Effectiveness of the project management profession in the Ugandan oil industry : performance, benefits and challenges
- Authors: Kiggundu, Kamulegeya John
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Project Mangement -- Uganda , Oil industry workers -- Uganda , Benchmarking (Management) -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020059
- Description: Oil is one of the most valuable resources. For a country like Uganda, which is one of the least developed countries in the world with more than one third of the population still living below the poverty line; the discovery of this valuable resource has the capacity to radically alter the economy of the country. But on the other hand, oil exploration, mining and refining are complex, costly, long duration projects with many challenges that require sophisticated financial management, planning, scheduling and cost control. The project management profession is charged as a single point of responsibility for initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling projects in order to meet stakeholder’s needs and expectations. The research objectives were: 1. To identify and examine the challenges and risks associated with the oil industry in Uganda. 2. To investigate the effectiveness of project management practices in the Ugandan oil industry in terms 1 above. 3. Identify how project success can be measured in the Ugandan oil industry. A case study was the research technique adopted and interviews were conducted with the major stakeholders in the Ugandan oil industry. The research findings reveal the challenges and risks that continue to plague the Ugandan oil industry and the role of project management in the exploration phase of the project. The research findings were used to evaluate the role, responsibility and service that project management professionals are expected to render and the actual role, responsibility and service that the professionals have been rendering to the stakeholders in the Ugandan oil industry. The research then concludes by proposing ways of improving the chances of project success in the Ugandan oil industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Kiggundu, Kamulegeya John
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Project Mangement -- Uganda , Oil industry workers -- Uganda , Benchmarking (Management) -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020059
- Description: Oil is one of the most valuable resources. For a country like Uganda, which is one of the least developed countries in the world with more than one third of the population still living below the poverty line; the discovery of this valuable resource has the capacity to radically alter the economy of the country. But on the other hand, oil exploration, mining and refining are complex, costly, long duration projects with many challenges that require sophisticated financial management, planning, scheduling and cost control. The project management profession is charged as a single point of responsibility for initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling projects in order to meet stakeholder’s needs and expectations. The research objectives were: 1. To identify and examine the challenges and risks associated with the oil industry in Uganda. 2. To investigate the effectiveness of project management practices in the Ugandan oil industry in terms 1 above. 3. Identify how project success can be measured in the Ugandan oil industry. A case study was the research technique adopted and interviews were conducted with the major stakeholders in the Ugandan oil industry. The research findings reveal the challenges and risks that continue to plague the Ugandan oil industry and the role of project management in the exploration phase of the project. The research findings were used to evaluate the role, responsibility and service that project management professionals are expected to render and the actual role, responsibility and service that the professionals have been rendering to the stakeholders in the Ugandan oil industry. The research then concludes by proposing ways of improving the chances of project success in the Ugandan oil industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Electrical-static discharge in single point diamond turning machining of contact lens polymers
- Authors: Kadermani, Mohamed Munir
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Electric discharges , Electrostatics , Contact lenses , Polymers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEngineering (Mechatronics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4055 , vital:20508
- Description: Single Point Diamond Turning (SPDT) is a technology widely applied for the fabrication of contact lenses. One of the limiting factors in polymer machining is wear of the diamond tool due to electrostatic discharge resulting in poor surface quality of the machined products. The research work presented in this dissertation highlights the electrostatic properties of contact lenses during machining operations and the effects these properties have on the surface quality of the work piece materials. Two contact lens samples were experimented on, Definitive 74 (Silicone Hydrogel) and Tyro 97 (Rigid Gas Permeable). The electrostatic surface potentials (ESPs) were measured during turning operations using an electrostatic voltmeter and the surface roughness measurements were taken using a surface profilometer. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) techniques were employed to create predictive models for both surface roughness and ESPs with respect to the cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. Predictive surface roughness models were successfully generated for both materials and the cutting speed and feed rate were identified as the parameters with most effect on surface roughness. In addition, an electrostatic model was successfully generated for the Definitive 74 contact lens material which cited the cutting speed and feed rate as the most effective parameters on the material’s electrostatic behaviour. However, no relationship was evident between the machining parameters and electrostatic behaviour of Tyro 97.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Kadermani, Mohamed Munir
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Electric discharges , Electrostatics , Contact lenses , Polymers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEngineering (Mechatronics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4055 , vital:20508
- Description: Single Point Diamond Turning (SPDT) is a technology widely applied for the fabrication of contact lenses. One of the limiting factors in polymer machining is wear of the diamond tool due to electrostatic discharge resulting in poor surface quality of the machined products. The research work presented in this dissertation highlights the electrostatic properties of contact lenses during machining operations and the effects these properties have on the surface quality of the work piece materials. Two contact lens samples were experimented on, Definitive 74 (Silicone Hydrogel) and Tyro 97 (Rigid Gas Permeable). The electrostatic surface potentials (ESPs) were measured during turning operations using an electrostatic voltmeter and the surface roughness measurements were taken using a surface profilometer. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) techniques were employed to create predictive models for both surface roughness and ESPs with respect to the cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. Predictive surface roughness models were successfully generated for both materials and the cutting speed and feed rate were identified as the parameters with most effect on surface roughness. In addition, an electrostatic model was successfully generated for the Definitive 74 contact lens material which cited the cutting speed and feed rate as the most effective parameters on the material’s electrostatic behaviour. However, no relationship was evident between the machining parameters and electrostatic behaviour of Tyro 97.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Electronic communication continuity planning from the perspective of an individual
- Authors: Fouché, Jacques
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Electronic systems , Internet
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9802 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012270 , Electronic systems , Internet
- Description: It is beyond doubt that technology has changed the way people in modern society live their daily lives. While a modern society eagerly adopts new technology, the loss of the services provided by these technologies is hardly ever considered. Therefore, this research project will evaluate the importance of communication technology and how critical it is for an individual. Furthermore, this research will provide a framework to improve the availability of current communication technologies from the perspective of the individual.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Fouché, Jacques
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Electronic systems , Internet
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9802 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012270 , Electronic systems , Internet
- Description: It is beyond doubt that technology has changed the way people in modern society live their daily lives. While a modern society eagerly adopts new technology, the loss of the services provided by these technologies is hardly ever considered. Therefore, this research project will evaluate the importance of communication technology and how critical it is for an individual. Furthermore, this research will provide a framework to improve the availability of current communication technologies from the perspective of the individual.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Enabling e-learning 2.0 in information security education: a semantic web approach
- Authors: Goss, Ryan Gavin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Data protection , Computers -- Access control , Electronic data processing -- Security measures , Electronic data processing departments -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9771 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/909 , Data protection , Computers -- Access control , Electronic data processing -- Security measures , Electronic data processing departments -- Security measures
- Description: The motivation for this study argued that current information security ed- ucation systems are inadequate for educating all users of computer systems world wide in acting securely during their operations with information sys- tems. There is, therefore, a pervasive need for information security knowledge in all aspects of modern life. E-Learning 2.0 could possi- bly contribute to solving this problem, however, little or no knowledge currently exists regarding the suitability and practicality of using such systems to infer information security knowledge to learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Goss, Ryan Gavin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Data protection , Computers -- Access control , Electronic data processing -- Security measures , Electronic data processing departments -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9771 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/909 , Data protection , Computers -- Access control , Electronic data processing -- Security measures , Electronic data processing departments -- Security measures
