Reflections of South African nurses migrating to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a framework for support
- Authors: Telford-Smith, Colette
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Nurses -- Supply and demand -- Saudi Arabia , Nurses -- Employment -- Foreign countries , Saudi Arabia -- Emigration and immigration , Brain drain -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10017 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/401 , Nurses -- Supply and demand -- Saudi Arabia , Nurses -- Employment -- Foreign countries , Saudi Arabia -- Emigration and immigration , Brain drain -- South Africa
- Description: The last decade has seen an exodus of South African nurses migrating to "greener pastures". As a result of this migration, the South African Healthcare Service has been drained of one of its most essential resources – nurses. Subsequently, the crippling flight of nurses has thrown the nursing profession into a state of crisis. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the more popular destinations for South African nurses, the main reason being the attractive financial rewards. One agency reports that they send an average of thirty nurses a month to various hospitals within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country. Due to the uniqueness of the enforcement of the Islamic faith and the Saudi culture, many restrictions are imposed, particularly on women. The challenges and problems facing the South African nurses were, therefore, unique compared to elsewhere in the world. This research study had a primary and a secondary objective: The primary objective of this study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of South African nurses related to living and working in Saudi Arabia; The secondary objective of this study was to develop orientation guidelines to support South African nurses working and living in Saudi Arabia. The researcher utilized a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design based on a phenomenological approach to inquiry, in an attempt to answer the question: "What are the professional and personal experiences of the South African registered nurses working and living in Saudi Arabia?" Eleven registered nurses were selected to participate by means of purposive sampling. These nurses had been living in Saudi Arabia between three and six months. Consent was obtained from participants and the ethics committee of both the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. The central theme emanating from the study was recognized as being 'Cultural Diversity'. The sub-themes identified related to the registered nurses’: - Religious/spiritual adaptation - Environmental adaptation - Emotional/psychological adaptation - Professional adaptation Based on the identified themes, guidelines were formulated to assist South African registered nurses when migrating to Saudi Arabia. Utilization of these should assist the South African registered nurse in assimilating into both the cultural and working environment. However, in reality, the outcome showed that no one can be prepared fully for what awaits them in Saudi Arabia.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Reflections of South African nurses migrating to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a framework for support
- Authors: Telford-Smith, Colette
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Nurses -- Supply and demand -- Saudi Arabia , Nurses -- Employment -- Foreign countries , Saudi Arabia -- Emigration and immigration , Brain drain -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10017 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/401 , Nurses -- Supply and demand -- Saudi Arabia , Nurses -- Employment -- Foreign countries , Saudi Arabia -- Emigration and immigration , Brain drain -- South Africa
- Description: The last decade has seen an exodus of South African nurses migrating to "greener pastures". As a result of this migration, the South African Healthcare Service has been drained of one of its most essential resources – nurses. Subsequently, the crippling flight of nurses has thrown the nursing profession into a state of crisis. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the more popular destinations for South African nurses, the main reason being the attractive financial rewards. One agency reports that they send an average of thirty nurses a month to various hospitals within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country. Due to the uniqueness of the enforcement of the Islamic faith and the Saudi culture, many restrictions are imposed, particularly on women. The challenges and problems facing the South African nurses were, therefore, unique compared to elsewhere in the world. This research study had a primary and a secondary objective: The primary objective of this study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of South African nurses related to living and working in Saudi Arabia; The secondary objective of this study was to develop orientation guidelines to support South African nurses working and living in Saudi Arabia. The researcher utilized a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design based on a phenomenological approach to inquiry, in an attempt to answer the question: "What are the professional and personal experiences of the South African registered nurses working and living in Saudi Arabia?" Eleven registered nurses were selected to participate by means of purposive sampling. These nurses had been living in Saudi Arabia between three and six months. Consent was obtained from participants and the ethics committee of both the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. The central theme emanating from the study was recognized as being 'Cultural Diversity'. The sub-themes identified related to the registered nurses’: - Religious/spiritual adaptation - Environmental adaptation - Emotional/psychological adaptation - Professional adaptation Based on the identified themes, guidelines were formulated to assist South African registered nurses when migrating to Saudi Arabia. Utilization of these should assist the South African registered nurse in assimilating into both the cultural and working environment. However, in reality, the outcome showed that no one can be prepared fully for what awaits them in Saudi Arabia.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Synthesis and photophysical properties of octa-substituted phthalocyaninato oxotitanium (IV) derivatives
- Tau, Prudence, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Tau, Prudence , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/283881 , vital:55999 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424606000399"
- Description: The synthesis, spectral and photophysical properties including fluorescence quenching of the following octa-substituted oxotitanium phthalocyanines are reported: 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octaphenoxyphthalocyaninato titanium(IV) oxide, 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-[octakis(4-t-butylphenoxyphthalocyaninato)]titanium(IV) oxide, 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-{octakis[(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]phthalocyaninato}titanium(IV) oxide and 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octaphenylthiophthalocyaninato titanium(IV) oxide. The complexes are characterized by 1H NMR, IR and UV-vis spectroscopies. Their photophysical properties are presented where moderate fluorescence quantum yields (0.14-0.19) and lifetimes were determined. Varied triplet quantum yields were obtained and the triplet lifetimes (40-100 μs) were short.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Tau, Prudence , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/283881 , vital:55999 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424606000399"
- Description: The synthesis, spectral and photophysical properties including fluorescence quenching of the following octa-substituted oxotitanium phthalocyanines are reported: 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octaphenoxyphthalocyaninato titanium(IV) oxide, 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-[octakis(4-t-butylphenoxyphthalocyaninato)]titanium(IV) oxide, 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-{octakis[(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]phthalocyaninato}titanium(IV) oxide and 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octaphenylthiophthalocyaninato titanium(IV) oxide. The complexes are characterized by 1H NMR, IR and UV-vis spectroscopies. Their photophysical properties are presented where moderate fluorescence quantum yields (0.14-0.19) and lifetimes were determined. Varied triplet quantum yields were obtained and the triplet lifetimes (40-100 μs) were short.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Unique electrochemical behavior of tantalum (V) phthalocyanine
- Tau, Prudence, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Tau, Prudence , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/286139 , vital:56243 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424606000090"
- Description: The electrochemical and spectroscopic behavior of tantalum(V) phthalocyanine are presented. The NMR spectra is consistent with the lack of symmetry of the complex. Cyclic (CV) and square wave (SWV) voltammetries, and spectroelectrochemistry, were employed in the study of the complex. Two one-electron reductions and a simultaneous 4-electron reduction were observed. Reduction occurs first at the metal to form a Ta(IV) species, followed by ring based processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Tau, Prudence , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/286139 , vital:56243 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424606000090"
- Description: The electrochemical and spectroscopic behavior of tantalum(V) phthalocyanine are presented. The NMR spectra is consistent with the lack of symmetry of the complex. Cyclic (CV) and square wave (SWV) voltammetries, and spectroelectrochemistry, were employed in the study of the complex. Two one-electron reductions and a simultaneous 4-electron reduction were observed. Reduction occurs first at the metal to form a Ta(IV) species, followed by ring based processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Synthesis and electrochemical characterisation of α-and β-tetra-substituted oxo (phthalocyaninato) titanium (IV) complexes
- Tau, Prudence, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Tau, Prudence , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/283869 , vital:55998 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2005.11.025"
- Description: The synthesis, spectroscopic and electrochemical characterisation of the following oxotitanium tetra-substituted phthalocyanines are reported: 1,(4)-(tetraphenoxyphthalocyaninato)titanium(IV) oxide (5a); 1,(4)-(tetra-tert-butylphenoxyphthalocyaninato)titanium(IV) oxide (5b); 2,(3)-(tetraphenoxyphthalocyaninato)titanium(IV) oxide (6a) and 2,(3)-(tetra-tert-butylphenoxyphthalocyaninato)titanium(IV) oxide (6b). Complexes 5a and 5b are substituted at the non-peripheral (α) positions, whereas complexes 6a and 6b are substituted at the peripheral (β) positions. Cyclic voltammograms of all four complexes are similar, with three reversible reduction couples and three quasi-reversible to irreversible oxidations. The first two reductions are two-electron processes, confirmed by spectroelectrochemistry to be due to TiIVPc−2/TiIIPc−3 and TiIIPc−2/TiIPc−3 redox processes. Spectroelectrochemistry showed that upon oxidation, the molecule decomposes. Oxidation is expected to occur at the ring. Chronocoulometry confirmed two electron transfer at the first and second reduction steps; and a one electron transfer at the third reduction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Tau, Prudence , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/283869 , vital:55998 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2005.11.025"
