi-commercial management conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
The electrochemical hydroxylation of aromatic substrates
- Authors: Rautenbach, Daniel
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Aromatic compounds , Hydroxylation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:10959 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/94 , Aromatic compounds , Hydroxylation
- Description: The electrochemical hydroxylation of aromatic substrates was investigated in some detail, with the view to develop a method, which could produce dihydroxybenzenes in acceptable yields. Of particular interest was the selectivity and yield of the 1,4-dihydroxybenzenes. Two distinctly different methods were investigated in order to achieve this goal, acyloxylation and direct electrochemical hydroxylation. Acyloxylation is the process where radical cations generated at the anode undergoes nucleophilic attack by acetate anions. The resulting aromatic acetates so produced can then be hydrolysed to the phenolic compounds. Two nucleophile systems were considered in the investigation, acetates (acetoxylation) and trifluoro-acetates (trifluoro-acetoxylation). These investigations were conducted under a variety of conditions using phenol and phenyl acetate as starting materials. From the results it was, however, concluded that the acetoxylation of these aromatic compounds occurs in unacceptable product and current yields. Trifluoro-acetoxylation on the other hand showed promise, but due to the nature and cost of the reagents it was deemed to be an impractical process. Direct electrochemical hydroxylation: in which the radical cations produced at the anode undergoes nucleophilic attack by water producing the corresponding dihydroxybenzenes. These dihydroxybenzenes are then further oxidised to the benzoquinones, which then undergo reduction at the cathode in order to produce the corresponding dihydroxybenzene. In this process phenol, 2-tert-butylphenol and 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol were investigated as substrates. The results indicated that the yield towards the 1,4-dihdroxybenzenes increased as the degree of substitution on the ring increased.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Rautenbach, Daniel
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Aromatic compounds , Hydroxylation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:10959 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/94 , Aromatic compounds , Hydroxylation
- Description: The electrochemical hydroxylation of aromatic substrates was investigated in some detail, with the view to develop a method, which could produce dihydroxybenzenes in acceptable yields. Of particular interest was the selectivity and yield of the 1,4-dihydroxybenzenes. Two distinctly different methods were investigated in order to achieve this goal, acyloxylation and direct electrochemical hydroxylation. Acyloxylation is the process where radical cations generated at the anode undergoes nucleophilic attack by acetate anions. The resulting aromatic acetates so produced can then be hydrolysed to the phenolic compounds. Two nucleophile systems were considered in the investigation, acetates (acetoxylation) and trifluoro-acetates (trifluoro-acetoxylation). These investigations were conducted under a variety of conditions using phenol and phenyl acetate as starting materials. From the results it was, however, concluded that the acetoxylation of these aromatic compounds occurs in unacceptable product and current yields. Trifluoro-acetoxylation on the other hand showed promise, but due to the nature and cost of the reagents it was deemed to be an impractical process. Direct electrochemical hydroxylation: in which the radical cations produced at the anode undergoes nucleophilic attack by water producing the corresponding dihydroxybenzenes. These dihydroxybenzenes are then further oxidised to the benzoquinones, which then undergo reduction at the cathode in order to produce the corresponding dihydroxybenzene. In this process phenol, 2-tert-butylphenol and 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol were investigated as substrates. The results indicated that the yield towards the 1,4-dihdroxybenzenes increased as the degree of substitution on the ring increased.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
Evaluation of broiler performance under small-scale and semi-commercial farming conditions in the Northern Province
- Authors: Nembilwi, Daniel
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Agricultural Management)
- Identifier: vital:10964 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/92 , Broilers (Chickens)
- Description: Introduction: In the Northern region of the Northern Province, there is an increase in the number of small-scale and semi-commercial farms in all sectors of agriculture. This includes the production of grains, vegetables, fruits and livestock. Broiler production seemed to be a much-preferred alternative of development in community based projects and emerging farmers have shown keen interest. This is because broiler production requires less space than ruminants and is ready for human consumption within a very short period of time. Poultry production provides a constant source of income and protein with a big customer demand. By the year 2000, broiler production is expected to reach 4000 million and 7.5 million tons of poultry feeds in the world. Many countries have initiated programs aimed at improving small-scale poultry as a means of helping to bring socio- economic benefits to rural communities (Panda, 1989). In order to feed the ever rising population of 4.9 million in the Northern Province (1996 Census), there must be an increase in the production of broilers as a primary source of top quality animal protein. With the high unemployment