Technology acceptance model perceptions of operational staff on the implementation of advanced radiography equipment
- Authors: James, Bryan Gerard Anthony
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Medical technology , Radiography--Equipment and supplies
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61393 , vital:70634
- Description: Throughout the recent history of South Africa, the increasing requirements from state and private sector healthcare institutions have relied heavily upon medical imaging technologies for the purposes of improved patient healthcare and service quality standards. Developments in this field of healthcare have seen many interesting and challenging operational changes: from the first implementation and use of X-ray equipment demonstrated in Krugersdorp in 1899; to the current advanced digital systems found in the medical imaging services sector of healthcare. This research study measured the medical imaging operational staff perceptions about new advanced medical imaging equipment and technologies. The theory crossed the academic disciplines through a quantitative survey about technology, operations management and healthcare. Together with staff perceptions about future medical imaging technologies’ usefulness and ease of use, the findings may impact their daily operations within a conducive technology acceptance management paradigm. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: James, Bryan Gerard Anthony
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Medical technology , Radiography--Equipment and supplies
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61393 , vital:70634
- Description: Throughout the recent history of South Africa, the increasing requirements from state and private sector healthcare institutions have relied heavily upon medical imaging technologies for the purposes of improved patient healthcare and service quality standards. Developments in this field of healthcare have seen many interesting and challenging operational changes: from the first implementation and use of X-ray equipment demonstrated in Krugersdorp in 1899; to the current advanced digital systems found in the medical imaging services sector of healthcare. This research study measured the medical imaging operational staff perceptions about new advanced medical imaging equipment and technologies. The theory crossed the academic disciplines through a quantitative survey about technology, operations management and healthcare. Together with staff perceptions about future medical imaging technologies’ usefulness and ease of use, the findings may impact their daily operations within a conducive technology acceptance management paradigm. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The analysis of social networking sites usage by the public relations management students from Walter Sisulu University: Buffalo city campus (Chiselhurst site)
- Authors: Kwinana, Zingisa. N
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27589 , vital:69318
- Description: This study analysed the use of social networking sites by undergraduate Public Relations Management students from Walter Sisulu University, Chiselhurst site. The reason for this study was to seek student’s opinions on what drove them to open SNs accounts, use social networking sites and examine these motivations in relationship to the building blocks of the uses and gratification theory, which are information search or education, selfactualization, socializing and entertainment. A qualitative online questionnaire was employed in this study. 218 questionnaires were sent through to the participants WhatsApp class groups, 168 questionnaires were answered and returned back to the researcher. The discovery of the study was that the participants are diverse in many different ways and made use of social networking sites for many various reasons. Furthermore, this study indicated that the participants were motivated to use social networking sites because they wanted to interact and stay connected with their family, peers and loved ones, and to meet people or create connections. The study argued that the participants’ reasons for use of social networking sites was not only for socialising but also for entertainment, self-actualization get academic and general information. This study concluded that SNs have a meaningful role in the life of a student’s life doing public relations management from Walter Sisulu University, Chiselhurst site. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Kwinana, Zingisa. N
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27589 , vital:69318
- Description: This study analysed the use of social networking sites by undergraduate Public Relations Management students from Walter Sisulu University, Chiselhurst site. The reason for this study was to seek student’s opinions on what drove them to open SNs accounts, use social networking sites and examine these motivations in relationship to the building blocks of the uses and gratification theory, which are information search or education, selfactualization, socializing and entertainment. A qualitative online questionnaire was employed in this study. 218 questionnaires were sent through to the participants WhatsApp class groups, 168 questionnaires were answered and returned back to the researcher. The discovery of the study was that the participants are diverse in many different ways and made use of social networking sites for many various reasons. Furthermore, this study indicated that the participants were motivated to use social networking sites because they wanted to interact and stay connected with their family, peers and loved ones, and to meet people or create connections. The study argued that the participants’ reasons for use of social networking sites was not only for socialising but also for entertainment, self-actualization get academic and general information. This study concluded that SNs have a meaningful role in the life of a student’s life doing public relations management from Walter Sisulu University, Chiselhurst site. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The assessment of public participation as a model to enhance development in local government: the case of Raymond Mhlaba local municipality in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Kapayi, Nceba Isaac
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Local government , community development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61431 , vital:70641
- Description: The notion of public participation in decision-making processes is one of the mechanisms that seek to entrench equality and transform social coherence between government and citizens. This view relates to the provision of quality and sustainability of goods and services. The individuals, both in their capacity as citizens and consumers of public goods and services should be allowed to participate in the development that affect in terms of the regulatory frameworks. They should be permitted and encouraged to express their views on governance and development matters pertaining to them. Nevertheless, there are number of factors that impede the participation of the local communities in development planning processes, such as a communication gap between government officials and communities, socio-economic inequalities, poor service delivery, unemployment, a lack of capacity building and transparency to mention a few. The planning and implementation of municipal projects should be accepted only after considerable discussion and consultation with communities. This process is seen as allowing deprived groups and individuals to have voices in future development initiatives. As such, public participation enables for full involvement of ordinary members of the community in decision making, planning, designing, organising and executing development initiatives that affect them. The Researcher decided to embark on a study entitled: The assessment of public participation as a model to enhance development in local government. The case of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Adopting the quantitative research design, data was collected through questionnaires for the key informants consisting of 3 participants, 3 officials from Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. Data was also collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with members of the communities from Kataga in Adelaide, Gaga Village in Alice and Magaleni location in Fort Beaufort. Eighteen (18) community members were selected to participate in the study from both communities inclusive of ward councillors. Community members were organised into 1 focus group participants in each location (comprising of 6 people per group).To support the data obtained from focus group 3 key informants from Raymond Mhlaba Municipality participated in the investigation. A heterogeneous population of 21 respondents participated in this study. The thematic analysis was vii used to analyse data. The findings consistently show that the ability of a local government to work effectively dependent on inclusive planning, implementation and decision making processes. This means that local government development is also required for the impartial and efficient operation of public institutions. Public confidence in local municipalities is expressed as one of the main factors that determine the government‘s competitiveness. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Kapayi, Nceba Isaac
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Local government , community development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61431 , vital:70641
- Description: The notion of public participation in decision-making processes is one of the mechanisms that seek to entrench equality and transform social coherence between government and citizens. This view relates to the provision of quality and sustainability of goods and services. The individuals, both in their capacity as citizens and consumers of public goods and services should be allowed to participate in the development that affect in terms of the regulatory frameworks. They should be permitted and encouraged to express their views on governance and development matters pertaining to them. Nevertheless, there are number of factors that impede the participation of the local communities in development planning processes, such as a communication gap between government officials and communities, socio-economic inequalities, poor service delivery, unemployment, a lack of capacity building and transparency to mention a few. The planning and implementation of municipal projects should be accepted only after considerable discussion and consultation with communities. This process is seen as allowing deprived groups and individuals to have voices in future development initiatives. As such, public participation enables for full involvement of ordinary members of the community in decision making, planning, designing, organising and executing development initiatives that affect them. The Researcher decided to embark on a study entitled: The assessment of public participation as a model to enhance development in local government. The case of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Adopting the quantitative research design, data was collected through questionnaires for the key informants consisting of 3 participants, 3 officials from Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. Data was also collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with members of the communities from Kataga in Adelaide, Gaga Village in Alice and Magaleni location in Fort Beaufort. Eighteen (18) community members were selected to participate in the study from both communities inclusive of ward councillors. Community members were organised into 1 focus group participants in each location (comprising of 6 people per group).To support the data obtained from focus group 3 key informants from Raymond Mhlaba Municipality participated in the investigation. A heterogeneous population of 21 respondents participated in this study. The thematic analysis was vii used to analyse data. The findings consistently show that the ability of a local government to work effectively dependent on inclusive planning, implementation and decision making processes. This means that local government development is also required for the impartial and efficient operation of public institutions. Public confidence in local municipalities is expressed as one of the main factors that determine the government‘s competitiveness. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The co-construction of a sustainable process model for school-based support teams in community schools in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole
- Authors: Deysel, Sanet
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Construction , Sustainable School-based management , Community schools, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole -- Eastern Cape (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63402 , vital:73348
- Description: Many factors contribute to the critical state of Schooling in South Africa. Challenges experienced by schools are socio-economic factors, overcrowded classrooms, lack of resources, dysfunctional schools and inequalities (Spaull, 2012). A grouping of community schools from a socio-economically marginalised area in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole in the Eastern Cape of South Africa organised itself into a formal network of schools called the Manyano Network. The Manyano schools approached the Centre for the Community School (CCS), which is affiliated with the Faculty of Education at Nelson Mandela University, for assistance in the establishment and support of School-based Support Teams to support learners who experience barriers to learning. To ensure the voice of all participants in the study were heard, the Participatory Action Learning and Action Research (PALAR) design and methodology were used. A multidimensional theoretical framework, Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological systems model, Kolb’s experiential learning, and Epstein’s model were employed in the study, providing insights into the multi-faceted nature of the Manyano community schools. Furthermore, multiple paradigms, participatory paradigm, critical paradigm, and interpretive paradigm were implemented as a lens through which to interpret and understand the data. The main research question of the thesis is What are the fundamental elements required towards the co-construction of a sustainable process model for School Based Support Teams in South African Community Schools? The three sub-questions are: • •What are the perceptions of School-based Support Team members in SouthAfrican community schools regarding the main barriers to learning? • •What support structures are available for School-based Support Teammembers who encounter learners presenting barriers to learning? • •How can the PALAR process enable the formulation of a sustainable processmodel for School Based Support Teams in South African community schools? The aim of the thesis is to explore the fundamental elements required toward the co-construction of a sustainable process model for School-based Support Teams in South African Community schools. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, School of Initial Teacher Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Deysel, Sanet
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Construction , Sustainable School-based management , Community schools, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole -- Eastern Cape (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63402 , vital:73348
- Description: Many factors contribute to the critical state of Schooling in South Africa. Challenges experienced by schools are socio-economic factors, overcrowded classrooms, lack of resources, dysfunctional schools and inequalities (Spaull, 2012). A grouping of community schools from a socio-economically marginalised area in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole in the Eastern Cape of South Africa organised itself into a formal network of schools called the Manyano Network. The Manyano schools approached the Centre for the Community School (CCS), which is affiliated with the Faculty of Education at Nelson Mandela University, for assistance in the establishment and support of School-based Support Teams to support learners who experience barriers to learning. To ensure the voice of all participants in the study were heard, the Participatory Action Learning and Action Research (PALAR) design and methodology were used. A multidimensional theoretical framework, Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological systems model, Kolb’s experiential learning, and Epstein’s model were employed in the study, providing insights into the multi-faceted nature of the Manyano community schools. Furthermore, multiple paradigms, participatory paradigm, critical paradigm, and interpretive paradigm were implemented as a lens through which to interpret and understand the data. The main research question of the thesis is What are the fundamental elements required towards the co-construction of a sustainable process model for School Based Support Teams in South African Community Schools? The three sub-questions are: • •What are the perceptions of School-based Support Team members in SouthAfrican community schools regarding the main barriers to learning? • •What support structures are available for School-based Support Teammembers who encounter learners presenting barriers to learning? • •How can the PALAR process enable the formulation of a sustainable processmodel for School Based Support Teams in South African community schools? The aim of the thesis is to explore the fundamental elements required toward the co-construction of a sustainable process model for School-based Support Teams in South African Community schools. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, School of Initial Teacher Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The design and synthesis of novel fluorescent coumarin-based derivatives as chemosensory for the application of toxic metal ion detection
- Authors: Schoeman,Stiaan
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Fluorescent polymers -- South Africa , Polymerization , Chemosensory
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61270 , vital:69851
- Description: The rise of humankind has caused pollution, increasing damage to the environment. The actions of humans over hundreds of years have led to an increase in the release of heavy metal cations in concentrations that are toxic to plants, animals and humans. These toxic metals can find their way into humans’ diets through water sources or bioaccumulation in plants and animals such as fish. Heavy metals such as lead and mercury are known to cause serious health issues when consumed, affecting the functioning of the circulatory and nervous systems and causing developmental disorders. Other metal cations, such as iron and copper, can be found in the human body. However, detrimental health issues can occur when normal concentrations are disturbed (either too high or too low). Iron, for example, can be toxic if in excess in the human body, causing damage to the liver and heart and can cause neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. Many methods have been employed to detect and measure the concentrations of toxic metal cations. However, these methods are performed in a laboratory and need skilled operators using expensive equipment. This results in long and tedious sample collection, long feedback time and costly analysis. Chemosensors have been researched and proposed as a cost-effective, on-site, real-time alternative for use as metal detectors. Chemosensory can selectively detect specific metal cations and can be sensitive up to the nanomolar range. Various chemosensors have been synthesised and screened for their colourimetric and fluorometric abilities. Colourimetric chemosensors can be used to visually detect cationic and anionic analytes, whereas fluorometric chemosensors are used to detect anions using their emission properties which handheld devices can measure. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Schoeman,Stiaan
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Fluorescent polymers -- South Africa , Polymerization , Chemosensory
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61270 , vital:69851
- Description: The rise of humankind has caused pollution, increasing damage to the environment. The actions of humans over hundreds of years have led to an increase in the release of heavy metal cations in concentrations that are toxic to plants, animals and humans. These toxic metals can find their way into humans’ diets through water sources or bioaccumulation in plants and animals such as fish. Heavy metals such as lead and mercury are known to cause serious health issues when consumed, affecting the functioning of the circulatory and nervous systems and causing developmental disorders. Other metal cations, such as iron and copper, can be found in the human body. However, detrimental health issues can occur when normal concentrations are disturbed (either too high or too low). Iron, for example, can be toxic if in excess in the human body, causing damage to the liver and heart and can cause neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. Many methods have been employed to detect and measure the concentrations of toxic metal cations. However, these methods are performed in a laboratory and need skilled operators using expensive equipment. This results in long and tedious sample collection, long feedback time and costly analysis. Chemosensors have been researched and proposed as a cost-effective, on-site, real-time alternative for use as metal detectors. Chemosensory can selectively detect specific metal cations and can be sensitive up to the nanomolar range. Various chemosensors have been synthesised and screened for their colourimetric and fluorometric abilities. Colourimetric chemosensors can be used to visually detect cationic and anionic analytes, whereas fluorometric chemosensors are used to detect anions using their emission properties which handheld devices can measure. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The development of a framework to assess the key factors that may impact the future price of weaners (cattle) in South Africa
- Authors: Deyzel, George Ernest
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Cattle -- Prices
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61108 , vital:69761
- Description: The global livestock production systems are changing due to a variety of factors, which have an impact on the price of red meat. The supply of weaners (cattle) is affected by a number of factors including the type of production system, feed costs, diseases and weather conditions. The demand for weaners (cattle) is affected by factors including, amongst various others, consumers’ perception of quality, value for money, health benefits, economic profile, expandable income, urbanisation and socio-economic factors. These factors are complex and interrelated in terms of their potential impact on weaner prices and have a significant influence on production and investment decisions in the industry. This study used quantitative research to investigate the relationship between the factors influencing the price of weaners (cattle). For the purpose of data collection, a closed ended questionnaire was distributed to the respondents. This study was done using non-probability sampling. The sampling method used in this study is referred to as snowball sampling, which is a process using networks. The data was analysed to conclude which factors are impacting the price of weaners (cattle) the most. The results show that the supply factors of weaners are experiencing increasing pressure with changing weather conditions, input costs and animal diseases. The demand factors such as quality, currency and population are increasing the complexity, which implies the market is changing from a producer orientated market to a consumer orientated market. The study provides a framework to predict future prices of weaners, which is expected to influence both production and investment decisions which contribute toward the sustainability of the industry. The study recommends that the South African weaner (cattle) industry has experienced a significant increase in demand, both locally and globally. Meeting this growing demand has its own complexity that limits weaner farmers’ supply of weaners. The market is changing from a producer orientated to a consumer orientated perspective, which will force the supply chain to keep up with the changing consumer factors. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Deyzel, George Ernest
