An investigation into the parameters affecting the stability of Dithane
- Authors: Williams, Nadia
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Fungicides , Dithane
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10407 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/645 , Fungicides , Dithane
- Description: Plant diseases caused by fungi are the number one cause of crop loss worldwide. The application of a fungicide which is a toxic substance applied either to prevent the growth of, or to kill fungi is one of the methods by which plant diseases are controlled. Ethylenebisdithiocarbamate fungicides are a group of surface acting fungicides which control a broad spectrum of fungi and their associated plant diseases. Mancozeb, also commonly known as Dithane, falls under the polymeric Dithiocarbamate fungicides which have several sites of toxicity to the fungal cell. The use of Mancozeb as a fungicide is increasing worldwide due to the advantages of low acute toxicity, low production and short environmental persistence. However, it has one major disadvantage, namely its lack of oxidative stability under ambient conditions. One of the objectives of this study was to characterize the Dithane samples supplied by Dow AgroSciences in terms of their active ingredient, metal and stabilizer content, and to study the thermal decomposition behaviour of Dithane. An attempt was made to correlate the active ingredient analyses with the TGA and DSC results to establish whether the thermal stability and active ingredient content of Dithane could be simultaneously determined by thermal analysis. This approach offered the attractive advantage of shorter analysis times thus allowing the elimination of the more tedious analytical methods employed by Dow AgroSciences. Furthermore, Fourier Transform infra-red characterization of Dithane samples and metal complexes containing HMT, Mn and/or Zn was carried out in order to identify the presence of functional groups and to gain some insight into the nature of the bonding of HMT, sulfate and water. A study of the nature of the bands in the FTIR spectra of these complexes was able to highlight the nature of the bonding but could not give confirmation of the structures of these complexes. In addition to this, the amount of HMT present in the said complexes was determined by the FTIR using the standard addition method. A final objective of the study was to investigate the reconstitution of Dithane by investigating the influence of the addition order of the various constituents on the stability of the final product. The addition order was found to have a definite influence on the thermal stability of the final product as well as on the percentage of fixed HMT in the product, and the kinetics of the Mn/Zn exchange.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Williams, Nadia
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Fungicides , Dithane
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10407 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/645 , Fungicides , Dithane
- Description: Plant diseases caused by fungi are the number one cause of crop loss worldwide. The application of a fungicide which is a toxic substance applied either to prevent the growth of, or to kill fungi is one of the methods by which plant diseases are controlled. Ethylenebisdithiocarbamate fungicides are a group of surface acting fungicides which control a broad spectrum of fungi and their associated plant diseases. Mancozeb, also commonly known as Dithane, falls under the polymeric Dithiocarbamate fungicides which have several sites of toxicity to the fungal cell. The use of Mancozeb as a fungicide is increasing worldwide due to the advantages of low acute toxicity, low production and short environmental persistence. However, it has one major disadvantage, namely its lack of oxidative stability under ambient conditions. One of the objectives of this study was to characterize the Dithane samples supplied by Dow AgroSciences in terms of their active ingredient, metal and stabilizer content, and to study the thermal decomposition behaviour of Dithane. An attempt was made to correlate the active ingredient analyses with the TGA and DSC results to establish whether the thermal stability and active ingredient content of Dithane could be simultaneously determined by thermal analysis. This approach offered the attractive advantage of shorter analysis times thus allowing the elimination of the more tedious analytical methods employed by Dow AgroSciences. Furthermore, Fourier Transform infra-red characterization of Dithane samples and metal complexes containing HMT, Mn and/or Zn was carried out in order to identify the presence of functional groups and to gain some insight into the nature of the bonding of HMT, sulfate and water. A study of the nature of the bands in the FTIR spectra of these complexes was able to highlight the nature of the bonding but could not give confirmation of the structures of these complexes. In addition to this, the amount of HMT present in the said complexes was determined by the FTIR using the standard addition method. A final objective of the study was to investigate the reconstitution of Dithane by investigating the influence of the addition order of the various constituents on the stability of the final product. The addition order was found to have a definite influence on the thermal stability of the final product as well as on the percentage of fixed HMT in the product, and the kinetics of the Mn/Zn exchange.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Knowledge and understanding of radiographers regarding supraspinatus outlet projection for shoulder impingement syndrome
- Authors: Willians, Razana
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical , Diagnosis, Radioscopic , Shoulder , Diagnostic imaging
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4456 , vital:20602
- Description: The shoulder is a complex anatomical structure and imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of shoulder conditions. The complexity of the shoulder’s anatomy has led to the development of multiple radiographic projections and techniques within plain film imaging with each projection intended to demonstrate specific aspects of the anatomy of the shoulder. However, reproducing the required projections can be difficult especially if radiographers are not familiar with the projections and their evaluation criteria. Literature has revealed the importance of a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of anatomy, patient positioning, beam direction and centring point, and evaluation criteria to ensure a quality projection for accurate diagnoses. The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge and understanding of radiographers with regard to the supraspinatus outlet projection (SOP) for shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) and its evaluation criteria. The inferences derived from the research findings were used to develop guidelines for a structured in-service training programme for practising radiographers to optimise their knowledge and understanding of the supraspinatus outlet projection in shoulder impingement syndrome. The proposed study followed a quantitative approach. Furthermore, a descriptive, exploratory, contextual design was employed. The research population consisted of practising radiographers working in the public and private hospitals of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The data were collected by means of a structured self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised of three sections. The first section requested demographic information from the participants. The second section assessed their knowledge and understanding regarding the scapular ‘Y’ and the supraspinatus outlet projections and shoulder impingement syndrome. The third section assessed their knowledge and understanding of anatomy and image evaluation/critiquing. The reliability and validity of the data collection instrument was ensured by conducting a pilot study and comparing the results with those of the main study. In addition, the expertise and guidance of a radiographer experienced in the clinical training of radiographers, the supervisor (who has twenty years’ experience in the teaching of radiographers) and a statistician was obtained. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed by means of a statistical programme and with the guidance of a statistician. The researcher ensured that the study was conducted in an ethical manner by adhering to the ethical principles of beneficence, justice and respect for persons.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Willians, Razana
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical , Diagnosis, Radioscopic , Shoulder , Diagnostic imaging
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4456 , vital:20602
- Description: The shoulder is a complex anatomical structure and imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of shoulder conditions. The complexity of the shoulder’s anatomy has led to the development of multiple radiographic projections and techniques within plain film imaging with each projection intended to demonstrate specific aspects of the anatomy of the shoulder. However, reproducing the required projections can be difficult especially if radiographers are not familiar with the projections and their evaluation criteria. Literature has revealed the importance of a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of anatomy, patient positioning, beam direction and centring point, and evaluation criteria to ensure a quality projection for accurate diagnoses. The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge and understanding of radiographers with regard to the supraspinatus outlet projection (SOP) for shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) and its evaluation criteria. The inferences derived from the research findings were used to develop guidelines for a structured in-service training programme for practising radiographers to optimise their knowledge and understanding of the supraspinatus outlet projection in shoulder impingement syndrome. The proposed study followed a quantitative approach. Furthermore, a descriptive, exploratory, contextual design was employed. The research population consisted of practising radiographers working in the public and private hospitals of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The data were collected by means of a structured self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised of three sections. The first section requested demographic information from the participants. The second section assessed their knowledge and understanding regarding the scapular ‘Y’ and the supraspinatus outlet projections and shoulder impingement syndrome. The third section assessed their knowledge and understanding of anatomy and image evaluation/critiquing. The reliability and validity of the data collection instrument was ensured by conducting a pilot study and comparing the results with those of the main study. In addition, the expertise and guidance of a radiographer experienced in the clinical training of radiographers, the supervisor (who has twenty years’ experience in the teaching of radiographers) and a statistician was obtained. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed by means of a statistical programme and with the guidance of a statistician. The researcher ensured that the study was conducted in an ethical manner by adhering to the ethical principles of beneficence, justice and respect for persons.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
User requirements framework for mobile government in the Western Cape
- Authors: Wilson, Fiona Michelle