rate (46%) in the Northern Province, self- employment projects are needed which comply with agro- processing. More than 90 community projects based on poultry production in the Northern region of the Northern Province had been established in order to reduce the high rate of unemployment. Today more people have engaged themselves in community projects especially in poultry production than ever before. Some of the constrains of broiler production at both small-scale and semi-commercial farming condition includes inadequate ventilation system. Lack of suitable health care facilities and frequently the absence of efficient marketing structures form part of the obstacles to the rapid development of poultry production. Feed costs which remain the highest input cost in the production of broilers represent between 60 to 70% or more of the total costs of broiler productions (Benyi and Habi, 1998). Lack of management skills and training for small and semi-commercial farmers makes it difficult to obtain optimum performance. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of broilers as influenced by environmental factors under small.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Nembilwi, Daniel
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Agricultural Management)
- Identifier: vital:10964 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/92 , Broilers (Chickens)
- Description: Introduction: In the Northern region of the Northern Province, there is an increase in the number of small-scale and semi-commercial farms in all sectors of agriculture. This includes the production of grains, vegetables, fruits and livestock. Broiler production seemed to be a much-preferred alternative of development in community based projects and emerging farmers have shown keen interest. This is because broiler production requires less space than ruminants and is ready for human consumption within a very short period of time. Poultry production provides a constant source of income and protein with a big customer demand. By the year 2000, broiler production is expected to reach 4000 million and 7.5 million tons of poultry feeds in the world. Many countries have initiated programs aimed at improving small-scale poultry as a means of helping to bring socio- economic benefits to rural communities (Panda, 1989). In order to feed the ever rising population of 4.9 million in the Northern Province (1996 Census), there must be an increase in the production of broilers as a primary source of top quality animal protein. With the high unemployment rate (46%) in the Northern Province, self- employment projects are needed which comply with agro- processing. More than 90 community projects based on poultry production in the Northern region of the Northern Province had been established in order to reduce the high rate of unemployment. Today more people have engaged themselves in community projects especially in poultry production than ever before. Some of the constrains of broiler production at both small-scale and semi-commercial farming condition includes inadequate ventilation system. Lack of suitable health care facilities and frequently the absence of efficient marketing structures form part of the obstacles to the rapid development of poultry production. Feed costs which remain the highest input cost in the production of broilers represent between 60 to 70% or more of the total costs of broiler productions (Benyi and Habi, 1998). Lack of management skills and training for small and semi-commercial farmers makes it difficult to obtain optimum performance. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of broilers as influenced by environmental factors under small.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
Strategies for the improvement of the industrial oxidation of cymene
- Authors: Harmse, Nigel
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Oxidation , Cymene
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:10958 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73 , Oxidation , Cymene
- Description: The oxidation of cymene with dioxygen has been investigated in some detail with the view of establishing the feasibility of improving the efficiency of the oxidation process. Of particular interest were the rate of cymene oxidation and the selectivity of the oxidation process for the tertiary cymene hydroperoxide, especially at conversions above 15%. In order to be able to evaluate the selectivity of oxidation processes, a reliable method for analysis of the individual hydroperoxides had to be established. Two methods were investigated, namely reduction of the hydroperoxides to alcohols using ferrous sulphate and reduction using triphenylphosphine, and analysing the reduction products by gas chromatography. Of these two methods, the triphenylphosphine method proved to be superior to the ferrous sulphate method and was used as the method of choice for this investigation. A number of oxidation systems were evaluated in an initial screening experiment for the oxidation of p-cymene. The results of this screening experiment showed that three-phase oxidation systems, i.e. systems containing an organic phase, an aqueous phase and gas, gave significantly lower activities than two-phase oxidation systems. In addition, the use of a base in the aqueous layer does not improve the overall selectivity of the oxidation process, but improves the selectivity towards the tertiary hydroperoxide to some extent due to the decomposition and extraction of primary hydroperoxide into the basic aqueous phase. Oxidation systems using a non-autoxidation catalyst, i.e. a catalyst that does not catalyse the conventional autoxidation of organic compounds, gave by far the most promising results. These systems gave both a high selectivity as well as high reaction rate. From the initial screening experiment, and using multi-factorial statistical techniques, two catalyst systems were selected for investigation, namely vanadium phosphate and boron phosphate. The results of these investigations showed that these two catalysts are remarkably active and selective for the oxidation of p-cymene, giving the cymene tertiary hydroperoxide in selectivities exceeding 85% and at substrate conversions as high as 25%. These results are a considerable improvement over currently known oxidation systems and may offer opportunities for further commercial exploitation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Harmse, Nigel