- Description: The motivation for this study argued that current information security ed- ucation systems are inadequate for educating all users of computer systems world wide in acting securely during their operations with information sys- tems. There is, therefore, a pervasive need for information security knowledge in all aspects of modern life. E-Learning 2.0 could possi- bly contribute to solving this problem, however, little or no knowledge currently exists regarding the suitability and practicality of using such systems to infer information security knowledge to learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Energy management system for the diagnosis and control of an automatic guided vehicle
- Authors: Church, Stuart Michael
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Automated guided vehicle systems , Mechatronics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4798 , vital:20681
- Description: With the increase in electronic equipment implemented in various systems, as well as the increase in calculating power that these devices offer, designers are being empowered to make use of this power in real-time systems to diagnose and protect the systems themselves. This reasoning is too compounded by the focus on efficiency and safety in the design of complex systems, as well as the increasing expense and sensitivity of the electronic components themselves. With this in mind, this dissertation aims at developing a comprehensive measurement, control and reaction system for the electrical diagnosis and ultimately optimisation of complex electrical and electronic systems. This system will serve as a real-time diagnosis tool, which will enable the real-time diagnosis of various components in an electro-mechanical system, which can then be interpreted to determine the working state of the various components. Another sphere of this project will involve the accurate monitoring of the battery status as well as actively balancing the series connected batteries. The focus on the batteries will seek to prolong the life of the batteries, while being able to squeeze as much capacity out of them. The initial design and testing will be based on an AGV system implemented at VWSA, however a main goal throughout the design process will be modularity, i.e. the ease of implementation of this system in other systems. The key technologies used in the development of this system will still comprise of the components used in the original AGV, however new prototype components sourced from Microcare are used for the battery management system, while current sensors directly connected to the PLC’s analog input ports will be used for the active monitoring of currents distributed through the AGV.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Church, Stuart Michael
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Automated guided vehicle systems , Mechatronics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4798 , vital:20681
- Description: With the increase in electronic equipment implemented in various systems, as well as the increase in calculating power that these devices offer, designers are being empowered to make use of this power in real-time systems to diagnose and protect the systems themselves. This reasoning is too compounded by the focus on efficiency and safety in the design of complex systems, as well as the increasing expense and sensitivity of the electronic components themselves. With this in mind, this dissertation aims at developing a comprehensive measurement, control and reaction system for the electrical diagnosis and ultimately optimisation of complex electrical and electronic systems. This system will serve as a real-time diagnosis tool, which will enable the real-time diagnosis of various components in an electro-mechanical system, which can then be interpreted to determine the working state of the various components. Another sphere of this project will involve the accurate monitoring of the battery status as well as actively balancing the series connected batteries. The focus on the batteries will seek to prolong the life of the batteries, while being able to squeeze as much capacity out of them. The initial design and testing will be based on an AGV system implemented at VWSA, however a main goal throughout the design process will be modularity, i.e. the ease of implementation of this system in other systems. The key technologies used in the development of this system will still comprise of the components used in the original AGV, however new prototype components sourced from Microcare are used for the battery management system, while current sensors directly connected to the PLC’s analog input ports will be used for the active monitoring of currents distributed through the AGV.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Engendering the meaningful use of electronic medical records: a South African perspective
- Chipfumbu, Colletor Tendeukai
- Authors: Chipfumbu, Colletor Tendeukai
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Electronic records -- South Africa -- Management Information storage and retrieval systems -- Management , Medical records -- South Africa Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18420 , vital:28635
- Description: Theoretically, the use of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) holds promise of numerous benefits in healthcare provision, including improvement in continuity of care, quality of care and safety. However, in practice, there is evidence that the adoption of electronic medical records has been slow and where adopted, often lacks meaningful use. Thus there is a clear dichotomy between the ambitions for EMR use and the reality of EMR implementation. In the USA, a legislative approach was taken to turn around the situation. Other countries such as Canada and European countries have followed suit (in their own way) to address the adoption and meaningful use of electronic medical records. The South African e-Health strategy and the National Health Normative Standards Framework for Interoperability in eHealth in South Africa documents both recommend the adoption of EMRs. Much work has been done to establish a baseline for standards to ensure interoperability and data portability of healthcare applications and data. However, even with the increased focus on e-Health, South Africa remains excessively reliant on paper-based medical records. Where health information technologies have been adopted, there is lack of coordination between and within provinces, leading to a multitude of systems and vendors. Thus there is a lack of systematic adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in South Africa. The main objective of this research is to develop the components required to engender meaningful use of electronic medical records in the South African healthcare context. The main contributors are identified as EMR certification and consistent, proper use of certified EMRs. Literature review, a Delphi study and logical argumentation are used to develop the relevant components for the South African healthcare context. The benefits of EMRs can only be realized through systematic adoption and meaningful use of EMRs, thus this research contributes to providing a road map for engendering the meaningful use of EMRs with the ultimate aim of improving healthcare in the South African healthcare landscape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Chipfumbu, Colletor Tendeukai
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Electronic records -- South Africa -- Management Information storage and retrieval systems -- Management , Medical records -- South Africa Medical records -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18420 , vital:28635
- Description: Theoretically, the use of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) holds promise of numerous benefits in healthcare provision, including improvement in continuity of care, quality of care and safety. However, in practice, there is evidence that the adoption of electronic medical records has been slow and where adopted, often lacks meaningful use. Thus there is a clear dichotomy between the ambitions for EMR use and the reality of EMR implementation. In the USA, a legislative approach was taken to turn around the situation. Other countries such as Canada and European countries have followed suit (in their own way) to address the adoption and meaningful use of electronic medical records. The South African e-Health strategy and the National Health Normative Standards Framework for Interoperability in eHealth in South Africa documents both recommend the adoption of EMRs. Much work has been done to establish a baseline for standards to ensure interoperability and data portability of healthcare applications and data. However, even with the increased focus on e-Health, South Africa remains excessively reliant on paper-based medical records. Where health information technologies have been adopted, there is lack of coordination between and within provinces, leading to a multitude of systems and vendors. Thus there is a lack of systematic adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in South Africa. The main objective of this research is to develop the components required to engender meaningful use of electronic medical records in the South African healthcare context. The main contributors are identified as EMR certification and consistent, proper use of certified EMRs. Literature review, a Delphi study and logical argumentation are used to develop the relevant components for the South African healthcare context. The benefits of EMRs can only be realized through systematic adoption and meaningful use of EMRs, thus this research contributes to providing a road map for engendering the meaningful use of EMRs with the ultimate aim of improving healthcare in the South African healthcare landscape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Enhancing vehicle dynamics through real-time tyre temperature analysis
- Authors: Stroud, Trevor
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Automobiles, Racing -- Tires -- Testing , Tires -- Performance , Motor vehicles -- Springs and suspension , Motor vehicles -- Dynamics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Mechanical Engineering)
- Identifier: vital:9638 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020599
- Description: Vehicle suspension optimisation is a complex and difficult task, as there are a variety of factors influencing the dynamic performance of a vehicle. During suspension development, the optimisation of a selected few of these factors is often to the detriment of others, as they are all inter-related. In addition, expertise in vehicle setup and suspension tuning is scarce, and is limited to experienced racing teams and large automotive manufacturers with extensive research and development capabilities. The motivation for this research was therefore to provide objective and user-friendly methodologies for vehicle suspension optimisation, in order to support student projects like Formula Student, while having relevance to the needs of the South African automotive industry and racing community. With the onset of digital data acquisition, it has become feasible to take real-time measurements of tyre temperatures, to provide information on how a tyre is performing at a specific point on the track. Measuring the tyre surface temperature can provide a useful indication on whether the tyre is loaded equally or not, and what suspension adjustments should be made to improve tyre load distribution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Stroud, Trevor