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Government communication systems , Internet in public administration , Electronic government information , Mobile communication systems , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9751 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008076 , Government communication systems , Internet in public administration , Electronic government information , Mobile communication systems , Information technology
- Description: Globally, mobile technology use, particularly the use of mobile phones, is becoming increasingly widespread. One consequence of this growth is mounting interest in using mobile technologies in the public sector, particularly in developing countries, because it is seen as enabling better access to information and services for citizens. Mobile government (m-government), defined as the use of mobile technologies and applications for public sector services, promises to extend access to public services to marginalised sectors of the population and is emerging as a new focus in the ongoing challenge to provide efficient, effective and accessible public services. Though interest in m-government is emerging in the provincial Western Cape Government (WCG) of South Africa, few guidelines exist in the WCG to inform the development of public sector mobile services. This absence impacts on service delivery and the primary objective of this study was to propose a set of guidelines that could guide the prioritisation of citizen facing public sector services for mobile implementation in the Western Cape. The study considered two areas namely, government and user needs. The primary research question was to determine what public sector services citizens need and how these services should be prioritised for mobile delivery in the Western Cape. To address this, three research sub-questions were formulated. The first question aimed to examine conceptions of mobile government. To achieve this a literature study and documentation review was conducted, from which factors influencing service prioritisation emerged. The second research question aimed to identify citizen needs that could inform mobile public sector services in the Western Cape. Thus a survey and interviews were conducted with citizens using the WCG community ICT centres (e-Centres). The third research question aimed to identify factors that impact on the prioritisation of citizen facing public sectors for mobile delivery in the Western Cape. The findings from the literature study, survey and interviews conducted were used to address this research question. The results from the three research sub-questions were triangulated to address the main objective of the study and from this a set of guidelines for prioritising mobile public sector services in the Western Cape was proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Wilson, Fiona Michelle
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Government communication systems , Internet in public administration , Electronic government information , Mobile communication systems , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9751 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008076 , Government communication systems , Internet in public administration , Electronic government information , Mobile communication systems , Information technology
- Description: Globally, mobile technology use, particularly the use of mobile phones, is becoming increasingly widespread. One consequence of this growth is mounting interest in using mobile technologies in the public sector, particularly in developing countries, because it is seen as enabling better access to information and services for citizens. Mobile government (m-government), defined as the use of mobile technologies and applications for public sector services, promises to extend access to public services to marginalised sectors of the population and is emerging as a new focus in the ongoing challenge to provide efficient, effective and accessible public services. Though interest in m-government is emerging in the provincial Western Cape Government (WCG) of South Africa, few guidelines exist in the WCG to inform the development of public sector mobile services. This absence impacts on service delivery and the primary objective of this study was to propose a set of guidelines that could guide the prioritisation of citizen facing public sector services for mobile implementation in the Western Cape. The study considered two areas namely, government and user needs. The primary research question was to determine what public sector services citizens need and how these services should be prioritised for mobile delivery in the Western Cape. To address this, three research sub-questions were formulated. The first question aimed to examine conceptions of mobile government. To achieve this a literature study and documentation review was conducted, from which factors influencing service prioritisation emerged. The second research question aimed to identify citizen needs that could inform mobile public sector services in the Western Cape. Thus a survey and interviews were conducted with citizens using the WCG community ICT centres (e-Centres). The third research question aimed to identify factors that impact on the prioritisation of citizen facing public sectors for mobile delivery in the Western Cape. The findings from the literature study, survey and interviews conducted were used to address this research question. The results from the three research sub-questions were triangulated to address the main objective of the study and from this a set of guidelines for prioritising mobile public sector services in the Western Cape was proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An investigation into the antibacterial activites of medicinal plants traditionally used in the Eastern Cape to treat lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients
- Authors: Wilson, Katherine Leigh
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10985 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/242 , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are very serious and are usually fatal. Prolonged antibiotic treatment can result in the development of antibiotic resistance. Thus, studies are required to determine if traditional medicinal plants have any significant effects (i.e. antibacterial effects in this case) on certain bacteria causing lung infections in CF patients, providing possible alternative treatment. The aim of this study was to test the effects of several Eastern Cape medicinal plants on specific bacteria causing lung infections in CF patients, for possible antibacterial activities. Four plants traditionally used to treat lung infections (Artemisia afra, Dodonaea angustifolia, Leonotis leonurus & Tulbaghia violacea), and different strains of four bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas species & Klebsiella pneumoniae), usually causing lung infections were investigated. Methanol, aqueous and acetone extraction methods were used to make extracts of the various plants chosen. A decoction of each plant was also investigated. An adapted microtitre plate method for testing the antibacterial activity of the plant extracts against the chosen bacteria was used. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each plant extract was determined by means of this method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Wilson, Katherine Leigh
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10985 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/242 , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are very serious and are usually fatal. Prolonged antibiotic treatment can result in the development of antibiotic resistance. Thus, studies are required to determine if traditional medicinal plants have any significant effects (i.e. antibacterial effects in this case) on certain bacteria causing lung infections in CF patients, providing possible alternative treatment. The aim of this study was to test the effects of several Eastern Cape medicinal plants on specific bacteria causing lung infections in CF patients, for possible antibacterial activities. Four plants traditionally used to treat lung infections (Artemisia afra, Dodonaea angustifolia, Leonotis leonurus & Tulbaghia violacea), and different strains of four bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas species & Klebsiella pneumoniae), usually causing lung infections were investigated. Methanol, aqueous and acetone extraction methods were used to make extracts of the various plants chosen. A decoction of each plant was also investigated. An adapted microtitre plate method for testing the antibacterial activity of the plant extracts against the chosen bacteria was used. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each plant extract was determined by means of this method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The evolution of fashion discourse: examining vogue magazine’s role as fashion authority
- Authors: Wissink, Emma Seline
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Fashion -- Research , Fashion -- Forecasting Clothing trade -- Forecasting Advertising -- Fashion Fashion writing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36026 , vital:33883
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of Vogue magazine’s role as a fashion authority. The methodology of Foucauldian discourse analysis motivated the enquiry into the establishment of Vogue’s fashion authority over time. The corpus of Vogue’s September Point of View editorials between the period of 1960 and 2015 was divided into four epochs using the period of editorship held by the four editors (Jessica Daves, Diana Vreeland, Grace Mirabella and Anna Wintour). Features of Vogue’s discourse were identified in literature and applied to the corpus using a concurrent embedded mixed methods approach, employing the quantitative and qualitative methods of content and discourse analysis respectively. The analysis suggested that Vogue maintained fashion authority through changing its discourse to suit changes occurring in the field of fashion and the evolving needs and perspectives of the reader. Changes in the way Vogue presents itself; addresses the reader; attributes material, commercial, or intellectual features to fashion; addresses concepts of time and novelty; and negotiates the relationship between American fashion and European or global fashion were the focus of the analysis. The findings conceptualise Vogue’s voice as evolving through the four roles of reporting, fictionalizing, translating and connecting fashion. The shift in Vogue’s voice suggests that the conceptualization of fashion in the publication shifts towards a more abstract and general conception of fashion and reader. The results suggest that Vogue’s fashion discourse shifts from a focus on the specific material features of fashion and craft and the conception of fashion as news and Vogue as a reporter towards a focus on the more abstract, general intellectual and commercial properties of fashion and the conception of fashion as commerce promoting Vogue’s role as a facilitating platform.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Wissink, Emma Seline
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Fashion -- Research , Fashion -- Forecasting Clothing trade -- Forecasting Advertising -- Fashion Fashion writing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36026 , vital:33883
