The impact of customer relationship management on retail banking using self-service channels
- Authors: Bothma, Tracy
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Customer services , Service industries -- Technological innovations , Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9346 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013654
- Description: If you do not own the latest technology today it is thought that you are left behind in this technology driven age. More businesses use Self- Service channels to accommodate the increasing demands of customers. It has been said that the use of self-service channels can reduce input costs, increase efficiency and improve customer service. Unfortunately, many customers are left unsatisfied because retail banks are moving away from the human interaction when visiting a branch or advise customers to use their self-service channels, sometimes without any assistance. This causes customers to move banks, complain and in so doing reduce profits and customer relationships with their banks.This research’s main objective was to determine the impact of customer relationship management on retail banks that make use of self-service channels. A theoretical overview of self-service channels and customer relationship management was given. Advantages and disadvantages of each option were explored. The researcher wanted to explore the relation between customers using self-service channels and the assistance and protection provided by retail banks. The customer experience questionnaire used in this research asked retail banking customers from the South African population to determine how customers perceive and experience their banks’ self-service channels and customer service. Many questions relating to their needs and wants with regards to banking have been explored. The results show that most customers are satisfied with their banks in general but do feel that the banks can improve their customer service and assistance with regards to using self-service channels like ATM’s, online and telephone banking and E-Wallet. It has concluded that most customers choose their banks based on advertisements and other media, not customer service, product range or word-of-mouth. The general perception is that customers say that their bank charges do justify the customer service received.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Bothma, Tracy
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Customer services , Service industries -- Technological innovations , Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9346 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013654
- Description: If you do not own the latest technology today it is thought that you are left behind in this technology driven age. More businesses use Self- Service channels to accommodate the increasing demands of customers. It has been said that the use of self-service channels can reduce input costs, increase efficiency and improve customer service. Unfortunately, many customers are left unsatisfied because retail banks are moving away from the human interaction when visiting a branch or advise customers to use their self-service channels, sometimes without any assistance. This causes customers to move banks, complain and in so doing reduce profits and customer relationships with their banks.This research’s main objective was to determine the impact of customer relationship management on retail banks that make use of self-service channels. A theoretical overview of self-service channels and customer relationship management was given. Advantages and disadvantages of each option were explored. The researcher wanted to explore the relation between customers using self-service channels and the assistance and protection provided by retail banks. The customer experience questionnaire used in this research asked retail banking customers from the South African population to determine how customers perceive and experience their banks’ self-service channels and customer service. Many questions relating to their needs and wants with regards to banking have been explored. The results show that most customers are satisfied with their banks in general but do feel that the banks can improve their customer service and assistance with regards to using self-service channels like ATM’s, online and telephone banking and E-Wallet. It has concluded that most customers choose their banks based on advertisements and other media, not customer service, product range or word-of-mouth. The general perception is that customers say that their bank charges do justify the customer service received.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Value delivered by private game reserves in South Africa : a comparison of visitors' and managers' perceptions
- Authors: Theron, Elizna
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa , Ecotourism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9374 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019980
- Description: The uniqueness of the wildlife and the luxurious nature of South African private game reserves could be seen as a valuable niche in the South African tourism market and for this reason make South Africa a desired destination. Due to complex visitor needs and demands regarding price, service, social connection, authenticity, quality or image, value perceptions will differ in terms of visitors’ experiences. If managers do not understand these value requirements, differences might exist between consumers’ and service providers’ perceptions of value. To maintain visitor satisfaction, loyalty and intention for return to the reserves, managers should continue to provide valued offerings and improve their visitors’ wildlife experience. This research investigated visitors’ perceptions of the value delivered by private game reserves in South Africa and compared these with reserve managers’ perceptions of the value delivered. The results of this research study could contribute to a better understanding of perceived value, which in turn could enhance the success of the private game reserves. The literature contextualised the South African private game reserve as part of wildlife tourism, the wildlife tourism offering and the characteristics of wildlife visitors. An overview of customer value, customer value models showing their development over time, and the conceptual framework of the current study was provided. The resulting conceptual model was used to evaluate managers’ and visitors’ perceptions of Quality, Monetary price, Behavioural price, Reputation, Emotional response, Social value and Novelty value delivered by South African private game reserves. The empirical data was collected by means of a survey, using two structured self-administered electronic questionnaires administered to the managers of, and the visitors to, private game reserves. One hundred and sixty two visitors and 30 managers participated in the survey. By performing exploratory factor analysis it was found that the seven value factors were consistent with the value dimensions reported in the literature. These were labelled as Quality, Emotional response, Monetary price, Reputation, Novelty value, Social value and Behavioural price. Most of managers’ perceptions of value provided exceeded visitors’ perceptions of value received. Both managers and visitors rated value items related to Emotional response highly. Considerably more managers (17 percent) thought that the reserve experience can be associated with good service, opposed to only 4 percent of visitors who perceived the service to be good. On the other hand, a larger proportion of visitors (29%) than the managers (20 percent) perceived the reserve experience as relaxing. Managers rated eleven of the thirteen game reserve attributes more positively than what the visitors did. Of these attributes, accommodation services, protection of the natural environment, game drives and service delivery, showed significant differences. It is recommended that South African private game reserve managers: • conduct market research to get a better understanding of what delights visitors. Research should be conducted on a regular basis to ensure management stays current with visitors’ changing needs; • determine whether the prices charged reflect the quality of the physical offerings, service delivery and the time and effort visitors spent to obtain the offering; • use the adventurous activities offered at the reserves as part of their promotional campaigns to attract adventure tourists; • train service delivery staff and game drive guides to educate visitors on the history, culture and eco-friendly practices related to their reserve; • always deliver superior service to ensure memorable wildlife experiences, value for money and exceed visitors’ expectations; • continue using websites, social media and magazines to inform the target market about the reserve offerings; and • stay in regular contact with visitors through social media, newsletters, blogs, follow up emails/calls or face to face discussions at the reserve.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Theron, Elizna
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa , Ecotourism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9374 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019980
- Description: The uniqueness of the wildlife and the luxurious nature of South African private game reserves could be seen as a valuable niche in the South African tourism market and for this reason make South Africa a desired destination. Due to complex visitor needs and demands regarding price, service, social connection, authenticity, quality or image, value perceptions will differ in terms of visitors’ experiences. If managers do not understand these value requirements, differences might exist between consumers’ and service providers’ perceptions of value. To maintain visitor satisfaction, loyalty and intention for return to the reserves, managers should continue to provide valued offerings and improve their visitors’ wildlife experience. This research investigated visitors’ perceptions of the value delivered by private game reserves in South Africa and compared these with reserve managers’ perceptions of the value delivered. The results of this research study could contribute to a better understanding of perceived value, which in turn could enhance the success of the private game reserves. The literature contextualised the South African private game reserve as part of wildlife tourism, the wildlife tourism offering and the characteristics of wildlife visitors. An overview of customer value, customer value models showing their development over time, and the conceptual framework of the current study was provided. The resulting conceptual model was used to evaluate managers’ and visitors’ perceptions of Quality, Monetary price, Behavioural price, Reputation, Emotional response, Social value and Novelty value delivered by South African private game reserves. The empirical data was collected by means of a survey, using two structured self-administered electronic questionnaires administered to the managers of, and the visitors to, private game reserves. One hundred and sixty two visitors and 30 managers participated in the survey. By performing exploratory factor analysis it was found that the seven value factors were consistent with the value dimensions reported in the literature. These were labelled as Quality, Emotional response, Monetary price, Reputation, Novelty value, Social value and Behavioural price. Most of managers’ perceptions of value provided exceeded visitors’ perceptions of value received. Both managers and visitors rated value items related to Emotional response highly. Considerably more managers (17 percent) thought that the reserve experience can be associated with good service, opposed to only 4 percent of visitors who perceived the service to be good. On the other hand, a larger proportion of visitors (29%) than the managers (20 percent) perceived the reserve experience as relaxing. Managers rated eleven of the thirteen game reserve attributes more positively than what the visitors did. Of these attributes, accommodation services, protection of the natural environment, game drives and service delivery, showed significant differences. It is recommended that South African private game reserve managers: • conduct market research to get a better understanding of what delights visitors. Research should be conducted on a regular basis to ensure management stays current with visitors’ changing needs; • determine whether the prices charged reflect the quality of the physical offerings, service delivery and the time and effort visitors spent to obtain the offering; • use the adventurous activities offered at the reserves as part of their promotional campaigns to attract adventure tourists; • train service delivery staff and game drive guides to educate visitors on the history, culture and eco-friendly practices related to their reserve; • always deliver superior service to ensure memorable wildlife experiences, value for money and exceed visitors’ expectations; • continue using websites, social media and magazines to inform the target market about the reserve offerings; and • stay in regular contact with visitors through social media, newsletters, blogs, follow up emails/calls or face to face discussions at the reserve.