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Automobiles, Racing -- Tires -- Testing , Tires -- Performance , Motor vehicles -- Springs and suspension , Motor vehicles -- Dynamics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Mechanical Engineering)
- Identifier: vital:9638 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020599
- Description: Vehicle suspension optimisation is a complex and difficult task, as there are a variety of factors influencing the dynamic performance of a vehicle. During suspension development, the optimisation of a selected few of these factors is often to the detriment of others, as they are all inter-related. In addition, expertise in vehicle setup and suspension tuning is scarce, and is limited to experienced racing teams and large automotive manufacturers with extensive research and development capabilities. The motivation for this research was therefore to provide objective and user-friendly methodologies for vehicle suspension optimisation, in order to support student projects like Formula Student, while having relevance to the needs of the South African automotive industry and racing community. With the onset of digital data acquisition, it has become feasible to take real-time measurements of tyre temperatures, to provide information on how a tyre is performing at a specific point on the track. Measuring the tyre surface temperature can provide a useful indication on whether the tyre is loaded equally or not, and what suspension adjustments should be made to improve tyre load distribution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Epirismm: an enterprise information risk management model
- Authors: Lategan, Neil
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Risk management , Small business , Information technology -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9734 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/541 , Risk management , Small business , Information technology -- Security measures
- Description: Today, information is considered a commodity and no enterprise can operate without it. Indeed, the information and the supporting technology are pivotal in all enterprises. However, a major problem being experienced in the business environment is that enterprise risk cannot be managed effectively because business and information-related risk are not congruently aligned with risk management terminology and practices. The business environment and information technology are bound together by information. For this reason, it is imperative that risk management is synergised in the business, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and information environments. A thorough, all inclusive, risk analysis exercise needs to be conducted in business and supporting environments in order to develop an effective internal control system. Such an internal control system should reduce the exposure of risk and aid the safeguarding of assets. Indeed, in today’s so-called information age, where business processes integrate the business and ICT environments, it is imperative that a unary internal control system be established, based on a holistic risk management exercise. To ensure that the enterprise, information and ICT environments operate free of the risks that threaten them, the risks should be properly governed. A model, EPiRISMM (Enterprise Information Risk Management Model) is proposed that offers to combine risk management practices from an ICT, information, governance, and enterprise perspective because there are so many overlapping aspects inherent in them. EPiRISMM combines various well-known standards and frameworks into one coherent model. By employing EPiRISMM, an enterprise will be able to eliminate the traditional segmented approach of the ICT department and thus eliminate any previous discontinuity in risk management practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Lategan, Neil
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Risk management , Small business , Information technology -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9734 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/541 , Risk management , Small business , Information technology -- Security measures
- Description: Today, information is considered a commodity and no enterprise can operate without it. Indeed, the information and the supporting technology are pivotal in all enterprises. However, a major problem being experienced in the business environment is that enterprise risk cannot be managed effectively because business and information-related risk are not congruently aligned with risk management terminology and practices. The business environment and information technology are bound together by information. For this reason, it is imperative that risk management is synergised in the business, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and information environments. A thorough, all inclusive, risk analysis exercise needs to be conducted in business and supporting environments in order to develop an effective internal control system. Such an internal control system should reduce the exposure of risk and aid the safeguarding of assets. Indeed, in today’s so-called information age, where business processes integrate the business and ICT environments, it is imperative that a unary internal control system be established, based on a holistic risk management exercise. To ensure that the enterprise, information and ICT environments operate free of the risks that threaten them, the risks should be properly governed. A model, EPiRISMM (Enterprise Information Risk Management Model) is proposed that offers to combine risk management practices from an ICT, information, governance, and enterprise perspective because there are so many overlapping aspects inherent in them. EPiRISMM combines various well-known standards and frameworks into one coherent model. By employing EPiRISMM, an enterprise will be able to eliminate the traditional segmented approach of the ICT department and thus eliminate any previous discontinuity in risk management practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Establishing a waste management system for Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Authors: Myamya, Luyolo Ebenezer
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Waste minimization -- South Africa Sanitary engineering -- South Africa Environmental management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11670 , vital:26949
- Description: Communities around the globe are confronted by environmental challenges such as waste management. These challenges are further aggravated by factors such the increasing volumes of waste, landfills that are running out of capacity and scarcity of suitable land to construct new landfill sites. The National Waste Management Strategy requires participation from all members of society including households, businesses, community organisations, nongovernmental organisations, parastatals and the three spheres of government, to promote practices that minimise the volumes of waste generated. The purpose of the research was to assess and investigate the current waste management practices at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and recommend a waste management system. The research employed a quantitative approach, where participants were asked to complete a survey questionnaire. A literature review was conducted on waste management at higher learning institutions, with particular focus on the contribution that a university can make in alleviating some of the adverse effects of waste management. The outcome of the review highlighted some of the opportunities and barriers that can either disrupt or augment the process of implementing a waste management system. The results from the research revealed that CPUT does not conform to the hierarchy of waste management, and there is no waste management policy in place. The effect of this is that the stakeholders were not satisfied with the lack of leadership on waste related challenges. By developing a policy, providing leadership, conducting awareness campaigns and prioritising environmental challenges such responsible management waste, could improve the image of the institution in the eyes if its stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Myamya, Luyolo Ebenezer
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Waste minimization -- South Africa Sanitary engineering -- South Africa Environmental management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11670 , vital:26949
- Description: Communities around the globe are confronted by environmental challenges such as waste management. These challenges are further aggravated by factors such the increasing volumes of waste, landfills that are running out of capacity and scarcity of suitable land to construct new landfill sites. The National Waste Management Strategy requires participation from all members of society including households, businesses, community organisations, nongovernmental organisations, parastatals and the three spheres of government, to promote practices that minimise the volumes of waste generated. The purpose of the research was to assess and investigate the current waste management practices at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and recommend a waste management system. The research employed a quantitative approach, where participants were asked to complete a survey questionnaire. A literature review was conducted on waste management at higher learning institutions, with particular focus on the contribution that a university can make in alleviating some of the adverse effects of waste management. The outcome of the review highlighted some of the opportunities and barriers that can either disrupt or augment the process of implementing a waste management system. The results from the research revealed that CPUT does not conform to the hierarchy of waste management, and there is no waste management policy in place. The effect of this is that the stakeholders were not satisfied with the lack of leadership on waste related challenges. By developing a policy, providing leadership, conducting awareness campaigns and prioritising environmental challenges such responsible management waste, could improve the image of the institution in the eyes if its stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Establishing an information security culture in organizations : an outcomes based education approach
- Van Niekerk, Johannes Frederick
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johannes Frederick
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Computer security , Management information systems -- Security measures , Competency-based education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9742 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/164 , Computer security , Management information systems -- Security measures , Competency-based education