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of Vogue magazine’s role as a fashion authority. The methodology of Foucauldian discourse analysis motivated the enquiry into the establishment of Vogue’s fashion authority over time. The corpus of Vogue’s September Point of View editorials between the period of 1960 and 2015 was divided into four epochs using the period of editorship held by the four editors (Jessica Daves, Diana Vreeland, Grace Mirabella and Anna Wintour). Features of Vogue’s discourse were identified in literature and applied to the corpus using a concurrent embedded mixed methods approach, employing the quantitative and qualitative methods of content and discourse analysis respectively. The analysis suggested that Vogue maintained fashion authority through changing its discourse to suit changes occurring in the field of fashion and the evolving needs and perspectives of the reader. Changes in the way Vogue presents itself; addresses the reader; attributes material, commercial, or intellectual features to fashion; addresses concepts of time and novelty; and negotiates the relationship between American fashion and European or global fashion were the focus of the analysis. The findings conceptualise Vogue’s voice as evolving through the four roles of reporting, fictionalizing, translating and connecting fashion. The shift in Vogue’s voice suggests that the conceptualization of fashion in the publication shifts towards a more abstract and general conception of fashion and reader. The results suggest that Vogue’s fashion discourse shifts from a focus on the specific material features of fashion and craft and the conception of fashion as news and Vogue as a reporter towards a focus on the more abstract, general intellectual and commercial properties of fashion and the conception of fashion as commerce promoting Vogue’s role as a facilitating platform.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Investigation and prediction of autoignition during hot start conditions
- Authors: Wodausch, Jens
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Automobiles -- Ignition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9621 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/991 , Automobiles -- Ignition
- Description: This Master’s thesis discusses the investigation of autoignition (knock) of air-fuel mixtures in internal combustion engines (type EA 827; 1.6 and 1.4 l) under hot start conditions. Chapter Three comprehensively reviews literature on fuel characteristics; specifically boiling point, chemistry and the difference between the Research and Motor Octane Number (RON and MON). Furthermore different types of autoignition are discussed with regards to their detection and assessment in the chapter. The subsection on engine management looks at possible methods of altering and eliminating autoignition. Chapter Four details the equipment used to obtain data and measurements, as well as the signal conditioning of the spark and injector signal. Chapter Five discusses the actual results obtained during summer testing of the different methods of altering and eliminating autoignition in an internal combustion engine, as derived from the theories presented in Chapter Three. The summer tests finally verified the new application level and showed that only a reduction in the quantity of fuel injected can eliminate autoignition. However, a slight decrease in heat release does cause an increase in start time. In Chapter Six, based on the test results, a simulation model which calculates the probability of autoignition in a 1.4 l (Econo) engine during hot start conditions in Matlab/Simulink was developed. This simulation model satisfactorily verified test results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Wodausch, Jens
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Automobiles -- Ignition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9621 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/991 , Automobiles -- Ignition
- Description: This Master’s thesis discusses the investigation of autoignition (knock) of air-fuel mixtures in internal combustion engines (type EA 827; 1.6 and 1.4 l) under hot start conditions. Chapter Three comprehensively reviews literature on fuel characteristics; specifically boiling point, chemistry and the difference between the Research and Motor Octane Number (RON and MON). Furthermore different types of autoignition are discussed with regards to their detection and assessment in the chapter. The subsection on engine management looks at possible methods of altering and eliminating autoignition. Chapter Four details the equipment used to obtain data and measurements, as well as the signal conditioning of the spark and injector signal. Chapter Five discusses the actual results obtained during summer testing of the different methods of altering and eliminating autoignition in an internal combustion engine, as derived from the theories presented in Chapter Three. The summer tests finally verified the new application level and showed that only a reduction in the quantity of fuel injected can eliminate autoignition. However, a slight decrease in heat release does cause an increase in start time. In Chapter Six, based on the test results, a simulation model which calculates the probability of autoignition in a 1.4 l (Econo) engine during hot start conditions in Matlab/Simulink was developed. This simulation model satisfactorily verified test results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A study of procurement and administration in the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Xatula, Meyisi Sigqibo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Procurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13458 , vital:27205
- Description: The study investigated issues concerning procurement and administration in the Department of Health (DoH) in the Eastern Cape and has further investigated the role of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Act 1 of 1999 in the department. That included issues associated with the administration and procurement in relation to service providers from the private sector. The DoH in the Eastern Cape Province delivers:“ … a quality health service to the people of the Eastern Cape Province promoting a better life for all and ensures accessible, comprehensive, and integrated services in the province, emphasising the primary health care approach, as well as utilising and developing all resources to enable present and future generations to enjoy good health and quality of life” (Department of Health [DoH], Eastern Cape, Departmental Annual Performance Plan, 2013:3). Various researchers have investigated the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999 and have identified gaps and made recommendations regarding the identified gaps. The study is based on the following reports from various authors: According to Pillay (2013), since 1994 every public sector department has lost approximately R385 billion to fraud, corruption and maladministration. Government employees have accepted kickbacks in exchange for rigging tenders, including focusing on high levels of corruption (Albert, 2011:1). The fraud and corruption in the Eastern Cape DoH, which involves nepotism, corruption and fraud amounting to a million rand in the audit report of 2013, have prompted calls by the opposition for interventions (PricewaterhouseCoopers [PWC], 2013:9). Departmental Annual Performance Plan for 2013/2014. Impact of accountability and ethics on public service delivery: a South African perspective which involves accountability stating that all government departments have to be efficient to ensure value for public funds including the qualitative and value-laden expectations of the society (Raga & Taylor, 2008:1). EC (2010:9), Audit Report: Health Department, Eastern Cape. King III Report (2009) – Corporate Governance. The study has built on previous research conducted by other researchers who have conducted research on the issue of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act 1 (PFM Act 1) of 1999, and had identify further gaps not previously identified by other researchers or in the audits. In addition, this study aims to also identify shortcomings that have been described in the recent audits 2013/2014 of the DoH, Eastern Cape. Together with the new gaps identified in the PFM Act 1 of 1999, the researcher aims to make a number of recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999. The PFM Act 1 of 1999 was promulgated by the South African government in 1999. The Act promotes the objective of good financial management in order to maximise service delivery through effective and efficient use of available limited resources as well as credible interaction with private sector service providers. A key objective of this Act is to put in place a more effective financial accountability system over public entities. The objectives of the Act are to: Modernise the system of financial management, Enable public sector managers to manage, while at the same time being accountable, Ensure timely provision of quality information, To eliminate waste and corruption in the use of public assets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Xatula, Meyisi Sigqibo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Procurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13458 , vital:27205
- Description: The study investigated issues concerning procurement and administration in the Department of Health (DoH) in the Eastern Cape and has further investigated the role of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Act 1 of 1999 in the department. That included issues associated with the administration and procurement in relation to service providers from the private sector. The DoH in the Eastern Cape Province delivers:“ … a quality health service to the people of the Eastern Cape Province promoting a better life for all and ensures accessible, comprehensive, and integrated services in the province, emphasising the primary health care approach, as well as utilising and developing all resources to enable present and future generations to enjoy good health and quality of life” (Department of Health [DoH], Eastern Cape, Departmental Annual Performance Plan, 2013:3). Various researchers have investigated the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999 and have identified gaps and made recommendations regarding the identified gaps. The study is based on the following reports from various authors: According to Pillay (2013), since 1994 every public sector department has lost approximately R385 billion to fraud, corruption and maladministration. Government employees have accepted kickbacks in exchange for rigging tenders, including focusing on high levels of corruption (Albert, 2011:1). The fraud and corruption in the Eastern Cape DoH, which involves nepotism, corruption and fraud amounting to a million rand in the audit report of 2013, have prompted calls by the opposition for interventions (PricewaterhouseCoopers [PWC], 2013:9). Departmental Annual Performance Plan for 2013/2014. Impact of accountability and ethics on public service delivery: a South African perspective which involves accountability stating that all government departments have to be efficient to ensure value for public funds including the qualitative and value-laden expectations of the society (Raga & Taylor, 2008:1). EC (2010:9), Audit Report: Health Department, Eastern Cape. King III Report (2009) – Corporate Governance. The study has built on previous research conducted by other researchers who have conducted research on the issue of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act 1 (PFM Act 1) of 1999, and had identify further gaps not previously identified by other researchers or in the audits. In addition, this study aims to also identify shortcomings that have been described in the recent audits 2013/2014 of the DoH, Eastern Cape. Together with the new gaps identified in the PFM Act 1 of 1999, the researcher aims to make a number of recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999. The PFM Act 1 of 1999 was promulgated by the South African government in 1999. The Act promotes the objective of good financial management in order to maximise service delivery through effective and efficient use of available limited resources as well as credible interaction with private sector service providers. A key objective of this Act is to put in place a more effective financial accountability system over public entities. The objectives of the Act are to: Modernise the system of financial management, Enable public sector managers to manage, while at the same time being accountable, Ensure timely provision of quality information, To eliminate waste and corruption in the use of public assets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An investigation into the factors in the Chinese market that influence wine imports from South Africa