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Cattle -- Prices
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61108 , vital:69761
- Description: The global livestock production systems are changing due to a variety of factors, which have an impact on the price of red meat. The supply of weaners (cattle) is affected by a number of factors including the type of production system, feed costs, diseases and weather conditions. The demand for weaners (cattle) is affected by factors including, amongst various others, consumers’ perception of quality, value for money, health benefits, economic profile, expandable income, urbanisation and socio-economic factors. These factors are complex and interrelated in terms of their potential impact on weaner prices and have a significant influence on production and investment decisions in the industry. This study used quantitative research to investigate the relationship between the factors influencing the price of weaners (cattle). For the purpose of data collection, a closed ended questionnaire was distributed to the respondents. This study was done using non-probability sampling. The sampling method used in this study is referred to as snowball sampling, which is a process using networks. The data was analysed to conclude which factors are impacting the price of weaners (cattle) the most. The results show that the supply factors of weaners are experiencing increasing pressure with changing weather conditions, input costs and animal diseases. The demand factors such as quality, currency and population are increasing the complexity, which implies the market is changing from a producer orientated market to a consumer orientated market. The study provides a framework to predict future prices of weaners, which is expected to influence both production and investment decisions which contribute toward the sustainability of the industry. The study recommends that the South African weaner (cattle) industry has experienced a significant increase in demand, both locally and globally. Meeting this growing demand has its own complexity that limits weaner farmers’ supply of weaners. The market is changing from a producer orientated to a consumer orientated perspective, which will force the supply chain to keep up with the changing consumer factors. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The development of South African secondary school teachers to adopt a STEAM approach: A mixed method study
- Authors: Steyn, Catherina
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Professional Development , Social Cognitive Theory , Mathematics
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63218 , vital:73234
- Description: Creativity is seen as one of the most important skills required for success in the 21st century and therefore teachers should set the example and become creative and innovative when skilfully applying their knowledge to teach. In STEAM, art is included in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) mix as a new innovative educational approach which is believed to increase creativity. The advantages of STEAM are widely accepted for a number of reasons and it has become very popular in countries that are known for their excellent mathematics performance, but it is unknown in most South African schools. Although a few studies have been done on STEAM in South Africa there is a lack of research on the professional development of mathematics teachers and the adoption of the STEAM approach in the mathematics classroom. This mixed methods study aims to determine the diffusion of the STEAM approach, and the influence of professional development on that diffusion and adoption in the South African Mathematics classroom. A convergent triangulation design was used in conjunction with a simultaneous quantitative and qualitative approach involving three different groups of participants. The quantitative approach concentrated on the hypothesis that secondary school mathematics teachers still embrace traditional teaching methods. The qualitative approach was directed towards answering the question on the knowledge and awareness of STEAM and the adoption of the innovation. The combination of two theories, namely Roger’s Diffusion of Innovations and Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory were found to provide the most suitable framework to describe the process in the findings. The instrument used in the quantitative approach was an online questionnaire and in qualitative approach the data was collected using interviews, assignments and questionnaires. It was found that although Mathematics teachers are open to learning about innovations, they still rely on traditional teaching methods. Teachers recognise the advantages of STEAM and want to use it but feel constrained by the curriculum, the pressure to perform and a lack of resources. Short activities that are curriculum based are welcomed and used by the teachers. However, they struggle to set up their own iii activities and then abandon the idea. In addition, they are not comfortable with projects involving teachers from other disciplines or including art activities in a mathematics lesson. The adoption of STEAM becomes much easier if there is a strong professional learning community and support from school management. The positive reactions of the learners on the STEAM activities motivate the teachers to adopt the approach. The diffusion of STEAM into the mathematics classroom is not instant but takes an average of two to three years. This time factor should be taken into consideration when planning a professional development programme. The programme should include scaffolding to assist teachers to become confident in using STEAM activities but also in using technology which is the key to finding and using new activities. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Steyn, Catherina
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Professional Development , Social Cognitive Theory , Mathematics
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63218 , vital:73234
- Description: Creativity is seen as one of the most important skills required for success in the 21st century and therefore teachers should set the example and become creative and innovative when skilfully applying their knowledge to teach. In STEAM, art is included in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) mix as a new innovative educational approach which is believed to increase creativity. The advantages of STEAM are widely accepted for a number of reasons and it has become very popular in countries that are known for their excellent mathematics performance, but it is unknown in most South African schools. Although a few studies have been done on STEAM in South Africa there is a lack of research on the professional development of mathematics teachers and the adoption of the STEAM approach in the mathematics classroom. This mixed methods study aims to determine the diffusion of the STEAM approach, and the influence of professional development on that diffusion and adoption in the South African Mathematics classroom. A convergent triangulation design was used in conjunction with a simultaneous quantitative and qualitative approach involving three different groups of participants. The quantitative approach concentrated on the hypothesis that secondary school mathematics teachers still embrace traditional teaching methods. The qualitative approach was directed towards answering the question on the knowledge and awareness of STEAM and the adoption of the innovation. The combination of two theories, namely Roger’s Diffusion of Innovations and Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory were found to provide the most suitable framework to describe the process in the findings. The instrument used in the quantitative approach was an online questionnaire and in qualitative approach the data was collected using interviews, assignments and questionnaires. It was found that although Mathematics teachers are open to learning about innovations, they still rely on traditional teaching methods. Teachers recognise the advantages of STEAM and want to use it but feel constrained by the curriculum, the pressure to perform and a lack of resources. Short activities that are curriculum based are welcomed and used by the teachers. However, they struggle to set up their own iii activities and then abandon the idea. In addition, they are not comfortable with projects involving teachers from other disciplines or including art activities in a mathematics lesson. The adoption of STEAM becomes much easier if there is a strong professional learning community and support from school management. The positive reactions of the learners on the STEAM activities motivate the teachers to adopt the approach. The diffusion of STEAM into the mathematics classroom is not instant but takes an average of two to three years. This time factor should be taken into consideration when planning a professional development programme. The programme should include scaffolding to assist teachers to become confident in using STEAM activities but also in using technology which is the key to finding and using new activities. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The dismissal of an employee who refuses to vaccinate against Covid-19
- Authors: Mntwelizwe, Sandisiwe
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66184 , vital:74430
- Description: Abstract. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Public Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mntwelizwe, Sandisiwe
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66184 , vital:74430
- Description: Abstract. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Public Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The effect of Cannabis extract on the morphological and metabolic characteristics of various fat depots in diet-induced Obese and STZ-induced male wistar rats
- Authors: Ramlugon, Sonaal
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Rats as laboratory animals , Diabetes in practice , Cannabis -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61282 , vital:70044
- Description: To investigate the potential anti-diabetic/obesity properties of oral cannabis administration in an obese and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model, as well as an obese rat model, and to determine the mechanism of action, with a focus on the peritoneal and intramuscular fat depots. Experimental Design: Obese and STZ-induced diabetic rats were allocated a high fat diet (HFD) and intraperitoneally injected with STZ to mimic an obese and diabetic state. The rats were then orally administered cannabis extract (CE) of 1.25, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg body weight (relative to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content) or metformin as a positive control. For the obese rat model, the rats were allocated either a high carbohydrate diet (HCD) or high fat diet (HFD) and orally administered with cannabis extract of 1.25 mg/kg body weight (relative to THC content). Weight, blood and insulin-resistant parameters of the rats were monitored. The mitochondrial to genomic DNA ratio (MT:18S DNA), average adipocyte area of the various adipose tissues, citrate synthase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) enzyme activities of the peritoneal and intramuscular fat were measured. Gene expression levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), cell-death inducing DNA fragmentation factor alpha like effector-a (Cidea), perilipin, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were measured in peritoneal fat, intramuscular fat and brown adipose tissue (BAT). Main Findings: Obese and STZ-induced diabetic rat model: Due to the biphasic nature of cannabinoids, cannabis dosage plays an important role in the observed effects. CE1.25 was the only cannabis treatment effective in improving the insulinresistant parameters of the rats unlike the other higher cannabis concentrations (CE2.5 and CE5.0). In the peritoneal fat, CE1.25 increased MT:18S DNA, increased citrate synthase activity, and decreased the average adipocyte area when compared to the STZ group. CE1.25 also induced fat beigeing by upregulating gene expression levels of UCP1 and Cidea. XIX Furthermore, an increase in gene expression levels of perilipin, HSL, and TFAM showed increased fat mobilization and metabolic activity. In the intramuscular fat, CE1.25 also reduced the average adipocytes area. However, a different mechanism of action was observed where CE1.25 did not induce fat beigeing, but instead increased both citrate synthase and CPT1 enzyme activities and gene expression levels of HSL, thereby indicating increased fat oxidation and mitochondrial activity. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Ramlugon, Sonaal