- Description: The synthesis, spectroscopic and electrochemical characterisation of the following oxotitanium tetra-substituted phthalocyanines are reported: 1,(4)-(tetraphenoxyphthalocyaninato)titanium(IV) oxide (5a); 1,(4)-(tetra-tert-butylphenoxyphthalocyaninato)titanium(IV) oxide (5b); 2,(3)-(tetraphenoxyphthalocyaninato)titanium(IV) oxide (6a) and 2,(3)-(tetra-tert-butylphenoxyphthalocyaninato)titanium(IV) oxide (6b). Complexes 5a and 5b are substituted at the non-peripheral (α) positions, whereas complexes 6a and 6b are substituted at the peripheral (β) positions. Cyclic voltammograms of all four complexes are similar, with three reversible reduction couples and three quasi-reversible to irreversible oxidations. The first two reductions are two-electron processes, confirmed by spectroelectrochemistry to be due to TiIVPc−2/TiIIPc−3 and TiIIPc−2/TiIPc−3 redox processes. Spectroelectrochemistry showed that upon oxidation, the molecule decomposes. Oxidation is expected to occur at the ring. Chronocoulometry confirmed two electron transfer at the first and second reduction steps; and a one electron transfer at the third reduction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Gazing at horror: body performance in the wake of mass social trauma
- Authors: Tang, Cheong Wai Acty
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Abramovic, Marina Performance art -- South Africa Drama -- Psychological aspects Psychic trauma Performance art -- Psychological aspects Loss (Psychology) Ritual in art Art, Modern -- 20th century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2149 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002381
- Description: This thesis explores various dilemmas in making theatre performances in the context of social disruption, trauma and death. Diverse discourses are drawn in to consider issues of body, subjectivity and spectatorship, refracted through the writer’s experiences of and discontent with making theatre. Written in a fractal-like structure, rather than a linear progression, this thesis unsettles discourses of truth, thus simultaneously intervening in debates about the epistemologies of the body and of theatre in context of the academy. Chapter 1: Methodological Anxieties Psychoanalytic theory provides a way in for investigating the dynamics of theatrical performance and its corporeal presence, by focusing on desire and its implication in the notions of loss and anxiety. The theories of the unconscious and the gaze have epistemological implications, shifting definitions of “presence” and “truth” in theatre performance and writing about theatre. This chapter tries to outline the rationale for, as well as to enact, an alternative methodology for writing, as an ethical response to loss that does not insist on consensus and truth. Chapter 2: (Refusing to) Look at Trauma This chapter examines the politics that strives to make suffering visible. Discursive binaries of public/private, dead/living, and invisible/visible underlie the politics of AIDS and sexuality. These discourses impact on the reception of Bill T. Jones's choreography, despite his use of modernist artistic processes in search of a bodily presence that aims to collapse the binary of representation (text) and its subject (being). The theory of the gaze shows this politics to be a phallocentric discourse; and narrative analysis traces the metanarrative that results in the commodification of oppositional identities, so that spectators participate in the politics as consumers. An ethical artistic response thus needs to shift its focus to the subjectivity of the spectator. Chapter 3: The Screen and the Viewer’s Blindness By appealing to a transcendent reality, and by constituting spectators as a participative community, ritual theatre claims to enact change. The “truth” of ritual rests not on rational knowledge, but on the performer’s competence to produce a shamanic presence, which director Brett Bailey embraces in his early work. Ritual presence operates by identification and belonging to a father/god as the source of meaning; but it represses the loss of this originary wholeness. Spectators of ritual theatre are drawn into an enactment of communion/community, the centre of which is, however, loss/emptiness. The claim of enacting change becomes problematic for its absence of truth. Bailey attempts to perform a hybrid, postcolonial aesthetics; but the problem rests in the larger context of performing the notion of “South Africa”, a communal identity hardened around the metanarrative of suffering, abjecting those that do not belong to the land of the father/god – foreigners that unsettle the meaning of South African identity. Conclusion: Bodies of Discontent The South African stage is circumscribed by political and economic discourses; the problematization of national identity is also a problematization of image-identification in the theatre. In search for a way to unsettle these interrogative discourses, two moments of performing foreignness are examined, one fictional, one theatrical. These moments enact a parallel to the feminine hysteric, who disturbs the phallocentric truth of the psychoanalyst through body performance. These moments of disturbing spectatorship are reflected in the works of performance artist Marina Abramovic. Her explorations into passive-aggression, shamanism and finally theatricality and the morality of spectatorship allow for an overview of the issues raised in this thesis regarding body, viewing, and subjecthood. Sensitivity to the body and its discontent on the part of the viewer becomes crucial to ethical performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Tang, Cheong Wai Acty
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Abramovic, Marina Performance art -- South Africa Drama -- Psychological aspects Psychic trauma Performance art -- Psychological aspects Loss (Psychology) Ritual in art Art, Modern -- 20th century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2149 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002381
- Description: This thesis explores various dilemmas in making theatre performances in the context of social disruption, trauma and death. Diverse discourses are drawn in to consider issues of body, subjectivity and spectatorship, refracted through the writer’s experiences of and discontent with making theatre. Written in a fractal-like structure, rather than a linear progression, this thesis unsettles discourses of truth, thus simultaneously intervening in debates about the epistemologies of the body and of theatre in context of the academy. Chapter 1: Methodological Anxieties Psychoanalytic theory provides a way in for investigating the dynamics of theatrical performance and its corporeal presence, by focusing on desire and its implication in the notions of loss and anxiety. The theories of the unconscious and the gaze have epistemological implications, shifting definitions of “presence” and “truth” in theatre performance and writing about theatre. This chapter tries to outline the rationale for, as well as to enact, an alternative methodology for writing, as an ethical response to loss that does not insist on consensus and truth. Chapter 2: (Refusing to) Look at Trauma This chapter examines the politics that strives to make suffering visible. Discursive binaries of public/private, dead/living, and invisible/visible underlie the politics of AIDS and sexuality. These discourses impact on the reception of Bill T. Jones's choreography, despite his use of modernist artistic processes in search of a bodily presence that aims to collapse the binary of representation (text) and its subject (being). The theory of the gaze shows this politics to be a phallocentric discourse; and narrative analysis traces the metanarrative that results in the commodification of oppositional identities, so that spectators participate in the politics as consumers. An ethical artistic response thus needs to shift its focus to the subjectivity of the spectator. Chapter 3: The Screen and the Viewer’s Blindness By appealing to a transcendent reality, and by constituting spectators as a participative community, ritual theatre claims to enact change. The “truth” of ritual rests not on rational knowledge, but on the performer’s competence to produce a shamanic presence, which director Brett Bailey embraces in his early work. Ritual presence operates by identification and belonging to a father/god as the source of meaning; but it represses the loss of this originary wholeness. Spectators of ritual theatre are drawn into an enactment of communion/community, the centre of which is, however, loss/emptiness. The claim of enacting change becomes problematic for its absence of truth. Bailey attempts to perform a hybrid, postcolonial aesthetics; but the problem rests in the larger context of performing the notion of “South Africa”, a communal identity hardened around the metanarrative of suffering, abjecting those that do not belong to the land of the father/god – foreigners that unsettle the meaning of South African identity. Conclusion: Bodies of Discontent The South African stage is circumscribed by political and economic discourses; the problematization of national identity is also a problematization of image-identification in the theatre. In search for a way to unsettle these interrogative discourses, two moments of performing foreignness are examined, one fictional, one theatrical. These moments enact a parallel to the feminine hysteric, who disturbs the phallocentric truth of the psychoanalyst through body performance. These moments of disturbing spectatorship are reflected in the works of performance artist Marina Abramovic. Her explorations into passive-aggression, shamanism and finally theatricality and the morality of spectatorship allow for an overview of the issues raised in this thesis regarding body, viewing, and subjecthood. Sensitivity to the body and its discontent on the part of the viewer becomes crucial to ethical performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
The behaviour and fundamental determinants of the real exchange rate in South Africa
- Authors: Takaendesa, Peter
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Terms of trade -- South Africa , Finance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:960 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002694 , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Terms of trade -- South Africa , Finance -- South Africa
- Description: Real exchange rates have important effects on production, employment and trade, so it is crucial to understand the factors responsible for their variations. This study analyses the main determinants of the real exchange rate and the dynamic adjustment of the real exchange rate following shocks to those determinants, using quarterly South African data covering the period 1975 to 2005. It begins with a review of literature on the determinants of the real exchange rate and provides an updated background on the exchange rate system in South Africa. An empirical model linking the real exchange rate to its theoretical determinants is then specified. In contrast to previous analyses, this study augments the cointegration and vector autoregression (VAR) analysis with impulse response and variance decomposition analyses to provide robust long run effects and short run dynamic effects on the real exchange rate. The variables that have been found to have a long run relationship with the real exchange rate include the terms of trade, real interest rate differential, domestic credit, openness and technological progress. The estimate of the speed of adjustment coefficient found in this study indicates that about a third of the variation in the real exchange rate from its equilibrium level is corrected within a quarter. The impulse response functions broadly corroborate the theoretical predictions, but only the terms of trade, domestic credit and openness have a significant impact on the real exchange rate in the short run. However, only shocks to the terms of trade and domestic credit have persistent effects on the real exchange rate. Results from the variance decompositions are largely similar to those from the impulse response analysis. The terms of trade, domestic credit and openness are the only variables found to significantly explain the variation in the real exchange rate. The most interesting result that emerged from this analysis and is supported by previous research is that among other determinants, the terms of trade explain the largest proportion of the variation in the real exchange. On balance, the evidence therefore suggests that real exchange rate fluctuations are predominantly equilibrium responses to real and monetary shocks rather than fiscal policy shocks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Takaendesa, Peter