- Authors: Xiaobin, Li
- Subjects: Wine industry -- Marketing , Wine industry -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Chinese
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9343 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1177 , Wine industry -- Marketing , Wine industry -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Chinese
- Description: As an important part of a nation’s history and culture, South African wine industry contributes vastly towards South Africa’s economy and job creation. However, under the influence of the widespread globalisation, South African wineries have to face many new issues and challenges. How to expand their overseas markets and obtain a sustainable development mode has drawn more attention from South African entrepreneurs in this field. Due to the rapid economic development and the huge population, China can provide a market with enormous potential to South African wineries. The fast growing trade between the two countries can also bring opportunities to South African entrepreneurs to explore the Chinese market. Therefore, it is necessary and vital for South African wineries to understand the Chinese market and the factors that influence wine imports from South Africa before they enter the wine market in China. The research problem addressed in this study was to investigate the factors in the Chinese market that influence wine imports from South Africa. To achieve this objective, a literature study was undertaken to probe the various aspects of the wine market in China, including the characteristics, the status quo and the development trends of this market. The driving factors that attribute to a great increase in wine consumption in China were also explored and discussed. Based on the literature study, a survey questionnaire was developed to obtain the empirical data. By means of comparison and integration of the findings of the empirical survey with the literature study, the results were obtained for solving the research problems. In addition, conclusions and recommendations iii were drawn to assist South African wineries and other marketers in choosing appropriate marketing strategies and avoiding potential risks.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Xiaobin, Li
- Subjects: Wine industry -- Marketing , Wine industry -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Chinese
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9343 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1177 , Wine industry -- Marketing , Wine industry -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Chinese
- Description: As an important part of a nation’s history and culture, South African wine industry contributes vastly towards South Africa’s economy and job creation. However, under the influence of the widespread globalisation, South African wineries have to face many new issues and challenges. How to expand their overseas markets and obtain a sustainable development mode has drawn more attention from South African entrepreneurs in this field. Due to the rapid economic development and the huge population, China can provide a market with enormous potential to South African wineries. The fast growing trade between the two countries can also bring opportunities to South African entrepreneurs to explore the Chinese market. Therefore, it is necessary and vital for South African wineries to understand the Chinese market and the factors that influence wine imports from South Africa before they enter the wine market in China. The research problem addressed in this study was to investigate the factors in the Chinese market that influence wine imports from South Africa. To achieve this objective, a literature study was undertaken to probe the various aspects of the wine market in China, including the characteristics, the status quo and the development trends of this market. The driving factors that attribute to a great increase in wine consumption in China were also explored and discussed. Based on the literature study, a survey questionnaire was developed to obtain the empirical data. By means of comparison and integration of the findings of the empirical survey with the literature study, the results were obtained for solving the research problems. In addition, conclusions and recommendations iii were drawn to assist South African wineries and other marketers in choosing appropriate marketing strategies and avoiding potential risks.
- Full Text:
Factors influencing international students' choice of enrolling at higher education institutions via the internet
- Authors: Yang, Ning
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Internet marketing -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Marketing , Internet in higher education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9338 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1084 , Internet marketing -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Marketing , Internet in higher education -- South Africa
- Description: As the competition increase in the Higher Education industry, marketing departments of Higher Education Institutions view students as consumers and market their institutions. At the mean time, universities around the world encourage their international offices to increase the foreign student enrollments. This research investigates the factors influencing international students’ choice of enrolling at Higher Educational Institutions (HEI) via the internet: international students’ Internet use to facilitate information search and decision making. This survey of international students from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) explored the Internet’s role in marketing international education. Based on this exploratory research, NMMU educational institutions gain insights of online customer service for successfully recruiting students. The results show that prospective overseas students do indeed use the internet. Overall evaluation of the factors influencing the use of the internet for enrolling at HEIs was determined by four factors: namely, perceived usefulness, consumer involvement, perceived ease of use and opinion leadership.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Yang, Ning
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Internet marketing -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Marketing , Internet in higher education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9338 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1084 , Internet marketing -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Marketing , Internet in higher education -- South Africa
- Description: As the competition increase in the Higher Education industry, marketing departments of Higher Education Institutions view students as consumers and market their institutions. At the mean time, universities around the world encourage their international offices to increase the foreign student enrollments. This research investigates the factors influencing international students’ choice of enrolling at Higher Educational Institutions (HEI) via the internet: international students’ Internet use to facilitate information search and decision making. This survey of international students from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) explored the Internet’s role in marketing international education. Based on this exploratory research, NMMU educational institutions gain insights of online customer service for successfully recruiting students. The results show that prospective overseas students do indeed use the internet. Overall evaluation of the factors influencing the use of the internet for enrolling at HEIs was determined by four factors: namely, perceived usefulness, consumer involvement, perceived ease of use and opinion leadership.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The impact of cultural context on web design for e-Government in South Africa
- Authors: Yeratziotis, Alexandros
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Internet in public administration -- South Africa , Web sites -- Design , Culture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9741 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/2116 , Internet in public administration -- South Africa , Web sites -- Design , Culture
- Description: The role and power of ICT today, particularly the Internet, cannot be underestimated. The Internet has a great impact on the business environment, where a large majority of companies and organisations have made substantial investments in an online presence in the form of websites, as well as the IT infrastructure needed to improve business processes. In terms of websites, research has shown that it is critical to identify the target market of the site and the actual users, and to construct the site according to their specific needs and preferences. This is to a large extent the focus of the field of Human Computer Interaction. It therefore makes perfect sense that many software products and websites fail to meet the users‟ needs, as they are designed mainly by Western designers for Eastern and African users. In essence, the failure is due to the fact that the design does not accommodate the cultural behaviours, understandings and preferences of the intended users, thus making it difficult for them to use and adopt them. This has been confirmed by many researchers who have studied various culture dimensions and their relation to Web design. As mentioned, the role of the Internet in terms of its effect in the business world is becoming increasingly important. However, the Internet could prove to play an influential role in the public sector as well and could therefore be used as a critical tool by government in the form of e-Government. Many countries are adopting e-Government initiatives in an attempt to improve their relations within government itself and with their citizens and businesses. This would help them to render better service delivery and at the same time empower the citizens to also participate in the governance of the country itself. The concept for this dissertation was formulated in terms of three key ingredients: e-Government, culture dimensions and Web design. The purpose of this dissertation is to examine the way a specific culture dimension, referred to as the cultural-context dimension, which focuses on the communication process, can impact in Web design. Once this is achieved, it will be possible to determine how this can positively affect the design of the South African e-Government website so that the overall usability of the site may be improved. The improvements will be justified because the site would then match the cultural behaviours, perceptions and Web design preferences of South African users. In short, the goal of this III dissertation is to provide guidelines and recommendations that will improve the South African e-Government website (www.gov.za) by examining anthropologist Edward Hall‟s cultural-context dimension and its role in the Web design process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Yeratziotis, Alexandros
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Internet in public administration -- South Africa , Web sites -- Design , Culture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9741 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/2116 , Internet in public administration -- South Africa , Web sites -- Design , Culture