- Description: Information security is crucial to the continuous well-being of modern orga- nizations. Humans play a signfiicant role in the processes needed to secure an organization's information resources. Without an adequate level of user co-operation and knowledge, many security techniques are liable to be misused or misinterpreted by users. This may result in an adequate security measure becoming inadequate. It is therefor necessary to educate the orga- nization's employees regarding information security and also to establish a corporate sub-culture of information security in the organization, which will ensure that the employees have the correct attitude towards their security responsibilities. Current information security education programs fails to pay su±cient attention to the behavioral sciences. There also exist a lack of knowledge regarding the principles, and processes, that would be needed for the establishment of an corporate sub-culture, specific to information security. Without both the necessary knowledge, and the desired attitude amongst the employee, it will be impossible to guarantee that the organi- zation's information resources are secure. It would therefor make sense to address both these dimensions to the human factor in information security, using a single integrated, holistic approach. This dissertation presents such an approach, which is based on an integration of sound behavioral theories.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Establishing an information security culture in organizations : an outcomes based education approach
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johannes Frederick
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Computer security , Management information systems -- Security measures , Competency-based education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9742 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/164 , Computer security , Management information systems -- Security measures , Competency-based education
- Description: Information security is crucial to the continuous well-being of modern orga- nizations. Humans play a signfiicant role in the processes needed to secure an organization's information resources. Without an adequate level of user co-operation and knowledge, many security techniques are liable to be misused or misinterpreted by users. This may result in an adequate security measure becoming inadequate. It is therefor necessary to educate the orga- nization's employees regarding information security and also to establish a corporate sub-culture of information security in the organization, which will ensure that the employees have the correct attitude towards their security responsibilities. Current information security education programs fails to pay su±cient attention to the behavioral sciences. There also exist a lack of knowledge regarding the principles, and processes, that would be needed for the establishment of an corporate sub-culture, specific to information security. Without both the necessary knowledge, and the desired attitude amongst the employee, it will be impossible to guarantee that the organi- zation's information resources are secure. It would therefor make sense to address both these dimensions to the human factor in information security, using a single integrated, holistic approach. This dissertation presents such an approach, which is based on an integration of sound behavioral theories.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Establishing the benefits of implementing an I.T. project management office in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area
- Martin, Michael Ronald Charles
- Authors: Martin, Michael Ronald Charles
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Computer network resources , Information technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9266 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/558 , Project management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Computer network resources , Information technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management
- Description: The well-known concept of a Project Manager managing an I.T. project in relative isolation is no longer a viable option for organisations that are running numerous projects simultaneously. Due to the enormous costs and risks involved in many of these projects, there needs to be a means to ensure success. This has led to the establishment of the concept of a Project Management Office (PMO). An autonomous business unit that is responsible for managing all projects within an organisation. The need for a Project Management Office (PMO) to effectively manage multiple projects is becoming more and more accepted worldwide. The benefits of a PMO are well documented, but whether these benefits will apply to organisations within the NMM area needed to be investigated. A detailed analysis of the benefits of Project Management and in particular a PMO, have been investigated by means of a literature study. An investigation into the effectiveness of PMO’s in South Africa in general, was conducted by means of a survey targeted at a group of I.T. Project Managers located in all the major centres. A further survey was conducted among local I.T. managers to determine their current level of success and their expectations for the future. When reviewing the expectations of local I.T. management against the performance of Project Managers that are currently operating within PMOs, it is clear that organisations within the NMM area are in need of PMO’s and would certainly benefit from their establishment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Martin, Michael Ronald Charles
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Computer network resources , Information technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9266 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/558 , Project management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Computer network resources , Information technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management
- Description: The well-known concept of a Project Manager managing an I.T. project in relative isolation is no longer a viable option for organisations that are running numerous projects simultaneously. Due to the enormous costs and risks involved in many of these projects, there needs to be a means to ensure success. This has led to the establishment of the concept of a Project Management Office (PMO). An autonomous business unit that is responsible for managing all projects within an organisation. The need for a Project Management Office (PMO) to effectively manage multiple projects is becoming more and more accepted worldwide. The benefits of a PMO are well documented, but whether these benefits will apply to organisations within the NMM area needed to be investigated. A detailed analysis of the benefits of Project Management and in particular a PMO, have been investigated by means of a literature study. An investigation into the effectiveness of PMO’s in South Africa in general, was conducted by means of a survey targeted at a group of I.T. Project Managers located in all the major centres. A further survey was conducted among local I.T. managers to determine their current level of success and their expectations for the future. When reviewing the expectations of local I.T. management against the performance of Project Managers that are currently operating within PMOs, it is clear that organisations within the NMM area are in need of PMO’s and would certainly benefit from their establishment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Evaluating late payment-induced waste in South Africa through lean construction principles
- Authors: Akuffo-Ntow, Eric Ayesu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Finance , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8867 , vital:26437
- Description: Central to the sustainable and competitive growth of the South African construction industry is a predictable cash flow through on time payment by clients to contractors. However, chronic late payments, a recurring problem in the industry, especially in the public sector, is bringing untold hardship to contractors by derailing their competitiveness and also eroding the trust among the supply chain partners to the extent that some firms end up closing business in the industry. The situation is viewed from the lean construction perspective as an obstacle that is preventing the accrual of the required value to project parties in the construction industry. This research addresses the causes of late payments to contractors and the role of the quantity surveyor (QS) in terms of influencing early payment from a lean construction perspective. A mixed method approach was used for compiling the primary data for the study. Sequentially, one hundred and two (102) quantitative and twelve (12) interview questionnaires were administered to selected contractors and construction professionals working predominantly on public sector projects. The findings revealed that the approval process for evaluation and certification by the client- appointed agent and intermediary institutions is taking longer than contractually allowed, with parties independently undertaking their evaluation prior to the certification date. This is found to be adverse to achieving consensus on the values of the works for authorisation. Other significant barriers are the lack of funds to authorise payment, random auditor general’s documentation changes, lack of administrators’ system integration and capacity to handle cyclical payment processing. Also, contractors have been found to be in default of timeously submitting complete claim documents. It is therefore recommended that the client agents should partner with the contractor in regular design and documentation reviews, arranging the payment process and should also meet jointly to prepare monthly evaluations. In addition, contractors should be mentored from the onset of the project regarding all the necessary documentation and supporting documents that will be required by the client to ensure that payment approvals are not delayed. The payment authori-sation agent’s capacity should be enhanced through training and improved powers as a singular point of control to perform efficiently and their systems and processes should be integrated to ensure that all parties are implementing the same protocols.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Akuffo-Ntow, Eric Ayesu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Finance , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8867 , vital:26437