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Oxidation , Cymene
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:10958 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73 , Oxidation , Cymene
- Description: The oxidation of cymene with dioxygen has been investigated in some detail with the view of establishing the feasibility of improving the efficiency of the oxidation process. Of particular interest were the rate of cymene oxidation and the selectivity of the oxidation process for the tertiary cymene hydroperoxide, especially at conversions above 15%. In order to be able to evaluate the selectivity of oxidation processes, a reliable method for analysis of the individual hydroperoxides had to be established. Two methods were investigated, namely reduction of the hydroperoxides to alcohols using ferrous sulphate and reduction using triphenylphosphine, and analysing the reduction products by gas chromatography. Of these two methods, the triphenylphosphine method proved to be superior to the ferrous sulphate method and was used as the method of choice for this investigation. A number of oxidation systems were evaluated in an initial screening experiment for the oxidation of p-cymene. The results of this screening experiment showed that three-phase oxidation systems, i.e. systems containing an organic phase, an aqueous phase and gas, gave significantly lower activities than two-phase oxidation systems. In addition, the use of a base in the aqueous layer does not improve the overall selectivity of the oxidation process, but improves the selectivity towards the tertiary hydroperoxide to some extent due to the decomposition and extraction of primary hydroperoxide into the basic aqueous phase. Oxidation systems using a non-autoxidation catalyst, i.e. a catalyst that does not catalyse the conventional autoxidation of organic compounds, gave by far the most promising results. These systems gave both a high selectivity as well as high reaction rate. From the initial screening experiment, and using multi-factorial statistical techniques, two catalyst systems were selected for investigation, namely vanadium phosphate and boron phosphate. The results of these investigations showed that these two catalysts are remarkably active and selective for the oxidation of p-cymene, giving the cymene tertiary hydroperoxide in selectivities exceeding 85% and at substrate conversions as high as 25%. These results are a considerable improvement over currently known oxidation systems and may offer opportunities for further commercial exploitation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
The development of a balanced scorecard for strategic planning in a frozen vegetable processing plant
- Authors: Du Plessis, Francois
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Food industry and trade -- South Africa -- Management , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10887 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52 , Food industry and trade -- South Africa -- Management , Strategic planning
- Description: This research investigated the development of a balanced scorecard for a frozen vegetable processing plant. The balanced scorecard can be utilised as a strategic management and performance measurement system. First, an overview of the balanced scorecard concept was presented. Its four perspectives, namely financial, customer, internal business process, and learning and growth were explained. Thereafter, the process of developing a balanced scorecard was outlined and the translation of a firm’s vision into measurable objectives and targets was discussed. Finally, the literature study evaluated the development of balanced scorecards by means of selected case studies. This included an analysis of the successes and failures of balanced scorecards in practice. The research methodology consisted of: (a) A literature study to determine a framework for developing a balanced scorecard. (b) Interviews and workshops to gather the primary data required to develop a balanced scorecard. The development of a balanced scorecard for a frozen vegetable processing plant using the findings from (a) and (b) above. The following recommendations were made: · Targets and action plans should be developed for the outstanding strategic objectives of the plant, and all key performance measurements should be formalised on key performance area documents. All role players should be involved in this process. · All employees must be exposed to, and understand the plant’s vision, mission statement and the purpose of the balanced scorecard. · All employees need to understand how their actions impact on other employees and the well-being of the plant. They must have set objectives and targets that can be measured. · To increase the chance of a successful scorecard implementation, regular feedback must be provided to all employees, and managers must hold people accountable for using the system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Du Plessis, Francois
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Food industry and trade -- South Africa -- Management , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10887 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52 , Food industry and trade -- South Africa -- Management , Strategic planning
