Service delivery protest actions: a case study for Alfred Nzo District Municipality
- Authors: Ngomani, Babalwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Protest movements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20053 , vital:29071
- Description: The study focused on the causes of service delivery protests in Alfred Nzo District Municipality. The aim of the study was to identify the challenges and the concerns of protestors and to highlight the underlying reasons behind the protests. This study started by reviewing the constitutional basis for basic service delivery, the legislative framework, background to Alfred Nzo District Municipality, the structural set- up of municipalities and related studies on service delivery protests. Thereafter, the candidate undertook original research on a valid focus group interview consisting of ward committees sampled from the areas considered as “hotspots” in the district of Alfred Nzo District Municipality. The researcher adopted a qualitative methodology for the analysis upon which conclusions were drawn. The study describes the respondents concerns, challenges and reasons for service delivery causes. This study provides evidence that the current challenges confronting the people of Alfred Nzo District Municipality and many citizens of South Africa are the result not only of historical factors, but also “crisis of service delivery”, which in turn is as a result of poor management, corruption, political interference in administration, cadre-deployment, demarcation issues, non- accountability of political and administrative leadership and insufficient funding by the donors and treasury. Furthermore, the results show that the majority of the respondents believe the protests are a result of anger and frustration. In conclusion the study proposes that the South African government must go back to the “Batho Pele” principles as they are regarded as the solution to address the impatience and violent protests.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ngomani, Babalwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Protest movements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20053 , vital:29071
- Description: The study focused on the causes of service delivery protests in Alfred Nzo District Municipality. The aim of the study was to identify the challenges and the concerns of protestors and to highlight the underlying reasons behind the protests. This study started by reviewing the constitutional basis for basic service delivery, the legislative framework, background to Alfred Nzo District Municipality, the structural set- up of municipalities and related studies on service delivery protests. Thereafter, the candidate undertook original research on a valid focus group interview consisting of ward committees sampled from the areas considered as “hotspots” in the district of Alfred Nzo District Municipality. The researcher adopted a qualitative methodology for the analysis upon which conclusions were drawn. The study describes the respondents concerns, challenges and reasons for service delivery causes. This study provides evidence that the current challenges confronting the people of Alfred Nzo District Municipality and many citizens of South Africa are the result not only of historical factors, but also “crisis of service delivery”, which in turn is as a result of poor management, corruption, political interference in administration, cadre-deployment, demarcation issues, non- accountability of political and administrative leadership and insufficient funding by the donors and treasury. Furthermore, the results show that the majority of the respondents believe the protests are a result of anger and frustration. In conclusion the study proposes that the South African government must go back to the “Batho Pele” principles as they are regarded as the solution to address the impatience and violent protests.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Sexuality, HIV and AIDS education in Oshikoto region, Namibia: exploring young people’s voices
- Authors: Uugwanga, Iyaloo Tulonga
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Namibia -- Prevention , Sex instruction -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13403 , vital:27182
- Description: The HIV and AIDS epidemic remains a major health concern among the Namibian population despite interventions to mitigate it. The creation of awareness about the epidemic through school curricula is one of the government’s interventions. However, the provision of Sexuality, HIV and AIDS education in schools today is based on adult ideas of what they feel is right for young people to learn. This leave learners vulnerable and inadequately supported regarding possible questions they may have in this context. With vast amount and variety of conflicting information available to young people regarding their sexuality; and how their sexuality can and should be expressed, some of this information leads them to engage in risky behaviours that exposes them to HIV infection. Hence the need to involve young people in the development of the curriculum, to meet their educational needs in context of sexuality, HIV and AIDS. In this study, evidence for including learners in the construction of educational content regarding sexuality education is sought. This qualitative study used a phenomenological research design, interpretive paradigm and a participatory arts-based research methodology. Drawings, Vignettes (Agony Aunt) and follow-up focus group discussions were used to generate data with junior and senior learners, aged 15-24, from two secondary schools situated in the Oshikoto region of Namibia. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological system theory and Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory underpinned and decipher the findings of this study. The findings revealed that the school curriculum has informed learners on Sexuality, HIV and AIDS matters. The data generated about what they want to learn revealed that there is a need for more information on matters of sexuality, HIV and AIDS, which are not provided by the current education system. The data also revealed that the information that young people are exposed to is mostly associated with myths and misconceptions. This study thus recommends that a more comprehensive sexuality education, which takes into account learners’ needs, be provided in order for them to be guided appropriately on issues concerning their sexuality in the context of HIV and AIDS, so that we can move towards as HIV free world.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Uugwanga, Iyaloo Tulonga
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Namibia -- Prevention , Sex instruction -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13403 , vital:27182
- Description: The HIV and AIDS epidemic remains a major health concern among the Namibian population despite interventions to mitigate it. The creation of awareness about the epidemic through school curricula is one of the government’s interventions. However, the provision of Sexuality, HIV and AIDS education in schools today is based on adult ideas of what they feel is right for young people to learn. This leave learners vulnerable and inadequately supported regarding possible questions they may have in this context. With vast amount and variety of conflicting information available to young people regarding their sexuality; and how their sexuality can and should be expressed, some of this information leads them to engage in risky behaviours that exposes them to HIV infection. Hence the need to involve young people in the development of the curriculum, to meet their educational needs in context of sexuality, HIV and AIDS. In this study, evidence for including learners in the construction of educational content regarding sexuality education is sought. This qualitative study used a phenomenological research design, interpretive paradigm and a participatory arts-based research methodology. Drawings, Vignettes (Agony Aunt) and follow-up focus group discussions were used to generate data with junior and senior learners, aged 15-24, from two secondary schools situated in the Oshikoto region of Namibia. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological system theory and Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory underpinned and decipher the findings of this study. The findings revealed that the school curriculum has informed learners on Sexuality, HIV and AIDS matters. The data generated about what they want to learn revealed that there is a need for more information on matters of sexuality, HIV and AIDS, which are not provided by the current education system. The data also revealed that the information that young people are exposed to is mostly associated with myths and misconceptions. This study thus recommends that a more comprehensive sexuality education, which takes into account learners’ needs, be provided in order for them to be guided appropriately on issues concerning their sexuality in the context of HIV and AIDS, so that we can move towards as HIV free world.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Simulation and visualization platform integrated under hardware control systems for a reconfigurable process control
- Zata, Ngonidzashe Munyaradzi, Fernandes, John Manuel
- Authors: Zata, Ngonidzashe Munyaradzi , Fernandes, John Manuel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mechatronics -- Students Engineering students User interfaces (Computer systems)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13349 , vital:27177
- Description: Simulation and visualization platform integrated under hardware control systems for a reconfigurable process control.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Zata, Ngonidzashe Munyaradzi , Fernandes, John Manuel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mechatronics -- Students Engineering students User interfaces (Computer systems)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13349 , vital:27177
- Description: Simulation and visualization platform integrated under hardware control systems for a reconfigurable process control.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Single women's land ownership arrangements and land utilisation: Hopewell Farm in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Samati, Rugare
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women and land use planning -- Zimbabwe -- Chegutu Women farmers -- Zimbabwe -- Chegutu