- Description: Central to the sustainable and competitive growth of the South African construction industry is a predictable cash flow through on time payment by clients to contractors. However, chronic late payments, a recurring problem in the industry, especially in the public sector, is bringing untold hardship to contractors by derailing their competitiveness and also eroding the trust among the supply chain partners to the extent that some firms end up closing business in the industry. The situation is viewed from the lean construction perspective as an obstacle that is preventing the accrual of the required value to project parties in the construction industry. This research addresses the causes of late payments to contractors and the role of the quantity surveyor (QS) in terms of influencing early payment from a lean construction perspective. A mixed method approach was used for compiling the primary data for the study. Sequentially, one hundred and two (102) quantitative and twelve (12) interview questionnaires were administered to selected contractors and construction professionals working predominantly on public sector projects. The findings revealed that the approval process for evaluation and certification by the client- appointed agent and intermediary institutions is taking longer than contractually allowed, with parties independently undertaking their evaluation prior to the certification date. This is found to be adverse to achieving consensus on the values of the works for authorisation. Other significant barriers are the lack of funds to authorise payment, random auditor general’s documentation changes, lack of administrators’ system integration and capacity to handle cyclical payment processing. Also, contractors have been found to be in default of timeously submitting complete claim documents. It is therefore recommended that the client agents should partner with the contractor in regular design and documentation reviews, arranging the payment process and should also meet jointly to prepare monthly evaluations. In addition, contractors should be mentored from the onset of the project regarding all the necessary documentation and supporting documents that will be required by the client to ensure that payment approvals are not delayed. The payment authori-sation agent’s capacity should be enhanced through training and improved powers as a singular point of control to perform efficiently and their systems and processes should be integrated to ensure that all parties are implementing the same protocols.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Evaluating the training and supply of artisans in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Anugwo, Iruka Chijindu
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Skilled labor -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- Training -- South Africa , Artisans -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Employees --Training of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9672 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020042
- Description: The study focused on identifying ways in which to improve and increase the quality of training and supply of skilled artisans in the South African construction industry (especially in Gauteng Province) in terms of short and medium term approach. The construction industry is facing a severe skills crisis and this has made it so difficult to recruit competent artisans. This may be as a result of artisans being regarded as the lowest in the hierarchy of construction worker positions. In addition, these artisans warrant less training than those at executive- and managerial levels. This negative attitude towards artisans training has plunged the industry into crisis. Those involved find it difficult to successfully complete projects on time, within budgeted project costs and within the required quality specification due to lack of competent artisans. However, serious attention is required towards enhancing artisan training in the industry. It is imperative and vital to ensure the survival of the industry. The cardinal aim of this research project was to demonstrate a guiding solution towards the skills crisis. Thus, in order to initiate a tremendous change in the skills profile, certain measures are required, e.g. expanding training institutions to local regions; upgrading and aligning facilities in the training institutions to industrial demands and the dissemination of vital information that will ensure the attractiveness of the industry. This will safeguard the construction organisations operating in Gauteng Province. Although the industry is a major player in the economy, there is need for special attention in order to ensure sustainable growth and economic development. The Government, construction industry stakeholders and training institutions personnel should collaborate to salvage the skills crisis by strategically developing programmes (in accordance with industrial requirements) that will benefit prospective learners. The researcher adopted the descriptive- and analytical survey method, which entailed the use of questionnaires and a review of the related literature for gathering relevant data. The methodology used in the research was the quantitative data analysis. The feature findings of the research concluded that the skilled artisans profile is insufficient to meet industry demands. In addition, training institutions and primary- and secondary educational systems are characterized by ninadequacy and incompetency to produce skilled artisans. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of harmonization between the training institutions and the vindustry’s requirements. Furthermore, the majority of the respondents acknowledged that training of their workers is an important aspect to them, but few of these organisations indicated that they make use of formal training institutions such as FET colleges. The recommendation include that all the stakeholders in the construction industry should form collaborations to strategically develop programmes that would upgrade the existing training institutions. This could be done through provision of adequate funds and resources and the dissemination of vital information that is capable to promote the attractiveness of the industry image.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Anugwo, Iruka Chijindu
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Skilled labor -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- Training -- South Africa , Artisans -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Employees --Training of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9672 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020042
- Description: The study focused on identifying ways in which to improve and increase the quality of training and supply of skilled artisans in the South African construction industry (especially in Gauteng Province) in terms of short and medium term approach. The construction industry is facing a severe skills crisis and this has made it so difficult to recruit competent artisans. This may be as a result of artisans being regarded as the lowest in the hierarchy of construction worker positions. In addition, these artisans warrant less training than those at executive- and managerial levels. This negative attitude towards artisans training has plunged the industry into crisis. Those involved find it difficult to successfully complete projects on time, within budgeted project costs and within the required quality specification due to lack of competent artisans. However, serious attention is required towards enhancing artisan training in the industry. It is imperative and vital to ensure the survival of the industry. The cardinal aim of this research project was to demonstrate a guiding solution towards the skills crisis. Thus, in order to initiate a tremendous change in the skills profile, certain measures are required, e.g. expanding training institutions to local regions; upgrading and aligning facilities in the training institutions to industrial demands and the dissemination of vital information that will ensure the attractiveness of the industry. This will safeguard the construction organisations operating in Gauteng Province. Although the industry is a major player in the economy, there is need for special attention in order to ensure sustainable growth and economic development. The Government, construction industry stakeholders and training institutions personnel should collaborate to salvage the skills crisis by strategically developing programmes (in accordance with industrial requirements) that will benefit prospective learners. The researcher adopted the descriptive- and analytical survey method, which entailed the use of questionnaires and a review of the related literature for gathering relevant data. The methodology used in the research was the quantitative data analysis. The feature findings of the research concluded that the skilled artisans profile is insufficient to meet industry demands. In addition, training institutions and primary- and secondary educational systems are characterized by ninadequacy and incompetency to produce skilled artisans. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of harmonization between the training institutions and the vindustry’s requirements. Furthermore, the majority of the respondents acknowledged that training of their workers is an important aspect to them, but few of these organisations indicated that they make use of formal training institutions such as FET colleges. The recommendation include that all the stakeholders in the construction industry should form collaborations to strategically develop programmes that would upgrade the existing training institutions. This could be done through provision of adequate funds and resources and the dissemination of vital information that is capable to promote the attractiveness of the industry image.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Evolving a secure grid-enabled, distributed data warehouse : a standards-based perspective
- Authors: Li, Xiao-Yu
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Computational grids (Computer systems) , Computer networks -- Security measures , Electronic data processing -- Distributed processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9738 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/544 , Computational grids (Computer systems) , Computer networks -- Security measures , Electronic data processing -- Distributed processing
- Description: As digital data-collection has increased in scale and number, it becomes an important type of resource serving a wide community of researchers. Cross-institutional data-sharing and collaboration introduce a suitable approach to facilitate those research institutions that are suffering the lack of data and related IT infrastructures. Grid computing has become a widely adopted approach to enable cross-institutional resource-sharing and collaboration. It integrates a distributed and heterogeneous collection of locally managed users and resources. This project proposes a distributed data warehouse system, which uses Grid technology to enable data-access and integration, and collaborative operations across multi-distributed institutions in the context of HV/AIDS research. This study is based on wider research into OGSA-based Grid services architecture, comprising a data-analysis system which utilizes a data warehouse, data marts, and near-line operational database that are hosted by distributed institutions. Within this framework, specific patterns for collaboration, interoperability, resource virtualization and security are included. The heterogeneous and dynamic nature of the Grid environment introduces a number of security challenges. This study also concerns a set of particular security aspects, including PKI-based authentication, single sign-on, dynamic delegation, and attribute-based authorization. These mechanisms, as supported by the Globus Toolkit’s Grid Security Infrastructure, are used to enable interoperability and establish trust relationship between various security mechanisms and policies within different institutions; manage credentials; and ensure secure interactions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Li, Xiao-Yu
