The trophic ecology of parrotfish of Zanzibar application of stable isotope analysis
- Plass-Johnson, Jeremiah Grahm
- Authors: Plass-Johnson, Jeremiah Grahm
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Parrotfishes -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Parrotfishes , Parrotfishes -- Ecology -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Parrotfishes -- Behavior -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Parrotfishes -- Food -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Scleractinia -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Algae -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Coral reefs and islands -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Coral reef fishes -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Stable isotopes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5789 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005477 , Parrotfishes -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Parrotfishes , Parrotfishes -- Ecology -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Parrotfishes -- Behavior -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Parrotfishes -- Food -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Scleractinia -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Algae -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Coral reefs and islands -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Coral reef fishes -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Stable isotopes
- Description: Parrotfish are a critical component of the herbivore functional group on tropical coral reefs around the world because they mediate competition that occurs between algae and scleractinian corals. Also, because of their feeding technique, which consists of rasping at the substratum with their beak-like teeth, they play an important role in carbonate turnover and the clearing of reef surface area for the settlement of new sessile organisms. Because of these roles, parrotfishes are an important structuring component of coral reef communities. However, individual species can play different roles depending on their physiology, behaviour and ecology. Despite the possible ecological differences that may exist amongst species, specific roles of the fishes remain unclear as the group is most often studied at higher community levels. This thesis applied stable isotope analysis to differing levels of organisation within a parrotfish community to help elucidate their trophic ecology on coral reefs in Zanzibar. Firstly, blood and muscle tissues were compared to identify differences in their isotope signatures. In other organisms, blood turns over faster than muscle tissue so that muscle tissue represents the diet as integrated over a longer period of time. In most species of parrotfish the blood and muscle δ¹³C signatures were not found to be significantly different, but the δ¹⁵N signatures were significantly different between tissues. This indicated that the δ¹³C signature of both tissues would reveal similar dietary information. Conversely, differences in the δ¹⁵N signature indicated that the nitrogen relationship between tissues was more complicated. Secondly, spatial variability in parrotfish, coral, detritus and macroalgae isotope signatures was assessed at different scales. In macroalgae and coral tissues (zooxanthellae and polyp treated separately), the δ¹³C signatures were shown to differ with depth, presumably because of changes in photosynthetic processes related to depth-associated changes in light. While δ¹⁵N signatures were not affected by depth, all organisms showed enrichment at the Nyange reef, the closest reef to the capital of Zanzibar, Stone Town, presumably reflecting the effects of sewage outfall. These results show that processes that impact the δ¹⁵N signatures of primary producers (macroalgae and zooxanthellae) can be traced to higher trophic levels (coral polyps and fish). Lastly, δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N signatures were used to identify ontogenetic dietary changes in multiple species of parrotfish. Four of the species showed stages that varied from the diets that are normally assumed on the basis of their dentition and feeding technique. This indicates that functional roles based on taxonomy or morphology may fail to include possible ontogenetic dietary changes, and may also fail to elucidate the full impact a species could have on coral reef communities. The conclusions from these studies indicate that the species-specific ecological role of parrotfish in coral reef communities can be complex within and between species, and may differ amongst reefs. In light of the natural and anthropogenic pressures that affect coral reef systems, management decisions based on a more complete understanding of the role of these fish in coral reef communities will help decisions that maintain resilience in these fragile systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Plass-Johnson, Jeremiah Grahm
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Parrotfishes -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Parrotfishes , Parrotfishes -- Ecology -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Parrotfishes -- Behavior -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Parrotfishes -- Food -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Scleractinia -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Algae -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Coral reefs and islands -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Coral reef fishes -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Stable isotopes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5789 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005477 , Parrotfishes -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Parrotfishes , Parrotfishes -- Ecology -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Parrotfishes -- Behavior -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Parrotfishes -- Food -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Scleractinia -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Algae -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Coral reefs and islands -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Coral reef fishes -- Tanzania -- Zanzibar , Stable isotopes
- Description: Parrotfish are a critical component of the herbivore functional group on tropical coral reefs around the world because they mediate competition that occurs between algae and scleractinian corals. Also, because of their feeding technique, which consists of rasping at the substratum with their beak-like teeth, they play an important role in carbonate turnover and the clearing of reef surface area for the settlement of new sessile organisms. Because of these roles, parrotfishes are an important structuring component of coral reef communities. However, individual species can play different roles depending on their physiology, behaviour and ecology. Despite the possible ecological differences that may exist amongst species, specific roles of the fishes remain unclear as the group is most often studied at higher community levels. This thesis applied stable isotope analysis to differing levels of organisation within a parrotfish community to help elucidate their trophic ecology on coral reefs in Zanzibar. Firstly, blood and muscle tissues were compared to identify differences in their isotope signatures. In other organisms, blood turns over faster than muscle tissue so that muscle tissue represents the diet as integrated over a longer period of time. In most species of parrotfish the blood and muscle δ¹³C signatures were not found to be significantly different, but the δ¹⁵N signatures were significantly different between tissues. This indicated that the δ¹³C signature of both tissues would reveal similar dietary information. Conversely, differences in the δ¹⁵N signature indicated that the nitrogen relationship between tissues was more complicated. Secondly, spatial variability in parrotfish, coral, detritus and macroalgae isotope signatures was assessed at different scales. In macroalgae and coral tissues (zooxanthellae and polyp treated separately), the δ¹³C signatures were shown to differ with depth, presumably because of changes in photosynthetic processes related to depth-associated changes in light. While δ¹⁵N signatures were not affected by depth, all organisms showed enrichment at the Nyange reef, the closest reef to the capital of Zanzibar, Stone Town, presumably reflecting the effects of sewage outfall. These results show that processes that impact the δ¹⁵N signatures of primary producers (macroalgae and zooxanthellae) can be traced to higher trophic levels (coral polyps and fish). Lastly, δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N signatures were used to identify ontogenetic dietary changes in multiple species of parrotfish. Four of the species showed stages that varied from the diets that are normally assumed on the basis of their dentition and feeding technique. This indicates that functional roles based on taxonomy or morphology may fail to include possible ontogenetic dietary changes, and may also fail to elucidate the full impact a species could have on coral reef communities. The conclusions from these studies indicate that the species-specific ecological role of parrotfish in coral reef communities can be complex within and between species, and may differ amongst reefs. In light of the natural and anthropogenic pressures that affect coral reef systems, management decisions based on a more complete understanding of the role of these fish in coral reef communities will help decisions that maintain resilience in these fragile systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The use of hot and cold high pressure homogenization to enhance the loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of nanostructured lipid carriers for the hydrophilic antiretroviral drug, didanosine for potential administration to paediatric patients
- Kasongo, Kasongo W, Müller, Rainer H, Walker, Roderick B
- Authors: Kasongo, Kasongo W , Müller, Rainer H , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184087 , vital:44170 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3109/10837450.2010.542163"
