A model to predict the development of preeclampsia in South African women
- Authors: Smith, Nathan
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Medical instruments and apparatus -- Design and construction , Hypertension in pregnancy -- measurements-- South Africa , Fetus -- Physiology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59980 , vital:62724
- Description: Preeclampsia is the new onset of hypertension and is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in South Africa and the world. Preeclampsia is usually diagnosed after 20 weeks’ gestation. Due to South Africa’s poor level of antenatal care, the prediction of pregnant women at risk of developing preeclampsia can be an essential component of improving the level of antenatal. This study used an antenatal care dataset from a South African obstetrician. A review of the literature and existing systems was conducted to identify the eight risk factors. These risk factors are systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, maternal age, body mass index, diabetes status, hypertension history, nulliparity, and maternal disease. This study used antenatal care datasets from a South African obstetrician. Two models were developed that could accurately predict the development of preeclampsia, one before 16 weeks’ gestation and the other within three check-ups. The model was evaluated using five evaluation metrics: classification accuracy, area under the curve, precision, recall and F-Score. The results of this study show a promising future for the use of machine learning models in health care. To the researcher’s knowledge, this model is the first machine learning model for predicting preeclampsia using a South African dataset. Future work will revolve around validating the model on data collected from field studies in hospitals and clinics around South Africa , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Smith, Nathan
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Medical instruments and apparatus -- Design and construction , Hypertension in pregnancy -- measurements-- South Africa , Fetus -- Physiology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59980 , vital:62724
- Description: Preeclampsia is the new onset of hypertension and is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in South Africa and the world. Preeclampsia is usually diagnosed after 20 weeks’ gestation. Due to South Africa’s poor level of antenatal care, the prediction of pregnant women at risk of developing preeclampsia can be an essential component of improving the level of antenatal. This study used an antenatal care dataset from a South African obstetrician. A review of the literature and existing systems was conducted to identify the eight risk factors. These risk factors are systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, maternal age, body mass index, diabetes status, hypertension history, nulliparity, and maternal disease. This study used antenatal care datasets from a South African obstetrician. Two models were developed that could accurately predict the development of preeclampsia, one before 16 weeks’ gestation and the other within three check-ups. The model was evaluated using five evaluation metrics: classification accuracy, area under the curve, precision, recall and F-Score. The results of this study show a promising future for the use of machine learning models in health care. To the researcher’s knowledge, this model is the first machine learning model for predicting preeclampsia using a South African dataset. Future work will revolve around validating the model on data collected from field studies in hospitals and clinics around South Africa , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
A monitoring and control system for an accelerated weather test chamber
- Authors: Harvey, Luke Gareth
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Materials -- Deterioration -- Testing , Motor vehicles -- Testing Motor vehicles -- Automatic control Intelligent control systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40360 , vital:36152
- Description: In the Automotive Sector, weathering tests of components are of paramount importance. The most critical components to the overall comfort and durability of a vehicle are the interior components and thus is important to guarantee the quality of these components. The interior components are generally made of plastic, fabric, leather and various painted components. These components are prone to fading, cracking and distortion which is caused by natural factors such as solar radiation, temperature and moisture. This is known as natural weathering. Over the years many weathering tests have been carried out on automotive components to address critical issues during the design process. Many of these tests are simulated in chambers to mimic real life cycles. Although these accelerated tests provide somewhat accurate results in much shorter periods, natural weathering is still essential as it is uncontrolled and unpredictable. This dissertation looks at the method of a metallic chamber used to carry out weathering tests on automotive components and to simulate the conditions inside a vehicle. It addresses the current state and improvement: accurate tracking, intelligent fuzzy logic control and cloud-based monitoring. Currently weather testing chambers are stationery, which does not allow for maximum exposer to solar radiation. Therefore, a system was designed to allow the weather testing chamber to track the azimuth and elevation of the sun to increase the solar radiation on the components tested, a GPS will achieve this. Currently systems lack remote monitoring. A further shortcoming is the lack of controlling the temperature and humidity inside the chamber for sufficient tests. The use of a fuzzy logic controller was implemented to achieve this. The fuzzy logic was compared to other types of logic controllers. To further IoT integration, two main control devices were used, these control devices were two Arduino Mega’s. One Arduino Mega was used for the intelligent fuzzy logic control and the second for solar tracking. The weathering system and controllers were powered by using solar power. The fuzzy logic controller was tested while tracking the sun and then not tracking the sun. The results obtained were compared and it was seen that the fuzzy logic performed very well in both instances, however, the test with tracking the sun performed better. A second test was performed. The second test was similar to the previously mentioned test, but the fuzzy logic had a set point control. It was concluded that both tests performed as expected as the fuzzy logic controlled the temperature and humidity at the given setpoint, but during the solar tracking test the fuzzy logic control performed the best. The fuzzy logic worked well in general use as well as set point control, both for tracking and non-tracking. The tracking performed better than the non-tracking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Harvey, Luke Gareth
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Materials -- Deterioration -- Testing , Motor vehicles -- Testing Motor vehicles -- Automatic control Intelligent control systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40360 , vital:36152
- Description: In the Automotive Sector, weathering tests of components are of paramount importance. The most critical components to the overall comfort and durability of a vehicle are the interior components and thus is important to guarantee the quality of these components. The interior components are generally made of plastic, fabric, leather and various painted components. These components are prone to fading, cracking and distortion which is caused by natural factors such as solar radiation, temperature and moisture. This is known as natural weathering. Over the years many weathering tests have been carried out on automotive components to address critical issues during the design process. Many of these tests are simulated in chambers to mimic real life cycles. Although these accelerated tests provide somewhat accurate results in much shorter periods, natural weathering is still essential as it is uncontrolled and unpredictable. This dissertation looks at the method of a metallic chamber used to carry out weathering tests on automotive components and to simulate the conditions inside a vehicle. It addresses the current state and improvement: accurate tracking, intelligent fuzzy logic control and cloud-based monitoring. Currently weather testing chambers are stationery, which does not allow for maximum exposer to solar radiation. Therefore, a system was designed to allow the weather testing chamber to track the azimuth and elevation of the sun to increase the solar radiation on the components tested, a GPS will achieve this. Currently systems lack remote monitoring. A further shortcoming is the lack of controlling the temperature and humidity inside the chamber for sufficient tests. The use of a fuzzy logic controller was implemented to achieve this. The fuzzy logic was compared to other types of logic controllers. To further IoT integration, two main control devices were used, these control devices were two Arduino Mega’s. One Arduino Mega was used for the intelligent fuzzy logic control and the second for solar tracking. The weathering system and controllers were powered by using solar power. The fuzzy logic controller was tested while tracking the sun and then not tracking the sun. The results obtained were compared and it was seen that the fuzzy logic performed very well in both instances, however, the test with tracking the sun performed better. A second test was performed. The second test was similar to the previously mentioned test, but the fuzzy logic had a set point control. It was concluded that both tests performed as expected as the fuzzy logic controlled the temperature and humidity at the given setpoint, but during the solar tracking test the fuzzy logic control performed the best. The fuzzy logic worked well in general use as well as set point control, both for tracking and non-tracking. The tracking performed better than the non-tracking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A multi-factor model for range estimation in electric vehicles
- Authors: Smuts, Martin Bradley
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electric vehicles , Hybrid electric vehicles Energy consumption Machine learning Information technology -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43589 , vital:36926
- Description: Electric vehicles (EVs) are well-known for their challenges related to trip planning and energy consumption estimation. Range anxiety is currently a barrier to the adoption of EVs. One of the issues influencing range anxiety is the inaccuracy of the remaining driving range (RDR) estimate in on-board displays. RDR displays are important as they can help drivers with trip planning. The RDR is a parameter that changes under environmental and behavioural conditions. Several factors (for example, weather, and traffic) can influence the energy consumption of an EV that are not considered during the RDR estimation in traditional on-board computers or third-party applications, such as navigation or mapping applications. The need for accurate RDR estimation is growing, since this can reduce the range anxiety of drivers. One way of overcoming range anxiety is to provide trip planning applications that provide accurate estimations of the RDR, based on various factors, and which adapt to the users’ driving behaviour. Existing models used for estimating the RDR are often simplified, and do not consider all the factors that can influence it. Collecting data for each factor also presents several challenges. Powerful computing resources are required to collect, transform, and analyse the disparate datasets that are required for each factor. The aim of this research was to design a Multi-factor Model for range estimation in EVs. Five main factors that influence the energy consumption of EVs were identified from literature, namely, Route and Terrain, Driving Behaviour, Weather and Environment, Vehicle Modelling, and Battery Modelling. These factors were used throughout this research to guide the data collection and analysis processes. A Multi-factor Model was proposed based on four main components that collect, process, analyse, and visualise data from available data sources to produce estimates relating to trip planning. A proof-of-concept RDR system was developed and evaluated in field experiments, to demonstrate that the Multi-factor Model addresses the main aim of this research. The experiments were performed to collect data for each of the five factors, and to analyse their impact on energy consumption. Several machine learning techniques were used, and evaluated, for accuracy in estimating the energy consumption, from which the RDR can be derived, for a specified trip. A case study was conducted with an electric mobility programme (uYilo) in Port Elizabeth, South Africa (SA). The case study was used to investigate whether the available resources at uYilo were sufficient to provide data for each of the five factors. Several challenges were noted during the data collection. These were shortages of software applications, a lack of quality data, technical interoperability and data access between the data collection instruments and systems. Data access was a problem in some cases, since proprietary systems restrict access to external developers. The theoretical contribution of this research is a list of factors that influence RDR and a classification of machine learning techniques that can be used to estimate the RDR. The practical contributions of this research include a database of EV trips, proof-of-concept RDR estimation system, and a deployed machine learning model that can be accessed by researchers and EV practitioners. Four research papers were published and presented at local and international conferences. In addition, one conference paper was published in an accredited journal: NextComp 2017 (Appendix C), Conference Paper, Pointe aux Piments (Mauritius); SATNAC 2017 (Appendix F), Conference Paper, Barcelona (Spain); GITMA 2018 (Appendix B), Conference Paper, Mexico City (Mexico); SATNAC 2018 (Appendix G), Conference Paper, George (South Africa), and IFIP World Computer Congress 2018 (Appendix E), Journal Article.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Smuts, Martin Bradley
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electric vehicles , Hybrid electric vehicles Energy consumption Machine learning Information technology -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43589 , vital:36926
- Description: Electric vehicles (EVs) are well-known for their challenges related to trip planning and energy consumption estimation. Range anxiety is currently a barrier to the adoption of EVs. One of the issues influencing range anxiety is the inaccuracy of the remaining driving range (RDR) estimate in on-board displays. RDR displays are important as they can help drivers with trip planning. The RDR is a parameter that changes under environmental and behavioural conditions. Several factors (for example, weather, and traffic) can influence the energy consumption of an EV that are not considered during the RDR estimation in traditional on-board computers or third-party applications, such as navigation or mapping applications. The need for accurate RDR estimation is growing, since this can reduce the range anxiety of drivers. One way of overcoming range anxiety is to provide trip planning applications that provide accurate estimations of the RDR, based on various factors, and which adapt to the users’ driving behaviour. Existing models used for estimating the RDR are often simplified, and do not consider all the factors that can influence it. Collecting data for each factor also presents several challenges. Powerful computing resources are required to collect, transform, and analyse the disparate datasets that are required for each factor. The aim of this research was to design a Multi-factor Model for range estimation in EVs. Five main factors that influence the energy consumption of EVs were identified from literature, namely, Route and Terrain, Driving Behaviour, Weather and Environment, Vehicle Modelling, and Battery Modelling. These factors were used throughout this research to guide the data collection and analysis processes. A Multi-factor Model was proposed based on four main components that collect, process, analyse, and visualise data from available data sources to produce estimates relating to trip planning. A proof-of-concept RDR system was developed and evaluated in field experiments, to demonstrate that the Multi-factor Model addresses the main aim of this research. The experiments were performed to collect data for each of the five factors, and to analyse their impact on energy consumption. Several machine learning techniques were used, and evaluated, for accuracy in estimating the energy consumption, from which the RDR can be derived, for a specified trip. A case study was conducted with an electric mobility programme (uYilo) in Port Elizabeth, South Africa (SA). The case study was used to investigate whether the available resources at uYilo were sufficient to provide data for each of the five factors. Several challenges were noted during the data collection. These were shortages of software applications, a lack of quality data, technical interoperability and data access between the data collection instruments and systems. Data access was a problem in some cases, since proprietary systems restrict access to external developers. The theoretical contribution of this research is a list of factors that influence RDR and a classification of machine learning techniques that can be used to estimate the RDR. The practical contributions of this research include a database of EV trips, proof-of-concept RDR estimation system, and a deployed machine learning model that can be accessed by researchers and EV practitioners. Four research papers were published and presented at local and international conferences. In addition, one conference paper was published in an accredited journal: NextComp 2017 (Appendix C), Conference Paper, Pointe aux Piments (Mauritius); SATNAC 2017 (Appendix F), Conference Paper, Barcelona (Spain); GITMA 2018 (Appendix B), Conference Paper, Mexico City (Mexico); SATNAC 2018 (Appendix G), Conference Paper, George (South Africa), and IFIP World Computer Congress 2018 (Appendix E), Journal Article.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A multi-stakeholder approach to productivity improvement in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Adebowale, Oluseyi Julius