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Computational grids (Computer systems) , Computer networks -- Security measures , Electronic data processing -- Distributed processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9738 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/544 , Computational grids (Computer systems) , Computer networks -- Security measures , Electronic data processing -- Distributed processing
- Description: As digital data-collection has increased in scale and number, it becomes an important type of resource serving a wide community of researchers. Cross-institutional data-sharing and collaboration introduce a suitable approach to facilitate those research institutions that are suffering the lack of data and related IT infrastructures. Grid computing has become a widely adopted approach to enable cross-institutional resource-sharing and collaboration. It integrates a distributed and heterogeneous collection of locally managed users and resources. This project proposes a distributed data warehouse system, which uses Grid technology to enable data-access and integration, and collaborative operations across multi-distributed institutions in the context of HV/AIDS research. This study is based on wider research into OGSA-based Grid services architecture, comprising a data-analysis system which utilizes a data warehouse, data marts, and near-line operational database that are hosted by distributed institutions. Within this framework, specific patterns for collaboration, interoperability, resource virtualization and security are included. The heterogeneous and dynamic nature of the Grid environment introduces a number of security challenges. This study also concerns a set of particular security aspects, including PKI-based authentication, single sign-on, dynamic delegation, and attribute-based authorization. These mechanisms, as supported by the Globus Toolkit’s Grid Security Infrastructure, are used to enable interoperability and establish trust relationship between various security mechanisms and policies within different institutions; manage credentials; and ensure secure interactions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Exploiting the adaptability of recent information and communication technology to improve the site management process
- Ozumba, Aghaegbuna Obinna Uche
- Authors: Ozumba, Aghaegbuna Obinna Uche
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Information technology , Construction industry -- Materials management , Information technology -- Management.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9705 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019811
- Description: Construction is a big role player in every economy, and the Site Management Process (SMP) occupies a strategic position in the construction process. Despite existence of appreciable research, technology diffusion in the construction industry is slow. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) implementation processes and products have not adequately and beneficially exploited ICT for improvement of the SMP. This is especially true in developing countries. Without increase in utilisation of ICT, potential benefits for the SMP remain untapped. The aim of the thesis was to ascertain the levels of utilisation of recent ICT developments for the SMP, and thereby gauge the benefits or lack thereof. The theoretical concept of the research is based on the technology transfer sub-concept of adaptation. A fundamentally positivistic view, with principles of objectivist approach was used for the enquiry. The approach included an extensive literature review, and a multi-stage investigation strategy, set in South Africa. Theory reviewed was in the main disciplines of construction science and technology, computer science and technology, and management science. Investigations involved case studies of construction sites, a global ICT survey, a national practitioner survey, and analysis of ICT products. Findings from literature assert the appreciable potential utility in recent ICT, thereby substantiating the adaptability of recent ICT. In addition ICT adoption in the SMP is inadequate and inexpedient, falling short of potential benefits for construction, both generally and in the local context. Furthermore there are challenges to ICT adoption, which could vary according to context. Field research results also point to underutilisation of innovations located in recent ICT. The main challenges in this regard include inadequate knowledge of potential utility of recent ICT, and lack of relevant support and effective approaches to technology integration, in the SMP. Moreover exploitation of the adaptability of recent ICT in the local SMP does not go beyond basic adoption. As such most diffusion occurs only for items requiring an adaptation of usage context or area of application. The results strongly indicate minimal innovativeness in this regard. Frameworks for possible adaptations of existing technologies were also derived, while propositions are made for approaches to improve the utility of recent ICT in the SMP. Through a customised approach, the thesis establishes foundational understanding towards a generic framework for adapting potential utility in ICT to uses in construction, especially in the SMP. Thus the research contributes strategic information to the fledgling CICT body of knowledge, especially in the local context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Ozumba, Aghaegbuna Obinna Uche
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Information technology , Construction industry -- Materials management , Information technology -- Management.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9705 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019811
- Description: Construction is a big role player in every economy, and the Site Management Process (SMP) occupies a strategic position in the construction process. Despite existence of appreciable research, technology diffusion in the construction industry is slow. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) implementation processes and products have not adequately and beneficially exploited ICT for improvement of the SMP. This is especially true in developing countries. Without increase in utilisation of ICT, potential benefits for the SMP remain untapped. The aim of the thesis was to ascertain the levels of utilisation of recent ICT developments for the SMP, and thereby gauge the benefits or lack thereof. The theoretical concept of the research is based on the technology transfer sub-concept of adaptation. A fundamentally positivistic view, with principles of objectivist approach was used for the enquiry. The approach included an extensive literature review, and a multi-stage investigation strategy, set in South Africa. Theory reviewed was in the main disciplines of construction science and technology, computer science and technology, and management science. Investigations involved case studies of construction sites, a global ICT survey, a national practitioner survey, and analysis of ICT products. Findings from literature assert the appreciable potential utility in recent ICT, thereby substantiating the adaptability of recent ICT. In addition ICT adoption in the SMP is inadequate and inexpedient, falling short of potential benefits for construction, both generally and in the local context. Furthermore there are challenges to ICT adoption, which could vary according to context. Field research results also point to underutilisation of innovations located in recent ICT. The main challenges in this regard include inadequate knowledge of potential utility of recent ICT, and lack of relevant support and effective approaches to technology integration, in the SMP. Moreover exploitation of the adaptability of recent ICT in the local SMP does not go beyond basic adoption. As such most diffusion occurs only for items requiring an adaptation of usage context or area of application. The results strongly indicate minimal innovativeness in this regard. Frameworks for possible adaptations of existing technologies were also derived, while propositions are made for approaches to improve the utility of recent ICT in the SMP. Through a customised approach, the thesis establishes foundational understanding towards a generic framework for adapting potential utility in ICT to uses in construction, especially in the SMP. Thus the research contributes strategic information to the fledgling CICT body of knowledge, especially in the local context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Facilities management awareness amongst high school learners and teachers in the Soutpansberg west circuit in the Limpopo province
- Authors: Nephawe, Tshilidzi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Facility management -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Facility management -- Research Construction industry -- Forecasting -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32894 , vital:32395
- Description: The Facilities Management (FM) profession in South Africa needs to start recognising and acknowledging the importance of formal education amongst the population. The question of FM being a career normally receives shallow responses; and it sometimes leads to a contradiction. The FM profession seems to be taking an ‘as it is’ approach, when it comes to the establishment of an education agenda; since there is no clear evidence regarding alignment and transition from high school to tertiary level, and then to the workplace. The level of awareness plays a significant role in all elements of FM practice. Even at the present moment, FM is still not a career of choice, meaning that anyone can be a facilities manager. There are parts of South Africa where the population is unaware of FM. Some had never heard about it at all. It was important to establish the level of awareness: with the intention of developing a critical awareness of FM as a career path amongst high school learners and teachers in the Soutpansberg West Circuit, in order to inform them of a possible career choice in FM. In this study, a mixed-model research methodology was used, which combines both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. A population was identified from which a sample of 14 high schools, 87 high school teachers and 2 299 high school learners was drawn. A ‘fit for purpose’ questionnaire was distributed to the participants. The data were collected by means of a survey. It focused on a survey; and it used a questionnaire that was composed of multiple closed-ended or quantitative-type items, as well as several open-ended or qualitative-type items. Thematic analysis was used for the open-ended questions. This study has successfully managed to determine the awareness levels of high school learners and teachers relating to FM, the need for FM awareness in high schools; and whether there were high school learners who wished to become facilities managers in the future. FM companies, tertiary institutions, and high schools must collaborate in the development of the FM career-guidance programme, in order to increase awareness amongst the teachers and learners. There were students who indicated that they were interested in FM as their career of choice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nephawe, Tshilidzi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Facility management -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Facility management -- Research Construction industry -- Forecasting -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32894 , vital:32395