- Description: A major obstacle to the application of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as carriers for hydrophilic drugs is the limited loading capacity (LC) and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of NLCs for these molecules. The purpose of this research was to design and implement a strategy to enhance the LC and EE of NLCs for the hydrophilic drug, didanosine (DDI). DDI was dispersed in Transcutol® HP and the particle size of DDI in the liquid lipid was reduced gradually using hot high pressure homogenization (HPH). The product obtained thereafter was added to Precirol® ATO 5 and the hot mixture was immediately dried using liquid nitrogen. The dried materials were then ground and passed through a 200 μm sieve and the solid lipid particles were dispersed in a surfactant solution and subsequently used to manufacture DDI-loaded NLCs using cold HPH. The LC and EE of NLCs for DDI manufactured using the new strategy were 3.39 ± 0.63% and 51.58 ± 1.31%, respectively, compared to 0.079 ± 0.001% and 32.45 ± 0.08%, respectively, obtained when DDI-loaded NLCs were produced using conventional hot HPH. The enhanced LC and EE for DDI make NLCs a potential technology for the oral administration of DDI to paediatric patients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kasongo, Kasongo W , Müller, Rainer H , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184087 , vital:44170 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3109/10837450.2010.542163"
- Description: A major obstacle to the application of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as carriers for hydrophilic drugs is the limited loading capacity (LC) and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of NLCs for these molecules. The purpose of this research was to design and implement a strategy to enhance the LC and EE of NLCs for the hydrophilic drug, didanosine (DDI). DDI was dispersed in Transcutol® HP and the particle size of DDI in the liquid lipid was reduced gradually using hot high pressure homogenization (HPH). The product obtained thereafter was added to Precirol® ATO 5 and the hot mixture was immediately dried using liquid nitrogen. The dried materials were then ground and passed through a 200 μm sieve and the solid lipid particles were dispersed in a surfactant solution and subsequently used to manufacture DDI-loaded NLCs using cold HPH. The LC and EE of NLCs for DDI manufactured using the new strategy were 3.39 ± 0.63% and 51.58 ± 1.31%, respectively, compared to 0.079 ± 0.001% and 32.45 ± 0.08%, respectively, obtained when DDI-loaded NLCs were produced using conventional hot HPH. The enhanced LC and EE for DDI make NLCs a potential technology for the oral administration of DDI to paediatric patients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The use of Internet-based information sources by postgraduate students: a survey of three universities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mbasera, Sarlomie Farisai
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Bibl
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/976 , vital:26514
- Description: The study investigated the use of Internet-based information sources by postgraduate students at three universities in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The main aim of the study was to determine the factors that affect the use of Internet-based information sources by postgraduate students. The study sought to fulfil the following objectives: to determine factors which affect the use of Internet-based information sources by postgraduate students at the three universities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa; to establish the Internet-based information sources available among universities in Eastern Cape; to identify the pattern of postgraduate students’ use of Internet-based information sources; to find out the level of postgraduate satisfaction with Internet-based information sources available for their information needs, and to suggest ways of stimulating the use of Internet-based information sources by postgraduate students at universities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A review of the literature revealed a growing reliance on electronic resources by higher education institutions worldwide to suffice the information needs of academic researchers and that usage of these is influenced by various factors. The factors identified in the reviewed literature as affecting the use of Internet-based information sources among students include: academic discipline affiliation, age, level of study, gender, information and communications technology (ICT) literacy, institutional support, relevance of available information resources, accessibility, marketing and publicity of information sources available, and training. The researcher employed a survey research methodology to achieve the study objectives, through data collection on three fronts. Firstly to investigate the factors hat affect the use of Internet-based information sources from the perspectives of postgraduate students, self-administered questionnaires were distributed to a sample of 200 study participants obtained using quota sampling of the population of students from the three universities. A response rate of 66.5% was achieved. Secondly, data on the organisational factors influencing the use of Internet-based information sources were obtained by conducting semi-structured interviews with selected librarians at the three universities. Lastly, documentary analysis was also used to corroborate data obtained from the survey with postgraduate study participants, as well as from interviews with selected librarians. The findings include that the use of Internet-based information sources is increasingly becoming important for postgraduate students at the selected universities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Postgraduate students believe that Internet-based information sources are useful in their academic work. There was moderate use of subscription e-databases and e-journals. Level of study and age were found to affect the use of Internet-based information sources, with older, Masters and PhD students utilising e-databases and e-journals more frequently. Postgraduate students predominantly use search engines to gain access to Internet-based information sources, while Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs) and library websites were unpopular gateways to Internet-based information sources. Universities in the Eastern Cape were found to be supportive of the use of Internet-based information sources with budgets of libraries and future plans tipped in favour of electronic resource provision. From the findings of the study the key recommendations suggested for improving the use of Internet-based information sources by postgraduate students in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, include that Information literacy training programmes at the three universities may be tailor-made to cater for the information needs of postgraduate students at varying levels and academic disciplines of study. It was also recommended that the universities incorporate the use of federated searching and searchable journals management software on their library websites, in order to increase the visibility of Internet-based information sources among postgraduate students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mbasera, Sarlomie Farisai
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Bibl
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/976 , vital:26514
- Description: The study investigated the use of Internet-based information sources by postgraduate students at three universities in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The main aim of the study was to determine the factors that affect the use of Internet-based information sources by postgraduate students. The study sought to fulfil the following objectives: to determine factors which affect the use of Internet-based information sources by postgraduate students at the three universities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa; to establish the Internet-based information sources available among universities in Eastern Cape; to identify the pattern of postgraduate students’ use of Internet-based information sources; to find out the level of postgraduate satisfaction with Internet-based information sources available for their information needs, and to suggest ways of stimulating the use of Internet-based information sources by postgraduate students at universities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A review of the literature revealed a growing reliance on electronic resources by higher education institutions worldwide to suffice the information needs of academic researchers and that usage of these is influenced by various factors. The factors identified in the reviewed literature as affecting the use of Internet-based information sources among students include: academic discipline affiliation, age, level of study, gender, information and communications technology (ICT) literacy, institutional support, relevance of available information resources, accessibility, marketing and publicity of information sources available, and training. The researcher employed a survey research methodology to achieve the study objectives, through data collection on three fronts. Firstly to investigate the factors hat affect the use of Internet-based information sources from the perspectives of postgraduate students, self-administered questionnaires were distributed to a sample of 200 study participants obtained using quota sampling of the population of students from the three universities. A response rate of 66.5% was achieved. Secondly, data on the organisational factors influencing the use of Internet-based information sources were obtained by conducting semi-structured interviews with selected librarians at the three universities. Lastly, documentary analysis was also used to corroborate data obtained from the survey with postgraduate study participants, as well as from interviews with selected librarians. The findings include that the use of Internet-based information sources is increasingly becoming important for postgraduate students at the selected universities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Postgraduate students believe that Internet-based information sources are useful in their academic work. There was moderate use of subscription e-databases and e-journals. Level of study and age were found to affect the use of Internet-based information sources, with older, Masters and PhD students utilising e-databases and e-journals more frequently. Postgraduate students predominantly use search engines to gain access to Internet-based information sources, while Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs) and library websites were unpopular gateways to Internet-based information sources. Universities in the Eastern Cape were found to be supportive of the use of Internet-based information sources with budgets of libraries and future plans tipped in favour of electronic resource provision. From the findings of the study the key recommendations suggested for improving the use of Internet-based information sources by postgraduate students in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, include that Information literacy training programmes at the three universities may be tailor-made to cater for the information needs of postgraduate students at varying levels and academic disciplines of study. It was also recommended that the universities incorporate the use of federated searching and searchable journals management software on their library websites, in order to increase the visibility of Internet-based information sources among postgraduate students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The use of response surface methodology in the evaluation of captopril microparticles manufactured using an oil in oil solvent evaporation technique