- Description: The role and power of ICT today, particularly the Internet, cannot be underestimated. The Internet has a great impact on the business environment, where a large majority of companies and organisations have made substantial investments in an online presence in the form of websites, as well as the IT infrastructure needed to improve business processes. In terms of websites, research has shown that it is critical to identify the target market of the site and the actual users, and to construct the site according to their specific needs and preferences. This is to a large extent the focus of the field of Human Computer Interaction. It therefore makes perfect sense that many software products and websites fail to meet the users‟ needs, as they are designed mainly by Western designers for Eastern and African users. In essence, the failure is due to the fact that the design does not accommodate the cultural behaviours, understandings and preferences of the intended users, thus making it difficult for them to use and adopt them. This has been confirmed by many researchers who have studied various culture dimensions and their relation to Web design. As mentioned, the role of the Internet in terms of its effect in the business world is becoming increasingly important. However, the Internet could prove to play an influential role in the public sector as well and could therefore be used as a critical tool by government in the form of e-Government. Many countries are adopting e-Government initiatives in an attempt to improve their relations within government itself and with their citizens and businesses. This would help them to render better service delivery and at the same time empower the citizens to also participate in the governance of the country itself. The concept for this dissertation was formulated in terms of three key ingredients: e-Government, culture dimensions and Web design. The purpose of this dissertation is to examine the way a specific culture dimension, referred to as the cultural-context dimension, which focuses on the communication process, can impact in Web design. Once this is achieved, it will be possible to determine how this can positively affect the design of the South African e-Government website so that the overall usability of the site may be improved. The improvements will be justified because the site would then match the cultural behaviours, perceptions and Web design preferences of South African users. In short, the goal of this III dissertation is to provide guidelines and recommendations that will improve the South African e-Government website (www.gov.za) by examining anthropologist Edward Hall‟s cultural-context dimension and its role in the Web design process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Guidelines for the design of a mobile phone application for deaf people
- Authors: Yeratziotis, George
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems -- Design and construction , Deaf -- Means of communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9750 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007925 , Mobile communication systems -- Design and construction , Deaf -- Means of communication
- Description: Deaf people in South Africa are no longer a minority group and their needs regarding communication and interaction must therefore be taken into consideration. This demographic does not communicate and interact in the same way as hearing people, which means that any existing usability or accessibility guidelines do not apply. As a result, Deaf people do not have access to information in the same way that a hearing person does. Providing proper access to Information and Communications Technology services, which meet their particular needs, will help the hearing impaired to better integrate into society. The importance of demolishing the communication barrier between the hearing and the hearing impaired is very important. Many people assume that sign language is somehow based on oral language. However, this is not the case. Sign languages are natural visual-spatial languages, and form a contrast with spoken languages which are auditory-vocal based. Acknowledging this fact in 2008, the South African Sign Language Policy Implementation Conference together with several governmental bodies suggested that South African Sign Language should become recognized as the 12th official language of South Africa. Due to the fact that cell phone technology continues to evolve, it will remain a tool of communication upon which Deaf people heavily rely on. The cell phone fulfils a basic need for everyone, but especially for the Deaf demographic as they rely on the short message system to communicate. Deaf people are currently faced with a lack of appropriate mobile phone applications, which would allow them to communicate with hearing as well as deaf people. The primary objective of this research was therefore to make mobile technology equally accessible meaning usable to members of the Deaf demographic. The focus of the research was to investigate the communication barrier and a range of variables that can influence the deaf user’s experience. Topics such as user interface design, usability and interaction were investigated. The outcome of this research was to propose a set of guidelines that, when applied to the design of a website or to phone application accessibility, would ensure communication and interaction from a deaf user. The proposed set of guidelines was then applied to the design of the high fidelity prototype of a mobile phone application. The specific application is a messaging phone application that allows deaf users to communicate with other deaf and hearing users via short message system. A mobile phone application that allows Deaf people to send and receive messages based on the sign language alphabet. The application was named Signchat. Purpose of this was to visibly display how the guidelines were implemented in Signchat. While Signchat’s main purpose is to accommodate the needs of Deaf people, it is also a learning tool and an application that bridges the gap by allowing deaf and hearing users to communicate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Yeratziotis, George
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems -- Design and construction , Deaf -- Means of communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9750 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007925 , Mobile communication systems -- Design and construction , Deaf -- Means of communication
- Description: Deaf people in South Africa are no longer a minority group and their needs regarding communication and interaction must therefore be taken into consideration. This demographic does not communicate and interact in the same way as hearing people, which means that any existing usability or accessibility guidelines do not apply. As a result, Deaf people do not have access to information in the same way that a hearing person does. Providing proper access to Information and Communications Technology services, which meet their particular needs, will help the hearing impaired to better integrate into society. The importance of demolishing the communication barrier between the hearing and the hearing impaired is very important. Many people assume that sign language is somehow based on oral language. However, this is not the case. Sign languages are natural visual-spatial languages, and form a contrast with spoken languages which are auditory-vocal based. Acknowledging this fact in 2008, the South African Sign Language Policy Implementation Conference together with several governmental bodies suggested that South African Sign Language should become recognized as the 12th official language of South Africa. Due to the fact that cell phone technology continues to evolve, it will remain a tool of communication upon which Deaf people heavily rely on. The cell phone fulfils a basic need for everyone, but especially for the Deaf demographic as they rely on the short message system to communicate. Deaf people are currently faced with a lack of appropriate mobile phone applications, which would allow them to communicate with hearing as well as deaf people. The primary objective of this research was therefore to make mobile technology equally accessible meaning usable to members of the Deaf demographic. The focus of the research was to investigate the communication barrier and a range of variables that can influence the deaf user’s experience. Topics such as user interface design, usability and interaction were investigated. The outcome of this research was to propose a set of guidelines that, when applied to the design of a website or to phone application accessibility, would ensure communication and interaction from a deaf user. The proposed set of guidelines was then applied to the design of the high fidelity prototype of a mobile phone application. The specific application is a messaging phone application that allows deaf users to communicate with other deaf and hearing users via short message system. A mobile phone application that allows Deaf people to send and receive messages based on the sign language alphabet. The application was named Signchat. Purpose of this was to visibly display how the guidelines were implemented in Signchat. While Signchat’s main purpose is to accommodate the needs of Deaf people, it is also a learning tool and an application that bridges the gap by allowing deaf and hearing users to communicate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A model of creative and innovative techniques that will prepare final year students to become entrepreneurs
- Authors: Yiadom, Michael Boakye
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Technological innovations -- Economic aspects , Entrepreneurship -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3812 , vital:20465
- Description: Creativity and innovation are significant for the creation of a knowledge and productive base economy with its associated growth, sustainability and job creation. However it is noticed that students will need to employ the techniques on creativity and innovation in order to prepare themselves sufficiently to become business owners and entrepreneurs in this current global world where government jobs are difficult to come by. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to determine creative and innovative techniques that will prepare final-year students to become entrepreneurs. A hard copy Word document questionnaire was considered an appropriate measurement method for this study. The targeted population of the study included entrepreneurial experts, business owners, teachers and lecturers of business management/studies in the Sisonke District of Kwazulu Natal Province. Thus, some 100 entrepreneur experts, owners of businesses, teachers and lecturers were identified as part of the sampling frame. A total number of 67 questionnaires were administered out of the 100 targeted– giving a response rate of 67%. The quantitative data were processed using Excel, leading to appropriate descriptive statistical analyses, including frequencies, means, medians and standard deviations. In order to obtain a better understanding of a model that will prepare final year students to become entrepreneurs, problem statements and sub-problems were stated and a t-test was used to establish demographic variables, whilst correlation analysis among skills was conducted regarding the model of creative and innovative techniques. Factor analysis was conducted using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient which confirms that training in the model will prepare students to become entrepreneurs. The results from the empirical study revealed that a model of creative and innovative techniques will prepare students to become entrepreneurs, with a total of 70% of respondents attesting to it. Based on the relevant literature study and the empirical results, recommendations were made in order to support the training needs of students on creativity and innovation techniques. However, the unavailability of an exhaustive entrepreneurial experts database and small number of further education and training colleges in the Sisonke District, did not allow the research to draw on a larger representative sample. Thus, this limitation has impeded in-depth statistical analysis that would have allowed the research to obtain more accurate findings. Further studies could be investigated from lecturers, business owners and experts whether an introduction of a special curriculum on creativity and innovation in further education and training schools may prepare students to become entrepreneurs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Yiadom, Michael Boakye