- Description: The Facilities Management (FM) profession in South Africa needs to start recognising and acknowledging the importance of formal education amongst the population. The question of FM being a career normally receives shallow responses; and it sometimes leads to a contradiction. The FM profession seems to be taking an ‘as it is’ approach, when it comes to the establishment of an education agenda; since there is no clear evidence regarding alignment and transition from high school to tertiary level, and then to the workplace. The level of awareness plays a significant role in all elements of FM practice. Even at the present moment, FM is still not a career of choice, meaning that anyone can be a facilities manager. There are parts of South Africa where the population is unaware of FM. Some had never heard about it at all. It was important to establish the level of awareness: with the intention of developing a critical awareness of FM as a career path amongst high school learners and teachers in the Soutpansberg West Circuit, in order to inform them of a possible career choice in FM. In this study, a mixed-model research methodology was used, which combines both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. A population was identified from which a sample of 14 high schools, 87 high school teachers and 2 299 high school learners was drawn. A ‘fit for purpose’ questionnaire was distributed to the participants. The data were collected by means of a survey. It focused on a survey; and it used a questionnaire that was composed of multiple closed-ended or quantitative-type items, as well as several open-ended or qualitative-type items. Thematic analysis was used for the open-ended questions. This study has successfully managed to determine the awareness levels of high school learners and teachers relating to FM, the need for FM awareness in high schools; and whether there were high school learners who wished to become facilities managers in the future. FM companies, tertiary institutions, and high schools must collaborate in the development of the FM career-guidance programme, in order to increase awareness amongst the teachers and learners. There were students who indicated that they were interested in FM as their career of choice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Factors affecting the acceptance and meaningful use of picture archive and communication systems by referring clinicians in private practice
- Authors: D'Assonville, Gustav Andre
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Picture archiving and communication systems in medicine , Imaging systems in medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4688 , vital:20648
- Description: A Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS) is a health information technology that facilitates the electronic storage, transmission, presentation and processing of digital medical-imaging datasets. The benefits of PACS have been well-documented. It provides a means to replace traditional film-based workflows and their inherent limitations. Referring clinicians’ acceptance is a critical factor in the overall success of a PACS implementation; and given the financial implications of project failure, research into physician acceptance and meaningful use is crucial. Very few PACS acceptance studies have focused on the referring clinicians, and even less in the context of the private sector. Therefore, the problem that this research aims to address is: There is a lack of understanding on which factors influence PACS acceptance and the meaningful use thereof by referring clinicians in private practice. This explorative study follows an embedded mixed methodology approach in order to meet the research objectives, favouring a qualitative method of inquiry with the support of a quantitative strand. Electronic questionnaires were distributed to private practice referring clinicians to probe the aspects related to PACS acceptance and its meaningful use. The conceptual framework, as devised by Paré and Trudel (2007), was used as a theoretical lens to categorize and discuss the research results in terms of Project, Technological, Organizational and Behavioural factors that affect PACS acceptance and its meaningful use. The findings showed good acceptance rates, which is in line with other research conducted in this field, including research done in the public sector. Technical and Organizational factors were the most prevalent. An extension of the above-mentioned theoretical framework was proposed to assist in maintaining positive results after the project Implementation phase has been completed. This research expands the Information Technology PACS body of knowledge – by identifying both the technical and the non-technical factors that are crucial in private practice referring doctor acceptance and meaningful use. By addressing these factors, institutions can improve the likelihood of PACS project success in private practice settings. Maximising referring doctor acceptance and meaningful use could also give private practices a competitive advantage over their competitors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: D'Assonville, Gustav Andre
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Picture archiving and communication systems in medicine , Imaging systems in medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4688 , vital:20648
- Description: A Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS) is a health information technology that facilitates the electronic storage, transmission, presentation and processing of digital medical-imaging datasets. The benefits of PACS have been well-documented. It provides a means to replace traditional film-based workflows and their inherent limitations. Referring clinicians’ acceptance is a critical factor in the overall success of a PACS implementation; and given the financial implications of project failure, research into physician acceptance and meaningful use is crucial. Very few PACS acceptance studies have focused on the referring clinicians, and even less in the context of the private sector. Therefore, the problem that this research aims to address is: There is a lack of understanding on which factors influence PACS acceptance and the meaningful use thereof by referring clinicians in private practice. This explorative study follows an embedded mixed methodology approach in order to meet the research objectives, favouring a qualitative method of inquiry with the support of a quantitative strand. Electronic questionnaires were distributed to private practice referring clinicians to probe the aspects related to PACS acceptance and its meaningful use. The conceptual framework, as devised by Paré and Trudel (2007), was used as a theoretical lens to categorize and discuss the research results in terms of Project, Technological, Organizational and Behavioural factors that affect PACS acceptance and its meaningful use. The findings showed good acceptance rates, which is in line with other research conducted in this field, including research done in the public sector. Technical and Organizational factors were the most prevalent. An extension of the above-mentioned theoretical framework was proposed to assist in maintaining positive results after the project Implementation phase has been completed. This research expands the Information Technology PACS body of knowledge – by identifying both the technical and the non-technical factors that are crucial in private practice referring doctor acceptance and meaningful use. By addressing these factors, institutions can improve the likelihood of PACS project success in private practice settings. Maximising referring doctor acceptance and meaningful use could also give private practices a competitive advantage over their competitors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Factors affecting the adoption and meaningful use of electronic medical records in general practices
- Authors: Masiza, Melissa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Medical records -- Data processing , Medical records
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9814 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018561
- Description: Patients typically enter the healthcare systems at the primary care level from where they are further referred to specialists or hospitals as necessary. In the private healthcare system, primary care is provided by a general practitioner (GP). A GP will refer a patient to a specialist for treatment when necessary, while the GP remains the main healthcare provider. The provision of care is, thus, fragmented which results in continuity of care becoming a challenge. Furthermore, the majority of healthcare providers continue to use paper-based systems to capture and store patient medical data. However, capturing and storing patient medical data via electronic methods, such as Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), has been found to improve continuity of care. Despite this benefit, research reveals that smaller practices are slow to adopt electronic methods of record keeping. Hence this explorative research attempts to identify factors that affect the lack of adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in general practices. Four general practices are surveyed through patient and staff questionnaires, as well as GP interviews. Socio-Technical Systems (STS) theory is used as a theoretical lens to formulate the resulting factors. The findings of the research indicate specific factors that relate to either the social, environmental or technical sub-systems of the socio-technical system, or an overlap between these sub-systems. It is significant to note that within these sub-systems, the social sub-system plays a key role. This is due to various reasons revealed by this research. Furthermore, multiple perceptions emerged from the GP and patient participants during the analysis of the findings. These perceptions may have an influence on the adoption and potential meaningful use of an EMR in a general practice. Additionally, the socio-technical factors identified from this research highlight the challenges related to encouraging the adoption and meaningful use of EMRs. These challenges are introduced by the complexities represented by these factors. Nevertheless, addressing the factors will contribute towards improving the rate of adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in small practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Factors affecting the adoption and meaningful use of electronic medical records in general practices
- Authors: Masiza, Melissa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Medical records -- Data processing , Medical records
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9814 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018561