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Terms of trade -- South Africa , Finance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:960 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002694 , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Terms of trade -- South Africa , Finance -- South Africa
- Description: Real exchange rates have important effects on production, employment and trade, so it is crucial to understand the factors responsible for their variations. This study analyses the main determinants of the real exchange rate and the dynamic adjustment of the real exchange rate following shocks to those determinants, using quarterly South African data covering the period 1975 to 2005. It begins with a review of literature on the determinants of the real exchange rate and provides an updated background on the exchange rate system in South Africa. An empirical model linking the real exchange rate to its theoretical determinants is then specified. In contrast to previous analyses, this study augments the cointegration and vector autoregression (VAR) analysis with impulse response and variance decomposition analyses to provide robust long run effects and short run dynamic effects on the real exchange rate. The variables that have been found to have a long run relationship with the real exchange rate include the terms of trade, real interest rate differential, domestic credit, openness and technological progress. The estimate of the speed of adjustment coefficient found in this study indicates that about a third of the variation in the real exchange rate from its equilibrium level is corrected within a quarter. The impulse response functions broadly corroborate the theoretical predictions, but only the terms of trade, domestic credit and openness have a significant impact on the real exchange rate in the short run. However, only shocks to the terms of trade and domestic credit have persistent effects on the real exchange rate. Results from the variance decompositions are largely similar to those from the impulse response analysis. The terms of trade, domestic credit and openness are the only variables found to significantly explain the variation in the real exchange rate. The most interesting result that emerged from this analysis and is supported by previous research is that among other determinants, the terms of trade explain the largest proportion of the variation in the real exchange. On balance, the evidence therefore suggests that real exchange rate fluctuations are predominantly equilibrium responses to real and monetary shocks rather than fiscal policy shocks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
The impact of inbound logistics activities on the operational performance of the postal services organization in South Africa
- Authors: Tabeni, Mvelo
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: South African Post Office Postal service -- South Africa Business logistics Business logistics -- Cost effectiveness Delivery of goods -- Management Physical distribution of goods Customer services -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:797 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004577
- Description: Introduction and Relevant Details: This research investigates the impact of inbound logistics' activities on the operational performance of the business within the branches of the South African Post Office (SAPO) in the Eastern Cape Province. The study basically hypothesises a statistically significant positive correlation between inbound logistics' activities and the operational performance of the business with regards to revenue generation and operational costs in particular. A sample of 100 branch offices was randomly selected. A 50-item questionnaire was administered by mail to the branches to collect the data during September 2005, and statistical tests for correlation were conducted on at least five dependent variables; stock procurement costs, effects on revenue, number of stock variation occurrences, order variation occurrences and the stock holding effects. Results of Data Analysis: The results of 88 respondents (88%) showed the existence of the significant positive relationship between the inbound logistics activities and the operational performance of the business at the South African Post Office branches as proposed by the study. The Spearman Rank Correlation tests were above 0.7 for most of the tested variables, showing a strong relationship. The inbound logistics' activities were also found to be positively correlated to revenue generation as well as to the operational expenses of the business. Conclusion and Recommendations: The findings allowed the researcher to conclude also that whatever improvements are made to the inbound logistics will also impact on the operational performance of the business, while failures in the inbound logistics will do so negatively. Business endeavours to maximise revenue and minimise costs are directly affected by the inbound logistics' activities. The branches of the SAPO seemed to be dissatisfied with most of the services rendered by the Supply Distribution Centre (SOC) of the SAPO, and such services have negatively affected the achievement of revenue targets at the branches as well as the operational costs. Holistic approaches to developing positive perceptions in the branches together with improving service activities at the SOC are recommended. Collaborative initiatives between branches and the SOC, reviewing the lead-times and the establishment of proper structures to handle supply chain queries, enhanced by information system technology to provide accurate and up-to-date information to branches and related parties about stock order issues are required . Areas of further research highlighted include the inbound logistics' activities of the SOC and the effectiveness of company policies as a guide to Supply Chain Management (SCM).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Tabeni, Mvelo
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: South African Post Office Postal service -- South Africa Business logistics Business logistics -- Cost effectiveness Delivery of goods -- Management Physical distribution of goods Customer services -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:797 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004577
- Description: Introduction and Relevant Details: This research investigates the impact of inbound logistics' activities on the operational performance of the business within the branches of the South African Post Office (SAPO) in the Eastern Cape Province. The study basically hypothesises a statistically significant positive correlation between inbound logistics' activities and the operational performance of the business with regards to revenue generation and operational costs in particular. A sample of 100 branch offices was randomly selected. A 50-item questionnaire was administered by mail to the branches to collect the data during September 2005, and statistical tests for correlation were conducted on at least five dependent variables; stock procurement costs, effects on revenue, number of stock variation occurrences, order variation occurrences and the stock holding effects. Results of Data Analysis: The results of 88 respondents (88%) showed the existence of the significant positive relationship between the inbound logistics activities and the operational performance of the business at the South African Post Office branches as proposed by the study. The Spearman Rank Correlation tests were above 0.7 for most of the tested variables, showing a strong relationship. The inbound logistics' activities were also found to be positively correlated to revenue generation as well as to the operational expenses of the business. Conclusion and Recommendations: The findings allowed the researcher to conclude also that whatever improvements are made to the inbound logistics will also impact on the operational performance of the business, while failures in the inbound logistics will do so negatively. Business endeavours to maximise revenue and minimise costs are directly affected by the inbound logistics' activities. The branches of the SAPO seemed to be dissatisfied with most of the services rendered by the Supply Distribution Centre (SOC) of the SAPO, and such services have negatively affected the achievement of revenue targets at the branches as well as the operational costs. Holistic approaches to developing positive perceptions in the branches together with improving service activities at the SOC are recommended. Collaborative initiatives between branches and the SOC, reviewing the lead-times and the establishment of proper structures to handle supply chain queries, enhanced by information system technology to provide accurate and up-to-date information to branches and related parties about stock order issues are required . Areas of further research highlighted include the inbound logistics' activities of the SOC and the effectiveness of company policies as a guide to Supply Chain Management (SCM).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Designing for maintenance
- Authors: Syce, Melvin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Buildings -- Maintenance -- South Africa , Buildings -- Protection -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9670 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/440 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011924 , Buildings -- Maintenance -- South Africa , Buildings -- Protection -- South Africa
- Description: This treatise is a study of the methodology and the thought processes followed when buildings are designed, in order to determine to what extent, if any, designers consider the need for buildings to be maintained long after they walk off site and part with the project. The concept of taking future maintenance requirements into account as part of the design process is referred to as “designing for maintenance” (DFM). It can be assumed that, from a professional perspective, designers must keep the client’s needs in mind when designing. Facilities managers face the challenge of balancing a budget with maintaining a functional building – a dream building would be a maintenance-free building. Armed with the knowledge of DFM it is hoped that future buildings will be designed in a manner that will facilitate maintenance, thereby achieving significant savings on the life cycle costing of buildings. Buys (2004) suggests that designers should adopt a more open-minded approach toward maintenance during the design stages of buildings. Maintenance, with reference to access, methods, material and funding, could benefit from this approach, with a positive effect on the life cycle costing of a building. In order of priority when starting a building project, the design process is at the top of the list. Because this process happens right at the outset of a project, it is important to address the level of maintenance awareness that goes into designing, at this stage. The research concludes that one of the methods which could have a permanent effect on designers’ awareness of DFM would be to include it in the subjects taught at schools where designers are trained. This idea was discussed with a number of lecturers in this field and they were all in favour of this approach. There is a perception that built environment practitioners and professionals such as architects and contractors in the various fields related to the built environment, often engage in their particular task as if they exist in isolation from the project as a whole and from the rest of the project team. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that all built environment aspects are interwoven and interlinked, and that all are part of a larger context. With reference to the built environment as a whole, no action or element exists in isolation from a larger web of activity. The challenge, to nurture within students an awareness of the range and interconnectedness of elements and processes that contribute to the holistic idea, rests with the educators in the design fields, because it is clear that the final impact of any project relies to a large extent on what was specified by the designers in terms of materials and construction methods. The impact of the world’s six billion inhabitants on the environment is clearly a critical issue but does little to influence the actions of most design professionals. Documented experiences should serve as valuable tools to guide designers towards making more educated decisions on building design. Built environment professionals should educate themselves about the range of issues involved in the analysis, design and production of the built environment and the interaction between these factors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Syce, Melvin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Buildings -- Maintenance -- South Africa , Buildings -- Protection -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9670 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/440 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011924 , Buildings -- Maintenance -- South Africa , Buildings -- Protection -- South Africa