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Rats as laboratory animals , Diabetes in practice , Cannabis -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61282 , vital:70044
- Description: To investigate the potential anti-diabetic/obesity properties of oral cannabis administration in an obese and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model, as well as an obese rat model, and to determine the mechanism of action, with a focus on the peritoneal and intramuscular fat depots. Experimental Design: Obese and STZ-induced diabetic rats were allocated a high fat diet (HFD) and intraperitoneally injected with STZ to mimic an obese and diabetic state. The rats were then orally administered cannabis extract (CE) of 1.25, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg body weight (relative to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content) or metformin as a positive control. For the obese rat model, the rats were allocated either a high carbohydrate diet (HCD) or high fat diet (HFD) and orally administered with cannabis extract of 1.25 mg/kg body weight (relative to THC content). Weight, blood and insulin-resistant parameters of the rats were monitored. The mitochondrial to genomic DNA ratio (MT:18S DNA), average adipocyte area of the various adipose tissues, citrate synthase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) enzyme activities of the peritoneal and intramuscular fat were measured. Gene expression levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), cell-death inducing DNA fragmentation factor alpha like effector-a (Cidea), perilipin, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were measured in peritoneal fat, intramuscular fat and brown adipose tissue (BAT). Main Findings: Obese and STZ-induced diabetic rat model: Due to the biphasic nature of cannabinoids, cannabis dosage plays an important role in the observed effects. CE1.25 was the only cannabis treatment effective in improving the insulinresistant parameters of the rats unlike the other higher cannabis concentrations (CE2.5 and CE5.0). In the peritoneal fat, CE1.25 increased MT:18S DNA, increased citrate synthase activity, and decreased the average adipocyte area when compared to the STZ group. CE1.25 also induced fat beigeing by upregulating gene expression levels of UCP1 and Cidea. XIX Furthermore, an increase in gene expression levels of perilipin, HSL, and TFAM showed increased fat mobilization and metabolic activity. In the intramuscular fat, CE1.25 also reduced the average adipocytes area. However, a different mechanism of action was observed where CE1.25 did not induce fat beigeing, but instead increased both citrate synthase and CPT1 enzyme activities and gene expression levels of HSL, thereby indicating increased fat oxidation and mitochondrial activity. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The effect of illicit financial flows on Zimbabwe's economic growth and development
- Chirowamhangu, Elton Munyaradzi
- Authors: Chirowamhangu, Elton Munyaradzi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Funds-flow statements -- Zimbamwe , Economic Growth -- Zimbamwe
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61034 , vital:69687
- Description: This study examines the effect of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) and capital flight on Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. The study data covered the period 1980-2020 applying the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) regression model to assess the relationship between IFFs and capital flight and Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. Most empirical studies on developing countries show that in both the short and long run, IFFs and capital flight not only reduce the revenue base of the economy but its multiplier effects result in a negative significant relationship between economic growth and development. This supports the continued call for policymakers and government to develop effective policies and continue to have intergovernmental and bilateral engagements to share knowledge and information to deter and control these activities. Unless these activities are controlled, most developing countries will have revenue shortfalls that will have to be funded from Other Donor Assistance (ODA), AID and loans. The study used two ARDL models to assess the impact of GDP and Manufacturing output to assess the impact. GDP and Manufacturing output have been chosen as the proxies of economic growth. Data showed that capital flight had a positive coefficient relationship with GDP in the long run. It was statistically significant and capital flight also had a negative and insignificant effect on manufacturing output during the period 1980-2020. Thus, Zimbabwe should effectively engage in policies and measures that identify and deter IFFs and capital flight activities because the multiplier effects of the activities have a negative impact on economic growth and development. The continued depletion of state resources discredits the objectives of the government to achieve the 2030 Millennium Development Goals. Government expenditure in nonproductive sectors must be avoided, instead, priority must be given to sectors that attract investors and stimulate economic growth and development. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Chirowamhangu, Elton Munyaradzi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Funds-flow statements -- Zimbamwe , Economic Growth -- Zimbamwe
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61034 , vital:69687
- Description: This study examines the effect of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) and capital flight on Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. The study data covered the period 1980-2020 applying the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) regression model to assess the relationship between IFFs and capital flight and Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. Most empirical studies on developing countries show that in both the short and long run, IFFs and capital flight not only reduce the revenue base of the economy but its multiplier effects result in a negative significant relationship between economic growth and development. This supports the continued call for policymakers and government to develop effective policies and continue to have intergovernmental and bilateral engagements to share knowledge and information to deter and control these activities. Unless these activities are controlled, most developing countries will have revenue shortfalls that will have to be funded from Other Donor Assistance (ODA), AID and loans. The study used two ARDL models to assess the impact of GDP and Manufacturing output to assess the impact. GDP and Manufacturing output have been chosen as the proxies of economic growth. Data showed that capital flight had a positive coefficient relationship with GDP in the long run. It was statistically significant and capital flight also had a negative and insignificant effect on manufacturing output during the period 1980-2020. Thus, Zimbabwe should effectively engage in policies and measures that identify and deter IFFs and capital flight activities because the multiplier effects of the activities have a negative impact on economic growth and development. The continued depletion of state resources discredits the objectives of the government to achieve the 2030 Millennium Development Goals. Government expenditure in nonproductive sectors must be avoided, instead, priority must be given to sectors that attract investors and stimulate economic growth and development. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The effect of operations and management on the reliability of rural water supply maintenance at Amathole District Municipality
- Authors: Clock, Kulile
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Water supply -- Amathole
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61045 , vital:69688
- Description: The growing population in South Africa’s rural municipalities, coupled with industrial expansion, continue to exert pressure on the available water resources. While service delivery demands are becoming a serious concern among residents in various municipalities, local governments need to improve the supply of essentials, such as water. This study examines water scantiness in the rural side of the Amathole District Municipality (ADM), with a prime focus on the water distribution and maintenance system. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Clock, Kulile
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Water supply -- Amathole
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61045 , vital:69688
- Description: The growing population in South Africa’s rural municipalities, coupled with industrial expansion, continue to exert pressure on the available water resources. While service delivery demands are becoming a serious concern among residents in various municipalities, local governments need to improve the supply of essentials, such as water. This study examines water scantiness in the rural side of the Amathole District Municipality (ADM), with a prime focus on the water distribution and maintenance system. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The effectiveness of action learning in developing first-line leadership competence at basf South Africa
- Authors: White, Bradley Lewis
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Leaderrship , Action learning --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63170 , vital:73192
- Description: As the researcher believes leaders and leadership to be products of both nature and nurture, this phenomenological study was focused on the use and effectiveness of action learning methodology to develop first-line leadership competence. This study aimed to understand the training and developmental experiences of first-line managers during a leadership development programme using an action learning approach. The main research question: “How effective is action learning in developing first-line leadership competence at BASF South Africa”, was supported by five secondary research questions focused on the KASH-in-Transit Leadership Programme and the extent that participants, mentors and departmental managers perceived that action learning developed the leadership competencies of participants, and specifically leadership competence aligned to the BASF Global Competency Model. It also focused on the factors, elements or conditions in the KASH-in-Transit Leadership Programme that were effective and/or ineffective in developing these leadership competencies. Using these research questions as a guide, the current study posed open-ended interview questions that explored participants’ experiences in developing competencies aligned to the BASF global competency framework. The theoretical framework for the study was guided by the constructs of adult learning, action learning and leadership development as well as the link between learning, action learning and leadership development. Data was collected from 15 participants (12 coater drivers, 2 mentors and 1 manager) through the use of observations, action learning sessions and semi-structured interviews, with the interviews transcribed and then analysed using Atlas.ti qualitative analysis software. The information collected and succeeding analysis may help the development of future leaders within BASF South Africa as well as help close the gap in the literature on action learning as a leadership development tool. Action learning as a modern-day approach is capable of developing leadership at multiple levels and contexts, building collaborative partnerships and networks that aid in organisational development. The research findings led to the development of five themes surrounding the phenomenon of action learning as a means to develop first-line leadership competence: (1) Learning transfer has internal and external levers, (2) viii 70 + 20 + 10 = leader and leadership competence, (3) Facilitator and Mentor are catalysts for action AND learning, (4) Leadership development is built with connections and stumbling blocks, and (5) Development is part of succession. Individuals were challenged through exposure to real-world practices while being supported by a facilitation and mentoring system that offered critical, constructive feedback. The objective was to create career experiences and establish environmental influences that will stimulate developmental growth while facilitating an individual’s ability to learn from experience. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: White, Bradley Lewis
