The effects of hyperinflation on the Zimbabwean construction industry
- Authors: Moyo, Admire
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Inflation (Finance) -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Construction industry -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9687 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1197 , Inflation (Finance) -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Construction industry -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Less than two decades ago, Zimbabwe was a symbol for the rest of the world of what Africa could become (Dell, 2005). DiSilvio (2007) contends that independent Zimbabwe was an economic success on route to attaining status of the most “developed country” in Africa. Contrary to expectations, by 2003 the Zimbabwean economy was shrinking faster than any other economy in the world at 18 percent per year (Richardson, 2005). Reports indicate that the Zimbabwean economy is in crisis and has since been set back by more than 50 years (Matikinye, 2005). This phenomenon necessitated the need for an investigation to ascertain its cause in Zimbabwe. As a result, the research identifies and presents hyperinflation as the root cause of the crisis in Zimbabwe and illustrates the validity of this assertion with a focus on the Zimbabwean construction industry. As part of the research inquiry, a review of related literature was conducted. The literature review illustrated the generic effects of hyperinflation as well as the effects of this phenomenon in action in Zimbabwe. The literature study was followed by a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was completed by 23 contractors and 7 clients from a census of contractors and clients in Zimbabwe. The questionnaire consisted of a number of variables, which the respondents were asked to rate vis-à-vis the effects of hyperinflation in the construction industry. In summary, the questionnaire sought to determine the causes of hyperinflation in Zimbabwe, its specific effects on the construction industry and how respondents thought the phenomenon could be mitigated so as to revive the Zimbabwean construction industry. The techniques of re-scaling, in conjunction with descriptive and inferential statistics, ranking and quadrant analysis were applied to the data. Results from these analyses revealed a high degree of agreement among respondents vis-à-vis the effects of hyperinflation on the Zimbabwean construction industry. The interpretation of the results further revealed that hyperinflation has undoubtedly led to the collapse of the Zimbabwean construction industry. In conclusion, the research, applying the interpretations of v the survey findings, prescribes a number of ways in which the Zimbabwean construction sector may be resurrected. Among the recommended prescriptions, there are a number of debatable issues that arise that the researcher proposes should be subject to future study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Moyo, Admire
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Inflation (Finance) -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Construction industry -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9687 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1197 , Inflation (Finance) -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Construction industry -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Less than two decades ago, Zimbabwe was a symbol for the rest of the world of what Africa could become (Dell, 2005). DiSilvio (2007) contends that independent Zimbabwe was an economic success on route to attaining status of the most “developed country” in Africa. Contrary to expectations, by 2003 the Zimbabwean economy was shrinking faster than any other economy in the world at 18 percent per year (Richardson, 2005). Reports indicate that the Zimbabwean economy is in crisis and has since been set back by more than 50 years (Matikinye, 2005). This phenomenon necessitated the need for an investigation to ascertain its cause in Zimbabwe. As a result, the research identifies and presents hyperinflation as the root cause of the crisis in Zimbabwe and illustrates the validity of this assertion with a focus on the Zimbabwean construction industry. As part of the research inquiry, a review of related literature was conducted. The literature review illustrated the generic effects of hyperinflation as well as the effects of this phenomenon in action in Zimbabwe. The literature study was followed by a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was completed by 23 contractors and 7 clients from a census of contractors and clients in Zimbabwe. The questionnaire consisted of a number of variables, which the respondents were asked to rate vis-à-vis the effects of hyperinflation in the construction industry. In summary, the questionnaire sought to determine the causes of hyperinflation in Zimbabwe, its specific effects on the construction industry and how respondents thought the phenomenon could be mitigated so as to revive the Zimbabwean construction industry. The techniques of re-scaling, in conjunction with descriptive and inferential statistics, ranking and quadrant analysis were applied to the data. Results from these analyses revealed a high degree of agreement among respondents vis-à-vis the effects of hyperinflation on the Zimbabwean construction industry. The interpretation of the results further revealed that hyperinflation has undoubtedly led to the collapse of the Zimbabwean construction industry. In conclusion, the research, applying the interpretations of v the survey findings, prescribes a number of ways in which the Zimbabwean construction sector may be resurrected. Among the recommended prescriptions, there are a number of debatable issues that arise that the researcher proposes should be subject to future study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The effectiveness of the Joint Building Contracts Committee Series 2000 Principal Building Agreement
- Authors: Cumberlege, Roy Charles
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Joint Building Contracts Committee (South Africa) , Construction contracts -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9665 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/768 , Joint Building Contracts Committee (South Africa) , Construction contracts -- South Africa
- Description: With the growth experienced in the Building Industry, it is increasingly important to have a contract document that can be used on projects that is reasonably acceptable to all parties concerned. The objective of the research was to determine the effectiveness of the Joint Building Contracts Committee Series 2000 Principal Building Agreement (JBCC 2000 PBA)(Edition 4.1, March 2005) currently used in the Building Industry. The literature reviewed and results of quantitative research amongst contractors formed the basis of this study. The study revealed that the JBCC 2000 PBA is the most favourable contract document used by contractors in the Building Industry. With the inclusion of a range of construction guarantee alternatives in the contract document in lieu of the retention clause, more than half of the respondents have indicated that they are in favour of a retention clause to be included in the contract document as an alternative security option. The study also showed that there are still areas of concern with regards to the difficulty in interpreting and implementing numerous clauses of the document and that amendments were made to the document without legal advice, resulting in disputes. The research further also revealed that developing building contractors experience difficulties in general where the JBCC 2000 PBA is used as contract document on projects. There also seems to be no balance of risk between the employer and contractor in most cases where this contract document is used. The research concluded with proposals on revisions to some clauses to ensure a better contract document that will be acceptable to all contractors in the Building Industry and ultimately to be an internationally acceptable document.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The effectiveness of the Joint Building Contracts Committee Series 2000 Principal Building Agreement
- Authors: Cumberlege, Roy Charles
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Joint Building Contracts Committee (South Africa) , Construction contracts -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9665 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/768 , Joint Building Contracts Committee (South Africa) , Construction contracts -- South Africa
- Description: With the growth experienced in the Building Industry, it is increasingly important to have a contract document that can be used on projects that is reasonably acceptable to all parties concerned. The objective of the research was to determine the effectiveness of the Joint Building Contracts Committee Series 2000 Principal Building Agreement (JBCC 2000 PBA)(Edition 4.1, March 2005) currently used in the Building Industry. The literature reviewed and results of quantitative research amongst contractors formed the basis of this study. The study revealed that the JBCC 2000 PBA is the most favourable contract document used by contractors in the Building Industry. With the inclusion of a range of construction guarantee alternatives in the contract document in lieu of the retention clause, more than half of the respondents have indicated that they are in favour of a retention clause to be included in the contract document as an alternative security option. The study also showed that there are still areas of concern with regards to the difficulty in interpreting and implementing numerous clauses of the document and that amendments were made to the document without legal advice, resulting in disputes. The research further also revealed that developing building contractors experience difficulties in general where the JBCC 2000 PBA is used as contract document on projects. There also seems to be no balance of risk between the employer and contractor in most cases where this contract document is used. The research concluded with proposals on revisions to some clauses to ensure a better contract document that will be acceptable to all contractors in the Building Industry and ultimately to be an internationally acceptable document.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The effectiveness of health and safety service providers' relative to construction
- Authors: Ayesu-Koranteng, Emma
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Health aspects -- South Africa Industrial safety -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15149 , vital:28151
- Description: The construction industry (CI) is well known to be one of the most dangerous industries in South Africa (SA) due to the complex nature of construction activities, advancement in technologies and an aging workforce, emphasising the need for training. Over the past two decades, the industry has come under the spotlight regarding Health and Safety (H&S). The Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Act 85 of 1993 and Construction Regulations (CR) 2014 as amended are the statutes that govern the H&S in the construction workplace. These statutes aim to provide minimum guidelines by which all operating in the industry should abide by in order to ensure the safety of all persons at work. A fundamental aspect of the OH&S Act and CR is for construction employers to assess occupational hazards and conduct risk assessments with remedies to mitigate or prevent such risks. Furthermore, employers are compelled by law to ensure that employees are made aware of the risks at the induction stage, in addition to preventative measures associated with their work activities. Therefore, training forms the structure by which H&S in the workplace can be improved. Training in itself is not enough if it is not based on the employees’ needs as assessed. Training needs to be relevant and effective if it is to have a significant effect in the prevention and possible reduction in the number of occupational injuries and fatalities in the CI. A question that led to the basis of this research was why there were such poor H&S practices in the CI when the statutes clearly require the importance of training. This research is aimed at establishing the effectiveness of service providers relative to construction. Service providers offer services such as training, auditing, SHEQ management, and other H&S related matters. Of fundamental importance is that training has a direct or indirect influence on the health and safety (H&S) of employees in the workplace. Thus, this research aims to determine the effectiveness of training offered by these service providers relative