Distinguishing elephant induced thicket degradation and climate related factors in Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mapheto, Tlhologelo James
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Elephant – Behaviour -- South Africa -- Addo Elephant National Park , Wildlife conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60753 , vital:66741
- Description: The Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) is an ecologically sensitive environment where the increase in elephant population, especially in a changing climate is a recipe for landscape degradation and biodiversity loss. The Park is situated in the drought prone Eastern Cape Province, however, the effects of drought on thicket vegetation is less understood. This study aimed to distinguish elephant-induced thicket degradation from the effects of climatic factors, using remote sensing, GIS, and statistical techniques. To characterise and map vegetation conditions of the reserve temporal series Landsat imagery (n = 22) from 1998 to 2018 were analysed. Vegetation states were determined using Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from the growing season of the study period. Using supervised per-pixel image classification technique, the NDVI values characterized into distinct land cover classes viz (1) Intact Thicket, (2) Transformed Thicket, (3) Degraded Thicket, (4) Bare Ground and (6) Water Bodies. Post-classification change detection and landscape fragmentation analysis was performed. Climatic data were obtained from existing weather stations and raster surface of accumulated rainfall and mean maximum temperature were developed using the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW). Time series analysis was implemented on the NDVI and climatic condition data by plotting annual measures to indicate variable trends. Temporal trend analysis was performed on the NDVI data using the nonparametric Mann-Kendall trend analysis test to indicate thicket vegetation condition improvement and general degradation. The Residual Trend (RESTREND) approach was employed to remove the effect of rainfall on vegetation productivity. This involved using the Ordinary Least Square regression functionality in ArcMap to compute the relationship between ∑NDVI and accumulated rainfall for every pixel for the study period. The products of the regression were assessed using Pearson’s Correlation (r) at a significance level of 90% (p-value ≤ 0.1) to distinguish strong relationships. Overlay analysis was performed, using the NDVI trend slope and the correlation coefficient (r) raster surfaces, to model vegetation dynamics influenced by elephant activities. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mapheto, Tlhologelo James
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Elephant – Behaviour -- South Africa -- Addo Elephant National Park , Wildlife conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60753 , vital:66741
- Description: The Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) is an ecologically sensitive environment where the increase in elephant population, especially in a changing climate is a recipe for landscape degradation and biodiversity loss. The Park is situated in the drought prone Eastern Cape Province, however, the effects of drought on thicket vegetation is less understood. This study aimed to distinguish elephant-induced thicket degradation from the effects of climatic factors, using remote sensing, GIS, and statistical techniques. To characterise and map vegetation conditions of the reserve temporal series Landsat imagery (n = 22) from 1998 to 2018 were analysed. Vegetation states were determined using Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from the growing season of the study period. Using supervised per-pixel image classification technique, the NDVI values characterized into distinct land cover classes viz (1) Intact Thicket, (2) Transformed Thicket, (3) Degraded Thicket, (4) Bare Ground and (6) Water Bodies. Post-classification change detection and landscape fragmentation analysis was performed. Climatic data were obtained from existing weather stations and raster surface of accumulated rainfall and mean maximum temperature were developed using the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW). Time series analysis was implemented on the NDVI and climatic condition data by plotting annual measures to indicate variable trends. Temporal trend analysis was performed on the NDVI data using the nonparametric Mann-Kendall trend analysis test to indicate thicket vegetation condition improvement and general degradation. The Residual Trend (RESTREND) approach was employed to remove the effect of rainfall on vegetation productivity. This involved using the Ordinary Least Square regression functionality in ArcMap to compute the relationship between ∑NDVI and accumulated rainfall for every pixel for the study period. The products of the regression were assessed using Pearson’s Correlation (r) at a significance level of 90% (p-value ≤ 0.1) to distinguish strong relationships. Overlay analysis was performed, using the NDVI trend slope and the correlation coefficient (r) raster surfaces, to model vegetation dynamics influenced by elephant activities. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Factors influencing rentention of academic staff at South African higher education institutions
- Authors: Maphiri, Thabiso
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54739 , vital:47653
- Description: The study investigated the factors influencing retention of academic staff at South African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The Job Embeddedness theory and Herzberg’s theory on retention were used to explore the retention of employees with special focus on the challenges and strategies of enhancing retention. The study adopted desktop research to explore the retention of academic staff in HEIs. This study discussed the challenges and factors influencing staff retention in universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges (TVETs) in South Africa. The findings of the study revealed that the challenges that impede staff retention include a lack of capacity; massification of tertiary education; transformation of higher education; redressing historical imbalances; staff turnover; a lack of mentoring and coaching; and the impossibility to satisfy everyone’s needs. The study identified strategies that can be adopted to enhance staff retention that focus on remuneration and compensation; professional development; workplace climate; appointments and promotions; institutional governance; institutional infrastructure and adaptation to change. Factors that contribute to effective staff retention were also identified as organisational culture; the rewards system; mentoring and development programmes; retention tracking, recruitment; selection; the life cycle of an employee; onboarding; performance management systems, career management, bureaucratic organisational structures; and effective support from Deans and Vice-Chancellors. Lastly, the study recommended the following on how HEIs can retain their academic staff: career advancement opportunities to boost morale and loyalty of the staff; mentoring and coaching provided to the junior staff by the senior staff; job satisfaction through the provision of remuneration and rewarding performance; and implementing sound performance management and appraisal systems. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
- Authors: Maphiri, Thabiso
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54739 , vital:47653
- Description: The study investigated the factors influencing retention of academic staff at South African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The Job Embeddedness theory and Herzberg’s theory on retention were used to explore the retention of employees with special focus on the challenges and strategies of enhancing retention. The study adopted desktop research to explore the retention of academic staff in HEIs. This study discussed the challenges and factors influencing staff retention in universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges (TVETs) in South Africa. The findings of the study revealed that the challenges that impede staff retention include a lack of capacity; massification of tertiary education; transformation of higher education; redressing historical imbalances; staff turnover; a lack of mentoring and coaching; and the impossibility to satisfy everyone’s needs. The study identified strategies that can be adopted to enhance staff retention that focus on remuneration and compensation; professional development; workplace climate; appointments and promotions; institutional governance; institutional infrastructure and adaptation to change. Factors that contribute to effective staff retention were also identified as organisational culture; the rewards system; mentoring and development programmes; retention tracking, recruitment; selection; the life cycle of an employee; onboarding; performance management systems, career management, bureaucratic organisational structures; and effective support from Deans and Vice-Chancellors. Lastly, the study recommended the following on how HEIs can retain their academic staff: career advancement opportunities to boost morale and loyalty of the staff; mentoring and coaching provided to the junior staff by the senior staff; job satisfaction through the provision of remuneration and rewarding performance; and implementing sound performance management and appraisal systems. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
Encapsulation of flame retardants for lithium-ion battery safety
- Authors: Ntombela, Nompilo Princess
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55412 , vital:51993
- Description: Lithium-ion technology takes the lead in electric mobility systems, resulting in an increase in the global demand for Li-ion batteries; however, these batteries are associated with numerous safety concerns. Additionally, there are high costs, high energy and power issues which are some of its key limitations. Research efforts are focused on overcoming these obstacles, with different approaches being explored, such as the investigation of more stable salts, modification of active materials and organic solvents, and the use of electrolyte additives. This study focused specifically on electrolyte additives since the electrolyte is one of the most unstable components of the battery. The electrolyte’s decomposition is one of the reactions that occur inside a battery, which may occur due to overcharging or due to an internal short circuit, amongst others. The electrolyte’s decomposition occurs at the early stages of the thermal runaway process and forms part of the reactions that lead to fires and explosions. Thus, this research aims to develop suitable electrolyte additives to improve the safety aspects of Li-ion batteries. Flame retardant additives show great promise in reducing the flammability of the electrolyte in Li-ion batteries, since they serve to suppress the chemical reactions associated with battery ignition. They retard the fires by scavenging the active radical species formed during the decomposition reaction. In this study, the use of flame retardants was investigated. Flame retardant additives have shown to have flame impeding properties inside a battery; however, their direct addition to the electrolyte tends to cause adverse effects on the ionic conductivity and electrochemical performance of the cells. This study investigated an alternative option - the option to microencapsulate such additives into a neutral compound to ensure that the flame retardant has minimal/no effect on the performance of the battery. This investigation looked at tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBP) and bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) methylphosphonate (BFP) as flame retardant additives for the electrolyte. The TBP and BFP flame retardants were microencapsulated in poly(urea formaldehyde) (PUF) coating material via in situ polymerization method. The capsules were characterized using various analytical techniques - to prove it was successfully encapsulated. Electrochemical studies were further done on the capsules and neat flame retardants inside a coin cell. Self-extinguishing time (SET), which is the flammability test, proved that the additives have flame retarding abilities. Opto-digital microscopy (DSX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) did confirm the spherical shape of the microcapsules, where SEM also showed the smooth outer layer of the microcapsules and its hollow inner side. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) proved the presence of the TBP and BFP inside the PUF resin by showing that the chemical composition of microcapsules consisted of both the PUF and flame retardant additives. Simultaneous DSC-TGA (DST) was also performed which showed that the microcapsules were stable before 200 °C, which indicates it would not decompose before the thermal runaway events are occurring. TGA analysis did show that the microcapsules underwent multiple decomposition steps upon heating. Additionally, 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to quantify the amount of flame retardants additives encapsulated inside PUF shell, and also confirmed the stability of the microcapsules for one month in the electrolyte and at temperatures up to 200 °C. The ionic conductivity was vastly decreased when the flame retardants were added directly to the electrolyte. However, adding the flame retardants in a form of capsules had minimal effect on the ionic conductivity. The cycle capacities of the capsules were also improved when the capsules were added to the cell compared to that of neat flame retardants. The same effect was also noticed when doing Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). This shows that microencapsulation improves the resistance of the cell caused by the flame retardant in comparison to when added directly to the electrolyte of the cell. , Thesis (MSC) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Ntombela, Nompilo Princess