- Description: This research investigated the development of a balanced scorecard for a frozen vegetable processing plant. The balanced scorecard can be utilised as a strategic management and performance measurement system. First, an overview of the balanced scorecard concept was presented. Its four perspectives, namely financial, customer, internal business process, and learning and growth were explained. Thereafter, the process of developing a balanced scorecard was outlined and the translation of a firm’s vision into measurable objectives and targets was discussed. Finally, the literature study evaluated the development of balanced scorecards by means of selected case studies. This included an analysis of the successes and failures of balanced scorecards in practice. The research methodology consisted of: (a) A literature study to determine a framework for developing a balanced scorecard. (b) Interviews and workshops to gather the primary data required to develop a balanced scorecard. The development of a balanced scorecard for a frozen vegetable processing plant using the findings from (a) and (b) above. The following recommendations were made: · Targets and action plans should be developed for the outstanding strategic objectives of the plant, and all key performance measurements should be formalised on key performance area documents. All role players should be involved in this process. · All employees must be exposed to, and understand the plant’s vision, mission statement and the purpose of the balanced scorecard. · All employees need to understand how their actions impact on other employees and the well-being of the plant. They must have set objectives and targets that can be measured. · To increase the chance of a successful scorecard implementation, regular feedback must be provided to all employees, and managers must hold people accountable for using the system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
The effect of increased propolis production on the productivity of a honeybee farming system
- Authors: De Jager, Andries Johannes
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Propolis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Agricultural Management)
- Identifier: vital:10952 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1001743 , Propolis
- Description: This study was conducted to investigate a method for stimulating increased propolis production in Cape honeybee hives. The study took place near George situated in the Southern Cape region of South Africa. Standard Langstroth hives were used (n = 12) containing honeybee colonies of equal strength from the species Apis mellifera capensis. Propolis production in colonies equipped with commercial propolis traps (n = 6) was compared to propolis production in control colonies (n = 6). The strength of the colonies was determined by calculating the area of worker brood cells and the number of frames containing bees. For a ninemonth period propolis production, honey production, brood area, resin percentage, frames containing bees and income generated were measured on a monthly basis with the removal of the traps. There were no significant difference (p > 0.5) in honey production (24.66 ± 1.19 kg and 26.53 ± 1.31 kg), worker brood area (1967.3 ± 258.61 cm2 and 1085.4 ± 312.99 cm2) and frames containing bees (10 ± 1.13 frames and 9.8 ± 1.2 frames) between the hives with traps and hives without traps. However, propolis production was significantly influenced (p < 0.01) by the propolis traps, with the hives containing traps producing 361.87 ± 8.78g propolis compared to 38.2 ± 2.17g propolis in the control group. Propolis production in both control (28 g) and treatment groups (260.2 g) was significantly influenced by honey flow (p = 0.027). From December to March the production of honey was 22.12 (control) and 24.25 kg (treatment). A positive correlation was also found between frames containing bees and worker brood area (R = 0.73). Hives containing propolis traps were more profitable than the control group when honey and propolis income were pooled (467.17 ± 19.47 Rand vs. 353.8 ± 17.03 Rand). Therefore, the increased propolis production significantly improved profitability of the hive without affecting overall hive productivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: De Jager, Andries Johannes
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Propolis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Agricultural Management)
- Identifier: vital:10952 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1001743 , Propolis
- Description: This study was conducted to investigate a method for stimulating increased propolis production in Cape honeybee hives. The study took place near George situated in the Southern Cape region of South Africa. Standard Langstroth hives were used (n = 12) containing honeybee colonies of equal strength from the species Apis mellifera capensis. Propolis production in colonies equipped with commercial propolis traps (n = 6) was compared to propolis production in control colonies (n = 6). The strength of the colonies was determined by calculating the area of worker brood cells and the number of frames containing bees. For a ninemonth period propolis production, honey production, brood area, resin percentage, frames containing bees and income generated were measured on a monthly basis with the removal of the traps. There were no significant difference (p > 0.5) in honey production (24.66 ± 1.19 kg and 26.53 ± 1.31 kg), worker brood area (1967.3 ± 258.61 cm2 and 1085.4 ± 312.99 cm2) and frames containing bees (10 ± 1.13 frames and 9.8 ± 1.2 frames) between the hives with traps and hives without traps. However, propolis production was significantly influenced (p < 0.01) by the propolis traps, with the hives containing traps producing 361.87 ± 8.78g propolis compared to 38.2 ± 2.17g propolis in the control group. Propolis production in both control (28 g) and treatment groups (260.2 g) was significantly influenced by honey flow (p = 0.027). From December to March the production of honey was 22.12 (control) and 24.25 kg (treatment). A positive correlation was also found between frames containing bees and worker brood area (R = 0.73). Hives containing propolis traps were more profitable than the control group when honey and propolis income were pooled (467.17 ± 19.47 Rand vs. 353.8 ± 17.03 Rand). Therefore, the increased propolis production significantly improved profitability of the hive without affecting overall hive productivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