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21141 , vital:29450
- Description: This study investigates the land ownership patterns of Hopewell Farm in Chegutu, Zimbabwe. The ownership patterns demonstrate an unequal distribution of land that places women, particularly single women, at a disadvantage when compared to land ownership by their male counterparts. Land distribution patterns, ownership and control of resources, do not accurately reflect the investment that is made into the land through farming activities carried out by women. It is, therefore, questionable, as to whether women are being granted the opportunity to own land or being provided with adequate information needed to successfully facilitate land acquisition. For the purposes of answering this question, rich, qualitative data was collected by means of focus groups and in-depth interviews with community members in Hopewell Farm. The study found that most single women do not own land in Hopewell Farm; out of a total of 114 farms, only eighteen are owned by women and fourteen of these women inherited the land from their late spouses. This ownership pattern is a consequence of low levels of knowledge amongst women about land acquisition, patriarchal structures that inhibit their development, as well as weak policy formulation and implementation by the state. Based on these findings, the study recommends special attention be paid to single women through the establishment of a lands office that specifically caters for the facilitation of land allocation to women. This would ensure that single women start to utilise a greater portion of the forty percent land allocation lobbied for women by the Women Land and Lobby Group (WLLG). It is also important to implement awareness programs that allow women to share their views around issues of land ownership and control. Thus, the research concludes, that the unequal land distribution that remains in favour of men in Hopewell Farm, must be addressed and treated as a matter of urgency.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Samati, Rugare
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women and land use planning -- Zimbabwe -- Chegutu Women farmers -- Zimbabwe -- Chegutu
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21141 , vital:29450
- Description: This study investigates the land ownership patterns of Hopewell Farm in Chegutu, Zimbabwe. The ownership patterns demonstrate an unequal distribution of land that places women, particularly single women, at a disadvantage when compared to land ownership by their male counterparts. Land distribution patterns, ownership and control of resources, do not accurately reflect the investment that is made into the land through farming activities carried out by women. It is, therefore, questionable, as to whether women are being granted the opportunity to own land or being provided with adequate information needed to successfully facilitate land acquisition. For the purposes of answering this question, rich, qualitative data was collected by means of focus groups and in-depth interviews with community members in Hopewell Farm. The study found that most single women do not own land in Hopewell Farm; out of a total of 114 farms, only eighteen are owned by women and fourteen of these women inherited the land from their late spouses. This ownership pattern is a consequence of low levels of knowledge amongst women about land acquisition, patriarchal structures that inhibit their development, as well as weak policy formulation and implementation by the state. Based on these findings, the study recommends special attention be paid to single women through the establishment of a lands office that specifically caters for the facilitation of land allocation to women. This would ensure that single women start to utilise a greater portion of the forty percent land allocation lobbied for women by the Women Land and Lobby Group (WLLG). It is also important to implement awareness programs that allow women to share their views around issues of land ownership and control. Thus, the research concludes, that the unequal land distribution that remains in favour of men in Hopewell Farm, must be addressed and treated as a matter of urgency.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Social entrepreneurship and development in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Nwauche, Sokeibelemaye
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Economic development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19817 , vital:28976
- Description: Focusing on the policy context for social entrepreneurship in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), this dissertation examines the processes through which social entrepreneurs participate in the processes of development of the municipality because; social entrepreneurship is increasingly being recognised as a mechanism for creating social and economic value. Social entrepreneurs play a significant role in fulfilling unmet societal needs and in filling gaps, particularly in areas where government and the market fall short. Based on this view, this study raises questions about the integrated policy guiding social entrepreneurship for better development outcomes. It aims to contribute to the body of literature on social entrepreneurship and development by examining the processes through which social entrepreneurs participate in the development of the communities at the local level. Using the Grounded Theory method, this study found that there is no integrated policy on social entrepreneurship in the NMBM and that the deficiency created by the lack of an integrated policy engenders Social Revisioning. The substantive theory of Social Revisioning emerged from the data to explain the processes through which social entrepreneurs participate in the development of communities when there is no integrated policy on social entrepreneurship. In response to the deficiencies in the policy context, differentiated and autonomous entities within and outside of the municipal government step in and support social entrepreneurs to provide services and participate in the processes of development. However, even though Social Revisioning can be used to address the policy deficiencies in social entrepreneurship and development, the differentiations and autonomy that characterise the entities, role players and processes embodied in Social Revisioning prevent cohesion among them and again beg for an integrated policy that will incorporate them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nwauche, Sokeibelemaye
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Economic development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19817 , vital:28976
- Description: Focusing on the policy context for social entrepreneurship in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), this dissertation examines the processes through which social entrepreneurs participate in the processes of development of the municipality because; social entrepreneurship is increasingly being recognised as a mechanism for creating social and economic value. Social entrepreneurs play a significant role in fulfilling unmet societal needs and in filling gaps, particularly in areas where government and the market fall short. Based on this view, this study raises questions about the integrated policy guiding social entrepreneurship for better development outcomes. It aims to contribute to the body of literature on social entrepreneurship and development by examining the processes through which social entrepreneurs participate in the development of the communities at the local level. Using the Grounded Theory method, this study found that there is no integrated policy on social entrepreneurship in the NMBM and that the deficiency created by the lack of an integrated policy engenders Social Revisioning. The substantive theory of Social Revisioning emerged from the data to explain the processes through which social entrepreneurs participate in the development of communities when there is no integrated policy on social entrepreneurship. In response to the deficiencies in the policy context, differentiated and autonomous entities within and outside of the municipal government step in and support social entrepreneurs to provide services and participate in the processes of development. However, even though Social Revisioning can be used to address the policy deficiencies in social entrepreneurship and development, the differentiations and autonomy that characterise the entities, role players and processes embodied in Social Revisioning prevent cohesion among them and again beg for an integrated policy that will incorporate them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Social media and development in the rural areas :an overview of the possible effects of socila media on the Thembu youth
- Matsheke, Masande Siyakudumisa
- Authors: Matsheke, Masande Siyakudumisa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rural youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social media -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tembu (African people) -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45355 , vital:38573
- Description: the possible impact on the Thembu through the introduction of information communication technologies (ICTs) as a development tool is the main concern. This is done by unpacking the model of Ubuntu as the foundation of the Thembu’s value system and juxtaposing its values to those found on social media. As Ubuntu is the basis of the Thembu cultural identity, the possible effects of ICTs, more specifically social media, on the cultural identity of the Thembu is a key concept in the treatise. The treatise begins by exploring Ubuntu in different guises so as to understand the concept holistically. This is done by examining the works of Mogobe Ramose and others in unpacking Ubuntu as a way of living. The manifestations of Ubuntu in Thembu culture are also explored so as to appreciate the relevance of Ubuntu in Thembu culture. As ICTs are introduced to the rural Thembu as part of the government’s development efforts, the treatise explores the development policies of South Africa from the RDP to GEAR in order to understand the development stance of the country. The role of ICTs in the development is also looked at. The clashing values and other contradictory factors between social media and Ubuntu are looked at in order to support the main argument of the treatise –that of social media having a negative impact on the Thembu cultural identity through inherent values found therein.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Matsheke, Masande Siyakudumisa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rural youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social media -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tembu (African people) -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45355 , vital:38573
- Description: the possible impact on the Thembu through the introduction of information communication technologies (ICTs) as a development tool is the main concern. This is done by unpacking the model of Ubuntu as the foundation of the Thembu’s value system and juxtaposing its values to those found on social media. As Ubuntu is the basis of the Thembu cultural identity, the possible effects of ICTs, more specifically social media, on the cultural identity of the Thembu is a key concept in the treatise. The treatise begins by exploring Ubuntu in different guises so as to understand the concept holistically. This is done by examining the works of Mogobe Ramose and others in unpacking Ubuntu as a way of living. The manifestations of Ubuntu in Thembu culture are also explored so as to appreciate the relevance of Ubuntu in Thembu culture. As ICTs are introduced to the rural Thembu as part of the government’s development efforts, the treatise explores the development policies of South Africa from the RDP to GEAR in order to understand the development stance of the country. The role of ICTs in the development is also looked at. The clashing values and other contradictory factors between social media and Ubuntu are looked at in order to support the main argument of the treatise –that of social media having a negative impact on the Thembu cultural identity through inherent values found therein.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Social networking services in support of patient centred care: a South African perspective
- Mentoor, Allisson Catherine Ebony
- Authors: Mentoor, Allisson Catherine Ebony
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Online social networks -- Research -- South Africa , Medical care -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Patient-centered health care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7334 , vital:21321
- Description: In an effort to improve the South African healthcare system, the Department of Health in South Africa is investing in National Health Insurance to support and deliver access to quality healthcare services within affordable boundaries. Enhanced delivery and quality of care to patients is supplemented through an increased emphasis on the adoption of eHealth technologies and systems. Within the context of efforts to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare services, there is also increasing awareness of the need to adopt a patient centred care approach as a means of caring for the patient, rather than only caring for the disease. Patient centred care emphasises the need for patients to be actively involved in the decision making process with regards to their needs and treatment. Social networking is viewed as a useful tool to support patient centred care and to improve on healthcare delivery. The use of social networking services beyond the healthcare context has increased exponentially. This has lead to increased interest in the application of social networking in healthcare. This leads to the problem statement of this research, which is the proliferation of social networking services and the lack of understanding of the prospect of social networking services for patient centred care in South Africa. In order to address this problem, the research investigates three areas of focus, namely patient centred care, the South African healthcare sector and social networking services. This generates an understanding of the meaning of patient centred care in general, and also in this study; the status quo in South African healthcare and the incorporation of patient centred care within selected strategic healthcare directives; social networking services in general as well as its application in healthcare; and the factors affecting the use of social networking services for patient centred care in the South African healthcare context. The factors are analysed to explore the prospects of social networking services for patient centred care in South African healthcare. The outcome of this analysis represents a useful input for healthcare providers and administrators in government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mentoor, Allisson Catherine Ebony
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Online social networks -- Research -- South Africa , Medical care -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Patient-centered health care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7334 , vital:21321
- Description: In an effort to improve the South African healthcare system, the Department of Health in South Africa is investing in National Health Insurance to support and deliver access to quality healthcare services within affordable boundaries. Enhanced delivery and quality of care to patients is supplemented through an increased emphasis on the adoption of eHealth technologies and systems. Within the context of efforts to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare services, there is also increasing awareness of the need to adopt a patient centred care approach as a means of caring for the patient, rather than only caring for the disease. Patient centred care emphasises the need for patients to be actively involved in the decision making process with regards to their needs and treatment. Social networking is viewed as a useful tool to support patient centred care and to improve on healthcare delivery. The use of social networking services beyond the healthcare context has increased exponentially. This has lead to increased interest in the application of social networking in healthcare. This leads to the problem statement of this research, which is the proliferation of social networking services and the lack of understanding of the prospect of social networking services for patient centred care in South Africa. In order to address this problem, the research investigates three areas of focus, namely patient centred care, the South African healthcare sector and social networking services. This generates an understanding of the meaning of patient centred care in general, and also in this study; the status quo in South African healthcare and the incorporation of patient centred care within selected strategic healthcare directives; social networking services in general as well as its application in healthcare; and the factors affecting the use of social networking services for patient centred care in the South African healthcare context. The factors are analysed to explore the prospects of social networking services for patient centred care in South African healthcare. The outcome of this analysis represents a useful input for healthcare providers and administrators in government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Socio-economic and environmental impacts of small-scale mining in the Sarah Baartman District
- Authors: Mulaudzi, Azwihangwisi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17559 , vital:28378
- Description: The purpose of this study was to assess, on limited scale, the socio-economic and environmental impact of small-scale mining in the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, a municipality that is predominantly rural in nature and stricken by poverty. The topic of legal and illegal small-scale mining has received considerable attention from both the government and communities in recent years. At the heart of small-scale mining is enshrined the goals of creating employment and promoting the economic growth and development of the district. This study investigates the results of both a legal and an illegal mining operation in the municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mulaudzi, Azwihangwisi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17559 , vital:28378
- Description: The purpose of this study was to assess, on limited scale, the socio-economic and environmental impact of small-scale mining in the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, a municipality that is predominantly rural in nature and stricken by poverty. The topic of legal and illegal small-scale mining has received considerable attention from both the government and communities in recent years. At the heart of small-scale mining is enshrined the goals of creating employment and promoting the economic growth and development of the district. This study investigates the results of both a legal and an illegal mining operation in the municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
South African community pharmacists’ self-perception of their professional identity and job satisfaction
- Authors: Smith, Robert Mark Houston
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Pharmacy -- Practice -- South Africa Pharmacists -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa , Community health services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20637 , vital:29363