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55412 , vital:51993
- Description: Lithium-ion technology takes the lead in electric mobility systems, resulting in an increase in the global demand for Li-ion batteries; however, these batteries are associated with numerous safety concerns. Additionally, there are high costs, high energy and power issues which are some of its key limitations. Research efforts are focused on overcoming these obstacles, with different approaches being explored, such as the investigation of more stable salts, modification of active materials and organic solvents, and the use of electrolyte additives. This study focused specifically on electrolyte additives since the electrolyte is one of the most unstable components of the battery. The electrolyte’s decomposition is one of the reactions that occur inside a battery, which may occur due to overcharging or due to an internal short circuit, amongst others. The electrolyte’s decomposition occurs at the early stages of the thermal runaway process and forms part of the reactions that lead to fires and explosions. Thus, this research aims to develop suitable electrolyte additives to improve the safety aspects of Li-ion batteries. Flame retardant additives show great promise in reducing the flammability of the electrolyte in Li-ion batteries, since they serve to suppress the chemical reactions associated with battery ignition. They retard the fires by scavenging the active radical species formed during the decomposition reaction. In this study, the use of flame retardants was investigated. Flame retardant additives have shown to have flame impeding properties inside a battery; however, their direct addition to the electrolyte tends to cause adverse effects on the ionic conductivity and electrochemical performance of the cells. This study investigated an alternative option - the option to microencapsulate such additives into a neutral compound to ensure that the flame retardant has minimal/no effect on the performance of the battery. This investigation looked at tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBP) and bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) methylphosphonate (BFP) as flame retardant additives for the electrolyte. The TBP and BFP flame retardants were microencapsulated in poly(urea formaldehyde) (PUF) coating material via in situ polymerization method. The capsules were characterized using various analytical techniques - to prove it was successfully encapsulated. Electrochemical studies were further done on the capsules and neat flame retardants inside a coin cell. Self-extinguishing time (SET), which is the flammability test, proved that the additives have flame retarding abilities. Opto-digital microscopy (DSX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) did confirm the spherical shape of the microcapsules, where SEM also showed the smooth outer layer of the microcapsules and its hollow inner side. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) proved the presence of the TBP and BFP inside the PUF resin by showing that the chemical composition of microcapsules consisted of both the PUF and flame retardant additives. Simultaneous DSC-TGA (DST) was also performed which showed that the microcapsules were stable before 200 °C, which indicates it would not decompose before the thermal runaway events are occurring. TGA analysis did show that the microcapsules underwent multiple decomposition steps upon heating. Additionally, 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to quantify the amount of flame retardants additives encapsulated inside PUF shell, and also confirmed the stability of the microcapsules for one month in the electrolyte and at temperatures up to 200 °C. The ionic conductivity was vastly decreased when the flame retardants were added directly to the electrolyte. However, adding the flame retardants in a form of capsules had minimal effect on the ionic conductivity. The cycle capacities of the capsules were also improved when the capsules were added to the cell compared to that of neat flame retardants. The same effect was also noticed when doing Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). This shows that microencapsulation improves the resistance of the cell caused by the flame retardant in comparison to when added directly to the electrolyte of the cell. , Thesis (MSC) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Possible futures for South Africa’s transition to a low carbon economy towards 2050
- Authors: Myeki, Pumla Qamisa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Environmental economics -- South Africa , Carbon dioxide mitigation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54969 , vital:48523
- Description: South Africa together with the rest of the world have been caught up in a new policy wave of developing policies that support the move towards sustainable, low-carbon and climate-resilient economies underpinned by the desire to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as per declared Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). However, South Africa’s economic development model is still characterised by a coal-based energy structure, which imposes a significant stress on its natural resources and environment, due to vast quantities of GHG emissions into the atmosphere. Currently, in South Africa there is no sign of any coherent plan for achieving the socio-technological change that the transition to a low carbon economy vision implies. The existing policies, strategies and plans are not yet fully aligned with the low carbon transition agenda as they were developed prior to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement call. There has been minimal or no noticeable change in South Africa’s carbon-dependence, which may further lead to market failure effects. The existing policy and regulatory framework for low carbon economy (LCE) transition is perceived complimentary; but is defined by short-term, overarching and vague policies that lack forward thinking far-sighted element of framing the desired future. To tackle the short-termism of South African LCE policy, the study commissioned a mixed-method, futures research approach in order to facilitate a kind of forward thinking required for integrated manoeuvres and long-term vision of different alternating choices with a cognisance of their respective repercussions. The primary research objective of this study was to develop and illustrate possible scenarios for South Africa’s low-carbon economy transition futures over the next 30 years, taking into consideration numerous uncertainties about the future structure of South Africa’s economy, costs of the transition as well as potential technological breakthroughs that could emerge. This objective was achieved with the ultimate description of possible futures - Ses’fikile, Stimela, Inqanawa and Siyaya phambili, and the identification of Ses’fikile as the desired future state; as outlined by the Integrated Vision for South Africa’s transition to an inclusive, competitive, climate-resilient and low carbon economy future. Further, the secondary objectives outlined in Chapter 1 and 2 of this research study were realised through an all-encompassing literature review, political economy and political, economic, social, technological, environmental, legal (PESTEL) analysis, the Real-Time Delphi exercise as well as scenario planning methodology. This research study extracts intuitions from academic, policy planning and futures research in order to discover the prevailing frontiers in the progression of both the theoretical and real-world requirements considered as essential for fundamental economic transformation to a low-carbon future. Extensive contribution of this study included; - Closing the literature gaps that exist in terms of gaining a deeper understanding into insights on the potential drivers, impacts and global trends in the low-carbon economy transition space. Pushing forward a narrative within and between the economic development, policy decision-making and environment about how to visualise and plan for a decarbonized future economy for South Africa. Futures research approach afforded this research study an opportunity to engage with the uncertainties of the low-carbon economy future, while engaging with emerging issues, trends and weak signals that are transforming South Africa’s social horizons. Policy decision-makers were afforded a chance to improve their policy making while addressing the dynamic nature of implications of the current economic development trajectories, alternative future possibilities as well as transitioning to a preferred low-carbon future. In conclusion, contributions made by low-carbon experts who participated in this study provided bigger picture insights for policy decision makers and can provide timely interventions while deliberating about South Africa’s low-carbon future. Finally, conclusions drawn and recommendations made would assist in the stimulation of discussions for further policy research. Key concepts: Low carbon economy, decarbonisation, futures research, climate-resilient, scenario planning, Real-Time Delphi. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Myeki, Pumla Qamisa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Environmental economics -- South Africa , Carbon dioxide mitigation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54969 , vital:48523
- Description: South Africa together with the rest of the world have been caught up in a new policy wave of developing policies that support the move towards sustainable, low-carbon and climate-resilient economies underpinned by the desire to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as per declared Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). However, South Africa’s economic development model is still characterised by a coal-based energy structure, which imposes a significant stress on its natural resources and environment, due to vast quantities of GHG emissions into the atmosphere. Currently, in South Africa there is no sign of any coherent plan for achieving the socio-technological change that the transition to a low carbon economy vision implies. The existing policies, strategies and plans are not yet fully aligned with the low carbon transition agenda as they were developed prior to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement call. There has been minimal or no noticeable change in South Africa’s carbon-dependence, which may further lead to market failure effects. The existing policy and regulatory framework for low carbon economy (LCE) transition is perceived complimentary; but is defined by short-term, overarching and vague policies that lack forward thinking far-sighted element of framing the desired future. To tackle the short-termism of South African LCE policy, the study commissioned a mixed-method, futures research approach in order to facilitate a kind of forward thinking required for integrated manoeuvres and long-term vision of different alternating choices with a cognisance of their respective repercussions. The primary research objective of this study was to develop and illustrate possible scenarios for South Africa’s low-carbon economy transition futures over the next 30 years, taking into consideration numerous uncertainties about the future structure of South Africa’s economy, costs of the transition as well as potential technological breakthroughs that could emerge. This objective was achieved with the ultimate description of possible futures - Ses’fikile, Stimela, Inqanawa and Siyaya phambili, and the identification of Ses’fikile as the desired future state; as outlined by the Integrated Vision for South Africa’s transition to an inclusive, competitive, climate-resilient and low carbon economy future. Further, the secondary objectives outlined in Chapter 1 and 2 of this research study were realised through an all-encompassing literature review, political economy and political, economic, social, technological, environmental, legal (PESTEL) analysis, the Real-Time Delphi exercise as well as scenario planning methodology. This research study extracts intuitions from academic, policy planning and futures research in order to discover the prevailing frontiers in the progression of both the theoretical and real-world requirements considered as essential for fundamental economic transformation to a low-carbon future. Extensive contribution of this study included; - Closing the literature gaps that exist in terms of gaining a deeper understanding into insights on the potential drivers, impacts and global trends in the low-carbon economy transition space. Pushing forward a narrative within and between the economic development, policy decision-making and environment about how to visualise and plan for a decarbonized future economy for South Africa. Futures research approach afforded this research study an opportunity to engage with the uncertainties of the low-carbon economy future, while engaging with emerging issues, trends and weak signals that are transforming South Africa’s social horizons. Policy decision-makers were afforded a chance to improve their policy making while addressing the dynamic nature of implications of the current economic development trajectories, alternative future possibilities as well as transitioning to a preferred low-carbon future. In conclusion, contributions made by low-carbon experts who participated in this study provided bigger picture insights for policy decision makers and can provide timely interventions while deliberating about South Africa’s low-carbon future. Finally, conclusions drawn and recommendations made would assist in the stimulation of discussions for further policy research. Key concepts: Low carbon economy, decarbonisation, futures research, climate-resilient, scenario planning, Real-Time Delphi. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Exploring the privacy calculus on social networking services from a South African perspective