- Khamanga, Sandile M, Walker, Roderick B
- Authors: Khamanga, Sandile M , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184221 , vital:44191 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3109/02652048.2011.629744"
- Description: Captopril (CPT) microparticles were manufactured by solvent evaporation using acetone (dispersion phase) and liquid paraffin (manufacturing phase) with Eudragit® and Methocel® as coat materials. Design of experiments and response surface methodology (RSM) approaches were used to optimize the process. The microparticles were characterized based on the percent of drug released and yield, microcapsule size, entrapment efficiency and Hausner ratio. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and in vitro dissolution studies were conducted. The microcapsules were spherical, free-flowing and IR and DSC thermograms revealed that CPT was stable. The percent drug released was investigated with respect to Eudragit® RS and Methocel® K100M, Methocel® K15M concentrations and homogenizing speed. The optimal conditions for microencapsulation were 1.12 g Eudragit® RS, 0.67 g Methocel® K100M and 0.39 g Methocel® K15M at a homogenizing speed of 1643 rpm and 89% CPT was released. The value of RSM-mediated microencapsulation of CPT was elucidated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Khamanga, Sandile M , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184221 , vital:44191 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3109/02652048.2011.629744"
- Description: Captopril (CPT) microparticles were manufactured by solvent evaporation using acetone (dispersion phase) and liquid paraffin (manufacturing phase) with Eudragit® and Methocel® as coat materials. Design of experiments and response surface methodology (RSM) approaches were used to optimize the process. The microparticles were characterized based on the percent of drug released and yield, microcapsule size, entrapment efficiency and Hausner ratio. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and in vitro dissolution studies were conducted. The microcapsules were spherical, free-flowing and IR and DSC thermograms revealed that CPT was stable. The percent drug released was investigated with respect to Eudragit® RS and Methocel® K100M, Methocel® K15M concentrations and homogenizing speed. The optimal conditions for microencapsulation were 1.12 g Eudragit® RS, 0.67 g Methocel® K100M and 0.39 g Methocel® K15M at a homogenizing speed of 1643 rpm and 89% CPT was released. The value of RSM-mediated microencapsulation of CPT was elucidated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The use of response surface methodology to evaluate the impact of level 2 SUPAC–IR changes on the in vitro release of metronidazole and ranitidine from a fixed-dose combination tablet
- King’ori, Loti D, Walker, Roderick B
- Authors: King’ori, Loti D , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6391 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006313
- Description: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of disintegrant (croscarmellose sodium, CCS), binder (polyvinylprrolidone K30, PVP–K30), and lubricant (magnesium stearate) on the in vitro release of metronidazole (MTZ) and rantidine (RTD) from a solid oral fixed-dose combination tablet. The excipient levels investigated were Level 2 changes in component and composition described in the Scale-Up and Post Approval Changes for Immediate Release (SUPAC–IR) guidance (1). Batches of tablets (1000 units) were manufactured by wet granulation using a Saral high-shear mixer granulator and a Manesty B3B rotary tablet press. Weight uniformity, friability, and disintegration of all tablets were assessed, and all batches complied with compendial specifications. The amount of drug released (Q) at ten minutes was dependent on the levels of CCS in the formulation, and the effect of PVP–K30 and magnesium stearate was dependent on the levels of CCS. Synergistic interactions between independent variables were observed for the Q10 value for RTD, whereas PVP–K30 and magnesium stearate exhibited an antagonistic effect on the Q10 values for MTZ and RTD. The use of response surface methodology facilitated an investigation into the effect of Level 2 component and composition changes, as described in SUPAC–IR, on the in vitro release of MTZ and RTD from a fixed-dose combination (FDC) solid oral dosage form (SODF).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: King’ori, Loti D , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6391 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006313
- Description: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of disintegrant (croscarmellose sodium, CCS), binder (polyvinylprrolidone K30, PVP–K30), and lubricant (magnesium stearate) on the in vitro release of metronidazole (MTZ) and rantidine (RTD) from a solid oral fixed-dose combination tablet. The excipient levels investigated were Level 2 changes in component and composition described in the Scale-Up and Post Approval Changes for Immediate Release (SUPAC–IR) guidance (1). Batches of tablets (1000 units) were manufactured by wet granulation using a Saral high-shear mixer granulator and a Manesty B3B rotary tablet press. Weight uniformity, friability, and disintegration of all tablets were assessed, and all batches complied with compendial specifications. The amount of drug released (Q) at ten minutes was dependent on the levels of CCS in the formulation, and the effect of PVP–K30 and magnesium stearate was dependent on the levels of CCS. Synergistic interactions between independent variables were observed for the Q10 value for RTD, whereas PVP–K30 and magnesium stearate exhibited an antagonistic effect on the Q10 values for MTZ and RTD. The use of response surface methodology facilitated an investigation into the effect of Level 2 component and composition changes, as described in SUPAC–IR, on the in vitro release of MTZ and RTD from a fixed-dose combination (FDC) solid oral dosage form (SODF).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The use of social media for marketing and communication purpose in institutions of higher learning
- Authors: Mangolothi, Brightness
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Branding (Marketing) , Social media , Online social networks , Internet marketing , Education, Higher
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8821 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019698
- Description: Social media have become a widely used tool to communicate with the orgnisations stakeholders. Institutions of higher learning are also venturing into this new way of marketing and communication. This study intended to determine how South African institutions of higher learning are using social media for marketing and communication purposes. Firstly, a literature study was conducted to gain an understanding on how social media are used. Further an empirical study was conducted, which consisted of two phases. The first phase was a case study on NMMU and Stellenbosch University. Structured-interviews, focus groups and observation were used to collect data from the cases. The collected data were then used to construct a questionnaire that was used for a survey. The survey was distributed to all 23 universities, 50 public FET colleges and the 200 private FET college. 92 institutions responded to the survey. The findings prove that there are various opportuntities and challenges in using social media although it should be stressed that the opportunities outweigh the threats. There is no visible difference between colleges social media implementation in relation to institutions of higher learning. Most institutions use more than one social media tool. Facebook is the most widely used social media followed by Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn. Flickr, MXit, Google+ and Blog are the least used social media. The observations of the NMMU and Stellenbosch University show that these two institutions are striving to engage with their target audiences. Although the institutions are using social media, some of the concerns are that institutions are not measuring their social media use. For those who are measuring, most depend on the free measurement tools which focus only on the quantitative measure. The governance of the social media use is none existent. Most respondents stated that they do not have a policy or guidelines informing social media management. Most of the respondents felt that they want to use more social media tools in future although some of the challenges alluded to were lack of capacity, human resources and budget.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mangolothi, Brightness
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Branding (Marketing) , Social media , Online social networks , Internet marketing , Education, Higher
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8821 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019698
- Description: Social media have become a widely used tool to communicate with the orgnisations stakeholders. Institutions of higher learning are also venturing into this new way of marketing and communication. This study intended to determine how South African institutions of higher learning are using social media for marketing and communication purposes. Firstly, a literature study was conducted to gain an understanding on how social media are used. Further an empirical study was conducted, which consisted of two phases. The first phase was a case study on NMMU and Stellenbosch University. Structured-interviews, focus groups and observation were used to collect data from the cases. The collected data were then used to construct a questionnaire that was used for a survey. The survey was distributed to all 23 universities, 50 public FET colleges and the 200 private FET college. 92 institutions responded to the survey. The findings prove that there are various opportuntities and challenges in using social media although it should be stressed that the opportunities outweigh the threats. There is no visible difference between colleges social media implementation in relation to institutions of higher learning. Most institutions use more than one social media tool. Facebook is the most widely used social media followed by Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn. Flickr, MXit, Google+ and Blog are the least used social media. The observations of the NMMU and Stellenbosch University show that these two institutions are striving to engage with their target audiences. Although the institutions are using social media, some of the concerns are that institutions are not measuring their social media use. For those who are measuring, most depend on the free measurement tools which focus only on the quantitative measure. The governance of the social media use is none existent. Most respondents stated that they do not have a policy or guidelines informing social media management. Most of the respondents felt that they want to use more social media tools in future although some of the challenges alluded to were lack of capacity, human resources and budget.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The valuation of amounts for the purpose of inclusion in gross income