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Leaderrship , Action learning --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63170 , vital:73192
- Description: As the researcher believes leaders and leadership to be products of both nature and nurture, this phenomenological study was focused on the use and effectiveness of action learning methodology to develop first-line leadership competence. This study aimed to understand the training and developmental experiences of first-line managers during a leadership development programme using an action learning approach. The main research question: “How effective is action learning in developing first-line leadership competence at BASF South Africa”, was supported by five secondary research questions focused on the KASH-in-Transit Leadership Programme and the extent that participants, mentors and departmental managers perceived that action learning developed the leadership competencies of participants, and specifically leadership competence aligned to the BASF Global Competency Model. It also focused on the factors, elements or conditions in the KASH-in-Transit Leadership Programme that were effective and/or ineffective in developing these leadership competencies. Using these research questions as a guide, the current study posed open-ended interview questions that explored participants’ experiences in developing competencies aligned to the BASF global competency framework. The theoretical framework for the study was guided by the constructs of adult learning, action learning and leadership development as well as the link between learning, action learning and leadership development. Data was collected from 15 participants (12 coater drivers, 2 mentors and 1 manager) through the use of observations, action learning sessions and semi-structured interviews, with the interviews transcribed and then analysed using Atlas.ti qualitative analysis software. The information collected and succeeding analysis may help the development of future leaders within BASF South Africa as well as help close the gap in the literature on action learning as a leadership development tool. Action learning as a modern-day approach is capable of developing leadership at multiple levels and contexts, building collaborative partnerships and networks that aid in organisational development. The research findings led to the development of five themes surrounding the phenomenon of action learning as a means to develop first-line leadership competence: (1) Learning transfer has internal and external levers, (2) viii 70 + 20 + 10 = leader and leadership competence, (3) Facilitator and Mentor are catalysts for action AND learning, (4) Leadership development is built with connections and stumbling blocks, and (5) Development is part of succession. Individuals were challenged through exposure to real-world practices while being supported by a facilitation and mentoring system that offered critical, constructive feedback. The objective was to create career experiences and establish environmental influences that will stimulate developmental growth while facilitating an individual’s ability to learn from experience. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The enforcement of settlement of agreements and arbitration awards
- Authors: Thathoba, Portia Chwayita
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Law enforcement , Settlements (Law) , Arbitration and award -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60696 , vital:66366
- Description: The Labour Relations Act (LRA) recognises settlement agreements and arbitration awards as mechanisms by which the rights of parties in troubled employment relationships can be asserted. Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) is a statutory body empowered to make and pronounce on such rights through settlement agreements and arbitration awards. The CCMA caters for those earning within the stipulated ministerial threshold falling outside the existing bargaining forums. However, not much empirical evidence is available to indicate the challenges experienced by parties when attempting to enforce those CCMA rulings to get defaulters to comply. South African law accepts settlement agreements as part of dispute resolution mechanism, but the experience of some who hold settlement agreements is such that they are exposed to prejudice when they are required to have the settlement agreement converted to arbitration awards which essentially requires alteration of the very settlement agreed upon. The broad objective of taking matters to the CCMA for resolution with the possibility of having them resolved at conciliation phase cannot be achieved if a settlement agreement is not worth the paper written on and must be made an arbitration award for enforceability. The two are not the same, nor should they be made to be and trying to give them a similar status for enforceability purposes brings about a myriad of unintended challenges. While it could be argued that there also exists section 158 (1) (c) of the LRA if the requirements of section 142A are challenging, it could also be said that such a provision is inaccessible to indigent individuals who may only be able to invoke that provision at the mercy of legal practitioners willing to take cases pro bono for those parties to even stand a chance at enforcing compliance with a settlement agreement that was entered into voluntarily. Such a system allows for employers to bail out on settlement agreements without consequence make a mockery of the CCMA. To a serious degree, this suggest lack of certainty on the part of CCMA and its ability to bring matters to finality which is an important element to realisation of justice. This study sought to examine the way settlement agreements and arbitration awards are enforced, with dedicated focus on the requirement that must be satisfied in order to have force and effect. With the above in mind, chapter one dealt with how settlement agreements and arbitration awards are given force and effect through the LRA as envisaged in section 142A. The chapter explored challenges brought by the enforcement process and what that may mean to the objectives intended by the legislation. Chapter two encapsulates the framework under which the CCMA operates and enforces its decisions, a framework envisaged to be less formal and non-legalistic for the expedient resolution of labour disputes. Chapter three touches on the challenges met with section 143 implementation and highlights some case law prior and after the LRA amendments. Lastly chapter four looked into the enforcement of international or foreign arbitration awards within the South African context given the affiliation with international organisations such as International Labour Organisation (ILO). While it may be good for South Africa to align herself with international practices, it is worth noting that South Africa is still developing in international arbitration as a mode of alternative dispute resolution, but its prevalence as a preferred dispute resolution mechanism is without a doubt increasing. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Thathoba, Portia Chwayita
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Law enforcement , Settlements (Law) , Arbitration and award -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60696 , vital:66366
- Description: The Labour Relations Act (LRA) recognises settlement agreements and arbitration awards as mechanisms by which the rights of parties in troubled employment relationships can be asserted. Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) is a statutory body empowered to make and pronounce on such rights through settlement agreements and arbitration awards. The CCMA caters for those earning within the stipulated ministerial threshold falling outside the existing bargaining forums. However, not much empirical evidence is available to indicate the challenges experienced by parties when attempting to enforce those CCMA rulings to get defaulters to comply. South African law accepts settlement agreements as part of dispute resolution mechanism, but the experience of some who hold settlement agreements is such that they are exposed to prejudice when they are required to have the settlement agreement converted to arbitration awards which essentially requires alteration of the very settlement agreed upon. The broad objective of taking matters to the CCMA for resolution with the possibility of having them resolved at conciliation phase cannot be achieved if a settlement agreement is not worth the paper written on and must be made an arbitration award for enforceability. The two are not the same, nor should they be made to be and trying to give them a similar status for enforceability purposes brings about a myriad of unintended challenges. While it could be argued that there also exists section 158 (1) (c) of the LRA if the requirements of section 142A are challenging, it could also be said that such a provision is inaccessible to indigent individuals who may only be able to invoke that provision at the mercy of legal practitioners willing to take cases pro bono for those parties to even stand a chance at enforcing compliance with a settlement agreement that was entered into voluntarily. Such a system allows for employers to bail out on settlement agreements without consequence make a mockery of the CCMA. To a serious degree, this suggest lack of certainty on the part of CCMA and its ability to bring matters to finality which is an important element to realisation of justice. This study sought to examine the way settlement agreements and arbitration awards are enforced, with dedicated focus on the requirement that must be satisfied in order to have force and effect. With the above in mind, chapter one dealt with how settlement agreements and arbitration awards are given force and effect through the LRA as envisaged in section 142A. The chapter explored challenges brought by the enforcement process and what that may mean to the objectives intended by the legislation. Chapter two encapsulates the framework under which the CCMA operates and enforces its decisions, a framework envisaged to be less formal and non-legalistic for the expedient resolution of labour disputes. Chapter three touches on the challenges met with section 143 implementation and highlights some case law prior and after the LRA amendments. Lastly chapter four looked into the enforcement of international or foreign arbitration awards within the South African context given the affiliation with international organisations such as International Labour Organisation (ILO). While it may be good for South Africa to align herself with international practices, it is worth noting that South Africa is still developing in international arbitration as a mode of alternative dispute resolution, but its prevalence as a preferred dispute resolution mechanism is without a doubt increasing. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The experiences of TVET College students in learning English as a second language
- Authors: Mahlathi, Nosibusiso
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Experience, college students , English-- Second language learning
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63971 , vital:73633