- Authors: Mathew, Boney George
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Data encryption (Computer science) , Public key cryptography Online social networks -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MIT
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46163 , vital:39510
- Description: Social Network Services (SNSs) have revolutionized the way we communicate, interact and present ourselves before others. The business model of SNS’S like Facebook is primarily based on SNS’S user self-disclosure of personal information. It is argued that the SNS’S user conducts a cost-benefit analysis before deciding to self-disclose their personal information, and this user behaviour forms the basis of the Privacy Calculus Theory. Enjoyment, Self-Presentation and Relationship Maintenance is considered as the benefits and the Privacy Concerns of the users is considered as the costs of disclosing personal information.As national or regional culture could influence SNS’S user self-disclosure behaviour, it would be advantageous for multinational SNS’S’s like Facebook to understand the perceptions of SNS’S user’s from different nationalities. Currently, no studies have been conducted amongst the South African (SA) SNSs’ users’ self-disclosure behaviour. This research is aimed at understanding the South African SNSs’ users’ perceptions regarding their perceived costs, benefits and selfdisclosure using the Privacy Calculus theory. This study is a replication of a similar study undertaken amongst the United States of America (US) and German SNS’S users. To remain competitive in the market and to sustain the viability of their business model, SNS like Facebook will have to encourage user self-disclosure. Studies have proven that national cultures play an important role on the nature and extent of user disclosure (Krasnova & Veltri, 2010; Lewis, Kaufman, & Christakis, 2008). However, no similar research has been undertaken in South Africa, and currently we do not understand South African SNS users’ self-disclosure behaviour in terms of the privacy calculus theory. The primary objective of this study is to understand the perceptions of South African SNS’S users regarding the perceived benefits, costs, moderating factors and self-disclosure, using the Privacy Calculus Theory. To achieve this objective, we initially undertook a detailed literature review to understand the concept of information privacy, privacy calculus, information privacy policy and legal framework, SNS’S and self-disclosure and the various factors affecting self-disclosure. We then proceeded to validate the theoretical framework by collecting data from two South African universities, namely the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and Walter Sisulu University (WSU (NMD Campus – Former University of Transkei)), by adopting the same methodology and instrument used in the original study (and the isiXhosa translation). The theoretical framework used for this study is based on the Privacy Calculus theory, which argues that users conduct a cost-benefit calculus before deciding to self-disclose their personal information. This analysis is further influenced by other moderating factors like trust, control and awareness. All these factors have been incorporated into the theoretical framework and the instrument, adapted from the original research was used to collect data from the participants. The data from 239 respondents, who finally qualified for analysis was collated and proceeded with the analysis of that data. The data was analysed in four stages using established statistical tests. The first three phases were used to determine the actual value placed by the users on selfdisclosure, its determinants and moderating factors, and the last phase concentrated on how each of the constructs included in the theoretical framework influenced the other constructs. The results obtained from the analysis provided valuable insights into the self-disclosure behaviour of South African SNS’S users. Entertainment was the primary benefit the students derived from using SNS like Facebook, followed by relationship maintenance and those who enjoyed the platform more tended to Self-Disclose more. Those who tended to derive more benefits from the platform were found to trust the platform and the other users of the network. The theoretical framework was validated and it was determined that privacy paradox exists within the South African SNS’S user community, meaning that even with high privacy concerns, these SNS users are willing to self-disclose their personal information.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mathew, Boney George
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Data encryption (Computer science) , Public key cryptography Online social networks -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MIT
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46163 , vital:39510
- Description: Social Network Services (SNSs) have revolutionized the way we communicate, interact and present ourselves before others. The business model of SNS’S like Facebook is primarily based on SNS’S user self-disclosure of personal information. It is argued that the SNS’S user conducts a cost-benefit analysis before deciding to self-disclose their personal information, and this user behaviour forms the basis of the Privacy Calculus Theory. Enjoyment, Self-Presentation and Relationship Maintenance is considered as the benefits and the Privacy Concerns of the users is considered as the costs of disclosing personal information.As national or regional culture could influence SNS’S user self-disclosure behaviour, it would be advantageous for multinational SNS’S’s like Facebook to understand the perceptions of SNS’S user’s from different nationalities. Currently, no studies have been conducted amongst the South African (SA) SNSs’ users’ self-disclosure behaviour. This research is aimed at understanding the South African SNSs’ users’ perceptions regarding their perceived costs, benefits and selfdisclosure using the Privacy Calculus theory. This study is a replication of a similar study undertaken amongst the United States of America (US) and German SNS’S users. To remain competitive in the market and to sustain the viability of their business model, SNS like Facebook will have to encourage user self-disclosure. Studies have proven that national cultures play an important role on the nature and extent of user disclosure (Krasnova & Veltri, 2010; Lewis, Kaufman, & Christakis, 2008). However, no similar research has been undertaken in South Africa, and currently we do not understand South African SNS users’ self-disclosure behaviour in terms of the privacy calculus theory. The primary objective of this study is to understand the perceptions of South African SNS’S users regarding the perceived benefits, costs, moderating factors and self-disclosure, using the Privacy Calculus Theory. To achieve this objective, we initially undertook a detailed literature review to understand the concept of information privacy, privacy calculus, information privacy policy and legal framework, SNS’S and self-disclosure and the various factors affecting self-disclosure. We then proceeded to validate the theoretical framework by collecting data from two South African universities, namely the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and Walter Sisulu University (WSU (NMD Campus – Former University of Transkei)), by adopting the same methodology and instrument used in the original study (and the isiXhosa translation). The theoretical framework used for this study is based on the Privacy Calculus theory, which argues that users conduct a cost-benefit calculus before deciding to self-disclose their personal information. This analysis is further influenced by other moderating factors like trust, control and awareness. All these factors have been incorporated into the theoretical framework and the instrument, adapted from the original research was used to collect data from the participants. The data from 239 respondents, who finally qualified for analysis was collated and proceeded with the analysis of that data. The data was analysed in four stages using established statistical tests. The first three phases were used to determine the actual value placed by the users on selfdisclosure, its determinants and moderating factors, and the last phase concentrated on how each of the constructs included in the theoretical framework influenced the other constructs. The results obtained from the analysis provided valuable insights into the self-disclosure behaviour of South African SNS’S users. Entertainment was the primary benefit the students derived from using SNS like Facebook, followed by relationship maintenance and those who enjoyed the platform more tended to Self-Disclose more. Those who tended to derive more benefits from the platform were found to trust the platform and the other users of the network. The theoretical framework was validated and it was determined that privacy paradox exists within the South African SNS’S user community, meaning that even with high privacy concerns, these SNS users are willing to self-disclose their personal information.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Status of farm dwellers in the Great Kei municipality post implementation of the security tenure act
- Authors: Mfeya, Nontando Hazel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Eviction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Occupancy (Law) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14002 , vital:27381
- Description: The period preceding and after the enactment of ESTA marks an increase in the difficulties faced by the farm dwellers in South Africa. They are still faced with illegal evictions. Their difficulties are marked with loss of land for food farming, loss of work, income and homes. Nevertheless, the introduction of ESTA in 1997 aimed at protecting and restoring the land rights of farm dwellers working on farms. Despite its existence there are still challenges of illegal evictions. This research focuses on difficulties faced by farm workers after the enactment of ESTA and investigate the process and effects of illegal evictions. The thesis adopts a qualitative research methodology that takes the form of a case study on two farms, Killarney farm and Shellford farm, where farm workers experienced evictions. The findings confirm that the farm workers are subject to illegal evictions. The evictions are due to the conversion of agricultural farms to game farming and also due to labour disputes. Poor living conditions are evident and farm owners conduct tacit evictions by imposing restrictions and threatening the farm workers who wish to stay on the farms. This thesis concludes by presenting suggestions that may restrict or put an end to illegal evictions. ESTA needs to be amended in order to ensure the security of farm workers who live on the farms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Status of farm dwellers in the Great Kei municipality post implementation of the security tenure act
- Authors: Mfeya, Nontando Hazel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Eviction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Occupancy (Law) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14002 , vital:27381
- Description: The period preceding and after the enactment of ESTA marks an increase in the difficulties faced by the farm dwellers in South Africa. They are still faced with illegal evictions. Their difficulties are marked with loss of land for food farming, loss of work, income and homes. Nevertheless, the introduction of ESTA in 1997 aimed at protecting and restoring the land rights of farm dwellers working on farms. Despite its existence there are still challenges of illegal evictions. This research focuses on difficulties faced by farm workers after the enactment of ESTA and investigate the process and effects of illegal evictions. The thesis adopts a qualitative research methodology that takes the form of a case study on two farms, Killarney farm and Shellford farm, where farm workers experienced evictions. The findings confirm that the farm workers are subject to illegal evictions. The evictions are due to the conversion of agricultural farms to game farming and also due to labour disputes. Poor living conditions are evident and farm owners conduct tacit evictions by imposing restrictions and threatening the farm workers who wish to stay on the farms. This thesis concludes by presenting suggestions that may restrict or put an end to illegal evictions. ESTA needs to be amended in order to ensure the security of farm workers who live on the farms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Quality in low - cost houses in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Gogela, Nwabisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Housing development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Housing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Dwellings -- Defects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Construction industry -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39709 , vital:35350