- Authors: Spearman, Tarryn Leigh
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:887 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001641
- Description: The present research investigates the valuation of amounts for the purpose of inclusion in gross income. Because the gross income definition in section 1 of the Income Tax Act includes "amounts in cash or otherwise", valuations are often required in order to establish a value in money terms for amounts received or accrued in a form otherwise than in cash. The basis on which these valuations are made can vary and the courts have frequently been called upon to decide on the correct method of valuation. There has been an ongoing debate in the courts as to whether a strict objective approach or a more flexible subjective approach should be adopted when valuing an amount in a form other than cash, which was finally settled in the decision by the Supreme Court of Appeal in CIR v Brummeria Renaissance (Pty) Ltd, which held that an objective approach must be followed. The present research will demonstrate how the strict rule of interpretation tends to result in purely objective valuations as it requires that the ordinary grammatical meaning of words be applied and does not allow the court to consider the purpose of the legislation or introduce any subjectivity based on the circumstances of each individual taxpayer and the facts of each particular case, which a purposive interpretation approach does. The purposive approach to interpretation is therefore more closely aligned with the subjective approach to valuation. Both the objective and subjective approaches to valuation have advantages and disadvantages, which are addressed in the research. The need for certainty in taxation was articulated as early as 1776 by Adam Smith in his Wealth of Nations. The objective approach appears to create a level of consistency as all income received by a taxpayer is effectively taxed as if received by a third party in an arm’s length transaction. The approach has led to unfair decisions at odds with economic reality and generally accepted accounting principles, which could be challenged on the basis of a lack of equity and fairness as required by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The research demonstrates that an objective method of valuation is neither fully objective nor appropriate in certain circumstances, while a subjective approach may be more appropriate as it ensures that each taxpayer’s individual rights are protected. Although the subjective approach successfully addresses the issue of fairness, it threatens to introduce an unacceptable level of inconsistency and is, in reality, not always administratively feasible. The present research concludes that a trade-off between fairness and consistency is often necessary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Spearman, Tarryn Leigh
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:887 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001641
- Description: The present research investigates the valuation of amounts for the purpose of inclusion in gross income. Because the gross income definition in section 1 of the Income Tax Act includes "amounts in cash or otherwise", valuations are often required in order to establish a value in money terms for amounts received or accrued in a form otherwise than in cash. The basis on which these valuations are made can vary and the courts have frequently been called upon to decide on the correct method of valuation. There has been an ongoing debate in the courts as to whether a strict objective approach or a more flexible subjective approach should be adopted when valuing an amount in a form other than cash, which was finally settled in the decision by the Supreme Court of Appeal in CIR v Brummeria Renaissance (Pty) Ltd, which held that an objective approach must be followed. The present research will demonstrate how the strict rule of interpretation tends to result in purely objective valuations as it requires that the ordinary grammatical meaning of words be applied and does not allow the court to consider the purpose of the legislation or introduce any subjectivity based on the circumstances of each individual taxpayer and the facts of each particular case, which a purposive interpretation approach does. The purposive approach to interpretation is therefore more closely aligned with the subjective approach to valuation. Both the objective and subjective approaches to valuation have advantages and disadvantages, which are addressed in the research. The need for certainty in taxation was articulated as early as 1776 by Adam Smith in his Wealth of Nations. The objective approach appears to create a level of consistency as all income received by a taxpayer is effectively taxed as if received by a third party in an arm’s length transaction. The approach has led to unfair decisions at odds with economic reality and generally accepted accounting principles, which could be challenged on the basis of a lack of equity and fairness as required by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The research demonstrates that an objective method of valuation is neither fully objective nor appropriate in certain circumstances, while a subjective approach may be more appropriate as it ensures that each taxpayer’s individual rights are protected. Although the subjective approach successfully addresses the issue of fairness, it threatens to introduce an unacceptable level of inconsistency and is, in reality, not always administratively feasible. The present research concludes that a trade-off between fairness and consistency is often necessary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The way forward with ecosystem-based management in tropical contexts: Reconciling with existing management systems
- Aswani, Shankar, Christie, Patrick, Muthiga, Nyawira A, Mahon, Robin, Primavera, Jurgenne H, Cramer, Lori A, Barbier, Edward B, Granek, Elise F, Kennedy, Chris J, Wolanski, Eric, Hacker, Sally
- Authors: Aswani, Shankar , Christie, Patrick , Muthiga, Nyawira A , Mahon, Robin , Primavera, Jurgenne H , Cramer, Lori A , Barbier, Edward B , Granek, Elise F , Kennedy, Chris J , Wolanski, Eric , Hacker, Sally
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422693 , vital:71969 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2011.02.014"
- Description: This paper discusses some of the challenges and opportunities that can arise when implementing ecosystem-based management (EBM) in tropical nations. EBM creates a new series of challenges, problems, and opportunities that must be considered in light of existing governance and management frameworks in a local context. The paper presents five case studies from different parts of the tropical world, including Oceania, insular and continental Southeast Asia, East Africa, and the Caribbean, which illustrate that the implementation of EBM in watershed and marine ecosystems offers a new series of challenges and opportunities for its inclusion with existing forms of environmental governance and management. The paper suggests that EBM is best thought of as an expansion of customary management (CM) and integrated coastal management (ICM), rather than a paradigm shift, and that it has certain benefits that are worth integrating into existing systems when possible. The paper concludes that the cultural and institutional context of CM as well as the experience, technical skills, and legal basis that serve ICM programs are logical platforms from which to build EBM programs. Some guidelines for creating hybrid management regimes are suggested. In sum, declining marine species and ecosystems require urgent action, necessitating utilization of existing paradigms such as ICM and CM as a foundation for building EBM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Aswani, Shankar , Christie, Patrick , Muthiga, Nyawira A , Mahon, Robin , Primavera, Jurgenne H , Cramer, Lori A , Barbier, Edward B , Granek, Elise F , Kennedy, Chris J , Wolanski, Eric , Hacker, Sally
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422693 , vital:71969 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2011.02.014"
- Description: This paper discusses some of the challenges and opportunities that can arise when implementing ecosystem-based management (EBM) in tropical nations. EBM creates a new series of challenges, problems, and opportunities that must be considered in light of existing governance and management frameworks in a local context. The paper presents five case studies from different parts of the tropical world, including Oceania, insular and continental Southeast Asia, East Africa, and the Caribbean, which illustrate that the implementation of EBM in watershed and marine ecosystems offers a new series of challenges and opportunities for its inclusion with existing forms of environmental governance and management. The paper suggests that EBM is best thought of as an expansion of customary management (CM) and integrated coastal management (ICM), rather than a paradigm shift, and that it has certain benefits that are worth integrating into existing systems when possible. The paper concludes that the cultural and institutional context of CM as well as the experience, technical skills, and legal basis that serve ICM programs are logical platforms from which to build EBM programs. Some guidelines for creating hybrid management regimes are suggested. In sum, declining marine species and ecosystems require urgent action, necessitating utilization of existing paradigms such as ICM and CM as a foundation for building EBM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Third crime unlucky
- Authors: Cartwright, Robert Oliver
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , Creative writing (Higher education) , Creative writing -- Fiction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5987 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015729
- Description: This is a contemporary mystery novel set in the Eastern Cape. A town’s airstrip, situated between the golf club and the military base, acts as host to the local flying club and an active skydiving school. An amateur investigator uses unorthodox methods and the help of friends to find the cause of aeroplane fires and sabotage. His investigations lead him via geological research and insurance reports into contact with members of the aviation, property development and military fields.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Cartwright, Robert Oliver