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate how the students experience English language learning at a Technical Vocational Education and Training College (TVET) in Eastern Cape. Most of the students enrolled at TVET colleges come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and speak English as a second language. Eight participants were purposively selected from an NCV class in one campus of the college representing the Engineering studies. This was done using the non-probability purposive sampling. The study employed a qualitative design with drawings drawn by the participants to reflect on how they learnt English in schools. The drawings were discussed in a focus group. Video diaries were also used to investigate how students experience English learning in a TVET College. Data were analysed thematically whereby information was categorised into themes that emerged from the responses of the participants. The findings revealed that students had difficulties in learning English language basic skills from lower grades. They did not master the basic language skills and that negatively affected their ability to use language for communication. They were admitted to college with limited vocabulary, and they had no confidence in using the language The study recommends that an organised and effective assessment of literacy skills be done through the pace test. The students who are found to have gaps in English be given an extra class to help them. Recommendations for further study are also provided. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Post Schooling, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mahlathi, Nosibusiso
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Experience, college students , English-- Second language learning
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63971 , vital:73633
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate how the students experience English language learning at a Technical Vocational Education and Training College (TVET) in Eastern Cape. Most of the students enrolled at TVET colleges come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and speak English as a second language. Eight participants were purposively selected from an NCV class in one campus of the college representing the Engineering studies. This was done using the non-probability purposive sampling. The study employed a qualitative design with drawings drawn by the participants to reflect on how they learnt English in schools. The drawings were discussed in a focus group. Video diaries were also used to investigate how students experience English learning in a TVET College. Data were analysed thematically whereby information was categorised into themes that emerged from the responses of the participants. The findings revealed that students had difficulties in learning English language basic skills from lower grades. They did not master the basic language skills and that negatively affected their ability to use language for communication. They were admitted to college with limited vocabulary, and they had no confidence in using the language The study recommends that an organised and effective assessment of literacy skills be done through the pace test. The students who are found to have gaps in English be given an extra class to help them. Recommendations for further study are also provided. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Post Schooling, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The impact of organisation culture in the retention and career growth of female artisans in the automotive sector in Gqeberha
- Authors: Ngcobo, Gcinuyise Cyprian
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: organisational culture , career growth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62249 , vital:72367
- Description: There have been many initiatives that have been implemented to motivate women to enter and remain in the engineering field in South Africa and across the world. However, research has shown that the numbers of women representation in the engineering sector is still very low. It was the aim of this study to explore essential themes that can be adopted to improve career growth and retention of women in the engineering automotive industry sector of Gqeberha. The study further seeks to formulate a set of key organisational culture attributes that needs to be incorporated into organisations to improve female artisans’ career advancement and retention. The research took a positivist/postposivist paradigm, with a quantitative research approach using a probability sampling method. A structured self-administered questionnaire was distributed electronically to female respondents employed in the automotive companies located within Gqeberha with the aim of obtaining information to achieve the research objectives, targeting a population of female artisans employed in these organisations. Seventy-five (75) questionnaires were distributed, forty-one (41) were completed and returned, which represents a 54.67% response rate. The research found that there is a significant relationship between organisational culture, career advancement and employee retention. The main themes that emerged from the study of employee retention were sense of security, transparency and innovation. While training and development opportunities were found to be important for career advancement. Key recommendations from the research are that organisations must frequently conduct their own organisational culture surveys, short-incentive schemes for engineering managers and human resources managers be linked to gender diversity and provision of mentors for female artisans , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Ngcobo, Gcinuyise Cyprian
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: organisational culture , career growth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62249 , vital:72367
- Description: There have been many initiatives that have been implemented to motivate women to enter and remain in the engineering field in South Africa and across the world. However, research has shown that the numbers of women representation in the engineering sector is still very low. It was the aim of this study to explore essential themes that can be adopted to improve career growth and retention of women in the engineering automotive industry sector of Gqeberha. The study further seeks to formulate a set of key organisational culture attributes that needs to be incorporated into organisations to improve female artisans’ career advancement and retention. The research took a positivist/postposivist paradigm, with a quantitative research approach using a probability sampling method. A structured self-administered questionnaire was distributed electronically to female respondents employed in the automotive companies located within Gqeberha with the aim of obtaining information to achieve the research objectives, targeting a population of female artisans employed in these organisations. Seventy-five (75) questionnaires were distributed, forty-one (41) were completed and returned, which represents a 54.67% response rate. The research found that there is a significant relationship between organisational culture, career advancement and employee retention. The main themes that emerged from the study of employee retention were sense of security, transparency and innovation. While training and development opportunities were found to be important for career advancement. Key recommendations from the research are that organisations must frequently conduct their own organisational culture surveys, short-incentive schemes for engineering managers and human resources managers be linked to gender diversity and provision of mentors for female artisans , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The impact of sustainable maintenance systems on government hospitals : a case of Cecilia Makewane and Frere hospitals
- Authors: Kinama, Martin Mumo
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Information storage and retrieval systems--Health maintenance organizations , Government hospitals, Buffalo City Metropole , Eastern Cape (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65130 , vital:74031
- Description: This research sought to evaluate the current state of infrastructure maintenance put in place at government hospitals with a focus on Cecilia Makewane and Frere government Hospitals. These two hospitals served as examples of new infrastructure (Cecilia Makewane) and existing, older dilapidated hospital infrastructure (Frere) undergoing constant maintenance. The literature considered showed that in order for maintenance to be regarded as sustainable, it had to preserve the social, economic, and environmental conditions of a hospital building structure. The study aimed to provide insight into the existing state of maintenance and its sustainability. The sustainability of hospital infrastructure maintenance was tested by assessing the state of maintenance funding, maintenance workmanship, personnel skillsets, and maintenance policies. This study involved the collection of descriptive and numerical data through questionnaires. All of the information obtained through administering the questionnaires was converted into numerical data and used to gauge results. The results showed that there were shortfalls hindering sustainable maintenance, namely that the National Department of Health has failed to prioritise hospital maintenance funding and has failed to consistently monitor and evaluate hospital maintenance funding resulting in misuse and late compensation of maintenance contractors. The results also showed that the following existing successes would promote sustainable government hospital maintenance: satisfactory records of health infrastructure building deterioration are in place and maintenance projects involving refurbishments achieved practical completion and passed the latent defects liability periods. The study established that the available skilled staff are inadequate, hospital maintenance workmanship is poor, hospital maintenance projects were not adequately funded and existing maintenance processes were not regularly evaluated. The study recommends employment of more skilled maintenance staff, continuous monitoring, evaluation and prioritisation of maintenance funding, establishing clear maintenance roles between in-house staff and outsourced maintenance personnel. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Kinama, Martin Mumo
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Information storage and retrieval systems--Health maintenance organizations , Government hospitals, Buffalo City Metropole , Eastern Cape (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65130 , vital:74031
- Description: This research sought to evaluate the current state of infrastructure maintenance put in place at government hospitals with a focus on Cecilia Makewane and Frere government Hospitals. These two hospitals served as examples of new infrastructure (Cecilia Makewane) and existing, older dilapidated hospital infrastructure (Frere) undergoing constant maintenance. The literature considered showed that in order for maintenance to be regarded as sustainable, it had to preserve the social, economic, and environmental conditions of a hospital building structure. The study aimed to provide insight into the existing state of maintenance and its sustainability. The sustainability of hospital infrastructure maintenance was tested by assessing the state of maintenance funding, maintenance workmanship, personnel skillsets, and maintenance policies. This study involved the collection of descriptive and numerical data through questionnaires. All of the information obtained through administering the questionnaires was converted into numerical data and used to gauge results. The results showed that there were shortfalls hindering sustainable maintenance, namely that the National Department of Health has failed to prioritise hospital maintenance funding and has failed to consistently monitor and evaluate hospital maintenance funding resulting in misuse and late compensation of maintenance contractors. The results also showed that the following existing successes would promote sustainable government hospital maintenance: satisfactory records of health infrastructure building deterioration are in place and maintenance projects involving refurbishments achieved practical completion and passed the latent defects liability periods. The study established that the available skilled staff are inadequate, hospital maintenance workmanship is poor, hospital maintenance projects were not adequately funded and existing maintenance processes were not regularly evaluated. The study recommends employment of more skilled maintenance staff, continuous monitoring, evaluation and prioritisation of maintenance funding, establishing clear maintenance roles between in-house staff and outsourced maintenance personnel. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The influence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Corporate Citizenship (CC) on the business success of wineries in the Cape Winelands