- Description: The role of the community pharmacist has changed over the past two decades. The traditional specialist roles of pharmacists, such as compounding and preparation of medications, are now infrequent activities and the profession has moved to a more patient-centred focus. Furthermore, pharmaceutical care has been developed and adopted as a practice philosophy to add value and bring care for patients back into the profession. However, there is still much debate in academic and policy literature concerning the reluctance of community pharmacists to adopt and implement pharmaceutical care in practice environments. Empirical evidence has suggested that the professional identity of pharmacists is both ambiguous and multifaceted. However, the practice of pharmaceutical care has been demonstrated to increase organisational identity of pharmacists, as well as their job satisfaction. In addition, pharmacists in a clinical role have been shown to have higher levels of job satisfaction than their counterparts in nonclinical roles. This study has identified, described and analysed the self-perceived professional identities of community pharmacists within a South African context. Furthermore, it sought to determine their current levels of job satisfaction. The relationships between professional identity, job satisfaction and role were analysed in an attempt to understand the influence of professional identity on job satisfaction and behaviour of pharmacists. This study made use of a mixed method of inquiry, online questionnaire, administered to a large sample, which allowed the researcher to take a broad view of the research foci at a specific moment in time. This study found the existence of six professional identities amongst South African Community Pharmacists; namely the practitioner, the jaded pharmacist, the social carer, the professional, the medicine supplier and the entrepreneur. South African community pharmacists were, generally, satisfied with their jobs, professed to practice pharmaceutical care and adopted it as a practice philosophy. South African Community pharmacists were, in general, committed to their profession. Correlation between a pharmacist’s professional identity and their job title, job satisfaction and their commitment were found to be statistically significant. A pharmacist’s level of job satisfaction was statistically correlated to their practice of pharmaceutical care. No statistically significant relationship was found to exist between a pharmacist’s identity and their work load or tasks performed. Characterising South African community pharmacists’ identities is of great significance in an effort to better understand the forces that drive our profession of pharmacy. In doing so, have found that identity affects many elements of work life such as job satisfaction, professional commitment and the practice of patient care.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Smith, Robert Mark Houston
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Pharmacy -- Practice -- South Africa Pharmacists -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa , Community health services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20637 , vital:29363
- Description: The role of the community pharmacist has changed over the past two decades. The traditional specialist roles of pharmacists, such as compounding and preparation of medications, are now infrequent activities and the profession has moved to a more patient-centred focus. Furthermore, pharmaceutical care has been developed and adopted as a practice philosophy to add value and bring care for patients back into the profession. However, there is still much debate in academic and policy literature concerning the reluctance of community pharmacists to adopt and implement pharmaceutical care in practice environments. Empirical evidence has suggested that the professional identity of pharmacists is both ambiguous and multifaceted. However, the practice of pharmaceutical care has been demonstrated to increase organisational identity of pharmacists, as well as their job satisfaction. In addition, pharmacists in a clinical role have been shown to have higher levels of job satisfaction than their counterparts in nonclinical roles. This study has identified, described and analysed the self-perceived professional identities of community pharmacists within a South African context. Furthermore, it sought to determine their current levels of job satisfaction. The relationships between professional identity, job satisfaction and role were analysed in an attempt to understand the influence of professional identity on job satisfaction and behaviour of pharmacists. This study made use of a mixed method of inquiry, online questionnaire, administered to a large sample, which allowed the researcher to take a broad view of the research foci at a specific moment in time. This study found the existence of six professional identities amongst South African Community Pharmacists; namely the practitioner, the jaded pharmacist, the social carer, the professional, the medicine supplier and the entrepreneur. South African community pharmacists were, generally, satisfied with their jobs, professed to practice pharmaceutical care and adopted it as a practice philosophy. South African Community pharmacists were, in general, committed to their profession. Correlation between a pharmacist’s professional identity and their job title, job satisfaction and their commitment were found to be statistically significant. A pharmacist’s level of job satisfaction was statistically correlated to their practice of pharmaceutical care. No statistically significant relationship was found to exist between a pharmacist’s identity and their work load or tasks performed. Characterising South African community pharmacists’ identities is of great significance in an effort to better understand the forces that drive our profession of pharmacy. In doing so, have found that identity affects many elements of work life such as job satisfaction, professional commitment and the practice of patient care.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
South African public sector property management: a performance model
- Mali-Swelindawo, Bongiwe Lorreta, Yan, Bingwen
- Authors: Mali-Swelindawo, Bongiwe Lorreta , Yan, Bingwen
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa Performance standards -- South Africa , Public buildings -- South Africa Real estate management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21185 , vital:29454
- Description: This research was conducted with the intention of accomplishing effective property management (PM) in order for public sector properties in South Africa (SA) SA to fulfil more remarkably, public sector property stakeholders’ requirements. In particular, this study was concluded within a South African municipal environment with the specific purpose of alleviating South African municipalities from problems associated with overall poor operational performance, dissatisfied public sector property stakeholders, and inadequacies in competitiveness and global alignment. The primary objective of this study was to develop a performance model deemed necessary for the effective management of public sector properties in SA. This was achieved by developing a performance model for effective management of public sector properties, a model to systematically monitor, measure and control current expectations and changes within a public sector property management function. Herewith, performance model for effective management of public sector properties in South Africa. At the time of conducting this study, there was no conceptual model developed for performance management of public sector properties. In order to develop the performance model, the conceptual model identified key elements that included: 1) obsolescence and strategic factors; 2) global alignment; 3) finance and cost control; 4) PESTEL impact; 5) transformation and sustainability; 6) leadership and governance; and 7) monitoring, measurement and control as influences that directly impact a perceived successful management of public sector properties in SA. The study also took the form of a quantitative research project that included a formal survey of the identified population sample. The main statistical procedure employed was Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Originally, the study offered 24 hypotheses; however, only 11 hypotheses could be confirmed by SEM measurement. Therefore, through SEM, the significance of the relationships between variables could be tested. Appropriate quantitative data were collected from public and private South African Built Environment professionals, students and other academics. The research made use of snowball sampling through questionnaires, with a sample size of 171. It is anticipated that findings of this study will be acknowledged by public sector PM in an effort to resolve PM problems through the incorporation of pertinent recommendations. Likewise, since the performance model for effective management of public sector properties was not extant prior to this study, this research is cutting-edge and therefore pioneering to PM, especially within the public sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mali-Swelindawo, Bongiwe Lorreta , Yan, Bingwen
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa Performance standards -- South Africa , Public buildings -- South Africa Real estate management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21185 , vital:29454
- Description: This research was conducted with the intention of accomplishing effective property management (PM) in order for public sector properties in South Africa (SA) SA to fulfil more remarkably, public sector property stakeholders’ requirements. In particular, this study was concluded within a South African municipal environment with the specific purpose of alleviating South African municipalities from problems associated with overall poor operational performance, dissatisfied public sector property stakeholders, and inadequacies in competitiveness and global alignment. The primary objective of this study was to develop a performance model deemed necessary for the effective management of public sector properties in SA. This was achieved by developing a performance model for effective management of public sector properties, a model to systematically monitor, measure and control current expectations and changes within a public sector property management function. Herewith, performance model for effective management of public sector properties in South Africa. At the time of conducting this study, there was no conceptual model developed for performance management of public sector properties. In order to develop the performance model, the conceptual model identified key elements that included: 1) obsolescence and strategic factors; 2) global alignment; 3) finance and cost control; 4) PESTEL impact; 5) transformation and sustainability; 6) leadership and governance; and 7) monitoring, measurement and control as influences that directly impact a perceived successful management of public sector properties in SA. The study also took the form of a quantitative research project that included a formal survey of the identified population sample. The main statistical procedure employed was Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Originally, the study offered 24 hypotheses; however, only 11 hypotheses could be confirmed by SEM measurement. Therefore, through SEM, the significance of the relationships between variables could be tested. Appropriate quantitative data were collected from public and private South African Built Environment professionals, students and other academics. The research made use of snowball sampling through questionnaires, with a sample size of 171. It is anticipated that findings of this study will be acknowledged by public sector PM in an effort to resolve PM problems through the incorporation of pertinent recommendations. Likewise, since the performance model for effective management of public sector properties was not extant prior to this study, this research is cutting-edge and therefore pioneering to PM, especially within the public sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy: skills availability implications