to construction. The researcher utilised the quantitative data collection method to collect primary data from a sample surveyed through a questionnaire, whilst collecting secondary data from books, the Internet, professional journals, and articles. The sampled population consisted of service providers, health and safety practitioners, construction managers, supervisors, and workers, all from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal Area. The data was analysed quantitatively using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), ANOVA and the one-sample t-test. The literature reviewed and findings of this quantitative research amongst construction personal such as top, senior, middle management (TSMM), and general workers and labourers (GWL) in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal area formed the basis of this study. The study reveals that training offered by service providers was indirectly unrelated to construction. Furthermore, the study also showed that management concurred that there was a strong belief that language did not influence their ability to understand the contents of the training, which is mainly provided in English. The group believed that training from service providers were at the correct level. Alternatively, GWL were of the belief that language influenced their ability to understand the training received. The study also indicated that procurement of these service providers were not based on their skills, knowledge and background in construction. This may be attributed to the fact that management are more advanced in terms of education than GWL. Lastly, the study revealed that a significant number of Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) officers are in the process of registering with the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), the professional body responsible for the registration of Construction Health and Safety (CH&S) professions. This study will conclude with findings, conclusions, and recommendations that will be valuable to construction companies relative to the services of service providers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ayesu-Koranteng, Emma
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Health aspects -- South Africa Industrial safety -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15149 , vital:28151
- Description: The construction industry (CI) is well known to be one of the most dangerous industries in South Africa (SA) due to the complex nature of construction activities, advancement in technologies and an aging workforce, emphasising the need for training. Over the past two decades, the industry has come under the spotlight regarding Health and Safety (H&S). The Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Act 85 of 1993 and Construction Regulations (CR) 2014 as amended are the statutes that govern the H&S in the construction workplace. These statutes aim to provide minimum guidelines by which all operating in the industry should abide by in order to ensure the safety of all persons at work. A fundamental aspect of the OH&S Act and CR is for construction employers to assess occupational hazards and conduct risk assessments with remedies to mitigate or prevent such risks. Furthermore, employers are compelled by law to ensure that employees are made aware of the risks at the induction stage, in addition to preventative measures associated with their work activities. Therefore, training forms the structure by which H&S in the workplace can be improved. Training in itself is not enough if it is not based on the employees’ needs as assessed. Training needs to be relevant and effective if it is to have a significant effect in the prevention and possible reduction in the number of occupational injuries and fatalities in the CI. A question that led to the basis of this research was why there were such poor H&S practices in the CI when the statutes clearly require the importance of training. This research is aimed at establishing the effectiveness of service providers relative to construction. Service providers offer services such as training, auditing, SHEQ management, and other H&S related matters. Of fundamental importance is that training has a direct or indirect influence on the health and safety (H&S) of employees in the workplace. Thus, this research aims to determine the effectiveness of training offered by these service providers relative to construction. The researcher utilised the quantitative data collection method to collect primary data from a sample surveyed through a questionnaire, whilst collecting secondary data from books, the Internet, professional journals, and articles. The sampled population consisted of service providers, health and safety practitioners, construction managers, supervisors, and workers, all from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal Area. The data was analysed quantitatively using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), ANOVA and the one-sample t-test. The literature reviewed and findings of this quantitative research amongst construction personal such as top, senior, middle management (TSMM), and general workers and labourers (GWL) in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal area formed the basis of this study. The study reveals that training offered by service providers was indirectly unrelated to construction. Furthermore, the study also showed that management concurred that there was a strong belief that language did not influence their ability to understand the contents of the training, which is mainly provided in English. The group believed that training from service providers were at the correct level. Alternatively, GWL were of the belief that language influenced their ability to understand the training received. The study also indicated that procurement of these service providers were not based on their skills, knowledge and background in construction. This may be attributed to the fact that management are more advanced in terms of education than GWL. Lastly, the study revealed that a significant number of Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) officers are in the process of registering with the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), the professional body responsible for the registration of Construction Health and Safety (CH&S) professions. This study will conclude with findings, conclusions, and recommendations that will be valuable to construction companies relative to the services of service providers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The Effectiveness of Eskom’s transmission project team lationships in the delivery process
- Authors: Mpetshwa, Noninzi
- Date: 2015-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53318 , vital:45137
- Description: Eskom Holding is a public limited liability company that supplies electricity. It supplies approximately ninety-nine percent of the electricity used in South Africa, and approximately forty-five percent of that used in Africa. Eskom generates, transmits and distributes electricity to its customers. The Project Execution Department is a department in the Transmission Division that executes the capital and refurbishment of projects. The objective of the study was to discover the opinion of the project team members, on whether there is a lack of project-team efficiency in delivering the projects on time, and within the budget. Descriptive research methodology was used to investigate the objectives of the research. The data were obtained through the structured questionnaires that were hand-delivered and emailed. The research is limited to the Project Execution and Procurement Department in the Transmission Division. The research excludes the Capital Expansion Department (CED) project (Medupi, Kusile and Power Development Projects). The findings of the study showed that, Eskom’s Transmission Project Execution and Commercial Departments need to work hand-in-hand. This will avoid any unnecessary procurement delays which would have an impact on project delivery time. Continuous communication among the project team members could improve the efficiency and serve to build good relationships. Currently, projects are delivered late and over budget. This situation could lead to the outsourcing of departments or even to the redeployment of Senior Management. It would also have a negative impact on the cost and supply of electricity to the country. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of the Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-04
- Authors: Mpetshwa, Noninzi
- Date: 2015-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53318 , vital:45137
- Description: Eskom Holding is a public limited liability company that supplies electricity. It supplies approximately ninety-nine percent of the electricity used in South Africa, and approximately forty-five percent of that used in Africa. Eskom generates, transmits and distributes electricity to its customers. The Project Execution Department is a department in the Transmission Division that executes the capital and refurbishment of projects. The objective of the study was to discover the opinion of the project team members, on whether there is a lack of project-team efficiency in delivering the projects on time, and within the budget. Descriptive research methodology was used to investigate the objectives of the research. The data were obtained through the structured questionnaires that were hand-delivered and emailed. The research is limited to the Project Execution and Procurement Department in the Transmission Division. The research excludes the Capital Expansion Department (CED) project (Medupi, Kusile and Power Development Projects). The findings of the study showed that, Eskom’s Transmission Project Execution and Commercial Departments need to work hand-in-hand. This will avoid any unnecessary procurement delays which would have an impact on project delivery time. Continuous communication among the project team members could improve the efficiency and serve to build good relationships. Currently, projects are delivered late and over budget. This situation could lead to the outsourcing of departments or even to the redeployment of Senior Management. It would also have a negative impact on the cost and supply of electricity to the country. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of the Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-04
The effective combating of intrusion attacks through fuzzy logic and neural networks
- Authors: Goss, Robert Melvin
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Computer security , Fuzzy logic , Neural networks (Computer science)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9794 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/512 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011917 , Computer security , Fuzzy logic , Neural networks (Computer science)
- Description: The importance of properly securing an organization’s information and computing resources has become paramount in modern business. Since the advent of the Internet, securing this organizational information has become increasingly difficult. Organizations deploy many security mechanisms in the protection of their data, intrusion detection systems in particular have an increasingly valuable role to play, and as networks grow, administrators need better ways to monitor their systems. Currently, many intrusion detection systems lack the means to accurately monitor and report on wireless segments within the corporate network. This dissertation proposes an extension to the NeGPAIM model, known as NeGPAIM-W, which allows for the accurate detection of attacks originating on wireless network segments. The NeGPAIM-W model is able to detect both wired and wireless based attacks, and with the extensions to the original model mentioned previously, also provide for correlation of intrusion attacks sourced on both wired and wireless network segments. This provides for a holistic detection strategy for an organization. This has been accomplished with the use of Fuzzy logic and neural networks utilized in the detection of attacks. The model works on the assumption that each user has, and leaves, a unique footprint on a computer system. Thus, all intrusive behaviour on the system and networks which support it, can be traced back to the user account which was used to perform the intrusive behavior.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Goss, Robert Melvin
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Computer security , Fuzzy logic , Neural networks (Computer science)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9794 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/512 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011917 , Computer security , Fuzzy logic , Neural networks (Computer science)