- Description: Numerous low cost houses in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, and all over South Africa for that matter, have been handed back to the provincial governments by beneficiaries for remedial work in a government programme called Rectification. Several houses have required demolition and be rebuilt because of patent and latent defects. Government spends huge sums of money in rectifying and fixing the defects on houses that should have been built appropriately from the start; this leads to fruitless and ineffective expenditure. The Department of Human Settlements cannot be solely blamed for the poor quality housing delivery. The contractors, project managers and the inspectors from different stakeholders involved in a project also play a massive role in certifying that the houses delivered are of required norms and standards to assist in minimizing poor quality in the delivery of the low cost housing. The funding spent in rectifying low-cost housing has caused huge backlogs, triggering protests within the communities and, regrettably, incomplete projects around the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, contributing to urban decay. The aim of this study was to investigate the poor and unacceptable quality in the delivery of low-cost subsidized houses in the Nelson Mandela Metro Region. The focus of the study was to scrutinize the loopholes and the ambiguities that might exist throughout the life cycle of a low cost housing project, and suggestions to mitigate common problems emerging in various projects. A qualitative research approach was followed in this study. The sample was purposively selected and comprised of 15 beneficiaries residing in the three selected NMBM (housing projects), the Ward Councilors (3), Contractors (3), the Quality Assurance Project Managers managing and foreseeing these projects(3), Quality Coordinators(3) and Inspectors from each organization, (NHBRC, ECDHS and HDA), making three (3) in total.. The study revealed that skills shortage, insufficient workforce training and lack of strict quality control are some of the factors affecting quality. Compliancy to norms and standards is not fully emphasized to the relevant stakeholders during the initiation and the commencement of the project. Tools to measure the effectiveness of quality assurance practices are currently used, but it can be argued that they are not effective enough. The study has offered a set of recommendations to address the key findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Gogela, Nwabisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Housing development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Housing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Dwellings -- Defects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Construction industry -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39709 , vital:35350
- Description: Numerous low cost houses in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, and all over South Africa for that matter, have been handed back to the provincial governments by beneficiaries for remedial work in a government programme called Rectification. Several houses have required demolition and be rebuilt because of patent and latent defects. Government spends huge sums of money in rectifying and fixing the defects on houses that should have been built appropriately from the start; this leads to fruitless and ineffective expenditure. The Department of Human Settlements cannot be solely blamed for the poor quality housing delivery. The contractors, project managers and the inspectors from different stakeholders involved in a project also play a massive role in certifying that the houses delivered are of required norms and standards to assist in minimizing poor quality in the delivery of the low cost housing. The funding spent in rectifying low-cost housing has caused huge backlogs, triggering protests within the communities and, regrettably, incomplete projects around the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, contributing to urban decay. The aim of this study was to investigate the poor and unacceptable quality in the delivery of low-cost subsidized houses in the Nelson Mandela Metro Region. The focus of the study was to scrutinize the loopholes and the ambiguities that might exist throughout the life cycle of a low cost housing project, and suggestions to mitigate common problems emerging in various projects. A qualitative research approach was followed in this study. The sample was purposively selected and comprised of 15 beneficiaries residing in the three selected NMBM (housing projects), the Ward Councilors (3), Contractors (3), the Quality Assurance Project Managers managing and foreseeing these projects(3), Quality Coordinators(3) and Inspectors from each organization, (NHBRC, ECDHS and HDA), making three (3) in total.. The study revealed that skills shortage, insufficient workforce training and lack of strict quality control are some of the factors affecting quality. Compliancy to norms and standards is not fully emphasized to the relevant stakeholders during the initiation and the commencement of the project. Tools to measure the effectiveness of quality assurance practices are currently used, but it can be argued that they are not effective enough. The study has offered a set of recommendations to address the key findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Entrepreneurial intention in the public service of South Africa
- Authors: Mhlanga, Unathi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , New business enterprises -- South Africa Small business -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41106 , vital:36357
- Description: Entrepreneurship is a phenomenon that has been studied across the world by scholars, practitioners and governments. All these different researchers believe that it is a critical tool for economic growth, job creation and enhancing innovation. However, some researchers have conceded that there has been limited research in entrepreneurship and the public service. Thus, this treatise is one of the few studies that have been conducted in entrepreneurial intention in the public service and the examination of entrepreneurial intention of public servants and the factors that influence individuals to opt for employment in the public service. A literature review examining the current knowledge on entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial intention in various contexts was conducted. The reviewed literature allowed for the formation of the base for a conceptual model to be developed. The proposed model claimed that there was a positive influence of culture, family obligations, job security, role modelling, entrepreneurial self – efficacy, access to financial resources and locus of control on the entrepreneurial intentions of public servants in South Africa. Furthermore, the theory of planned behaviour and social learning theory also known as social cognitive theory were explored. There were various statistical analysis tests that were conducted on the quantitative data collected. The mono – method quantitative was used with 280 respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests and exploratory factor analysis were conducted to test the proposed conceptual model. The conceptual model tested consisted of the independent variables; culture, family obligations, job security, role modelling, entrepreneurial self – efficacy, access to financial resources and locus of control with entrepreneurial intention being the dependent variable for assessing the entrepreneurial intention of public servants in the public service of South Africa. The study found that the South African public servants have high entrepreneurial intentions and are very optimistic about creating and running their own business someday. The various statistical analyses split the independent variables from seven to eighteen variables: Family Commitments, Career, Job Purpose, Risk, Access to Knowledge, Entrepreneurship Exposure, Influence, Access to Finance, Financial Support, Business Financing, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Cultural Perceptions, Societal Standards, Cultural Dedication, Service, Self-Belief and Reward. However, after further analysis of the relationships between the independent variables and the dependent variable, some factors were rejected. A model comprising of factors useful for assessing the entrepreneurial intentions in the public service is recommended with the following factors: Family Commitments, Career, Entrepreneurship Exposure, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Cultural Perceptions, Societal Standards and Reward. Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy was found to explain approximately 75% of the movement in the entrepreneurial intentions of public servants. Significant differences on the entrepreneurial intentions of individuals from different races and those who varied according to years of experience were found. The study also found that Culture and Job Security influenced the decision to pursue public service employment. To conclude, the study makes managerial recommendations implementable for government and other stakeholders. Some of the recommendations include incentivising public servants with tax breaks, entrepreneurship courses and easier access to funding to enable them to exit the public service to start their own businesses. Additionally, entrepreneurship education is recommended to become compulsory in schools and for public servants through the National School of Government (NSG). Entrepreneurial ecosystems that encourage pay-it-forward type of interactions were also recommended. Seasoned entrepreneurs can be used as mentors to those public servants who wish to pursue entrepreneurship instead of remaining in the public service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mhlanga, Unathi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , New business enterprises -- South Africa Small business -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41106 , vital:36357
- Description: Entrepreneurship is a phenomenon that has been studied across the world by scholars, practitioners and governments. All these different researchers believe that it is a critical tool for economic growth, job creation and enhancing innovation. However, some researchers have conceded that there has been limited research in entrepreneurship and the public service. Thus, this treatise is one of the few studies that have been conducted in entrepreneurial intention in the public service and the examination of entrepreneurial intention of public servants and the factors that influence individuals to opt for employment in the public service. A literature review examining the current knowledge on entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial intention in various contexts was conducted. The reviewed literature allowed for the formation of the base for a conceptual model to be developed. The proposed model claimed that there was a positive influence of culture, family obligations, job security, role modelling, entrepreneurial self – efficacy, access to financial resources and locus of control on the entrepreneurial intentions of public servants in South Africa. Furthermore, the theory of planned behaviour and social learning theory also known as social cognitive theory were explored. There were various statistical analysis tests that were conducted on the quantitative data collected. The mono – method quantitative was used with 280 respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests and exploratory factor analysis were conducted to test the proposed conceptual model. The conceptual model tested consisted of the independent variables; culture, family obligations, job security, role modelling, entrepreneurial self – efficacy, access to financial resources and locus of control with entrepreneurial intention being the dependent variable for assessing the entrepreneurial intention of public servants in the public service of South Africa. The study found that the South African public servants have high entrepreneurial intentions and are very optimistic about creating and running their own business someday. The various statistical analyses split the independent variables from seven to eighteen variables: Family Commitments, Career, Job Purpose, Risk, Access to Knowledge, Entrepreneurship Exposure, Influence, Access to Finance, Financial Support, Business Financing, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Cultural Perceptions, Societal Standards, Cultural Dedication, Service, Self-Belief and Reward. However, after further analysis of the relationships between the independent variables and the dependent variable, some factors were rejected. A model comprising of factors useful for assessing the entrepreneurial intentions in the public service is recommended with the following factors: Family Commitments, Career, Entrepreneurship Exposure, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Cultural Perceptions, Societal Standards and Reward. Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy was found to explain approximately 75% of the movement in the entrepreneurial intentions of public servants. Significant differences on the entrepreneurial intentions of individuals from different races and those who varied according to years of experience were found. The study also found that Culture and Job Security influenced the decision to pursue public service employment. To conclude, the study makes managerial recommendations implementable for government and other stakeholders. Some of the recommendations include incentivising public servants with tax breaks, entrepreneurship courses and easier access to funding to enable them to exit the public service to start their own businesses. Additionally, entrepreneurship education is recommended to become compulsory in schools and for public servants through the National School of Government (NSG). Entrepreneurial ecosystems that encourage pay-it-forward type of interactions were also recommended. Seasoned entrepreneurs can be used as mentors to those public servants who wish to pursue entrepreneurship instead of remaining in the public service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Effects of economic growth on greenhouse emissions
- Mkunyana, Asebenzile Priscilla
- Authors: Mkunyana, Asebenzile Priscilla
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Greenhouse gases -- Environmental aspects -- Africa , Climate change mitigation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50404 , vital:42162