- Authors: Myeki, Pumla Qamisa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Environmental economics -- South Africa , Environmental policy -- Developing countries Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14157 , vital:27437
- Description: South Africa together with the rest of the world have been caught up in a new policy wave of developing policies that support the move towards sustainable, low-carbon and climate resilient economies. However, like any other transition, the social and economic impact of the new policy initiative towards a low-carbon economy is not yet fully understood, both in short- and long-term. While it is clear that the low carbon agenda presents major opportunities in terms of job creation, improved standard of living levels, improved resource consumption patterns as well as economic benefits. It also presents challenges, given the level of education and lack of skills for the installation, construction and operation of many technologies during the process of retrofitting the existing plants as well as infrastructures associated with the new low carbon agenda. The primary objective of this research study is to explore implications of skills availability in order to gain better understanding into the nature, extent and severity of skills shortage impact on the transition to a low-carbon economic future. The research study has revealed that shortage of skills may have a negative impact on the progress of the envisaged South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economic growth trajectory. However, to varied factors, the study could not clearly articulate the nature, extent and severity of the skills shortages impact on the transition to a low-carbon economic future. These factors may include but not limited to the following: The concept of low-carbon economy is still a new concept with no universally agreed on definition, thus; leading uncertainties with regards to what it entails as well as policy dilemmas; Low-carbon economy is cross-cutting and cannot be clearly defined as a sector. With no clear sectorial boundaries it is difficult to plan for low-carbon economy sector; Skills shortage is chronic and is persistent but due to the fragmented and non-coherent approach by South African government when dealing with skills development. There are a number of reports by different departments on skills shortages but these reports do not talk to each other making it difficult to articulate at national level the nature, extent and severity of the challenge, due to scattered research. This research study has recommended some initiatives that the government of South Africa can consider in order to deal with uncertainties surrounding the low-carbon economy as well as the nature, extent and severity of skills shortages in South Africa. The study also suggested some possible future research interests that need to be pursued in order to develop useful data for decision makers both in the low-carbon economy and skills shortage space.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Myeki, Pumla Qamisa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Environmental economics -- South Africa , Environmental policy -- Developing countries Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14157 , vital:27437
- Description: South Africa together with the rest of the world have been caught up in a new policy wave of developing policies that support the move towards sustainable, low-carbon and climate resilient economies. However, like any other transition, the social and economic impact of the new policy initiative towards a low-carbon economy is not yet fully understood, both in short- and long-term. While it is clear that the low carbon agenda presents major opportunities in terms of job creation, improved standard of living levels, improved resource consumption patterns as well as economic benefits. It also presents challenges, given the level of education and lack of skills for the installation, construction and operation of many technologies during the process of retrofitting the existing plants as well as infrastructures associated with the new low carbon agenda. The primary objective of this research study is to explore implications of skills availability in order to gain better understanding into the nature, extent and severity of skills shortage impact on the transition to a low-carbon economic future. The research study has revealed that shortage of skills may have a negative impact on the progress of the envisaged South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economic growth trajectory. However, to varied factors, the study could not clearly articulate the nature, extent and severity of the skills shortages impact on the transition to a low-carbon economic future. These factors may include but not limited to the following: The concept of low-carbon economy is still a new concept with no universally agreed on definition, thus; leading uncertainties with regards to what it entails as well as policy dilemmas; Low-carbon economy is cross-cutting and cannot be clearly defined as a sector. With no clear sectorial boundaries it is difficult to plan for low-carbon economy sector; Skills shortage is chronic and is persistent but due to the fragmented and non-coherent approach by South African government when dealing with skills development. There are a number of reports by different departments on skills shortages but these reports do not talk to each other making it difficult to articulate at national level the nature, extent and severity of the challenge, due to scattered research. This research study has recommended some initiatives that the government of South Africa can consider in order to deal with uncertainties surrounding the low-carbon economy as well as the nature, extent and severity of skills shortages in South Africa. The study also suggested some possible future research interests that need to be pursued in order to develop useful data for decision makers both in the low-carbon economy and skills shortage space.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Stakeholder perceptions of participatory process in community development projects in Mdantsane
- Authors: Tyekela, Pumla
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20670 , vital:29370
- Description: Understanding stakeholders’ perception on the participation process is imperative so that strategies that foster people’s participation in community projects are implemented. This will facilitate that community members take part and contribute in their own development projects. In most projects perceptions can influence and impede participation. Most often the challenges experienced include acts of inequalities, lack of financial resources and informal and formal barriers that limit decision making and the capacity of people to participate effectively. As a consequence, authentic participation in community development projects intended to enhance and encourage more people to participate is not possible. The focus of the study was to explore and analyse perceptions of community stakeholders towards participation in community development activities in Mdantsane, a township situated between East London and King William’s Town. The research asked the following question: What are the perceptions of community stakeholders regarding the participation process in community development projects. This study was conducted using the qualitative approach to explore and gain an understanding of the underlying reasons, opinions and motivation for data gathered. The sample groups were the project staff and the government officials that had a better knowledge of the projects. Data was collected through the use of in-depth structured and semi structured interviews. The data showed that a large number of participants believed that participation involvement in project activities was motivated by regular meetings and material and financial incentives. The data further revealed that poor planning, lack of resources, constrained decision-making processes, selective reporting on the project progress were among the limitations of participation. Restraining these participation impediments will enhance and expand participation in community development projects. It is the author’s hope that recommendations made by this study, if implemented will improve participation in community projects in Mdantsane development projects to understand the concept and significance of community participation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Tyekela, Pumla
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20670 , vital:29370