- Description: The importance of properly securing an organization’s information and computing resources has become paramount in modern business. Since the advent of the Internet, securing this organizational information has become increasingly difficult. Organizations deploy many security mechanisms in the protection of their data, intrusion detection systems in particular have an increasingly valuable role to play, and as networks grow, administrators need better ways to monitor their systems. Currently, many intrusion detection systems lack the means to accurately monitor and report on wireless segments within the corporate network. This dissertation proposes an extension to the NeGPAIM model, known as NeGPAIM-W, which allows for the accurate detection of attacks originating on wireless network segments. The NeGPAIM-W model is able to detect both wired and wireless based attacks, and with the extensions to the original model mentioned previously, also provide for correlation of intrusion attacks sourced on both wired and wireless network segments. This provides for a holistic detection strategy for an organization. This has been accomplished with the use of Fuzzy logic and neural networks utilized in the detection of attacks. The model works on the assumption that each user has, and leaves, a unique footprint on a computer system. Thus, all intrusive behaviour on the system and networks which support it, can be traced back to the user account which was used to perform the intrusive behavior.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The effect of the integration of design, procurement, and construction relative to health and safety
- Authors: Deacon, Claire Helen
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Management Building -- Safety measures , Industrial safety
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15038 , vital:28115
- Description: The rates of fatalities, injuries and diseases from work, has been a longstanding challenge for centuries. The challenge is validated by the fact that there is not a paper, or publication, that appears to have been written worldwide, without discussion regarding the extent of the problem in the construction industry. Despite there being prescriptive statutory requirements applicable to the sector, all attempts to reduce the reduce the accident rates in South Africa appear to have been largely unsuccessful. The review of literature indicates that most research has focused on design, designers, roles of stakeholders, inter alia that relate to construction health and safety. Given the situation noted, the research investigated design, various aspects of the construction process and stakeholders, and the inclusion of procurement as a major component of the construction process. A triangulated, or mixed methods research methodology was utilised for the thesis. The qualitative methodology utilised in Action Research (AR) and a total of three FGs’ sought to develop a theoretical model that would identify multi-stakeholder policies, practice and education requirements. An extensive international, African and South African literature review was conducted as part of the secondary research and the grounding for the mixed methodology of research. The information sought to contextualise the South African paradigm and practices. Two quantitative, multi-stakeholders’ studies were conducted during the development of the research. The quantitative aspect considers the perceptions of those practicing or involved in H&S, the interface regarding the stakeholders and ‘issues’ experienced in the challenges relating to daily work. Themes were developed, inter alia: a general; workers; management (including supervision, responsibilities and pricing); a stakeholders’ theme (including project managers; design and designers, and client), and the construction H&S theme (including the CHSA, construction H&S Manager (CHSM), construction H&S Officer (CHSO)). A total of 22 hypotheses were tested. The hypotheses considered all the stakeholders, within the framework of the research. Only 1 hypothesis was not supported, and hypothesis was partially supported. Three AR FGs’ were held in the Sarah Baartman District (a building focus) and at the Bhisho offices (a civil engineering focus) of the ECDRPW. The research considered the procurement processes that underpins a project, with some elements relative to the interface of H&S, design, the stages of work, and the current legislative framework. A validated theoretical model, the ‘Deacon Procurement, Design and Health and Safety Model’ emerged from the qualitative aspect of the research. The salient findings indicate a tendency in the industry to operate in silos, adhere to minimum levels of compliance, and not determining other aspects that could possibly reduce project and financial risk. Therefore, stakeholders need to work together, across the stages of work. Level of confidence is low among clients and built environment groups regarding H&S across the project life cycle, resulting in the non-compliance, and increased project risk. Clients such as the National Treasury do not identify H&S risks during project planning, resulting in the lack of adequate resources for projects, with supply chain management and procurement not ensuring compliance and technical expertise. Due to lack of knowledge CHSAs’, CHSMs’, and CHSOs,’ are not appointed timeously, resulting in noncompliance, and increased project risk. The construction H&S practitioners level of confidence is affected by lack of experience, not knowledge, in contrast to the lack of H&S knowledge of built environment professionals. A range of recommendations are provided that include, inter alia: development of policy, guidelines and practice notes regarding H&S, supply chain management and procurement; education and training, continuing professional development, training and workshops, and further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effect of the integration of design, procurement, and construction relative to health and safety
- Authors: Deacon, Claire Helen
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Management Building -- Safety measures , Industrial safety
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15038 , vital:28115
- Description: The rates of fatalities, injuries and diseases from work, has been a longstanding challenge for centuries. The challenge is validated by the fact that there is not a paper, or publication, that appears to have been written worldwide, without discussion regarding the extent of the problem in the construction industry. Despite there being prescriptive statutory requirements applicable to the sector, all attempts to reduce the reduce the accident rates in South Africa appear to have been largely unsuccessful. The review of literature indicates that most research has focused on design, designers, roles of stakeholders, inter alia that relate to construction health and safety. Given the situation noted, the research investigated design, various aspects of the construction process and stakeholders, and the inclusion of procurement as a major component of the construction process. A triangulated, or mixed methods research methodology was utilised for the thesis. The qualitative methodology utilised in Action Research (AR) and a total of three FGs’ sought to develop a theoretical model that would identify multi-stakeholder policies, practice and education requirements. An extensive international, African and South African literature review was conducted as part of the secondary research and the grounding for the mixed methodology of research. The information sought to contextualise the South African paradigm and practices. Two quantitative, multi-stakeholders’ studies were conducted during the development of the research. The quantitative aspect considers the perceptions of those practicing or involved in H&S, the interface regarding the stakeholders and ‘issues’ experienced in the challenges relating to daily work. Themes were developed, inter alia: a general; workers; management (including supervision, responsibilities and pricing); a stakeholders’ theme (including project managers; design and designers, and client), and the construction H&S theme (including the CHSA, construction H&S Manager (CHSM), construction H&S Officer (CHSO)). A total of 22 hypotheses were tested. The hypotheses considered all the stakeholders, within the framework of the research. Only 1 hypothesis was not supported, and hypothesis was partially supported. Three AR FGs’ were held in the Sarah Baartman District (a building focus) and at the Bhisho offices (a civil engineering focus) of the ECDRPW. The research considered the procurement processes that underpins a project, with some elements relative to the interface of H&S, design, the stages of work, and the current legislative framework. A validated theoretical model, the ‘Deacon Procurement, Design and Health and Safety Model’ emerged from the qualitative aspect of the research. The salient findings indicate a tendency in the industry to operate in silos, adhere to minimum levels of compliance, and not determining other aspects that could possibly reduce project and financial risk. Therefore, stakeholders need to work together, across the stages of work. Level of confidence is low among clients and built environment groups regarding H&S across the project life cycle, resulting in the non-compliance, and increased project risk. Clients such as the National Treasury do not identify H&S risks during project planning, resulting in the lack of adequate resources for projects, with supply chain management and procurement not ensuring compliance and technical expertise. Due to lack of knowledge CHSAs’, CHSMs’, and CHSOs,’ are not appointed timeously, resulting in noncompliance, and increased project risk. The construction H&S practitioners level of confidence is affected by lack of experience, not knowledge, in contrast to the lack of H&S knowledge of built environment professionals. A range of recommendations are provided that include, inter alia: development of policy, guidelines and practice notes regarding H&S, supply chain management and procurement; education and training, continuing professional development, training and workshops, and further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The development of an optimised rotor software design tool to improve performance of small horizontal axis wind turbines
- Authors: Newey, Kerryn Brett
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Wind turbines -- Design , Wind power , Turbines -- Design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9620 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009431 , Wind turbines -- Design , Wind power , Turbines -- Design
- Description: Horizontal axis wind turbines are by far the most common and well understood forms of wind turbine. Typically a large amount of research and development has been invested in the technology of large scale wind turbines. Unfortunately, development of small machines (rotor diameter smaller than 10 metres) has not been as forthcoming. The advantages of small turbines are that they are accessible to the individual consumer and they are a very attractive project for the home builder. The disadvantage of small turbines is that due to the negative influence of economies of scale, they tend to be costly in relation to their power output and suffer from a long-term return on investment. Furthermore, trends in the wind industry have shown that smaller machines tend to be relatively simple devices that have been developed with very little research and development. As a result, small turbines can be inefficient, unreliable and expensive to maintain. In many cases rotor design is less than optimal, with very little blade refinement. This is especially critical for small rotors due to low Reynolds Number operation. Further exacerbating the problem is that the rotors are typically not well matched to the generator. In many cases the machines are not suited to the wind speed range in which they are designed to operate, reducing the financial viability due to poor performance. It is envisaged that by applying optimising techniques and automating some of the design complexities into a software design tool, more cost-effective and viable machines can be developed that will deliver improved performance and therefore become more financially viable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Newey, Kerryn Brett
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Wind turbines -- Design , Wind power , Turbines -- Design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9620 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009431 , Wind turbines -- Design , Wind power , Turbines -- Design