- Description: This study employs the panel cointegration and Pooled Mean Group technique to examine the effects of economic growth on greenhouse emissions using the panel data from the period of 1970 to 2014 for five Southern African Development Community group of countries. The increase in the combustion of burning fossil fuels has become the global threat in environmental quality. The Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis postulates that at the primary stages of industrial economies there is more extracting of natural resources and more agricultural activities taking place as a result the waste generation and resource depletion accelerate. However, as the economic development improves more, the curve reaches a threshold where it starts to decline due to the increase in economic growth and the change to information-based industries. Based on the empirical evidence, the variables of this study were found to be stationary at first difference and integrated of I(0) and I(1) using Im, Pesaran & Shin W-stat, Fisher ADF, and Levin, Lin & Chu panel unit root test. The existing long-run relationship between the variables were found in both the Pedroni and Kao cointegration test and were significant at 5% in finding the relationship between the variables. The Pooled Mean Group demonstrated mixed results in the study’s regressions, monotonic relationship was found between carbon dioxide and economic growth. The strong existence relationship between economic growth and energy consumption was found to be significant at the 1% level. These results are in line with the EKC hypothesis, which assumes that as the income level increases the society will start to be environmentally friendly and the technology advancement will decrease the emission of pollutants. In addition, in finding the causal relationship between variables, the researcher used the Granger causality test, with the results from this test revealing a unidirectional and bidirectional relationship between all the chosen variables. These results are important for policy makers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mkunyana, Asebenzile Priscilla
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Greenhouse gases -- Environmental aspects -- Africa , Climate change mitigation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50404 , vital:42162
- Description: This study employs the panel cointegration and Pooled Mean Group technique to examine the effects of economic growth on greenhouse emissions using the panel data from the period of 1970 to 2014 for five Southern African Development Community group of countries. The increase in the combustion of burning fossil fuels has become the global threat in environmental quality. The Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis postulates that at the primary stages of industrial economies there is more extracting of natural resources and more agricultural activities taking place as a result the waste generation and resource depletion accelerate. However, as the economic development improves more, the curve reaches a threshold where it starts to decline due to the increase in economic growth and the change to information-based industries. Based on the empirical evidence, the variables of this study were found to be stationary at first difference and integrated of I(0) and I(1) using Im, Pesaran & Shin W-stat, Fisher ADF, and Levin, Lin & Chu panel unit root test. The existing long-run relationship between the variables were found in both the Pedroni and Kao cointegration test and were significant at 5% in finding the relationship between the variables. The Pooled Mean Group demonstrated mixed results in the study’s regressions, monotonic relationship was found between carbon dioxide and economic growth. The strong existence relationship between economic growth and energy consumption was found to be significant at the 1% level. These results are in line with the EKC hypothesis, which assumes that as the income level increases the society will start to be environmentally friendly and the technology advancement will decrease the emission of pollutants. In addition, in finding the causal relationship between variables, the researcher used the Granger causality test, with the results from this test revealing a unidirectional and bidirectional relationship between all the chosen variables. These results are important for policy makers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Procurement challenges faced by Eskom contractors during the tender stage
- Authors: Hlalutye, Thandiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Management -- Procurement -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Project management -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Contractors' operation -- South Africa -- Northern Cape -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30260 , vital:30913
- Description: The procurement process within South Africa has become an increasing focus in open market access for local economic development. The government introduced Preferential Procurement Policy Frame Act 5 of 2000 (PPPFA) which must be followed by all government owned organisations, including parastatals. Eskom, therefore, has to abide to this regulation and, since it started utilising the Act in its tendering process, there has been a challenge to getting contractors who are commercially and technically approved to be able to execute work or projects. The aim of this study is to examine challenges faced by Eskom Northern Cape Operating Unit contractors during the tender stage in terms of tender requirements, whereby they fail to submit all required tender returnables and fail to meet a set threshold in order to be successful and being awarded with the contract. This study undertook an empirical study using a case study of Eskom after a literature review. A questionnaire was used to collect data from all the active contractors on the Eskom Northern Cape Operating Unit data base. The key findings included that; contractors agreed that they still lack understanding of a quality management system. However they disagreed that they are not complying with safety health and environment and that they lack knowledge of technical requirements which leads them to not submitting objective evidence. The study concluded that contracting firms still do not comply with procurement requirements during the tender stage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Hlalutye, Thandiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Management -- Procurement -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Project management -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Contractors' operation -- South Africa -- Northern Cape -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30260 , vital:30913
- Description: The procurement process within South Africa has become an increasing focus in open market access for local economic development. The government introduced Preferential Procurement Policy Frame Act 5 of 2000 (PPPFA) which must be followed by all government owned organisations, including parastatals. Eskom, therefore, has to abide to this regulation and, since it started utilising the Act in its tendering process, there has been a challenge to getting contractors who are commercially and technically approved to be able to execute work or projects. The aim of this study is to examine challenges faced by Eskom Northern Cape Operating Unit contractors during the tender stage in terms of tender requirements, whereby they fail to submit all required tender returnables and fail to meet a set threshold in order to be successful and being awarded with the contract. This study undertook an empirical study using a case study of Eskom after a literature review. A questionnaire was used to collect data from all the active contractors on the Eskom Northern Cape Operating Unit data base. The key findings included that; contractors agreed that they still lack understanding of a quality management system. However they disagreed that they are not complying with safety health and environment and that they lack knowledge of technical requirements which leads them to not submitting objective evidence. The study concluded that contracting firms still do not comply with procurement requirements during the tender stage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The relationship between employee wellness and work engagement in a non-governmental organisation
- Authors: Coopasamy, Kubashinie
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Employee health promotion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47685 , vital:40323
- Description: Employee wellness and work engagement have a positive influence on organisational behaviour. The main aim of the research study was to understand whether a relationship existed between employee wellness and work engagement in a Non-Governmental organisation (NGO). The research used a cross-sectional design and a composite questionnaire to measure employee wellness and work engagement. This was a paper and pen-based questionnaire which was distributed to 160 employees. Of the 160 questionnaires distributed only 155 participants responded. These participants are employed at NGO’s based in Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and East London. An exploratory factor analysis determined a new more reliable factor structure for PWS. Employee wellness lost items and became a three-factor structure. The results showed that the new EFA model was best suited for the present study. Work Engagement remained a three-factor structure. T-tests and ANOVAs revealed significant differences between the constructs and the demographic groups. Correlations showed the main findings of the study to be a relationship between employee wellness and work engagement in a non-governmental organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Coopasamy, Kubashinie
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Employee health promotion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47685 , vital:40323
- Description: Employee wellness and work engagement have a positive influence on organisational behaviour. The main aim of the research study was to understand whether a relationship existed between employee wellness and work engagement in a Non-Governmental organisation (NGO). The research used a cross-sectional design and a composite questionnaire to measure employee wellness and work engagement. This was a paper and pen-based questionnaire which was distributed to 160 employees. Of the 160 questionnaires distributed only 155 participants responded. These participants are employed at NGO’s based in Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and East London. An exploratory factor analysis determined a new more reliable factor structure for PWS. Employee wellness lost items and became a three-factor structure. The results showed that the new EFA model was best suited for the present study. Work Engagement remained a three-factor structure. T-tests and ANOVAs revealed significant differences between the constructs and the demographic groups. Correlations showed the main findings of the study to be a relationship between employee wellness and work engagement in a non-governmental organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Representation of history in Tsitsi Dangarembga’s trilogy – nervous conditions, the book of not and this mournable body
- Authors: Mutsambi, Tinoten
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Women and literature --Zimbabwe--History --20th century , Identification (Psychology) in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59446 , vital:62116
- Description: This dissertation analyses Tsitsi Dangarembga’s novels Nervous Conditions (1988), The Book of Not (2006) and This Mournable Body (2018). The three novels under study capture a great deal of Zimbabwe’s history, spanning from the colonial era as depicted in Nervous Conditions, through the period before and after independence in The Book of Not, to the contemporary post independence Zimbabwe in This Mournable Body. Reading these three novels and analysing their depiction of historic events is important as they cover significant and contested epochs in Zimbabwean history, making it possible for us to examine the intersection between history and literature. Moreover, since most Zimbabwean narratives that depict the country’s history have been male authored, Dangarembga’s novels offer an interesting opportunity to study the depiction of history from a female perspective , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Mutsambi, Tinoten
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Women and literature --Zimbabwe--History --20th century , Identification (Psychology) in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59446 , vital:62116
- Description: This dissertation analyses Tsitsi Dangarembga’s novels Nervous Conditions (1988), The Book of Not (2006) and This Mournable Body (2018). The three novels under study capture a great deal of Zimbabwe’s history, spanning from the colonial era as depicted in Nervous Conditions, through the period before and after independence in The Book of Not, to the contemporary post independence Zimbabwe in This Mournable Body. Reading these three novels and analysing their depiction of historic events is important as they cover significant and contested epochs in Zimbabwean history, making it possible for us to examine the intersection between history and literature. Moreover, since most Zimbabwean narratives that depict the country’s history have been male authored, Dangarembga’s novels offer an interesting opportunity to study the depiction of history from a female perspective , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Identity, culture, architecture & the design of a Chinese cultural school in Morningside, Kabega, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- Authors: Akpokiniovo, Oghenetejiri
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Architecture, Chinese -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Interior architecture School buildings -- Design and construction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42727 , vital:36685