- Description: This treatise is a study of the methodology and the thought processes followed when buildings are designed, in order to determine to what extent, if any, designers consider the need for buildings to be maintained long after they walk off site and part with the project. The concept of taking future maintenance requirements into account as part of the design process is referred to as “designing for maintenance” (DFM). It can be assumed that, from a professional perspective, designers must keep the client’s needs in mind when designing. Facilities managers face the challenge of balancing a budget with maintaining a functional building – a dream building would be a maintenance-free building. Armed with the knowledge of DFM it is hoped that future buildings will be designed in a manner that will facilitate maintenance, thereby achieving significant savings on the life cycle costing of buildings. Buys (2004) suggests that designers should adopt a more open-minded approach toward maintenance during the design stages of buildings. Maintenance, with reference to access, methods, material and funding, could benefit from this approach, with a positive effect on the life cycle costing of a building. In order of priority when starting a building project, the design process is at the top of the list. Because this process happens right at the outset of a project, it is important to address the level of maintenance awareness that goes into designing, at this stage. The research concludes that one of the methods which could have a permanent effect on designers’ awareness of DFM would be to include it in the subjects taught at schools where designers are trained. This idea was discussed with a number of lecturers in this field and they were all in favour of this approach. There is a perception that built environment practitioners and professionals such as architects and contractors in the various fields related to the built environment, often engage in their particular task as if they exist in isolation from the project as a whole and from the rest of the project team. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that all built environment aspects are interwoven and interlinked, and that all are part of a larger context. With reference to the built environment as a whole, no action or element exists in isolation from a larger web of activity. The challenge, to nurture within students an awareness of the range and interconnectedness of elements and processes that contribute to the holistic idea, rests with the educators in the design fields, because it is clear that the final impact of any project relies to a large extent on what was specified by the designers in terms of materials and construction methods. The impact of the world’s six billion inhabitants on the environment is clearly a critical issue but does little to influence the actions of most design professionals. Documented experiences should serve as valuable tools to guide designers towards making more educated decisions on building design. Built environment professionals should educate themselves about the range of issues involved in the analysis, design and production of the built environment and the interaction between these factors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Horticultural propagation of the threatened species, Syncarpha revurvata (L.f.)B. Nord
- Authors: Swart, Pierre André
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Horticultural crops -- Propagation , Plant propagation , Horticulture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10624 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/613 , Horticultural crops -- Propagation , Plant propagation , Horticulture
- Description: Syncarpha recurvata (L.f.) B. Nord. (Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae) is listed as a vulnerable (intermediate priority) species. The propagation methods of achene germination, stem cuttings, air layering and micropropagation were investigated to obtain an efficient propagation method. Smoke water dilutions of 1:100, 1:50 and 1:10 significantly increased germination, with the 1:100 smoke water dilutions showing the highest germination percentage (22.4 percent). Achenes collected between August and October 2005 showed higher germination and viability than achenes collected between May and July 2006. Fifty percent of the stem cuttings and 32 percent of the airlayered branches rooted. Embryo culture was the only successful culture type out of the four attempted. Two embryos germinated and four became photosynthetic. Two of the germinated embryos also produced callus cells, a medium supplemented with 5 μM IAA may be used to test for a suitable plant regulator for organogenesis or embryogenesis. Syncarpha recurvata plants were also transplanted into pots and 60 percent survived. A growth rate of 1.466 mm y-1 was obtained from total shoot length measurements. In this study, it was found that air-layering branches of transplanted Syncarpha recurvata plants is the most efficient propagation method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Swart, Pierre André
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Horticultural crops -- Propagation , Plant propagation , Horticulture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10624 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/613 , Horticultural crops -- Propagation , Plant propagation , Horticulture
- Description: Syncarpha recurvata (L.f.) B. Nord. (Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae) is listed as a vulnerable (intermediate priority) species. The propagation methods of achene germination, stem cuttings, air layering and micropropagation were investigated to obtain an efficient propagation method. Smoke water dilutions of 1:100, 1:50 and 1:10 significantly increased germination, with the 1:100 smoke water dilutions showing the highest germination percentage (22.4 percent). Achenes collected between August and October 2005 showed higher germination and viability than achenes collected between May and July 2006. Fifty percent of the stem cuttings and 32 percent of the airlayered branches rooted. Embryo culture was the only successful culture type out of the four attempted. Two embryos germinated and four became photosynthetic. Two of the germinated embryos also produced callus cells, a medium supplemented with 5 μM IAA may be used to test for a suitable plant regulator for organogenesis or embryogenesis. Syncarpha recurvata plants were also transplanted into pots and 60 percent survived. A growth rate of 1.466 mm y-1 was obtained from total shoot length measurements. In this study, it was found that air-layering branches of transplanted Syncarpha recurvata plants is the most efficient propagation method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A case study of two teachers' understanding of and attitudes towards bilingualism and multiculturalism in a South African primary school
- Authors: Sutton, Candace
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Bilingualism in children , English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Foreign speakers , English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa , Education, Bilingual -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Study and teaching , Language policy -- South Africa , Multicultural education -- South Africa , Language and education -- South Africa , Multiculturalism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2363 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002646 , Bilingualism in children , English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Foreign speakers , English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa , Education, Bilingual -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Study and teaching , Language policy -- South Africa , Multicultural education -- South Africa , Language and education -- South Africa , Multiculturalism
- Description: At present, there is an emphasis in South African education on promoting multicultural classrooms in schools. This thesis examines the classroom culture of a South African English-medium school, where the majority of the learners are Second Language English learners. It first describes, in the form of a case-study, how two teachers have constructed the culture of their foundation phase classrooms. It then considers why the two teachers have constructed their classrooms in such ways by exploring their knowledge and understanding of, and attitudes towards, multiculturalism, second language acquisition and multilingualism. The study also briefly considers whether teacher training has sufficiently prepared these teachers for the challenges of a multicultural classroom. The data is discussed in terms of education and second language acquisition theory and South African education and language policies. The results of this study indicate that for the most part the classroom culture is distinctly Western and that the teachers have two fundamental assumptions that underpin their action and classroom construction. The first is that a lack of exposure to English is the primary cause of language problems for L2 learners and the second is that the L1 does not need to be maintained or promoted in the school environment because learners are sufficiently exposed to their L1 in the home. The thesis concludes that shortcomings in training and information encourages these two assumptions to take root and that more in-service training that focuses specifically on the nature of second language acquisition and multiculturalism is necessary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Sutton, Candace
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Bilingualism in children , English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Foreign speakers , English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa , Education, Bilingual -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Study and teaching , Language policy -- South Africa , Multicultural education -- South Africa , Language and education -- South Africa , Multiculturalism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2363 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002646 , Bilingualism in children , English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Foreign speakers , English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa , Education, Bilingual -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Study and teaching , Language policy -- South Africa , Multicultural education -- South Africa , Language and education -- South Africa , Multiculturalism