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A study of the application of clinoptilolite as an ion exchange agent for selected metals in aqueous solution
- Authors: Dyeshana, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Ion exchange , Clinoptilolite
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10419 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013257
- Description: The aim of this study was to establish whether samples of South African-mined clinoptilolite could be used to remove selected metal cations from aqueous solution. The clinoptilolite samples supplied, (by Pratley SA) were in four different particle sizes. Batch study results revealed a decrease in the initial metal concentration in samples that were in contact with clinoptilolite. The finer particle size clinoptilolite had a greater capacity to remove metal cations from aqueous solution. However, ion-exchange results from atomic absorption analysis showed that the larger particle sizes, removed more magnesium ions. Magnesium was the only ion investigated in this study that was present as an exchangeable ion in the Pratley clinoptilolite chemical formula, (MgCaNa2K2)2.5(AlO2)7(SiO2)30.21H2O. Results from the ion-exchange studies showed that the decreasing order of percentage metal removal at pH 3.00 was as follows: Pb > Ni > Cu > Fe > Mg. The mass of metal ions that accumulated on one gram of clinoptilolite as determined from the isotherms was calculated to be 6.16 mg/g for lead and 0.74 mg/g for copper. Data from the lead equilibrium studies were fitted into Langmuir and Freundlich equations and linear regression was used to calculate linearity coefficients for the isotherms. The results showed that the removal of lead ions by clinoptilolite is complex as both monolayer and multilayer adsorption occurs on a heterogeneous surface.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Dyeshana, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Ion exchange , Clinoptilolite
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10419 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013257
- Description: The aim of this study was to establish whether samples of South African-mined clinoptilolite could be used to remove selected metal cations from aqueous solution. The clinoptilolite samples supplied, (by Pratley SA) were in four different particle sizes. Batch study results revealed a decrease in the initial metal concentration in samples that were in contact with clinoptilolite. The finer particle size clinoptilolite had a greater capacity to remove metal cations from aqueous solution. However, ion-exchange results from atomic absorption analysis showed that the larger particle sizes, removed more magnesium ions. Magnesium was the only ion investigated in this study that was present as an exchangeable ion in the Pratley clinoptilolite chemical formula, (MgCaNa2K2)2.5(AlO2)7(SiO2)30.21H2O. Results from the ion-exchange studies showed that the decreasing order of percentage metal removal at pH 3.00 was as follows: Pb > Ni > Cu > Fe > Mg. The mass of metal ions that accumulated on one gram of clinoptilolite as determined from the isotherms was calculated to be 6.16 mg/g for lead and 0.74 mg/g for copper. Data from the lead equilibrium studies were fitted into Langmuir and Freundlich equations and linear regression was used to calculate linearity coefficients for the isotherms. The results showed that the removal of lead ions by clinoptilolite is complex as both monolayer and multilayer adsorption occurs on a heterogeneous surface.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Factors affecting the adoption and meaningful use of electronic medical records in general practices
- Authors: Masiza, Melissa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Medical records -- Data processing , Medical records
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9814 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018561
- Description: Patients typically enter the healthcare systems at the primary care level from where they are further referred to specialists or hospitals as necessary. In the private healthcare system, primary care is provided by a general practitioner (GP). A GP will refer a patient to a specialist for treatment when necessary, while the GP remains the main healthcare provider. The provision of care is, thus, fragmented which results in continuity of care becoming a challenge. Furthermore, the majority of healthcare providers continue to use paper-based systems to capture and store patient medical data. However, capturing and storing patient medical data via electronic methods, such as Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), has been found to improve continuity of care. Despite this benefit, research reveals that smaller practices are slow to adopt electronic methods of record keeping. Hence this explorative research attempts to identify factors that affect the lack of adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in general practices. Four general practices are surveyed through patient and staff questionnaires, as well as GP interviews. Socio-Technical Systems (STS) theory is used as a theoretical lens to formulate the resulting factors. The findings of the research indicate specific factors that relate to either the social, environmental or technical sub-systems of the socio-technical system, or an overlap between these sub-systems. It is significant to note that within these sub-systems, the social sub-system plays a key role. This is due to various reasons revealed by this research. Furthermore, multiple perceptions emerged from the GP and patient participants during the analysis of the findings. These perceptions may have an influence on the adoption and potential meaningful use of an EMR in a general practice. Additionally, the socio-technical factors identified from this research highlight the challenges related to encouraging the adoption and meaningful use of EMRs. These challenges are introduced by the complexities represented by these factors. Nevertheless, addressing the factors will contribute towards improving the rate of adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in small practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Factors affecting the adoption and meaningful use of electronic medical records in general practices
- Authors: Masiza, Melissa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Medical records -- Data processing , Medical records
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9814 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018561
- Description: Patients typically enter the healthcare systems at the primary care level from where they are further referred to specialists or hospitals as necessary. In the private healthcare system, primary care is provided by a general practitioner (GP). A GP will refer a patient to a specialist for treatment when necessary, while the GP remains the main healthcare provider. The provision of care is, thus, fragmented which results in continuity of care becoming a challenge. Furthermore, the majority of healthcare providers continue to use paper-based systems to capture and store patient medical data. However, capturing and storing patient medical data via electronic methods, such as Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), has been found to improve continuity of care. Despite this benefit, research reveals that smaller practices are slow to adopt electronic methods of record keeping. Hence this explorative research attempts to identify factors that affect the lack of adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in general practices. Four general practices are surveyed through patient and staff questionnaires, as well as GP interviews. Socio-Technical Systems (STS) theory is used as a theoretical lens to formulate the resulting factors. The findings of the research indicate specific factors that relate to either the social, environmental or technical sub-systems of the socio-technical system, or an overlap between these sub-systems. It is significant to note that within these sub-systems, the social sub-system plays a key role. This is due to various reasons revealed by this research. Furthermore, multiple perceptions emerged from the GP and patient participants during the analysis of the findings. These perceptions may have an influence on the adoption and potential meaningful use of an EMR in a general practice. Additionally, the socio-technical factors identified from this research highlight the challenges related to encouraging the adoption and meaningful use of EMRs. These challenges are introduced by the complexities represented by these factors. Nevertheless, addressing the factors will contribute towards improving the rate of adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in small practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Optimised small scale reative compensation for Eskom's Albany-Wesley 66/22Kv transmission system
- Authors: Ndimurwimo, Alexis
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Capacitors , Electric capacity , Power transmission , Voltage regulators
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9597 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008156 , Capacitors , Electric capacity , Power transmission , Voltage regulators