- Description: Horizontal axis wind turbines are by far the most common and well understood forms of wind turbine. Typically a large amount of research and development has been invested in the technology of large scale wind turbines. Unfortunately, development of small machines (rotor diameter smaller than 10 metres) has not been as forthcoming. The advantages of small turbines are that they are accessible to the individual consumer and they are a very attractive project for the home builder. The disadvantage of small turbines is that due to the negative influence of economies of scale, they tend to be costly in relation to their power output and suffer from a long-term return on investment. Furthermore, trends in the wind industry have shown that smaller machines tend to be relatively simple devices that have been developed with very little research and development. As a result, small turbines can be inefficient, unreliable and expensive to maintain. In many cases rotor design is less than optimal, with very little blade refinement. This is especially critical for small rotors due to low Reynolds Number operation. Further exacerbating the problem is that the rotors are typically not well matched to the generator. In many cases the machines are not suited to the wind speed range in which they are designed to operate, reducing the financial viability due to poor performance. It is envisaged that by applying optimising techniques and automating some of the design complexities into a software design tool, more cost-effective and viable machines can be developed that will deliver improved performance and therefore become more financially viable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The development of a segmented variable pitch small horizontal axis wind turbine with active pitch control
- Authors: Poole, Sean
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Horizontal axis wind turbines , Wind turbines -- Environmental aspects , Wind turbines -- Aerodynamics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEngineering
- Identifier: vital:9657 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020583
- Description: Small scale wind turbines operating in an urban environment produce dismal amounts of power when compared to their expected output [1-4]. This is largely due to the gusty wind conditions found in an urban environment, coupled with the fact that the wind turbines are not designed for these conditions. A new concept of a Segmented Variable Pitch (SVP) wind turbine has been proposed, which has a strong possibility to perform well in gusty and variable wind conditions. This dissertation explains the concept of a SVP wind turbine in more detail and shows analytical and experimental results relating to this concept. Also, the potential benefits of the proposed concept are mentioned. The results from this dissertation show that this concept has potential with promising results on possible turbine blade aerofoil configurations. Scaled model tests were completed and although further design optimisation is required, the tests showed good potential for the SVP concept. Lastly a proof-of-concept full scale model was manufactured and tested to prove scalability to full size from concept models. Along with the proof-of-concept full scale model, a wireless control system (to control the blade segments) was developed and tested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Poole, Sean
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Horizontal axis wind turbines , Wind turbines -- Environmental aspects , Wind turbines -- Aerodynamics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEngineering
- Identifier: vital:9657 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020583
- Description: Small scale wind turbines operating in an urban environment produce dismal amounts of power when compared to their expected output [1-4]. This is largely due to the gusty wind conditions found in an urban environment, coupled with the fact that the wind turbines are not designed for these conditions. A new concept of a Segmented Variable Pitch (SVP) wind turbine has been proposed, which has a strong possibility to perform well in gusty and variable wind conditions. This dissertation explains the concept of a SVP wind turbine in more detail and shows analytical and experimental results relating to this concept. Also, the potential benefits of the proposed concept are mentioned. The results from this dissertation show that this concept has potential with promising results on possible turbine blade aerofoil configurations. Scaled model tests were completed and although further design optimisation is required, the tests showed good potential for the SVP concept. Lastly a proof-of-concept full scale model was manufactured and tested to prove scalability to full size from concept models. Along with the proof-of-concept full scale model, a wireless control system (to control the blade segments) was developed and tested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The development of a programmable engine management system for a formula student race vehicle
- Authors: Parmar, Hiten
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Automobiles -- Motors -- Computer control systems , Automotive computers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9601 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010957 , Automobiles -- Motors -- Computer control systems , Automotive computers
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Parmar, Hiten
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Automobiles -- Motors -- Computer control systems , Automotive computers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9601 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010957 , Automobiles -- Motors -- Computer control systems , Automotive computers
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The development of a good governed costing management model for Mandela Bay Development Agency projects within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal boundaries
- Authors: Martin, Monica
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Activity-based costing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cost accounting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18584 , vital:28684
- Description: The purpose of this single case study was to investigate the variables that determine the perceived success of the costing management of Mandela Bay Development Agency Projects (MBDA). Eleven propositions namely Strategic Planning, Stakeholders, Procurement Processes, Contracts, Design Management, Implementation Management, Internal Regulatory Structures, Outside Advice, Human Behaviour, Risk Management and Governance Structure, were identified that could influence costing management of MBDA projects. By using qualitative research methods, the MBDA was compared with three other agencies with similar mandates, by means of four semi-structured interviews, in order to identify similarities and differences between the organisations in terms of costing management. The results of nine in-depth interviews with MBDA project role players, with open ended questions about the participants’ views on the factors that influence costing management, were used to discover themes that were overlooked in the proposed model of perceived success of costing management of MBDA projects. Most of the propositions as per the proposed model for the perceived success of costing management of MBDA projects were confirmed to have a positive relationship to the costing management of MBDA projects. The model was revised after the results were presented to include two ante-ceding variables that were overlooked in the literature review, but emerged from the data namely Funding Model and Compliance to Legislation. The identification of the additional variables namely Team Dynamics (replacing Human Behaviour) and Planning Model are important aspects to be considered in relation to the costing management of MBDA projects. With the focus on good governance and the MBDA’s good record of clean and unqualified audits, it is to be noted that the performance of government projects is usually measured against progress and expenditure and not necessarily against the value for money and the quality of the completed project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Martin, Monica
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Activity-based costing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cost accounting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18584 , vital:28684
- Description: The purpose of this single case study was to investigate the variables that determine the perceived success of the costing management of Mandela Bay Development Agency Projects (MBDA). Eleven propositions namely Strategic Planning, Stakeholders, Procurement Processes, Contracts, Design Management, Implementation Management, Internal Regulatory Structures, Outside Advice, Human Behaviour, Risk Management and Governance Structure, were identified that could influence costing management of MBDA projects. By using qualitative research methods, the MBDA was compared with three other agencies with similar mandates, by means of four semi-structured interviews, in order to identify similarities and differences between the organisations in terms of costing management. The results of nine in-depth interviews with MBDA project role players, with open ended questions about the participants’ views on the factors that influence costing management, were used to discover themes that were overlooked in the proposed model of perceived success of costing management of MBDA projects. Most of the propositions as per the proposed model for the perceived success of costing management of MBDA projects were confirmed to have a positive relationship to the costing management of MBDA projects. The model was revised after the results were presented to include two ante-ceding variables that were overlooked in the literature review, but emerged from the data namely Funding Model and Compliance to Legislation. The identification of the additional variables namely Team Dynamics (replacing Human Behaviour) and Planning Model are important aspects to be considered in relation to the costing management of MBDA projects. With the focus on good governance and the MBDA’s good record of clean and unqualified audits, it is to be noted that the performance of government projects is usually measured against progress and expenditure and not necessarily against the value for money and the quality of the completed project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The development of a framework to reduce water and energy consumption through the use of water and energy value stream mapping for the South African manufacturing industry
- Authors: Davies, Edward
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- South Africa , Stream mapping -- South Africa , Water consumption -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4160 , vital:20564
- Description: The Republic of South Africa’s energy economy is under immense pressure and the main energy utility, Eskom, cannot reliably generate sufficient electrical energy to meet its customer demand. Water security in South Africa is also under threat as the country is currently amidst a water crisis. The South African manufacturing industry is the sector consuming the largest portion of the total energy consumption and second largest portion of the total water consumption (excluding urban use) nationally. Water and energy efficiency improvement is becoming imperative for organisational success as well as national economic sustainability. This is due to the significant increase in the cost of both electrical energy and water in recent years, and the drop in the reserve energy margin below the minimum level required for sustainable operation of energy utilities. The research objective therefore was to develop a Lean-based water and energy efficiency improvement framework for the manufacturing industry to encourage and realise a reduced demand for energy and water in it. A literature review was conducted on the water and energy landscape in South Africa, Lean manufacturing principles and their positive natural influence on water and energy efficiency, and the Value Stream Mapping tool. The survey of water and energy wastes in the manufacturing industry yielded the creation of standardised water and energy waste categories for use in conjunction with the conventional Lean wastes, tools and techniques. The literature survey indicated that the implementation of Lean manufacturing techniques naturally leads to the improvement of energy and water intensity. The researcher hypothesised that there is even greater potential for water and energy savings if a Lean-based tool is developed to specifically focus on the improvement of energy and water efficiency. A framework for this tool was developed through the literature survey. The tool is based on the Value Stream Mapping tool. A practical experiment was then conducted to establish the effectiveness of the tool in the South African manufacturing industry. The experiment design included an outline of the forecasting and statistical validation techniques to ensure the integrity of data utilised for approving or disproving the set hypotheses. The results of the practical experiment yielded positive results, confirming the hypothesis that the implementation of the developed framework will lead to improved energy and water efficiency in the manufacturing industry. After an explanation of the experimental results, the study concluded with recommendations and conclusions based on the findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Davies, Edward