- Description: Patients typically enter the healthcare systems at the primary care level from where they are further referred to specialists or hospitals as necessary. In the private healthcare system, primary care is provided by a general practitioner (GP). A GP will refer a patient to a specialist for treatment when necessary, while the GP remains the main healthcare provider. The provision of care is, thus, fragmented which results in continuity of care becoming a challenge. Furthermore, the majority of healthcare providers continue to use paper-based systems to capture and store patient medical data. However, capturing and storing patient medical data via electronic methods, such as Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), has been found to improve continuity of care. Despite this benefit, research reveals that smaller practices are slow to adopt electronic methods of record keeping. Hence this explorative research attempts to identify factors that affect the lack of adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in general practices. Four general practices are surveyed through patient and staff questionnaires, as well as GP interviews. Socio-Technical Systems (STS) theory is used as a theoretical lens to formulate the resulting factors. The findings of the research indicate specific factors that relate to either the social, environmental or technical sub-systems of the socio-technical system, or an overlap between these sub-systems. It is significant to note that within these sub-systems, the social sub-system plays a key role. This is due to various reasons revealed by this research. Furthermore, multiple perceptions emerged from the GP and patient participants during the analysis of the findings. These perceptions may have an influence on the adoption and potential meaningful use of an EMR in a general practice. Additionally, the socio-technical factors identified from this research highlight the challenges related to encouraging the adoption and meaningful use of EMRs. These challenges are introduced by the complexities represented by these factors. Nevertheless, addressing the factors will contribute towards improving the rate of adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in small practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Factors affecting the use of mobile devices for remote data collection in home community based care
- Authors: Shozi, Nobubele Angel
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Home care services -- Technological innovations , Medical technology , Home care services -- Organisation and administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9806 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012621 , Home care services -- Technological innovations , Medical technology , Home care services -- Organisation and administration
- Description: The health care systems of developing countries, which are already weak, have to carry an additional strain brought on by the burden of infectious diseases. This added strain means that the health care provided is not of the highest quality. The use of home community based care (HCBC) was introduced as an attempt to provide basic health care services to people through the services of community health care workers (CHCW). With the development of HCBC in developing countries and the CHCW playing a vital role in ensuring that the lives of people living with diseases are improved, the need for information and communication technology (ICT) solutions is increased. The information that is collected by the CHCW is paper-based and it cannot be analysed and used efficiently and effectively. This study embraces the adoption of a socio-technical perspective when an ICT solution is introduced in an environment. A socio-technical perspective focuses on three dimensions: the user, the environment and the technology used. These three need to be in coherence to ensure that the technology is used effectively by the user within the environment. Therefore the objective of this study is to identify a list of socio-technical factors that affect CHCWs when they are using mobile phones for data collection purposes in home community based care. In order to achieve this it was necessary to understand how the socio-technical subsystems of the HCBC environment are constituted. The study followed a qualitative approach, including interviews and observations, to collect the data which will best enable the researcher to understand the home community based care environment, its people and the use of the technology to collect data in this environment, in particular mobile phones. A qualitative content analysis approach was followed to analyse the data and constitute a list of factors affecting the use of mobile devices for remote data collection in home community based care. It is hoped that this research will assist to inform the design of appropriate mobile health applications to both ease the burden of CHCWs (i.e. it should be faster and easier to use than paper) and improve the healthcare service provided through enabling access to patient records to all partners in the care continuum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Shozi, Nobubele Angel
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Home care services -- Technological innovations , Medical technology , Home care services -- Organisation and administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9806 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012621 , Home care services -- Technological innovations , Medical technology , Home care services -- Organisation and administration
- Description: The health care systems of developing countries, which are already weak, have to carry an additional strain brought on by the burden of infectious diseases. This added strain means that the health care provided is not of the highest quality. The use of home community based care (HCBC) was introduced as an attempt to provide basic health care services to people through the services of community health care workers (CHCW). With the development of HCBC in developing countries and the CHCW playing a vital role in ensuring that the lives of people living with diseases are improved, the need for information and communication technology (ICT) solutions is increased. The information that is collected by the CHCW is paper-based and it cannot be analysed and used efficiently and effectively. This study embraces the adoption of a socio-technical perspective when an ICT solution is introduced in an environment. A socio-technical perspective focuses on three dimensions: the user, the environment and the technology used. These three need to be in coherence to ensure that the technology is used effectively by the user within the environment. Therefore the objective of this study is to identify a list of socio-technical factors that affect CHCWs when they are using mobile phones for data collection purposes in home community based care. In order to achieve this it was necessary to understand how the socio-technical subsystems of the HCBC environment are constituted. The study followed a qualitative approach, including interviews and observations, to collect the data which will best enable the researcher to understand the home community based care environment, its people and the use of the technology to collect data in this environment, in particular mobile phones. A qualitative content analysis approach was followed to analyse the data and constitute a list of factors affecting the use of mobile devices for remote data collection in home community based care. It is hoped that this research will assist to inform the design of appropriate mobile health applications to both ease the burden of CHCWs (i.e. it should be faster and easier to use than paper) and improve the healthcare service provided through enabling access to patient records to all partners in the care continuum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Factors impacting Tablet PC usage in low-income communities
- Authors: Meiring, Natalie
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Information technology -- Economic aspects , Information technology -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4642 , vital:20625
- Description: The purpose of this research was to identify factors that impact on tablet PC usage in low-income communities. In order to determine and identify these factors a main research question and sub-research questions were formulated. The primary research question of this study was "What factors impact on tablet PC usage in low-income communities?" This main research question was answered by creating three sub-research questions followed by triangulating the results from these questions. The first sub-research question was aimed at determining whether prior exposure to touch screen technology impacts the user experience. In order to reach this objective an extensive literature review was conducted on the tablet PC landscape in South Africa. This literature review, coupled with the case study helped answer this first research question. The second sub-research question was concerned with determining whether existing user experience guidelines are relevant to South African users. A thorough literature review was conducted on user experience guidelines and related studies. This literature review, together with the results from the case study helped answer this second research question. The third sub-research question involved identifying specific factors which help improve the user experience of tablet PC users in a specific context. This research question was addressed in the case study. Each sub-research question provided results which were analysed in order to answer the main research question. The factors which impact on tablet PC usage were thus identified and recommendations were proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Meiring, Natalie
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Information technology -- Economic aspects , Information technology -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4642 , vital:20625
- Description: The purpose of this research was to identify factors that impact on tablet PC usage in low-income communities. In order to determine and identify these factors a main research question and sub-research questions were formulated. The primary research question of this study was "What factors impact on tablet PC usage in low-income communities?" This main research question was answered by creating three sub-research questions followed by triangulating the results from these questions. The first sub-research question was aimed at determining whether prior exposure to touch screen technology impacts the user experience. In order to reach this objective an extensive literature review was conducted on the tablet PC landscape in South Africa. This literature review, coupled with the case study helped answer this first research question. The second sub-research question was concerned with determining whether existing user experience guidelines are relevant to South African users. A thorough literature review was conducted on user experience guidelines and related studies. This literature review, together with the results from the case study helped answer this second research question. The third sub-research question involved identifying specific factors which help improve the user experience of tablet PC users in a specific context. This research question was addressed in the case study. Each sub-research question provided results which were analysed in order to answer the main research question. The factors which impact on tablet PC usage were thus identified and recommendations were proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014