A cyclic approach to business continuity planning
- Authors: Botha, Jacques
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Data recovery (Computer science) -- Planning , Data protection , Emergency management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Information Technology)
- Identifier: vital:10788 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/81 , Data recovery (Computer science) -- Planning , Data protection , Emergency management
- Description: The Information Technology (IT) industry has grown and has become an integral part in the world of business today. The importance of information, and IT in particular, will in fact only increase with time (von Solms, 1999). For a large group of organizations computer systems form the basis of their day-to-day functioning (Halliday, Badendorst & von Solms, 1996). These systems evolve at an incredible pace and this brings about a greater need for securing them, as well as the organizational information processed, transmitted and stored. This technological evolution brings about new risks for an organization’s systems and information (Halliday et. al., 1996). If IT fails, it means that the business could fail as well, creating a need for more rigorous IT management (International Business Machines Corporation, 2000). For this reason, executive management must be made aware of the potential consequences that a disaster could have on the organisation (Hawkins,Yen & Chou, 2000). A disaster could be any event that would cause a disruption in the normal day-to-day functioning of an organization. Such an event could range from a natural disaster, like a fire, an earthquake or a flood, to something more trivial, like a virus or system malfunction (Hawkins et. al., 2000). During the 1980’s a discipline known as Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP) emerged to protect an organization’s data centre, which was central to the organisation’s IT based structure, from the effects of disasters. This solution, however, focussed only on the protection of the data centre. During the early 1990’s the focus shifted towards distributed computing and client/server technology. Data centre protection and recovery were no longer enough to ensure survival. Organizations needed to ensure the continuation of their mission critical processes to support their continued goal of operations (IBM Global Services, 1999). Organizations now had to ensure that their mission critical functions could continue while the data centre was recovering from a disaster. A different approach was required. It is for this reason that Business Continuity Planning (BCP) was accepted as a formal discipline (IBM Global Services, 1999). To ensure that business continues as usual, an organization must have a plan in place that will help them ensure both the continuation and recovery of critical business processes and the recovery of the data centre, should a disaster strike (Moore, 1995). Wilson (2000) defines a business continuity plan as “a set of procedures developed for the entire enterprise, outlining the actions to be taken by the IT organization, executive staff, and the various business units in order to quickly resume operations in the event of a service interruption or an outage”. With markets being highly competitive as they are, an organization needs a detailed listing of steps to follow to ensure minimal loss due to downtime. This is very important for maintaining its competitive advantage and public stature (Wilson, 2000). The fact that the company’s reputation is at stake requires executive management to take continuity planning very serious (IBM Global Services, 1999). Ensuring continuity of business processes and recovering the IT services of an organization is not the sole responsibility of the IT department. Therefore management should be aware that they could be held liable for any consequences resulting from a disaster (Kearvell-White, 1996). Having a business continuity plan in place is important to the entire organization, as everyone, from executive management to the employees, stands to benefit from it (IBM Global Services, 1999). Despite this, numerous organizations do not have a business continuity plan in place. Organizations neglecting to develop a plan put themselves at tremendous risk and stand to loose everything (Kearvell-White, 1996).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Botha, Jacques
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Data recovery (Computer science) -- Planning , Data protection , Emergency management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Information Technology)
- Identifier: vital:10788 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/81 , Data recovery (Computer science) -- Planning , Data protection , Emergency management
- Description: The Information Technology (IT) industry has grown and has become an integral part in the world of business today. The importance of information, and IT in particular, will in fact only increase with time (von Solms, 1999). For a large group of organizations computer systems form the basis of their day-to-day functioning (Halliday, Badendorst & von Solms, 1996). These systems evolve at an incredible pace and this brings about a greater need for securing them, as well as the organizational information processed, transmitted and stored. This technological evolution brings about new risks for an organization’s systems and information (Halliday et. al., 1996). If IT fails, it means that the business could fail as well, creating a need for more rigorous IT management (International Business Machines Corporation, 2000). For this reason, executive management must be made aware of the potential consequences that a disaster could have on the organisation (Hawkins,Yen & Chou, 2000). A disaster could be any event that would cause a disruption in the normal day-to-day functioning of an organization. Such an event could range from a natural disaster, like a fire, an earthquake or a flood, to something more trivial, like a virus or system malfunction (Hawkins et. al., 2000). During the 1980’s a discipline known as Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP) emerged to protect an organization’s data centre, which was central to the organisation’s IT based structure, from the effects of disasters. This solution, however, focussed only on the protection of the data centre. During the early 1990’s the focus shifted towards distributed computing and client/server technology. Data centre protection and recovery were no longer enough to ensure survival. Organizations needed to ensure the continuation of their mission critical processes to support their continued goal of operations (IBM Global Services, 1999). Organizations now had to ensure that their mission critical functions could continue while the data centre was recovering from a disaster. A different approach was required. It is for this reason that Business Continuity Planning (BCP) was accepted as a formal discipline (IBM Global Services, 1999). To ensure that business continues as usual, an organization must have a plan in place that will help them ensure both the continuation and recovery of critical business processes and the recovery of the data centre, should a disaster strike (Moore, 1995). Wilson (2000) defines a business continuity plan as “a set of procedures developed for the entire enterprise, outlining the actions to be taken by the IT organization, executive staff, and the various business units in order to quickly resume operations in the event of a service interruption or an outage”. With markets being highly competitive as they are, an organization needs a detailed listing of steps to follow to ensure minimal loss due to downtime. This is very important for maintaining its competitive advantage and public stature (Wilson, 2000). The fact that the company’s reputation is at stake requires executive management to take continuity planning very serious (IBM Global Services, 1999). Ensuring continuity of business processes and recovering the IT services of an organization is not the sole responsibility of the IT department. Therefore management should be aware that they could be held liable for any consequences resulting from a disaster (Kearvell-White, 1996). Having a business continuity plan in place is important to the entire organization, as everyone, from executive management to the employees, stands to benefit from it (IBM Global Services, 1999). Despite this, numerous organizations do not have a business continuity plan in place. Organizations neglecting to develop a plan put themselves at tremendous risk and stand to loose everything (Kearvell-White, 1996).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
An investigation into the relationship marketing strategies applied by Eastern Cape based travel agents
- Authors: Fisher, Gary
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Relationship marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Travel agents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Marketing)
- Identifier: vital:10766 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/251 , Relationship marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Travel agents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Relationship marketing has grown in importance. This growth affects all industries, including the tourism, hospitality and travel industry. Of particular importance is the bond of relationship marketing between suppliers (principals) and retailers (travel agents) in the distribution channel. The research was undertaken to: determine whether Eastern Cape travel agents perceive relationship marketing as important; establish, what the key elements of relationship marketing strategies are,according to literature; determine what marketing strategies are currently applied by Eastern Cape travel agents; provide guidelines to Eastern Cape travel agents to implement or improve their relationship marketing strategies. Fifty self-administered questionnaires were distributed to the entire population of travel agents in the Eastern Cape. A total of 30 travel agents responded. The empirical findings showed that: Most Eastern Cape travel agents perceived relationship marketing as important; Travel agents realized the importance of the management of such relationship marketing strategies; Most travel agents were aware of or used retention strategies to enhance relationship marketing strategies; Travel agents realized that to survive relationship marketing should be part of their future planning; All respondents believed that to successfully implement relationship marketing, all staff, from front-line to top-management, need to be committed to the programme. In conclusion, relationship marketing is growing in importance and all role players need to acknowledge and manage this trend. However, this research has shown that there is a paradigm shift as more travel agents are moving away from the traditional marketing to relationship marketing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Fisher, Gary