- Description: Understanding stakeholders’ perception on the participation process is imperative so that strategies that foster people’s participation in community projects are implemented. This will facilitate that community members take part and contribute in their own development projects. In most projects perceptions can influence and impede participation. Most often the challenges experienced include acts of inequalities, lack of financial resources and informal and formal barriers that limit decision making and the capacity of people to participate effectively. As a consequence, authentic participation in community development projects intended to enhance and encourage more people to participate is not possible. The focus of the study was to explore and analyse perceptions of community stakeholders towards participation in community development activities in Mdantsane, a township situated between East London and King William’s Town. The research asked the following question: What are the perceptions of community stakeholders regarding the participation process in community development projects. This study was conducted using the qualitative approach to explore and gain an understanding of the underlying reasons, opinions and motivation for data gathered. The sample groups were the project staff and the government officials that had a better knowledge of the projects. Data was collected through the use of in-depth structured and semi structured interviews. The data showed that a large number of participants believed that participation involvement in project activities was motivated by regular meetings and material and financial incentives. The data further revealed that poor planning, lack of resources, constrained decision-making processes, selective reporting on the project progress were among the limitations of participation. Restraining these participation impediments will enhance and expand participation in community development projects. It is the author’s hope that recommendations made by this study, if implemented will improve participation in community projects in Mdantsane development projects to understand the concept and significance of community participation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Statistical methods for the detection of non-technical losses: a case study for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Pazi, Sisa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Nonparametric statistics Mathematical statistics , Statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19706 , vital:28939
- Description: Electricity is one of the most stolen commodities in the world. Electricity theft can be defined as the criminal act of stealing electrical power. Several types of electricity theft exist, including illegal connections and bypassing and tampering with energy meters. The negative financial impacts, due to lost revenue, of electricity theft are far reaching and affect both developing and developed countries. . Here in South Africa, Eskom loses over R2 Billion annually due to electricity theft. Data mining and nonparametric statistical methods have been used to detect fraudulent usage of electricity by assessing abnormalities and abrupt changes in kilowatt hour (kWh) consumption patterns. Identifying effective measures to detect fraudulent electricity usage is an active area of research in the electrical domain. In this study, Support Vector Machines (SVM), Naïve Bayes (NB) and k-Nearest Neighbour (KNN) algorithms were used to design and propose an electricity fraud detection model. Using the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality as a case study, three classifiers were built with SVM, NB and KNN algorithms. The performance of these classifiers were evaluated and compared.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Pazi, Sisa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Nonparametric statistics Mathematical statistics , Statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19706 , vital:28939
- Description: Electricity is one of the most stolen commodities in the world. Electricity theft can be defined as the criminal act of stealing electrical power. Several types of electricity theft exist, including illegal connections and bypassing and tampering with energy meters. The negative financial impacts, due to lost revenue, of electricity theft are far reaching and affect both developing and developed countries. . Here in South Africa, Eskom loses over R2 Billion annually due to electricity theft. Data mining and nonparametric statistical methods have been used to detect fraudulent usage of electricity by assessing abnormalities and abrupt changes in kilowatt hour (kWh) consumption patterns. Identifying effective measures to detect fraudulent electricity usage is an active area of research in the electrical domain. In this study, Support Vector Machines (SVM), Naïve Bayes (NB) and k-Nearest Neighbour (KNN) algorithms were used to design and propose an electricity fraud detection model. Using the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality as a case study, three classifiers were built with SVM, NB and KNN algorithms. The performance of these classifiers were evaluated and compared.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Statistical modelling applied to perceptions of fraud
- Authors: Mnci, Mihlali
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mathematical statistics Statistics , Mathematical models Bank fraud Banks and banking -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41073 , vital:36289
- Description: This study aims to investigate and identify attitudes, behaviours and perceptions harboured by bank cardholders and merchants, which are associated with a higher susceptibility towards experiencing bank card fraud. Primary data was obtained from bank cardholders and merchants, from various business categories, in both the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. Following the use of parametric Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR) and nonparametric conditional density estimation to analyse the data, the results are compared and relevant covariates/perceptions are determined from the more accurate of the two techniques. The results of the analysed survey data serve as a tool, highlighting areas which require further education and awareness on the part of merchants and bank clients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mnci, Mihlali
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mathematical statistics Statistics , Mathematical models Bank fraud Banks and banking -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41073 , vital:36289
- Description: This study aims to investigate and identify attitudes, behaviours and perceptions harboured by bank cardholders and merchants, which are associated with a higher susceptibility towards experiencing bank card fraud. Primary data was obtained from bank cardholders and merchants, from various business categories, in both the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. Following the use of parametric Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR) and nonparametric conditional density estimation to analyse the data, the results are compared and relevant covariates/perceptions are determined from the more accurate of the two techniques. The results of the analysed survey data serve as a tool, highlighting areas which require further education and awareness on the part of merchants and bank clients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Statistical modelling applied to perceptions of fraud
- Authors: Mnci, Mihlali
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mathematical statistics Statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41064 , vital:36288
- Description: This study aims to investigate and identify attitudes, behaviours and perceptions harboured by bank cardholders and merchants, which are associated with a higher susceptibility towards experiencing bank card fraud. Primary data was obtained from bank cardholders and merchants, from various business categories, in both the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. Following the use of parametric Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR) and nonparametric conditional density estimation to analyse the data, the results are compared and relevant covariates/perceptions are determined from the more accurate of the two techniques. The results of the analysed survey data serve as a tool, highlighting areas which require further education and awareness on the part of merchants and bank clients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mnci, Mihlali
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mathematical statistics Statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41064 , vital:36288
- Description: This study aims to investigate and identify attitudes, behaviours and perceptions harboured by bank cardholders and merchants, which are associated with a higher susceptibility towards experiencing bank card fraud. Primary data was obtained from bank cardholders and merchants, from various business categories, in both the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. Following the use of parametric Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR) and nonparametric conditional density estimation to analyse the data, the results are compared and relevant covariates/perceptions are determined from the more accurate of the two techniques. The results of the analysed survey data serve as a tool, highlighting areas which require further education and awareness on the part of merchants and bank clients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Statistical viability assessment of a photovoltaic system in the presence of data uncertainty
- Authors: Clohessy, Chantelle May
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Bayesian field theory , Photovoltaic power systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15655 , vital:28280
- Description: This thesis investigates statistical techniques that can be used to improve estimates and methods in feasibility assessments of photovoltaic (PV) systems. The use of these techniques are illustrated for a case study of a 1MW PV system proposed for the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University South Campus in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The results from the study provide strong support for the use of multivariate profile analysis and interval estimate plots for the assessment of solar resource data. A unique view to manufacturing process control in the generation of energy from a PV system is identified. This link between PV energy generation and process control is lacking in the literature and exploited in this study. Variance component models are used to model power output and energy yield estimates of the proposed PV system. The variance components are simulated using Bayesian simulation techniques. Bayesian tolerance intervals are derived from the variance components and are used to determine what percentage of future power output and energy yield values fall within an interval with a certain probability. The results from the estimated tolerance intervals were informative and provided expected power outputs and energy yields for a given month and specific season. The methods improve on current techniques used to assess the energy output of a system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Clohessy, Chantelle May
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Bayesian field theory , Photovoltaic power systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15655 , vital:28280