- Description: At present, there is an emphasis in South African education on promoting multicultural classrooms in schools. This thesis examines the classroom culture of a South African English-medium school, where the majority of the learners are Second Language English learners. It first describes, in the form of a case-study, how two teachers have constructed the culture of their foundation phase classrooms. It then considers why the two teachers have constructed their classrooms in such ways by exploring their knowledge and understanding of, and attitudes towards, multiculturalism, second language acquisition and multilingualism. The study also briefly considers whether teacher training has sufficiently prepared these teachers for the challenges of a multicultural classroom. The data is discussed in terms of education and second language acquisition theory and South African education and language policies. The results of this study indicate that for the most part the classroom culture is distinctly Western and that the teachers have two fundamental assumptions that underpin their action and classroom construction. The first is that a lack of exposure to English is the primary cause of language problems for L2 learners and the second is that the L1 does not need to be maintained or promoted in the school environment because learners are sufficiently exposed to their L1 in the home. The thesis concludes that shortcomings in training and information encourages these two assumptions to take root and that more in-service training that focuses specifically on the nature of second language acquisition and multiculturalism is necessary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An exploratory study into various stakeholders' perceptions and experiences of participative management in a high school in the Cala district, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Stofile, Attwell Mzamane
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Educational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1538 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003420
- Description: Although the word “participation” has been with mankind for a long time and is widely used by writers on management areas, it still remains difficult to define precisely what it means. As a result, “participation” is one of the most misunderstood and confusing ideas that have emerged from the field of human relations. This study seeks to explore the perceptions and understanding that the various stakeholders have about participative management. The purpose is to find out the meaning and interpretations the stakeholders attach to the idea of participation. This study is an interpretive case study of a Senior Secondary School in the Cala District of the Eastern Cape. A phenomenological approach was employed in data gathering using two data collection tools namely questionnaires and interviews. The collected data provided insight into stakeholders’ views on participative management, highlighted challenges around the implementation of participative management, and revealed strategies to be utilized in promoting participation. The findings reveal that participation is a controversial idea that is easier said than done. There is no recipe for the implementation of a participative approach; it depends on the situation and nature of the subordinates. Furthermore, organization members need to adopt new thinking patterns in order to be responsive to change. Open communication emerges as the key to having genuine participation. However, participation still brings anxiety and fear of losing power to those managers who do not take kindly to it. It is recommended that good interpersonal relations should be maintained at all times to promote participation and that for schools to be effective, partnership with parents and stakeholders is essential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Stofile, Attwell Mzamane
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Educational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1538 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003420
- Description: Although the word “participation” has been with mankind for a long time and is widely used by writers on management areas, it still remains difficult to define precisely what it means. As a result, “participation” is one of the most misunderstood and confusing ideas that have emerged from the field of human relations. This study seeks to explore the perceptions and understanding that the various stakeholders have about participative management. The purpose is to find out the meaning and interpretations the stakeholders attach to the idea of participation. This study is an interpretive case study of a Senior Secondary School in the Cala District of the Eastern Cape. A phenomenological approach was employed in data gathering using two data collection tools namely questionnaires and interviews. The collected data provided insight into stakeholders’ views on participative management, highlighted challenges around the implementation of participative management, and revealed strategies to be utilized in promoting participation. The findings reveal that participation is a controversial idea that is easier said than done. There is no recipe for the implementation of a participative approach; it depends on the situation and nature of the subordinates. Furthermore, organization members need to adopt new thinking patterns in order to be responsive to change. Open communication emerges as the key to having genuine participation. However, participation still brings anxiety and fear of losing power to those managers who do not take kindly to it. It is recommended that good interpersonal relations should be maintained at all times to promote participation and that for schools to be effective, partnership with parents and stakeholders is essential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Grahamstown film and heritage as reflected by His Majesty's building
- Authors: Still-Drewett, F
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:6981 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012409
- Description: Grahamstown Film and Heritage as reflected by His Majesty's Building. The building of His Majesty's theatre has had and continues to have an influential and varied history in the town of Grahamstown. The heritage of the building is linked both to its historical purpose and role in the community, and with the imposing architectural features and central locality. In this oral history project HMT became a vehicle for researching broader issues. The following issues arose: the effects of apartheid policy in entertainment areas; the arrival of national franchises and resultant tensions of preservation of building and cultural heritage versus economic development; the impact of new media such as TV and Video on the cinema theatre; and the community Fruit & Veg 'Colour' dispute. Four key informants were selected and 5 oral history interviews conducted in May 2006. The history of the theatre, film and entertainment memoirs, social comment, and a life history were recorded. , The oral history project pertaining to this paper is housed at the Cory Library, Rhodes University. See also Oral History Association of South Africa: http://www.ohasa.org.za/
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Still-Drewett, F
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:6981 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012409
- Description: Grahamstown Film and Heritage as reflected by His Majesty's Building. The building of His Majesty's theatre has had and continues to have an influential and varied history in the town of Grahamstown. The heritage of the building is linked both to its historical purpose and role in the community, and with the imposing architectural features and central locality. In this oral history project HMT became a vehicle for researching broader issues. The following issues arose: the effects of apartheid policy in entertainment areas; the arrival of national franchises and resultant tensions of preservation of building and cultural heritage versus economic development; the impact of new media such as TV and Video on the cinema theatre; and the community Fruit & Veg 'Colour' dispute. Four key informants were selected and 5 oral history interviews conducted in May 2006. The history of the theatre, film and entertainment memoirs, social comment, and a life history were recorded. , The oral history project pertaining to this paper is housed at the Cory Library, Rhodes University. See also Oral History Association of South Africa: http://www.ohasa.org.za/
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
The strategic implementation of continuous improvement tools within manufacturing plants of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Spence, Mark George
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Automobile supplies industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Production management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8752 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/611 , Automobile supplies industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Production management
- Description: Continuous improvement has long been considered a key business strategy to the success of any business that needs to be competitive and survive in a world that is continually evolving, particularly with the increased focus on meeting cost and quality targets that are set by a far more knowledgeable customer. Unfortunately, many organisations invest countless hours of their key personnel's time on training without creating a clear vision and consolidated strategic plan as to how continuous improvement will be driven in the business. Marginal elements of success are obtained, but the harnessing of these skills, as well as the true synergy that could be realized, are watered down due to the silos in which many of the activities are performed. Within the context of this dissertation, a conceptual approach to the strategic implementation of continuous improvement tools within the organization will be sought in order to enhance all facets of the business and not only the traditional arenas of the manufacturing disciplines. Murray and Roberts Foundries Group is embarking on the integration of current and new continuous improvement tools that form part of its continued improvement drive. This research was conducted with other organisations and will help shed light on Murray and Roberts Foundries Group’s way forward in the implementation of these tools to ensure long-term sustainable success. The intent of this dissertation is therefore to offer a comprehensive set of recommendations for Murray and Roberts Foundries Group’s top management in terms of its strategic implementation and the successful application of Lean manufacturing tools and techniques. In addition, areas and directions for further research are identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Spence, Mark George
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Automobile supplies industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Production management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8752 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/611 , Automobile supplies industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Production management
- Description: Continuous improvement has long been considered a key business strategy to the success of any business that needs to be competitive and survive in a world that is continually evolving, particularly with the increased focus on meeting cost and quality targets that are set by a far more knowledgeable customer. Unfortunately, many organisations invest countless hours of their key personnel's time on training without creating a clear vision and consolidated strategic plan as to how continuous improvement will be driven in the business. Marginal elements of success are obtained, but the harnessing of these skills, as well as the true synergy that could be realized, are watered down due to the silos in which many of the activities are performed. Within the context of this dissertation, a conceptual approach to the strategic implementation of continuous improvement tools within the organization will be sought in order to enhance all facets of the business and not only the traditional arenas of the manufacturing disciplines. Murray and Roberts Foundries Group is embarking on the integration of current and new continuous improvement tools that form part of its continued improvement drive. This research was conducted with other organisations and will help shed light on Murray and Roberts Foundries Group’s way forward in the implementation of these tools to ensure long-term sustainable success. The intent of this dissertation is therefore to offer a comprehensive set of recommendations for Murray and Roberts Foundries Group’s top management in terms of its strategic implementation and the successful application of Lean manufacturing tools and techniques. In addition, areas and directions for further research are identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
The forensic aesthetic in art
- Authors: Spargo, Natascha
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Violence in art Psychic trauma -- Pictorial works Aesthetics Human figure in art Smith, Kathryn, 1975-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2435 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004624
- Description: From Introduction: The 'forensic aesthetic' presents the viewer with traces and debris - the residue that haunts sites of transgression, violence and death. In his book Scene of the Crime, art critic and curator Ralph Rugoff (1997:62) defines the forensic aesthetic as follows: "Inextricably linked to an unseen history, this type of art embodies a fractured relationship to time. Like a piece of evidence, its present appearance is haunted by an indeterminate past, which we confront in the alienated form of fossilized and fragmented remnants." Through its play on seemingly insignificant detail&, clues and traces, the forensic aesthetic suggests that meaning is dispersed, fragmentary and uncertain. According to Rugoff (1997:17), the forensic aesthetic "aims to engage the viewer in a process of mental reconstruction". It compels the viewer to adopt a 'forensic gaze' : to sift through broken narratives and fragments of information, reading the artwork as one might read a sample of evidence. Rugoff (1997:62) argues that: "[S]uch art insists that 'content is something that can't be seen' ... it requires that the viewer arrive at an interpretation by examining traces and marks and reading them as clues. In addition, it is marked by a strong sense of aftermath. ... Taken as a whole, this art puts us in a position akin to that of [the] forensic anthropologist or scientist, forcing us to speculatively piece together histories that remain largely invisible to the eye." One might argue that some of the earliest known examples of the forensic aesthetic in art presented themselves in the Renaissance period in the form of the pseudo-forensic anatomical drawings of Leonardo da Vinci. In his Studies of the Hand (fig. 1), for example, Da Vinci methodically represents the underlying structures of the human hand in a series of drawings that are scattered intermittently across the page. The remainder of the page is covered with hand-written notations. In this work, the artist approaches the human body with a scientific, almost forensic, gaze. Here the body is presented in fragments, rather than as a whole. According to Rugoff (1997:86&88), the forensic aesthetic addresses the body "not as a coherent whole but as a site of prior actions ... as a dispersed territory of clues and traces". When read in terms of the mode of the forensic aesthetic, Da Vinci's Studies of the Hand may be said to look at the human body as forensic object. In this way, this work may be said to speak of the manner in which the forensic gaze operates in the context of the artwork. Throughout the following essay, I discuss the various ways in which the forensic aesthetic manifests itself in art. I have necessarily been selective in the artworks that I have chosen for discussion, as this topic is very broad indeed. In Chapter One, I explore the tradition of the forensic aesthetic in art by way of a select number of artworks. This chapter focuses on investigating the way in which these works, whether consciously or unconsciously, speak of associations between violence and representation through the mode of the forensic aesthetic. The contents of Chapter Two concentrate on the work of South African artist Kathryn Smith. Smith's work may be said to possess a forensic quality, in that it references forensic practices and techniques. Her work has not been the topic of a lengthy monograph, but it has been considered in various exhibition catalogues, reviews and articles. For example, an essay by Colin Richards entitled 'Dead Certainties' (2004) investigates the forensic quality of Smith's imagery in terms of its play on notions of the trace. Similarly, an article by Maureen de Jager, entitled 'Evidence and Artifice' (2004), examines the manner in which Smith's work transgresses the boundaries between 'forensics and fantasy'. In her book, Through the Looking Glass (2004), Brenda Schmahmann addresses Smith's Still Life series (figs. 9, 10, 11) in relation to the issue of self-representation, exploring the relationship between the 'self' and the body as 'other'. Lastly, a review by James Sey, which was published in Art/South Africa (2004), considers Smith's work in terms of its aesthetic appeal, which serves as a framing device for the uncomfortable subject matter that informs the bulk of her imagery. My reading of Kathryn Smith's work departs from and expands on the available literature in that it focuses on the manner in which her images comment self-critically on the act of representation. I have chosen to focus on Smith's work in particular, as it uses the mode of the forensic aesthetic to speak of the field of artistic practice - a motif that runs throughout my own body of work as well. Moreover, Smith's work, like my own work, may be said to engage with the forensic aesthetic in a South African context. In Chapter Two, I compare a number of Smith's works to the artworks discussed in Chapter One, and examine the manner in which they speak of the links between art and crime. Chapter Three concentrates on outlining the ways in which my own work reads off the conventions of forensic investigation. In this chapter I discuss the manner in which my work, by way of a forensic approach, draws parallels between the medium of photography and the mechanisms of trauma. I focus on works that have been included in my Master's exhibition, Vigil (2005). The following essay is a study in representations of violence in art. In the course of this essay, I contextualize the forensic aesthetic as a mode of representation, as well as address the manner in which the forensic aesthetic seems to allow for, even facilitate, self-conscious reflection on the practices of representation itself.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Spargo, Natascha
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Violence in art Psychic trauma -- Pictorial works Aesthetics Human figure in art Smith, Kathryn, 1975-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2435 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004624
- Description: From Introduction: The 'forensic aesthetic' presents the viewer with traces and debris - the residue that haunts sites of transgression, violence and death. In his book Scene of the Crime, art critic and curator Ralph Rugoff (1997:62) defines the forensic aesthetic as follows: "Inextricably linked to an unseen history, this type of art embodies a fractured relationship to time. Like a piece of evidence, its present appearance is haunted by an indeterminate past, which we confront in the alienated form of fossilized and fragmented remnants." Through its play on seemingly insignificant detail&, clues and traces, the forensic aesthetic suggests that meaning is dispersed, fragmentary and uncertain. According to Rugoff (1997:17), the forensic aesthetic "aims to engage the viewer in a process of mental reconstruction". It compels the viewer to adopt a 'forensic gaze' : to sift through broken narratives and fragments of information, reading the artwork as one might read a sample of evidence. Rugoff (1997:62) argues that: "[S]uch art insists that 'content is something that can't be seen' ... it requires that the viewer arrive at an interpretation by examining traces and marks and reading them as clues. In addition, it is marked by a strong sense of aftermath. ... Taken as a whole, this art puts us in a position akin to that of [the] forensic anthropologist or scientist, forcing us to speculatively piece together histories that remain largely invisible to the eye." One might argue that some of the earliest known examples of the forensic aesthetic in art presented themselves in the Renaissance period in the form of the pseudo-forensic anatomical drawings of Leonardo da Vinci. In his Studies of the Hand (fig. 1), for example, Da Vinci methodically represents the underlying structures of the human hand in a series of drawings that are scattered intermittently across the page. The remainder of the page is covered with hand-written notations. In this work, the artist approaches the human body with a scientific, almost forensic, gaze. Here the body is presented in fragments, rather than as a whole. According to Rugoff (1997:86&88), the forensic aesthetic addresses the body "not as a coherent whole but as a site of prior actions ... as a dispersed territory of clues and traces". When read in terms of the mode of the forensic aesthetic, Da Vinci's Studies of the Hand may be said to look at the human body as forensic object. In this way, this work may be said to speak of the manner in which the forensic gaze operates in the context of the artwork. Throughout the following essay, I discuss the various ways in which the forensic aesthetic manifests itself in art. I have necessarily been selective in the artworks that I have chosen for discussion, as this topic is very broad indeed. In Chapter One, I explore the tradition of the forensic aesthetic in art by way of a select number of artworks. This chapter focuses on investigating the way in which these works, whether consciously or unconsciously, speak of associations between violence and representation through the mode of the forensic aesthetic. The contents of Chapter Two concentrate on the work of South African artist Kathryn Smith. Smith's work may be said to possess a forensic quality, in that it references forensic practices and techniques. Her work has not been the topic of a lengthy monograph, but it has been considered in various exhibition catalogues, reviews and articles. For example, an essay by Colin Richards entitled 'Dead Certainties' (2004) investigates the forensic quality of Smith's imagery in terms of its play on notions of the trace. Similarly, an article by Maureen de Jager, entitled 'Evidence and Artifice' (2004), examines the manner in which Smith's work transgresses the boundaries between 'forensics and fantasy'. In her book, Through the Looking Glass (2004), Brenda Schmahmann addresses Smith's Still Life series (figs. 9, 10, 11) in relation to the issue of self-representation, exploring the relationship between the 'self' and the body as 'other'. Lastly, a review by James Sey, which was published in Art/South Africa (2004), considers Smith's work in terms of its aesthetic appeal, which serves as a framing device for the uncomfortable subject matter that informs the bulk of her imagery. My reading of Kathryn Smith's work departs from and expands on the available literature in that it focuses on the manner in which her images comment self-critically on the act of representation. I have chosen to focus on Smith's work in particular, as it uses the mode of the forensic aesthetic to speak of the field of artistic practice - a motif that runs throughout my own body of work as well. Moreover, Smith's work, like my own work, may be said to engage with the forensic aesthetic in a South African context. In Chapter Two, I compare a number of Smith's works to the artworks discussed in Chapter One, and examine the manner in which they speak of the links between art and crime. Chapter Three concentrates on outlining the ways in which my own work reads off the conventions of forensic investigation. In this chapter I discuss the manner in which my work, by way of a forensic approach, draws parallels between the medium of photography and the mechanisms of trauma. I focus on works that have been included in my Master's exhibition, Vigil (2005). The following essay is a study in representations of violence in art. In the course of this essay, I contextualize the forensic aesthetic as a mode of representation, as well as address the manner in which the forensic aesthetic seems to allow for, even facilitate, self-conscious reflection on the practices of representation itself.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A Hall-effect study of as-grown and hydrogenerated n-type ZnO layers grown by MOCVD
- Somhlahlo, Nomabali Nelisiwe
- Authors: Somhlahlo, Nomabali Nelisiwe
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Hall effect , Electric currents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10535 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/444 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012014 , Hall effect , Electric currents
- Description: A series of as-grown ZnO layers have been electrically characterised by the temperature dependent (20 – 300 K) Hall-effect technique. The ZnO layers were grown by metal organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) on glass substrates under various growth conditions. The temperature dependent Hall-effect technique produced mobility and carrier concentration measurements. These measurements were found to be reproducible and reliable. The carrier concentration data for the layers was fitted by the charge balance equation to accurately determine the donor level and corresponding donor concentration as well as the acceptor concentration for each sample. The measured donor levels were found to vary from sample to sample and there is evidence from the results that the variations are related to the differing growth conditions of the layers. The mobility data was also fitted to establish the dominant electron scattering mechanisms in the layers. The dominant scattering mechanisms were found to vary from sample to sample. For most of the layers studied, the dominant scattering mechanism was found to be both the ionised impurity scattering at low temperatures (20 – 100 K) and grain boundary scattering at higher temperatures (100 – 300 K). The effects of exposing the ZnO layers to hydrogen plasma were also investigated by the temperature dependent Hall-effect technique. Findings indicate that hydrogen is readily incorporated in ZnO, leading always to an increased carrier concentration. It was further noted that incorporating hydrogen into ZnO in some layers increased the mobility while in other layers it caused a decrease in the mobility. The hydrogenated samples were subsequently annealed at 600 °C for 1 hour in argon ambient resulting in the carrier concentration reducing to its original value. This effect is attributed to hydrogen diffusing out of ZnO.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Somhlahlo, Nomabali Nelisiwe
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Hall effect , Electric currents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10535 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/444 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012014 , Hall effect , Electric currents
- Description: A series of as-grown ZnO layers have been electrically characterised by the temperature dependent (20 – 300 K) Hall-effect technique. The ZnO layers were grown by metal organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) on glass substrates under various growth conditions. The temperature dependent Hall-effect technique produced mobility and carrier concentration measurements. These measurements were found to be reproducible and reliable. The carrier concentration data for the layers was fitted by the charge balance equation to accurately determine the donor level and corresponding donor concentration as well as the acceptor concentration for each sample. The measured donor levels were found to vary from sample to sample and there is evidence from the results that the variations are related to the differing growth conditions of the layers. The mobility data was also fitted to establish the dominant electron scattering mechanisms in the layers. The dominant scattering mechanisms were found to vary from sample to sample. For most of the layers studied, the dominant scattering mechanism was found to be both the ionised impurity scattering at low temperatures (20 – 100 K) and grain boundary scattering at higher temperatures (100 – 300 K). The effects of exposing the ZnO layers to hydrogen plasma were also investigated by the temperature dependent Hall-effect technique. Findings indicate that hydrogen is readily incorporated in ZnO, leading always to an increased carrier concentration. It was further noted that incorporating hydrogen into ZnO in some layers increased the mobility while in other layers it caused a decrease in the mobility. The hydrogenated samples were subsequently annealed at 600 °C for 1 hour in argon ambient resulting in the carrier concentration reducing to its original value. This effect is attributed to hydrogen diffusing out of ZnO.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A critical evaluation of the performance management system used by Nampak Research and Development
- Authors: Solomons, Neville
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Package goods industry -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8753 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/610 , Performance -- Management , Package goods industry -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- Evaluation
- Description: Introduction: Performance management is an important driver in most companies today. Companies regard this as the tool to ensure that the people working for them will deliver as per the agreed contract and objectives which were set mutually. This study will reveal the importance of a well managed performance management system and what benefits one will derive from it. Intent: The purpose of this research project is to conduct a critical analysis of the performance management system used by Nampak Research and Development. They have been using a system since 2001 to the present without any changes to the system. The study focused on key areas to ascertain the level of change in the above respect that needs to take place. The study addressed (a) the understanding of performance management, (b) the management attitude towards performance management, (c) staff development, (d) the mentoring system, and (e) the performance appraisal method used. Findings: the main findings were that: (a) loss of management skill due to retirement, (b) staff has a negative attitude towards the performance management system, (c) staff does not trust the system, (d) management is the only group that is positive about the system, (e) there are no staff development strategies and no staff development, (f) ineffective mentoring system, (g) no mentor and mentee relationship, and (h) the performance appraisal method raised concerns in terms of departments not being consistent with the rating scores. Conclusion: the researcher has recommended what needs to be put in place to help the system work. Due to the complexity of the system, the researcher then recommended that a specialist in the field of performance management be approached to resolve the situation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Solomons, Neville
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Package goods industry -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8753 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/610 , Performance -- Management , Package goods industry -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- Evaluation
- Description: Introduction: Performance management is an important driver in most companies today. Companies regard this as the tool to ensure that the people working for them will deliver as per the agreed contract and objectives which were set mutually. This study will reveal the importance of a well managed performance management system and what benefits one will derive from it. Intent: The purpose of this research project is to conduct a critical analysis of the performance management system used by Nampak Research and Development. They have been using a system since 2001 to the present without any changes to the system. The study focused on key areas to ascertain the level of change in the above respect that needs to take place. The study addressed (a) the understanding of performance management, (b) the management attitude towards performance management, (c) staff development, (d) the mentoring system, and (e) the performance appraisal method used. Findings: the main findings were that: (a) loss of management skill due to retirement, (b) staff has a negative attitude towards the performance management system, (c) staff does not trust the system, (d) management is the only group that is positive about the system, (e) there are no staff development strategies and no staff development, (f) ineffective mentoring system, (g) no mentor and mentee relationship, and (h) the performance appraisal method raised concerns in terms of departments not being consistent with the rating scores. Conclusion: the researcher has recommended what needs to be put in place to help the system work. Due to the complexity of the system, the researcher then recommended that a specialist in the field of performance management be approached to resolve the situation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Assessing the role of leadership in strategic planning
- Authors: Solomon, Wesley Anthony
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Leadership , Strategic planning , Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8758 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/609 , Leadership , Strategic planning , Management
- Description: Effective leadership is one of the most important factors that influence the performance of an organization. Effective leadership together with supervision are similar in terms of their influence on others towards achieving the goals of the organization. Therefore, effective leadership and supervision are principal activities through which organizational goals and objectives are achieved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Solomon, Wesley Anthony
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Leadership , Strategic planning , Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8758 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/609 , Leadership , Strategic planning , Management
- Description: Effective leadership is one of the most important factors that influence the performance of an organization. Effective leadership together with supervision are similar in terms of their influence on others towards achieving the goals of the organization. Therefore, effective leadership and supervision are principal activities through which organizational goals and objectives are achieved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A survival strategy for an existing municipal caravan park in Gordon's Bay, Cape Town
- Authors: Snyders, Heinrich Werner
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Camp sites, facilities, etc. -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management , Trailer camps -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management , Public utilities -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8759 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/607 , Camp sites, facilities, etc. -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management , Trailer camps -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management , Public utilities -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management
- Description: Camping and caravanning is practiced by a segment of the population in South Africa. Various articles in the caravan and outdoor life magazine published in South Africa have indicated that municipal caravan parks are not providing the same facilities and service as was provided in the past .With this background the hypothesis was established as being, the facilities at municipal caravan parks such as Hendon Park are deteriorating due to lack of government commitment and funds. The objectives of this research was determined as being whether (1) it is economically viable for the municipality to continue to utilise the existing land as a caravan park or, (2) it is more beneficial to the taxpayer for the municipality to sell the prime land to a developer or, (3) it is in the best interest of the municipality and /or the community to sell the property to a private company for upgrading the facilities to meet campers requirements The scope of the investigation was determined and includes questionnaires to campers, as well as interview’s with various stakeholders. The researcher also considered various management strategies suggested by strategist David, Fry, Lambert and Stock and Massey that could be used by Hendon Park management to enhance the operation of the Caravan Park under their control and thus a suggested management strategy was compiled. A specific window period to gather the information was decided as being the Easter Holiday period as this was the period that all caravan parks in Cape Town are at full capacity and thus this was the best opportunity to gather the information as the target (campers) would be camping in great numbers. Finally the results was analysed and a conclusion was drawn. Specific recommendations were then proposed by the researcher to be implemented by the staff of Hendon caravan park.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Snyders, Heinrich Werner