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Technological innovations -- Economic aspects , Entrepreneurship -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3812 , vital:20465
- Description: Creativity and innovation are significant for the creation of a knowledge and productive base economy with its associated growth, sustainability and job creation. However it is noticed that students will need to employ the techniques on creativity and innovation in order to prepare themselves sufficiently to become business owners and entrepreneurs in this current global world where government jobs are difficult to come by. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to determine creative and innovative techniques that will prepare final-year students to become entrepreneurs. A hard copy Word document questionnaire was considered an appropriate measurement method for this study. The targeted population of the study included entrepreneurial experts, business owners, teachers and lecturers of business management/studies in the Sisonke District of Kwazulu Natal Province. Thus, some 100 entrepreneur experts, owners of businesses, teachers and lecturers were identified as part of the sampling frame. A total number of 67 questionnaires were administered out of the 100 targeted– giving a response rate of 67%. The quantitative data were processed using Excel, leading to appropriate descriptive statistical analyses, including frequencies, means, medians and standard deviations. In order to obtain a better understanding of a model that will prepare final year students to become entrepreneurs, problem statements and sub-problems were stated and a t-test was used to establish demographic variables, whilst correlation analysis among skills was conducted regarding the model of creative and innovative techniques. Factor analysis was conducted using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient which confirms that training in the model will prepare students to become entrepreneurs. The results from the empirical study revealed that a model of creative and innovative techniques will prepare students to become entrepreneurs, with a total of 70% of respondents attesting to it. Based on the relevant literature study and the empirical results, recommendations were made in order to support the training needs of students on creativity and innovation techniques. However, the unavailability of an exhaustive entrepreneurial experts database and small number of further education and training colleges in the Sisonke District, did not allow the research to draw on a larger representative sample. Thus, this limitation has impeded in-depth statistical analysis that would have allowed the research to obtain more accurate findings. Further studies could be investigated from lecturers, business owners and experts whether an introduction of a special curriculum on creativity and innovation in further education and training schools may prepare students to become entrepreneurs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Civil engineering components for a conceptual elevated light rail transit model with reference to Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Zang, Jin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Railroads, Local and light -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Street-railroads -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Local transit -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9593 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/769 , Railroads, Local and light -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Street-railroads -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Local transit -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The increase of motor vehicles, especially in cities, cause transport problems of traffic congestion, vehicle accidents, air pollution and a lack of public spaces. The increasing number of motor vehicles consumes huge amounts of finite petrol energy and emits large amounts of gases that are harmful to the atmosphere and the natural environment. Therefore, the current road transport network is not a sustainable form of public transport for the future. In order to seek a suitable transportation mode, the Infrastructure and Engineering Business Unit of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) did some feasibility studies about light rail transit (LRT) from 1984 to 1988. The NMBM-report (1988: 8) concluded that a LRT system would provide the most suitable and primary mode to serve Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). Although LRT was regarded as the most suitable primary mode of transport at that time (1988), further studies that were reported in 2006 recommended an alternative public transportation system. This research refers to these studies done for the NMB area and other studies and reports for other areas, but focus on the identification of the most suitable civil engineering components for a conceptual elevated light rail transit (ELRT) model. Electrical driven LRT systems have advantages over internal-combustion driven vehicles in terms of environmental protection. Traditional LRT systems are at ground level and are integrated with the existing road network. Some successful LRT systems indicate that the success of LRT systems is mainly dependent on integration with the existing road network. However, the integration of road transport systems with LRT systems cause increased congestion and accidents. An ELRT system can solve these problems. Bangkok has already built an ELRT system to solve its severe traffic congestion. 4 In order to develop a conceptual ELRT model, this research aimed to determine the most suitable civil engineering components for a conceptual ELRT model, including: (i) the most suitable type of bridge foundation; (ii) the most suitable type bridge girder; (iii) the most suitable type of sleeper; and (iv) whether the track should be a ballasted or non-ballasted type. The grounded theory approach was adopted to build up sets of data from which the most suitable components could be selected. In addition, design analyses were done of the various types of components to determine their suitability for a conceptual ELRT model. Experienced engineers and experts were also consulted to identify the most suitable components. After analyses and selection of the most suitable components, outstanding experts were approached to evaluate the components that showed up as the most suitable through the research. The research results indicated that bored and cast-in-place piles, a double-cell trapezoidal segmental box girder, and twin-block sleepers on a non-ballasted sleeper bed are the most suitable civil engineering components.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Zang, Jin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Railroads, Local and light -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Street-railroads -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Local transit -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9593 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/769 , Railroads, Local and light -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Street-railroads -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Local transit -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The increase of motor vehicles, especially in cities, cause transport problems of traffic congestion, vehicle accidents, air pollution and a lack of public spaces. The increasing number of motor vehicles consumes huge amounts of finite petrol energy and emits large amounts of gases that are harmful to the atmosphere and the natural environment. Therefore, the current road transport network is not a sustainable form of public transport for the future. In order to seek a suitable transportation mode, the Infrastructure and Engineering Business Unit of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) did some feasibility studies about light rail transit (LRT) from 1984 to 1988. The NMBM-report (1988: 8) concluded that a LRT system would provide the most suitable and primary mode to serve Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). Although LRT was regarded as the most suitable primary mode of transport at that time (1988), further studies that were reported in 2006 recommended an alternative public transportation system. This research refers to these studies done for the NMB area and other studies and reports for other areas, but focus on the identification of the most suitable civil engineering components for a conceptual elevated light rail transit (ELRT) model. Electrical driven LRT systems have advantages over internal-combustion driven vehicles in terms of environmental protection. Traditional LRT systems are at ground level and are integrated with the existing road network. Some successful LRT systems indicate that the success of LRT systems is mainly dependent on integration with the existing road network. However, the integration of road transport systems with LRT systems cause increased congestion and accidents. An ELRT system can solve these problems. Bangkok has already built an ELRT system to solve its severe traffic congestion. 4 In order to develop a conceptual ELRT model, this research aimed to determine the most suitable civil engineering components for a conceptual ELRT model, including: (i) the most suitable type of bridge foundation; (ii) the most suitable type bridge girder; (iii) the most suitable type of sleeper; and (iv) whether the track should be a ballasted or non-ballasted type. The grounded theory approach was adopted to build up sets of data from which the most suitable components could be selected. In addition, design analyses were done of the various types of components to determine their suitability for a conceptual ELRT model. Experienced engineers and experts were also consulted to identify the most suitable components. After analyses and selection of the most suitable components, outstanding experts were approached to evaluate the components that showed up as the most suitable through the research. The research results indicated that bored and cast-in-place piles, a double-cell trapezoidal segmental box girder, and twin-block sleepers on a non-ballasted sleeper bed are the most suitable civil engineering components.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Simulation and visualization platform integrated under hardware control systems for a reconfigurable process control
- Zata, Ngonidzashe Munyaradzi, Fernandes, John Manuel
- Authors: Zata, Ngonidzashe Munyaradzi , Fernandes, John Manuel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mechatronics -- Students Engineering students User interfaces (Computer systems)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13349 , vital:27177