- Description: This thesis investigates statistical techniques that can be used to improve estimates and methods in feasibility assessments of photovoltaic (PV) systems. The use of these techniques are illustrated for a case study of a 1MW PV system proposed for the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University South Campus in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The results from the study provide strong support for the use of multivariate profile analysis and interval estimate plots for the assessment of solar resource data. A unique view to manufacturing process control in the generation of energy from a PV system is identified. This link between PV energy generation and process control is lacking in the literature and exploited in this study. Variance component models are used to model power output and energy yield estimates of the proposed PV system. The variance components are simulated using Bayesian simulation techniques. Bayesian tolerance intervals are derived from the variance components and are used to determine what percentage of future power output and energy yield values fall within an interval with a certain probability. The results from the estimated tolerance intervals were informative and provided expected power outputs and energy yields for a given month and specific season. The methods improve on current techniques used to assess the energy output of a system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Storytelling and social commentary in a comparison of Zakes Mda's Ways of Dying (1995) and Black Diamond (2009)
- Authors: Thackwray, Sarah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South African literature (English) -- Black authors -- History and criticism , Politics in literature , Storytelling -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7149 , vital:21265
- Description: In a comparison of two novels, Ways of Dying (1995) and Black Diamond (2009), this dissertation examines Zakes Mda's ongoing use of fiction in presenting incisive social commentary in the post-apartheid literary context. Mda's debut novel is a complex magic realist tale of Toloki, the professional mourner, who journeys from the village to the urban township. It is markedly different from his post-millennial satire, which invokes the social realist form, constructing a rapidly unfolding plot of urban gangsters, crime and sex, in which the characters are more representational than well-developed. While Ways of Dying has been praised as Mda's thought-provoking novel of the transition, Black Diamond has sometimes been criticised as being less able to comment significantly on the state of post-millennial South Africa. Subsequently, this dissertation evaluates the potential of Mda's most recent fictional portrayal of post-apartheid society to provide a meaningful interpretation of and commentary on post-apartheid South Africa, alongside his earlier novel.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Thackwray, Sarah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South African literature (English) -- Black authors -- History and criticism , Politics in literature , Storytelling -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7149 , vital:21265
- Description: In a comparison of two novels, Ways of Dying (1995) and Black Diamond (2009), this dissertation examines Zakes Mda's ongoing use of fiction in presenting incisive social commentary in the post-apartheid literary context. Mda's debut novel is a complex magic realist tale of Toloki, the professional mourner, who journeys from the village to the urban township. It is markedly different from his post-millennial satire, which invokes the social realist form, constructing a rapidly unfolding plot of urban gangsters, crime and sex, in which the characters are more representational than well-developed. While Ways of Dying has been praised as Mda's thought-provoking novel of the transition, Black Diamond has sometimes been criticised as being less able to comment significantly on the state of post-millennial South Africa. Subsequently, this dissertation evaluates the potential of Mda's most recent fictional portrayal of post-apartheid society to provide a meaningful interpretation of and commentary on post-apartheid South Africa, alongside his earlier novel.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Strategies for advancing women into executive management positions
- Authors: Dlamini, Patricia Dollane
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa Success in business -- South Africa , Sex role in the work environment -- South Africa Management -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15005 , vital:28112
- Description: Problem: In South Africa, women have not always had opportunities in society or the workplace due to historical discriminatory political and socio-economic policies and practices, including apartheid (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, 2011). Gender disparity at the top echelons of organisations is still prevalent, and the South African business landscape is not different despite progressive legislation promulgated in the late 90s when the democratic government took over. Aim of the study: The aim was to identify challenges faced by women when attempting to advance into executive positions and strategies that could assist them in this respect. Method: A literature study was conducted to establish what work had already been done in the field of gender studies and advancement of women in the corporate world. For the empirical study an interpretivist paradigm with a qualitative research approach was adopted. Interviews were conducted with ten women who were members of the Port Elizabeth branch of the Businesswomen's Association of South Africa (BWASA) and who were categorised as hopeful, emerging or already in executive positions. They were asked about the challenges they were facing or had experienced and the strategies that assisted or could assist them in advancing to an executive position. They were also asked to provide critical incidents with the view of enriching the data and gaining a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. Results: Gender-insensitive organisational policies, an unsupportive organisational culture and unknown barriers in selection emerged as key challenges experienced by the participants. Facilitative strategies that emerged included a supportive corporate culture, family support, an enabling supervisor and affiliation to professional bodies. Conclusion: Whilst a large pool of work has been done on the advancement of women, gender equality in corporate South Africa remained a challenge. This challenge should be addressed from a corporate, personal and professional perspective. Recommendations: An integrated organisational approach to this phenomenon is required which should include appropriate company policies, a supportive organisational culture and enabling supervisors. In addition, women should garner the support that their families provide and they could greatly benefit from affiliating to professional bodies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Dlamini, Patricia Dollane
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa Success in business -- South Africa , Sex role in the work environment -- South Africa Management -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15005 , vital:28112
- Description: Problem: In South Africa, women have not always had opportunities in society or the workplace due to historical discriminatory political and socio-economic policies and practices, including apartheid (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, 2011). Gender disparity at the top echelons of organisations is still prevalent, and the South African business landscape is not different despite progressive legislation promulgated in the late 90s when the democratic government took over. Aim of the study: The aim was to identify challenges faced by women when attempting to advance into executive positions and strategies that could assist them in this respect. Method: A literature study was conducted to establish what work had already been done in the field of gender studies and advancement of women in the corporate world. For the empirical study an interpretivist paradigm with a qualitative research approach was adopted. Interviews were conducted with ten women who were members of the Port Elizabeth branch of the Businesswomen's Association of South Africa (BWASA) and who were categorised as hopeful, emerging or already in executive positions. They were asked about the challenges they were facing or had experienced and the strategies that assisted or could assist them in advancing to an executive position. They were also asked to provide critical incidents with the view of enriching the data and gaining a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. Results: Gender-insensitive organisational policies, an unsupportive organisational culture and unknown barriers in selection emerged as key challenges experienced by the participants. Facilitative strategies that emerged included a supportive corporate culture, family support, an enabling supervisor and affiliation to professional bodies. Conclusion: Whilst a large pool of work has been done on the advancement of women, gender equality in corporate South Africa remained a challenge. This challenge should be addressed from a corporate, personal and professional perspective. Recommendations: An integrated organisational approach to this phenomenon is required which should include appropriate company policies, a supportive organisational culture and enabling supervisors. In addition, women should garner the support that their families provide and they could greatly benefit from affiliating to professional bodies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Strategies to improve the representation of black women in senior levels within the South African banking industry
- Authors: Peacock, Brenda Thandiwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women bankers -- South Africa Bank management -- Women -- South Africa , Women executives -- South Africa Leadership in women -- South Africa Minorities -- Employment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19695 , vital:28936