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Relationship marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Travel agents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Marketing)
- Identifier: vital:10766 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/251 , Relationship marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Travel agents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Relationship marketing has grown in importance. This growth affects all industries, including the tourism, hospitality and travel industry. Of particular importance is the bond of relationship marketing between suppliers (principals) and retailers (travel agents) in the distribution channel. The research was undertaken to: determine whether Eastern Cape travel agents perceive relationship marketing as important; establish, what the key elements of relationship marketing strategies are,according to literature; determine what marketing strategies are currently applied by Eastern Cape travel agents; provide guidelines to Eastern Cape travel agents to implement or improve their relationship marketing strategies. Fifty self-administered questionnaires were distributed to the entire population of travel agents in the Eastern Cape. A total of 30 travel agents responded. The empirical findings showed that: Most Eastern Cape travel agents perceived relationship marketing as important; Travel agents realized the importance of the management of such relationship marketing strategies; Most travel agents were aware of or used retention strategies to enhance relationship marketing strategies; Travel agents realized that to survive relationship marketing should be part of their future planning; All respondents believed that to successfully implement relationship marketing, all staff, from front-line to top-management, need to be committed to the programme. In conclusion, relationship marketing is growing in importance and all role players need to acknowledge and manage this trend. However, this research has shown that there is a paradigm shift as more travel agents are moving away from the traditional marketing to relationship marketing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
An investigation of the municipal credit control policy, with special reference to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Tsatsire, Israel
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Municipal finance -- Accounting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Tourism management)
- Identifier: vital:10769 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/67 , Municipal finance -- Accounting
- Description: In this mini-dissertation, an investigation of the municipal credit control policy, with specific reference to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality was undertaken. The dissertation comprises six chapters. The study is based on the assumption that the existing credit control policy currently (2001) used by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality to collect service arrears has failed and that this failure is the reason why the Municipality is struggling to survive financially. This is affecting the rendering of services. The validity of this assumption was investigated. The primary objectives of the research included, inter alia, to provide a brief theoretical background on the transformation of local government in South Africa. This was followed by an investigation of the role of South African local government and the impact of non-payment for municipal services, with specific reference to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The empirical survey, the research methodology and the interpretation of the research findings are described. This is followed by an explanation of the survey questionnaire used for the accumulation of data needed for the analysis. The research findings of the empirical survey were statistically analysed and reported.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Tsatsire, Israel
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Municipal finance -- Accounting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Tourism management)
- Identifier: vital:10769 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/67 , Municipal finance -- Accounting
- Description: In this mini-dissertation, an investigation of the municipal credit control policy, with specific reference to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality was undertaken. The dissertation comprises six chapters. The study is based on the assumption that the existing credit control policy currently (2001) used by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality to collect service arrears has failed and that this failure is the reason why the Municipality is struggling to survive financially. This is affecting the rendering of services. The validity of this assumption was investigated. The primary objectives of the research included, inter alia, to provide a brief theoretical background on the transformation of local government in South Africa. This was followed by an investigation of the role of South African local government and the impact of non-payment for municipal services, with specific reference to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The empirical survey, the research methodology and the interpretation of the research findings are described. This is followed by an explanation of the survey questionnaire used for the accumulation of data needed for the analysis. The research findings of the empirical survey were statistically analysed and reported.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001