- Authors: Phillips, Allazei Lynette
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: corporate social responsibility , Corporate Citizenship
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62333 , vital:72381
- Description: The wineries of the Cape winelands are increasingly engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate citizenship (CC). Both these practices are widely viewed as having the potential to increase business success of these wineries. There is however a lack of research on the state of these practices in these wineries especially against the background of reports of exploitation of workers on winelands. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate the state of CSR and CC in the Cape winelands wineries and the impact that these practices have on the business success of these wineries. The study is located in the positivistic research tradition. The data was collected using a closed-ended questionnaire which was distributed to 100 employees (managers and general workers) in the wineries. The questionnaire items were anchored on a Likert-style (disagree to agree) answering scale. Pearson correlations and multiple regression coefficients, as well as descriptive statistics were used. Eventually only 42 respondents participated in the study. The empirical findings indicated that CSR (focusing on its economic, environmental, and social impacts) and CC were significantly positively related to the business success of the wineries in the Cape winelands. CC emerged as the strongest determinant of the business success of these wineries. The empirical results also revealed reasonable to high levels of CSR and CC prevalence in these wineries. Although limitations were experienced in the study, useful managerial recommendations emerged from it empirical results. The study therefore indicated some important areas for future research. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Phillips, Allazei Lynette
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: corporate social responsibility , Corporate Citizenship
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62333 , vital:72381
- Description: The wineries of the Cape winelands are increasingly engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate citizenship (CC). Both these practices are widely viewed as having the potential to increase business success of these wineries. There is however a lack of research on the state of these practices in these wineries especially against the background of reports of exploitation of workers on winelands. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate the state of CSR and CC in the Cape winelands wineries and the impact that these practices have on the business success of these wineries. The study is located in the positivistic research tradition. The data was collected using a closed-ended questionnaire which was distributed to 100 employees (managers and general workers) in the wineries. The questionnaire items were anchored on a Likert-style (disagree to agree) answering scale. Pearson correlations and multiple regression coefficients, as well as descriptive statistics were used. Eventually only 42 respondents participated in the study. The empirical findings indicated that CSR (focusing on its economic, environmental, and social impacts) and CC were significantly positively related to the business success of the wineries in the Cape winelands. CC emerged as the strongest determinant of the business success of these wineries. The empirical results also revealed reasonable to high levels of CSR and CC prevalence in these wineries. Although limitations were experienced in the study, useful managerial recommendations emerged from it empirical results. The study therefore indicated some important areas for future research. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The influence of financial education on the financial literacy Of higher certificate students at the Nelson Mandela University
- Authors: Nyati, Nokwanda Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: financial literacy , higher certificate , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62320 , vital:72380
- Description: South Africa has low levels of financial literacy. This includes students, even though they are educated. The literature reveals South African students struggle to grasp personal finance concepts, specifically related to saving, monitoring debt and budgeting. It is well-known that financial education improves financial literacy, however, financial education is not implemented as a stand-alone subject for students at primary and high school level in the South African context. Financial education is only implemented into specific learning areas in the curricula such as Economic Management Sciences, Mathematical Literacy, Mathematics, Accounting, Business Studies and Economics. At university level, some students from specific faculties are exposed to a financial education module. A gap in the literature warranted a longitudinal investigation among students to discover the impact of university financial education on financial literacy. There is a lack of research to assess the financial literacy of students by measuring their financial knowledge and financial skills objectively. It is crucial to determine whether a relationship exists between financial education and financial literacy involving South African students. Hence, according to this, the primary objective of the study was to investigate the influence of financial education on financial literacy of Higher Certificate (Business Studies) students at Nelson Mandela University. The rationale behind choosing these students as a sample is because the programme comprises a Fundamentals of Personal Finance module which focused on day-to-day financial education. Two literature review chapters were conducted to accomplish the primary objective of the study. The first literature review focused on the nature and importance of financial education, core components of financial education, sources of financial education, personal finance module as well as the impact of financial education on financial literacy. This led to the second literature review, which examined the exposure of financial education on financial literacy levels. In addition, financial literacy components and the relationship between financial education on financial literacy were discussed. Thereafter, the hypotheses of the study were developed to empirically test the sample on their financial literacy levels before and after exposure to financial vi education by measuring financial knowledge, financial skills, financial attitude and financial behaviour. An online questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents before exposure to the Fundamentals of Finance module to determine their financial literacy levels. The same questionnaire was completed by the respondents to discover whether financial literacy levels stayed the same, declined or improved after exposure to financial education. Through convenience and criterion sampling, 233 usable questionnaires were collected before exposure to financial education which translated into an effective rate of 64.54 percent. Following this, 77 usable questionnaires were collected after financial education exposure which was interpreted as an effective rate of 61.60 percent. The low response rate was due to the level of computer literacy amongst the respondents, some respondents may have not had access to a laptop, computer desktop or mobile device, and the respondents were busy preparing for examinations. The empirical data was analysed through STATISTICA by performing Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) tests, reliability tests (Cronbach Alpha), descriptive statistics related to the demographics of the respondents, mean scores and standard deviations. Further statistical analyses were conducted through Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient tests to determine the nature of the relationships between financial knowledge, financial skills, financial attitude and financial behaviour. Paired t-tests were conducted to discover the differences in the mean scores in the financial literacy levels of respondents before and after exposure to financial education. The empirical results revealed significant relationships between financial education and financial knowledge; financial education and financial skills; financial education and financial attitude; financial education and financial behaviour. This led to all four hypotheses of the study being accepted. The financial knowledge, financial skills and financial attitude of Higher Certificate (Business Studies) students did not improve after completing the Fundamentals of Personal Finance module. Only the financial behaviour of these students improved after financial education exposure. The results of the study provided the basis for the development of recommendations to improve financial literacy levels by providing financial education content that is suitable for individuals in different stages of their lives. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Nyati, Nokwanda Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: financial literacy , higher certificate , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62320 , vital:72380
- Description: South Africa has low levels of financial literacy. This includes students, even though they are educated. The literature reveals South African students struggle to grasp personal finance concepts, specifically related to saving, monitoring debt and budgeting. It is well-known that financial education improves financial literacy, however, financial education is not implemented as a stand-alone subject for students at primary and high school level in the South African context. Financial education is only implemented into specific learning areas in the curricula such as Economic Management Sciences, Mathematical Literacy, Mathematics, Accounting, Business Studies and Economics. At university level, some students from specific faculties are exposed to a financial education module. A gap in the literature warranted a longitudinal investigation among students to discover the impact of university financial education on financial literacy. There is a lack of research to assess the financial literacy of students by measuring their financial knowledge and financial skills objectively. It is crucial to determine whether a relationship exists between financial education and financial literacy involving South African students. Hence, according to this, the primary objective of the study was to investigate the influence of financial education on financial literacy of Higher Certificate (Business Studies) students at Nelson Mandela University. The rationale behind choosing these students as a sample is because the programme comprises a Fundamentals of Personal Finance module which focused on day-to-day financial education. Two literature review chapters were conducted to accomplish the primary objective of the study. The first literature review focused on the nature and importance of financial education, core components of financial education, sources of financial education, personal finance module as well as the impact of financial education on financial literacy. This led to the second literature review, which examined the exposure of financial education on financial literacy levels. In addition, financial literacy components and the relationship between financial education on financial literacy were discussed. Thereafter, the hypotheses of the study were developed to empirically test the sample on their financial literacy levels before and after exposure to financial vi education by measuring financial knowledge, financial skills, financial attitude and financial behaviour. An online questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents before exposure to the Fundamentals of Finance module to determine their financial literacy levels. The same questionnaire was completed by the respondents to discover whether financial literacy levels stayed the same, declined or improved after exposure to financial education. Through convenience and criterion sampling, 233 usable questionnaires were collected before exposure to financial education which translated into an effective rate of 64.54 percent. Following this, 77 usable questionnaires were collected after financial education exposure which was interpreted as an effective rate of 61.60 percent. The low response rate was due to the level of computer literacy amongst the respondents, some respondents may have not had access to a laptop, computer desktop or mobile device, and the respondents were busy preparing for examinations. The empirical data was analysed through STATISTICA by performing Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) tests, reliability tests (Cronbach Alpha), descriptive statistics related to the demographics of the respondents, mean scores and standard deviations. Further statistical analyses were conducted through Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient tests to determine the nature of the relationships between financial knowledge, financial skills, financial attitude and financial behaviour. Paired t-tests were conducted to discover the differences in the mean scores in the financial literacy levels of respondents before and after exposure to financial education. The empirical results revealed significant relationships between financial education and financial knowledge; financial education and financial skills; financial education and financial attitude; financial education and financial behaviour. This led to all four hypotheses of the study being accepted. The financial knowledge, financial skills and financial attitude of Higher Certificate (Business Studies) students did not improve after completing the Fundamentals of Personal Finance module. Only the financial behaviour of these students improved after financial education exposure. The results of the study provided the basis for the development of recommendations to improve financial literacy levels by providing financial education content that is suitable for individuals in different stages of their lives. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The influence of leadership on service delivery in the department of employment and labour, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Maleiba, Olivia
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Leadership , Transformational Leadership , Batho Pele Principles
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61636 , vital:71821
- Description: The aim of the public sector is to deliver effective and efficient services whilst reducing these delivery costs (Price Waterhouse Coopers, 2007). In addressing this aim of public service delivery, the objective of the study was to investigate the impact of leadership on service delivery in a specific public sector. The researcher utilised a non-experimental correlation research design where the participants were entry level officials from region six within the National Department of Employment and Labour in the Eastern Cape, who reported to the first level of management (supervisors/team leaders). A probability sampling design with a cluster sampling method was used, wherein the population was grouped and a cluster was chosen. The sample consisted of officials who delivered services to the public at an entry administrative level either in a direct role or a supporting role. These officials reported to the first line of leadership in the hierarchy (supervisors/team leaders). Questionnaires were used as the primary source of data collection to solicit data from participants and obtain feedback on leadership behaviour on operational and service delivery issues in the workplace. The data was processed by statistical calculations of the mean, median, mode and standard deviation. The Cronbach Alpha as a test of internal validity, was used to test for reliability and validity. The findings of the study revealed that the department strived to improve leadership and service delivery in rendering public service which will naturally contribute to the 2030 vision of the National Development Plan and the fulfilment of the organisational mandate (South Africa National Planning Commission, 2012). , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Maleiba, Olivia
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Leadership , Transformational Leadership , Batho Pele Principles
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61636 , vital:71821
- Description: The aim of the public sector is to deliver effective and efficient services whilst reducing these delivery costs (Price Waterhouse Coopers, 2007). In addressing this aim of public service delivery, the objective of the study was to investigate the impact of leadership on service delivery in a specific public sector. The researcher utilised a non-experimental correlation research design where the participants were entry level officials from region six within the National Department of Employment and Labour in the Eastern Cape, who reported to the first level of management (supervisors/team leaders). A probability sampling design with a cluster sampling method was used, wherein the population was grouped and a cluster was chosen. The sample consisted of officials who delivered services to the public at an entry administrative level either in a direct role or a supporting role. These officials reported to the first line of leadership in the hierarchy (supervisors/team leaders). Questionnaires were used as the primary source of data collection to solicit data from participants and obtain feedback on leadership behaviour on operational and service delivery issues in the workplace. The data was processed by statistical calculations of the mean, median, mode and standard deviation. The Cronbach Alpha as a test of internal validity, was used to test for reliability and validity. The findings of the study revealed that the department strived to improve leadership and service delivery in rendering public service which will naturally contribute to the 2030 vision of the National Development Plan and the fulfilment of the organisational mandate (South Africa National Planning Commission, 2012). , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The influence of site characteristics on growth and wood properties of Pinus radiata and Pinus elliottii in the Southern and Eastern Cape forestry regions of South Africa
- Authors: Sigcau, Chulumanco
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Forests and forestry -- Environmental aspects , Pine – Growth -- South Africa , Pinus radiata
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61234 , vital:69828
- Description: The intensive nature of plantation forestry in South Africa requires efficiency and financial viability in production systems, amidst a complex growing environment subjected to changing macro-climatic patterns. The success of plantation forestry operations depends, amongst others, on our understanding of tree growth and wood formation patterns in response to variable growing conditions in both space and time. This study was conducted on the two most commonly used species in the southern and Eastern Cape forestry regions, i.e., Pinus radiata and P. elliottii. The region is regarded as highly suitable for plantation forestry in terms of climatic conditions, but soil characteristics pose several challenges due to nutritional disorders and poor drainage. The study focused on investigating the influence of both soil and climatic conditions on the growth and Wood Density properties of the two species, and to establish functional relationships where possible. The two species showed comparable growth rates at the reference age of 13 years on the range of sites sampled in the study area. An analysis of variance showed greater differences in Site Index between than within sample plots, pointing towards the possible influence of site on growth variation. Correlations between climatic variables and the growth of both species were generally weak and contradictory. Possible reasons for this phenomenon are discussed. It is proposed that the general favourable climatic profile of the region and hydromorphic nature of soils reduce the chances of significant correlations between variables influencing moisture availability and tree growth. The analysis of correlations between soil parameters and tree growth revealed some influence of soil organic C and Na on the growth of P. elliottii. This is discussed in terms of our understanding of the influence of soil parent material and soil ecology. The absence of any correlations between soil chemical parameters and the growth of P. radiata was conspicuous. This is in contradiction with earlier studies on the species in the region and can possibly be explained in terms of the site-specific fertilizing policy of the industry, as well as the less diverse range of sites sampled than in the past, which can mask or reduce nutrient limitations for tree growth. However, P. radiata did show a high level of sensitivity towards effective soil depth. Site-quality prediction models are proposed for the two species, but with variable application value due to the limited options of significant control variables that can be considered for inclusion in the models. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science and Management, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Sigcau, Chulumanco
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Forests and forestry -- Environmental aspects , Pine – Growth -- South Africa , Pinus radiata
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61234 , vital:69828
- Description: The intensive nature of plantation forestry in South Africa requires efficiency and financial viability in production systems, amidst a complex growing environment subjected to changing macro-climatic patterns. The success of plantation forestry operations depends, amongst others, on our understanding of tree growth and wood formation patterns in response to variable growing conditions in both space and time. This study was conducted on the two most commonly used species in the southern and Eastern Cape forestry regions, i.e., Pinus radiata and P. elliottii. The region is regarded as highly suitable for plantation forestry in terms of climatic conditions, but soil characteristics pose several challenges due to nutritional disorders and poor drainage. The study focused on investigating the influence of both soil and climatic conditions on the growth and Wood Density properties of the two species, and to establish functional relationships where possible. The two species showed comparable growth rates at the reference age of 13 years on the range of sites sampled in the study area. An analysis of variance showed greater differences in Site Index between than within sample plots, pointing towards the possible influence of site on growth variation. Correlations between climatic variables and the growth of both species were generally weak and contradictory. Possible reasons for this phenomenon are discussed. It is proposed that the general favourable climatic profile of the region and hydromorphic nature of soils reduce the chances of significant correlations between variables influencing moisture availability and tree growth. The analysis of correlations between soil parameters and tree growth revealed some influence of soil organic C and Na on the growth of P. elliottii. This is discussed in terms of our understanding of the influence of soil parent material and soil ecology. The absence of any correlations between soil chemical parameters and the growth of P. radiata was conspicuous. This is in contradiction with earlier studies on the species in the region and can possibly be explained in terms of the site-specific fertilizing policy of the industry, as well as the less diverse range of sites sampled than in the past, which can mask or reduce nutrient limitations for tree growth. However, P. radiata did show a high level of sensitivity towards effective soil depth. Site-quality prediction models are proposed for the two species, but with variable application value due to the limited options of significant control variables that can be considered for inclusion in the models. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science and Management, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04