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- South Africa , Stream mapping -- South Africa , Water consumption -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4160 , vital:20564
- Description: The Republic of South Africa’s energy economy is under immense pressure and the main energy utility, Eskom, cannot reliably generate sufficient electrical energy to meet its customer demand. Water security in South Africa is also under threat as the country is currently amidst a water crisis. The South African manufacturing industry is the sector consuming the largest portion of the total energy consumption and second largest portion of the total water consumption (excluding urban use) nationally. Water and energy efficiency improvement is becoming imperative for organisational success as well as national economic sustainability. This is due to the significant increase in the cost of both electrical energy and water in recent years, and the drop in the reserve energy margin below the minimum level required for sustainable operation of energy utilities. The research objective therefore was to develop a Lean-based water and energy efficiency improvement framework for the manufacturing industry to encourage and realise a reduced demand for energy and water in it. A literature review was conducted on the water and energy landscape in South Africa, Lean manufacturing principles and their positive natural influence on water and energy efficiency, and the Value Stream Mapping tool. The survey of water and energy wastes in the manufacturing industry yielded the creation of standardised water and energy waste categories for use in conjunction with the conventional Lean wastes, tools and techniques. The literature survey indicated that the implementation of Lean manufacturing techniques naturally leads to the improvement of energy and water intensity. The researcher hypothesised that there is even greater potential for water and energy savings if a Lean-based tool is developed to specifically focus on the improvement of energy and water efficiency. A framework for this tool was developed through the literature survey. The tool is based on the Value Stream Mapping tool. A practical experiment was then conducted to establish the effectiveness of the tool in the South African manufacturing industry. The experiment design included an outline of the forecasting and statistical validation techniques to ensure the integrity of data utilised for approving or disproving the set hypotheses. The results of the practical experiment yielded positive results, confirming the hypothesis that the implementation of the developed framework will lead to improved energy and water efficiency in the manufacturing industry. After an explanation of the experimental results, the study concluded with recommendations and conclusions based on the findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The design, management and testing of a solar vehicle's energy strategy
- Authors: Jordaan, Johan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Solar energy -- Hybrid systems , Renewable energy sources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7428 , vital:21362
- Description: In recent years the interest in implementing solar energy on vehicles (electrical and hybrid) has grown significantly [1]. There are currently limitations in this sector, such as the low energy density (efficiency of conversion) of this source, but it is still a renewable resource and as such, there is a growing interest [1]. A “smart” energy strategy implemented on a solar/electrical vehicle, in order to increase its energy harvesting volume, could enhance the growth of this sector. A tracking algorithm for a solar vehicle’s MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker) can be designed to source solar energy very effectively and to increase the speed of finding (tracking) this optimal sourcing point (solar panel voltage and current). Even though there are many different MPPT algorithms, it was decided that most of them were designed for stationary MPPT applications and the dynamics of implementing a MPPT on a vehicle create some unique scenarios. These include: Shadow flicker. This is rhythmic, rapid moving shadows across a solar panel, such as shadows from a line of trees: Rapid changes in solar panel orientation due to the road surface/relief; Rapid changes in panel temperature due to the location of the vehicle. The aim of the research can be divided into three outcomes: 1 Creating a “Smart” energy strategy/control, 2 Implement the new control system on a solar vehicle’s MPPT, and 3 Harvesting maximum energy from solar panels using the new energy strategy. The term “smart” is used to indicate the ability of the MPPT algorithm to be updated and improved based on previous results. A MPPT and scaled solar vehicle is designed and manufactured in order to test the MPPT algorithm. The purpose of using a self-developed experimental setup is to have more control over the system variables as well as having the maximum freedom in setting up the system parameters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Jordaan, Johan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Solar energy -- Hybrid systems , Renewable energy sources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7428 , vital:21362
- Description: In recent years the interest in implementing solar energy on vehicles (electrical and hybrid) has grown significantly [1]. There are currently limitations in this sector, such as the low energy density (efficiency of conversion) of this source, but it is still a renewable resource and as such, there is a growing interest [1]. A “smart” energy strategy implemented on a solar/electrical vehicle, in order to increase its energy harvesting volume, could enhance the growth of this sector. A tracking algorithm for a solar vehicle’s MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker) can be designed to source solar energy very effectively and to increase the speed of finding (tracking) this optimal sourcing point (solar panel voltage and current). Even though there are many different MPPT algorithms, it was decided that most of them were designed for stationary MPPT applications and the dynamics of implementing a MPPT on a vehicle create some unique scenarios. These include: Shadow flicker. This is rhythmic, rapid moving shadows across a solar panel, such as shadows from a line of trees: Rapid changes in solar panel orientation due to the road surface/relief; Rapid changes in panel temperature due to the location of the vehicle. The aim of the research can be divided into three outcomes: 1 Creating a “Smart” energy strategy/control, 2 Implement the new control system on a solar vehicle’s MPPT, and 3 Harvesting maximum energy from solar panels using the new energy strategy. The term “smart” is used to indicate the ability of the MPPT algorithm to be updated and improved based on previous results. A MPPT and scaled solar vehicle is designed and manufactured in order to test the MPPT algorithm. The purpose of using a self-developed experimental setup is to have more control over the system variables as well as having the maximum freedom in setting up the system parameters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The design of a youth activity Centre for Parkside, East London
- Authors: De Lange, Natasha
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Youth centers -- South Africa -- East London -- Designs and plans , Community centers -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57479 , vital:57880
- Description: The identity of youth is an important developmental pro - cess in young people’s lives. Youth Centres in South Africa mainly focus on reproductive health services and as a result thereof, are experiencing low visitor num - bers and failing to captivate the youth whom they aim to serve. The very nature in which this takes place today, opens the door for an architectural intervention that has the potential to facilitate and improve this process. This thesis aims to address the issues that today’s youth faces by looking at the metaphorical representa - tion of the ‘street’ as the current place where the youth of today spend their time testing and developing their identity. It aims to rethink the youth centre as a place that combines youth culture and architecture to create a space which provides adequate recreational opportu - nities, and through which youths can reconnect to their surroundings - giving them a much-needed sense of place and identity within the ever-changing city. The idea is ultimately to design a Youth Activity Centre for the Parkside neighbourhood in East London - a de - sign which can express how youth identity can impact architecture in a way that can benefit the development of youth’s identity, and which can re-animate the nature of the ‘street’ through architecture. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: De Lange, Natasha
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Youth centers -- South Africa -- East London -- Designs and plans , Community centers -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57479 , vital:57880
- Description: The identity of youth is an important developmental pro - cess in young people’s lives. Youth Centres in South Africa mainly focus on reproductive health services and as a result thereof, are experiencing low visitor num - bers and failing to captivate the youth whom they aim to serve. The very nature in which this takes place today, opens the door for an architectural intervention that has the potential to facilitate and improve this process. This thesis aims to address the issues that today’s youth faces by looking at the metaphorical representa - tion of the ‘street’ as the current place where the youth of today spend their time testing and developing their identity. It aims to rethink the youth centre as a place that combines youth culture and architecture to create a space which provides adequate recreational opportu - nities, and through which youths can reconnect to their surroundings - giving them a much-needed sense of place and identity within the ever-changing city. The idea is ultimately to design a Youth Activity Centre for the Parkside neighbourhood in East London - a de - sign which can express how youth identity can impact architecture in a way that can benefit the development of youth’s identity, and which can re-animate the nature of the ‘street’ through architecture. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The cost of free instant messaging: an attack modelling perspective
- Authors: Du Preez, Riekert
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Computer security , Instant messaging , Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9797 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/499 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011921 , Computer security , Instant messaging , Data protection