- Description: The main purpose of this qualitative research study was to investigate strategies to improve the representation of black females in senior levels within the South African banking industry. This was done through investigating the challenges that black women face in their career advancement within the banking industry and the strategies which currently exist and can be implemented to improve this representation. In as much as the research is aimed at seeking strategies to improve black women representation in senior positions, it also seeks to understand the barriers experienced by black women in different levels within the industry as these levels serve as a pipeline for senior management. This problem was addressed through answering the research objectives. The research objectives were achieved through conducting a literature review to explore the existing research topic and conducting an empirical study. Empirical evidence was obtained through conducting semi-structured interviews with seven black women who are currently working in the banking sector. Semi-structured interviews were used due to the target population being specific to black women as well as the need to acquire in-depth knowledge from black women of their experiences in climbing the corporate ladder in the sector. The key findings of the research found that the participant’s perception was that black women were at the bottom, that black women were displaying behaviours that were inhibiting their progress to senior positions. The study also found that black women struggled to advance to senior positions due to different challenges that they encountered. The study is finalised by the participants providing recommendations in terms of how the representation of black women could be improved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Peacock, Brenda Thandiwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women bankers -- South Africa Bank management -- Women -- South Africa , Women executives -- South Africa Leadership in women -- South Africa Minorities -- Employment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19695 , vital:28936
- Description: The main purpose of this qualitative research study was to investigate strategies to improve the representation of black females in senior levels within the South African banking industry. This was done through investigating the challenges that black women face in their career advancement within the banking industry and the strategies which currently exist and can be implemented to improve this representation. In as much as the research is aimed at seeking strategies to improve black women representation in senior positions, it also seeks to understand the barriers experienced by black women in different levels within the industry as these levels serve as a pipeline for senior management. This problem was addressed through answering the research objectives. The research objectives were achieved through conducting a literature review to explore the existing research topic and conducting an empirical study. Empirical evidence was obtained through conducting semi-structured interviews with seven black women who are currently working in the banking sector. Semi-structured interviews were used due to the target population being specific to black women as well as the need to acquire in-depth knowledge from black women of their experiences in climbing the corporate ladder in the sector. The key findings of the research found that the participant’s perception was that black women were at the bottom, that black women were displaying behaviours that were inhibiting their progress to senior positions. The study also found that black women struggled to advance to senior positions due to different challenges that they encountered. The study is finalised by the participants providing recommendations in terms of how the representation of black women could be improved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Strategies to prepare and support the role transition of significant others in becoming caregivers of persons with dementia
- Authors: Smith, Lourett
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Dementia -- Patients -- Care -- South Africa Caregivers -- Mental health -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20856 , vital:29407
- Description: Significant others of persons with dementia face many challenges when caring for their loved ones in the home. I became aware of the challenges that significant others of persons with dementia face when caring for persons with dementia, when I was working as a registered nurse in a psychiatric hospital. As a junior registered nurse I found it challenging at times to manage persons with dementia due to the behavioural problems that they exhibited. It occurred to me at the time that significant others who became caregivers of persons with dementia must struggle with their role as caregivers, not having the necessary knowledge and skills to care for them. Literature confirms my observation that significant others need assistance when they experience the transition from being a significant other to being a caregiver of a person with dementia. Significant others often have to deal with many additional role transitions once they become caregivers. Such role transitions could include having to cope with empty nest syndrome and retirement among others, as well as having to deal with caring for their relative. They are prone to stress, burnout and other problems related to caring. By preparing significant others for their main role transition into becoming a caregiver and providing them with support, many of these problems could be prevented and the person with dementia would benefit as a result. Literature also highlights that there is a paucity of research dealing with the role transition of significant others who become the caregivers of persons with dementia. Therefore, the aim of the study was to provide an understanding of how significant others experience providing care to persons with dementia. The study also aimed to understand how significant others were prepared and supported in their role as caregivers as they went through their role transition. The study also aimed to develop strategies to enable psychiatric nurses (APNs), psychiatric nurses (PNs) and other healthcare professionals to prepare and support significant others during their role transition into caregivers of persons with dementia. The study followed a qualitative approach with an exploratory, contextual, descriptive design, applying the Middle-Range Transition Theory as the paradigm and phenomenology as the meta-paradigm. Visual narrative inquiry was utilised using collages and semi-structured individual interviews to collect the data from participants who were the caregivers of persons with dementia. They were purposefully selected from a non-profit Alzheimer’s clinic in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). A sample size of eight participants was included. A conceptual framework was used for the development of the strategies for APNs/ PNs and other healthcare professionals to prepare and support significant others during their role transition from significant others to caregivers of persons with dementia. The principles of professional research ethics were adhered to throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Smith, Lourett
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Dementia -- Patients -- Care -- South Africa Caregivers -- Mental health -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20856 , vital:29407
- Description: Significant others of persons with dementia face many challenges when caring for their loved ones in the home. I became aware of the challenges that significant others of persons with dementia face when caring for persons with dementia, when I was working as a registered nurse in a psychiatric hospital. As a junior registered nurse I found it challenging at times to manage persons with dementia due to the behavioural problems that they exhibited. It occurred to me at the time that significant others who became caregivers of persons with dementia must struggle with their role as caregivers, not having the necessary knowledge and skills to care for them. Literature confirms my observation that significant others need assistance when they experience the transition from being a significant other to being a caregiver of a person with dementia. Significant others often have to deal with many additional role transitions once they become caregivers. Such role transitions could include having to cope with empty nest syndrome and retirement among others, as well as having to deal with caring for their relative. They are prone to stress, burnout and other problems related to caring. By preparing significant others for their main role transition into becoming a caregiver and providing them with support, many of these problems could be prevented and the person with dementia would benefit as a result. Literature also highlights that there is a paucity of research dealing with the role transition of significant others who become the caregivers of persons with dementia. Therefore, the aim of the study was to provide an understanding of how significant others experience providing care to persons with dementia. The study also aimed to understand how significant others were prepared and supported in their role as caregivers as they went through their role transition. The study also aimed to develop strategies to enable psychiatric nurses (APNs), psychiatric nurses (PNs) and other healthcare professionals to prepare and support significant others during their role transition into caregivers of persons with dementia. The study followed a qualitative approach with an exploratory, contextual, descriptive design, applying the Middle-Range Transition Theory as the paradigm and phenomenology as the meta-paradigm. Visual narrative inquiry was utilised using collages and semi-structured individual interviews to collect the data from participants who were the caregivers of persons with dementia. They were purposefully selected from a non-profit Alzheimer’s clinic in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). A sample size of eight participants was included. A conceptual framework was used for the development of the strategies for APNs/ PNs and other healthcare professionals to prepare and support significant others during their role transition from significant others to caregivers of persons with dementia. The principles of professional research ethics were adhered to throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017