- Description: This treatise is born out of preoccupation with Identity, Culture and Architecture. Through the study of the fragility of the South-African Chinese community: their double heritage, their quest for a sense of place and permanence with the establishment of Chinese Schools that maintain the Chinese culture. It begins with identifying their almost unstable and fragmented nature of movement, their struggle to find a ‘place’ in Port Elizabeth, especially after the establishment of the Group Areas Act of 1960 and their fight against apartheid and discrimination. It becomes clear that migration, racial segregation, confusion, forced removals, and displacement have been their legacy in South Africa. The purpose of this document is to investigate the symbolic nature of architecture, and how it can be used as a tangible medium to bring about an affirmation of identity, and create a sense of place for the future; giving credence to the celebration of culture and social interaction. Through the use of literature reviews, informal interviews, desktop research, analysis, precedent studies and other qualitative studies; there will be an understanding of the community in terms of how they came about settling in South Africa; their migratory patterns due to forced removals and the current status of the community in terms of cultural revolution; understanding the cultural issues the community face; in the establishment of a centralised symbolic precinct that allows for the celebration and promotion of culture. Through the design of the Chinese Cultural School, it will be demonstrated that in order to create a sense of place for the Chinese community, aiding in integration and restoration; one will need to engage in the argument of the vitality of authentic architecture, the vernacular language of a particular culture, and the subjectivity of identity especially in a context outside of its homeland.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Akpokiniovo, Oghenetejiri
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Architecture, Chinese -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Interior architecture School buildings -- Design and construction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42727 , vital:36685
- Description: This treatise is born out of preoccupation with Identity, Culture and Architecture. Through the study of the fragility of the South-African Chinese community: their double heritage, their quest for a sense of place and permanence with the establishment of Chinese Schools that maintain the Chinese culture. It begins with identifying their almost unstable and fragmented nature of movement, their struggle to find a ‘place’ in Port Elizabeth, especially after the establishment of the Group Areas Act of 1960 and their fight against apartheid and discrimination. It becomes clear that migration, racial segregation, confusion, forced removals, and displacement have been their legacy in South Africa. The purpose of this document is to investigate the symbolic nature of architecture, and how it can be used as a tangible medium to bring about an affirmation of identity, and create a sense of place for the future; giving credence to the celebration of culture and social interaction. Through the use of literature reviews, informal interviews, desktop research, analysis, precedent studies and other qualitative studies; there will be an understanding of the community in terms of how they came about settling in South Africa; their migratory patterns due to forced removals and the current status of the community in terms of cultural revolution; understanding the cultural issues the community face; in the establishment of a centralised symbolic precinct that allows for the celebration and promotion of culture. Through the design of the Chinese Cultural School, it will be demonstrated that in order to create a sense of place for the Chinese community, aiding in integration and restoration; one will need to engage in the argument of the vitality of authentic architecture, the vernacular language of a particular culture, and the subjectivity of identity especially in a context outside of its homeland.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Towards the synthesis of trimethoprim using continuous flow Chemistry
- Authors: Ngwenya, Sandiso
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Trimethoprim
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47475 , vital:39994
- Description: The continuous flow synthesis of trimethoprim, an antibiotic, was investigated in this study from simple commercially available reagents, such as aniline and dimethylamine. The first step of the synthesis involves a highly exothermic Michael reaction, between acrylonitrile and dimethylamine; process intensification through miniaturization provides a safe and efficient method of synthesis through the use of microreactors. This is afforded by their large surface area-to-volume ratio; one of the many characteristics of continuous flow synthesis that allows for rapid heat dissipation allowing for exothermic reaction to be conducted safely at ambient or higher temperatures. This study was optimized on a Chemtrix Labtrix® Start unit using a Chemtrix reactor achieving a conversion of 99% in 12 sec residence time at 25oC. Subsequently the base catalyzed condensation of the intermediate with 3,4,5- trimethoxybenzaldehyde was investigated using Little Things Factory reactors (Channel diameter: 1.0mm). Maximum conversion (100%) was obtained at 80oC in 20 mins. Due to the poor cyclisation observed with this intermediate, according to literature findings, the 3-dimethylamino group was substituted for aniline. The optimisation for this acid catalysed substitution reaction was performed on a homemade PTFE tubing reactor (Diameter: 0.5mm) and it was found that at 120oC in 10 mins residence time a conversion of 97% was obtained. From the results obtained, an investigation into an integrated process for the condensation and substitution reaction was done using the Little Things Factory system (Channel Diameter: 1.0mm) coupled with a homemade PTFE coil reactor (Diameter: 0.5mm). This process, under optimum conditions of temperature 80oC and residence time of 30 mins, attained a conversion of 76%.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ngwenya, Sandiso
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Trimethoprim
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47475 , vital:39994
- Description: The continuous flow synthesis of trimethoprim, an antibiotic, was investigated in this study from simple commercially available reagents, such as aniline and dimethylamine. The first step of the synthesis involves a highly exothermic Michael reaction, between acrylonitrile and dimethylamine; process intensification through miniaturization provides a safe and efficient method of synthesis through the use of microreactors. This is afforded by their large surface area-to-volume ratio; one of the many characteristics of continuous flow synthesis that allows for rapid heat dissipation allowing for exothermic reaction to be conducted safely at ambient or higher temperatures. This study was optimized on a Chemtrix Labtrix® Start unit using a Chemtrix reactor achieving a conversion of 99% in 12 sec residence time at 25oC. Subsequently the base catalyzed condensation of the intermediate with 3,4,5- trimethoxybenzaldehyde was investigated using Little Things Factory reactors (Channel diameter: 1.0mm). Maximum conversion (100%) was obtained at 80oC in 20 mins. Due to the poor cyclisation observed with this intermediate, according to literature findings, the 3-dimethylamino group was substituted for aniline. The optimisation for this acid catalysed substitution reaction was performed on a homemade PTFE tubing reactor (Diameter: 0.5mm) and it was found that at 120oC in 10 mins residence time a conversion of 97% was obtained. From the results obtained, an investigation into an integrated process for the condensation and substitution reaction was done using the Little Things Factory system (Channel Diameter: 1.0mm) coupled with a homemade PTFE coil reactor (Diameter: 0.5mm). This process, under optimum conditions of temperature 80oC and residence time of 30 mins, attained a conversion of 76%.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
An anthropological enquiry on the perceptions of adults on female sterilisation: a case of Gunguluza township
- Authors: Mbanjwa, Mpho
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54859 , vital:48085
- Description: The purpose of the study was to make an enquiry on the perceptions on female sterilisation adult participants, residing in Gunguluza Township, Uitenhage had. A qualitative research approach was used to collect the responses of 10 participants. These included eight women, one man and one traditional healer registered within the Traditional Healers Association of South Africa. The interviews had been semistructured with open-ended questions pre-set to help the researcher guide the conversation. Conversation analysis was the technique used to transform the information into research data that would attempt to answer the research question. The question this research attempted to answer was to form an understanding of how information and education resources provided by both Western and Traditional sources, including their availability and accessibility with regards to female sterilisation, as a form of contraception, have been understood, received and interpreted by adults residing in the research area of Gunguluza township. Gunguluza forms part of the area formally known as the Kwanobuhle 10 and Kwanobuhle 11 respectively. Some limitations, including limiting resources that resulted in only 10 participants being interviewed. The results had shown that participants had shown interest in acquiring more knowledge about female sterilisation and other reproductive health issues, in order to make informed decisions about their bodies, with contraceptive choice and use in particular. Most felt the need to engage with their partners about the choice of sterilisation largely due to the support they would need. With regard to traditional health as an alternative or interchangeable method of contraception, participants had very little knowledge of, with some expressing some importance and relevance in acquiring such knowledge, in a modern context. These findings came with sets of recommendations which placed an emphasis on the building of indigenous knowledge and its inclusion in formal spaces for open engagement and discussion. Traditional knowledge needed to be transferred from an oral to being documented into literature for future preservation and to eliminate any distortion. There was a gap for formal western medicine to collaborate or accommodate traditional medicine. The study made use of female sterilisation as a conceptual framework, with time and more future research could build and produce new theoretical understandings of the concept, from an Afrocentric context in particular. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mbanjwa, Mpho
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54859 , vital:48085
- Description: The purpose of the study was to make an enquiry on the perceptions on female sterilisation adult participants, residing in Gunguluza Township, Uitenhage had. A qualitative research approach was used to collect the responses of 10 participants. These included eight women, one man and one traditional healer registered within the Traditional Healers Association of South Africa. The interviews had been semistructured with open-ended questions pre-set to help the researcher guide the conversation. Conversation analysis was the technique used to transform the information into research data that would attempt to answer the research question. The question this research attempted to answer was to form an understanding of how information and education resources provided by both Western and Traditional sources, including their availability and accessibility with regards to female sterilisation, as a form of contraception, have been understood, received and interpreted by adults residing in the research area of Gunguluza township. Gunguluza forms part of the area formally known as the Kwanobuhle 10 and Kwanobuhle 11 respectively. Some limitations, including limiting resources that resulted in only 10 participants being interviewed. The results had shown that participants had shown interest in acquiring more knowledge about female sterilisation and other reproductive health issues, in order to make informed decisions about their bodies, with contraceptive choice and use in particular. Most felt the need to engage with their partners about the choice of sterilisation largely due to the support they would need. With regard to traditional health as an alternative or interchangeable method of contraception, participants had very little knowledge of, with some expressing some importance and relevance in acquiring such knowledge, in a modern context. These findings came with sets of recommendations which placed an emphasis on the building of indigenous knowledge and its inclusion in formal spaces for open engagement and discussion. Traditional knowledge needed to be transferred from an oral to being documented into literature for future preservation and to eliminate any distortion. There was a gap for formal western medicine to collaborate or accommodate traditional medicine. The study made use of female sterilisation as a conceptual framework, with time and more future research could build and produce new theoretical understandings of the concept, from an Afrocentric context in particular. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Workplace forums and the enhancement of collective bargaining
- Authors: Silo, Zama
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Collective bargaining--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51189 , vital:43229