- Description: Instant Messaging (IM) has grown tremendously over the last few years. Even though IM was originally developed as a social chat system, it has found a place in many companies, where it is being used as an essential business tool. However, many businesses rely on free IM and have not implemented a secure corporate IM solution. Most free IM clients were never intended for use in the workplace and, therefore, lack strong security features and administrative control. Consequently, free IM clients can provide attackers with an entry point for malicious code in an organization’s network that can ultimately lead to a company’s information assets being compromised. Therefore, even though free IM allows for better collaboration in the workplace, it comes at a cost, as the title of this dissertation suggests. This dissertation sets out to answer the question of how free IM can facilitate an attack on a company’s information assets. To answer the research question, the dissertation defines an IM attack model that models the ways in which an information system can be attacked when free IM is used within an organization. The IM attack model was created by categorising IM threats using the STRIDE threat classification scheme. The attacks that realize the categorised threats were then modelled using attack trees as the chosen attack modelling tool. Attack trees were chosen because of their ability to model the sequence of attacker actions during an attack. The author defined an enhanced graphical notation that was adopted for the attack trees used to create the IM attack model. The enhanced attack tree notation extends traditional attack trees to allow nodes in the trees to be of different classes and, therefore, allows attack trees to convey more information. During the process of defining the IM attack model, a number of experiments were conducted where IM vulnerabilities were exploited. Thereafter, a case study was constructed to document a simulated attack on an information system that involves the exploitation of IM vulnerabilities. The case study demonstrates how an attacker’s attack path relates to the IM attack model in a practical scenario. The IM attack model provides insight into how IM can facilitate an attack on a company’s information assets. The creation of the attack model for free IM lead to several realizations. The IM attack model revealed that even though the use of free IM clients may seem harmless, such IM clients can facilitate an attack on a company’s information assets. Furthermore, certain IM vulnerabilities may not pose a great risk by themselves, but when combined with the exploitation of other vulnerabilities, a much greater threat can be realized. These realizations hold true to what French playwright Jean Anouilh once said: “What you get free costs too much”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Du Preez, Riekert
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Computer security , Instant messaging , Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9797 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/499 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011921 , Computer security , Instant messaging , Data protection
- Description: Instant Messaging (IM) has grown tremendously over the last few years. Even though IM was originally developed as a social chat system, it has found a place in many companies, where it is being used as an essential business tool. However, many businesses rely on free IM and have not implemented a secure corporate IM solution. Most free IM clients were never intended for use in the workplace and, therefore, lack strong security features and administrative control. Consequently, free IM clients can provide attackers with an entry point for malicious code in an organization’s network that can ultimately lead to a company’s information assets being compromised. Therefore, even though free IM allows for better collaboration in the workplace, it comes at a cost, as the title of this dissertation suggests. This dissertation sets out to answer the question of how free IM can facilitate an attack on a company’s information assets. To answer the research question, the dissertation defines an IM attack model that models the ways in which an information system can be attacked when free IM is used within an organization. The IM attack model was created by categorising IM threats using the STRIDE threat classification scheme. The attacks that realize the categorised threats were then modelled using attack trees as the chosen attack modelling tool. Attack trees were chosen because of their ability to model the sequence of attacker actions during an attack. The author defined an enhanced graphical notation that was adopted for the attack trees used to create the IM attack model. The enhanced attack tree notation extends traditional attack trees to allow nodes in the trees to be of different classes and, therefore, allows attack trees to convey more information. During the process of defining the IM attack model, a number of experiments were conducted where IM vulnerabilities were exploited. Thereafter, a case study was constructed to document a simulated attack on an information system that involves the exploitation of IM vulnerabilities. The case study demonstrates how an attacker’s attack path relates to the IM attack model in a practical scenario. The IM attack model provides insight into how IM can facilitate an attack on a company’s information assets. The creation of the attack model for free IM lead to several realizations. The IM attack model revealed that even though the use of free IM clients may seem harmless, such IM clients can facilitate an attack on a company’s information assets. Furthermore, certain IM vulnerabilities may not pose a great risk by themselves, but when combined with the exploitation of other vulnerabilities, a much greater threat can be realized. These realizations hold true to what French playwright Jean Anouilh once said: “What you get free costs too much”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
The capacity of emerging civil engineering construction contractors
- Ramokolo, Bruce Sabelo Mpumelelo
- Authors: Ramokolo, Bruce Sabelo Mpumelelo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Civil engineering -- Contracts -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management , Construction contracts -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9693 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/873 , Civil engineering -- Contracts -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management , Construction contracts -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: Construction management competencies are essential to realise sound practices among and to realise optimum performance by, inter alia, emerging civil engineering contractors. Such competencies enable a clear focus on the business of construction and the management of projects, with increased efficiency and reduced costs as a benefit. The objective of the MSc (Built Environment) treatise study were to determine the current practices and performance of emerging civil engineering construction contractors operating in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. The descriptive method was adopted in the empirical study. The salient findings of the study are: most of the emerging civil engineering construction contracting organisations lack construction management competencies; construction resources are inappropriately managed leading to construction failures; most of the emerging civil engineering construction contracting organisations lack adequate supervision resulting to poor workmanship; there is a shortage of skilled labour amongst emerging civil engineering construction contractors; procurement processes are inappropriate leading to under capacitated emerging civil engineering construction contracting organisations being awarded contracts; most emerging civil engineering construction contracting organisations lack the requisite aptitude for construction; there is a lack of capacity at all management levels of emerging civil engineering construction organisations in managing the business of construction and that of projects; the nine functions of organisations are not comprehensively represented, and self-ratings indicate inadequacy relative to the management function of control, and relative to certain activities of the organising function. Conclusions include that emerging civil engineering construction contracting organisations need to be comprised of technical teams that possess adequate competencies and that use the construction technology to its full use enabling their organisations to stay abreast of their competitors. Recommendations that can contribute towards improving the status quo include: formal civil engineering and construction management education, resources must be present and training should be promoted throughout the industry at all levels of management to ensure proper supervision and correct use of adequately trained labour, skilled or semi-skilled, incapacitated emerging civil engineering construction contractors should be awarded contracts through appropriately and structured procurement procedures, adequate aptitude in construction should be promoted and enhanced in order to realise conceptualisation and visualisation capabilities, comply with legislation, maintain records and communicate using state of the art technology, optimally manage the finances, have the requisite resources and undertake the work efficiently, interact with the respective publics, and market the organisation to ensure sustainability thereof.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Ramokolo, Bruce Sabelo Mpumelelo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Civil engineering -- Contracts -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management , Construction contracts -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9693 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/873 , Civil engineering -- Contracts -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management , Construction contracts -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: Construction management competencies are essential to realise sound practices among and to realise optimum performance by, inter alia, emerging civil engineering contractors. Such competencies enable a clear focus on the business of construction and the management of projects, with increased efficiency and reduced costs as a benefit. The objective of the MSc (Built Environment) treatise study were to determine the current practices and performance of emerging civil engineering construction contractors operating in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. The descriptive method was adopted in the empirical study. The salient findings of the study are: most of the emerging civil engineering construction contracting organisations lack construction management competencies; construction resources are inappropriately managed leading to construction failures; most of the emerging civil engineering construction contracting organisations lack adequate supervision resulting to poor workmanship; there is a shortage of skilled labour amongst emerging civil engineering construction contractors; procurement processes are inappropriate leading to under capacitated emerging civil engineering construction contracting organisations being awarded contracts; most emerging civil engineering construction contracting organisations lack the requisite aptitude for construction; there is a lack of capacity at all management levels of emerging civil engineering construction organisations in managing the business of construction and that of projects; the nine functions of organisations are not comprehensively represented, and self-ratings indicate inadequacy relative to the management function of control, and relative to certain activities of the organising function. Conclusions include that emerging civil engineering construction contracting organisations need to be comprised of technical teams that possess adequate competencies and that use the construction technology to its full use enabling their organisations to stay abreast of their competitors. Recommendations that can contribute towards improving the status quo include: formal civil engineering and construction management education, resources must be present and training should be promoted throughout the industry at all levels of management to ensure proper supervision and correct use of adequately trained labour, skilled or semi-skilled, incapacitated emerging civil engineering construction contractors should be awarded contracts through appropriately and structured procurement procedures, adequate aptitude in construction should be promoted and enhanced in order to realise conceptualisation and visualisation capabilities, comply with legislation, maintain records and communicate using state of the art technology, optimally manage the finances, have the requisite resources and undertake the work efficiently, interact with the respective publics, and market the organisation to ensure sustainability thereof.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The application of quality models and techniques in selected SMMEs in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Murray, Andrew Thomas