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Camp sites, facilities, etc. -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management , Trailer camps -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management , Public utilities -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8759 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/607 , Camp sites, facilities, etc. -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management , Trailer camps -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management , Public utilities -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management
- Description: Camping and caravanning is practiced by a segment of the population in South Africa. Various articles in the caravan and outdoor life magazine published in South Africa have indicated that municipal caravan parks are not providing the same facilities and service as was provided in the past .With this background the hypothesis was established as being, the facilities at municipal caravan parks such as Hendon Park are deteriorating due to lack of government commitment and funds. The objectives of this research was determined as being whether (1) it is economically viable for the municipality to continue to utilise the existing land as a caravan park or, (2) it is more beneficial to the taxpayer for the municipality to sell the prime land to a developer or, (3) it is in the best interest of the municipality and /or the community to sell the property to a private company for upgrading the facilities to meet campers requirements The scope of the investigation was determined and includes questionnaires to campers, as well as interview’s with various stakeholders. The researcher also considered various management strategies suggested by strategist David, Fry, Lambert and Stock and Massey that could be used by Hendon Park management to enhance the operation of the Caravan Park under their control and thus a suggested management strategy was compiled. A specific window period to gather the information was decided as being the Easter Holiday period as this was the period that all caravan parks in Cape Town are at full capacity and thus this was the best opportunity to gather the information as the target (campers) would be camping in great numbers. Finally the results was analysed and a conclusion was drawn. Specific recommendations were then proposed by the researcher to be implemented by the staff of Hendon caravan park.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
The economic valuation of cultural events in developing countries: combining market and non-market valuation techniques at the South African National Arts Festival
- Authors: Snowball, Jeanette Dalziel
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Standard Bank National Arts Festival -- Economic aspects , Performing arts festivals -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Arts -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Finance -- South Africa , Arts -- South Africa -- Finance , Arts -- South Africa -- Political aspects , Finance, Public -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:969 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002703 , Standard Bank National Arts Festival -- Economic aspects , Performing arts festivals -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Arts -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Finance -- South Africa , Arts -- South Africa -- Finance , Arts -- South Africa -- Political aspects , Finance, Public -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Description: The arts in many countries, but particularly in developing ones, are coming under increasing financial pressure and finding it difficult to justify the increases in government funding needed to maintain and grow the cultural sector. The trend in cultural economics, as well as in other areas, appears to be towards including qualitative valuations, as well as the more traditional quantitative ones. This thesis argues that the value of cultural events should include long term historical qualitative analysis, financial or economic impact and a valuation of the positive externalities provided by cultural events and that any one of these should only be regarded as a partial analysis. Four methods of valuing the arts using the South African National Arts Festival (NAF) as an example are demonstrated. Firstly, a qualitative historical analysis of the role of the NAF in South Africa’s transformation process from Apartheid to the democratic New South Africa is examined, using theories of cultural capital as a theoretical basis. It is argued that the value of cultural events needs to take into account long-term influences especially in countries undergoing political and social transformation. The second valuation method applied is the traditional economic impact study. Four economic impact studies conducted on the NAF are discussed and methodologies compared. It is concluded that, despite the skepticism of many cultural economists, the method can provide a useful partial valuation and may also be used for effective lobbying for government support of the arts. Chapter four discusses willingness to pay studies conducted at the NAF in 2000 and 2003 (as well as a pilot study conducted at the Klein Karoo Nationale Kunstefees). It is found that lower income and education groups do benefit from the positive externalities provided by the Festival and that this is reflected in their willingness to pay to support it. It is also argued that such contingent valuation studies can provide a reasonably reliable valuation of Festival externalities, but that they may be partly capturing current or future expected financial gains as well. Finally, the relatively new choice experiment methodology (also called conjoint analysis) is demonstrated on visitors to the NAF. The great advantage of this method in valuing cultural events is that it provides part-worths of various Festival attributes for different demographic groups. This enables organizes to structure the programme in such a way as to attract previously excluded groups and to conduct a cost-benefit analysis for each part of the Festival.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Snowball, Jeanette Dalziel
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Standard Bank National Arts Festival -- Economic aspects , Performing arts festivals -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Arts -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Finance -- South Africa , Arts -- South Africa -- Finance , Arts -- South Africa -- Political aspects , Finance, Public -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:969 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002703 , Standard Bank National Arts Festival -- Economic aspects , Performing arts festivals -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Arts -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Finance -- South Africa , Arts -- South Africa -- Finance , Arts -- South Africa -- Political aspects , Finance, Public -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Description: The arts in many countries, but particularly in developing ones, are coming under increasing financial pressure and finding it difficult to justify the increases in government funding needed to maintain and grow the cultural sector. The trend in cultural economics, as well as in other areas, appears to be towards including qualitative valuations, as well as the more traditional quantitative ones. This thesis argues that the value of cultural events should include long term historical qualitative analysis, financial or economic impact and a valuation of the positive externalities provided by cultural events and that any one of these should only be regarded as a partial analysis. Four methods of valuing the arts using the South African National Arts Festival (NAF) as an example are demonstrated. Firstly, a qualitative historical analysis of the role of the NAF in South Africa’s transformation process from Apartheid to the democratic New South Africa is examined, using theories of cultural capital as a theoretical basis. It is argued that the value of cultural events needs to take into account long-term influences especially in countries undergoing political and social transformation. The second valuation method applied is the traditional economic impact study. Four economic impact studies conducted on the NAF are discussed and methodologies compared. It is concluded that, despite the skepticism of many cultural economists, the method can provide a useful partial valuation and may also be used for effective lobbying for government support of the arts. Chapter four discusses willingness to pay studies conducted at the NAF in 2000 and 2003 (as well as a pilot study conducted at the Klein Karoo Nationale Kunstefees). It is found that lower income and education groups do benefit from the positive externalities provided by the Festival and that this is reflected in their willingness to pay to support it. It is also argued that such contingent valuation studies can provide a reasonably reliable valuation of Festival externalities, but that they may be partly capturing current or future expected financial gains as well. Finally, the relatively new choice experiment methodology (also called conjoint analysis) is demonstrated on visitors to the NAF. The great advantage of this method in valuing cultural events is that it provides part-worths of various Festival attributes for different demographic groups. This enables organizes to structure the programme in such a way as to attract previously excluded groups and to conduct a cost-benefit analysis for each part of the Festival.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
What matters in economics teaching and learning? A case study of an introductory macroeconomics course in South Africa
- Snowball, Jeanette D, Wilson, M K
- Authors: Snowball, Jeanette D , Wilson, M K
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68500 , vital:29270 , https://doi.org/10.19030/tlc.v3i11.1659
- Description: Publisher version , In many universities, economics lecturers now face the challenge of dealing with large, diverse classes, especially at undergraduate level. A common concern is the non-attendance at lectures of unmotivated (conscript) students. Poor lecture quality, as reflected in student evaluations of teaching (SETs), is often blamed for lack of attendance and consequent poor performance. This paper presents the results of a student assessment of a macroeconomics 1 course, coupled with a self-assessment of their own input into the course. The results obtained, using econometric models, suggest that students inputs and attitudes to the course are equally, or more, important than lecture attendance itself.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Snowball, Jeanette D , Wilson, M K
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68500 , vital:29270 , https://doi.org/10.19030/tlc.v3i11.1659
- Description: Publisher version , In many universities, economics lecturers now face the challenge of dealing with large, diverse classes, especially at undergraduate level. A common concern is the non-attendance at lectures of unmotivated (conscript) students. Poor lecture quality, as reflected in student evaluations of teaching (SETs), is often blamed for lack of attendance and consequent poor performance. This paper presents the results of a student assessment of a macroeconomics 1 course, coupled with a self-assessment of their own input into the course. The results obtained, using econometric models, suggest that students inputs and attitudes to the course are equally, or more, important than lecture attendance itself.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006