- Description: Historically, workers in South Africa, black and Africans in particular, fought against an oppressive regime and, in the absence of political rights, strikes were mostly violent. Labour legislation was based on racial categorisation and discrimination. There was parallel labour legislation for blacks, and a different one for whites. The legislation for blacks was called the Black Labour Relations Act 48 of 19531 , for whites it was called the Industrial Conciliation Act, it was later renamed the Labour Relations Act 28 of 19562 . Trade unions were racially divided, and black workers mostly were denied the right of joining trade unions. The unions that admitted blacks as members could not become parties to industrial councils. Before 1979, black workers in South Africa did not have access to the collective bargaining system. After that year, the guidelines proposed by the Wiehahn, Commission brought about certain changes. Attempts were made to establish independent labour organisations for black workers, but both the state and employers applied various strategies to undermine these organisations. One of these strategies was the Native Labour Settlement Disputes Act of 1953, which restricted the representation of black workers on worker committees in the workplace and prohibited them from striking. Black workers therefore never utilised these statutory works committees and by 1971, there were only 18 statutory works committees in the country. The Department of Labour indicated that there was a preference for non-statutory works committees because there were no restrictions in respect of their composition, and they provided a structure by means of which workers could be represented.3 Militant action by black labour in the early 1970s led to the promulgation of the Black Labour Relations Regulation Act of 1973.4 This Act was to extend the existing works committee system. Liaison and coordinating committees were set up to restrain activism among the workers and establish an alternative form for trade unions of labour management communication. Where statutory works committees had only consisted of employees, employers could now half the members of the new liaison committees and their chairman. The growth of these committees led to black workers building up a base for a future independent organisation. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Silo, Zama
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Collective bargaining--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51189 , vital:43229
- Description: Historically, workers in South Africa, black and Africans in particular, fought against an oppressive regime and, in the absence of political rights, strikes were mostly violent. Labour legislation was based on racial categorisation and discrimination. There was parallel labour legislation for blacks, and a different one for whites. The legislation for blacks was called the Black Labour Relations Act 48 of 19531 , for whites it was called the Industrial Conciliation Act, it was later renamed the Labour Relations Act 28 of 19562 . Trade unions were racially divided, and black workers mostly were denied the right of joining trade unions. The unions that admitted blacks as members could not become parties to industrial councils. Before 1979, black workers in South Africa did not have access to the collective bargaining system. After that year, the guidelines proposed by the Wiehahn, Commission brought about certain changes. Attempts were made to establish independent labour organisations for black workers, but both the state and employers applied various strategies to undermine these organisations. One of these strategies was the Native Labour Settlement Disputes Act of 1953, which restricted the representation of black workers on worker committees in the workplace and prohibited them from striking. Black workers therefore never utilised these statutory works committees and by 1971, there were only 18 statutory works committees in the country. The Department of Labour indicated that there was a preference for non-statutory works committees because there were no restrictions in respect of their composition, and they provided a structure by means of which workers could be represented.3 Militant action by black labour in the early 1970s led to the promulgation of the Black Labour Relations Regulation Act of 1973.4 This Act was to extend the existing works committee system. Liaison and coordinating committees were set up to restrain activism among the workers and establish an alternative form for trade unions of labour management communication. Where statutory works committees had only consisted of employees, employers could now half the members of the new liaison committees and their chairman. The growth of these committees led to black workers building up a base for a future independent organisation. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Estimating activity patterns in camera trap studies, and the overlap between domestic and indigenous ungulates
- Authors: Peral, Christopher Michael
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Ungulates -- Behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52019 , vital:43437
- Description: Animal activity can reveal responses to social and ecological factors such as the presence of food, water, shelter, predators, competitors or conspecifics. Thus, an understanding of an animal’s activity patterns provides insights into how and why they are using landscapes in the manner in which they do. Camera trap surveys, typically used to record the occurrence of species of interest, are also an efficient way to collect data regarding animal activity patterns but require robust analytical methods. The analysis of camera trap data requires assumptions that may differ for camera trap surveys that estimate occurrence or activity. One such assumption is temporal independence. This refers to the removal of images within a specified time interval, as these images are assumed to be images of the same individual. This assumption stems from the use of-time-to-independence in occurrence or density-based studies, where it reduces overestimation of animal counts. In studies of animal activity, this assumption is generally used, even though animal behaviour or activity occurs continuously over time and as such should be measured over time. I analysed 112 467 images of eight cooccurring species, to test the effect across various times to independence, these being set at 1, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes. Time-to-independence resulted in significant loss of data and biased the interpretation of the activity patterns of species and interactions amongst species, particularly for herbivorous social species. In light of these findings, activity pattern estimates based on camera trap studies should be cautious when using time-to-independence. I then explore ‘habitat use’ in space and time by domestic and indigenous ungulates using a camera trap survey. Domestic ungulates (livestock) have become common place on rangelands and may compete with native species. It was hypothesised that there will be overlap in habitat use by livestock and indigenous ungulates. My results show that indigenous ungulate species, particularly larger species such as kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), changed their spatial and temporal use as a result of the presence of domestic ungulates. Other smaller indigenous ungulates, such as steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) and duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), were less affected by the presence of livestock. Kudu were found to use more open habitats at different times whilst springbok used more dense habitats at different times in the presence of livestock. This supports the hypothesis of competition between livestock and indigenous ungulates. This study provides novel insight into the analysis and interpretation of activity patterns based on camera trap surveys. Additionally, this study demonstrates the competitive displacement between domestic and indigenous ungulate species. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Peral, Christopher Michael
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Ungulates -- Behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52019 , vital:43437
- Description: Animal activity can reveal responses to social and ecological factors such as the presence of food, water, shelter, predators, competitors or conspecifics. Thus, an understanding of an animal’s activity patterns provides insights into how and why they are using landscapes in the manner in which they do. Camera trap surveys, typically used to record the occurrence of species of interest, are also an efficient way to collect data regarding animal activity patterns but require robust analytical methods. The analysis of camera trap data requires assumptions that may differ for camera trap surveys that estimate occurrence or activity. One such assumption is temporal independence. This refers to the removal of images within a specified time interval, as these images are assumed to be images of the same individual. This assumption stems from the use of-time-to-independence in occurrence or density-based studies, where it reduces overestimation of animal counts. In studies of animal activity, this assumption is generally used, even though animal behaviour or activity occurs continuously over time and as such should be measured over time. I analysed 112 467 images of eight cooccurring species, to test the effect across various times to independence, these being set at 1, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes. Time-to-independence resulted in significant loss of data and biased the interpretation of the activity patterns of species and interactions amongst species, particularly for herbivorous social species. In light of these findings, activity pattern estimates based on camera trap studies should be cautious when using time-to-independence. I then explore ‘habitat use’ in space and time by domestic and indigenous ungulates using a camera trap survey. Domestic ungulates (livestock) have become common place on rangelands and may compete with native species. It was hypothesised that there will be overlap in habitat use by livestock and indigenous ungulates. My results show that indigenous ungulate species, particularly larger species such as kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), changed their spatial and temporal use as a result of the presence of domestic ungulates. Other smaller indigenous ungulates, such as steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) and duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), were less affected by the presence of livestock. Kudu were found to use more open habitats at different times whilst springbok used more dense habitats at different times in the presence of livestock. This supports the hypothesis of competition between livestock and indigenous ungulates. This study provides novel insight into the analysis and interpretation of activity patterns based on camera trap surveys. Additionally, this study demonstrates the competitive displacement between domestic and indigenous ungulate species. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A critical analysis of organisational justice in the South African financial service industry
- Authors: Mrwebi, Viwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Organizational behavior , Financial services industry -- South Africa -- Management Intrinsic motivation Employee retention Labor turnover
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33065 , vital:32513
- Description: Organisational justice has captured the interest of scholars in recent years since it is associated with the perceptions and reactions of an individual, to the presence of fairness in an organisation. It thus captures what an individual feel or evaluates to be, morally correct rather than viewing it to be something prescriptive. This study was aimed at investigating the extent of organisational justice on organisational citizenship behaviour, ethical behaviour and employee retention in the South African financial services industry. A hypothetical model and measuring instrument was developed in order to investigate factors that may influence the organisational justice in the financial services industry. Six independent variables (trustworthiness of management, employee engagement, reward system, organisational transparency, two-way communication and organisational climate) were identified as variables that have the potential to influence organisational justice (mediating variable). It was also hypothesised that organisational justice) has the potential to affect the dependent variables (organisational citizenship behaviour, ethical behaviour and employee retention). Furthermore, nine null-hypotheses were developed to test the relationship between independent, mediating and dependent variables. All these variables were clearly defined and operationalised with various items that were obtained from other measuring instruments or self-developed items. A quantitative research approach followed. This study made use of the non-probability sampling technique, specifically convenient and judgemental sampling, as there is no data base of financial services firms available in South Africa. A purposive sample of 800 respondents was drawn from four provinces in South Africa. Factor and regression analyses were used to test the significance of the relationship between the various independent and dependent variables. The mediating variable of organisational justice was viewed by respondents as a two-dimensional construct, namely procedural-interactional justice and distributive justice. Consequently, intrinsic rewards, extrinsic rewards, organisational transparency and organisational climate were identified as independent variables that could have an impact on the procedural-interactional justice to predict organisational citizenship behaviour and reputable employee retention in the financial services industry. No relationships were identified between trustworthiness of management and employee engagement and procedural-interactional justice. The independent variables, trustworthiness of management, extrinsic rewards and organisational climate, could have an impact on distributive justice to predict organisational citizenship behaviour and reputable employee retention in the financial services industry. No relationships were identified between employee engagement, intrinsic rewards, organisational transparency and distributive justice. The findings of this study have contributed to the body of knowledge in the financial services literature in South Africa, by developing a theoretical model and a measuring instrument of organisational justice in the financial services industry. The antecedents of organisational justice in the financial services industry are not well documented in literature and findings of this study could thus contribute towards closing this gap in literature. The findings of this study could also inform policy formulation to assist with the implementation of organisational justice programmes in the financial services industry. This study provided useful and very practical guidelines to organisations in order to ensure the effective strategising and management of OJ that could enhance their local and global competitiveness and long-term survival.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mrwebi, Viwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Organizational behavior , Financial services industry -- South Africa -- Management Intrinsic motivation Employee retention Labor turnover