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , Creative writing (Higher education) , Creative writing -- Fiction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5987 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015729
- Description: This is a contemporary mystery novel set in the Eastern Cape. A town’s airstrip, situated between the golf club and the military base, acts as host to the local flying club and an active skydiving school. An amateur investigator uses unorthodox methods and the help of friends to find the cause of aeroplane fires and sabotage. His investigations lead him via geological research and insurance reports into contact with members of the aviation, property development and military fields.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Thought amidst waste : conjunctural notes on the Democratic Project in South Africa
- Authors: Pithouse, Richard, 1970-
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Conference paper
- Identifier: vital:6195 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008581
- Description: (from the introduction} In a recent essay Achille Mbembe argues that the rendering of human beings as waste by the interface of racism and capitalism in South Africa means that “for the democratic project to have any future at all, it should necessarily take the form of a conscious attempt to retrieve life and 'the human' from a history of waste”. He adds that “the concepts of 'the human', or of 'humanism', inherited from the West will not suffice. We will have to take seriously the anthropological embeddedness of such terms in long histories of "the human" as waste.”
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Pithouse, Richard, 1970-
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Conference paper
- Identifier: vital:6195 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008581
- Description: (from the introduction} In a recent essay Achille Mbembe argues that the rendering of human beings as waste by the interface of racism and capitalism in South Africa means that “for the democratic project to have any future at all, it should necessarily take the form of a conscious attempt to retrieve life and 'the human' from a history of waste”. He adds that “the concepts of 'the human', or of 'humanism', inherited from the West will not suffice. We will have to take seriously the anthropological embeddedness of such terms in long histories of "the human" as waste.”
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Three tales of Theal: biography, history and ethnography on the Eastern Frontier
- Authors: Naidu, Samantha
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Article , text
- Identifier: vital:24529 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/36216 , https://www.jstor.org/stable/23267873?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents , https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9456-8657
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Naidu, Samantha
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Article , text
- Identifier: vital:24529 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/36216 , https://www.jstor.org/stable/23267873?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents , https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9456-8657
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Ties that bind
- Authors: Tshisela, Namhla
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:20988 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5913
- Description: This collection of short stories about contemporary black South African women reveals their hopes and anxieties, and explores their relationships with themselves, their families, and the people around them. It sets out to challenge stereotypes about black women being browbeaten in a country riddled by poverty and disease by portraying women successfully forging their identities in society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Tshisela, Namhla
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:20988 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5913
- Description: This collection of short stories about contemporary black South African women reveals their hopes and anxieties, and explores their relationships with themselves, their families, and the people around them. It sets out to challenge stereotypes about black women being browbeaten in a country riddled by poverty and disease by portraying women successfully forging their identities in society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
To evaluate the roles and functioning of community health committees within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Gumbi, Nkhosivile M
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Public health -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Citizen participation , Political participation -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9196 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020389
- Description: Community participation is a concept that has been advocated for by bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) for over two decades. In South Africa, community participation was included in the National Health Act (61 of 2003). Clinic and Community health facility committees were legislated as a method of involving communities in promoting health and improving health outcomes. During the year 2010, a process was initiated by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) to establish and train health committees at all health facilities. The purpose of this research report was to evaluate the effectiveness of community health committees within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, since 2010. Guidelines given in the Policy on the Establishment and Functioning of Clinic and Community Health Centre Committee (2009) were utilized as a point of reference for this study. The results showed that the community health committees trained in 2010 were functioning effectively as a result of the policy guidelines given. There still needs to be an improvement in the involvement of ward councilors, as stipulated in the National Health Act (61 of 2003), as well as in the implementation of the fundraising role, as set out in the Health Departments policy guidelines for health committees to implement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Gumbi, Nkhosivile M
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Public health -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Citizen participation , Political participation -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9196 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020389
- Description: Community participation is a concept that has been advocated for by bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) for over two decades. In South Africa, community participation was included in the National Health Act (61 of 2003). Clinic and Community health facility committees were legislated as a method of involving communities in promoting health and improving health outcomes. During the year 2010, a process was initiated by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) to establish and train health committees at all health facilities. The purpose of this research report was to evaluate the effectiveness of community health committees within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, since 2010. Guidelines given in the Policy on the Establishment and Functioning of Clinic and Community Health Centre Committee (2009) were utilized as a point of reference for this study. The results showed that the community health committees trained in 2010 were functioning effectively as a result of the policy guidelines given. There still needs to be an improvement in the involvement of ward councilors, as stipulated in the National Health Act (61 of 2003), as well as in the implementation of the fundraising role, as set out in the Health Departments policy guidelines for health committees to implement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
To investigate and evaluate the implementation of the supply chain management in service delivery with specific focus on procurement processes of goods and services in the head office of the Eastern Cape department of health
- Authors: Mnguni, Nombuyiselo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Management -- Procurement , Supply and demand
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8572 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1599 , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Management -- Procurement , Supply and demand
- Description: Supply Chain Management is a well recognized managerial tool and government initiative, primarily aimed at improving all the aspects of the procurement activities in government organizations or any type of the sector. It focuses on meeting the needs of the service providers as well as of the customers. In 1994, South African Government came up with new initiatives to manage its budget and finance resources to meet the needs of the people. One of the new initiatives that the new Government introduced was the Supply Chain Management (SCM). The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act No.108 of 1996, as amended regulates procurement through Section 217. The statutes states that “217(1) when an Organ of State in the national, provincial or local sphere of government, or any institution identified in national legislation, contracts for goods or services, it must do so in accordance with a system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective The procurement reform processes were supported by the introduction of a number of legislative measures, including the adoption of the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA) and the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA). Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) is a financial act that was developed in 1999 to reform the public financial management of South Africa. The Act promotes the objective of good financial management in order to maximise delivery through the efficient and effective use of limited resources. Public Financial Management Act (PFMA) emphasizes on efficiency, transparency and economic utilization of public funds. The Treasury Regulations 16.5.3 states that, ‘when procuring goods and services, the procurement procedures must be in accordance with a system that is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective. Even though government departments have started implementing the Supply Chain Management strategies, there are still some challenges and deficiencies that hinder appropriate implementation. There are some deficiencies in tender award systems, ineffectiveness of SCM training materials, lack of communication between management and SCM or implementing staff as a result the implementing staff is not aware of the organization’s goals regarding supply chain management activities. Lack of monitoring, evaluation and reporting is also another challenge. Due to these challenges, the Head Office of the Eastern Cape Department of Health had incurred some expenses in trying to address these yet the Supply Chain Management has little impact in improving the service delivery. The key research objective of this study is to investigate and evaluate the implementation of Supply Chain Management in service delivery with specific focus in procurement processes of goods and services in Head Office of Eastern Cape Department of Health. The study intends to establish and highlight the challenges that the Head Office of the Eastern Cape Department of Health is presently faced with in regard to implementation of the Supply Chain Management and the impact it has in service delivery. Data gathering techniques which include interviews and questionnaires had been used. The objectives, methodology and results of the study are presented. The conclusions and recommendations had been made with the basis that they will assist the department in improving the implementation of the Supply Chain Management which will have a positive impact in the service delivery. Further steps needs to be taken by the Provincial Treasuries in assisting department to improve in the implementation of the Supply Chain Management. Further research conduct is recommended for all the institutions of the department of Health as this study was focusing on Head Office only.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mnguni, Nombuyiselo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Management -- Procurement , Supply and demand
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8572 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1599 , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Management -- Procurement , Supply and demand
- Description: Supply Chain Management is a well recognized managerial tool and government initiative, primarily aimed at improving all the aspects of the procurement activities in government organizations or any type of the sector. It focuses on meeting the needs of the service providers as well as of the customers. In 1994, South African Government came up with new initiatives to manage its budget and finance resources to meet the needs of the people. One of the new initiatives that the new Government introduced was the Supply Chain Management (SCM). The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act No.108 of 1996, as amended regulates procurement through Section 217. The statutes states that “217(1) when an Organ of State in the national, provincial or local sphere of government, or any institution identified in national legislation, contracts for goods or services, it must do so in accordance with a system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective The procurement reform processes were supported by the introduction of a number of legislative measures, including the adoption of the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA) and the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA). Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) is a financial act that was developed in 1999 to reform the public financial management of South Africa. The Act promotes the objective of good financial management in order to maximise delivery through the efficient and effective use of limited resources. Public Financial Management Act (PFMA) emphasizes on efficiency, transparency and economic utilization of public funds. The Treasury Regulations 16.5.3 states that, ‘when procuring goods and services, the procurement procedures must be in accordance with a system that is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective. Even though government departments have started implementing the Supply Chain Management strategies, there are still some challenges and deficiencies that hinder appropriate implementation. There are some deficiencies in tender award systems, ineffectiveness of SCM training materials, lack of communication between management and SCM or implementing staff as a result the implementing staff is not aware of the organization’s goals regarding supply chain management activities. Lack of monitoring, evaluation and reporting is also another challenge. Due to these challenges, the Head Office of the Eastern Cape Department of Health had incurred some expenses in trying to address these yet the Supply Chain Management has little impact in improving the service delivery. The key research objective of this study is to investigate and evaluate the implementation of Supply Chain Management in service delivery with specific focus in procurement processes of goods and services in Head Office of Eastern Cape Department of Health. The study intends to establish and highlight the challenges that the Head Office of the Eastern Cape Department of Health is presently faced with in regard to implementation of the Supply Chain Management and the impact it has in service delivery. Data gathering techniques which include interviews and questionnaires had been used. The objectives, methodology and results of the study are presented. The conclusions and recommendations had been made with the basis that they will assist the department in improving the implementation of the Supply Chain Management which will have a positive impact in the service delivery. Further steps needs to be taken by the Provincial Treasuries in assisting department to improve in the implementation of the Supply Chain Management. Further research conduct is recommended for all the institutions of the department of Health as this study was focusing on Head Office only.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
To investigate the lack of sustainability of emerging contractors at Nxuba and Nkonkobe Local Municipalities
- Authors: Mnqokoyi, Unathi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Contractors -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8788 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014547
- Description: The research thesis examines the lack of sustainability of emerging contractors at Nxuba and Nkonkobe local municipalities in the Eastern Cape. SMMEs and emerging contractors are viewed as necessary to improve economic, social and environmental development. For the developmental vision to be achieved, the emerging contractors have to be sustainable businesses. The delivery of sustainable services requires the presence and utilisation of sustainable emerging contractors. The purpose of the study is to conduct an in-depth investigation on the lack of sustainability of emerging contractors at the local municipal level. The study will further establish whether there is a link between lack of efficiency and effectiveness and then provide possible recommendations to the problem. The survey was conducted among emerging contractors to determine from them what their experiences were with sustainability issues including the emerging contractor development programs. The survey also focused on the amount of opportunities given to them by the local government sphere and the effect of their lack of access to finance. It is envisaged that the study will assist emerging contractors to address sustainability of their businesses. Both government and private sector clients are set to benefit from an improved set of emerging contractors. Improvements are expected in the social, economic and environmental spheres. The majority of emerging contractors appear to have failed to secure sustainable work and as such have not achieved business growth in the past 3 years. The study reveals that local government clients have contributed with late payments to the poor rating of the emerging contractors on creditability with clients, suppliers and financiers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mnqokoyi, Unathi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Contractors -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8788 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014547
- Description: The research thesis examines the lack of sustainability of emerging contractors at Nxuba and Nkonkobe local municipalities in the Eastern Cape. SMMEs and emerging contractors are viewed as necessary to improve economic, social and environmental development. For the developmental vision to be achieved, the emerging contractors have to be sustainable businesses. The delivery of sustainable services requires the presence and utilisation of sustainable emerging contractors. The purpose of the study is to conduct an in-depth investigation on the lack of sustainability of emerging contractors at the local municipal level. The study will further establish whether there is a link between lack of efficiency and effectiveness and then provide possible recommendations to the problem. The survey was conducted among emerging contractors to determine from them what their experiences were with sustainability issues including the emerging contractor development programs. The survey also focused on the amount of opportunities given to them by the local government sphere and the effect of their lack of access to finance. It is envisaged that the study will assist emerging contractors to address sustainability of their businesses. Both government and private sector clients are set to benefit from an improved set of emerging contractors. Improvements are expected in the social, economic and environmental spheres. The majority of emerging contractors appear to have failed to secure sustainable work and as such have not achieved business growth in the past 3 years. The study reveals that local government clients have contributed with late payments to the poor rating of the emerging contractors on creditability with clients, suppliers and financiers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
To what extent can microfinance sustain the livelihoods of the women of Mdantsane (Ward N.U. 9)
- Authors: Cuntu, Somila
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Microfinance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women in economic development --South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9110 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014636