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Quality management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9608 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/832 , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Quality management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: With the increase of imports from China and more pressure being put on the Small, Medium and Micro enterprises (SMME’s) from their larger customers, survival has become more and more difficult, quality is no longer being a choise but a prerequisite if the companies want to survive. This research evaluates the use of quality and productivity or the lack thereof in selected SMMEs in the Eastern Cape environment from both the SMME and Larger companies’ point of view. The research has focused on the effectiveness and understanding of what has been put in place by the SMMEs, what is available for the SMMEs to use, governmental support, and the requirements of the customers. Certain shortcomings have been highlighted as to the use and benefits of the processes that have been implemented. The researcher made use of both quantitative and qualitative data to determine the outcome of the research. The thesis concludes that the SMME sector knows the importance of the use of quality; it is the effectiveness and management thereof that is the concern.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Murray, Andrew Thomas
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Quality management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9608 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/832 , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Quality management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: With the increase of imports from China and more pressure being put on the Small, Medium and Micro enterprises (SMME’s) from their larger customers, survival has become more and more difficult, quality is no longer being a choise but a prerequisite if the companies want to survive. This research evaluates the use of quality and productivity or the lack thereof in selected SMMEs in the Eastern Cape environment from both the SMME and Larger companies’ point of view. The research has focused on the effectiveness and understanding of what has been put in place by the SMMEs, what is available for the SMMEs to use, governmental support, and the requirements of the customers. Certain shortcomings have been highlighted as to the use and benefits of the processes that have been implemented. The researcher made use of both quantitative and qualitative data to determine the outcome of the research. The thesis concludes that the SMME sector knows the importance of the use of quality; it is the effectiveness and management thereof that is the concern.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The adoption of quality assurance in e-Health acquisition for rural hospitals in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Ruxwana, Nkqubela
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Quality assurance -- Management , Hospital care -- Quality control , Health facilities -- Quality control , Health -- Computer network resources , Public health -- Information services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9731 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1514 , Quality assurance -- Management , Hospital care -- Quality control , Health facilities -- Quality control , Health -- Computer network resources , Public health -- Information services
- Description: The evolution of e-health has the potential to assist in the management of scarce resources and the shortage of skills, enhance efficiencies, improve quality and increase work productivity within the healthcare sector. As a result, an increase is seen in e-health solutions developments with the aim to improve healthcare services, hospital information systems, health decision support, telemedicine and other technical systems that have the potential to reduce cost, improve quality, and enhance the accessibility and delivery of healthcare. However, unfortunately their implementation contiues to fail. Although there are several reasons for this, in this study a lack of project quality management is viewed as a key contributor to the failure of e-health solutions implementation projects in rural hospitals. This results in neglected aspects of quality assurance (QA), which forms an integral part of project quality management. The purpose of this study is to develop a Genertic Quality Assurance Model (GQAM) for the successful acquisition (i.e. development and implementation) of e-health solutions in rural hospitals in the Eastern Cape Province to enable improved quality of care and service delivery. In order to develop and test this model it was necessary to identify the QA methodologies that are currently used in rural hospitals and to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their impact on project success. The study is divided into four phases; in each phase different study designs were followed. The study used triangulation of qualitative and some elements of quantitative research approaches, in terms of which a case study approach was adpoted to answer the research questions. This study did indeed develop a GQAM that can be used to ensure e-health solution success in rural hospitals. Furthermore, to aid in the implementation of this model, a set of QA value chain implementation guidelines were developed, as a framework, to inject the nodel into typical (SDLC) phases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Ruxwana, Nkqubela
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Quality assurance -- Management , Hospital care -- Quality control , Health facilities -- Quality control , Health -- Computer network resources , Public health -- Information services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9731 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1514 , Quality assurance -- Management , Hospital care -- Quality control , Health facilities -- Quality control , Health -- Computer network resources , Public health -- Information services
- Description: The evolution of e-health has the potential to assist in the management of scarce resources and the shortage of skills, enhance efficiencies, improve quality and increase work productivity within the healthcare sector. As a result, an increase is seen in e-health solutions developments with the aim to improve healthcare services, hospital information systems, health decision support, telemedicine and other technical systems that have the potential to reduce cost, improve quality, and enhance the accessibility and delivery of healthcare. However, unfortunately their implementation contiues to fail. Although there are several reasons for this, in this study a lack of project quality management is viewed as a key contributor to the failure of e-health solutions implementation projects in rural hospitals. This results in neglected aspects of quality assurance (QA), which forms an integral part of project quality management. The purpose of this study is to develop a Genertic Quality Assurance Model (GQAM) for the successful acquisition (i.e. development and implementation) of e-health solutions in rural hospitals in the Eastern Cape Province to enable improved quality of care and service delivery. In order to develop and test this model it was necessary to identify the QA methodologies that are currently used in rural hospitals and to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their impact on project success. The study is divided into four phases; in each phase different study designs were followed. The study used triangulation of qualitative and some elements of quantitative research approaches, in terms of which a case study approach was adpoted to answer the research questions. This study did indeed develop a GQAM that can be used to ensure e-health solution success in rural hospitals. Furthermore, to aid in the implementation of this model, a set of QA value chain implementation guidelines were developed, as a framework, to inject the nodel into typical (SDLC) phases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The adequacy of traffic control measures during road works
- Authors: Norris, Shaun Peter
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Roads -- Safety measures Roads -- Maintenance and repair Construction industry -- Employees -- Health and hygiene
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11520 , vital:26934
- Description: Workers have the right to a safe working environment. This right is encapsulated in the Bill of Rights (1996) wherein strong emphasis is placed on the right to a healthy and safe work environment. The construction industry has been labeled as dangerous owing to regular incidents, serious accidents, and fatalities. Road workers’ safety is at high risk in road construction areas, as they perform their work activities alongside moving vehicles that are often large and sometimes moving at high speed. It was determined that very few secondary sources provided information regarding the safety of South African road construction workers. Therefore, the knowledge obtained from this study contributes to the body of knowledge on the subject matter. To collect data, three descriptive surveys were conducted on two different road construction projects within the Eastern Cape. The survey participants included engineering consultants, contractors, traffic safety officers, general road construction workers, as well as random motorists driving through the work zone. Further data was collected from a speed measuring instrument placed in the work zone of the Port Elizabeth. The findings of this research report indicate that road users are not cognizant of the risk to workers in the work zone and that signage and advance warning signs alone are not sufficient to slow motorists’ speed. A further significant threat to road worker safety, is plant operator visibility. This study recommends that government and construction firms educate the public regarding the risks associated with speeding through a work zone. Construction firms should use electronic speed measuring devices prior to the work zone to make road users aware of their speed in relation to the speed limit. To limit plant related accidents, companies should install sensors or cameras on the rear and side panels of plant, so that plant operators have all round vision. Furthermore, road workers could be educated on the controlled use of their mobile phones to reduce the risks associated with the use of mobile phones inside work zones.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Norris, Shaun Peter
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Roads -- Safety measures Roads -- Maintenance and repair Construction industry -- Employees -- Health and hygiene
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11520 , vital:26934
- Description: Workers have the right to a safe working environment. This right is encapsulated in the Bill of Rights (1996) wherein strong emphasis is placed on the right to a healthy and safe work environment. The construction industry has been labeled as dangerous owing to regular incidents, serious accidents, and fatalities. Road workers’ safety is at high risk in road construction areas, as they perform their work activities alongside moving vehicles that are often large and sometimes moving at high speed. It was determined that very few secondary sources provided information regarding the safety of South African road construction workers. Therefore, the knowledge obtained from this study contributes to the body of knowledge on the subject matter. To collect data, three descriptive surveys were conducted on two different road construction projects within the Eastern Cape. The survey participants included engineering consultants, contractors, traffic safety officers, general road construction workers, as well as random motorists driving through the work zone. Further data was collected from a speed measuring instrument placed in the work zone of the Port Elizabeth. The findings of this research report indicate that road users are not cognizant of the risk to workers in the work zone and that signage and advance warning signs alone are not sufficient to slow motorists’ speed. A further significant threat to road worker safety, is plant operator visibility. This study recommends that government and construction firms educate the public regarding the risks associated with speeding through a work zone. Construction firms should use electronic speed measuring devices prior to the work zone to make road users aware of their speed in relation to the speed limit. To limit plant related accidents, companies should install sensors or cameras on the rear and side panels of plant, so that plant operators have all round vision. Furthermore, road workers could be educated on the controlled use of their mobile phones to reduce the risks associated with the use of mobile phones inside work zones.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Tailoring a lean product development framework for the South African automotive industry
- Authors: Mund, Klaudia