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Labor productivity , Construction industry -- Labor productivity Construction industry -- South Africa Construction industry -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19597 , vital:28902
- Description: As poor productivity in construction continues to constitute a setback to projects’ success in different countries of the world, the situation in South African construction is no exception. Poor productivity on construction projects and its detrimental impact on project objectives have continually resonated for decades. As a result, several strategies, interventions, and measures that aimed at improving productivity in the construction sector have been proposed. Nevertheless, the phenomenon importunately creates a major challenge on construction projects, and by extension, the construction industry especially in developing countries. Even when construction management literature acknowledged the commonalities in productivity influences, the practice of addressing construction productivity influences as separate entities has gained much relevance over the years. Taking into perspective, the multidisciplinary and complexity inherent in construction, a systemic approach to addressing construction productivity influences is fast becoming essential. This study addressed productivity-influencing factors by considering factors that are related to rework, shortage of construction resources, constructability, political, socio-economic, working environment, welfare conditions, disputes, planning and training. Consequently, the interdependencies of the most significant productivity-influencing factors in South African construction was developed in the form of a qualitative model. The study adopts the underlying assumptions of the quantitative approach, but also accepts some qualitative data. With regards to the subject of enquiry, the paradigm of the research is positivism which consists of realists’ ontological prescriptions and objectivists’ epistemological prescriptions. Site engineers, site managers, and site supervisors working for cidb registered contractors in four South African provinces constitute the sample stratum. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used to analyse the data gathered from these project participants; both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Descriptive statistics was used to summarise and describe the data obtained, while inferential statistics in the form of analysis of variance, T-test, and Tukey post hoc test were adopted. The study reported the most significant factors which negatively influence productivity on South African construction projects as inadequate workers’ skills, defective workmanship, the practice of awarding contracts to lowest bidders, political activities resulting in industrial action, inadequate contractors’ experience in project planning, payment delays by contractors, and corruption. Furthermore, it was found that contractors largely share similar perceptions regarding the factors that constrain productivity growth in South African construction. The approximate level of labour, material, and plant productivity on South African construction projects is 50.4%, 72.9%, and 62.0% respectively, while the approximate multifactor productivity was estimated as 61.8%. The study concluded that productivity has a considerable relationship with time and cost and a less potent relationship with quality. Based on the research findings, contractors’, consultants’, clients’ and government qualitative intervention models were proposed while recommendations towards improving South African construction productivity were made. The study recommended the reinvention of the apprentice training system to develop skills in construction, the involvement of stakeholders in improving workers’ skills, improved collaboration between the construction industry and higher institutions of learning regarding curricula development, adequate supervision of construction activities to mitigate the propagation of rework on construction projects, character in leadership, and integrity of project stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Adebowale, Oluseyi Julius
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Labor productivity , Construction industry -- Labor productivity Construction industry -- South Africa Construction industry -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19597 , vital:28902
- Description: As poor productivity in construction continues to constitute a setback to projects’ success in different countries of the world, the situation in South African construction is no exception. Poor productivity on construction projects and its detrimental impact on project objectives have continually resonated for decades. As a result, several strategies, interventions, and measures that aimed at improving productivity in the construction sector have been proposed. Nevertheless, the phenomenon importunately creates a major challenge on construction projects, and by extension, the construction industry especially in developing countries. Even when construction management literature acknowledged the commonalities in productivity influences, the practice of addressing construction productivity influences as separate entities has gained much relevance over the years. Taking into perspective, the multidisciplinary and complexity inherent in construction, a systemic approach to addressing construction productivity influences is fast becoming essential. This study addressed productivity-influencing factors by considering factors that are related to rework, shortage of construction resources, constructability, political, socio-economic, working environment, welfare conditions, disputes, planning and training. Consequently, the interdependencies of the most significant productivity-influencing factors in South African construction was developed in the form of a qualitative model. The study adopts the underlying assumptions of the quantitative approach, but also accepts some qualitative data. With regards to the subject of enquiry, the paradigm of the research is positivism which consists of realists’ ontological prescriptions and objectivists’ epistemological prescriptions. Site engineers, site managers, and site supervisors working for cidb registered contractors in four South African provinces constitute the sample stratum. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used to analyse the data gathered from these project participants; both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Descriptive statistics was used to summarise and describe the data obtained, while inferential statistics in the form of analysis of variance, T-test, and Tukey post hoc test were adopted. The study reported the most significant factors which negatively influence productivity on South African construction projects as inadequate workers’ skills, defective workmanship, the practice of awarding contracts to lowest bidders, political activities resulting in industrial action, inadequate contractors’ experience in project planning, payment delays by contractors, and corruption. Furthermore, it was found that contractors largely share similar perceptions regarding the factors that constrain productivity growth in South African construction. The approximate level of labour, material, and plant productivity on South African construction projects is 50.4%, 72.9%, and 62.0% respectively, while the approximate multifactor productivity was estimated as 61.8%. The study concluded that productivity has a considerable relationship with time and cost and a less potent relationship with quality. Based on the research findings, contractors’, consultants’, clients’ and government qualitative intervention models were proposed while recommendations towards improving South African construction productivity were made. The study recommended the reinvention of the apprentice training system to develop skills in construction, the involvement of stakeholders in improving workers’ skills, improved collaboration between the construction industry and higher institutions of learning regarding curricula development, adequate supervision of construction activities to mitigate the propagation of rework on construction projects, character in leadership, and integrity of project stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A multiple case study exploration into community members’ ecopsychological responses to environmental degradation in South Africa
- Authors: Barnwell, Garret
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Environmental psychology -- South Africa , Environmental degradation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54892 , vital:48377
- Description: The psychological impact of environmental degradation in South Africa and its impact on communities’ relationships to the natural world is an understudied area. This study’s main aim was to explore community members’ reactions and responses to different forms of environmental degradation in South Africa by analysing two case studies: Rustenburg in the North West province and Limpopo province’s Vhembe District. The qualitative case studies relied on emplaced individual and focus group interviews. The findings from this study are presented in this doctoral thesis by publication. The first case study of Rustenburg in the North West’s platinum mining belt was selected due to the extractive industry’s historical impact on the natural environment, which is interlinked with the identity and heritage of host mining communities who could be considered land and environmental defenders. Two publications have been published on this case study. The first article, Critical reflections from South Africa: Using the Power Threat Meaning Framework to place climate-related distress in its socio-political context, was published in the British Psychology Society’s Clinical Psychology Forum Special Issue: Psychology and the Climate and Environmental Crisis in August 2020 and provides a critical reflection on psychological distress in Rustenburg, and questions whether popular terms used, such as “climate anxieties”, are useful for communities confronted by ecological crises. The paper concludes that there is danger in the dehistoricisation and medicalisation of distress that is rooted in climate, land and environmental injustices. The paper sets the scene for papers to follow that examine the interrelationship between place attachments and psychological responses to environmental degradation associated with slow violence. The second article, ’Nothing green can grow without being on the land’: Mine-affected communities’ psychological experiences of ecological degradation and resistance in Rustenburg, South Africa, was published in Community Psychology in Global Perspective Special Issue: Communities reclaiming power and social justice in the face of climate change and presents a broad overview of psychological responses to ecological degradation associated with environmental injustices. The paper suggests that psychological distress is attributed to environmental injustices. Furthermore, the process of place severing – the psychological threats, harms and disruptions to place-based dialogues – contributes to distress experienced in extractive settings. The two articles in this case study concluded by demonstrating how community resistance plays a part in addressing cumulative ecological harms and restoring the ancestral relationship with place. The second case study in the Vhembe District was selected due to the community’s psycho-spiritual connection to the sacred sites in the area and the histories of environmental degradation in the area. Article three, ‘Mupo is life’: Intergenerational community identity and safeguarding of sacred natural sites is in press in the journal Ecopsychology. The paper found that place plays a role in shaping and transferring intergenerational community identities. Furthermore, Zwifho shape worldviews about Mupo, i.e. all of existence, that underpin land and environmental defenders’ responses to environmental degradation and place severing. The fourth article, “Restoring roots”: Lived experiences of place severing and dialogical resurgence associated with deforestation and land dispossession in Limpopo province, South Africa, is under review by AWRY: Journal of Critical Psychology. The article demonstrates that place severing is rooted in histories of colonialism and that distress is related to losses and cumulative ecological harm. Furthermore, the article shows how decolonial dialogical resurgence responds to the mechanisms that drive place severing. The fifth and final publication, Grounding community psychology in ecopsychosocial accompaniment, is a chapter that explores opportunities for community psychologists to accompany others, specifically in relationship with people who have experienced displacement and environmental justice struggles. Collectively, these four articles and book chapter present the first publications of a larger research study that spans two South African case studies and that should yield several more publications. These publications draw on critical psychologies, including decolonial theory, liberation psychology, critical community psychology and radical ecopsychology. Within this thesis, the journal articles and book chapter are consolidated by an overarching discussion chapter that situates these five publications within the context of existing literature, and describes how existing theory and methodology have been advanced. The study demonstrates the interconnectedness between histories of colonialism, land injustices and environmental degradation that contribute to intergenerational psychological distress. Grassroots community organising groups play a critical role in addressing the resulting cumulative environmental harms through place-based resistance and dialogical resurgence. Moreover, the study suggests that critical psychologies have important roles to play in supporting land and environmental justice struggles through critical research, evaluations and assessments, and litigation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
- Authors: Barnwell, Garret
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Environmental psychology -- South Africa , Environmental degradation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54892 , vital:48377
- Description: The psychological impact of environmental degradation in South Africa and its impact on communities’ relationships to the natural world is an understudied area. This study’s main aim was to explore community members’ reactions and responses to different forms of environmental degradation in South Africa by analysing two case studies: Rustenburg in the North West province and Limpopo province’s Vhembe District. The qualitative case studies relied on emplaced individual and focus group interviews. The findings from this study are presented in this doctoral thesis by publication. The first case study of Rustenburg in the North West’s platinum mining belt was selected due to the extractive industry’s historical impact on the natural environment, which is interlinked with the identity and heritage of host mining communities who could be considered land and environmental defenders. Two publications have been published on this case study. The first article, Critical reflections from South Africa: Using the Power Threat Meaning Framework to place climate-related distress in its socio-political context, was published in the British Psychology Society’s Clinical Psychology Forum Special Issue: Psychology and the Climate and Environmental Crisis in August 2020 and provides a critical reflection on psychological distress in Rustenburg, and questions whether popular terms used, such as “climate anxieties”, are useful for communities confronted by ecological crises. The paper concludes that there is danger in the dehistoricisation and medicalisation of distress that is rooted in climate, land and environmental injustices. The paper sets the scene for papers to follow that examine the interrelationship between place attachments and psychological responses to environmental degradation associated with slow violence. The second article, ’Nothing green can grow without being on the land’: Mine-affected communities’ psychological experiences of ecological degradation and resistance in Rustenburg, South Africa, was published in Community Psychology in Global Perspective Special Issue: Communities reclaiming power and social justice in the face of climate change and presents a broad overview of psychological responses to ecological degradation associated with environmental injustices. The paper suggests that psychological distress is attributed to environmental injustices. Furthermore, the process of place severing – the psychological threats, harms and disruptions to place-based dialogues – contributes to distress experienced in extractive settings. The two articles in this case study concluded by demonstrating how community resistance plays a part in addressing cumulative ecological harms and restoring the ancestral relationship with place. The second case study in the Vhembe District was selected due to the community’s psycho-spiritual connection to the sacred sites in the area and the histories of environmental degradation in the area. Article three, ‘Mupo is life’: Intergenerational community identity and safeguarding of sacred natural sites is in press in the journal Ecopsychology. The paper found that place plays a role in shaping and transferring intergenerational community identities. Furthermore, Zwifho shape worldviews about Mupo, i.e. all of existence, that underpin land and environmental defenders’ responses to environmental degradation and place severing. The fourth article, “Restoring roots”: Lived experiences of place severing and dialogical resurgence associated with deforestation and land dispossession in Limpopo province, South Africa, is under review by AWRY: Journal of Critical Psychology. The article demonstrates that place severing is rooted in histories of colonialism and that distress is related to losses and cumulative ecological harm. Furthermore, the article shows how decolonial dialogical resurgence responds to the mechanisms that drive place severing. The fifth and final publication, Grounding community psychology in ecopsychosocial accompaniment, is a chapter that explores opportunities for community psychologists to accompany others, specifically in relationship with people who have experienced displacement and environmental justice struggles. Collectively, these four articles and book chapter present the first publications of a larger research study that spans two South African case studies and that should yield several more publications. These publications draw on critical psychologies, including decolonial theory, liberation psychology, critical community psychology and radical ecopsychology. Within this thesis, the journal articles and book chapter are consolidated by an overarching discussion chapter that situates these five publications within the context of existing literature, and describes how existing theory and methodology have been advanced. The study demonstrates the interconnectedness between histories of colonialism, land injustices and environmental degradation that contribute to intergenerational psychological distress. Grassroots community organising groups play a critical role in addressing the resulting cumulative environmental harms through place-based resistance and dialogical resurgence. Moreover, the study suggests that critical psychologies have important roles to play in supporting land and environmental justice struggles through critical research, evaluations and assessments, and litigation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
A narrative biography of sexual trauma and subsequent substance abuse
- Authors: Jansen, Tazminne
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Sexual abuse victims -- South Africa -- Biography , Substance abuse -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51231 , vital:43234
- Description: In South Africa, substance abuse and sexual assault and/or abuse are major concerns. Society has become desensitised to these topics because of its high prevalence rate. Substance abuse is often greeted with stereotypes and prejudices that view individuals as a problem to society. The proposed research employed a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive strategy of inquiry, guided by narrative biographical research design. Social constructionism was employed as a theoretical framework to explore how an individual had constructed her life story, with a specific focus on her experience of sexual trauma and subsequent substance abuse. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used to recruit a research participant who was in the public domain as a motivational speaker in an attempt to guard against retraumatisation. Two data collection methods were employed, namely one-on-one semi-structured interviews and an invitation to the participant to journal about her experience, guided by specific stimulus questions. Thematic narrative analysis was employed as a method of data analysis. The outcome of the investigation had provided a narrative account of the research question at hand with the following themes coming to the forefront:- Early childhood experiences ( pre-sexual abuse), sexual trauma, recovery and meaning making. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Jansen, Tazminne
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Sexual abuse victims -- South Africa -- Biography , Substance abuse -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51231 , vital:43234
- Description: In South Africa, substance abuse and sexual assault and/or abuse are major concerns. Society has become desensitised to these topics because of its high prevalence rate. Substance abuse is often greeted with stereotypes and prejudices that view individuals as a problem to society. The proposed research employed a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive strategy of inquiry, guided by narrative biographical research design. Social constructionism was employed as a theoretical framework to explore how an individual had constructed her life story, with a specific focus on her experience of sexual trauma and subsequent substance abuse. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used to recruit a research participant who was in the public domain as a motivational speaker in an attempt to guard against retraumatisation. Two data collection methods were employed, namely one-on-one semi-structured interviews and an invitation to the participant to journal about her experience, guided by specific stimulus questions. Thematic narrative analysis was employed as a method of data analysis. The outcome of the investigation had provided a narrative account of the research question at hand with the following themes coming to the forefront:- Early childhood experiences ( pre-sexual abuse), sexual trauma, recovery and meaning making. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A national strategy towards cultivating a cybersecurity culture in South Africa
- Authors: Gcaza, Noluxolo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Cyberspace -- Security measures Computer security -- South Africa Subculture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13735 , vital:27303
- Description: In modern society, cyberspace is interwoven into the daily lives of many. Cyberspace is increasingly redefining how people communicate as well as gain access to and share information. Technology has transformed the way the business world operates by introducing new ways of trading goods and services whilst bolstering traditional business methods. It has also altered the way nations govern. Thus individuals, organisations and nations are relying on this technology to perform significant functions. Alongside the positive innovations afforded by cyberspace, however, those who use it are exposed to a variety of risks. Cyberspace is beset by criminal activities such as cybercrime, fraud, identity theft to name but a few. Nonetheless, the negative impact of these cyber threats does not outweigh the advantages of cyberspace. In light of such threats, there is a call for all entities that reap the benefits of online services to institute cybersecurity. As such, cybersecurity is a necessity for individuals, organisations and nations alike. In practice, cybersecurity focuses on preventing and mitigating certain security risks that might compromise the security of relevant assets. For a long time, technology-centred measures have been deemed the most significant solution for mitigating such risks. However, after a legacy of unsuccessful technological efforts, it became clear that such solutions in isolation are insufficient to mitigate all cyber-related risks. This is mainly due to the role that humans play in the security process, that is, the human factor. In isolation, technology-centred measures tend to fail to counter the human factor because of the perception among many users that security measures are an obstacle and consequently a waste of time. This user perception can be credited to the perceived difficulty of the security measure, as well as apparent mistrust and misinterpretation of the measure. Hence, cybersecurity necessitates the development of a solution that encourages acceptable user behaviour in the reality of cyberspace. The cultivation of a cybersecurity culture is thus regarded as the best approach for addressing the human factors that weaken the cybersecurity chain. While the role of culture in pursuing cybersecurity is well appreciated, research focusing on defining and measuring cybersecurity culture is still in its infancy. Furthermore, studies have shown that there are no widely accepted key concepts that delimit a cybersecurity culture. However, the notion that such a culture is not well-delineated has not prevented national governments from pursuing a culture in which all citizens behave in a way that promotes cybersecurity. As a result, many countries now offer national cybersecurity campaigns to foster a culture of cybersecurity at a national level. South Africa is among the nations that have identified cultivating a culture of cybersecurity as a strategic priority. However, there is an apparent lack of a practical plan to cultivate such a cybersecurity culture in South Africa. Thus, this study sought firstly to confirm from the existing body of knowledge that cybersecurity culture is indeed ill-defined and, secondly, to delineate what constitutes a national cybersecurity culture. Finally, and primarily, it sought to devise a national strategy that would assist SA in fulfilling its objective of cultivating a culture of cybersecurity on a national level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gcaza, Noluxolo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Cyberspace -- Security measures Computer security -- South Africa Subculture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13735 , vital:27303
- Description: In modern society, cyberspace is interwoven into the daily lives of many. Cyberspace is increasingly redefining how people communicate as well as gain access to and share information. Technology has transformed the way the business world operates by introducing new ways of trading goods and services whilst bolstering traditional business methods. It has also altered the way nations govern. Thus individuals, organisations and nations are relying on this technology to perform significant functions. Alongside the positive innovations afforded by cyberspace, however, those who use it are exposed to a variety of risks. Cyberspace is beset by criminal activities such as cybercrime, fraud, identity theft to name but a few. Nonetheless, the negative impact of these cyber threats does not outweigh the advantages of cyberspace. In light of such threats, there is a call for all entities that reap the benefits of online services to institute cybersecurity. As such, cybersecurity is a necessity for individuals, organisations and nations alike. In practice, cybersecurity focuses on preventing and mitigating certain security risks that might compromise the security of relevant assets. For a long time, technology-centred measures have been deemed the most significant solution for mitigating such risks. However, after a legacy of unsuccessful technological efforts, it became clear that such solutions in isolation are insufficient to mitigate all cyber-related risks. This is mainly due to the role that humans play in the security process, that is, the human factor. In isolation, technology-centred measures tend to fail to counter the human factor because of the perception among many users that security measures are an obstacle and consequently a waste of time. This user perception can be credited to the perceived difficulty of the security measure, as well as apparent mistrust and misinterpretation of the measure. Hence, cybersecurity necessitates the development of a solution that encourages acceptable user behaviour in the reality of cyberspace. The cultivation of a cybersecurity culture is thus regarded as the best approach for addressing the human factors that weaken the cybersecurity chain. While the role of culture in pursuing cybersecurity is well appreciated, research focusing on defining and measuring cybersecurity culture is still in its infancy. Furthermore, studies have shown that there are no widely accepted key concepts that delimit a cybersecurity culture. However, the notion that such a culture is not well-delineated has not prevented national governments from pursuing a culture in which all citizens behave in a way that promotes cybersecurity. As a result, many countries now offer national cybersecurity campaigns to foster a culture of cybersecurity at a national level. South Africa is among the nations that have identified cultivating a culture of cybersecurity as a strategic priority. However, there is an apparent lack of a practical plan to cultivate such a cybersecurity culture in South Africa. Thus, this study sought firstly to confirm from the existing body of knowledge that cybersecurity culture is indeed ill-defined and, secondly, to delineate what constitutes a national cybersecurity culture. Finally, and primarily, it sought to devise a national strategy that would assist SA in fulfilling its objective of cultivating a culture of cybersecurity on a national level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A nutrition education tool for practical application of the food based dietary guidelines for primary school teachers in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Joubert, Tayla Kate
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nutrition -- Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44616 , vital:38152
- Description: Background: The South Africa Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (SAFBDG) was developed to promote better food choices for a healthy lifestyle and are included in the school syllabus. Schools remain viable platforms for nutrition education with teachers playing significant roles, but research has shown that teachers do not necessarily know about the SAFBDG and how to incorporate these into the teaching programme. Aim: The aim of this study was to develop a tool in the form of a nutrition education guide for primary school teachers, aimed at the practical application of the SAFBDG, in order to enhance the nutrition knowledge, attitudes and dietary practices of the teachers. Research design and methodology: A quasi-experimental, one group, quantitative design was employed. Forty-six teachers were conveniently chosen from schools in previously disadvantaged areas of Nelson Mandela Bay. The study design consisted of four phases. Phase one consisted of a pre-test where the teachers’ nutrition knowledge, nutrition attitudes, dietary practices, staff wellness and physical activity were determined by means of a standardised questionnaire. A nutritional assessment was also conducted in phase one. In phase two, the nutrition guide, which was Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement compliant for grades four to seven, was developed. In phase three, the guide was used in a workshop to train the teachers that attended phase one of the study, on how to use the nutrition education guide. In phase four, a post-test was conducted after the training to evaluate the effectiveness of the training and to determine whether there has been an increase in the teachers’ nutrition knowledge. Data from the questionnaires were analysed on Microsoft Excel 2016 MSO (16.0.4639.1000). Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Faculty Postgraduate Studies Committee (FPGSC) of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University (Ethics clearance reference number: H18-HEA-DIET-005) and all ethical principles were upheld according to the Belmont report and the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: Of the 46 teachers who participated 36 (78 %) were obese. The mean waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio was 109.99 and 0.887 respectively (± 17.32 and ± 0.089). The teachers obtained a relatively high mean overall score in the pre-test of 69 % (± 10.78). Only 42 % of the teachers had heard of the SAFBDG before the study. There was an overall statistical significant increase in knowledge of 6 % (p = 0.03) from the pre-test to the post-test. The dietary practice was obtained through a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which showed under-reporting. The most neglected food groups were legumes, dairy and vegetables/ fruit. Hypertension was the highest self-reported condition, with just under a quarter of the teachers having hypertension (high blood pressure). There was no statistical significance between the teachers’ BMI and their nutrition knowledge as well as no statistical significance between their BMI and their physical activity level. Conclusion and recommendations: Even though the teachers obtained a relatively high mean overall score in their pre-test, there were still gaps in their nutrition knowledge. These gaps in the teachers’ knowledge results in insufficient nutrition knowledge being provided to the learners, leading to poor dietary practices and misconceptions regarding different foods among the learners as well as the teachers. By providing training for the teachers, it will not only improve their nutrition knowledge but potentially also help to improve their lifestyle. With enhanced nutrition knowledge, the teachers can communicate sufficient information to their learners. The DoBE need to advocate for a healthier school environment in which the SAFBDG are implemented more extensively in the curriculum as well as part of school food policies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Joubert, Tayla Kate
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nutrition -- Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44616 , vital:38152
- Description: Background: The South Africa Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (SAFBDG) was developed to promote better food choices for a healthy lifestyle and are included in the school syllabus. Schools remain viable platforms for nutrition education with teachers playing significant roles, but research has shown that teachers do not necessarily know about the SAFBDG and how to incorporate these into the teaching programme. Aim: The aim of this study was to develop a tool in the form of a nutrition education guide for primary school teachers, aimed at the practical application of the SAFBDG, in order to enhance the nutrition knowledge, attitudes and dietary practices of the teachers. Research design and methodology: A quasi-experimental, one group, quantitative design was employed. Forty-six teachers were conveniently chosen from schools in previously disadvantaged areas of Nelson Mandela Bay. The study design consisted of four phases. Phase one consisted of a pre-test where the teachers’ nutrition knowledge, nutrition attitudes, dietary practices, staff wellness and physical activity were determined by means of a standardised questionnaire. A nutritional assessment was also conducted in phase one. In phase two, the nutrition guide, which was Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement compliant for grades four to seven, was developed. In phase three, the guide was used in a workshop to train the teachers that attended phase one of the study, on how to use the nutrition education guide. In phase four, a post-test was conducted after the training to evaluate the effectiveness of the training and to determine whether there has been an increase in the teachers’ nutrition knowledge. Data from the questionnaires were analysed on Microsoft Excel 2016 MSO (16.0.4639.1000). Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Faculty Postgraduate Studies Committee (FPGSC) of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University (Ethics clearance reference number: H18-HEA-DIET-005) and all ethical principles were upheld according to the Belmont report and the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: Of the 46 teachers who participated 36 (78 %) were obese. The mean waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio was 109.99 and 0.887 respectively (± 17.32 and ± 0.089). The teachers obtained a relatively high mean overall score in the pre-test of 69 % (± 10.78). Only 42 % of the teachers had heard of the SAFBDG before the study. There was an overall statistical significant increase in knowledge of 6 % (p = 0.03) from the pre-test to the post-test. The dietary practice was obtained through a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which showed under-reporting. The most neglected food groups were legumes, dairy and vegetables/ fruit. Hypertension was the highest self-reported condition, with just under a quarter of the teachers having hypertension (high blood pressure). There was no statistical significance between the teachers’ BMI and their nutrition knowledge as well as no statistical significance between their BMI and their physical activity level. Conclusion and recommendations: Even though the teachers obtained a relatively high mean overall score in their pre-test, there were still gaps in their nutrition knowledge. These gaps in the teachers’ knowledge results in insufficient nutrition knowledge being provided to the learners, leading to poor dietary practices and misconceptions regarding different foods among the learners as well as the teachers. By providing training for the teachers, it will not only improve their nutrition knowledge but potentially also help to improve their lifestyle. With enhanced nutrition knowledge, the teachers can communicate sufficient information to their learners. The DoBE need to advocate for a healthier school environment in which the SAFBDG are implemented more extensively in the curriculum as well as part of school food policies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A nutrition education tool for practical application of the food based dietary guidelines for primary school teachers in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Joubert, Tayla Kate
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Malnutrition -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nutrition—Evaluation Nutrition -- Evaluation Nutrition -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45019 , vital:38226
- Description: The South Africa Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (SAFBDG) was developed to promote better food choices for a healthy lifestyle and are included in the school syllabus. Schools remain viable platforms for nutrition education with teachers playing significant roles, but research has shown that teachers do not necessarily know about the SAFBDG and how to incorporate these into the teaching programme. The aim of this study was to develop a tool in the form of a nutrition education guide for primary school teachers, aimed at the practical application of the SAFBDG, in order to enhance the nutrition knowledge, attitudes and dietary practices of the teachers. A quasi-experimental, one group, quantitative design was employed. Forty-six teachers were conveniently chosen from schools in previously disadvantaged areas of Nelson Mandela Bay. The study design consisted of four phases. Phase one consisted of a pre-test where the teachers’ nutrition knowledge, nutrition attitudes, dietary practices, staff wellness and physical activity were determined by means of a standardised questionnaire. A nutritional assessment was also conducted in phase one. In phase two, the nutrition guide, which was Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement compliant for grades four to seven, was developed. In phase three, the guide was used in a workshop to train the teachers that attended phase one of the study, on how to use the nutrition education guide. In phase four, a post-test was conducted after the training to evaluate the effectiveness of the training and to determine whether there has been an increase in the teachers’ nutrition knowledge. Data from the questionnaires were analysed on Microsoft Excel 2016 MSO (16.0.4639.1000). Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Faculty Postgraduate Studies Committee (FPGSC) of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University (Ethics clearance reference number: H18-HEA-DIET-005) and all ethical principles were upheld according to the Belmont report and the Declaration of Helsinki. Results of the research 46 teachers who participated 36 (78 %) were obese. The mean waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio was 109.99 and 0.887 respectively (± 17.32 and ± 0.089). The teachers obtained a relatively high mean overall score in the pre-test of 69 % (± 10.78). Only 42 % of the teachers had heard of the SAFBDG before the study. There was an overall statistical significant increase in knowledge of 6 % (p = 0.03) from the pre-test to the post-test. The dietary practice was obtained through a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which showed under-reporting. The most neglected food groups were legumes, dairy and vegetables/ fruit. Hypertension was the highest self-reported condition, with just under a quarter of the teachers having hypertension (high blood pressure). There was no statistical significance between the teachers’ BMI and their nutrition knowledge as well as no statistical significance between their BMI and their physical activity level. Even though the teachers obtained a relatively high mean overall score in their pre-test, there were still gaps in their nutrition knowledge. These gaps in the teachers’ knowledge results in insufficient nutrition knowledge being provided to the learners, leading to poor dietary practices and misconceptions regarding different foods among the learners as well as the teachers. By providing training for the teachers, it will not only improve their nutrition knowledge but potentially also help to improve their lifestyle. With enhanced nutrition knowledge, the teachers can communicate sufficient information to their learners. The DoBE need to advocate for a healthier school environment in which the SAFBDG are implemented more extensively in the curriculum as well as part of school food policies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Joubert, Tayla Kate
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Malnutrition -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nutrition—Evaluation Nutrition -- Evaluation Nutrition -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45019 , vital:38226
- Description: The South Africa Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (SAFBDG) was developed to promote better food choices for a healthy lifestyle and are included in the school syllabus. Schools remain viable platforms for nutrition education with teachers playing significant roles, but research has shown that teachers do not necessarily know about the SAFBDG and how to incorporate these into the teaching programme. The aim of this study was to develop a tool in the form of a nutrition education guide for primary school teachers, aimed at the practical application of the SAFBDG, in order to enhance the nutrition knowledge, attitudes and dietary practices of the teachers. A quasi-experimental, one group, quantitative design was employed. Forty-six teachers were conveniently chosen from schools in previously disadvantaged areas of Nelson Mandela Bay. The study design consisted of four phases. Phase one consisted of a pre-test where the teachers’ nutrition knowledge, nutrition attitudes, dietary practices, staff wellness and physical activity were determined by means of a standardised questionnaire. A nutritional assessment was also conducted in phase one. In phase two, the nutrition guide, which was Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement compliant for grades four to seven, was developed. In phase three, the guide was used in a workshop to train the teachers that attended phase one of the study, on how to use the nutrition education guide. In phase four, a post-test was conducted after the training to evaluate the effectiveness of the training and to determine whether there has been an increase in the teachers’ nutrition knowledge. Data from the questionnaires were analysed on Microsoft Excel 2016 MSO (16.0.4639.1000). Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Faculty Postgraduate Studies Committee (FPGSC) of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University (Ethics clearance reference number: H18-HEA-DIET-005) and all ethical principles were upheld according to the Belmont report and the Declaration of Helsinki. Results of the research 46 teachers who participated 36 (78 %) were obese. The mean waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio was 109.99 and 0.887 respectively (± 17.32 and ± 0.089). The teachers obtained a relatively high mean overall score in the pre-test of 69 % (± 10.78). Only 42 % of the teachers had heard of the SAFBDG before the study. There was an overall statistical significant increase in knowledge of 6 % (p = 0.03) from the pre-test to the post-test. The dietary practice was obtained through a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which showed under-reporting. The most neglected food groups were legumes, dairy and vegetables/ fruit. Hypertension was the highest self-reported condition, with just under a quarter of the teachers having hypertension (high blood pressure). There was no statistical significance between the teachers’ BMI and their nutrition knowledge as well as no statistical significance between their BMI and their physical activity level. Even though the teachers obtained a relatively high mean overall score in their pre-test, there were still gaps in their nutrition knowledge. These gaps in the teachers’ knowledge results in insufficient nutrition knowledge being provided to the learners, leading to poor dietary practices and misconceptions regarding different foods among the learners as well as the teachers. By providing training for the teachers, it will not only improve their nutrition knowledge but potentially also help to improve their lifestyle. With enhanced nutrition knowledge, the teachers can communicate sufficient information to their learners. The DoBE need to advocate for a healthier school environment in which the SAFBDG are implemented more extensively in the curriculum as well as part of school food policies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A performance management model for organisational performance excellence in the South African railway industry
- Authors: Mtati, Tabisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Success in business -- South Africa Railroads -- South Africa -- Track
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33043 , vital:32501
- Description: The South African railway industry has seven times more of labour productivity than its counterparts within Sub-Saharan Africa. Though, when compared to countries in Europe, the United States of America, and China, the South African railway industry is non-competitive. The National Railway Safety Regulator of South Africa (NRSR) has been gradually considering novel ways of measuring organisational performance which encompass a broad approach that goes beyond infrastructure. To that end, a business excellence model adoption is proposed for an integrated agile performance management system. Performance management is viewed as a method that involves measuring goals against a set of standards within an organisation so as to evaluate whether or not the intended objectives have been (successfully) accomplished. Management quality systems (MQS) is one seamless system which integrates the Individual Performance Assessments, ISO-Systems, and Total Quality Management (TQM) in order to achieve the operational distinction in pursuit of the organisational performance excellence. Similarly, organisational excellence is continuous efforts made to build an internal framework of standards and processes intended to involve and motivate employees to deliver products and services within organisational expectations. Various business excellence models, such as the European Framework of Quality Management (EFQM), Common Assessment Framework (CAF), Malcolm Bridge National Quality Awards (MBNQA), International Standard Organisation (ISO) 9000/1/4 and South African Excellence Models (SAEM) have been proposed as continuous improvement (CI) tools. Embedded within these frameworks are areas such as leadership, strategic planning, total quality human resources management, CI, communications, culture, process management and organisational results. Even though attention has been paid to quality performance management in literature, limited empirical research has been conducted on the impact of these models to organisational performance in the railway industry. Moreover, few studies have been conducted to investigate this within the South African context. In this study, the difference in perceptions regarding the envisioned model will be measured to determine the level of employee awareness on quality management. Secondly, the impact of the implementation of MQS factors on organisational performance is investigated to determine critical success factors. Lastly, the barriers to effective MQS implementation are explored and discussed. The study focuses on enablers (i.e. leadership, strategy planning, total quality human resources management, CI, communications, culture and process management) and their impact on organisational performance. An empirical survey has been conducted in this study to examine the influence of the identified factors on business performance. In order to measure the impact of the above factors on improving of organisational performance, the MQS model has been used. The data collected has been statistically analysed using descriptive statistics, correlational relationships and regression analysis. The results of the study indicate that the MQS is useful and effective for the improvement of organisational performance in pursuit of organisational excellence. Furthermore, the critical success factors that, when prioritised, will directly influence organisational performance have been identified. Also, all the measured factors are correlated with organisational performance. It has been proven that though there are signs of implementation of MQS, the employees have not yet owned the process and do not implement quality practises in their daily operations. It is recommended that for future studies a more representative sample be sought in order to validate the relationship between strategy planning; communication and organisational performance, and the overall impact of implementing of MQS in the rail industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mtati, Tabisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Success in business -- South Africa Railroads -- South Africa -- Track
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33043 , vital:32501
- Description: The South African railway industry has seven times more of labour productivity than its counterparts within Sub-Saharan Africa. Though, when compared to countries in Europe, the United States of America, and China, the South African railway industry is non-competitive. The National Railway Safety Regulator of South Africa (NRSR) has been gradually considering novel ways of measuring organisational performance which encompass a broad approach that goes beyond infrastructure. To that end, a business excellence model adoption is proposed for an integrated agile performance management system. Performance management is viewed as a method that involves measuring goals against a set of standards within an organisation so as to evaluate whether or not the intended objectives have been (successfully) accomplished. Management quality systems (MQS) is one seamless system which integrates the Individual Performance Assessments, ISO-Systems, and Total Quality Management (TQM) in order to achieve the operational distinction in pursuit of the organisational performance excellence. Similarly, organisational excellence is continuous efforts made to build an internal framework of standards and processes intended to involve and motivate employees to deliver products and services within organisational expectations. Various business excellence models, such as the European Framework of Quality Management (EFQM), Common Assessment Framework (CAF), Malcolm Bridge National Quality Awards (MBNQA), International Standard Organisation (ISO) 9000/1/4 and South African Excellence Models (SAEM) have been proposed as continuous improvement (CI) tools. Embedded within these frameworks are areas such as leadership, strategic planning, total quality human resources management, CI, communications, culture, process management and organisational results. Even though attention has been paid to quality performance management in literature, limited empirical research has been conducted on the impact of these models to organisational performance in the railway industry. Moreover, few studies have been conducted to investigate this within the South African context. In this study, the difference in perceptions regarding the envisioned model will be measured to determine the level of employee awareness on quality management. Secondly, the impact of the implementation of MQS factors on organisational performance is investigated to determine critical success factors. Lastly, the barriers to effective MQS implementation are explored and discussed. The study focuses on enablers (i.e. leadership, strategy planning, total quality human resources management, CI, communications, culture and process management) and their impact on organisational performance. An empirical survey has been conducted in this study to examine the influence of the identified factors on business performance. In order to measure the impact of the above factors on improving of organisational performance, the MQS model has been used. The data collected has been statistically analysed using descriptive statistics, correlational relationships and regression analysis. The results of the study indicate that the MQS is useful and effective for the improvement of organisational performance in pursuit of organisational excellence. Furthermore, the critical success factors that, when prioritised, will directly influence organisational performance have been identified. Also, all the measured factors are correlated with organisational performance. It has been proven that though there are signs of implementation of MQS, the employees have not yet owned the process and do not implement quality practises in their daily operations. It is recommended that for future studies a more representative sample be sought in order to validate the relationship between strategy planning; communication and organisational performance, and the overall impact of implementing of MQS in the rail industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A performance metric system for the long-term sustainability of a multi-national enterprise
- Authors: Buyers, John Ian
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: nternational business enterprises , Business enterprises -- Finance Sales management Marketing -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23526 , vital:30575
- Description: The purpose of this Qualitative research was to determine the metrics required to define the Long-Term Sustainability of a Multinational Enterprise (MNE). The study investigated and analysed how the individual subsidiaries of a listed organisation interpreted LTS and what measurements (metrics) were the most important in supporting this long-term approach. The research analysed questionnaires administered to managers from different disciplines within the organisation. This process sought to accumulate a set of responses and through the statistical analysis of these responses, in particular, extensive qualitative research was used to find a common thread of relevant metrics, which can be used presently and in the future to determine LTS. The researcher reviewed models and the literature to establish a set of questions for the construction of individual questionnaires. This was based on current theory combined with institutional knowledge and experience. The questionnaires were designed to provoke responses from management of their view of the important contributors to LTS. The individual questionnaires (Annexures I to VIII) comprised a series of focused questions and multiple-choice answers based on either 5 or 10-point Likert scales and a few open-ended questions. The main respondents were VPs, MDs, OMs, Human Resource Managers, Financial Managers, and Sales and Marketing Managers of the subsidiaries within the MNE. These “At the heart of an excellent manufacturing business rests the efficiency of its operations, the commitment of the people who manufacture the products, the level of motivation of the workforce, the passion of its salesforce and the innovation shown by its engineers” respondents were all best suited to answer questions at the required level of expertise, when taking into consideration the LTS of the organisation. The data obtained from the research was used to devise suggested scorecards that may be used as guidelines for current and future initiatives when considering LTS. Qualitative research methods were used in this research as they seek understanding of “how things work in particular contexts”. This allows for the building of new theory and the conceptual advancements of knowledge, starting with very general concepts which, as the research progresses, change their definition (Brannen, 2016). In qualitative research, researchers use themselves as the instrument, attending to their own cultural assumptions as well as to the data. to achieve imaginative insights into the respondents’ social worlds. (McCracken, 1988). Concepts and categories are relevant to qualitative research. as quantitative research is an exercise in analytical induction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Buyers, John Ian
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: nternational business enterprises , Business enterprises -- Finance Sales management Marketing -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23526 , vital:30575
- Description: The purpose of this Qualitative research was to determine the metrics required to define the Long-Term Sustainability of a Multinational Enterprise (MNE). The study investigated and analysed how the individual subsidiaries of a listed organisation interpreted LTS and what measurements (metrics) were the most important in supporting this long-term approach. The research analysed questionnaires administered to managers from different disciplines within the organisation. This process sought to accumulate a set of responses and through the statistical analysis of these responses, in particular, extensive qualitative research was used to find a common thread of relevant metrics, which can be used presently and in the future to determine LTS. The researcher reviewed models and the literature to establish a set of questions for the construction of individual questionnaires. This was based on current theory combined with institutional knowledge and experience. The questionnaires were designed to provoke responses from management of their view of the important contributors to LTS. The individual questionnaires (Annexures I to VIII) comprised a series of focused questions and multiple-choice answers based on either 5 or 10-point Likert scales and a few open-ended questions. The main respondents were VPs, MDs, OMs, Human Resource Managers, Financial Managers, and Sales and Marketing Managers of the subsidiaries within the MNE. These “At the heart of an excellent manufacturing business rests the efficiency of its operations, the commitment of the people who manufacture the products, the level of motivation of the workforce, the passion of its salesforce and the innovation shown by its engineers” respondents were all best suited to answer questions at the required level of expertise, when taking into consideration the LTS of the organisation. The data obtained from the research was used to devise suggested scorecards that may be used as guidelines for current and future initiatives when considering LTS. Qualitative research methods were used in this research as they seek understanding of “how things work in particular contexts”. This allows for the building of new theory and the conceptual advancements of knowledge, starting with very general concepts which, as the research progresses, change their definition (Brannen, 2016). In qualitative research, researchers use themselves as the instrument, attending to their own cultural assumptions as well as to the data. to achieve imaginative insights into the respondents’ social worlds. (McCracken, 1988). Concepts and categories are relevant to qualitative research. as quantitative research is an exercise in analytical induction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A phenomenological study of problematic internet use with massively multiplayer online games
- Authors: Bopp, Stacey-Lee
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Computer games -- Psychological aspects , Internet games -- Psychological aspects Internet addiction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13757 , vital:27305
- Description: Massively multiplayer online games (MMOG’s) are a specific form of online computer games that allow for millions of people to simultaneously play online at any time. This form of online gaming has become a huge phenomenon worldwide both as a popular past time and a business endeavour for many individuals. There are more than 16 million people worldwide who subscribe to fantasy role-playing online games. Although such games can provide entertainment for many people, they can also lead to problematic Internet use (PIU). PIU has also been referred to as Internet addiction, and can cause significant problems in an individual’s functioning. The study aimed to enhance a greater understanding of the phenomenon of male adults’ experiences PIU with MMOG’s. More specifically the study aims to identify if PIU with MMOG’s can be considered a form of Internet addiction within South Africa. Furthermore, assisting in the further development of online addiction diagnosis and treatment strategies. The study utilised an interpretive phenomenological approach (IPA) and participants were purposively sampled. The data was collected using semi-structured individual interviews. Furthermore, Braun and Clarks thematic analysis was used during data analysis while incorporating the four major processes in phenomenological research, namely 1) epoche, 2) phenomenological reduction, 3) imaginative variation and, 4) synthesis. Themes that emerged from the analysis of the participants’ experiences included, initial description of use, motives for continued use of MMOG’s, consequences of PIU with MMOG’s, perceptions of PIU with MMOG’s, and treatment considerations. This study provided a thick description of South African and international literature and combines the literature with the themes that emerged from the participants experiences in order to produce discussions based on the findings of this qualitative study. Conclusions, recommendations, and limitations of this study informed future research on cyber citizenship by providing a detailed understanding of the context of South African male adults’ experiences of PIU with MMOG’s.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Bopp, Stacey-Lee
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Computer games -- Psychological aspects , Internet games -- Psychological aspects Internet addiction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13757 , vital:27305
- Description: Massively multiplayer online games (MMOG’s) are a specific form of online computer games that allow for millions of people to simultaneously play online at any time. This form of online gaming has become a huge phenomenon worldwide both as a popular past time and a business endeavour for many individuals. There are more than 16 million people worldwide who subscribe to fantasy role-playing online games. Although such games can provide entertainment for many people, they can also lead to problematic Internet use (PIU). PIU has also been referred to as Internet addiction, and can cause significant problems in an individual’s functioning. The study aimed to enhance a greater understanding of the phenomenon of male adults’ experiences PIU with MMOG’s. More specifically the study aims to identify if PIU with MMOG’s can be considered a form of Internet addiction within South Africa. Furthermore, assisting in the further development of online addiction diagnosis and treatment strategies. The study utilised an interpretive phenomenological approach (IPA) and participants were purposively sampled. The data was collected using semi-structured individual interviews. Furthermore, Braun and Clarks thematic analysis was used during data analysis while incorporating the four major processes in phenomenological research, namely 1) epoche, 2) phenomenological reduction, 3) imaginative variation and, 4) synthesis. Themes that emerged from the analysis of the participants’ experiences included, initial description of use, motives for continued use of MMOG’s, consequences of PIU with MMOG’s, perceptions of PIU with MMOG’s, and treatment considerations. This study provided a thick description of South African and international literature and combines the literature with the themes that emerged from the participants experiences in order to produce discussions based on the findings of this qualitative study. Conclusions, recommendations, and limitations of this study informed future research on cyber citizenship by providing a detailed understanding of the context of South African male adults’ experiences of PIU with MMOG’s.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A political economy of transformation in Nelson Mandela University Bay: a critical analysis of the construction sector 2005
- Authors: Mtimka, Ongama
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Transformation -- Port Elizabeth -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Construction industry -- South Africa –Port Elizabeth , Politics -- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59392 , vital:62077
- Description: In democracies and purportedly free market economies, questions of “who gets what, when, and how” ought to be resolved mainly through free competition, where those with the competitive advantage on merit are guaranteed to succeed. If it is political parties, they only have to compete well and fairly to win elections. If it is businesses, they ought to have the best value and price and they win customers. However, there are institutions which regulate this competition and political economic behaviour. Interest groups such as business chambers, industry and professional associations, as well as various structures of representation engage in the political economic space to sway the distribution outcomes from these “institutions” in the favour of their members. To do so, at times they use methods that affirm the principles and spirit of free competition and at other times, they do not. This thesis reviews the political economy of transformation within the construction sector in Nelson Mandela Bay to further advance knowledge within the subfield of political economy in South Africa. By looking at a specific economic sector, the study adds an important element to the sub-discipline, a nuance to the debates about the role of the state in the economy or macroeconomic policy and the much studied mining-energy complex. The study focuses on the role of small business forums created mostly by newcomers within the construction sector in the city and the methods they used to increase the share of their members in construction sector revenues. Their methods were unconventional and earned them the unfavourable term of ‘the construction mafia’. Through a grounded theoretical research process, this study details the story of the rise and fall of forums and dissects it in line with ongoing debates within political economy and related disciplines, particularly about the nexus between politics and business as well as the role of interest groups in pluralist political systems. Among other things, the study finds that the forums did not see the construction industry as a free market and did not take principles of competition in the sector as a given. As such, they sought to make and remake institutions of the sector in ways that could increase their share of revenues. In similar fashion to the roles of iinjoli nosokhaya in traditional isiXhosa ceremonies, they accorded to themselves the right to distribute benefits to their members contrary to legal and general market prescripts. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Government and Social sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Mtimka, Ongama
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Transformation -- Port Elizabeth -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Construction industry -- South Africa –Port Elizabeth , Politics -- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59392 , vital:62077
- Description: In democracies and purportedly free market economies, questions of “who gets what, when, and how” ought to be resolved mainly through free competition, where those with the competitive advantage on merit are guaranteed to succeed. If it is political parties, they only have to compete well and fairly to win elections. If it is businesses, they ought to have the best value and price and they win customers. However, there are institutions which regulate this competition and political economic behaviour. Interest groups such as business chambers, industry and professional associations, as well as various structures of representation engage in the political economic space to sway the distribution outcomes from these “institutions” in the favour of their members. To do so, at times they use methods that affirm the principles and spirit of free competition and at other times, they do not. This thesis reviews the political economy of transformation within the construction sector in Nelson Mandela Bay to further advance knowledge within the subfield of political economy in South Africa. By looking at a specific economic sector, the study adds an important element to the sub-discipline, a nuance to the debates about the role of the state in the economy or macroeconomic policy and the much studied mining-energy complex. The study focuses on the role of small business forums created mostly by newcomers within the construction sector in the city and the methods they used to increase the share of their members in construction sector revenues. Their methods were unconventional and earned them the unfavourable term of ‘the construction mafia’. Through a grounded theoretical research process, this study details the story of the rise and fall of forums and dissects it in line with ongoing debates within political economy and related disciplines, particularly about the nexus between politics and business as well as the role of interest groups in pluralist political systems. Among other things, the study finds that the forums did not see the construction industry as a free market and did not take principles of competition in the sector as a given. As such, they sought to make and remake institutions of the sector in ways that could increase their share of revenues. In similar fashion to the roles of iinjoli nosokhaya in traditional isiXhosa ceremonies, they accorded to themselves the right to distribute benefits to their members contrary to legal and general market prescripts. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Government and Social sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
A poverty alleviation strategy of Vukuzenzele gardening project in Motherwell township
- Authors: Zitho, Andiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Economic development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Community development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Poor -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13724 , vital:27302
- Description: Poverty is one of the issues that affects the development in our country. the strategies that are used differ from one to person to another. development is said to be measured through a lot of things but mostly through economic growth which influenced by poverty. the purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the strategies being used to alleviate poverty in the Motherwell township, in Port Elizabeth. The study focused mainly on Vukuzenzele gardening project, where a sample of 15 participants were purposovely selected to be part of the study. Furthermore, the aim of the study was to contribute towards community development by investigating the social issues that directly influence poverty eradication.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Zitho, Andiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Economic development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Community development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Poor -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13724 , vital:27302
- Description: Poverty is one of the issues that affects the development in our country. the strategies that are used differ from one to person to another. development is said to be measured through a lot of things but mostly through economic growth which influenced by poverty. the purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the strategies being used to alleviate poverty in the Motherwell township, in Port Elizabeth. The study focused mainly on Vukuzenzele gardening project, where a sample of 15 participants were purposovely selected to be part of the study. Furthermore, the aim of the study was to contribute towards community development by investigating the social issues that directly influence poverty eradication.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A problematisation of Afrikaner identity subject positions as found in the coverage of contemporary Afrikaans music in HUISGENOOT magazine discourse
- Authors: Hughes, Lestie
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Afrikaners -- South Africa -- Music -- History and criticism , Multimedia (Art)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52558 , vital:43686
- Description: Through the lens of Foucauldian genealogy, this thesis problematises the subject positions towards Afrikaner identity reflected in contemporary Afrikaans songs covered by Huisgenoot magazine. Such a genealogical exploration thematises the games of truth underpinning the formation of Huisgenoot, highlights its role in solidifying white Afrikaner Nationalist discourse of apartheid, observes its more populist, profit-oriented approach from the 1970s onwards and considers the residual echoing of its former discursive orientation. The song analysis of selected Afrikaans songs/music videos covered in Huisgenoot is guided by the semiotics of Nicholas Cook, such that it frames the analytical question of how such music is driven by conformance, contest and complementation between multi-media elements in ways that make meaning possible. Accordingly, this methodology resonates with the non-essentialising focus of Foucauldian problematisation, premised on critical resistance that makes new responses simultaneously possible. The self-reflexive autoethnographical approach employed, entailing the author’s dialogical engagement with her own ‘Afrikaner self’, similarly facilitates the dynamic interplay between multiplicities. Correlatively, on the one hand, more ‘closed’ and more ‘open’ Afrikaner identity positions reflected within the songs are analysed, as well as seemingly ‘reconciliatory’ / collaborative’ musical manifestations which ultimately revert back to more ‘closed’ identity constructs. But on the other hand, observation of adherence to a ‘white-black’ dichotomy within songs that manifest more ‘closed’ identity positions also leads to consideration of the parallels between the goals of white Afrikaner Nationalism and the current Decolonisation narrative, which is informed by Black Consciousness thought and generated by the ‘Colonisation of a Special Kind’ ANC policy. Both such Decolonisation rhetoric and the countering rhetoric of the Neo-Afrikaner Protest Movement (NAP) are thus identified as metanarratives, underpinned by a ‘white-black’ dichotomy. In this regard, while Huisgenoot’s predisposition towards songs manifesting more ‘closed’ Afrikaner identity positions is considered in terms of its aforementioned profit-oriented endeavour to appeal to its ostensible primary readership, an encouraging increase in coverage of coloured artists is both noted and occasionally seen to overlap with its coverage of songs manifesting more ‘open’ Afrikaner identity positions. Among the latter one may – again in Foucauldian terms – differentiate between songs focussed on an engagement in cross-cultural relations of power, and songs intent on shattering states of domination of power blocks, often through shocking juxtaposition of disparate elements. These more violently dismantling endeavours, it is argued, comprise examples of Foucauldian transversal struggles, although their coverage in Huisgenoot is also attributed to their shock value and/or record sales, rather than their transformational potential. Furthermore, such Huisgenoot coverage is also seen to place more transformationally oriented artists at risk of media ‘domestication’, with its concomitant inhibiting of creativity. Finally, the researcher’s commitment to creative problematisation of her own Afrikaner identity, coupled with acknowledgement of her inescapable textual entrapment, culminates in her acceptance of the continual flux characterising dialogical power relations, before she – in accordance with the Foucauldian methodology employed – presents all ‘conclusions’ in a non-dictatorial spirit of ‘truth creation’, desirous of continual self/other dialogue. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Hughes, Lestie
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Afrikaners -- South Africa -- Music -- History and criticism , Multimedia (Art)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52558 , vital:43686
- Description: Through the lens of Foucauldian genealogy, this thesis problematises the subject positions towards Afrikaner identity reflected in contemporary Afrikaans songs covered by Huisgenoot magazine. Such a genealogical exploration thematises the games of truth underpinning the formation of Huisgenoot, highlights its role in solidifying white Afrikaner Nationalist discourse of apartheid, observes its more populist, profit-oriented approach from the 1970s onwards and considers the residual echoing of its former discursive orientation. The song analysis of selected Afrikaans songs/music videos covered in Huisgenoot is guided by the semiotics of Nicholas Cook, such that it frames the analytical question of how such music is driven by conformance, contest and complementation between multi-media elements in ways that make meaning possible. Accordingly, this methodology resonates with the non-essentialising focus of Foucauldian problematisation, premised on critical resistance that makes new responses simultaneously possible. The self-reflexive autoethnographical approach employed, entailing the author’s dialogical engagement with her own ‘Afrikaner self’, similarly facilitates the dynamic interplay between multiplicities. Correlatively, on the one hand, more ‘closed’ and more ‘open’ Afrikaner identity positions reflected within the songs are analysed, as well as seemingly ‘reconciliatory’ / collaborative’ musical manifestations which ultimately revert back to more ‘closed’ identity constructs. But on the other hand, observation of adherence to a ‘white-black’ dichotomy within songs that manifest more ‘closed’ identity positions also leads to consideration of the parallels between the goals of white Afrikaner Nationalism and the current Decolonisation narrative, which is informed by Black Consciousness thought and generated by the ‘Colonisation of a Special Kind’ ANC policy. Both such Decolonisation rhetoric and the countering rhetoric of the Neo-Afrikaner Protest Movement (NAP) are thus identified as metanarratives, underpinned by a ‘white-black’ dichotomy. In this regard, while Huisgenoot’s predisposition towards songs manifesting more ‘closed’ Afrikaner identity positions is considered in terms of its aforementioned profit-oriented endeavour to appeal to its ostensible primary readership, an encouraging increase in coverage of coloured artists is both noted and occasionally seen to overlap with its coverage of songs manifesting more ‘open’ Afrikaner identity positions. Among the latter one may – again in Foucauldian terms – differentiate between songs focussed on an engagement in cross-cultural relations of power, and songs intent on shattering states of domination of power blocks, often through shocking juxtaposition of disparate elements. These more violently dismantling endeavours, it is argued, comprise examples of Foucauldian transversal struggles, although their coverage in Huisgenoot is also attributed to their shock value and/or record sales, rather than their transformational potential. Furthermore, such Huisgenoot coverage is also seen to place more transformationally oriented artists at risk of media ‘domestication’, with its concomitant inhibiting of creativity. Finally, the researcher’s commitment to creative problematisation of her own Afrikaner identity, coupled with acknowledgement of her inescapable textual entrapment, culminates in her acceptance of the continual flux characterising dialogical power relations, before she – in accordance with the Foucauldian methodology employed – presents all ‘conclusions’ in a non-dictatorial spirit of ‘truth creation’, desirous of continual self/other dialogue. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A profile of selected enterprises and their adopted cost allocation systems in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Vellem, Masixole
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cost accounting , Budget Business enterprises
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13568 , vital:27239
- Description: Activity-based costing is a cost allocation method which appears to have many benefits when compared to traditional costing systems. However, there is limited academic research demonstrating this superiority. There is thus a need to investigate and profile the characteristics of selected enterprises and their adopted cost allocation systems. The main objective of this study was to profile and compare the characteristics of companies in Nelson Mandela Bay that use the activity-based costing system, versus those using traditional costing methods. The research methodology used for this research study is descriptive and quantitative, using various techniques for data analysis. An electronic internet based questionnaire was distributed to companies and the response automatically recorded for analysis with the help of Nelson Mandela University statistics department. The findings of the empirical study revealed that most (38%) of the respondents use a combination of both activity-based costing and traditional costing methods, followed by traditional costing methods (35%), and purely activity-based costing (27%). Data analysis revealed that companies in construction and manufacturing seemed to prefer activity-based costing over traditional costing methods. The findings raise the question as to whether the preference in cost allocation methods is based solely on the benefits of cost allocation, lack of new knowledge, adaptability within companies, or cost of change versus the benefit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Vellem, Masixole
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cost accounting , Budget Business enterprises
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13568 , vital:27239
- Description: Activity-based costing is a cost allocation method which appears to have many benefits when compared to traditional costing systems. However, there is limited academic research demonstrating this superiority. There is thus a need to investigate and profile the characteristics of selected enterprises and their adopted cost allocation systems. The main objective of this study was to profile and compare the characteristics of companies in Nelson Mandela Bay that use the activity-based costing system, versus those using traditional costing methods. The research methodology used for this research study is descriptive and quantitative, using various techniques for data analysis. An electronic internet based questionnaire was distributed to companies and the response automatically recorded for analysis with the help of Nelson Mandela University statistics department. The findings of the empirical study revealed that most (38%) of the respondents use a combination of both activity-based costing and traditional costing methods, followed by traditional costing methods (35%), and purely activity-based costing (27%). Data analysis revealed that companies in construction and manufacturing seemed to prefer activity-based costing over traditional costing methods. The findings raise the question as to whether the preference in cost allocation methods is based solely on the benefits of cost allocation, lack of new knowledge, adaptability within companies, or cost of change versus the benefit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A project delivery framework within the Construction Industry
- Authors: Chikandiwa,Yeaukai Memory
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Construction --Management -- South Africa , Project Management , Communication
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52594 , vital:43692
- Description: A lack of effective communication has often resulted in information bottlenecks and conflicts in the execution of construction projects and is the primary cause of problems such as delays, increased project cost, reduced roductivity, loss of profit, or damaged professional or business relationships within the construction Industry. Despite all the advancement in the communication and integration tools in a drive to optimize the construction industry, this challenge still remains. In order to address this problem, this research project sought to determine the key elements that constitute effective communication and its importance to the successful projects delivery within the construction industry. A survey design which involved a sample study of a representative population through the use of a questionnaire was used. The research population comprised of all design consultants. The research found that, Common tools and processes, Good change management, PM best practices & Performance KPIs and resources are the main missing elements respectively for effective communication, which foster the conflicts inherent within the industry. The following key factors are however mostly present in project team; well-articulated project scope, quality information exchange and commendable people, cultures and behaviour. Informational asymmetries, misrepresentation, poor PM skills hinders effective communication and often results in project failure. There is therefore need to concertize the design professionals on the importance of effective communication and enlighten them on the dynamics involved. The construction industry is inherently complex, multi-disciplinary, fragmented, sporadic, dynamic and generally resistant to change. Hence, the need for rigorous research and feed back to the design professionals on effective communication especially during the changing times driven by technology, dubbed the 4th revolution. More work is to be done in order to achieve the effective communication, in the following study research area for the construction industry; the alignment of tools and processes, change management and Performance KPIs for the construction industry. These factors present a huge challenge in a fragmented and adversarial industry which is inherently resistant to change. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering,the Built Environment and Information technology,2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Chikandiwa,Yeaukai Memory
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Construction --Management -- South Africa , Project Management , Communication
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52594 , vital:43692
- Description: A lack of effective communication has often resulted in information bottlenecks and conflicts in the execution of construction projects and is the primary cause of problems such as delays, increased project cost, reduced roductivity, loss of profit, or damaged professional or business relationships within the construction Industry. Despite all the advancement in the communication and integration tools in a drive to optimize the construction industry, this challenge still remains. In order to address this problem, this research project sought to determine the key elements that constitute effective communication and its importance to the successful projects delivery within the construction industry. A survey design which involved a sample study of a representative population through the use of a questionnaire was used. The research population comprised of all design consultants. The research found that, Common tools and processes, Good change management, PM best practices & Performance KPIs and resources are the main missing elements respectively for effective communication, which foster the conflicts inherent within the industry. The following key factors are however mostly present in project team; well-articulated project scope, quality information exchange and commendable people, cultures and behaviour. Informational asymmetries, misrepresentation, poor PM skills hinders effective communication and often results in project failure. There is therefore need to concertize the design professionals on the importance of effective communication and enlighten them on the dynamics involved. The construction industry is inherently complex, multi-disciplinary, fragmented, sporadic, dynamic and generally resistant to change. Hence, the need for rigorous research and feed back to the design professionals on effective communication especially during the changing times driven by technology, dubbed the 4th revolution. More work is to be done in order to achieve the effective communication, in the following study research area for the construction industry; the alignment of tools and processes, change management and Performance KPIs for the construction industry. These factors present a huge challenge in a fragmented and adversarial industry which is inherently resistant to change. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering,the Built Environment and Information technology,2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A proposed baseline South African antimicrobial stewardship curriculum for the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme
- Authors: Khan, Yasmine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Pharmacy -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Pharmacy -- Practice -- South Africa Drug utilization -- Dissertations Drug utilization -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35752 , vital:33805
- Description: Antimicrobial stewardship refers to the healthcare practice which ensures the judicious and appropriate prescribing of antimicrobial agents. The primary purpose of antimicrobial stewardship entails minimising the progression of antimicrobial resistance; the rise of which is recognised as a threat to global health and safety. The pharmacist is recognised nationally and internationally as a key role player in the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship. Education of healthcare practitioners in antimicrobial stewardship is a recognised strategic enabler for the containment of antimicrobial resistance in South Africa. The primary aim of the study was to develop a proposed baseline antimicrobial stewardship curriculum which is suitable for implementation into the Bachelor of Pharmacy programmes offered by South African schools of pharmacy. The aims and objectives of the study were achieved through the conduction of four study phases: the content analysis, academic review, expert consultation and curriculum development. The content analysis investigated the structure and content of international antimicrobial stewardship curricula, and the national policy governing antimicrobial stewardship implementation in South Africa. Frequency distributions of trends from the reviewed literature informed the development of the initial draft antimicrobial stewardship curriculum for pharmacy students. In terms of content, the principles which emerges with high frequency, which were thus emphasised in the initial draft curriculum, included: the strategic objectives (governance, surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention); strategic enablers (education, communication, legislation and research); dose optimisation; audit and feedback; formulary restriction; collaboration; pre-authorisation; and de-escalation. Available literature did not provide extensive detail regarding the curriculum structure utilised internationally, particularly with regards to the number of contact hours dedicated to the curriculum content and the year level at which antimicrobial stewardship was incorporated in the degree programme (variable between studies). From the content analysis it was evident that a mixed methods pedagogy and use of multiple assessment techniques were recommended. The academic review phase allowed for further insight to be obtained into the content and structure of antimicrobial stewardship curriculum content which was presented in the pre-existing Bachelor of Pharmacy degree programmes. Furthermore, the academic review required that nominated participants from each school of pharmacy indicate which antimicrobial prescribing principles should be incorporated in the proposed baseline antimicrobial stewardship curriculum. The results of the academic review phase were collated with the content analysis in order to develop the updated draft antimicrobial stewardship curriculum. It was interesting to note that large variation in content and structure related to antimicrobial stewardship which was presented by the various schools of pharmacy in South Africa. In terms of curriculum content, recommendations made by academic professionals informed the development of relative importance groupings, which allowed for the various antimicrobial stewardship principles to be tiered according to importance for inclusion in the proposed baseline antimicrobial stewardship curriculum. The large variation in antimicrobial stewardship curriculum structure posed as a challenge for the development of the proposed baseline curriculum, requiring that the structure remain flexible in order for feasible incorporation into the pre-existing Bachelor of Pharmacy degree programmes offered by the various schools of pharmacy in South Africa. The expert consultation phase explored the perceptions of multiple key health disciplines who serve as part of antimicrobial stewardship teams in South Africa with regards to the role of the pharmacist in antimicrobial stewardship; and the minimum level of antimicrobial stewardship knowledge and skills which pharmacy students should possess prior to entry into practice. The results of the expert consultation phase were collated with the results of the content analysis and academic review phase in order to develop the final proposed baseline antimicrobial stewardship curriculum. The findings of the expert consultation phase indicated great variability regarding the perceived role of the pharmacist in antimicrobial stewardship within and between health disciplines. Furthermore, the relative perceived importance of various antimicrobial stewardship strategies and antimicrobial prescribing principles were explored, which informed the tiering of content in the final proposed antimicrobial stewardship curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Khan, Yasmine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Pharmacy -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Pharmacy -- Practice -- South Africa Drug utilization -- Dissertations Drug utilization -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35752 , vital:33805
- Description: Antimicrobial stewardship refers to the healthcare practice which ensures the judicious and appropriate prescribing of antimicrobial agents. The primary purpose of antimicrobial stewardship entails minimising the progression of antimicrobial resistance; the rise of which is recognised as a threat to global health and safety. The pharmacist is recognised nationally and internationally as a key role player in the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship. Education of healthcare practitioners in antimicrobial stewardship is a recognised strategic enabler for the containment of antimicrobial resistance in South Africa. The primary aim of the study was to develop a proposed baseline antimicrobial stewardship curriculum which is suitable for implementation into the Bachelor of Pharmacy programmes offered by South African schools of pharmacy. The aims and objectives of the study were achieved through the conduction of four study phases: the content analysis, academic review, expert consultation and curriculum development. The content analysis investigated the structure and content of international antimicrobial stewardship curricula, and the national policy governing antimicrobial stewardship implementation in South Africa. Frequency distributions of trends from the reviewed literature informed the development of the initial draft antimicrobial stewardship curriculum for pharmacy students. In terms of content, the principles which emerges with high frequency, which were thus emphasised in the initial draft curriculum, included: the strategic objectives (governance, surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention); strategic enablers (education, communication, legislation and research); dose optimisation; audit and feedback; formulary restriction; collaboration; pre-authorisation; and de-escalation. Available literature did not provide extensive detail regarding the curriculum structure utilised internationally, particularly with regards to the number of contact hours dedicated to the curriculum content and the year level at which antimicrobial stewardship was incorporated in the degree programme (variable between studies). From the content analysis it was evident that a mixed methods pedagogy and use of multiple assessment techniques were recommended. The academic review phase allowed for further insight to be obtained into the content and structure of antimicrobial stewardship curriculum content which was presented in the pre-existing Bachelor of Pharmacy degree programmes. Furthermore, the academic review required that nominated participants from each school of pharmacy indicate which antimicrobial prescribing principles should be incorporated in the proposed baseline antimicrobial stewardship curriculum. The results of the academic review phase were collated with the content analysis in order to develop the updated draft antimicrobial stewardship curriculum. It was interesting to note that large variation in content and structure related to antimicrobial stewardship which was presented by the various schools of pharmacy in South Africa. In terms of curriculum content, recommendations made by academic professionals informed the development of relative importance groupings, which allowed for the various antimicrobial stewardship principles to be tiered according to importance for inclusion in the proposed baseline antimicrobial stewardship curriculum. The large variation in antimicrobial stewardship curriculum structure posed as a challenge for the development of the proposed baseline curriculum, requiring that the structure remain flexible in order for feasible incorporation into the pre-existing Bachelor of Pharmacy degree programmes offered by the various schools of pharmacy in South Africa. The expert consultation phase explored the perceptions of multiple key health disciplines who serve as part of antimicrobial stewardship teams in South Africa with regards to the role of the pharmacist in antimicrobial stewardship; and the minimum level of antimicrobial stewardship knowledge and skills which pharmacy students should possess prior to entry into practice. The results of the expert consultation phase were collated with the results of the content analysis and academic review phase in order to develop the final proposed baseline antimicrobial stewardship curriculum. The findings of the expert consultation phase indicated great variability regarding the perceived role of the pharmacist in antimicrobial stewardship within and between health disciplines. Furthermore, the relative perceived importance of various antimicrobial stewardship strategies and antimicrobial prescribing principles were explored, which informed the tiering of content in the final proposed antimicrobial stewardship curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A proposed sustainable funding framework for the public broadcaster in South Africa
- Authors: Nyembezi, Cydric Luvuyo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South African Broadcasting Corporation -- Finance , Finance, Public -- South Africa Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34443 , vital:33379
- Description: Public service broadcasting in South Africa is the responsibility of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), which is the only national public service broadcaster mandated through the South African Broadcasting Act. Consequently, the SABC is meant to be a tool for information, entertainment and education that is accessible by all citizens, regardless of their social and economic status in the community. However, like all enterprises, the SABC requires a sustainable source of revenue to function effectively. It is of the utmost importance that the SABC has the necessary resources and stable source of revenue to fulfil its public service responsibilities, as a lack of proper resources and insufficient funds can hinder the provision of these services. The global economic crisis has put all public and private sector companies under financial pressure. The effect of this financial pressure was felt by the SABC and led to financial loss, subsequently posing a serious threat to the financial sustainability of the SABC. Given this situation, this study sought to develop a sustainable funding framework by identifying factors that influence the financial sustainability of the public broadcaster in South Africa and to provide alternative strategies for improving the financial sustainability of the public broadcaster in South Africa, which has thus far proved unsustainable and insecure. Past research has focused mainly on defining a public service broadcaster or a public mandate, or considered the future of public service broadcasters. In these past studies, researchers mostly debated the SABC funding challenges without attempting to develop a funding framework for the SABC. To achieve the objectives of this study a quantitative approach using a web-based distribution survey method was adopted to test the hypotheses. The participants were randomly selected in each provincial SABC office from the database of managers, unionised and non-unionised employees, as well as the database list of freelancers. A total of 432 participants, selected through a stratification sampling technique, were considered and 175 respondents completed the survey. However, after data clean-up only 168 respondents’ data was usable. Based on the analysis of various secondary sources, a theoretical framework regarding sustainable funding of the public broadcaster in South Africa was constructed. The proposed theoretical framework indicated that the intervening variable, which is sustainable funding, is possibly influenced by three independent variables namely, internal stakeholders, a competitive environment and the management of resources. The perceived outcomes (dependent variables) of a sustainably funded public broadcaster were identified as customer benefits and organisational performance. The computer programme STATISTICA was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to summarise the data of the respondents and allow easy interpretation by the researcher. Inferential statistical analysis was used to test for relationships between identified variables using a validity test, reliability test and correlation and regression analysis. The empirical results revealed that sustainable funding formed two separate intervening variables. These variables were renamed sustainable funding enabler and sustainable funding as part of management control. The dependent variable customer benefits and organisational performance also loaded onto a single factor and was renamed organisational outcomes. Given the results, it was determined that internal stakeholders, competitive environment and management of resources have a significant positive influence on the sustainable funding enabler for the public broadcaster. In turn, sustainable funding enabler had a significant positive influence on the organisational outcomes (customer benefits and performance). On the other hand, only the management of resources had a positive influence on sustainable funding as part of management control of the public broadcaster. Furthermore, sustainable funding as part of management control still had a significant positive influence on the organisational outcomes. The majority of the respondents agreed in their responses in relation to the variable items measuring sustainable funding as a part of management control and its influence to the organisational outcomes of the public broadcaster. In conclusion, sustainable funding of the public broadcaster is influenced by the identified variables, namely internal stakeholders, competitive environment and management of resources. In turn, sustainable funding has a positive influence on the organisational outcomes (customer benefits and performance). It is envisaged that the empirical evidence provided in this study will assist the SABC in understanding the factors influencing financial sustainability and thereby assist the organisation during strategy development and decision making. This study provides relevant and practical recommendations that will make the SABC financially sustainable. Finally, the objectives of this study were achieved and the research questions were answered. This study can also act as a foundation for other studies, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nyembezi, Cydric Luvuyo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South African Broadcasting Corporation -- Finance , Finance, Public -- South Africa Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34443 , vital:33379
- Description: Public service broadcasting in South Africa is the responsibility of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), which is the only national public service broadcaster mandated through the South African Broadcasting Act. Consequently, the SABC is meant to be a tool for information, entertainment and education that is accessible by all citizens, regardless of their social and economic status in the community. However, like all enterprises, the SABC requires a sustainable source of revenue to function effectively. It is of the utmost importance that the SABC has the necessary resources and stable source of revenue to fulfil its public service responsibilities, as a lack of proper resources and insufficient funds can hinder the provision of these services. The global economic crisis has put all public and private sector companies under financial pressure. The effect of this financial pressure was felt by the SABC and led to financial loss, subsequently posing a serious threat to the financial sustainability of the SABC. Given this situation, this study sought to develop a sustainable funding framework by identifying factors that influence the financial sustainability of the public broadcaster in South Africa and to provide alternative strategies for improving the financial sustainability of the public broadcaster in South Africa, which has thus far proved unsustainable and insecure. Past research has focused mainly on defining a public service broadcaster or a public mandate, or considered the future of public service broadcasters. In these past studies, researchers mostly debated the SABC funding challenges without attempting to develop a funding framework for the SABC. To achieve the objectives of this study a quantitative approach using a web-based distribution survey method was adopted to test the hypotheses. The participants were randomly selected in each provincial SABC office from the database of managers, unionised and non-unionised employees, as well as the database list of freelancers. A total of 432 participants, selected through a stratification sampling technique, were considered and 175 respondents completed the survey. However, after data clean-up only 168 respondents’ data was usable. Based on the analysis of various secondary sources, a theoretical framework regarding sustainable funding of the public broadcaster in South Africa was constructed. The proposed theoretical framework indicated that the intervening variable, which is sustainable funding, is possibly influenced by three independent variables namely, internal stakeholders, a competitive environment and the management of resources. The perceived outcomes (dependent variables) of a sustainably funded public broadcaster were identified as customer benefits and organisational performance. The computer programme STATISTICA was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to summarise the data of the respondents and allow easy interpretation by the researcher. Inferential statistical analysis was used to test for relationships between identified variables using a validity test, reliability test and correlation and regression analysis. The empirical results revealed that sustainable funding formed two separate intervening variables. These variables were renamed sustainable funding enabler and sustainable funding as part of management control. The dependent variable customer benefits and organisational performance also loaded onto a single factor and was renamed organisational outcomes. Given the results, it was determined that internal stakeholders, competitive environment and management of resources have a significant positive influence on the sustainable funding enabler for the public broadcaster. In turn, sustainable funding enabler had a significant positive influence on the organisational outcomes (customer benefits and performance). On the other hand, only the management of resources had a positive influence on sustainable funding as part of management control of the public broadcaster. Furthermore, sustainable funding as part of management control still had a significant positive influence on the organisational outcomes. The majority of the respondents agreed in their responses in relation to the variable items measuring sustainable funding as a part of management control and its influence to the organisational outcomes of the public broadcaster. In conclusion, sustainable funding of the public broadcaster is influenced by the identified variables, namely internal stakeholders, competitive environment and management of resources. In turn, sustainable funding has a positive influence on the organisational outcomes (customer benefits and performance). It is envisaged that the empirical evidence provided in this study will assist the SABC in understanding the factors influencing financial sustainability and thereby assist the organisation during strategy development and decision making. This study provides relevant and practical recommendations that will make the SABC financially sustainable. Finally, the objectives of this study were achieved and the research questions were answered. This study can also act as a foundation for other studies, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A proposed theoretical model for successful implementation of franchising in the South African chicken-based fast food industry
- Ekosse, Emmanuel Georges Ivo Ekosse
- Authors: Ekosse, Emmanuel Georges Ivo Ekosse
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Franchises (Retail trade) -- South Africa , Fast food restaurants -- South Africa -- Management Chain restaurants -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15567 , vital:28270
- Description: The purpose of this case study research effort was to develop and propose a theoretical model for the successful implementation of franchising in the South African chicken-based fast food industry. Design/Methodology/Approach - A single case with embedded units of a franchisor and a franchisee was initially adopted, but inaccessibility to respondents resulted in the adaptation of the study into a single holistic case. This is justified as the case serves a revelatory and explanatory purpose (Yin, 1994, p. 44). The case provided insight into the implementation processes of franchising in the South African chicken-based fast food industry; where franchised chicken-based concepts are leading the industry. The inaccessibility to original target respondents considered a limitation in the original research design. The limited contextual knowledge of the transcriber, and inexperience resulted in a sub-par transcript which slightly limited the interpretation of the data. Originality/Value – The case study examines the current implementation of franchising in the South African chicken-based fast food industry; with particular focus on the chicken-based fast food franchise systems which have consistently outperformed other types of fast food franchise systems. The proposed theoretical model can be applied in any industry or geographical location with an adjustment of the model‟s contextual considerations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ekosse, Emmanuel Georges Ivo Ekosse
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Franchises (Retail trade) -- South Africa , Fast food restaurants -- South Africa -- Management Chain restaurants -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15567 , vital:28270
- Description: The purpose of this case study research effort was to develop and propose a theoretical model for the successful implementation of franchising in the South African chicken-based fast food industry. Design/Methodology/Approach - A single case with embedded units of a franchisor and a franchisee was initially adopted, but inaccessibility to respondents resulted in the adaptation of the study into a single holistic case. This is justified as the case serves a revelatory and explanatory purpose (Yin, 1994, p. 44). The case provided insight into the implementation processes of franchising in the South African chicken-based fast food industry; where franchised chicken-based concepts are leading the industry. The inaccessibility to original target respondents considered a limitation in the original research design. The limited contextual knowledge of the transcriber, and inexperience resulted in a sub-par transcript which slightly limited the interpretation of the data. Originality/Value – The case study examines the current implementation of franchising in the South African chicken-based fast food industry; with particular focus on the chicken-based fast food franchise systems which have consistently outperformed other types of fast food franchise systems. The proposed theoretical model can be applied in any industry or geographical location with an adjustment of the model‟s contextual considerations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017