- Description: I have observed that in Mdantsane there is a clear gap between men and women, as people are tradition-bound, and men are often the breadwinners in their households, which leave some women sidelined and only left with household chores. Therefore this research aims to investigate these inequalities, and if microfinance can contribute positively towards the development of these women, so that they can develop and sustain their lifestyles. Chapter two of this research, containing available literature on this particular study which is sustainable livelihoods and microfinance for poor women, and covers both local as well as international studies. Here microfinance and sustainable livelihoods will be conceptualised accordingly so as to shed light on the subject. The third chapter covers the methodology used in the current study which clearly outlines the methodological framework, the research instruments, participants as well as the research design and procedure. The fourth chapter provides the findings and of the the current study, this will outline the main themes that surface and are prevalent among the participants. Chapter five will consist of the discussion of the results. Lastly chapter six will provide the conclusion as well as well as recommendations relevant to the results of this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Cuntu, Somila
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Microfinance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women in economic development --South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9110 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014636
- Description: I have observed that in Mdantsane there is a clear gap between men and women, as people are tradition-bound, and men are often the breadwinners in their households, which leave some women sidelined and only left with household chores. Therefore this research aims to investigate these inequalities, and if microfinance can contribute positively towards the development of these women, so that they can develop and sustain their lifestyles. Chapter two of this research, containing available literature on this particular study which is sustainable livelihoods and microfinance for poor women, and covers both local as well as international studies. Here microfinance and sustainable livelihoods will be conceptualised accordingly so as to shed light on the subject. The third chapter covers the methodology used in the current study which clearly outlines the methodological framework, the research instruments, participants as well as the research design and procedure. The fourth chapter provides the findings and of the the current study, this will outline the main themes that surface and are prevalent among the participants. Chapter five will consist of the discussion of the results. Lastly chapter six will provide the conclusion as well as well as recommendations relevant to the results of this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Total quality management in training of SMMEs by government business support institutions in the Buffalo City Metropole
- Authors: Mfengwana, Thobelani
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Total quality management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government aid to small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8823 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019705
- Description: The aim of the study is to determine the extent of Total Quality Management training by the government business support institutions in the enterprise development of Small Medium Micro Enterprises in Buffalo City Metro area. The study reflects on the Total Quality Management elements and enterprise development activities by the government institutions located in the Buffalo City Metro area. The researcher conducted literature review to ascertain what does Total Quality Management training entails. The study discussed the enterprise development services offered by the Government business support agencies in Buffalo City Metro. The empirical study conducted determined the views of Small Medium Micro Enterprises assisted by government business support service towards Total Quality Management. The researcher collected quantitative data from the judgemental sample using five point linkert scale questionnaire. The study achieved the response rate of 52.5 percent. Descriptive statistics of the data was analysed using MS Excel, and the internal consistency or reliability was determined using SPSS software. The data achieved the Chronbach’s Alpha co-efficient of 0.879. The research finding has certain limitations, and these limitations provide opportunities for further research studies. The limitation of this study was the fact that the sample was judgemental. It is possible that if another sampling method is used, it could arrive at a different conclusion. The results from the study indicate that the government business support institutions in Buffalo City area do not provide total quality management training. Although it was not a focus of the research, the study found that the three government institutions also located in Buffalo City Metro area are not used by the Small Medium Micro Enterprises. Government business support institutions need to offer total quality management training as part of enterprise development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mfengwana, Thobelani
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Total quality management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government aid to small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8823 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019705
- Description: The aim of the study is to determine the extent of Total Quality Management training by the government business support institutions in the enterprise development of Small Medium Micro Enterprises in Buffalo City Metro area. The study reflects on the Total Quality Management elements and enterprise development activities by the government institutions located in the Buffalo City Metro area. The researcher conducted literature review to ascertain what does Total Quality Management training entails. The study discussed the enterprise development services offered by the Government business support agencies in Buffalo City Metro. The empirical study conducted determined the views of Small Medium Micro Enterprises assisted by government business support service towards Total Quality Management. The researcher collected quantitative data from the judgemental sample using five point linkert scale questionnaire. The study achieved the response rate of 52.5 percent. Descriptive statistics of the data was analysed using MS Excel, and the internal consistency or reliability was determined using SPSS software. The data achieved the Chronbach’s Alpha co-efficient of 0.879. The research finding has certain limitations, and these limitations provide opportunities for further research studies. The limitation of this study was the fact that the sample was judgemental. It is possible that if another sampling method is used, it could arrive at a different conclusion. The results from the study indicate that the government business support institutions in Buffalo City area do not provide total quality management training. Although it was not a focus of the research, the study found that the three government institutions also located in Buffalo City Metro area are not used by the Small Medium Micro Enterprises. Government business support institutions need to offer total quality management training as part of enterprise development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Touching Brýnstone
- Authors: Woudstra, Ruth
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century , South African poetry (English) -- 21st century , Creative writing (Higher education) , Diaries -- Authorship , English language -- Writing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2504 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015032
- Description: Touching Brýnstone is the story of Beth, a young journalist who is troubled by misfortunes in her family and work circumstances. In a Pretoria library she is seduced by a book that consoles her and progressively becomes a fetish object. It sparks a journey to Japan, where she arrives to teach English. She is intent on meeting the author, whom she confounds with protagonist and book. This Bildungsroman is an exploration of the complex relationship between inner and outer self, and the struggle towards wholeness. Beth must find a way out of the obsession so that she can return to South Africa with an enriched insight into her shadow self.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Woudstra, Ruth
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century , South African poetry (English) -- 21st century , Creative writing (Higher education) , Diaries -- Authorship , English language -- Writing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2504 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015032
- Description: Touching Brýnstone is the story of Beth, a young journalist who is troubled by misfortunes in her family and work circumstances. In a Pretoria library she is seduced by a book that consoles her and progressively becomes a fetish object. It sparks a journey to Japan, where she arrives to teach English. She is intent on meeting the author, whom she confounds with protagonist and book. This Bildungsroman is an exploration of the complex relationship between inner and outer self, and the struggle towards wholeness. Beth must find a way out of the obsession so that she can return to South Africa with an enriched insight into her shadow self.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Towards a methodology for identifying potential sites for cemeteries
- Authors: Judge, Richard David Eadie
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Cemeteries , Environmental impact analysis , Groundwater , Pollution
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10649 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008048 , Cemeteries , Environmental impact analysis , Groundwater , Pollution