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Production management -- South Africa , Globalization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech (Operations Management)
- Identifier: vital:9605 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1660 , Lean manufacturing , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Production management -- South Africa , Globalization
- Description: Globalization in the automotive industry exerts enormous pressure on automotive manufacturers and forces many global companies to expand into emerging markets, which results in adopting new ways to manage product design and development. Excellence in product design and development offers an opportunity to gain competitive advantage and can be achieved by implementing Toyota´s Lean Product Development System (LPDS). Although in the last three years Toyota has been severely challenged by the global economic crisis, by a series of recalls resulting in reputation damage and also by natural disasters such as the recent tsunamis - the world can still learn from Toyota´s successes embodied in the lean concept and practices, which are integral to Toyota´s ‘way of life’. The LPDS model (Morgan & Liker 2006) has captured the attention of academics worldwide (including this researcher) thanks to the following key characteristics: shorter development times, less engineering hours involved in development, lower manufacturing costs, higher customer satisfaction and fewer defects reported. In the academic world, lean product development (LPD) is a new field of exploration and thus relevant literature and numbers of studies available are limited. However, scientists are asking questions about successful adaptation and adoption of this model to other environments beyond Toyota. Similarly, the researcher aimed in this thesis to find answers to its main research question, namely: ‘What would be a suitable LPD model for the South African automotive industry?’ South Africa (SA) is a country with a strong manufacturing tradition and although the automotive sector is the third-largest segment in the South African economy and its vehicle market is the largest on the African continent in a global perspective SA´s contribution is relatively small as it produces only 0.61% of the global motor vehicle volume (OICA 2011). While the country strives to secure sustainable development for the automotive industry and seeks to improve its global competitiveness, companies operating in SA are currently faced with several unique challenges and problems. Lean has been expanding slowly in SA and some companies in the local automotive industry have implemented the lean concept into production areas to improve their operational excellence and performance. However, it is a search for excellence in product development (PD) that could best contribute to improved sustainability for the iv automotive industry and also provide an important strategic spur towards global competitiveness. The primary intention of this research was to develop an integrated LPD framework tailored for SA´s automotive industry. Considering this, it was necessary to determine current PD capabilities at domestic and international companies operating in SA´s automotive industry so as to examine levels of adaptation of LPD practices. A questionnaire survey and personal interviews involving all seven locally operating Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), including Toyota, as well as 36 local automotive suppliers provided an empirical base for this investigation. This study indicates that SA plays an important supportive role in the global PD context. In spite of a strong manufacturing focus and very limited PD capabilities, SA´s automotive companies have already achieved a high level of ‘leanness’ in product engineering processes. However, on the downside, it appears that industry leaders and senior managers are sceptical about current and future capabilities and opportunities for SA in the designing and developing of global products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mund, Klaudia
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Production management -- South Africa , Globalization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech (Operations Management)
- Identifier: vital:9605 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1660 , Lean manufacturing , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Production management -- South Africa , Globalization
- Description: Globalization in the automotive industry exerts enormous pressure on automotive manufacturers and forces many global companies to expand into emerging markets, which results in adopting new ways to manage product design and development. Excellence in product design and development offers an opportunity to gain competitive advantage and can be achieved by implementing Toyota´s Lean Product Development System (LPDS). Although in the last three years Toyota has been severely challenged by the global economic crisis, by a series of recalls resulting in reputation damage and also by natural disasters such as the recent tsunamis - the world can still learn from Toyota´s successes embodied in the lean concept and practices, which are integral to Toyota´s ‘way of life’. The LPDS model (Morgan & Liker 2006) has captured the attention of academics worldwide (including this researcher) thanks to the following key characteristics: shorter development times, less engineering hours involved in development, lower manufacturing costs, higher customer satisfaction and fewer defects reported. In the academic world, lean product development (LPD) is a new field of exploration and thus relevant literature and numbers of studies available are limited. However, scientists are asking questions about successful adaptation and adoption of this model to other environments beyond Toyota. Similarly, the researcher aimed in this thesis to find answers to its main research question, namely: ‘What would be a suitable LPD model for the South African automotive industry?’ South Africa (SA) is a country with a strong manufacturing tradition and although the automotive sector is the third-largest segment in the South African economy and its vehicle market is the largest on the African continent in a global perspective SA´s contribution is relatively small as it produces only 0.61% of the global motor vehicle volume (OICA 2011). While the country strives to secure sustainable development for the automotive industry and seeks to improve its global competitiveness, companies operating in SA are currently faced with several unique challenges and problems. Lean has been expanding slowly in SA and some companies in the local automotive industry have implemented the lean concept into production areas to improve their operational excellence and performance. However, it is a search for excellence in product development (PD) that could best contribute to improved sustainability for the iv automotive industry and also provide an important strategic spur towards global competitiveness. The primary intention of this research was to develop an integrated LPD framework tailored for SA´s automotive industry. Considering this, it was necessary to determine current PD capabilities at domestic and international companies operating in SA´s automotive industry so as to examine levels of adaptation of LPD practices. A questionnaire survey and personal interviews involving all seven locally operating Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), including Toyota, as well as 36 local automotive suppliers provided an empirical base for this investigation. This study indicates that SA plays an important supportive role in the global PD context. In spite of a strong manufacturing focus and very limited PD capabilities, SA´s automotive companies have already achieved a high level of ‘leanness’ in product engineering processes. However, on the downside, it appears that industry leaders and senior managers are sceptical about current and future capabilities and opportunities for SA in the designing and developing of global products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Sustainable construction (development) in the city of Cape Town
- Authors: Mgudlwa, Nosiyabonga Portia
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9700 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015042
- Description: Considering the challenges faced by the City of Cape Town such as loss of biodiversity, limited supply of energy and unsustainable land use, it is argued that it is imperative for the construction industry to promote sustainable development. The objective of the research was to understand the contributions of the construction industry to over exploitation of resources such as biodiversity, energy and land. Secondly, the study considers initiatives to be undertaken by the construction industry to enhance the environment so as to promote sustainable development. The research mixed methods was used as the form of collecting required data. The collection of data comprised of the design and administration of open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires among a non-random selected population of building contractor, public works officials and practising Architectural firms within the City of Cape Town. The data obtained from open-ended questionnaire on building contractors and public works officials was analysed qualitatively and data from the closed-ended questionnaires through practising Architectural firms was analysed quantitatively. Research results showed that biodiversity in the City of Cape Town is under threat. Passive design has a significant role in protecting the biodiversity and should be encouraged by the construction industry and the City of Cape Town. The City of Cape Town should strongly enforce polices that support the conservation of biodiversity. This will have a positive impact through encouraging the construction industry to adhere to these polices. The City of Cape Town is faced with energy shortage. The construction industry needs to reduce its energy usage as a dominant energy user. This will be achieved through energy efficient designs and retrofitting the existing buildings. The City of Cape Town has a responsibility to promote sustainable land use. Land prices are highly priced in the City of Cape Town as a result the poor cannot enter the market without external assistance. The construction industry has a role to encourage sustainable land use in the city.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mgudlwa, Nosiyabonga Portia
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9700 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015042
- Description: Considering the challenges faced by the City of Cape Town such as loss of biodiversity, limited supply of energy and unsustainable land use, it is argued that it is imperative for the construction industry to promote sustainable development. The objective of the research was to understand the contributions of the construction industry to over exploitation of resources such as biodiversity, energy and land. Secondly, the study considers initiatives to be undertaken by the construction industry to enhance the environment so as to promote sustainable development. The research mixed methods was used as the form of collecting required data. The collection of data comprised of the design and administration of open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires among a non-random selected population of building contractor, public works officials and practising Architectural firms within the City of Cape Town. The data obtained from open-ended questionnaire on building contractors and public works officials was analysed qualitatively and data from the closed-ended questionnaires through practising Architectural firms was analysed quantitatively. Research results showed that biodiversity in the City of Cape Town is under threat. Passive design has a significant role in protecting the biodiversity and should be encouraged by the construction industry and the City of Cape Town. The City of Cape Town should strongly enforce polices that support the conservation of biodiversity. This will have a positive impact through encouraging the construction industry to adhere to these polices. The City of Cape Town is faced with energy shortage. The construction industry needs to reduce its energy usage as a dominant energy user. This will be achieved through energy efficient designs and retrofitting the existing buildings. The City of Cape Town has a responsibility to promote sustainable land use. Land prices are highly priced in the City of Cape Town as a result the poor cannot enter the market without external assistance. The construction industry has a role to encourage sustainable land use in the city.
- Full Text: