The effects of emotional intelligence on entrepreneurial intention of university students in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Kanonuhwa, Michelle
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- Psychological aspects Emotional intelligence Businesspeople -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8451 , vital:32833
- Description: Prompted by the various advantages presented by entrepreneurship, there has been an increase in studies investigating the factors that could influence entrepreneurial establishment and success. The purpose of this study was to determine whether emotional intelligence could stimulate entrepreneurial interest, thereby contributing to the literature on antecedents of entrepreneurship. This study tested the various socio-demographic characteristics of the sample and how each variable influenced entrepreneurial intent and emotional intelligence. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 385 students in the Eastern Cape Province using the purposive sampling method. Correlations, simple linear regression and multiple regressions were computed to test the hypotheses using the SPSS data analysis package. The findings of the study showed that there is a direct relationship between emotional intelligence and intention to become an entrepreneur. Furthermore, socio-demographic factors examined showed immense relevance to the development of entrepreneurial intent. As such the study suggested that apart from developing an effective entrepreneurship education program open to all individuals with a keen interest in the subject irrespective of academic merit; educators should create a learning environment that encourages effective expression and use of emotions to nurture the emotional intelligence of students. Moreover, mentorship relationships between students and local entrepreneurs should be highly encouraged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Kanonuhwa, Michelle
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- Psychological aspects Emotional intelligence Businesspeople -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8451 , vital:32833
- Description: Prompted by the various advantages presented by entrepreneurship, there has been an increase in studies investigating the factors that could influence entrepreneurial establishment and success. The purpose of this study was to determine whether emotional intelligence could stimulate entrepreneurial interest, thereby contributing to the literature on antecedents of entrepreneurship. This study tested the various socio-demographic characteristics of the sample and how each variable influenced entrepreneurial intent and emotional intelligence. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 385 students in the Eastern Cape Province using the purposive sampling method. Correlations, simple linear regression and multiple regressions were computed to test the hypotheses using the SPSS data analysis package. The findings of the study showed that there is a direct relationship between emotional intelligence and intention to become an entrepreneur. Furthermore, socio-demographic factors examined showed immense relevance to the development of entrepreneurial intent. As such the study suggested that apart from developing an effective entrepreneurship education program open to all individuals with a keen interest in the subject irrespective of academic merit; educators should create a learning environment that encourages effective expression and use of emotions to nurture the emotional intelligence of students. Moreover, mentorship relationships between students and local entrepreneurs should be highly encouraged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effectiveness of the concrete / semi-concrete / abstract (CSA) appoach and drill- practice on grade 10 learners' ability to simplify addition and subtraction algebraic fractions
- Authors: Awuah, Bernard Prince
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Algebra, Abstract
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5105 , vital:29076
- Description: This study was conducted in one of the education districts in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The purpose was to analyse the effectiveness of the concrete/semi-concrete/abstract (CSA) approach and drill-practice instructional strategies on Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. The following two objectives were set. First, to identify the learners’ challenges in studying addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions in grade 10; and second to analyse the effectiveness of the CSA approach and drill-practice instructional strategies on Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. Both threshold concepts and troublesome knowledge, Polya’s problem-solving techniques, CSA Approach theory and Drill-practice theory were all pertinent as a theoretical framework for the study. Positivism research paradigm was adopted for the study and it afforded the researcher opportunity to employ quantitative research approach. Based on the research question of this study, an experimental design was chosen as a suitable descriptive design. Purposive sampling method was used to select three schools which involved 135 grade 10 mathematics learners. Stratified random sampling method was thereafter employed to select 45 learners from each school for the study. The learners were grouped in each school as top, average and weak based on their performance in Algebra in term one. Pre-questionnaire and post-questionnaire were used to obtain data regarding challenges learners experience in simplifying addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. Ethical clearance from the relevant school and university authorities were obtained. On the first two days, the researcher briefed the school authorities and learners and explained to them the purpose and details of the study. Day three was used to administer the pre-questionnaire test, thereafter, the next ten days were used to teach addition and subtraction of both numeric and algebraic fractions with same and different numerators and denominators. The next two days were used for revision and the last day was used to administer the postquestionnaire test out 25 marks. The respondent rate was 98.5%. The data collected were analysed by using SPSS version 16.10. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The pre-questionnaire scores revealed that majority of the learners’ perceived fractions as two separate entities and as a result add or subtract numerator to numerator and denominator to denominator. It was also discovered that learners had a challenge in finding LCM of algebraic fractions. A t-Test for independent means was used to test the following hypotheses at 𝛼 = 0.05: 𝐇𝟎: The CSA approach and drill-practice intervention has no significant effect on Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions; 𝐇𝟏: The CSA approach and drill-practice will significantly enhance Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. The t-Test revealed a p-value of 0.139 which was statistically significant at 𝛼 = 0.05. Therefore, the researcher rejected the null hypothesis and concluded that the CSA approach and drill-practice have significantly enhanced the Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify algebraic fractions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Awuah, Bernard Prince
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Algebra, Abstract
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5105 , vital:29076
- Description: This study was conducted in one of the education districts in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The purpose was to analyse the effectiveness of the concrete/semi-concrete/abstract (CSA) approach and drill-practice instructional strategies on Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. The following two objectives were set. First, to identify the learners’ challenges in studying addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions in grade 10; and second to analyse the effectiveness of the CSA approach and drill-practice instructional strategies on Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. Both threshold concepts and troublesome knowledge, Polya’s problem-solving techniques, CSA Approach theory and Drill-practice theory were all pertinent as a theoretical framework for the study. Positivism research paradigm was adopted for the study and it afforded the researcher opportunity to employ quantitative research approach. Based on the research question of this study, an experimental design was chosen as a suitable descriptive design. Purposive sampling method was used to select three schools which involved 135 grade 10 mathematics learners. Stratified random sampling method was thereafter employed to select 45 learners from each school for the study. The learners were grouped in each school as top, average and weak based on their performance in Algebra in term one. Pre-questionnaire and post-questionnaire were used to obtain data regarding challenges learners experience in simplifying addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. Ethical clearance from the relevant school and university authorities were obtained. On the first two days, the researcher briefed the school authorities and learners and explained to them the purpose and details of the study. Day three was used to administer the pre-questionnaire test, thereafter, the next ten days were used to teach addition and subtraction of both numeric and algebraic fractions with same and different numerators and denominators. The next two days were used for revision and the last day was used to administer the postquestionnaire test out 25 marks. The respondent rate was 98.5%. The data collected were analysed by using SPSS version 16.10. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The pre-questionnaire scores revealed that majority of the learners’ perceived fractions as two separate entities and as a result add or subtract numerator to numerator and denominator to denominator. It was also discovered that learners had a challenge in finding LCM of algebraic fractions. A t-Test for independent means was used to test the following hypotheses at 𝛼 = 0.05: 𝐇𝟎: The CSA approach and drill-practice intervention has no significant effect on Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions; 𝐇𝟏: The CSA approach and drill-practice will significantly enhance Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. The t-Test revealed a p-value of 0.139 which was statistically significant at 𝛼 = 0.05. Therefore, the researcher rejected the null hypothesis and concluded that the CSA approach and drill-practice have significantly enhanced the Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify algebraic fractions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effectiveness of technical analysis as an investment instrument in the financial markets
- Authors: Jacobs, Marius Stephen
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Technical analysis (Investment analysis) -- South Africa , Financial security -- South Africa , Futures -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7473 , vital:21785
- Description: This study was conducted in order to assess the effectiveness of technical analysis as a tool for financial security price forecasting. This form of analysis was examined so as to determine whether or not any benefit could be attributed to an investor or financial trader who applied it. Two technical trading strategies, consisting of three indicators each, were applied to fifteen financial securities over a five year period; so as to observe the price forecasting signals offered by the technical indicators. The resulting technical signals offered by the trading strategies were recorded and assessed for accuracy; allowing for various observations to be made; namely the forecasting precision of the technical strategies, the application of technical analysis in the equity and foreign exchange markets, the use of single or multiple technical indicators within a strategy, and the combining of technical analysis with fundamental analysis. The results indicated that the effective implementation of technical analysis could very well benefit the price forecasting practices of financial analysts and investors. However, it was determined that a fair amount of discretion on behalf of the analyst would be required when examining the signals offered by the technical indicators for the purpose of predicting financial security price movements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Jacobs, Marius Stephen
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Technical analysis (Investment analysis) -- South Africa , Financial security -- South Africa , Futures -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7473 , vital:21785
- Description: This study was conducted in order to assess the effectiveness of technical analysis as a tool for financial security price forecasting. This form of analysis was examined so as to determine whether or not any benefit could be attributed to an investor or financial trader who applied it. Two technical trading strategies, consisting of three indicators each, were applied to fifteen financial securities over a five year period; so as to observe the price forecasting signals offered by the technical indicators. The resulting technical signals offered by the trading strategies were recorded and assessed for accuracy; allowing for various observations to be made; namely the forecasting precision of the technical strategies, the application of technical analysis in the equity and foreign exchange markets, the use of single or multiple technical indicators within a strategy, and the combining of technical analysis with fundamental analysis. The results indicated that the effective implementation of technical analysis could very well benefit the price forecasting practices of financial analysts and investors. However, it was determined that a fair amount of discretion on behalf of the analyst would be required when examining the signals offered by the technical indicators for the purpose of predicting financial security price movements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effectiveness of school nutrition programme of the Eastern Cape Department of Education
- Authors: Ndilele, Theodora Zola
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School children -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Children -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2005 , vital:27593
- Description: This dissertation is about the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) in South Africa. This Programme was introduced by government in 1994 with the aim of alleviating poverty; unemployment and improving learning capacity of children. Specifically, it is intended to help poor children and to empower poverty-stricken communities, particularly in the rural areas across all the nine provinces. The focus of this study is on the investigation of effectiveness and efficient management of the Programme in the Eastern Cape Province, with specific reference to Mhlontlo District. Mhlontlo district is one of the predominantly rural areas in the province of the Eastern Cape, a remote area characterized by high levels of poverty and unemployment, and low levels of infrastructural developments. Surrounding Schools in the area are also affected by these problems. Learners at these schools are from poor families. It is for this reason that this scheme becomes important as it is most needed and, to effectively and efficiently realise its intended objectives, it must be properly managed. The main theme of the study revolves around effective and efficient service delivery that must be taken as the first priority in the management of NSNP. Factors that contribute to efficiency and effectiveness must be taken into consideration by all stakeholders and are outlined as follows: The aims in this study is to assess the effectiveness of management of the National School Nutrition Programme at Mhlontlo district in the eastern Cape, to identity shortcomings in the management of the Programme and to suggest possible remedies to improve the management of the Programme to effective service delivery. Against the background of the problem statement, the following questions were posited. How can the management of the National School Nutrition Programme with specific reference to Mhlontlo district be enhanced to ensure that its intended objectives are realized? What effect will improved management have on service delivery in the National School Nutrition Programme? And how will adherence to the Batho Pele Principles improve service delivery in schools with regard to the National School Nutrition Programme? The target population in this study was the learners, teachers and community of Schools around Mhlontlo District whose children are being catered for at school as respondents. Statistics of learners who are beneficiaries of this programme were obtained from surrounding Schools. The percentage of the response to the questions led to the results that services are not delivered as effectively as expected. The study concluded by recommendations of what national and provincial department of Education are required to do together with the school, service providers and the community in order to improve service delivery in schools that participate in the NSNP. Finally, the NSNP is for the deprived citizens of South Africa. The onus is on the community of Mhlontlo District, service providers, teachers and education authorities responsible for the NSNP to work together to make the programme effective for advancing the development of young people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ndilele, Theodora Zola
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School children -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Children -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2005 , vital:27593
- Description: This dissertation is about the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) in South Africa. This Programme was introduced by government in 1994 with the aim of alleviating poverty; unemployment and improving learning capacity of children. Specifically, it is intended to help poor children and to empower poverty-stricken communities, particularly in the rural areas across all the nine provinces. The focus of this study is on the investigation of effectiveness and efficient management of the Programme in the Eastern Cape Province, with specific reference to Mhlontlo District. Mhlontlo district is one of the predominantly rural areas in the province of the Eastern Cape, a remote area characterized by high levels of poverty and unemployment, and low levels of infrastructural developments. Surrounding Schools in the area are also affected by these problems. Learners at these schools are from poor families. It is for this reason that this scheme becomes important as it is most needed and, to effectively and efficiently realise its intended objectives, it must be properly managed. The main theme of the study revolves around effective and efficient service delivery that must be taken as the first priority in the management of NSNP. Factors that contribute to efficiency and effectiveness must be taken into consideration by all stakeholders and are outlined as follows: The aims in this study is to assess the effectiveness of management of the National School Nutrition Programme at Mhlontlo district in the eastern Cape, to identity shortcomings in the management of the Programme and to suggest possible remedies to improve the management of the Programme to effective service delivery. Against the background of the problem statement, the following questions were posited. How can the management of the National School Nutrition Programme with specific reference to Mhlontlo district be enhanced to ensure that its intended objectives are realized? What effect will improved management have on service delivery in the National School Nutrition Programme? And how will adherence to the Batho Pele Principles improve service delivery in schools with regard to the National School Nutrition Programme? The target population in this study was the learners, teachers and community of Schools around Mhlontlo District whose children are being catered for at school as respondents. Statistics of learners who are beneficiaries of this programme were obtained from surrounding Schools. The percentage of the response to the questions led to the results that services are not delivered as effectively as expected. The study concluded by recommendations of what national and provincial department of Education are required to do together with the school, service providers and the community in order to improve service delivery in schools that participate in the NSNP. Finally, the NSNP is for the deprived citizens of South Africa. The onus is on the community of Mhlontlo District, service providers, teachers and education authorities responsible for the NSNP to work together to make the programme effective for advancing the development of young people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effectiveness of research management at a selected higher education institution
- Authors: Koeberg, Algene Maria
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Research -- Management Education, Higher -- Research , Research institutes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47959 , vital:40456
- Description: Due to the importance of research in creating sustainability of knowledge, active research management has become a highly strategic function within progressive universities. The practice of research management and administration (RMA) in higher education and elsewhere has developed considerably over the last ten to fifteen years to become an activity that encompasses significant elements of institutional strategy, policy, governance, profile, finance, people management, postgraduate research, assessment, systems, and so on.The objective of the study was to improve research administration at the selected Higher Education Institution by investigating the role of strategic planning or an institutional research plan in the university‟s research portfolio and how effective and efficient it is in terms of research administration and service delivery to staff and students. A detailed literature review was conducted on the research trends in South Africa and globally, as well as on research management in higher education. A qualitative approach was used as the most appropriate research methodology for this study.In a selected South African university, the study investigated whether an Institutional Research Plan exists within its Research Office and whether the latter is effective and efficient with regards to research administration. A questionnaire was developed to survey the directors of the NMMU Research Office. Another questionnaire was developed to survey the postgraduate students‟ and staff members‟ perceptions about the quality of services that they received from the Research Office. The results were analysed and, based on the findings, recommendations were made for further research.The empirical results show that the selected higher education institution has an Institutional Research Plan located in the institution‟s Strategic Plan. Students and staff members surveyed in the study are largely satisfied with the services they received. The study also revealed factors that negatively impact the research office in this university, namely funding constraints due to historical political views about the institution; inadequate support from other support services within institutions; and uncompetitive salaries to attract and retain strong research academics. The study provides insights into the research function of the selected university and makes recommendations on how this function could be improved in other similar institutions. In this way, the study attempts to contribute to the body of knowledge on research management at higher education institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Koeberg, Algene Maria
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Research -- Management Education, Higher -- Research , Research institutes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47959 , vital:40456
- Description: Due to the importance of research in creating sustainability of knowledge, active research management has become a highly strategic function within progressive universities. The practice of research management and administration (RMA) in higher education and elsewhere has developed considerably over the last ten to fifteen years to become an activity that encompasses significant elements of institutional strategy, policy, governance, profile, finance, people management, postgraduate research, assessment, systems, and so on.The objective of the study was to improve research administration at the selected Higher Education Institution by investigating the role of strategic planning or an institutional research plan in the university‟s research portfolio and how effective and efficient it is in terms of research administration and service delivery to staff and students. A detailed literature review was conducted on the research trends in South Africa and globally, as well as on research management in higher education. A qualitative approach was used as the most appropriate research methodology for this study.In a selected South African university, the study investigated whether an Institutional Research Plan exists within its Research Office and whether the latter is effective and efficient with regards to research administration. A questionnaire was developed to survey the directors of the NMMU Research Office. Another questionnaire was developed to survey the postgraduate students‟ and staff members‟ perceptions about the quality of services that they received from the Research Office. The results were analysed and, based on the findings, recommendations were made for further research.The empirical results show that the selected higher education institution has an Institutional Research Plan located in the institution‟s Strategic Plan. Students and staff members surveyed in the study are largely satisfied with the services they received. The study also revealed factors that negatively impact the research office in this university, namely funding constraints due to historical political views about the institution; inadequate support from other support services within institutions; and uncompetitive salaries to attract and retain strong research academics. The study provides insights into the research function of the selected university and makes recommendations on how this function could be improved in other similar institutions. In this way, the study attempts to contribute to the body of knowledge on research management at higher education institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effectiveness of internal financial controls with specific reference to the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Basic Education
- Authors: Tini, Sabelo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Education -- Finance School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1896 , vital:27577
- Description: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of internal financial controls with specific reference to the Eastern Cape provincial department of basic education. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire was filled by the respondents who are directly involved in processing payments and procuring for the departments. The findings have shown that Internal control system does exists within the department however the implementation and monitoring of its effectiveness needs to be strengthened. The findings show that the internal control system have an important role to play in attaining desired positive results within the department. Internal control effectiveness is one of the most important aspects in any organisation, whether in a private sector or in the public sector. It determines the stewardship of an entity’s management. The PFMA states that the accounting officer of a department must ensure that that department has and maintains effective, efficient and transparent systems of financial and risk management and internal control. If public officials could strictly adhere to the stipulated internal controls, there will be a positive response to accountability and also in service delivery as expected by the citizens. Public accountability gives a reflection on how does the entity conducts its business affairs in terms of adhering to the norms and standards as prescribed by the law and whether there are any strong controls to prevent acts of fraud and corruption.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Tini, Sabelo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Education -- Finance School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1896 , vital:27577
- Description: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of internal financial controls with specific reference to the Eastern Cape provincial department of basic education. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire was filled by the respondents who are directly involved in processing payments and procuring for the departments. The findings have shown that Internal control system does exists within the department however the implementation and monitoring of its effectiveness needs to be strengthened. The findings show that the internal control system have an important role to play in attaining desired positive results within the department. Internal control effectiveness is one of the most important aspects in any organisation, whether in a private sector or in the public sector. It determines the stewardship of an entity’s management. The PFMA states that the accounting officer of a department must ensure that that department has and maintains effective, efficient and transparent systems of financial and risk management and internal control. If public officials could strictly adhere to the stipulated internal controls, there will be a positive response to accountability and also in service delivery as expected by the citizens. Public accountability gives a reflection on how does the entity conducts its business affairs in terms of adhering to the norms and standards as prescribed by the law and whether there are any strong controls to prevent acts of fraud and corruption.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effectiveness of brain-compatible blended learning material in the teaching of programming logic
- Van Niekerk, Johannes Frederick, Webb, Paul
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johannes Frederick , Webb, Paul
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Blended learning -- South Africa , Learning, Psychology of , Computer-assisted instruction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45344 , vital:38572
- Description: Blended learning is an educational approach which integrates seemingly distinct educational approaches such as face-to-face and online experiences. In a blended learning environment, the classroom lectures can, for example, be augmented with learning material opened in a variety of technologically delivered formats. Brain-compatible learning is an approach to education which stems from a combination of neuroscience and educational psychology. Brain compatible learning is not a formalised education approach or recipe for teachers', instead it provides a `set of principles and a base of knowledge and skills upon which we can make better decisions about the learning process. While the electiveness of education based on brain-compatible learning principles have been proven in a classroom environment, very little knowledge exists regarding its use in an e-learning environment. The purpose of this research was to determine whether an e-learning intervention which was designed according to brain-compatible learning principles would have an elect on student motivation to learn and on student achievement in the subject Technical programming 1. An e-learning based educational intervention which incorporated several brain-compatible learning principles was designed and administered as a controlled experiment intervention. The impact of the research experiment was measured both qualitatively using an purpose-designed instrument and quantitatively through an analysis of the formal assessments for this subject. The findings of this study, namely that brain-compatible learning principles can be used in an e-learning environment and that e-learning material which adheres to brain-compatible education principles have a positive elect on Technical Programming 1 students' achievement and motivation to learn, appear to be meaningful contributions to the current debate on blended learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effectiveness of brain-compatible blended learning material in the teaching of programming logic
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johannes Frederick , Webb, Paul
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Blended learning -- South Africa , Learning, Psychology of , Computer-assisted instruction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45344 , vital:38572
- Description: Blended learning is an educational approach which integrates seemingly distinct educational approaches such as face-to-face and online experiences. In a blended learning environment, the classroom lectures can, for example, be augmented with learning material opened in a variety of technologically delivered formats. Brain-compatible learning is an approach to education which stems from a combination of neuroscience and educational psychology. Brain compatible learning is not a formalised education approach or recipe for teachers', instead it provides a `set of principles and a base of knowledge and skills upon which we can make better decisions about the learning process. While the electiveness of education based on brain-compatible learning principles have been proven in a classroom environment, very little knowledge exists regarding its use in an e-learning environment. The purpose of this research was to determine whether an e-learning intervention which was designed according to brain-compatible learning principles would have an elect on student motivation to learn and on student achievement in the subject Technical programming 1. An e-learning based educational intervention which incorporated several brain-compatible learning principles was designed and administered as a controlled experiment intervention. The impact of the research experiment was measured both qualitatively using an purpose-designed instrument and quantitatively through an analysis of the formal assessments for this subject. The findings of this study, namely that brain-compatible learning principles can be used in an e-learning environment and that e-learning material which adheres to brain-compatible education principles have a positive elect on Technical Programming 1 students' achievement and motivation to learn, appear to be meaningful contributions to the current debate on blended learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effective management of customer orders received by a pharmaceutical manufacturer
- Authors: Botha, Risca
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- Customer services , Business logistics , Physical distribution of goods -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9087 , vital:26463
- Description: There is a great need for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to provide its customers with the right product at the right time, place and price and also to deliver the product in the right quantity and quality. Should pharmaceutical customers not receive their orders on time from the pharmaceutical manufacturer, the customers might face out-of-stock situations. As a result, the patients or customers might turn to an alternative product from a different pharmaceutical manufacturer, which has the required stock readily available. This could lead to loss in sales and even death amongst its customers. The main objective of this study was to determine the key factors that form part of the demand and operations planning strategies to ensure that these factors are in place to effectively manage and execute the supply chain and logistics processes to reduce possible out-of-stock situations amongst its customers. As a starting point to the study, an analysis was performed based on the review of relevant research and literature from various text books, journals, publications, as well as internet sources. The literature study covered various aspects such as demand planning, production planning, the use of different demand and operations planning strategies, as well as the importance of continuous internal and external customer service levels to ensure that customer orders are delivered on time. The analysis of the literature review was used to establish a theoretical basis for the design and structure of the questionnaire that was used as a research instrument in this study. A survey was conducted amongst the employees that are responsible for executing the supply chain and logistics processes within Aspen Pharmacare. These employees resided within the three main departments of the pharmaceutical manufacturer, namely, the Demand and Operations Planning, Production and Packing, as well as the Warehouse and Distribution departments. Each question posed in the questionnaire related to the role of each employee within these departments that are responsible for the logistics processes within Aspen Pharmacare. The empirical results from the study indicated that the respondents were in support that specific key factors are important for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to manage incoming customer orders efficiently and effectively to reduce possible out-of-stock situations amongst its end customers. However, the respondents also highlighted that there were a number of obstacles preventing them from implementing the key factors that are required to manage incoming customer orders more efficiently within the pharmaceutical manufacturer. Some of these obstacles include: the lack of pro- activeness; lack of accountability; and the lack of constant communication between the employees from the three main departments. Furthermore, incomplete hand-over information during shift changes amongst the employees of the Production and Packing department created unnecessary down-time. Also, the employees from the Warehouse and Distribution department were not informed timeously when changes to the production schedule were made. These obstacles will have a negative impact on the ultimate customer delivery dates and need to be addressed. The empirical results highlighted some recommendations to assist pharmaceutical manufacturing companies to more effectively and efficiently manage their incoming customer orders to reduce or eliminate any possible out-of-stock situations amongst its end customers. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the three main departments; to react immediately to out-of-stock products; and to ensure that internal and external customer service levels are adhered to at all times. The implementation of the recommendations based on the empirical findings of the study will assist the pharmaceutical manufacturing company to achieve excellence and to become a world-class supplier of generic pharmaceutical products. In this way, all incoming customer orders can be fulfilled on time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Botha, Risca
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- Customer services , Business logistics , Physical distribution of goods -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9087 , vital:26463
- Description: There is a great need for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to provide its customers with the right product at the right time, place and price and also to deliver the product in the right quantity and quality. Should pharmaceutical customers not receive their orders on time from the pharmaceutical manufacturer, the customers might face out-of-stock situations. As a result, the patients or customers might turn to an alternative product from a different pharmaceutical manufacturer, which has the required stock readily available. This could lead to loss in sales and even death amongst its customers. The main objective of this study was to determine the key factors that form part of the demand and operations planning strategies to ensure that these factors are in place to effectively manage and execute the supply chain and logistics processes to reduce possible out-of-stock situations amongst its customers. As a starting point to the study, an analysis was performed based on the review of relevant research and literature from various text books, journals, publications, as well as internet sources. The literature study covered various aspects such as demand planning, production planning, the use of different demand and operations planning strategies, as well as the importance of continuous internal and external customer service levels to ensure that customer orders are delivered on time. The analysis of the literature review was used to establish a theoretical basis for the design and structure of the questionnaire that was used as a research instrument in this study. A survey was conducted amongst the employees that are responsible for executing the supply chain and logistics processes within Aspen Pharmacare. These employees resided within the three main departments of the pharmaceutical manufacturer, namely, the Demand and Operations Planning, Production and Packing, as well as the Warehouse and Distribution departments. Each question posed in the questionnaire related to the role of each employee within these departments that are responsible for the logistics processes within Aspen Pharmacare. The empirical results from the study indicated that the respondents were in support that specific key factors are important for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to manage incoming customer orders efficiently and effectively to reduce possible out-of-stock situations amongst its end customers. However, the respondents also highlighted that there were a number of obstacles preventing them from implementing the key factors that are required to manage incoming customer orders more efficiently within the pharmaceutical manufacturer. Some of these obstacles include: the lack of pro- activeness; lack of accountability; and the lack of constant communication between the employees from the three main departments. Furthermore, incomplete hand-over information during shift changes amongst the employees of the Production and Packing department created unnecessary down-time. Also, the employees from the Warehouse and Distribution department were not informed timeously when changes to the production schedule were made. These obstacles will have a negative impact on the ultimate customer delivery dates and need to be addressed. The empirical results highlighted some recommendations to assist pharmaceutical manufacturing companies to more effectively and efficiently manage their incoming customer orders to reduce or eliminate any possible out-of-stock situations amongst its end customers. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the three main departments; to react immediately to out-of-stock products; and to ensure that internal and external customer service levels are adhered to at all times. The implementation of the recommendations based on the empirical findings of the study will assist the pharmaceutical manufacturing company to achieve excellence and to become a world-class supplier of generic pharmaceutical products. In this way, all incoming customer orders can be fulfilled on time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effect of on-site wellness programs on absenteeism, presenteeism, stress and health care costs
- Authors: Gxolo, Zingisani Mzontsundu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee health promotion -- Economic aspects Absenteeism (Labor)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14323 , vital:27570
- Description: The prevalence of health risk behaviours is growing among South African employees. The deteriorating health of the public and the costs there off, which arise from making unhealthy choices about one’s lifestyle, are a major cause of many preventable Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD’s). The effect of these NCD’s on an organisation can result in employees’ ill health and negative stress, which in turn can lead to absenteeism, presenteeism and thus decreased productivity. Several studies propose that the absenteeism together with presenteeism can cost an organisation up to three times as much as medical costs with stress also being flagged as a severe work-related hazard. Literature shows that ill health affects employee ability to function optimally, thus indirectly affects productivity. Studies on on-site wellness programs, although they report savings in health care costs and increase in productivity, their true effectiveness is not sufficiently measured. To add to this, there is a paucity of work that exists regarding the benefits of on-site wellness programs in South Africa. It is suggested that data about the effect of successful wellness programs does not always make its way to academic literature, thus the observed shortage in investment on such programs from South African companies. This study we aim to find out the effect of on-site wellness programs on absenteeism, presenteeism, stress and health care costs. The results oppose what literature findings report. Reasons for these findings are therefore speculated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Gxolo, Zingisani Mzontsundu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee health promotion -- Economic aspects Absenteeism (Labor)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14323 , vital:27570
- Description: The prevalence of health risk behaviours is growing among South African employees. The deteriorating health of the public and the costs there off, which arise from making unhealthy choices about one’s lifestyle, are a major cause of many preventable Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD’s). The effect of these NCD’s on an organisation can result in employees’ ill health and negative stress, which in turn can lead to absenteeism, presenteeism and thus decreased productivity. Several studies propose that the absenteeism together with presenteeism can cost an organisation up to three times as much as medical costs with stress also being flagged as a severe work-related hazard. Literature shows that ill health affects employee ability to function optimally, thus indirectly affects productivity. Studies on on-site wellness programs, although they report savings in health care costs and increase in productivity, their true effectiveness is not sufficiently measured. To add to this, there is a paucity of work that exists regarding the benefits of on-site wellness programs in South Africa. It is suggested that data about the effect of successful wellness programs does not always make its way to academic literature, thus the observed shortage in investment on such programs from South African companies. This study we aim to find out the effect of on-site wellness programs on absenteeism, presenteeism, stress and health care costs. The results oppose what literature findings report. Reasons for these findings are therefore speculated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effect of novel thiazole-derived small molecules on the neuronal differentiation of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells
- Authors: Joos-Vandewalle, Julia
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64507 , vital:28554
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Joos-Vandewalle, Julia
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64507 , vital:28554
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effect of interest rates on investment spending: an empirical analysis of South Africa
- Authors: Dakin, Nicholas John
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1131 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021174
- Description: This thesis investigates the nature and strength of the relationship between short-, medium-, and long-term real interest rates and capital investment spending at both the aggregate and disaggregate levels in South Africa in order to determine whether changes in the real interest rate affect the level of capital investment in the economy. This thesis used quarterly data for the period 1987 to 2013. VAR modelling, variance decompositions, impulse response functions and Granger causality tests are used to explore the nature and strength of the relationship between interest rates and investment spending. It is found that interest rates explain very little of the variation in investment spending and seem to have little impact on investment (of any type). Furthermore, short-, medium- and long-term interest rates have different effects on the level of investment spending. A rise in short-term interest rates appears to decrease the level of investment spending in the long-run, whereas a rise in long-term interest rates results in an increase in investment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Dakin, Nicholas John
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1131 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021174
- Description: This thesis investigates the nature and strength of the relationship between short-, medium-, and long-term real interest rates and capital investment spending at both the aggregate and disaggregate levels in South Africa in order to determine whether changes in the real interest rate affect the level of capital investment in the economy. This thesis used quarterly data for the period 1987 to 2013. VAR modelling, variance decompositions, impulse response functions and Granger causality tests are used to explore the nature and strength of the relationship between interest rates and investment spending. It is found that interest rates explain very little of the variation in investment spending and seem to have little impact on investment (of any type). Furthermore, short-, medium- and long-term interest rates have different effects on the level of investment spending. A rise in short-term interest rates appears to decrease the level of investment spending in the long-run, whereas a rise in long-term interest rates results in an increase in investment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effect of foreign direct investment on economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Mbeki, Zizipho
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Public investments -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa , Investments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11166 , vital:26890
- Description: The effect of FDI on economic growth is not a straight jacket. Literature has shown that the effect of FDI on economic growth can be either positive or negative. The positive effects of FDI can be caused by increase in output stimulated by new technological innovations and increase in capital flows. The negative effects could result in a ‘crowding out’ effect on domestic investments, external vulnerability and dependence, destructive competition of foreign affiliates with domestic firms, and market stealing effect due to poor absorptive capacity.This treatise will attempt to shed light on the effect foreign direct investment has on economic growth in South Africa in order to ascertain whether a positive or negative relationship exists between these two variables. This study thus aims to investigate, analyse and estimate the extent to which FDI impacts economic growth in South Africa. The findings of this research will provide policymakers, commercial businesses and scholars with relevant updated theoretical and empirical results that will assist relevant government policy makers in generating effective measures of attracting FDI if it proves to be beneficial for the host country. If the results of the study prove that FDIs do not generate positive spill over effects then the policymakers are thus obliged to formulate policies that will discourage FDIs from penetrating the host country’s economy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mbeki, Zizipho
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Public investments -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa , Investments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11166 , vital:26890
- Description: The effect of FDI on economic growth is not a straight jacket. Literature has shown that the effect of FDI on economic growth can be either positive or negative. The positive effects of FDI can be caused by increase in output stimulated by new technological innovations and increase in capital flows. The negative effects could result in a ‘crowding out’ effect on domestic investments, external vulnerability and dependence, destructive competition of foreign affiliates with domestic firms, and market stealing effect due to poor absorptive capacity.This treatise will attempt to shed light on the effect foreign direct investment has on economic growth in South Africa in order to ascertain whether a positive or negative relationship exists between these two variables. This study thus aims to investigate, analyse and estimate the extent to which FDI impacts economic growth in South Africa. The findings of this research will provide policymakers, commercial businesses and scholars with relevant updated theoretical and empirical results that will assist relevant government policy makers in generating effective measures of attracting FDI if it proves to be beneficial for the host country. If the results of the study prove that FDIs do not generate positive spill over effects then the policymakers are thus obliged to formulate policies that will discourage FDIs from penetrating the host country’s economy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effect of English as a medium of instruction on the academic performance of students in life orientation at Dower Campus of the Port Elizabeth College
- Authors: Magxaki, Akhona
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth English language -- Ability testing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14697 , vital:27825
- Description: South Africa is a country with 11 official languages including English. English, however, dominates the educational sector, as medium of instruction. This is despite a plethora of research that shows the cognitive advantages of mother tongue instruction and language policies that promote additive bilingual approaches. As subtractive language approaches characterise poor schooling contexts, the outcomes for students are poor. This is because they do not develop proficiency in any language. The abolition of apartheid in South Africa and the advent of democracy in 1994 resulted in dramatic changes in the education system. Nevertheless, the medium of instruction from Grade four has remained English. Consequently, for the majority of the population the education is in their second language. This study takes place in the higher education setting of a TVET college, namely the Dower Campus in Port Elizabeth. It focuses specifically on Level 2 (first year) Life Orientation students to consider the effect English has, as medium of instruction, on the academic performance of students. There is concern about the status of TVET colleges. Even though the higher education sector has transformed, these skills based colleges are still given inferior status in the eyes of the general public and students themselves. These students may be particularly at risk of success given that they have lower entry requirements than other students in the higher education sector. The subject Life Orientation was used to examine the effect of English on student performance. Life Orientation has come under scrutiny for its usefulness and it cognitive value. This study argues that it is a valuable subject for students at colleges, equipping them with knowledge to succeed at studies and in society at large. However, the pass rates for Life Orientation have been consistently low. The study wanted to probe the role of English in this performance. To address the aims and objectives of this study, relevant literature and various multilingual approaches were reviewed to determine which strategies might be most effective in helping students cope with English as medium of instruction. The study also presents a case for the development of indigenous languages as medium of instruction. The study used a mixed methods approach, that is both qualitative and quantitative methods, to explore the use, attitude and perceptions of English among lecturers and students. The research used an interpretive approach and the study took the form of a case study. The researcher took the stance of being a non-participant observer. Qualitative data was obtained through the use of interviews while quantitative data was obtained through the use of questionnaires. The interviews were recorded and transcribed by a transcriber. Data was analysed using a thematic approach. The results showed that majority of the students did not speak English frequently nor had it as a home language yet they all had a positive regard for the language. Many factors were responsible for student performance in Life Orientation such as attitude to subject, theoretical versus practical components of the subject and student background. However, the medium of instruction played a large role in this performance. Though lecturers foregrounded the importance of English as medium of instruction, they recognise that it was a barrier to understanding and affected student performance. Analysis of the lecturer interviews and the questionnaires with students revealed that students were experiencing difficulty speaking, reading and writing in English. Lecturers adapted their teaching strategies when teaching by including translanguaging strategies of code-switching to facilitate understanding. The data also indicated that code switching was considered by the lecturers to be the most suitable method in teaching to student. Code-meshing and written translations of material were not strategies employed by lecturers. Students indicated that they would prefer to write assignments drafts initially in mother tongue. The findings also suggested that it was necessary for the lecturer to use a variety of multilingual strategies to ensure that students enjoy success in Life Orientation. Based on the findings, this study makes recommendations regarding the teaching and learning of English to students which includes the use of multilingual classroom strategies, collaboration with language lecturers and development of a multilingual language policy to aid in the understanding and acquisition of English terminology used in LO content. Such a language policy should also seek to develop indigenous languages as mediums of instructions at the college.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Magxaki, Akhona
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth English language -- Ability testing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14697 , vital:27825
- Description: South Africa is a country with 11 official languages including English. English, however, dominates the educational sector, as medium of instruction. This is despite a plethora of research that shows the cognitive advantages of mother tongue instruction and language policies that promote additive bilingual approaches. As subtractive language approaches characterise poor schooling contexts, the outcomes for students are poor. This is because they do not develop proficiency in any language. The abolition of apartheid in South Africa and the advent of democracy in 1994 resulted in dramatic changes in the education system. Nevertheless, the medium of instruction from Grade four has remained English. Consequently, for the majority of the population the education is in their second language. This study takes place in the higher education setting of a TVET college, namely the Dower Campus in Port Elizabeth. It focuses specifically on Level 2 (first year) Life Orientation students to consider the effect English has, as medium of instruction, on the academic performance of students. There is concern about the status of TVET colleges. Even though the higher education sector has transformed, these skills based colleges are still given inferior status in the eyes of the general public and students themselves. These students may be particularly at risk of success given that they have lower entry requirements than other students in the higher education sector. The subject Life Orientation was used to examine the effect of English on student performance. Life Orientation has come under scrutiny for its usefulness and it cognitive value. This study argues that it is a valuable subject for students at colleges, equipping them with knowledge to succeed at studies and in society at large. However, the pass rates for Life Orientation have been consistently low. The study wanted to probe the role of English in this performance. To address the aims and objectives of this study, relevant literature and various multilingual approaches were reviewed to determine which strategies might be most effective in helping students cope with English as medium of instruction. The study also presents a case for the development of indigenous languages as medium of instruction. The study used a mixed methods approach, that is both qualitative and quantitative methods, to explore the use, attitude and perceptions of English among lecturers and students. The research used an interpretive approach and the study took the form of a case study. The researcher took the stance of being a non-participant observer. Qualitative data was obtained through the use of interviews while quantitative data was obtained through the use of questionnaires. The interviews were recorded and transcribed by a transcriber. Data was analysed using a thematic approach. The results showed that majority of the students did not speak English frequently nor had it as a home language yet they all had a positive regard for the language. Many factors were responsible for student performance in Life Orientation such as attitude to subject, theoretical versus practical components of the subject and student background. However, the medium of instruction played a large role in this performance. Though lecturers foregrounded the importance of English as medium of instruction, they recognise that it was a barrier to understanding and affected student performance. Analysis of the lecturer interviews and the questionnaires with students revealed that students were experiencing difficulty speaking, reading and writing in English. Lecturers adapted their teaching strategies when teaching by including translanguaging strategies of code-switching to facilitate understanding. The data also indicated that code switching was considered by the lecturers to be the most suitable method in teaching to student. Code-meshing and written translations of material were not strategies employed by lecturers. Students indicated that they would prefer to write assignments drafts initially in mother tongue. The findings also suggested that it was necessary for the lecturer to use a variety of multilingual strategies to ensure that students enjoy success in Life Orientation. Based on the findings, this study makes recommendations regarding the teaching and learning of English to students which includes the use of multilingual classroom strategies, collaboration with language lecturers and development of a multilingual language policy to aid in the understanding and acquisition of English terminology used in LO content. Such a language policy should also seek to develop indigenous languages as mediums of instructions at the college.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effect of different land uses on household livelihoods in Tale Ga-Morudu Communal Property Association
- Authors: Ramaloko, Thomas Tshwantshi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Land use -- South Africa -- Limpopo Reparations for historical injustices -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14146 , vital:27436
- Description: This study is about a population of 235 households in Blouberg municipality, Limpopo Province, that constituted itself in 2004 into a Communal Property Association. The Tale Ga-Morudu CPA was formed in order to own, manage and control a total of seventeen farms which were progressively restituted to them during 2004 by the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights. Tale Ga-Morudu households were dispossessed and forcefully removed from a number of fertile, arable and irrigable farms1in the 1960s due to racially discriminatory laws or practices. These households were then relocated by the then apartheid regime on the eastern part of Mogalakwena River. They were distributed in the arid communal areas of Laanglagte/Vergelegen, Matekereng; Ga- Mankgodi; Letswatla and Mamoleka under the traditional leadership of Kgoshi Maleboho of BabinaTšhwene. (Map one). It is the aim of this study to find out how Tale Ga-Morudu CPA currently uses these restituted farms for the households who have said to have benefited from restituted land. The researcher used his own observations, lessons and analysis of perspectives from case studies conducted from Limpopo in order to pursue this aim. This study adopted a descriptive household survey design that used a predominantly quantitative approach, and the use of qualitative methods to complement contextual details. A quantitative questionnaire was used on a sample unit of (20%) 45 households obtained by simple random sampling from a population of 235 households of the CPA. Other qualitative methods include focus group discussion, document review and observation. From the results it is clear that land claimants, prefer to retain existing practices of land use, than risk changes in land use in order to meet their socio-economic needs. Thus, instead of investing in commercial agriculture or wildlife farming, people follow subsistence agriculture and remain dependent on social grants and pensions for their livelihood. The general study findings show that the CPA planned to implement different types of land use including those of direct land use value. These include food gardens, resettlement; game farming; poultry enterprises and livestock grazing, and also of indirect use value. The latter refers to contract crop cultivation, rentals and strategic partnerships. The study found that despite income being generated from indirect types of land use, the majority of these intended beneficiaries never benefited from accrued financial dividends of land rental and development. However, households were still able to take advantage of employment opportunities created by contract crop cultivation and in the process they acquired crop cultivation skills. Furthermore the harvesting of natural resources such as wood and poles also contribute to the wellness of households. Households, also derived cultural wellness and a sense of satisfaction by accessing their restored farms to perform rituals. The general conclusion of the study is that the CPA is underutilizing its properties, including arable and irrigable fields, rentable recreational facilities, game farming and its tourism potential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ramaloko, Thomas Tshwantshi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Land use -- South Africa -- Limpopo Reparations for historical injustices -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14146 , vital:27436
- Description: This study is about a population of 235 households in Blouberg municipality, Limpopo Province, that constituted itself in 2004 into a Communal Property Association. The Tale Ga-Morudu CPA was formed in order to own, manage and control a total of seventeen farms which were progressively restituted to them during 2004 by the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights. Tale Ga-Morudu households were dispossessed and forcefully removed from a number of fertile, arable and irrigable farms1in the 1960s due to racially discriminatory laws or practices. These households were then relocated by the then apartheid regime on the eastern part of Mogalakwena River. They were distributed in the arid communal areas of Laanglagte/Vergelegen, Matekereng; Ga- Mankgodi; Letswatla and Mamoleka under the traditional leadership of Kgoshi Maleboho of BabinaTšhwene. (Map one). It is the aim of this study to find out how Tale Ga-Morudu CPA currently uses these restituted farms for the households who have said to have benefited from restituted land. The researcher used his own observations, lessons and analysis of perspectives from case studies conducted from Limpopo in order to pursue this aim. This study adopted a descriptive household survey design that used a predominantly quantitative approach, and the use of qualitative methods to complement contextual details. A quantitative questionnaire was used on a sample unit of (20%) 45 households obtained by simple random sampling from a population of 235 households of the CPA. Other qualitative methods include focus group discussion, document review and observation. From the results it is clear that land claimants, prefer to retain existing practices of land use, than risk changes in land use in order to meet their socio-economic needs. Thus, instead of investing in commercial agriculture or wildlife farming, people follow subsistence agriculture and remain dependent on social grants and pensions for their livelihood. The general study findings show that the CPA planned to implement different types of land use including those of direct land use value. These include food gardens, resettlement; game farming; poultry enterprises and livestock grazing, and also of indirect use value. The latter refers to contract crop cultivation, rentals and strategic partnerships. The study found that despite income being generated from indirect types of land use, the majority of these intended beneficiaries never benefited from accrued financial dividends of land rental and development. However, households were still able to take advantage of employment opportunities created by contract crop cultivation and in the process they acquired crop cultivation skills. Furthermore the harvesting of natural resources such as wood and poles also contribute to the wellness of households. Households, also derived cultural wellness and a sense of satisfaction by accessing their restored farms to perform rituals. The general conclusion of the study is that the CPA is underutilizing its properties, including arable and irrigable fields, rentable recreational facilities, game farming and its tourism potential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effect of bond market on economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Dingela, Siyasanga
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Bond market -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7218 , vital:21306
- Description: This paper investigates the effect of bond market on economic growth in South Africa. Quarterly data for South Africa for the period 2003-2014 was used to develop a general- to- specific Auto-Regressive Distribution Lag (ARDL) approach. The empirical results confirm that there is a positive relationship between Bond market and economic growth in South Africa. A co-integrated relationship between economic growth, stock market and banking sector was noticed in both the long-run and short-runs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Dingela, Siyasanga
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Bond market -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7218 , vital:21306
- Description: This paper investigates the effect of bond market on economic growth in South Africa. Quarterly data for South Africa for the period 2003-2014 was used to develop a general- to- specific Auto-Regressive Distribution Lag (ARDL) approach. The empirical results confirm that there is a positive relationship between Bond market and economic growth in South Africa. A co-integrated relationship between economic growth, stock market and banking sector was noticed in both the long-run and short-runs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The dynamics of police regulation of sexual abuse of children in South Africa: the case of Grahamstown, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Van Blerk, Natasha
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3828 , vital:20546
- Description: This thesis investigates the current legislation and police protocols set in South Africa, specifically regarding their adequacy in protecting the country’s children from sexual abuse. It focuses on relevant legislative provisions and protocols, on sexual abuse of children and on an empirical study conducted amongst a variety of officials who represent the South African legislation at different levels. Trends, developments and problems are analysed and brought forward to raise an awareness on the severity of the issue of child sexual abuse. In addition, this thesis explores how the diversity within the community of Grahamstown, South Africa, should be considered to a higher degree in the legislation. There is a clear indication of a prevalent patriarchal hierarchy within the community which, in reality, makes women and children more vulnerable to sexual abuse. The methods used in this thesis involves purposive sampling, which led to one on one interviews between the researcher and participant. Thisthesis concludes with confirmation of the hypothesis whereby the South African legislation is not adequately protecting the rights of children in regards to sexual abuse. However, to fully adapt the legislation and make it as versatile and as effective the State hopes it to be, it is necessary to understand the society’s perception on women and children and to rectify it. As difficult as this may sound, it all begins with a strong and influential government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Van Blerk, Natasha
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3828 , vital:20546
- Description: This thesis investigates the current legislation and police protocols set in South Africa, specifically regarding their adequacy in protecting the country’s children from sexual abuse. It focuses on relevant legislative provisions and protocols, on sexual abuse of children and on an empirical study conducted amongst a variety of officials who represent the South African legislation at different levels. Trends, developments and problems are analysed and brought forward to raise an awareness on the severity of the issue of child sexual abuse. In addition, this thesis explores how the diversity within the community of Grahamstown, South Africa, should be considered to a higher degree in the legislation. There is a clear indication of a prevalent patriarchal hierarchy within the community which, in reality, makes women and children more vulnerable to sexual abuse. The methods used in this thesis involves purposive sampling, which led to one on one interviews between the researcher and participant. Thisthesis concludes with confirmation of the hypothesis whereby the South African legislation is not adequately protecting the rights of children in regards to sexual abuse. However, to fully adapt the legislation and make it as versatile and as effective the State hopes it to be, it is necessary to understand the society’s perception on women and children and to rectify it. As difficult as this may sound, it all begins with a strong and influential government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The dynamics of microalgal communities in response to environmental variables and nutrient fluxes in ephemeral wetlands in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole
- Authors: Lategan, Jodi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Vernal pool ecology -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Vernal pools -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. , patial ecology -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13138 , vital:27155
- Description: Ephemeral wetlands provide numerous ecosystem services, but are disappearing due to urbanisation and habitat fragmentation. Knowledge is required to conserve these systems, but ephemeral wetland research in South Africa is lacking. As primary producers, microalgae provide a key link between the biotic and abiotic components of aquatic ecosystems. Despite their importance, there is a paucity in information concerning microalgal dynamics in ephemeral wetlands. The aim of this study was to understand the spatial and temporal dynamics of microalgae in ephemeral wetlands of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. The research followed a funnel-based approach that assessed 35 wetlands at a regional level, followed by a temporal assessment of six wetlands, monitored biweekly, monthly or quarterly. Thereafter, a case study at local scale was carried out to address wetland connectivity and Hydrogeomorphic unit trends. The research culminated in a benthic flux chamber experiment, addressing the influence of microalgal-mediated processes on wetland development for a month post inundation. Phytoplankton biomass showed strong regional associations with rainfall zone, with Chl a concentrations of 17; 4.6; and 25 µg.L-1 in the high, intermediate and low rainfall zones, respectively. The MPB communities in Seeps, Depressions and Wetland flats, comprised between 45 and 60 % diatoms, whilst other microalgal groups were dominant in the water columns (> 90 %). Phytoplankton and MPB interactions facilitated significant night-time NH4+ and SRP effluxes, (1.5 and 0.4 mg.m-2.h-1, respectively) four days post inundation. High Silica uptake in the latter stages, was attributed to an increase in diatom abundance. Within the chambers, MPB growth was continuous whilst phytoplankton exhibited cyclical growth as the system approached dynamic equilibrium. This study demonstrated the importance of nutrient cycling in structuring aquatic food webs, and indicated the sensitivity of ephemeral wetlands to environmental perturbations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Lategan, Jodi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Vernal pool ecology -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Vernal pools -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. , patial ecology -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13138 , vital:27155
- Description: Ephemeral wetlands provide numerous ecosystem services, but are disappearing due to urbanisation and habitat fragmentation. Knowledge is required to conserve these systems, but ephemeral wetland research in South Africa is lacking. As primary producers, microalgae provide a key link between the biotic and abiotic components of aquatic ecosystems. Despite their importance, there is a paucity in information concerning microalgal dynamics in ephemeral wetlands. The aim of this study was to understand the spatial and temporal dynamics of microalgae in ephemeral wetlands of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. The research followed a funnel-based approach that assessed 35 wetlands at a regional level, followed by a temporal assessment of six wetlands, monitored biweekly, monthly or quarterly. Thereafter, a case study at local scale was carried out to address wetland connectivity and Hydrogeomorphic unit trends. The research culminated in a benthic flux chamber experiment, addressing the influence of microalgal-mediated processes on wetland development for a month post inundation. Phytoplankton biomass showed strong regional associations with rainfall zone, with Chl a concentrations of 17; 4.6; and 25 µg.L-1 in the high, intermediate and low rainfall zones, respectively. The MPB communities in Seeps, Depressions and Wetland flats, comprised between 45 and 60 % diatoms, whilst other microalgal groups were dominant in the water columns (> 90 %). Phytoplankton and MPB interactions facilitated significant night-time NH4+ and SRP effluxes, (1.5 and 0.4 mg.m-2.h-1, respectively) four days post inundation. High Silica uptake in the latter stages, was attributed to an increase in diatom abundance. Within the chambers, MPB growth was continuous whilst phytoplankton exhibited cyclical growth as the system approached dynamic equilibrium. This study demonstrated the importance of nutrient cycling in structuring aquatic food webs, and indicated the sensitivity of ephemeral wetlands to environmental perturbations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The drivers of customer satisfaction at National Dairy Equipment (NDE)
- Authors: Laubscher, Ryno
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction Quality of products , SERVQUAL (Service quality framework)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13085 , vital:27150
- Description: National Dairy Equipment (Pty) Ltd (NDE) is a privately owned stockist and distributor of stainless steel products and is a respected player in the South African stainless steel industry. NDE operates from within all four major cities in South Africa namely, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Durban. The organisation, with its wide range of corrosion resistant products, serves industries such as the architecture and construction, automotive, catering, and food and beverage industry. With the stainless steel industry growing in terms of the number of competitors, NDE performs a number of functions in order to achieve customer satisfaction. The general purpose of the study was to indentify the attributes that would act as drivers of customer satisfaction at NDE. Five attributes were identified namely, Service quality, Trust and commitment, Product quality, Commercial aspects and Reliability. The results of this study could assist managers at NDE in improving service delivery to customers. The literature study provided an overview of overall customer satisfaction and possible measurement models for customer satisfaction. Measurement models included, SERVQUAL, SERVPERF, the Two-factor theory, the Kano model and the Three-factor model. The latter proved to be of particular importance to the study as the model was used to classify the identified drivers into basic, performance and excitement factors. Furthermore, a literature review was provided based on each of the identified potential drivers of customer satisfaction. The empirical data needed to complete the study was collected by means of a survey, using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed by sales representatives at NDE. A total of 320 useable questionnaires were received. The study revealed the following: each of the five proposed attributes had a positive relationship with overall customer satisfaction,thus all five attributes were confirmed as drivers of customer satisfaction at NDE. Commercial aspects and Reliability were classified as basic satisfiers. Trust and commitment was classified as a performance satisfier, and Service quality was identified as the only excitement satisfier. Product quality did not receive any classification. All importance mean scores were higher than the corresponding satisfaction mean scores. This study contributed to the existing body of literature and is seemingly the first of its kind in the South African stainless steel industry. The study is also the first to attempt the measurement of overall customer satisfaction levels at NDE. The methodology used in the current study can be applied to stainless steel industries internationally, in order to verify whether the confirmed drivers would also act as drivers of satisfaction in a similar industry elsewhere in the world.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Laubscher, Ryno
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction Quality of products , SERVQUAL (Service quality framework)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13085 , vital:27150
- Description: National Dairy Equipment (Pty) Ltd (NDE) is a privately owned stockist and distributor of stainless steel products and is a respected player in the South African stainless steel industry. NDE operates from within all four major cities in South Africa namely, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Durban. The organisation, with its wide range of corrosion resistant products, serves industries such as the architecture and construction, automotive, catering, and food and beverage industry. With the stainless steel industry growing in terms of the number of competitors, NDE performs a number of functions in order to achieve customer satisfaction. The general purpose of the study was to indentify the attributes that would act as drivers of customer satisfaction at NDE. Five attributes were identified namely, Service quality, Trust and commitment, Product quality, Commercial aspects and Reliability. The results of this study could assist managers at NDE in improving service delivery to customers. The literature study provided an overview of overall customer satisfaction and possible measurement models for customer satisfaction. Measurement models included, SERVQUAL, SERVPERF, the Two-factor theory, the Kano model and the Three-factor model. The latter proved to be of particular importance to the study as the model was used to classify the identified drivers into basic, performance and excitement factors. Furthermore, a literature review was provided based on each of the identified potential drivers of customer satisfaction. The empirical data needed to complete the study was collected by means of a survey, using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed by sales representatives at NDE. A total of 320 useable questionnaires were received. The study revealed the following: each of the five proposed attributes had a positive relationship with overall customer satisfaction,thus all five attributes were confirmed as drivers of customer satisfaction at NDE. Commercial aspects and Reliability were classified as basic satisfiers. Trust and commitment was classified as a performance satisfier, and Service quality was identified as the only excitement satisfier. Product quality did not receive any classification. All importance mean scores were higher than the corresponding satisfaction mean scores. This study contributed to the existing body of literature and is seemingly the first of its kind in the South African stainless steel industry. The study is also the first to attempt the measurement of overall customer satisfaction levels at NDE. The methodology used in the current study can be applied to stainless steel industries internationally, in order to verify whether the confirmed drivers would also act as drivers of satisfaction in a similar industry elsewhere in the world.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The disputed “equitable treatment” in political party broadcasts: an analysis of the SABC coverage of the 2014 South African general elections
- Authors: Ndimande, Dumisani Blessing
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Elections -- Press coverage -- South Africa , Election monitoring -- South Africa Communication in politics -- South Africa Democracy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14234 , vital:27486
- Description: The aim of this study was to establish whether the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) performed according to its mandate in ensuring a fair broadcast coverage of all political parties that participated in the 2014 national general election. The study was undertaken as a result of the complaints by political parties who accused the SABC of bias during the election. The study focused on two SABC radio stations, namely SAFM and UKHOZI FM. In executing the research, particular attention was paid to the coverage of political party manifestos, town hall election debates and radio interviews. The study was written utilising the theoretical paradigm of Social Responsibility Theory, as this is largely deemed the most ethical guide in testing South African journalism. The research was conducted in accordance with the Independent Complaints Authority of South Africa (ICASA) regulations that govern broadcast media during elections. The second part of the analysis deconstructed the SABC’s media coverage of the 2014 election through Media Monitoring Africa – a non-profit organisation that monitors and reports on media coverage of elections, whilst simultaneously taking ICASA stipulated guidelines into account. The MMA and ICASA equipped the study with reports which were compiled after an intense monitoring of SABC’s coverage of the 2014 election. Through the analysis of political parties’ accessibility to the election broadcast programmes on SABC platforms, the study concluded that although there were errors, the SABC treated all parties fairly during the 2014 general elections. The study also found that poor corporate governance at the SABC did not impact directly on the public broadcaster’s ability to deliver fair election broadcasting. By conforming to the social responsibility role that calls for high professional conduct, fairness and objectivity as expected in the public broadcaster, this study found that the SABC was committed to a fair coverage of the 2014 election.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ndimande, Dumisani Blessing
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Elections -- Press coverage -- South Africa , Election monitoring -- South Africa Communication in politics -- South Africa Democracy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14234 , vital:27486
- Description: The aim of this study was to establish whether the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) performed according to its mandate in ensuring a fair broadcast coverage of all political parties that participated in the 2014 national general election. The study was undertaken as a result of the complaints by political parties who accused the SABC of bias during the election. The study focused on two SABC radio stations, namely SAFM and UKHOZI FM. In executing the research, particular attention was paid to the coverage of political party manifestos, town hall election debates and radio interviews. The study was written utilising the theoretical paradigm of Social Responsibility Theory, as this is largely deemed the most ethical guide in testing South African journalism. The research was conducted in accordance with the Independent Complaints Authority of South Africa (ICASA) regulations that govern broadcast media during elections. The second part of the analysis deconstructed the SABC’s media coverage of the 2014 election through Media Monitoring Africa – a non-profit organisation that monitors and reports on media coverage of elections, whilst simultaneously taking ICASA stipulated guidelines into account. The MMA and ICASA equipped the study with reports which were compiled after an intense monitoring of SABC’s coverage of the 2014 election. Through the analysis of political parties’ accessibility to the election broadcast programmes on SABC platforms, the study concluded that although there were errors, the SABC treated all parties fairly during the 2014 general elections. The study also found that poor corporate governance at the SABC did not impact directly on the public broadcaster’s ability to deliver fair election broadcasting. By conforming to the social responsibility role that calls for high professional conduct, fairness and objectivity as expected in the public broadcaster, this study found that the SABC was committed to a fair coverage of the 2014 election.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The development of rhenium nanoradiopharmaceuticals
- Authors: Ntsimango, Songeziwe
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Rhenium -- South Africa Radiopharmaceuticals -- South Africa , Nanoparticles -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13017 , vital:27144
- Description: The dissertation details the experimental work on the attempt to develop rhenium(V)phthalocyanine complexes directly from its +7 oxidation state (perrhenate). Different reducing agents (PPh3, Na2S2O5 and NaBH4) were employed and consequently, different results were acquired, such as rhenium(V)-mediated oxidative hydrolysis of the phthalocyanines (Pcs), the formation of a rhenium-phthalocyanine complex and phthalocyanine-capped nanoparticles. The rhenium nanoparticles that were formed were optimized from a synthesis point of view and, cancer localizing ability of the rhenium nanoparticles was investigated. The complexes were synthesized through direct metalation of pre-formed metal-free phthalocyanines using the “cold isotopes” of the rhenium metal. Rhenium nanoparticles (Re NPs) were synthesized in aqueous saline medium so as to imitate the environment on which Re is produced from its reactor. The nanoparticles (NPs) were capped with phthalocyanines which were covalently biofunctionalized with a folic acid moiety to enhance the targeting ability of the Re NPs. These NP systems were characterised with techniques such as ultraviolet-visible UV-Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy TEM. Cytotoxicity of the NPs was tested against four different cell lines and subsequently their cytotoxicity profiles were elucidated, and the profiles shown a dose-dependent responsealthough the results in some cell lines were unclear. Their fluorescence properties were also studied to provide photophysical information for investigation of their tumor localization using human cancer cells lines via confocal fluorescence microscopy studies. Particle size effect on localization of NPs was also investigated using confocal fluorescence and TEM. Two sizes were chosen (10 and 50 nm), and the smaller NPs (10 nm) were found to exhibit stronger fluorescence properties than the 50 nm NPs, and they were also found to have a better localization ability than the 50 nm NPs. Finally, their tumor and organ biodistribution studies will be carried out using micro-SPECT kits and model mice (using the “hot” isotopes in a radiopharmacy laboratory).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ntsimango, Songeziwe
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Rhenium -- South Africa Radiopharmaceuticals -- South Africa , Nanoparticles -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13017 , vital:27144
- Description: The dissertation details the experimental work on the attempt to develop rhenium(V)phthalocyanine complexes directly from its +7 oxidation state (perrhenate). Different reducing agents (PPh3, Na2S2O5 and NaBH4) were employed and consequently, different results were acquired, such as rhenium(V)-mediated oxidative hydrolysis of the phthalocyanines (Pcs), the formation of a rhenium-phthalocyanine complex and phthalocyanine-capped nanoparticles. The rhenium nanoparticles that were formed were optimized from a synthesis point of view and, cancer localizing ability of the rhenium nanoparticles was investigated. The complexes were synthesized through direct metalation of pre-formed metal-free phthalocyanines using the “cold isotopes” of the rhenium metal. Rhenium nanoparticles (Re NPs) were synthesized in aqueous saline medium so as to imitate the environment on which Re is produced from its reactor. The nanoparticles (NPs) were capped with phthalocyanines which were covalently biofunctionalized with a folic acid moiety to enhance the targeting ability of the Re NPs. These NP systems were characterised with techniques such as ultraviolet-visible UV-Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy TEM. Cytotoxicity of the NPs was tested against four different cell lines and subsequently their cytotoxicity profiles were elucidated, and the profiles shown a dose-dependent responsealthough the results in some cell lines were unclear. Their fluorescence properties were also studied to provide photophysical information for investigation of their tumor localization using human cancer cells lines via confocal fluorescence microscopy studies. Particle size effect on localization of NPs was also investigated using confocal fluorescence and TEM. Two sizes were chosen (10 and 50 nm), and the smaller NPs (10 nm) were found to exhibit stronger fluorescence properties than the 50 nm NPs, and they were also found to have a better localization ability than the 50 nm NPs. Finally, their tumor and organ biodistribution studies will be carried out using micro-SPECT kits and model mice (using the “hot” isotopes in a radiopharmacy laboratory).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016