- Description: Reactive power compensation, as generated by capacitors, has been used to mitigate the constraints of power transmission and improve the power transfer of the transmission system of the South African power utility, Eskom‟s 66/22kV Albany-Wesley transmission system. An investigation was carried out on a number of current compensation schemes, and their operations, by means of load flow analysis. Different capacitor qualities and technologies were applied to alter the transmission line characteristics that resulted in acceptable voltage regulation. This resulted in easing the load on the lines and transformers and hence reducing line losses. For long transmission lines, utilities need voltage support, as provided for by different voltage compensators, to keep the terminal voltage within standard voltage regulation, and meet the designed power demand. The approach to large and small scale compensation was tested and the outcomes revealed distinct patterns that were used to confirm the hypothesis and improve the transfer of power. The templating temperature and thermal perspective as used by Eskom on line design was discussed and used to design a new transmission line. Load flow solutions were also used to plan and design the optimised transmission system as well as to determine the specification and location of the compensating capacitor banks. Capacitor banks, as a source of reactive power, were used to model the compensation in this research. Electrical protection and faults associated with the capacitors banks were discussed, as prevention to total blackout or load shedding on the transmission line in case of established contingency. Long term investment plans, to meet future electricity demands, require substantial investment hence a financial survey was carried out. Finally this dissertation selects a viable solution to meet the electrical power demands and then recommends a way forward for the Eskom‟s 66/22kV Albany-Wesley line.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Ndimurwimo, Alexis
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Capacitors , Electric capacity , Power transmission , Voltage regulators
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9597 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008156 , Capacitors , Electric capacity , Power transmission , Voltage regulators
- Description: Reactive power compensation, as generated by capacitors, has been used to mitigate the constraints of power transmission and improve the power transfer of the transmission system of the South African power utility, Eskom‟s 66/22kV Albany-Wesley transmission system. An investigation was carried out on a number of current compensation schemes, and their operations, by means of load flow analysis. Different capacitor qualities and technologies were applied to alter the transmission line characteristics that resulted in acceptable voltage regulation. This resulted in easing the load on the lines and transformers and hence reducing line losses. For long transmission lines, utilities need voltage support, as provided for by different voltage compensators, to keep the terminal voltage within standard voltage regulation, and meet the designed power demand. The approach to large and small scale compensation was tested and the outcomes revealed distinct patterns that were used to confirm the hypothesis and improve the transfer of power. The templating temperature and thermal perspective as used by Eskom on line design was discussed and used to design a new transmission line. Load flow solutions were also used to plan and design the optimised transmission system as well as to determine the specification and location of the compensating capacitor banks. Capacitor banks, as a source of reactive power, were used to model the compensation in this research. Electrical protection and faults associated with the capacitors banks were discussed, as prevention to total blackout or load shedding on the transmission line in case of established contingency. Long term investment plans, to meet future electricity demands, require substantial investment hence a financial survey was carried out. Finally this dissertation selects a viable solution to meet the electrical power demands and then recommends a way forward for the Eskom‟s 66/22kV Albany-Wesley line.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
VoIP : a corporate governance approach to avoid the risk of civil liability
- Authors: Gerber, Tian Johannes
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Internet telephony -- Security measures , Telecommunication policy -- South Africa , Computer network protocols -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9812 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016272
- Description: Since the deregulation of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) in 2005, many South African organizations are now attempting to leverage its cost saving and competitive values. However, it has been recently cited that VoIP is one of the greatest new risks to organizations and this risk is cited to increase Information Security insurance premiums in the near future. Due to the dynamic nature of the VoIP technology, regulatory and legislative concerns such as lawful interception of communications and privacy may also contribute to business risk. In order to leverage value from the VoIP implementation, an organization should implement the technology with knowledge of the potential risk of civil liability. This is further highlighted by the King III Report which indicates that the Directors of an organization should be ultimately responsible for Corporate Governance and, therefore, IT Governance and Information Security Governance. The report goes further to say that any newly implemented technology, such as VoIP, should comply with all South African legislation and regulations. This responsibility encourages the practice of both due care and due diligence. However, recent trends exercised by Information Security professionals, responsible for drafting Information Security policies and related procedures, often neglect the regulatory requirements and choose to only implement international best practices with no consideration of the risk of civil liability. Although these best practice frameworks may inadvertently comply with existing local legislation, a chance of an oversight is possible. Oversights may not only result in criminal sanctions, but also civil action due to losses or damages suffered. With regard to implementing VoIP, good Corporate Governance could potentially be ensured through the use of both identified regulations and relevant international best practices. This dissertation aims to aid organizations in avoiding or at least mitigating the risk of civil liability to better leverage VoIP’s value, through good Corporate Governance practices. This should aid in the exercise of due care and due diligence when implementing VoIP as a means of conducting business communication.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Gerber, Tian Johannes
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Internet telephony -- Security measures , Telecommunication policy -- South Africa , Computer network protocols -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9812 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016272
- Description: Since the deregulation of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) in 2005, many South African organizations are now attempting to leverage its cost saving and competitive values. However, it has been recently cited that VoIP is one of the greatest new risks to organizations and this risk is cited to increase Information Security insurance premiums in the near future. Due to the dynamic nature of the VoIP technology, regulatory and legislative concerns such as lawful interception of communications and privacy may also contribute to business risk. In order to leverage value from the VoIP implementation, an organization should implement the technology with knowledge of the potential risk of civil liability. This is further highlighted by the King III Report which indicates that the Directors of an organization should be ultimately responsible for Corporate Governance and, therefore, IT Governance and Information Security Governance. The report goes further to say that any newly implemented technology, such as VoIP, should comply with all South African legislation and regulations. This responsibility encourages the practice of both due care and due diligence. However, recent trends exercised by Information Security professionals, responsible for drafting Information Security policies and related procedures, often neglect the regulatory requirements and choose to only implement international best practices with no consideration of the risk of civil liability. Although these best practice frameworks may inadvertently comply with existing local legislation, a chance of an oversight is possible. Oversights may not only result in criminal sanctions, but also civil action due to losses or damages suffered. With regard to implementing VoIP, good Corporate Governance could potentially be ensured through the use of both identified regulations and relevant international best practices. This dissertation aims to aid organizations in avoiding or at least mitigating the risk of civil liability to better leverage VoIP’s value, through good Corporate Governance practices. This should aid in the exercise of due care and due diligence when implementing VoIP as a means of conducting business communication.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An integrated management system for quality and information security in healthcare
- Authors: Tyali, Sinovuyo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Health services administration -- Quality control.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9745 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1006670 , Health services administration -- Quality control.
- Description: Health service organizations are increasingly required to deliver quality healthcare services without increasing costs. The adoption of health information technologies can assist these organizations to deliver a quality service; however, this again exposes the health information to threats. The protection of personal health information is critical to ensure the privacy of patients in the care of health service organizations. Therefore both quality and information security are of importance in healthcare. Organisations commonly use management system standards to assist them to improve a particular function (e.g. quality or security) through structured organizational processes to establish, maintain and optimise a management system for the particular function. In the healthcare sector, the ISO 9001, ISO 9004 and IWA 1 standards may be used for the purpose of improving quality management through the establishment of a quality management system. Similarly, the ISO 27001 and ISO 27799 standards may be used to improve information security management through the establishment of an information security management system. However, the concurrent implementation of multiple standards brings confusion and complexity within organisations. A possible solution to the confusion is to introduce an integrated management system that addresses the requirements of multiple management systems. In this research, various standards relevant to the establishment of management systems for quality and security are studied. Additionally, literature on integrated management systems is reviewed to determine a possible approach to establishing an IMS for quality and information security in healthcare. It will be shown that the quality management and information security management standards contain commonalities that an integration approach can be based on. A detailed investigation of these commonalities is done in order to present the final proposal of the IMSQS, the Integrated Management System for Quality and Information Security in healthcare.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Tyali, Sinovuyo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Health services administration -- Quality control.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9745 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1006670 , Health services administration -- Quality control.
- Description: Health service organizations are increasingly required to deliver quality healthcare services without increasing costs. The adoption of health information technologies can assist these organizations to deliver a quality service; however, this again exposes the health information to threats. The protection of personal health information is critical to ensure the privacy of patients in the care of health service organizations. Therefore both quality and information security are of importance in healthcare. Organisations commonly use management system standards to assist them to improve a particular function (e.g. quality or security) through structured organizational processes to establish, maintain and optimise a management system for the particular function. In the healthcare sector, the ISO 9001, ISO 9004 and IWA 1 standards may be used for the purpose of improving quality management through the establishment of a quality management system. Similarly, the ISO 27001 and ISO 27799 standards may be used to improve information security management through the establishment of an information security management system. However, the concurrent implementation of multiple standards brings confusion and complexity within organisations. A possible solution to the confusion is to introduce an integrated management system that addresses the requirements of multiple management systems. In this research, various standards relevant to the establishment of management systems for quality and security are studied. Additionally, literature on integrated management systems is reviewed to determine a possible approach to establishing an IMS for quality and information security in healthcare. It will be shown that the quality management and information security management standards contain commonalities that an integration approach can be based on. A detailed investigation of these commonalities is done in order to present the final proposal of the IMSQS, the Integrated Management System for Quality and Information Security in healthcare.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A process model for e-voting in South Africa
- Authors: Swanepoel, Eranee
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Electronic voting -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9805 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012588 , Electronic voting -- South Africa
- Description: An election is a core part of any global democracy. Elections provide citizens with the opportunity to voice their opinions. South Africa achieved democracy for the first time in 1994 and has had four successful national elections since then. All of these elections have been declared “free and fair” according to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). However, there have been various challenges facing the current South African electoral process. This research, therefore examines alternative methods to improve the current South African electoral process. This research firstly identifies the various challenges and characteristics associated with the current electoral process in South Africa. This research study proposes, to incorporate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the South African electoral process. Thus, arguing that utilizing ICT could potentially improve the process. Various countries worldwide have investigated different methods to improve their electoral processes. Countries such as India, Brazil, Estonia and the USA have incorporated ICT into their electoral processes, known as electronic voting (e-voting). Therefore, this research study investigates countries such as India, Brazil, Estonia and the USA which opted to implement e-voting into their electoral process. In addition, various e-voting technologies and their capabilities are explored in detail in this research study. The conclusions drawn from the examination of the electoral processes of countries that utilize e-voting, contributed to the achievement of the primary objective in this research. As a result, to address the various challenges facing the current electoral process in South Africa, a process model was developed called an E-voting Process Model, which depicts two electoral processes namely, an optical scan polling station voting process and an online voting process. This research argues that the E-voting Process Model could potentially improve the current electoral process in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Swanepoel, Eranee
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Electronic voting -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9805 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012588 , Electronic voting -- South Africa
- Description: An election is a core part of any global democracy. Elections provide citizens with the opportunity to voice their opinions. South Africa achieved democracy for the first time in 1994 and has had four successful national elections since then. All of these elections have been declared “free and fair” according to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). However, there have been various challenges facing the current South African electoral process. This research, therefore examines alternative methods to improve the current South African electoral process. This research firstly identifies the various challenges and characteristics associated with the current electoral process in South Africa. This research study proposes, to incorporate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the South African electoral process. Thus, arguing that utilizing ICT could potentially improve the process. Various countries worldwide have investigated different methods to improve their electoral processes. Countries such as India, Brazil, Estonia and the USA have incorporated ICT into their electoral processes, known as electronic voting (e-voting). Therefore, this research study investigates countries such as India, Brazil, Estonia and the USA which opted to implement e-voting into their electoral process. In addition, various e-voting technologies and their capabilities are explored in detail in this research study. The conclusions drawn from the examination of the electoral processes of countries that utilize e-voting, contributed to the achievement of the primary objective in this research. As a result, to address the various challenges facing the current electoral process in South Africa, a process model was developed called an E-voting Process Model, which depicts two electoral processes namely, an optical scan polling station voting process and an online voting process. This research argues that the E-voting Process Model could potentially improve the current electoral process in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Critical design within the practice of graphic design
- Authors: Kuhn, Simon
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Graphic arts , Product design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8494 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007843 , Graphic arts , Product design
- Description: Critical Design is a specific type of design activity that has emerged from within the field of product design. Based on the supposition that design is an ideological activity, it can either be critical or affirmative of the status quo and categorised as Critical Design or Affirmative Design. The intention of this study is to create Critical Design within the practice of graphic design. Critical Design was defined by identifying its key characteristics and then visualised into a diagram that maps the pathways, processes and consequences which distinguish Critical Design from Affirmative Design. The characteristics were used to generate criteria of Critical Design, which were then used to analyse case studies. The findings from this analysis suggested that both case study projects could be defined as Critical Design and served as a way of testing the appropriateness of the criteria. The practical component of this study used the characteristics of Critical Design to create a range of graphic design artefacts and then analysed them in relation to the criteria of Critical Design. The findings from this analysis determined the practical component as Critical [Graphic] Design and suggested that graphic design can be an appropriate medium for critique of its own role within society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kuhn, Simon
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Graphic arts , Product design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8494 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007843 , Graphic arts , Product design
- Description: Critical Design is a specific type of design activity that has emerged from within the field of product design. Based on the supposition that design is an ideological activity, it can either be critical or affirmative of the status quo and categorised as Critical Design or Affirmative Design. The intention of this study is to create Critical Design within the practice of graphic design. Critical Design was defined by identifying its key characteristics and then visualised into a diagram that maps the pathways, processes and consequences which distinguish Critical Design from Affirmative Design. The characteristics were used to generate criteria of Critical Design, which were then used to analyse case studies. The findings from this analysis suggested that both case study projects could be defined as Critical Design and served as a way of testing the appropriateness of the criteria. The practical component of this study used the characteristics of Critical Design to create a range of graphic design artefacts and then analysed them in relation to the criteria of Critical Design. The findings from this analysis determined the practical component as Critical [Graphic] Design and suggested that graphic design can be an appropriate medium for critique of its own role within society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Environmental health work methods and procedures for the surveillance and control of cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
- Authors: Bigara, Ana Doherty
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Avian influenza -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Prevention , Environmental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9836 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016073
- Description: The aim of this study was to develop a standardised set of Environmental-Health work methods and procedures, with the purpose of contributing to the effective surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. The researcher followed a qualitative research design, which was explorative, descriptive, inductive and deductive by nature. The methods of data collection were documentary research and focus-group interviews. A documentary research approach was employed as the primary method of data collection for the study. The researcher has used semi-structured questions to obtain relevant information from the participants in the focus groups. The purpose of using semi-structured questions in the focus groups was to draw on their knowledge and experience of communicable disease surveillance and control in relation to Cholera, as well as to ascertain their views on the role of the Environmental-Health Practitioners in the Communicable - Disease Outbreak- Response Teams at the three different spheres of government. The process of qualitative data analysis was followed. This was based on data reduction and interpretation; and it was conducted as an activity simultaneously with data collection, data interpretation (coding) and narrative writing. The information obtained from the analysed data assisted in the development of the environmentalhealth work methods and procedures for the surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. In this study, firstly, the epidemiology of Cholera was described and analysed against the background of its manifestation in South Africa. Secondly, the national health care system, with specific reference to the place and role of environmental health practitioners at national, provincial and municipal spheres – in relation to Cholera surveillance and control – was analysed. Thirdly, the relevant research that has been done globally has been analysed against the background of the findings of the above, together with work methods and procedures to be used by environmental-health practitioners during the surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. These include, inter alia: Work methods and procedures for Cholera case investigation; Work methods and procedures for sanitary investigations; and Work methods and procedures for identifying the sources of contamination in environmental waters. Finally, the conclusion and limitations was presented, and appropriate recommendations were made. These include: he need to educate all role - players, on the recent developments in the identification of Vibrio cholerae from environmental surface waters; Communication systems should be developed that allow the Director: Environmental Health to communicate urgent environmental health information directly to the Minister of Health; he training of environmental-health practitioners on detailed work methods and procedures for the surveillance and control of Cholera; and the existing national Cholera control guidelines need to be updated to include relevant environmental health situations when emergencies arise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Bigara, Ana Doherty
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Avian influenza -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Prevention , Environmental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9836 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016073
- Description: The aim of this study was to develop a standardised set of Environmental-Health work methods and procedures, with the purpose of contributing to the effective surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. The researcher followed a qualitative research design, which was explorative, descriptive, inductive and deductive by nature. The methods of data collection were documentary research and focus-group interviews. A documentary research approach was employed as the primary method of data collection for the study. The researcher has used semi-structured questions to obtain relevant information from the participants in the focus groups. The purpose of using semi-structured questions in the focus groups was to draw on their knowledge and experience of communicable disease surveillance and control in relation to Cholera, as well as to ascertain their views on the role of the Environmental-Health Practitioners in the Communicable - Disease Outbreak- Response Teams at the three different spheres of government. The process of qualitative data analysis was followed. This was based on data reduction and interpretation; and it was conducted as an activity simultaneously with data collection, data interpretation (coding) and narrative writing. The information obtained from the analysed data assisted in the development of the environmentalhealth work methods and procedures for the surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. In this study, firstly, the epidemiology of Cholera was described and analysed against the background of its manifestation in South Africa. Secondly, the national health care system, with specific reference to the place and role of environmental health practitioners at national, provincial and municipal spheres – in relation to Cholera surveillance and control – was analysed. Thirdly, the relevant research that has been done globally has been analysed against the background of the findings of the above, together with work methods and procedures to be used by environmental-health practitioners during the surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. These include, inter alia: Work methods and procedures for Cholera case investigation; Work methods and procedures for sanitary investigations; and Work methods and procedures for identifying the sources of contamination in environmental waters. Finally, the conclusion and limitations was presented, and appropriate recommendations were made. These include: he need to educate all role - players, on the recent developments in the identification of Vibrio cholerae from environmental surface waters; Communication systems should be developed that allow the Director: Environmental Health to communicate urgent environmental health information directly to the Minister of Health; he training of environmental-health practitioners on detailed work methods and procedures for the surveillance and control of Cholera; and the existing national Cholera control guidelines need to be updated to include relevant environmental health situations when emergencies arise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Development of a navigation system for an autonomous guided vehicle using android technology
- Authors: Snyman, Christo Johannes
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Mechatronics , Engeering
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9654 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Snyman, Christo Johannes
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Mechatronics , Engeering
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9654 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Managing an information security policy architecture : a technical documentation perspective
- Maninjwa, Prosecutor Mvikeli
- Authors: Maninjwa, Prosecutor Mvikeli
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Computer security -- Management , Computer architecture , Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9825 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020757
- Description: Information and the related assets form critical business assets for most organizations. Organizations depend on their information assets to survive and to remain competitive. However, the organization’s information assets are faced with a number of internal and external threats, aimed at compromising the confidentiality, integrity and/or availability (CIA) of information assets. These threats can be of physical, technical, or operational nature. For an organization to successfully conduct its business operations, information assets should always be protected from these threats. The process of protecting information and its related assets, ensuring the CIA thereof, is referred to as information security. To be effective, information security should be viewed as critical to the overall success of the organization, and therefore be included as one of the organization’s Corporate Governance sub-functions, referred to as Information Security Governance. Information Security Governance is the strategic system for directing and controlling the organization’s information security initiatives. Directing is the process whereby management issues directives, giving a strategic direction for information security within an organization. Controlling is the process of ensuring that management directives are being adhered to within an organization. To be effective, Information Security Governance directing and controlling depend on the organization’s Information Security Policy Architecture. An Information Security Policy Architecture is a hierarchical representation of the various information security policies and related documentation that an organization has used. When directing, management directives should be issued in the form of an Information Security Policy Architecture, and controlling should ensure adherence to the Information Security Policy Architecture. However, this study noted that in both literature and organizational practices, Information Security Policy Architectures are not comprehensively addressed and adequately managed. Therefore, this study argues towards a more comprehensive Information Security Policy Architecture, and the proper management thereof.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Maninjwa, Prosecutor Mvikeli
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Computer security -- Management , Computer architecture , Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9825 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020757
- Description: Information and the related assets form critical business assets for most organizations. Organizations depend on their information assets to survive and to remain competitive. However, the organization’s information assets are faced with a number of internal and external threats, aimed at compromising the confidentiality, integrity and/or availability (CIA) of information assets. These threats can be of physical, technical, or operational nature. For an organization to successfully conduct its business operations, information assets should always be protected from these threats. The process of protecting information and its related assets, ensuring the CIA thereof, is referred to as information security. To be effective, information security should be viewed as critical to the overall success of the organization, and therefore be included as one of the organization’s Corporate Governance sub-functions, referred to as Information Security Governance. Information Security Governance is the strategic system for directing and controlling the organization’s information security initiatives. Directing is the process whereby management issues directives, giving a strategic direction for information security within an organization. Controlling is the process of ensuring that management directives are being adhered to within an organization. To be effective, Information Security Governance directing and controlling depend on the organization’s Information Security Policy Architecture. An Information Security Policy Architecture is a hierarchical representation of the various information security policies and related documentation that an organization has used. When directing, management directives should be issued in the form of an Information Security Policy Architecture, and controlling should ensure adherence to the Information Security Policy Architecture. However, this study noted that in both literature and organizational practices, Information Security Policy Architectures are not comprehensively addressed and adequately managed. Therefore, this study argues towards a more comprehensive Information Security Policy Architecture, and the proper management thereof.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
User experience metrics for Dr Math
- Authors: Ngaye, Zonke
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Data processing , Mathematical models , Mathematics -- Study and teaching , Numerical analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9799 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012036 , Mathematics -- Data processing , Mathematical models , Mathematics -- Study and teaching , Numerical analysis
- Description: The purpose of this research study is to propose guidelines for providing a positive user experience for pupils using Dr Math®. User experience was found to have a positive impact on the acceptance and adoption of a product. Thus the proposed guidelines contribute in maximizing the adoption and acceptance of Dr Math® among pupils. This study begins with an introductory chapter that describes the problem that forms the basis for this research. The chapter defines the objectives that this study is intended to achieve in order to accomplish its ultimate goal. The methodology followed to conduct this research study as well as its scope are also defined here. The results from a preliminary survey revealed that despite its potential accessibility, Dr Math® has a low adoption rate. However, when compared to other mobile learning (m-learning) applications for mathematics learning, Dr Math® is more popular. Thus Dr Math® was selected as a case for study. Chapter 2 of this study provides a detailed description of Dr Math® as a local mobile application for mathematics learning. It was found that the affordability and accessibility of Dr Math® did not necessarily imply a high adoption rate. There are various possible barriers to its low adoption. User experience (UX), which is the focus of this study, is one of them. Thus, a subsequent chapter deals with UX. Chapter 3 discusses UX, its scope, components and definition and places particular emphasis on its significance in the success of any product. The chapter also highlights the characteristics of a positive UX and the importance of designing for this outcome. In Chapter 4, a discussion and justification of the methodology used to conduct this research is discussed. This study primarily employs a qualitative inductive approach within an interpretivism paradigm. An exploratory single case study was used to obtain an in-depth analysis of the case. Data was collected using Dr Math® log files as a documentary source. Gathered data was then analysed and organized into themes and categories using qualitative content analysis as outlined in Chapter 5. Also the findings obtained from the results, which are mainly the factors that were found to have an impact on the user interaction with Dr Math®, are presented here. The identified factors served as a basis from which the guidelines presented in Chapter 6 were developed. Chapter 7 presents the conclusions and recommendations of the research. From both theoretical and empirical work, it was concluded that Dr Math® has the potential to improve mathematics learning in South Africa. Its adoption rate, however, is not satisfying: hence, the investigation of the factors impacting on the user interaction with Dr Math®, from which the proposed guidelines are based.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Ngaye, Zonke
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Data processing , Mathematical models , Mathematics -- Study and teaching , Numerical analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9799 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012036 , Mathematics -- Data processing , Mathematical models , Mathematics -- Study and teaching , Numerical analysis
- Description: The purpose of this research study is to propose guidelines for providing a positive user experience for pupils using Dr Math®. User experience was found to have a positive impact on the acceptance and adoption of a product. Thus the proposed guidelines contribute in maximizing the adoption and acceptance of Dr Math® among pupils. This study begins with an introductory chapter that describes the problem that forms the basis for this research. The chapter defines the objectives that this study is intended to achieve in order to accomplish its ultimate goal. The methodology followed to conduct this research study as well as its scope are also defined here. The results from a preliminary survey revealed that despite its potential accessibility, Dr Math® has a low adoption rate. However, when compared to other mobile learning (m-learning) applications for mathematics learning, Dr Math® is more popular. Thus Dr Math® was selected as a case for study. Chapter 2 of this study provides a detailed description of Dr Math® as a local mobile application for mathematics learning. It was found that the affordability and accessibility of Dr Math® did not necessarily imply a high adoption rate. There are various possible barriers to its low adoption. User experience (UX), which is the focus of this study, is one of them. Thus, a subsequent chapter deals with UX. Chapter 3 discusses UX, its scope, components and definition and places particular emphasis on its significance in the success of any product. The chapter also highlights the characteristics of a positive UX and the importance of designing for this outcome. In Chapter 4, a discussion and justification of the methodology used to conduct this research is discussed. This study primarily employs a qualitative inductive approach within an interpretivism paradigm. An exploratory single case study was used to obtain an in-depth analysis of the case. Data was collected using Dr Math® log files as a documentary source. Gathered data was then analysed and organized into themes and categories using qualitative content analysis as outlined in Chapter 5. Also the findings obtained from the results, which are mainly the factors that were found to have an impact on the user interaction with Dr Math®, are presented here. The identified factors served as a basis from which the guidelines presented in Chapter 6 were developed. Chapter 7 presents the conclusions and recommendations of the research. From both theoretical and empirical work, it was concluded that Dr Math® has the potential to improve mathematics learning in South Africa. Its adoption rate, however, is not satisfying: hence, the investigation of the factors impacting on the user interaction with Dr Math®, from which the proposed guidelines are based.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A framework for personal health records in online social networking
- Van der Westhuizen, Eldridge Werner
- Authors: Van der Westhuizen, Eldridge Werner
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Medical care -- Data processing , Medical records -- Access control , Medical informatics , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9804 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012382 , Medical care -- Data processing , Medical records -- Access control , Medical informatics , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Medicine
- Description: Since the early 20th century, the view has developed that high quality health care can be delivered only when all the pertinent data about the health of a patient is available to the clinician. Various types of health records have emerged to serve the needs of healthcare providers and more recently, patients or consumers. These health records include, but are not limited to, Personal Health Records, Electronic Heath Records, Electronic Medical Records and Payer-Based Health Records. Payer-Based Health Records emerged to serve the needs of medical aids or health care plans. Electronic Medical Records and Electronic Health Records were targeted at the healthcare provider market, whereas a gap developed in the patient market. Personal Health Records were developed to address the patient market, but adoption was slow at first. The success of online social networking reignited the flame that Personal Health Records needed and online consumer-based Personal Health Records were developed. Despite all the various types of health records, there still seems to be a lack of meaningful use of personal health records in modern society. The purpose of this dissertation is to propose a framework for Personal Health Records in online social networking, to address the issue of a lack of a central, accessible repository for health records. In order for a Personal Health Record to serve this need it has to be of meaningful use. The capability of a PHR to be of meaningful use is core to this research. In order to determine whether a Personal Health Record is of meaningful use, a tool is developed to evaluate Personal Health Records. This evaluation tool takes into account all the attributes that a Personal Health Record which is of meaningful use should comprise of. Suitable ratings are allocated to enable measuring of each attribute. A model is compiled to facilitate the selection of six Personal Health Records to be evaluated. One of these six Personal Health Records acts as a pilot site to test the evaluation tool in order to determine the tool’s utility and effect improvements. The other five Personal Health Records are then evaluated to measure their adherence to the attributes of meaningful use. These findings, together with a literature study on the various types of health records and the evaluation tool, inform the building blocks used to present the framework. It is hoped that the framework for Personal Health Records in online social networking proposed in this research, may be of benefit to provide clear guidance for the achievement of a central or integrated, accessible repository for health records through the meaningful use of Personal Health Records.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Van der Westhuizen, Eldridge Werner
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Medical care -- Data processing , Medical records -- Access control , Medical informatics , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9804 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012382 , Medical care -- Data processing , Medical records -- Access control , Medical informatics , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Medicine
- Description: Since the early 20th century, the view has developed that high quality health care can be delivered only when all the pertinent data about the health of a patient is available to the clinician. Various types of health records have emerged to serve the needs of healthcare providers and more recently, patients or consumers. These health records include, but are not limited to, Personal Health Records, Electronic Heath Records, Electronic Medical Records and Payer-Based Health Records. Payer-Based Health Records emerged to serve the needs of medical aids or health care plans. Electronic Medical Records and Electronic Health Records were targeted at the healthcare provider market, whereas a gap developed in the patient market. Personal Health Records were developed to address the patient market, but adoption was slow at first. The success of online social networking reignited the flame that Personal Health Records needed and online consumer-based Personal Health Records were developed. Despite all the various types of health records, there still seems to be a lack of meaningful use of personal health records in modern society. The purpose of this dissertation is to propose a framework for Personal Health Records in online social networking, to address the issue of a lack of a central, accessible repository for health records. In order for a Personal Health Record to serve this need it has to be of meaningful use. The capability of a PHR to be of meaningful use is core to this research. In order to determine whether a Personal Health Record is of meaningful use, a tool is developed to evaluate Personal Health Records. This evaluation tool takes into account all the attributes that a Personal Health Record which is of meaningful use should comprise of. Suitable ratings are allocated to enable measuring of each attribute. A model is compiled to facilitate the selection of six Personal Health Records to be evaluated. One of these six Personal Health Records acts as a pilot site to test the evaluation tool in order to determine the tool’s utility and effect improvements. The other five Personal Health Records are then evaluated to measure their adherence to the attributes of meaningful use. These findings, together with a literature study on the various types of health records and the evaluation tool, inform the building blocks used to present the framework. It is hoped that the framework for Personal Health Records in online social networking proposed in this research, may be of benefit to provide clear guidance for the achievement of a central or integrated, accessible repository for health records through the meaningful use of Personal Health Records.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Electronic communication continuity planning from the perspective of an individual
- Authors: Fouché, Jacques
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Electronic systems , Internet
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9802 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012270 , Electronic systems , Internet
- Description: It is beyond doubt that technology has changed the way people in modern society live their daily lives. While a modern society eagerly adopts new technology, the loss of the services provided by these technologies is hardly ever considered. Therefore, this research project will evaluate the importance of communication technology and how critical it is for an individual. Furthermore, this research will provide a framework to improve the availability of current communication technologies from the perspective of the individual.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Fouché, Jacques
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Electronic systems , Internet
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9802 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012270 , Electronic systems , Internet
- Description: It is beyond doubt that technology has changed the way people in modern society live their daily lives. While a modern society eagerly adopts new technology, the loss of the services provided by these technologies is hardly ever considered. Therefore, this research project will evaluate the importance of communication technology and how critical it is for an individual. Furthermore, this research will provide a framework to improve the availability of current communication technologies from the perspective of the individual.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Budgeting, forecasting and financial planning as a strategic tool in the Eastern Cape's manufacturing industry
- Authors: Abrahams, Shaheed
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Budget process -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business forecasting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manufacturing industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8940 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008408 , Budget process -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business forecasting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manufacturing industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The primary objective of the study is to assess whether organisations are using their budgeting, forecasting and financial planning information as a strategic tool in the decision-making process. The research aims to investigate the various factors that hinder the success of the finance department in delivering a quality financial plan, budget or forecast to top management and the rest of the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Abrahams, Shaheed
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Budget process -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business forecasting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manufacturing industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8940 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008408 , Budget process -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business forecasting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manufacturing industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The primary objective of the study is to assess whether organisations are using their budgeting, forecasting and financial planning information as a strategic tool in the decision-making process. The research aims to investigate the various factors that hinder the success of the finance department in delivering a quality financial plan, budget or forecast to top management and the rest of the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Characterising the stress-life response of mechanical formed AISI-1008 steel plate components
- Authors: Müller, Ruan
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Materials -- Fatigue -- Testing , Metals -- Fatigue , Mechanical wear -- Measurement , Mechanical engineering
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9616 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008102 , Materials -- Fatigue -- Testing , Metals -- Fatigue , Mechanical wear -- Measurement , Mechanical engineering
- Description: The main purpose of this research project was to determine the fatigue-life behaviour of AISI 1008 sheet steel which has been mechanically formed to a radius of curvature of 120mm and then to correlate the fatigue-life behaviour to that of the parent or “as manufactured” material. During the forming process it was felt important to induce plastic strain through stretch-bending by clamping the sides of a plate sample’s (width) edges in the bending fixture before being bent by a single acting mechanical press. It was determined through actual testing that there was a decrease in fatigue-life when the mechanical formed data was compared to fatigue data of the parent material. Standard fatigue mathematical models were used to relate the actual fatigue data. Due to the material being cold formed to a radius of curvature of 120mm, residual stresses induced during the forming process played an essential role during the fatigue-life prediction calculations. The maximum relieved stress in the parent material was compressive in nature having a magnitude of 11percent of the “as manufactured” yield strength (265 MPa). For the mechanical formed material compressive residual stresses were measured on the outer surface while tensile stresses were measured on the inner surface. The difference between actual number of cycles to failure to that calculated using the standard mathematical models for the parent material, ranged between 48 percent and 18 percent and for the mechanical formed samples between 35 percent and 1percent, depending on the strain amplitude used. An important aspect of this study was to determine the criteria required for mathematical modelling of the parent material as testing occurred between the limit of proportionality and yield point. Although this aspect requires further investigation the mathematical results obtained during this study were considered to be acceptable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Müller, Ruan
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Materials -- Fatigue -- Testing , Metals -- Fatigue , Mechanical wear -- Measurement , Mechanical engineering
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9616 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008102 , Materials -- Fatigue -- Testing , Metals -- Fatigue , Mechanical wear -- Measurement , Mechanical engineering
- Description: The main purpose of this research project was to determine the fatigue-life behaviour of AISI 1008 sheet steel which has been mechanically formed to a radius of curvature of 120mm and then to correlate the fatigue-life behaviour to that of the parent or “as manufactured” material. During the forming process it was felt important to induce plastic strain through stretch-bending by clamping the sides of a plate sample’s (width) edges in the bending fixture before being bent by a single acting mechanical press. It was determined through actual testing that there was a decrease in fatigue-life when the mechanical formed data was compared to fatigue data of the parent material. Standard fatigue mathematical models were used to relate the actual fatigue data. Due to the material being cold formed to a radius of curvature of 120mm, residual stresses induced during the forming process played an essential role during the fatigue-life prediction calculations. The maximum relieved stress in the parent material was compressive in nature having a magnitude of 11percent of the “as manufactured” yield strength (265 MPa). For the mechanical formed material compressive residual stresses were measured on the outer surface while tensile stresses were measured on the inner surface. The difference between actual number of cycles to failure to that calculated using the standard mathematical models for the parent material, ranged between 48 percent and 18 percent and for the mechanical formed samples between 35 percent and 1percent, depending on the strain amplitude used. An important aspect of this study was to determine the criteria required for mathematical modelling of the parent material as testing occurred between the limit of proportionality and yield point. Although this aspect requires further investigation the mathematical results obtained during this study were considered to be acceptable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The development of an optimised rotor software design tool to improve performance of small horizontal axis wind turbines
- Authors: Newey, Kerryn Brett
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Wind turbines -- Design , Wind power , Turbines -- Design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9620 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009431 , Wind turbines -- Design , Wind power , Turbines -- Design
- Description: Horizontal axis wind turbines are by far the most common and well understood forms of wind turbine. Typically a large amount of research and development has been invested in the technology of large scale wind turbines. Unfortunately, development of small machines (rotor diameter smaller than 10 metres) has not been as forthcoming. The advantages of small turbines are that they are accessible to the individual consumer and they are a very attractive project for the home builder. The disadvantage of small turbines is that due to the negative influence of economies of scale, they tend to be costly in relation to their power output and suffer from a long-term return on investment. Furthermore, trends in the wind industry have shown that smaller machines tend to be relatively simple devices that have been developed with very little research and development. As a result, small turbines can be inefficient, unreliable and expensive to maintain. In many cases rotor design is less than optimal, with very little blade refinement. This is especially critical for small rotors due to low Reynolds Number operation. Further exacerbating the problem is that the rotors are typically not well matched to the generator. In many cases the machines are not suited to the wind speed range in which they are designed to operate, reducing the financial viability due to poor performance. It is envisaged that by applying optimising techniques and automating some of the design complexities into a software design tool, more cost-effective and viable machines can be developed that will deliver improved performance and therefore become more financially viable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Newey, Kerryn Brett
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Wind turbines -- Design , Wind power , Turbines -- Design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9620 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009431 , Wind turbines -- Design , Wind power , Turbines -- Design
- Description: Horizontal axis wind turbines are by far the most common and well understood forms of wind turbine. Typically a large amount of research and development has been invested in the technology of large scale wind turbines. Unfortunately, development of small machines (rotor diameter smaller than 10 metres) has not been as forthcoming. The advantages of small turbines are that they are accessible to the individual consumer and they are a very attractive project for the home builder. The disadvantage of small turbines is that due to the negative influence of economies of scale, they tend to be costly in relation to their power output and suffer from a long-term return on investment. Furthermore, trends in the wind industry have shown that smaller machines tend to be relatively simple devices that have been developed with very little research and development. As a result, small turbines can be inefficient, unreliable and expensive to maintain. In many cases rotor design is less than optimal, with very little blade refinement. This is especially critical for small rotors due to low Reynolds Number operation. Further exacerbating the problem is that the rotors are typically not well matched to the generator. In many cases the machines are not suited to the wind speed range in which they are designed to operate, reducing the financial viability due to poor performance. It is envisaged that by applying optimising techniques and automating some of the design complexities into a software design tool, more cost-effective and viable machines can be developed that will deliver improved performance and therefore become more financially viable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The influence of persons and marketing related variables on consumers purchasing of environmentally-friendly products
- Authors: Jonas, Altouise Glowdean
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Consumer behavior , Marketing research , Natural resources , Human ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9368 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011098 , Consumer behavior , Marketing research , Natural resources , Human ecology
- Description: The human environment is under serious threat as natural resources such as air, water and forests are being overused. Worldwide, people have become more aware of the threatening situation and consequently many more individuals are showing concern for the environment. Often this concern is not displayed in consumers’ purchasing behaviour, as consumers who claim to be concerned about the environment are not necessarily consuming or showing a preference for environmentally–friendly products. This study examined two sets of variables, namely, person related and marketing related factors, and determined the extent to which these factors influence consumers’ behaviour when buying environmentallyfriendly products. The empirical data was collected by means of a survey, using self-administered questionnaires distributed to adult employed consumers residing in Port Elizabeth. Two hundred usable questionnaires were received. Three person related factors, namely, norms, environmental concern and environmental knowledge, and four marketing related factors, namely, price, product, place and promotion - were found to influence respondents’ behaviour when purchasing environmentally-friendly products. Environmental concern explained the largest portion of variation in purchase behaviour, while promotion explained the smallest portion of variation. Significant differences in the influence of age were found for norms, nvironmental concern, environmental knowledge and price. It is recommended that suppliers of environmentally-friendly products should ensure that these products are located at outlets which are convenient to consumers; more should be done by the relevant stakeholders to increase environmental knowledge and educate South Africans about the benefits of leading a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle; marketers find more innovative methods to convince consumers to act on their environmental concern; further attempts be made to minimise the price difference between environmentally-friendly products and traditional products; marketers should pay more attention to advertisements promoting environmentally-friendly products to ensure that these appeal to their target markets; and the performance of environmentally-friendly products should be on a par with the performance of traditional products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Jonas, Altouise Glowdean
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Consumer behavior , Marketing research , Natural resources , Human ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9368 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011098 , Consumer behavior , Marketing research , Natural resources , Human ecology
- Description: The human environment is under serious threat as natural resources such as air, water and forests are being overused. Worldwide, people have become more aware of the threatening situation and consequently many more individuals are showing concern for the environment. Often this concern is not displayed in consumers’ purchasing behaviour, as consumers who claim to be concerned about the environment are not necessarily consuming or showing a preference for environmentally–friendly products. This study examined two sets of variables, namely, person related and marketing related factors, and determined the extent to which these factors influence consumers’ behaviour when buying environmentallyfriendly products. The empirical data was collected by means of a survey, using self-administered questionnaires distributed to adult employed consumers residing in Port Elizabeth. Two hundred usable questionnaires were received. Three person related factors, namely, norms, environmental concern and environmental knowledge, and four marketing related factors, namely, price, product, place and promotion - were found to influence respondents’ behaviour when purchasing environmentally-friendly products. Environmental concern explained the largest portion of variation in purchase behaviour, while promotion explained the smallest portion of variation. Significant differences in the influence of age were found for norms, nvironmental concern, environmental knowledge and price. It is recommended that suppliers of environmentally-friendly products should ensure that these products are located at outlets which are convenient to consumers; more should be done by the relevant stakeholders to increase environmental knowledge and educate South Africans about the benefits of leading a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle; marketers find more innovative methods to convince consumers to act on their environmental concern; further attempts be made to minimise the price difference between environmentally-friendly products and traditional products; marketers should pay more attention to advertisements promoting environmentally-friendly products to ensure that these appeal to their target markets; and the performance of environmentally-friendly products should be on a par with the performance of traditional products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Guidelines for the design of a mobile phone application for deaf people
- Authors: Yeratziotis, George
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems -- Design and construction , Deaf -- Means of communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9750 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007925 , Mobile communication systems -- Design and construction , Deaf -- Means of communication
- Description: Deaf people in South Africa are no longer a minority group and their needs regarding communication and interaction must therefore be taken into consideration. This demographic does not communicate and interact in the same way as hearing people, which means that any existing usability or accessibility guidelines do not apply. As a result, Deaf people do not have access to information in the same way that a hearing person does. Providing proper access to Information and Communications Technology services, which meet their particular needs, will help the hearing impaired to better integrate into society. The importance of demolishing the communication barrier between the hearing and the hearing impaired is very important. Many people assume that sign language is somehow based on oral language. However, this is not the case. Sign languages are natural visual-spatial languages, and form a contrast with spoken languages which are auditory-vocal based. Acknowledging this fact in 2008, the South African Sign Language Policy Implementation Conference together with several governmental bodies suggested that South African Sign Language should become recognized as the 12th official language of South Africa. Due to the fact that cell phone technology continues to evolve, it will remain a tool of communication upon which Deaf people heavily rely on. The cell phone fulfils a basic need for everyone, but especially for the Deaf demographic as they rely on the short message system to communicate. Deaf people are currently faced with a lack of appropriate mobile phone applications, which would allow them to communicate with hearing as well as deaf people. The primary objective of this research was therefore to make mobile technology equally accessible meaning usable to members of the Deaf demographic. The focus of the research was to investigate the communication barrier and a range of variables that can influence the deaf user’s experience. Topics such as user interface design, usability and interaction were investigated. The outcome of this research was to propose a set of guidelines that, when applied to the design of a website or to phone application accessibility, would ensure communication and interaction from a deaf user. The proposed set of guidelines was then applied to the design of the high fidelity prototype of a mobile phone application. The specific application is a messaging phone application that allows deaf users to communicate with other deaf and hearing users via short message system. A mobile phone application that allows Deaf people to send and receive messages based on the sign language alphabet. The application was named Signchat. Purpose of this was to visibly display how the guidelines were implemented in Signchat. While Signchat’s main purpose is to accommodate the needs of Deaf people, it is also a learning tool and an application that bridges the gap by allowing deaf and hearing users to communicate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Yeratziotis, George
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems -- Design and construction , Deaf -- Means of communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9750 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007925 , Mobile communication systems -- Design and construction , Deaf -- Means of communication
- Description: Deaf people in South Africa are no longer a minority group and their needs regarding communication and interaction must therefore be taken into consideration. This demographic does not communicate and interact in the same way as hearing people, which means that any existing usability or accessibility guidelines do not apply. As a result, Deaf people do not have access to information in the same way that a hearing person does. Providing proper access to Information and Communications Technology services, which meet their particular needs, will help the hearing impaired to better integrate into society. The importance of demolishing the communication barrier between the hearing and the hearing impaired is very important. Many people assume that sign language is somehow based on oral language. However, this is not the case. Sign languages are natural visual-spatial languages, and form a contrast with spoken languages which are auditory-vocal based. Acknowledging this fact in 2008, the South African Sign Language Policy Implementation Conference together with several governmental bodies suggested that South African Sign Language should become recognized as the 12th official language of South Africa. Due to the fact that cell phone technology continues to evolve, it will remain a tool of communication upon which Deaf people heavily rely on. The cell phone fulfils a basic need for everyone, but especially for the Deaf demographic as they rely on the short message system to communicate. Deaf people are currently faced with a lack of appropriate mobile phone applications, which would allow them to communicate with hearing as well as deaf people. The primary objective of this research was therefore to make mobile technology equally accessible meaning usable to members of the Deaf demographic. The focus of the research was to investigate the communication barrier and a range of variables that can influence the deaf user’s experience. Topics such as user interface design, usability and interaction were investigated. The outcome of this research was to propose a set of guidelines that, when applied to the design of a website or to phone application accessibility, would ensure communication and interaction from a deaf user. The proposed set of guidelines was then applied to the design of the high fidelity prototype of a mobile phone application. The specific application is a messaging phone application that allows deaf users to communicate with other deaf and hearing users via short message system. A mobile phone application that allows Deaf people to send and receive messages based on the sign language alphabet. The application was named Signchat. Purpose of this was to visibly display how the guidelines were implemented in Signchat. While Signchat’s main purpose is to accommodate the needs of Deaf people, it is also a learning tool and an application that bridges the gap by allowing deaf and hearing users to communicate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012