- Description: Due to death being an extremely sensitive issue, the topic of cemeteries and associated environmental impacts is often left outside the mainstream environmental critique. However, this is a topic becoming more prevalent as the population numbers and the death rate increases, while the amount of available land decreases. Recent research has indicated that poorly sited cemeteries may pose a significant threat to groundwater resources with the consequential potential for severe health hazards. This has resulted in the need for a method of determining the acceptability of a given area for the establishment of a cemetery in a South African context. Cemeteries should be sited in such a way as to mitigate potential public health and safety concerns, minimise associated environmental impacts and provide a method of body disposal that is economically viable. This study therefore provides an integrated methodology to identify and assess a given area and rank a number of potential sites, ultimately determining a single cemetery site which proves to be acceptable for the establishment of a cemetery. Cemetery site selection should be based on the factors affecting the pollution potential of a proposed cemetery. These factors were identified and quantified based on research into the mechanisms of cemetery site pollution resulting in a number of fatal flaws and criteria deemed decisive when selecting a potential cemetery site. The assessment of a site with regards to these criteria and fatal flaws is undertaken through the use of GIS analysis software utilising data layers containing information on the site selection criteria, by investigating existing studies, literature or reports relating to the relevant area, or through field investigations. Although these criteria are vital when determining the specific characteristics of a site in terms of its pollution potential, a method of assessing a number of potential sites with regards to these criteria is vital. To this end, a multi-criteria ranking matrix has been developed, allowing for an objective method of assessing individual sites and thus indicating which sites are more suited for the establishment of a cemetery. The ranking matrix identifies a range of values for each criterion, therefore identifying a minimum and maximum allowable value. A site is then assessed with regards to these criteria in relation to the values identified in the ranking matrix. Each criteria is assigned a score according to the site conditions. Once the criteria for each site has been assessed and scored, the results can be tallied allowing the sites to be ranked according to which site proved to be the most acceptable for a cemetery based on the findings of the application of the site selection criteria. The methodology developed in this study is unique to previous studies in that it provides an integrated and staged approach to identifying, assessing and applying the criteria affecting the pollution potential of a cemetery. The methodology also provides a means of ranking a number of potential sites so to determine the most suitable. Furthermore, the criteria deemed as decisive in previous investigations were in most cases not quantified by the relevant authors, therefore leaving many of the criteria values up for interpretation. For this methodology to be affective, all criteria must be quantified therefore identifying maximum and minimum allowable limits for each. This study applies minimum and maximum allowable limits to these criteria, therefore aiding in the ranking process. The integrated methodology developed was then applied to a case study where by the effectiveness in identifying a number of potential cemetery sites could be tested. Subsequent to the application of this methodology to a case study, it was concluded that an additional two criteria, not identified in previous investigations, needed to be assessed to more adequately determine the suitability or otherwise of a site for a cemetery. Ultimately, twelve major criteria have been proposed for use as the basis of the methodology. The methodology and pertinent criteria proposed in this study should be compiled as a standard for planning authorities and consultants to use as a method of determining a number of potential environmentally sound cemetery sites.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Judge, Richard David Eadie
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Cemeteries , Environmental impact analysis , Groundwater , Pollution
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10649 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008048 , Cemeteries , Environmental impact analysis , Groundwater , Pollution
- Description: Due to death being an extremely sensitive issue, the topic of cemeteries and associated environmental impacts is often left outside the mainstream environmental critique. However, this is a topic becoming more prevalent as the population numbers and the death rate increases, while the amount of available land decreases. Recent research has indicated that poorly sited cemeteries may pose a significant threat to groundwater resources with the consequential potential for severe health hazards. This has resulted in the need for a method of determining the acceptability of a given area for the establishment of a cemetery in a South African context. Cemeteries should be sited in such a way as to mitigate potential public health and safety concerns, minimise associated environmental impacts and provide a method of body disposal that is economically viable. This study therefore provides an integrated methodology to identify and assess a given area and rank a number of potential sites, ultimately determining a single cemetery site which proves to be acceptable for the establishment of a cemetery. Cemetery site selection should be based on the factors affecting the pollution potential of a proposed cemetery. These factors were identified and quantified based on research into the mechanisms of cemetery site pollution resulting in a number of fatal flaws and criteria deemed decisive when selecting a potential cemetery site. The assessment of a site with regards to these criteria and fatal flaws is undertaken through the use of GIS analysis software utilising data layers containing information on the site selection criteria, by investigating existing studies, literature or reports relating to the relevant area, or through field investigations. Although these criteria are vital when determining the specific characteristics of a site in terms of its pollution potential, a method of assessing a number of potential sites with regards to these criteria is vital. To this end, a multi-criteria ranking matrix has been developed, allowing for an objective method of assessing individual sites and thus indicating which sites are more suited for the establishment of a cemetery. The ranking matrix identifies a range of values for each criterion, therefore identifying a minimum and maximum allowable value. A site is then assessed with regards to these criteria in relation to the values identified in the ranking matrix. Each criteria is assigned a score according to the site conditions. Once the criteria for each site has been assessed and scored, the results can be tallied allowing the sites to be ranked according to which site proved to be the most acceptable for a cemetery based on the findings of the application of the site selection criteria. The methodology developed in this study is unique to previous studies in that it provides an integrated and staged approach to identifying, assessing and applying the criteria affecting the pollution potential of a cemetery. The methodology also provides a means of ranking a number of potential sites so to determine the most suitable. Furthermore, the criteria deemed as decisive in previous investigations were in most cases not quantified by the relevant authors, therefore leaving many of the criteria values up for interpretation. For this methodology to be affective, all criteria must be quantified therefore identifying maximum and minimum allowable limits for each. This study applies minimum and maximum allowable limits to these criteria, therefore aiding in the ranking process. The integrated methodology developed was then applied to a case study where by the effectiveness in identifying a number of potential cemetery sites could be tested. Subsequent to the application of this methodology to a case study, it was concluded that an additional two criteria, not identified in previous investigations, needed to be assessed to more adequately determine the suitability or otherwise of a site for a cemetery. Ultimately, twelve major criteria have been proposed for use as the basis of the methodology. The methodology and pertinent criteria proposed in this study should be compiled as a standard for planning authorities and consultants to use as a method of determining a number of potential environmentally sound cemetery sites.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Towards empowering learners in a democratic mathematics classroom: to what extent are teachers' listening orientations conducive to and respectful of learners' thinking?
- Mhlolo, Michael K, Schäfer, Marc
- Authors: Mhlolo, Michael K , Schäfer, Marc
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140882 , vital:37926 , https://0-hdl.handle.net.wam.seals.ac.za/10520/EJC129235
- Description: In an effort to make education accessible, to 'heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values', the South African Department of Education claims that a series of mathematics reforms that has so far been introduced is underpinned by the principles of 'social justice, fundamental human rights and inclusivity'. Critics however argue that the system has remained 'undemocratic' in that those groups of learners who were supposed to be 'healed' continue to underperform and hence be disempowered. In this study, we conceptualised a democratic and mathematically empowering classroom as one that is consistent with the principle of inclusivity and in which a hermeneutic listening orientation towards teaching promotes such a democratic and mathematically empowering learning environment. We then worked with three different orientations teachers might have towards listening in the mathematics classroom: evaluative, interpretive and hermeneutic. We then used these orientations to analyse 20 video-recorded lessons with a specific focus on learners' unexpected contributions and how teachers listened and responded to such contributions. The results were consistent with the literature, which shows that teachers tend to dismiss learners' ways of thinking by imposing their own formalised constructions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mhlolo, Michael K , Schäfer, Marc
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140882 , vital:37926 , https://0-hdl.handle.net.wam.seals.ac.za/10520/EJC129235
- Description: In an effort to make education accessible, to 'heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values', the South African Department of Education claims that a series of mathematics reforms that has so far been introduced is underpinned by the principles of 'social justice, fundamental human rights and inclusivity'. Critics however argue that the system has remained 'undemocratic' in that those groups of learners who were supposed to be 'healed' continue to underperform and hence be disempowered. In this study, we conceptualised a democratic and mathematically empowering classroom as one that is consistent with the principle of inclusivity and in which a hermeneutic listening orientation towards teaching promotes such a democratic and mathematically empowering learning environment. We then worked with three different orientations teachers might have towards listening in the mathematics classroom: evaluative, interpretive and hermeneutic. We then used these orientations to analyse 20 video-recorded lessons with a specific focus on learners' unexpected contributions and how teachers listened and responded to such contributions. The results were consistent with the literature, which shows that teachers tend to dismiss learners' ways of thinking by imposing their own formalised constructions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012