- Description: Simulation and visualization platform integrated under hardware control systems for a reconfigurable process control.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Zata, Ngonidzashe Munyaradzi , Fernandes, John Manuel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mechatronics -- Students Engineering students User interfaces (Computer systems)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13349 , vital:27177
- Description: Simulation and visualization platform integrated under hardware control systems for a reconfigurable process control.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An investigation into guests' perceived service quality of the bed-and-breakfast and guest house market industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay area
- Authors: Zhang, Jin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Customer services , Boardinghouses -- Customer services -- South Africa , Bed and breakfast accommodations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9337 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1087
- Description: The tourism and hospitality industry has made a meaningful contribution to the development of the South African economy. Not only the hotels, but also the demand for self-catering holiday properties such as guest houses and bed-and-breakfast Bed and Breakfast establishments is increasing which could boost the tourist industry. Moreover, the prospect of the self-catering holiday properties in South Africa is extremely positive, particularly when the country is given the opportunity to hold the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Thus, expectations and perceptions are significantly shaped and transformed by the prosperous environment. The self-catering holiday properties should provide the best possible service to international and domestic tourists and ensure that their needs are fully met. The general purpose of this study was to evaluate the service quality of guest houses and Bed and Breakfasts in the Nelson Mandela Bay by comparing guests’ expectations and perceptions. The results of this study could assist the managers of guest house and Bed and Breakfast in improving its service performance to more effectively fulfil the needs of dynamic tourist market. The literature study provided an overview of tourism industry from the management and marketing perspectives, services marketing and a detailed discussion of service quality focusing on the nature of services, determinants of service quality and techniques for measuring service quality. The SERVQUAL model and its derivative, Lodging Quality Index (LQI), were adapted for measuring the guests’ perceived service quality in this research. ii The empirical data was collected by means of a survey, using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to guests who were staying at guest houses or Bed and Breakfasts in the Nelson Mandela Bay identified in terms of convenience sampling. One hundred and five useable questionnaires were received. The empirical findings based on the perception-minus-expectation (P-E) gap analysis showed that the perception mean scores were consistently lower than the expectation mean scores. This implies that guests perceived service quality of guest house and Bed and Breakfast to be relatively low. It is recommended that the managers of guest houses and BBs should: uniform the employees; use every tool to figure out what the guest wants; establish specific working procedures and help employees to understand their job responsibilities and mangers’ expectations; invite suggestions of existing located facilities from guests, and move the inconvenient facilities if possible; employ a communication audit to evaluate the overall quality of the communication system by comparing communication objectives to actual performance; combine useful destination information from different sources and update them on the website frequently; and apply an attracting layout to build positive image.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Zhang, Jin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Customer services , Boardinghouses -- Customer services -- South Africa , Bed and breakfast accommodations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9337 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1087
- Description: The tourism and hospitality industry has made a meaningful contribution to the development of the South African economy. Not only the hotels, but also the demand for self-catering holiday properties such as guest houses and bed-and-breakfast Bed and Breakfast establishments is increasing which could boost the tourist industry. Moreover, the prospect of the self-catering holiday properties in South Africa is extremely positive, particularly when the country is given the opportunity to hold the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Thus, expectations and perceptions are significantly shaped and transformed by the prosperous environment. The self-catering holiday properties should provide the best possible service to international and domestic tourists and ensure that their needs are fully met. The general purpose of this study was to evaluate the service quality of guest houses and Bed and Breakfasts in the Nelson Mandela Bay by comparing guests’ expectations and perceptions. The results of this study could assist the managers of guest house and Bed and Breakfast in improving its service performance to more effectively fulfil the needs of dynamic tourist market. The literature study provided an overview of tourism industry from the management and marketing perspectives, services marketing and a detailed discussion of service quality focusing on the nature of services, determinants of service quality and techniques for measuring service quality. The SERVQUAL model and its derivative, Lodging Quality Index (LQI), were adapted for measuring the guests’ perceived service quality in this research. ii The empirical data was collected by means of a survey, using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to guests who were staying at guest houses or Bed and Breakfasts in the Nelson Mandela Bay identified in terms of convenience sampling. One hundred and five useable questionnaires were received. The empirical findings based on the perception-minus-expectation (P-E) gap analysis showed that the perception mean scores were consistently lower than the expectation mean scores. This implies that guests perceived service quality of guest house and Bed and Breakfast to be relatively low. It is recommended that the managers of guest houses and BBs should: uniform the employees; use every tool to figure out what the guest wants; establish specific working procedures and help employees to understand their job responsibilities and mangers’ expectations; invite suggestions of existing located facilities from guests, and move the inconvenient facilities if possible; employ a communication audit to evaluate the overall quality of the communication system by comparing communication objectives to actual performance; combine useful destination information from different sources and update them on the website frequently; and apply an attracting layout to build positive image.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Laser surface hardening of AISI 1518 alloy steel
- Authors: Zhang, Tao
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Lasers , Laser beams , Lasers in engineering , Nd-YAG lasers , Steel alloys , Surfaces -- Effect of radiation on
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9613 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/723 , Lasers , Laser beams , Lasers in engineering , Nd-YAG lasers , Steel alloys , Surfaces -- Effect of radiation on
- Description: The laser surface hardening process will enhance the hardness profile of automotive components and ensure better process control and predictability of quality as compared to the conventional hardening processes. A 2KW Nd-YAG laser system was used to harden the surface of alloy steel with various process parameters (laser power, focal spot diameter and beam velocity). The results (microhardness, microstructure change and residual stress distribution) were measured and analyzed with Vickers microhardness tester, optical/electron microscope and hole-drilling residual stress equipment. Statistical analyses of the experimental data were used for explaining the relationships between process parameters, microhardness and microstructure. General thermal hardening was applied in the research to show the influence of heating temperature and cooling method on microstructure and mechanical properties. Also, the results were compared with laser surface hardening process from microhardness, microstructure and residual stress to show the advantage of laser surface hardening. Through analysis of the results of the laser surface hardening experiments, a suitable laser power density and interaction time for optimum hardening was obtained. The presented laser surface hardening process can also be applied to other alloy steel surface hardening process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Zhang, Tao
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Lasers , Laser beams , Lasers in engineering , Nd-YAG lasers , Steel alloys , Surfaces -- Effect of radiation on
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9613 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/723 , Lasers , Laser beams , Lasers in engineering , Nd-YAG lasers , Steel alloys , Surfaces -- Effect of radiation on
- Description: The laser surface hardening process will enhance the hardness profile of automotive components and ensure better process control and predictability of quality as compared to the conventional hardening processes. A 2KW Nd-YAG laser system was used to harden the surface of alloy steel with various process parameters (laser power, focal spot diameter and beam velocity). The results (microhardness, microstructure change and residual stress distribution) were measured and analyzed with Vickers microhardness tester, optical/electron microscope and hole-drilling residual stress equipment. Statistical analyses of the experimental data were used for explaining the relationships between process parameters, microhardness and microstructure. General thermal hardening was applied in the research to show the influence of heating temperature and cooling method on microstructure and mechanical properties. Also, the results were compared with laser surface hardening process from microhardness, microstructure and residual stress to show the advantage of laser surface hardening. Through analysis of the results of the laser surface hardening experiments, a suitable laser power density and interaction time for optimum hardening was obtained. The presented laser surface hardening process can also be applied to other alloy steel surface hardening process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The influence of selected elements of service quality provided by Chinese fine-dining restaurants in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Zhao, Feng
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Quality control , Restaurants -- Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9339 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1088 , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Quality control , Restaurants -- Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: A good understanding of customer expectations is very important to service providers. Since the Chinese first came to South Africa and started their restaurant businesses. Chinese fine-dining restaurants have become more and more popular. Identifying the customer expectations and Chinese fine-dining restaurant owner perceptions will help Chinese service providers to understand better the restaurant businesses. To ensure the development of the Chinese restaurant business in South Africa, it is very important to understand what South African customers want, whether there are differences between the Chinese restaurant owner perceptions of the service quality and South African customer expectations of the service quality. This would depend on the customers’ preferences, and provide a positive contribution to customer decision-making. Therefore, it is essential to understand and identify what is customer expectations are, what the management perceptions are and the differences between them. 5 In order to achieve the objectives of the research, the following approach was followed: Factors that influence the customer expectations and management perceptions are explained. Five factors used to measure the service quality of Chinese fine-dining restaurants are identified, namely reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, tangibility. The responses to the questionnaire were collected and analysed to determine the extent to which factors are both important to customer expectations and management perceptions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Zhao, Feng
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Quality control , Restaurants -- Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9339 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1088 , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Quality control , Restaurants -- Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: A good understanding of customer expectations is very important to service providers. Since the Chinese first came to South Africa and started their restaurant businesses. Chinese fine-dining restaurants have become more and more popular. Identifying the customer expectations and Chinese fine-dining restaurant owner perceptions will help Chinese service providers to understand better the restaurant businesses. To ensure the development of the Chinese restaurant business in South Africa, it is very important to understand what South African customers want, whether there are differences between the Chinese restaurant owner perceptions of the service quality and South African customer expectations of the service quality. This would depend on the customers’ preferences, and provide a positive contribution to customer decision-making. Therefore, it is essential to understand and identify what is customer expectations are, what the management perceptions are and the differences between them. 5 In order to achieve the objectives of the research, the following approach was followed: Factors that influence the customer expectations and management perceptions are explained. Five factors used to measure the service quality of Chinese fine-dining restaurants are identified, namely reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, tangibility. The responses to the questionnaire were collected and analysed to determine the extent to which factors are both important to customer expectations and management perceptions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Evaluating the extent to which Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) libraries meet student expectations
- Authors: Zhibing, Mu
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropoliotan University. Library , Academic libraries -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9351 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/648 , Nelson Mandela Metropoliotan University. Library , Academic libraries -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation
- Description: The failure to evaluate the service quality by comparing service expectations and service perceptions of students requires that the management of NMMU libraries identify the service expectations and service perceptions of students and measure the gaps between these service expectations and service perceptions of students. A literature review was conducted to explore the service expectations and service perceptions of students. An effective method (using the LibQUAL model) to evaluate the service quality of NMMU libraries based on the service expectations of students was described. Thereafter, a LibQUAL survey was used to collect the required empirical data from a convenience sample of 2 047 students enrolled at NMMU. The empirical findings showed that gaps existed between the service expectations and service perceptions of students at different campuses of NMMU. At different campuses of NMMU, the service expectations of students were not met in term of the service perceptions of the four dimensions (affect of service, library as place, information access and personal control) of the LibQUAL model. ii The study identified the gaps between the service expectations and service perceptions of students at different NMMU campuses and conclusions and recommendations based on these gaps were formulated. The management of the NMMU libraries needs to choose appropriate strategies to improve the quality of NMMU library services based on the service expectations of students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Zhibing, Mu
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropoliotan University. Library , Academic libraries -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9351 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/648 , Nelson Mandela Metropoliotan University. Library , Academic libraries -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation
- Description: The failure to evaluate the service quality by comparing service expectations and service perceptions of students requires that the management of NMMU libraries identify the service expectations and service perceptions of students and measure the gaps between these service expectations and service perceptions of students. A literature review was conducted to explore the service expectations and service perceptions of students. An effective method (using the LibQUAL model) to evaluate the service quality of NMMU libraries based on the service expectations of students was described. Thereafter, a LibQUAL survey was used to collect the required empirical data from a convenience sample of 2 047 students enrolled at NMMU. The empirical findings showed that gaps existed between the service expectations and service perceptions of students at different campuses of NMMU. At different campuses of NMMU, the service expectations of students were not met in term of the service perceptions of the four dimensions (affect of service, library as place, information access and personal control) of the LibQUAL model. ii The study identified the gaps between the service expectations and service perceptions of students at different NMMU campuses and conclusions and recommendations based on these gaps were formulated. The management of the NMMU libraries needs to choose appropriate strategies to improve the quality of NMMU library services based on the service expectations of students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Work methods and procedures for plague surveillance and control in South Africa
- Authors: Zhou, Hongxing
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Plague -- South Africa , Plague -- Vaccination
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9833 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/649 , Plague -- South Africa , Plague -- Vaccination
- Description: Plague is a classic zoonosis caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and is subject to the International Health Regulations, 1969. In the last two millennia, plague has become widespread, with three pandemics occurring in the 6th, 14th and 20th centuries. Currently, plague outbreaks and epidemics still occur worldwide. This study attempts to develop formal work methods and procedures for plague surveillance and control by environmental health practitioners as a strategy to ensure that field data can be integrated within the municipal, provincial and national spheres of government. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive, inductive and deductive research design was followed. A documentary research approach was employed as the primary method of data collection. To obtain additional information, both semi-structured personal interviews and physical observations during plague surveillance were adopted by the researcher. The organisational structure of the health care system in South Africa was analysed to identify and explain the role and functions of relevant decision-makers related to the surveillance and control of plague within the different spheres of government. Legislative measures regarding plague surveillance and control were also presented. As a prerequisite for the development of work methods and procedures for plague surveillance and control, the epidemiology of plague was discussed with emphasis on the distribution and characteristics of the disease in South Africa. Important rodent reservoirs and flea vectors of plague in South Africa were identified. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of plague were described and discussed. Within this qualitative study an attempt has been made to develop work methods (xiii) and procedures for plague surveillance and control in South Africa. Relevant field data forms to be used during plague surveillance and control strategies were also developed. Recommendations emanating from the study can be found in the final chapter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Zhou, Hongxing
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Plague -- South Africa , Plague -- Vaccination
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9833 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/649 , Plague -- South Africa , Plague -- Vaccination
- Description: Plague is a classic zoonosis caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and is subject to the International Health Regulations, 1969. In the last two millennia, plague has become widespread, with three pandemics occurring in the 6th, 14th and 20th centuries. Currently, plague outbreaks and epidemics still occur worldwide. This study attempts to develop formal work methods and procedures for plague surveillance and control by environmental health practitioners as a strategy to ensure that field data can be integrated within the municipal, provincial and national spheres of government. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive, inductive and deductive research design was followed. A documentary research approach was employed as the primary method of data collection. To obtain additional information, both semi-structured personal interviews and physical observations during plague surveillance were adopted by the researcher. The organisational structure of the health care system in South Africa was analysed to identify and explain the role and functions of relevant decision-makers related to the surveillance and control of plague within the different spheres of government. Legislative measures regarding plague surveillance and control were also presented. As a prerequisite for the development of work methods and procedures for plague surveillance and control, the epidemiology of plague was discussed with emphasis on the distribution and characteristics of the disease in South Africa. Important rodent reservoirs and flea vectors of plague in South Africa were identified. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of plague were described and discussed. Within this qualitative study an attempt has been made to develop work methods (xiii) and procedures for plague surveillance and control in South Africa. Relevant field data forms to be used during plague surveillance and control strategies were also developed. Recommendations emanating from the study can be found in the final chapter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006