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33065 , vital:32513
- Description: Organisational justice has captured the interest of scholars in recent years since it is associated with the perceptions and reactions of an individual, to the presence of fairness in an organisation. It thus captures what an individual feel or evaluates to be, morally correct rather than viewing it to be something prescriptive. This study was aimed at investigating the extent of organisational justice on organisational citizenship behaviour, ethical behaviour and employee retention in the South African financial services industry. A hypothetical model and measuring instrument was developed in order to investigate factors that may influence the organisational justice in the financial services industry. Six independent variables (trustworthiness of management, employee engagement, reward system, organisational transparency, two-way communication and organisational climate) were identified as variables that have the potential to influence organisational justice (mediating variable). It was also hypothesised that organisational justice) has the potential to affect the dependent variables (organisational citizenship behaviour, ethical behaviour and employee retention). Furthermore, nine null-hypotheses were developed to test the relationship between independent, mediating and dependent variables. All these variables were clearly defined and operationalised with various items that were obtained from other measuring instruments or self-developed items. A quantitative research approach followed. This study made use of the non-probability sampling technique, specifically convenient and judgemental sampling, as there is no data base of financial services firms available in South Africa. A purposive sample of 800 respondents was drawn from four provinces in South Africa. Factor and regression analyses were used to test the significance of the relationship between the various independent and dependent variables. The mediating variable of organisational justice was viewed by respondents as a two-dimensional construct, namely procedural-interactional justice and distributive justice. Consequently, intrinsic rewards, extrinsic rewards, organisational transparency and organisational climate were identified as independent variables that could have an impact on the procedural-interactional justice to predict organisational citizenship behaviour and reputable employee retention in the financial services industry. No relationships were identified between trustworthiness of management and employee engagement and procedural-interactional justice. The independent variables, trustworthiness of management, extrinsic rewards and organisational climate, could have an impact on distributive justice to predict organisational citizenship behaviour and reputable employee retention in the financial services industry. No relationships were identified between employee engagement, intrinsic rewards, organisational transparency and distributive justice. The findings of this study have contributed to the body of knowledge in the financial services literature in South Africa, by developing a theoretical model and a measuring instrument of organisational justice in the financial services industry. The antecedents of organisational justice in the financial services industry are not well documented in literature and findings of this study could thus contribute towards closing this gap in literature. The findings of this study could also inform policy formulation to assist with the implementation of organisational justice programmes in the financial services industry. This study provided useful and very practical guidelines to organisations in order to ensure the effective strategising and management of OJ that could enhance their local and global competitiveness and long-term survival.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The use of psychology in roman catholic seminary admissions in Southern Africa
- Authors: Mitchell, Gregory Paul
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Catholic Church -- Africa, Southern -- Psychological aspects -- Congresses
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51344 , vital:43266
- Description: Psychological assessment forms part of Roman Catholic seminary admissions in Southern Africa. The present study sought to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of the role, purpose, and nature of the use of psychology in Roman Catholic seminary admissions in the territory of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference. A qualitative research design was selected, which utilised the grounded theory method. Church authorities and clinicians, recruited by means of purposive snowball sampling, were interviewed in individual semi-structured interviews. The findings were interpreted in relation to the narrative of a vocation to the Roman Catholic priesthood, international practice guidelines, as well as literature regarding the context of the Southern African Roman Catholic Church. Proposed guidelines for this process in Southern Africa were generated based on the experiences of the participants and this iterative process of thematic analysis. Potential guidelines, grounded in the research data, emerged in the following focus areas: the vocation to the priesthood, contextual and systemic factors, the clinician, the assessment process, factors to be assessed, the psychological report, the decision to admit to seminary, feedback, and psychology in formation. These are recommended to the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference in draft form to be implemented in a participatory manner. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mitchell, Gregory Paul
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Catholic Church -- Africa, Southern -- Psychological aspects -- Congresses
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51344 , vital:43266
- Description: Psychological assessment forms part of Roman Catholic seminary admissions in Southern Africa. The present study sought to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of the role, purpose, and nature of the use of psychology in Roman Catholic seminary admissions in the territory of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference. A qualitative research design was selected, which utilised the grounded theory method. Church authorities and clinicians, recruited by means of purposive snowball sampling, were interviewed in individual semi-structured interviews. The findings were interpreted in relation to the narrative of a vocation to the Roman Catholic priesthood, international practice guidelines, as well as literature regarding the context of the Southern African Roman Catholic Church. Proposed guidelines for this process in Southern Africa were generated based on the experiences of the participants and this iterative process of thematic analysis. Potential guidelines, grounded in the research data, emerged in the following focus areas: the vocation to the priesthood, contextual and systemic factors, the clinician, the assessment process, factors to be assessed, the psychological report, the decision to admit to seminary, feedback, and psychology in formation. These are recommended to the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference in draft form to be implemented in a participatory manner. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Is e-business the saving grace for retailers during Covid-19?
- Authors: Kruger, Janine
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- -- Economic aspects , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56470 , vital:56687
- Description: The question can be asked whether e-business is the saving grace for retailers during Covid-19. Without pondering on the question, we will immediately say yes due to the lived experiences we all have as final consumers of retailers. However, before answering the question, it is important to consider what transpired within the retail business environment. The world has turned upside down towards the end of 2019 due to the outbreak of Covid-19 while South Africa felt the effect of Covid-19 as from March 2020. As cited by Verhoef, Noordhoff and Sloot (2022), the retail industry has been heavily affected by the pandemic. Not only has the retail industry been affected, the life of consumers also changed as consumers did not have direct access to their favourite traditional brick-and mortar-retailers. As the customers of these retailers, we have the lived experiences of not being able to patronise these retailers for an extended period of time. Due to the hard lockdown restrictions imposed within the business environment on brick-and-mortar retailers, the retailers had to find different ways to reach and provide need satisfying products to their customers. According to the World Trade Organization (WTO) (2020) and Rindita et al (2021, p.108), the pandemic provided retailers with a good opportunity to develop and adopt an e-commerce strategy that can act as an economic driver. In addition, Gramling, Orschell and Chernoff (2021) state that e-commerce is essential for future existence of businesses. This is evident when considering that the South African e-commerce sector grew by 66% in 2020 when 2 compared to 2019 while in-store shopping has declined by 30% (Kibuacha 2021). These results are expected if we take into account the trading restrictions imposed on brick-and-mortar retailers during the Covid-19 lockdown. In addition, a study by Deloitte in 2021 showed that more than 70% of South African consumers are shopping online at least once a month while citing convenience and saving time for doing so (Kibuacha 2021). However, whether businesses are implementing a new strategy or expand an existing strategy, the brick-and-mortar retailers were required to adapt their strategies with the focus on business survival.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kruger, Janine
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- -- Economic aspects , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56470 , vital:56687
- Description: The question can be asked whether e-business is the saving grace for retailers during Covid-19. Without pondering on the question, we will immediately say yes due to the lived experiences we all have as final consumers of retailers. However, before answering the question, it is important to consider what transpired within the retail business environment. The world has turned upside down towards the end of 2019 due to the outbreak of Covid-19 while South Africa felt the effect of Covid-19 as from March 2020. As cited by Verhoef, Noordhoff and Sloot (2022), the retail industry has been heavily affected by the pandemic. Not only has the retail industry been affected, the life of consumers also changed as consumers did not have direct access to their favourite traditional brick-and mortar-retailers. As the customers of these retailers, we have the lived experiences of not being able to patronise these retailers for an extended period of time. Due to the hard lockdown restrictions imposed within the business environment on brick-and-mortar retailers, the retailers had to find different ways to reach and provide need satisfying products to their customers. According to the World Trade Organization (WTO) (2020) and Rindita et al (2021, p.108), the pandemic provided retailers with a good opportunity to develop and adopt an e-commerce strategy that can act as an economic driver. In addition, Gramling, Orschell and Chernoff (2021) state that e-commerce is essential for future existence of businesses. This is evident when considering that the South African e-commerce sector grew by 66% in 2020 when 2 compared to 2019 while in-store shopping has declined by 30% (Kibuacha 2021). These results are expected if we take into account the trading restrictions imposed on brick-and-mortar retailers during the Covid-19 lockdown. In addition, a study by Deloitte in 2021 showed that more than 70% of South African consumers are shopping online at least once a month while citing convenience and saving time for doing so (Kibuacha 2021). However, whether businesses are implementing a new strategy or expand an existing strategy, the brick-and-mortar retailers were required to adapt their strategies with the focus on business survival.
- Full Text: