A framework for parental control of mobile devices in South Africa
- Authors: Marais, Jacques
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Cell phones -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Digital communications -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9759 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008404 , Cell phones -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Digital communications -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Future generations are built on the children of today. Thus, children's well- being and safety is of paramount importance. Children are making use of mobile devices, such as smart phones, to gain access to the Internet and other data driven mobile services. Children and parents alike are unaware of the risks they are exposed to when accessing such services. A clear lack of parental control over or awareness of this mobile use has been identified in South Africa. Without adequate awareness and successful use of a comprehensive mobile parental control solution, South African children may be at risk. This risk may include exposure to potentially harmful content and/or individuals. This dissertation presents a framework that supports the attainment of a comprehensive mobile parental control solution based on sound research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Marais, Jacques
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Cell phones -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Digital communications -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9759 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008404 , Cell phones -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Digital communications -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Future generations are built on the children of today. Thus, children's well- being and safety is of paramount importance. Children are making use of mobile devices, such as smart phones, to gain access to the Internet and other data driven mobile services. Children and parents alike are unaware of the risks they are exposed to when accessing such services. A clear lack of parental control over or awareness of this mobile use has been identified in South Africa. Without adequate awareness and successful use of a comprehensive mobile parental control solution, South African children may be at risk. This risk may include exposure to potentially harmful content and/or individuals. This dissertation presents a framework that supports the attainment of a comprehensive mobile parental control solution based on sound research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A framework for personal health records in online social networking
- Van der Westhuizen, Eldridge Werner
- Authors: Van der Westhuizen, Eldridge Werner
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Medical care -- Data processing , Medical records -- Access control , Medical informatics , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9804 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012382 , Medical care -- Data processing , Medical records -- Access control , Medical informatics , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Medicine
- Description: Since the early 20th century, the view has developed that high quality health care can be delivered only when all the pertinent data about the health of a patient is available to the clinician. Various types of health records have emerged to serve the needs of healthcare providers and more recently, patients or consumers. These health records include, but are not limited to, Personal Health Records, Electronic Heath Records, Electronic Medical Records and Payer-Based Health Records. Payer-Based Health Records emerged to serve the needs of medical aids or health care plans. Electronic Medical Records and Electronic Health Records were targeted at the healthcare provider market, whereas a gap developed in the patient market. Personal Health Records were developed to address the patient market, but adoption was slow at first. The success of online social networking reignited the flame that Personal Health Records needed and online consumer-based Personal Health Records were developed. Despite all the various types of health records, there still seems to be a lack of meaningful use of personal health records in modern society. The purpose of this dissertation is to propose a framework for Personal Health Records in online social networking, to address the issue of a lack of a central, accessible repository for health records. In order for a Personal Health Record to serve this need it has to be of meaningful use. The capability of a PHR to be of meaningful use is core to this research. In order to determine whether a Personal Health Record is of meaningful use, a tool is developed to evaluate Personal Health Records. This evaluation tool takes into account all the attributes that a Personal Health Record which is of meaningful use should comprise of. Suitable ratings are allocated to enable measuring of each attribute. A model is compiled to facilitate the selection of six Personal Health Records to be evaluated. One of these six Personal Health Records acts as a pilot site to test the evaluation tool in order to determine the tool’s utility and effect improvements. The other five Personal Health Records are then evaluated to measure their adherence to the attributes of meaningful use. These findings, together with a literature study on the various types of health records and the evaluation tool, inform the building blocks used to present the framework. It is hoped that the framework for Personal Health Records in online social networking proposed in this research, may be of benefit to provide clear guidance for the achievement of a central or integrated, accessible repository for health records through the meaningful use of Personal Health Records.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Van der Westhuizen, Eldridge Werner
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Medical care -- Data processing , Medical records -- Access control , Medical informatics , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9804 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012382 , Medical care -- Data processing , Medical records -- Access control , Medical informatics , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Medicine
- Description: Since the early 20th century, the view has developed that high quality health care can be delivered only when all the pertinent data about the health of a patient is available to the clinician. Various types of health records have emerged to serve the needs of healthcare providers and more recently, patients or consumers. These health records include, but are not limited to, Personal Health Records, Electronic Heath Records, Electronic Medical Records and Payer-Based Health Records. Payer-Based Health Records emerged to serve the needs of medical aids or health care plans. Electronic Medical Records and Electronic Health Records were targeted at the healthcare provider market, whereas a gap developed in the patient market. Personal Health Records were developed to address the patient market, but adoption was slow at first. The success of online social networking reignited the flame that Personal Health Records needed and online consumer-based Personal Health Records were developed. Despite all the various types of health records, there still seems to be a lack of meaningful use of personal health records in modern society. The purpose of this dissertation is to propose a framework for Personal Health Records in online social networking, to address the issue of a lack of a central, accessible repository for health records. In order for a Personal Health Record to serve this need it has to be of meaningful use. The capability of a PHR to be of meaningful use is core to this research. In order to determine whether a Personal Health Record is of meaningful use, a tool is developed to evaluate Personal Health Records. This evaluation tool takes into account all the attributes that a Personal Health Record which is of meaningful use should comprise of. Suitable ratings are allocated to enable measuring of each attribute. A model is compiled to facilitate the selection of six Personal Health Records to be evaluated. One of these six Personal Health Records acts as a pilot site to test the evaluation tool in order to determine the tool’s utility and effect improvements. The other five Personal Health Records are then evaluated to measure their adherence to the attributes of meaningful use. These findings, together with a literature study on the various types of health records and the evaluation tool, inform the building blocks used to present the framework. It is hoped that the framework for Personal Health Records in online social networking proposed in this research, may be of benefit to provide clear guidance for the achievement of a central or integrated, accessible repository for health records through the meaningful use of Personal Health Records.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A framework for the development and measurement of agile enterprise architecture
- Authors: Mthupha, Bokang
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Management information systems -- Research Industrial management -- Technological innovations -- Research Industrial organization -- Technological innovations -- Research System design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1147 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002777
- Description: Enterprise architecture is the high-level design of the entire business, facilitated by enterprise architects. "Agile enterprise architecture" is the term used in enterprise architecture to describe an architecture that caters for future unknowns, enabling change to occur rapidly without undue resource utilization, yet in a controlled manner and with minimal adverse impact. Some enterprise architects still use outdated, rigid approaches to enterprise architecture which are incompatible with today‟s business environment. In addition, there is limited research into methods that can be applied to measure the agility of enterprise architecture. The current environment is such that there is a need for a more agile approach to developing and measuring enterprise architecture. This work will lead to the creation of a Framework for The Development and Measurement of Agile Enterprise Architecture. In support of the main goal of the development of the framework, a literature review will be conducted focusing on the necessary sub-goals of the research. The first sub-goal of the literature review is to develop a comprehensive definition for enterprise architecture (referred to as EA), as well as discover how it is currently practiced. Thereafter, the literature review will investigate a comprehensive definition for agility and research why it is emerging as a critical topic. The next chapter of the literature review will research how agility fits within the context of EA, uncovering a comprehensive definition for agile EA and the best practices in agile EA development. The final chapter of the literature review will investigate suitable measurement techniques that can be used to assess the level of agility of EA. On completion of the literature review, a preliminary framework will be created using the most important contributions from the literature. An empirical study will be conducted to explore the definitions for EA, agility, agile EA, the methods to measure the agility of EA and the concepts for the development of agile EA summarised in the preliminary framework. Data analysis follows an interpretive and qualitative approach based on four case studies through interviews with systems experts in four South African organizations in one province. Each interviewee was interviewed once. The initial interview with a Principal Consultant on Enterprise Strategy Consulting at organisation # 1 formed the basis of an exploratory study; the results of which were used to refine the research instrument and preliminary framework. Thereafter, a more rigorous empirical study focused on interviews with the Chief Architect, Senior Manager in Advisory Services and an Enterprise Architect at organizations 2, 3 and 4 respectively was conducted. The research follows an inductive approach to capture the interpretive experiences of participants and develop theoretical propositions from them. Following the exploratory pilot study it became necessary to make changes to the preliminary framework and initial survey instrument created. Thereafter, the empirical study consisting of the remaining three cases was conducted to test the important aspects of the framework and literature definitions. The analysis of the results of the empirical study prompted further changes to the theoretical framework and definitions created. The interviews conducted with each of the organizations confirmed the factors for agile EA development as well as the effectiveness of the definitions created in the literature review. The research uncovered that the need for a more agile approach to developing EA and a way to measure the level of agility of EA has become more and more significant in organizations. This begins with a better understanding of EA, agility, how agility fits within the context of EA, as well as appropriate methods to measure agility.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mthupha, Bokang
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Management information systems -- Research Industrial management -- Technological innovations -- Research Industrial organization -- Technological innovations -- Research System design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1147 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002777
- Description: Enterprise architecture is the high-level design of the entire business, facilitated by enterprise architects. "Agile enterprise architecture" is the term used in enterprise architecture to describe an architecture that caters for future unknowns, enabling change to occur rapidly without undue resource utilization, yet in a controlled manner and with minimal adverse impact. Some enterprise architects still use outdated, rigid approaches to enterprise architecture which are incompatible with today‟s business environment. In addition, there is limited research into methods that can be applied to measure the agility of enterprise architecture. The current environment is such that there is a need for a more agile approach to developing and measuring enterprise architecture. This work will lead to the creation of a Framework for The Development and Measurement of Agile Enterprise Architecture. In support of the main goal of the development of the framework, a literature review will be conducted focusing on the necessary sub-goals of the research. The first sub-goal of the literature review is to develop a comprehensive definition for enterprise architecture (referred to as EA), as well as discover how it is currently practiced. Thereafter, the literature review will investigate a comprehensive definition for agility and research why it is emerging as a critical topic. The next chapter of the literature review will research how agility fits within the context of EA, uncovering a comprehensive definition for agile EA and the best practices in agile EA development. The final chapter of the literature review will investigate suitable measurement techniques that can be used to assess the level of agility of EA. On completion of the literature review, a preliminary framework will be created using the most important contributions from the literature. An empirical study will be conducted to explore the definitions for EA, agility, agile EA, the methods to measure the agility of EA and the concepts for the development of agile EA summarised in the preliminary framework. Data analysis follows an interpretive and qualitative approach based on four case studies through interviews with systems experts in four South African organizations in one province. Each interviewee was interviewed once. The initial interview with a Principal Consultant on Enterprise Strategy Consulting at organisation # 1 formed the basis of an exploratory study; the results of which were used to refine the research instrument and preliminary framework. Thereafter, a more rigorous empirical study focused on interviews with the Chief Architect, Senior Manager in Advisory Services and an Enterprise Architect at organizations 2, 3 and 4 respectively was conducted. The research follows an inductive approach to capture the interpretive experiences of participants and develop theoretical propositions from them. Following the exploratory pilot study it became necessary to make changes to the preliminary framework and initial survey instrument created. Thereafter, the empirical study consisting of the remaining three cases was conducted to test the important aspects of the framework and literature definitions. The analysis of the results of the empirical study prompted further changes to the theoretical framework and definitions created. The interviews conducted with each of the organizations confirmed the factors for agile EA development as well as the effectiveness of the definitions created in the literature review. The research uncovered that the need for a more agile approach to developing EA and a way to measure the level of agility of EA has become more and more significant in organizations. This begins with a better understanding of EA, agility, how agility fits within the context of EA, as well as appropriate methods to measure agility.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A framework for the governance of social media in the workplace
- Authors: Scharneck, Justin William
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Social media -- Law and legislation , Social media -- Economic aspects , Work environment , Online social networks
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020180
- Description: Social media is fast becoming an ever-increasingly significant part of the world of business and a phenomenon which cannot be evaded. The advent of social media in the workplace compels organisations to acclimatise to the transformation emanating from employees‟ adoption of these technologies (Hanaki & Casella, 2008). Approximately seventy percent of organisations do not have a social media governance framework in place (Fink et al., 2011). Social media governance in organisations is very disjointed; companies have varying stances as to social media strategy, the risks, benefits and business use of social media (Thompson et al., 2011). The growth of social media and its use in the business environment will see a more standardised approach to social media governance (Thompson et al., 2011). Being at the forefront of technology development in Africa, and in certain areas, globally (Government of the Republic of South Africa, 2012), places added emphasis on IT organisations in South Africa to set the standard as it relates to social media governance. The diversity and depth of the human and technology resources within these organisations, creates an environment conducive to establishing and pioneering sound social media governance structures. The treatise consists of a study on the governance of social media and the successive development of two frameworks; an integrated framework for the governance of social media in the workplace, as well as integrated framework for a social media policy within an IT organisation. These frameworks are empirically evaluated amongst employees, within the context of Information Technology (IT) organisations, in South Africa. Several recommendations are proposed by the author in relation to the adoption of the proposed frameworks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Scharneck, Justin William
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Social media -- Law and legislation , Social media -- Economic aspects , Work environment , Online social networks
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020180
- Description: Social media is fast becoming an ever-increasingly significant part of the world of business and a phenomenon which cannot be evaded. The advent of social media in the workplace compels organisations to acclimatise to the transformation emanating from employees‟ adoption of these technologies (Hanaki & Casella, 2008). Approximately seventy percent of organisations do not have a social media governance framework in place (Fink et al., 2011). Social media governance in organisations is very disjointed; companies have varying stances as to social media strategy, the risks, benefits and business use of social media (Thompson et al., 2011). The growth of social media and its use in the business environment will see a more standardised approach to social media governance (Thompson et al., 2011). Being at the forefront of technology development in Africa, and in certain areas, globally (Government of the Republic of South Africa, 2012), places added emphasis on IT organisations in South Africa to set the standard as it relates to social media governance. The diversity and depth of the human and technology resources within these organisations, creates an environment conducive to establishing and pioneering sound social media governance structures. The treatise consists of a study on the governance of social media and the successive development of two frameworks; an integrated framework for the governance of social media in the workplace, as well as integrated framework for a social media policy within an IT organisation. These frameworks are empirically evaluated amongst employees, within the context of Information Technology (IT) organisations, in South Africa. Several recommendations are proposed by the author in relation to the adoption of the proposed frameworks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A framework to guide development through ICT in rural areas in South Africa
- Mamba, Malungelo Siphiwosami Njinga
- Authors: Mamba, Malungelo Siphiwosami Njinga
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Information technology -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Telecommunication -- South Africa , Information services industry -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa , Information services -- Government policy -- South Africa , Communication policy -- South Africa , Communication planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11137 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007024 , Information technology -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Telecommunication -- South Africa , Information services industry -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa , Information services -- Government policy -- South Africa , Communication policy -- South Africa , Communication planning -- South Africa
- Description: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is widely regarded as a key tool for bringing about development to people who live in underserved areas. Technologies such as mobile phones and Wi-Fi are seen as advantageous because they can be made available to poor places without the cost of building extensive physical infrastructure. However, researchers argue that ICTs have failed to live up to their potential in the context of development. Researchers point out developing countries lack frameworks to guide them through the implementation of ICTs in this context. The objective of this study is to come up with a framework that can be used in rural areas in South Africa to implement ICT projects. The researcher interviewed individuals who have been directly involved in an ICT initiative in a rural setting in the Eastern Cape Province to learn from their experiences. The researcher also studied publications that have been produced from these initiatives in order to gain a richer understanding. The findings of the study show that participants share similar views about how ICT projects should be approached and implemented in rural areas in South Africa. The views are grouped according to similarity into themes and discussed in detail in the study. From these themes a framework that can help implement ICT projects in rural areas is developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mamba, Malungelo Siphiwosami Njinga
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Information technology -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Telecommunication -- South Africa , Information services industry -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa , Information services -- Government policy -- South Africa , Communication policy -- South Africa , Communication planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11137 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007024 , Information technology -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Telecommunication -- South Africa , Information services industry -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa , Information services -- Government policy -- South Africa , Communication policy -- South Africa , Communication planning -- South Africa
- Description: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is widely regarded as a key tool for bringing about development to people who live in underserved areas. Technologies such as mobile phones and Wi-Fi are seen as advantageous because they can be made available to poor places without the cost of building extensive physical infrastructure. However, researchers argue that ICTs have failed to live up to their potential in the context of development. Researchers point out developing countries lack frameworks to guide them through the implementation of ICTs in this context. The objective of this study is to come up with a framework that can be used in rural areas in South Africa to implement ICT projects. The researcher interviewed individuals who have been directly involved in an ICT initiative in a rural setting in the Eastern Cape Province to learn from their experiences. The researcher also studied publications that have been produced from these initiatives in order to gain a richer understanding. The findings of the study show that participants share similar views about how ICT projects should be approached and implemented in rural areas in South Africa. The views are grouped according to similarity into themes and discussed in detail in the study. From these themes a framework that can help implement ICT projects in rural areas is developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A framework to investigate risk management in commercial banks
- Authors: Fick, William
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Risk management , Risk management , Asset-liability management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009429 , Banks and banking -- Risk management , Risk management , Asset-liability management
- Description: Businesses are continuously exposed to a changing business environment which may either exert positive or negative influences on profitability. The banking industry, in particular, is highly competitive and bank failures can have significant consequences for customers. Commercial banks, therefore, have a responsibility to protect their customers by implementing sound risk management strategies. In light of the recent financial crises (since 2007), risk management has once again become a popular topic of discussion since adequate risk management should have prevented or minimised the impact of the risks faced by failed banks. The primary objective of this study was to develop a framework that could be used by South African commercial banks to investigate risk management. Qualitative research was conducted in this regard. From this, findings and recommendations were derived in order to provide banks with a tool by which they could assess their exposure to risk. Various journals, websites, newspapers, bank reports and textbooks were consulted in support of the literature. The literature provided background information on the history and development of the risk management process. Considerable attention was given to the categories of risk that an adequate risk management framework should address. Furthermore, the current models used to manage risk in commercial bank were provided, as well as the specific reasons for bank failures. The main findings of this study were the identification of the most significant reasons for banking failures. These were identified as capital inadequacy, credit risk due to non-performing loans and a lack of banking supervision. In addition to these reasons, several other contributing principles were identified as important factors to be included in a risk management framework. A risk management framework was thus constructed in Table 5.1 based on the literature regarding global banking failures and the relevant conclusions made by the researcher.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Fick, William
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Risk management , Risk management , Asset-liability management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009429 , Banks and banking -- Risk management , Risk management , Asset-liability management
- Description: Businesses are continuously exposed to a changing business environment which may either exert positive or negative influences on profitability. The banking industry, in particular, is highly competitive and bank failures can have significant consequences for customers. Commercial banks, therefore, have a responsibility to protect their customers by implementing sound risk management strategies. In light of the recent financial crises (since 2007), risk management has once again become a popular topic of discussion since adequate risk management should have prevented or minimised the impact of the risks faced by failed banks. The primary objective of this study was to develop a framework that could be used by South African commercial banks to investigate risk management. Qualitative research was conducted in this regard. From this, findings and recommendations were derived in order to provide banks with a tool by which they could assess their exposure to risk. Various journals, websites, newspapers, bank reports and textbooks were consulted in support of the literature. The literature provided background information on the history and development of the risk management process. Considerable attention was given to the categories of risk that an adequate risk management framework should address. Furthermore, the current models used to manage risk in commercial bank were provided, as well as the specific reasons for bank failures. The main findings of this study were the identification of the most significant reasons for banking failures. These were identified as capital inadequacy, credit risk due to non-performing loans and a lack of banking supervision. In addition to these reasons, several other contributing principles were identified as important factors to be included in a risk management framework. A risk management framework was thus constructed in Table 5.1 based on the literature regarding global banking failures and the relevant conclusions made by the researcher.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A guide for using online social media and social networking activities for SMME's
- Authors: Morley, Charmaine Joan
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Social media -- Economic aspects , Customer relations , Online social networks
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8873 , http://hdl/handle.net/10948/d1020350
- Description: Social media is playing an increasingly important role in people’s lives and is becoming a part of most organisations’ business models. Businesses cannot ignore this phenomenon due to the increasing influx of Generation Y employees in their businesses and the Generation Y consumers who are going to buy their products and services in the future. Social media is changing the way that marketing is being conducted, in a positive way. It is changing from businesses focusing on selling products or services to customers, to businesses building relationships with customers and adding value to their lives through their products and services. This phenomenon was the base for this study. The research problem was identified as follows: SMME business owners do not understand the importance and impact of social media on their businesses. Sub-problems were identified as: defining social media and networking, describing the importance of this, which strategies are currently being used in business, how it compares to traditional networking, how this is used in recruitment strategies and what are the disadvantages of social media and networking. The research problem and sub-problems were addressed in a literature study and an empirical study. The literature study included information on SMME businesses, their importance in our economy and how social media can help them. The empirical study was done using SMME’s registered with the George Business Chamber. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to the owners of the businesses by email. The answers were analysed and collated on a spreadsheet which were presented in graph and diagram format. Social media and networking are becoming an integral part of businesses especially small businesses. They specifically have an important role to play in creating economic wealth and creating employment. SMME’s are faced with a lot of challenges which make it difficult for them to become successful and sustainable. Social media can play a role in overcoming a lot of these challenges by helping SMME’s with marketing, customer engagement, relationship building, recruitment, and finding valuable information, experience and partners. Social media also has disadvantages which include: virus attacks, risk of confidential information leaking and so forth, but these can easily be managed by social media polices and rules. A bigger risk lies in the fact that if a business owner ignores the existence of social media, this can lead to conversations by consumers about this business being ignored and not responded to. Another big risk for SMME’s is the fact they are at a competitive disadvantage by ignoring this new technology. This was clear from the empirical results in this study which stated that 53 percent of the businesses surveyed, were aware their competitors are using social media. The empirical results indicated a very low use of social media activities among the SMME’s surveyed but showed potential as the SMME’s understood the importance of social media and were eager to implement strategies in their businesses. The reasons offered for not using social media included the fact that it was difficult to measure its worth in time and money, advice is needed from experts and so forth. Social media and networking are not quick or cheap methods for businesses to advertise and sell their products or services. They are tools to be used over time, in order to engage with customers and build relationships. Consumers and customers expect value for their money and if they find this from a business, they will gladly share it with others. On the other hand, if they do not find value for money it could have a negative impact on the business. SMME’s must not try to replace their current marketing strategy with social networking activities. They should integrate it slowly into their current business models and search for unique ways in which it could improve the relationship with their current customers and find new customers. It should help them to either showcase their existing value added products or services, or improve it if it is not worth selling. Small businesses now have the platform to compete.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Morley, Charmaine Joan
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Social media -- Economic aspects , Customer relations , Online social networks
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8873 , http://hdl/handle.net/10948/d1020350
- Description: Social media is playing an increasingly important role in people’s lives and is becoming a part of most organisations’ business models. Businesses cannot ignore this phenomenon due to the increasing influx of Generation Y employees in their businesses and the Generation Y consumers who are going to buy their products and services in the future. Social media is changing the way that marketing is being conducted, in a positive way. It is changing from businesses focusing on selling products or services to customers, to businesses building relationships with customers and adding value to their lives through their products and services. This phenomenon was the base for this study. The research problem was identified as follows: SMME business owners do not understand the importance and impact of social media on their businesses. Sub-problems were identified as: defining social media and networking, describing the importance of this, which strategies are currently being used in business, how it compares to traditional networking, how this is used in recruitment strategies and what are the disadvantages of social media and networking. The research problem and sub-problems were addressed in a literature study and an empirical study. The literature study included information on SMME businesses, their importance in our economy and how social media can help them. The empirical study was done using SMME’s registered with the George Business Chamber. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to the owners of the businesses by email. The answers were analysed and collated on a spreadsheet which were presented in graph and diagram format. Social media and networking are becoming an integral part of businesses especially small businesses. They specifically have an important role to play in creating economic wealth and creating employment. SMME’s are faced with a lot of challenges which make it difficult for them to become successful and sustainable. Social media can play a role in overcoming a lot of these challenges by helping SMME’s with marketing, customer engagement, relationship building, recruitment, and finding valuable information, experience and partners. Social media also has disadvantages which include: virus attacks, risk of confidential information leaking and so forth, but these can easily be managed by social media polices and rules. A bigger risk lies in the fact that if a business owner ignores the existence of social media, this can lead to conversations by consumers about this business being ignored and not responded to. Another big risk for SMME’s is the fact they are at a competitive disadvantage by ignoring this new technology. This was clear from the empirical results in this study which stated that 53 percent of the businesses surveyed, were aware their competitors are using social media. The empirical results indicated a very low use of social media activities among the SMME’s surveyed but showed potential as the SMME’s understood the importance of social media and were eager to implement strategies in their businesses. The reasons offered for not using social media included the fact that it was difficult to measure its worth in time and money, advice is needed from experts and so forth. Social media and networking are not quick or cheap methods for businesses to advertise and sell their products or services. They are tools to be used over time, in order to engage with customers and build relationships. Consumers and customers expect value for their money and if they find this from a business, they will gladly share it with others. On the other hand, if they do not find value for money it could have a negative impact on the business. SMME’s must not try to replace their current marketing strategy with social networking activities. They should integrate it slowly into their current business models and search for unique ways in which it could improve the relationship with their current customers and find new customers. It should help them to either showcase their existing value added products or services, or improve it if it is not worth selling. Small businesses now have the platform to compete.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A historical overview of the development of the trading stock provisions in the Income Tax Act
- Authors: Skotidas, Maria
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Income tax , Stocks , Taxation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8967 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020829
- Description: The aim of the treatise was to provide a clear understanding of the changes to the trading stock provisions in the Income Tax Act. Various sections of the Act were covered and case law was reviewed with relevance in relation to this research project in order to gain a deeper understanding of the development of the trading stock provisions, thus bringing together the tax legislation and the case law principles. Emphasis was placed on the development of the trading stock provisions. The conclusion from this was that some of the amendments were merely textual in nature whilst others were driven by case law. There were instances where cases did not give rise to amendments but simply reinforced existing provisions by providing guidance and clarity by way of the judges’ interpretations of those provisions. The amendments relating to the trading stock provisions in the Act and the judges’ interpretation of the applicable case law have resulted in a comprehensive understanding of the treatment of trading stock.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Skotidas, Maria
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Income tax , Stocks , Taxation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8967 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020829
- Description: The aim of the treatise was to provide a clear understanding of the changes to the trading stock provisions in the Income Tax Act. Various sections of the Act were covered and case law was reviewed with relevance in relation to this research project in order to gain a deeper understanding of the development of the trading stock provisions, thus bringing together the tax legislation and the case law principles. Emphasis was placed on the development of the trading stock provisions. The conclusion from this was that some of the amendments were merely textual in nature whilst others were driven by case law. There were instances where cases did not give rise to amendments but simply reinforced existing provisions by providing guidance and clarity by way of the judges’ interpretations of those provisions. The amendments relating to the trading stock provisions in the Act and the judges’ interpretation of the applicable case law have resulted in a comprehensive understanding of the treatment of trading stock.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A post restucturing assessment of employee attitudes in South African National Science Council
- Authors: Bugaari, Lynn
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Job enrichment , Employees -- Attitudes , Employee morale , Performance standards
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9945 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013702
- Description: Research problem: The restructuring of an organisation can be classified as a transformational intervention (Litwin & Burke, 1992). As such is it has a potential to significantly influence key employee attitudes that are related to employee and organisational performance. Any deterioration in these attitudes could impact negatively on organisational outcomes. As part of the monitoring and review of change interventions, management needs to understand the change in employee attitudes towards their work and management in their business units and towards the broader organisation in order that, if necessary, corrective action can be taken. Research objectives: To address the research problem, research objectives and questions were established. The main objective of the study was to investigate whether there has been a change in attitudes of employees in two business units of a South African National Science Council after the implementation of restructuring in the organisation and the business units. The key attitudes to be measured are job and management satisfaction, perceived organisational support, organisational commitment and a dimension of employee engagement, dedication. Research questions: Four research questions were established and these were; What is the change in employee attitudes post-restructuring? In particular what is the change in employee job satisfaction; management satisfaction, employee engagement, commitment to the organisation and perceived organisational support? What is the relationship between the sub-groups, distinguished by gender, occupational level, race, home language, age, number of years of service and business unit, and employee attitudes pre-restructuring? What is the relationship between the sub-groups distinguished by gender, occupational level, race, home language, age, number of years of service and business unit, and employee attitudes post-restructuring? What is the relationship between the sub-groups distinguished by gender, occupational level, race, home language, age, number of years of service and business unit, and the change in employee attitudes pre and post-restructuring? Research design: The nature of this research is descriptive. In order to solve the research questions the researcher used a pre-test and post-test measurement of employee attitudes. A survey using a structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information regarding employee attitudes before and after the restructuring of the organisation and business units. Major findings: The results from the survey showed that there was a change in the levels of organisational commitment, job satisfaction and management satisfaction at the National Science Council after the restructuring had taken place. Also, the impact of the sub-groups in the organisation on affective factors was evident in the level of occupation and employee engagement, race and management satisfaction, the business unit and the levels of perceived organisational support, management satisfaction and employee engagement, home language and employee engagement, the number of years the employee had worked for the organisation and management satisfaction, age and job satisfaction and employee engagement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Bugaari, Lynn
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Job enrichment , Employees -- Attitudes , Employee morale , Performance standards
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9945 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013702
- Description: Research problem: The restructuring of an organisation can be classified as a transformational intervention (Litwin & Burke, 1992). As such is it has a potential to significantly influence key employee attitudes that are related to employee and organisational performance. Any deterioration in these attitudes could impact negatively on organisational outcomes. As part of the monitoring and review of change interventions, management needs to understand the change in employee attitudes towards their work and management in their business units and towards the broader organisation in order that, if necessary, corrective action can be taken. Research objectives: To address the research problem, research objectives and questions were established. The main objective of the study was to investigate whether there has been a change in attitudes of employees in two business units of a South African National Science Council after the implementation of restructuring in the organisation and the business units. The key attitudes to be measured are job and management satisfaction, perceived organisational support, organisational commitment and a dimension of employee engagement, dedication. Research questions: Four research questions were established and these were; What is the change in employee attitudes post-restructuring? In particular what is the change in employee job satisfaction; management satisfaction, employee engagement, commitment to the organisation and perceived organisational support? What is the relationship between the sub-groups, distinguished by gender, occupational level, race, home language, age, number of years of service and business unit, and employee attitudes pre-restructuring? What is the relationship between the sub-groups distinguished by gender, occupational level, race, home language, age, number of years of service and business unit, and employee attitudes post-restructuring? What is the relationship between the sub-groups distinguished by gender, occupational level, race, home language, age, number of years of service and business unit, and the change in employee attitudes pre and post-restructuring? Research design: The nature of this research is descriptive. In order to solve the research questions the researcher used a pre-test and post-test measurement of employee attitudes. A survey using a structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information regarding employee attitudes before and after the restructuring of the organisation and business units. Major findings: The results from the survey showed that there was a change in the levels of organisational commitment, job satisfaction and management satisfaction at the National Science Council after the restructuring had taken place. Also, the impact of the sub-groups in the organisation on affective factors was evident in the level of occupation and employee engagement, race and management satisfaction, the business unit and the levels of perceived organisational support, management satisfaction and employee engagement, home language and employee engagement, the number of years the employee had worked for the organisation and management satisfaction, age and job satisfaction and employee engagement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A process model for e-voting in South Africa
- Authors: Swanepoel, Eranee
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Electronic voting -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9805 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012588 , Electronic voting -- South Africa
- Description: An election is a core part of any global democracy. Elections provide citizens with the opportunity to voice their opinions. South Africa achieved democracy for the first time in 1994 and has had four successful national elections since then. All of these elections have been declared “free and fair” according to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). However, there have been various challenges facing the current South African electoral process. This research, therefore examines alternative methods to improve the current South African electoral process. This research firstly identifies the various challenges and characteristics associated with the current electoral process in South Africa. This research study proposes, to incorporate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the South African electoral process. Thus, arguing that utilizing ICT could potentially improve the process. Various countries worldwide have investigated different methods to improve their electoral processes. Countries such as India, Brazil, Estonia and the USA have incorporated ICT into their electoral processes, known as electronic voting (e-voting). Therefore, this research study investigates countries such as India, Brazil, Estonia and the USA which opted to implement e-voting into their electoral process. In addition, various e-voting technologies and their capabilities are explored in detail in this research study. The conclusions drawn from the examination of the electoral processes of countries that utilize e-voting, contributed to the achievement of the primary objective in this research. As a result, to address the various challenges facing the current electoral process in South Africa, a process model was developed called an E-voting Process Model, which depicts two electoral processes namely, an optical scan polling station voting process and an online voting process. This research argues that the E-voting Process Model could potentially improve the current electoral process in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Swanepoel, Eranee
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Electronic voting -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9805 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012588 , Electronic voting -- South Africa
- Description: An election is a core part of any global democracy. Elections provide citizens with the opportunity to voice their opinions. South Africa achieved democracy for the first time in 1994 and has had four successful national elections since then. All of these elections have been declared “free and fair” according to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). However, there have been various challenges facing the current South African electoral process. This research, therefore examines alternative methods to improve the current South African electoral process. This research firstly identifies the various challenges and characteristics associated with the current electoral process in South Africa. This research study proposes, to incorporate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the South African electoral process. Thus, arguing that utilizing ICT could potentially improve the process. Various countries worldwide have investigated different methods to improve their electoral processes. Countries such as India, Brazil, Estonia and the USA have incorporated ICT into their electoral processes, known as electronic voting (e-voting). Therefore, this research study investigates countries such as India, Brazil, Estonia and the USA which opted to implement e-voting into their electoral process. In addition, various e-voting technologies and their capabilities are explored in detail in this research study. The conclusions drawn from the examination of the electoral processes of countries that utilize e-voting, contributed to the achievement of the primary objective in this research. As a result, to address the various challenges facing the current electoral process in South Africa, a process model was developed called an E-voting Process Model, which depicts two electoral processes namely, an optical scan polling station voting process and an online voting process. This research argues that the E-voting Process Model could potentially improve the current electoral process in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A process-genre approach to teaching argumentative writing to grade nine learners
- Authors: Elson, Jillian Margaret
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: English language -- Rhetoric -- Study and teaching (Secondary) English language -- Writing -- Study and teaching (Secondary) Written communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1714 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003597
- Description: This action research study aimed to improve teaching and learning of argumentative writing through a process-genre approach. Learners were carefully guided through the processes of writing the argumentative genre, with the focus being on teaching of the genre and on the structural conventions of writing arguments. Participants were a class of grade nine learners who speak English as a first language. They were chosen for this study as Grade Nine is a crucial year for writing development before learners enter the senior phase and are met with heightened expectations in the curriculum, that often they struggle to meet, as their writing has not been sufficiently developed to an academic level. The focus of writing in Grade Nine is on narrative and prose, so this writing intervention, in which a teaching module was developed in collaboration with the 1eamers, aimed to broaden their writing skills and provide them with a head start in leaming the fine art of argumentation, as this is a useful skill to acquire for purposes even beyond the classroom. Genre theorists advocate the importance of teaching genres to leamers at a young age, as it allows them access into different communities of discourse, as they become aware and understand the conventions held by a patiicular community, and realize the purpose of different styles of writing for effectively communicating, which prepares them to meet the expectations of their audience. Teaching the structures of different genres therefore allows the writer, and the audience, a framework for understanding the text. The process approach has been widely used by educators as it focuses on explicit teaching of writing processes that are fundamental to leamers' development in writing. Learners need to be carefully guided from the initial stages, to the more complex stages (especially in argumentative writing which has been deemed the most complex genre for learners to master) in order to understand the complexities of constructing an essay in a cohesive way, as they need to consider multiple aspects of writing, such as the linguistic features, rhetorical features and structural features of the genre and unify them into a sound argument. This takes time, practice and revision, and extensive feedback is required. The process-genre approach proved to be successful in this study, as leamers showed remarkable improvements in their writing from the initial stages of writing to the final drafts of their essays. The findings revealed that explicit teaching of genres and structural elements of writing is vital for ensuring learners' development. Learners require modelling of the genre, scaffolding and careful guidance through step-by-step processes in order to build confidence and express their ideas effectively in written text. The findings indicate the relevance of using the process-genre approach for teaching and learning and that teaching and learning writing is indeed a process that needs more time and practice that is cUiTently allocated in the curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Elson, Jillian Margaret
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: English language -- Rhetoric -- Study and teaching (Secondary) English language -- Writing -- Study and teaching (Secondary) Written communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1714 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003597
- Description: This action research study aimed to improve teaching and learning of argumentative writing through a process-genre approach. Learners were carefully guided through the processes of writing the argumentative genre, with the focus being on teaching of the genre and on the structural conventions of writing arguments. Participants were a class of grade nine learners who speak English as a first language. They were chosen for this study as Grade Nine is a crucial year for writing development before learners enter the senior phase and are met with heightened expectations in the curriculum, that often they struggle to meet, as their writing has not been sufficiently developed to an academic level. The focus of writing in Grade Nine is on narrative and prose, so this writing intervention, in which a teaching module was developed in collaboration with the 1eamers, aimed to broaden their writing skills and provide them with a head start in leaming the fine art of argumentation, as this is a useful skill to acquire for purposes even beyond the classroom. Genre theorists advocate the importance of teaching genres to leamers at a young age, as it allows them access into different communities of discourse, as they become aware and understand the conventions held by a patiicular community, and realize the purpose of different styles of writing for effectively communicating, which prepares them to meet the expectations of their audience. Teaching the structures of different genres therefore allows the writer, and the audience, a framework for understanding the text. The process approach has been widely used by educators as it focuses on explicit teaching of writing processes that are fundamental to leamers' development in writing. Learners need to be carefully guided from the initial stages, to the more complex stages (especially in argumentative writing which has been deemed the most complex genre for learners to master) in order to understand the complexities of constructing an essay in a cohesive way, as they need to consider multiple aspects of writing, such as the linguistic features, rhetorical features and structural features of the genre and unify them into a sound argument. This takes time, practice and revision, and extensive feedback is required. The process-genre approach proved to be successful in this study, as leamers showed remarkable improvements in their writing from the initial stages of writing to the final drafts of their essays. The findings revealed that explicit teaching of genres and structural elements of writing is vital for ensuring learners' development. Learners require modelling of the genre, scaffolding and careful guidance through step-by-step processes in order to build confidence and express their ideas effectively in written text. The findings indicate the relevance of using the process-genre approach for teaching and learning and that teaching and learning writing is indeed a process that needs more time and practice that is cUiTently allocated in the curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A profile for a successful MBA candidate at the NMMU Business School
- Authors: Mafani, Mzilindile Claudius
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Business schools -- Admission , Universities and colleges
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8702 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009509 , Business schools -- Admission , Universities and colleges
- Description: The objective of the study is to investigate and compare the 2010 first year intake students’ profile, for the NMMU Business School MBA programme with their module success rate against success indicators derived from previous literature and the SHL tests results in order to compile a conceptual framework as a guide to analyse the database used. The MBA success indicators, as provided in previous literature, were analysed by addressing the following: The psychometric tests as predictors of success; Age as a predictor of success; Cultural background as a predictor of success; Work experience as a predictor of success; and, Educational background as a predictor of success. The NMMU Business School MBA students’ historical data were used as a database for this study. The module pass rates were collated as part of the database, which included the students’ biographical information. The results of the SHL test battery used as the entrance test for admission could not be obtained as the information is regarded as confidential given that the nature of the assessment data requires certain training qualifications from users; and SHL South Africa was approached to collaborate on this study. SHL South Africa performed the statistical analysis and provided these for interpretation and use in the study. The study revealed that more than half of the NMMU MBA candidates did not complete the programme in the minimum prescribed period, as only 40.5 percent of the candidates completed successfully all modules in this period, and 52 percent of them were in the 30 -39 years-age category. It also revealed that 78.1 percent of those that had successfully completed the programme were males compared with the 21.9 percent of females that completed the course. The study showed that in the 59.5 percent of those that were not successful, 40.4 percent were females compared to 59.6 percent of unsuccessful males in the same sample. Although the pass rates ranged above 75 percent, only one module had the full sample writing the examination, and the lowest core module had 67percent candidates writing the examination. The current entrance process is recommended with improvements to increase the pass rates, throughputs, and to allow for a stricter analysis of the entrance test results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mafani, Mzilindile Claudius
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Business schools -- Admission , Universities and colleges
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8702 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009509 , Business schools -- Admission , Universities and colleges
- Description: The objective of the study is to investigate and compare the 2010 first year intake students’ profile, for the NMMU Business School MBA programme with their module success rate against success indicators derived from previous literature and the SHL tests results in order to compile a conceptual framework as a guide to analyse the database used. The MBA success indicators, as provided in previous literature, were analysed by addressing the following: The psychometric tests as predictors of success; Age as a predictor of success; Cultural background as a predictor of success; Work experience as a predictor of success; and, Educational background as a predictor of success. The NMMU Business School MBA students’ historical data were used as a database for this study. The module pass rates were collated as part of the database, which included the students’ biographical information. The results of the SHL test battery used as the entrance test for admission could not be obtained as the information is regarded as confidential given that the nature of the assessment data requires certain training qualifications from users; and SHL South Africa was approached to collaborate on this study. SHL South Africa performed the statistical analysis and provided these for interpretation and use in the study. The study revealed that more than half of the NMMU MBA candidates did not complete the programme in the minimum prescribed period, as only 40.5 percent of the candidates completed successfully all modules in this period, and 52 percent of them were in the 30 -39 years-age category. It also revealed that 78.1 percent of those that had successfully completed the programme were males compared with the 21.9 percent of females that completed the course. The study showed that in the 59.5 percent of those that were not successful, 40.4 percent were females compared to 59.6 percent of unsuccessful males in the same sample. Although the pass rates ranged above 75 percent, only one module had the full sample writing the examination, and the lowest core module had 67percent candidates writing the examination. The current entrance process is recommended with improvements to increase the pass rates, throughputs, and to allow for a stricter analysis of the entrance test results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A psychobiographical study of John Winston Lennon
- Authors: Kitching, Philip Herman
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Lennon, John, 1940-1980 , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Musicians
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010847 , Lennon, John, 1940-1980 , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Musicians
- Description: Psychobiography can be viewed as the re-writing of an individual’s life story previously undetected. In general it consists of a combination of two central elements: biography and psychological theory that aim to explain the particular individual’s psychological development. This particular study serves to explore the extraordinary life of renowned singer, songwriter, artist and activist, John Winston Lennon (1940-1980). The basis for this investigation will take the form of notable biographical accounts of the subject’s life, together with Austrian psychiatrist Alfred Adler’s (1938) theory of Individual Psychology, which recognizes the importance of human society for the development of individual character and the orientation of every single action and emotion in the life of a human being. Adler’s theory further explores that the main motives of human thought and behaviour are an individual’s striving for superiority and power, partly in compensation for his feeling of inferiority. The psychobiographical data collection and analysis for this research thesis will be guided by Yin’s (1994) theory of ‘analytic generalisation’, which uses a theoretical framework in selecting relevant data which develops a matrix as a descriptive framework for organizing and integrating that data, and Alexander’s (1988) analytical model which focuses on lifting out themes through principal identifiers of salience was used and applied. John Winston Lennon expressed his personal experiences and ideals through his songs and became the spokesman for his generation on modern day issues such as feminism and world peace. It is however, unfortunate that Lennon throughout his life remained a boy who felt rejected and unloved by his parents and strove to be superior in all aspects of his rich life in an attempt to acquire the love and acceptance that was not bestowed on him as a child.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kitching, Philip Herman
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Lennon, John, 1940-1980 , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Musicians
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010847 , Lennon, John, 1940-1980 , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Musicians
- Description: Psychobiography can be viewed as the re-writing of an individual’s life story previously undetected. In general it consists of a combination of two central elements: biography and psychological theory that aim to explain the particular individual’s psychological development. This particular study serves to explore the extraordinary life of renowned singer, songwriter, artist and activist, John Winston Lennon (1940-1980). The basis for this investigation will take the form of notable biographical accounts of the subject’s life, together with Austrian psychiatrist Alfred Adler’s (1938) theory of Individual Psychology, which recognizes the importance of human society for the development of individual character and the orientation of every single action and emotion in the life of a human being. Adler’s theory further explores that the main motives of human thought and behaviour are an individual’s striving for superiority and power, partly in compensation for his feeling of inferiority. The psychobiographical data collection and analysis for this research thesis will be guided by Yin’s (1994) theory of ‘analytic generalisation’, which uses a theoretical framework in selecting relevant data which develops a matrix as a descriptive framework for organizing and integrating that data, and Alexander’s (1988) analytical model which focuses on lifting out themes through principal identifiers of salience was used and applied. John Winston Lennon expressed his personal experiences and ideals through his songs and became the spokesman for his generation on modern day issues such as feminism and world peace. It is however, unfortunate that Lennon throughout his life remained a boy who felt rejected and unloved by his parents and strove to be superior in all aspects of his rich life in an attempt to acquire the love and acceptance that was not bestowed on him as a child.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A psychobiography of Friedrich Nietzsche
- Authors: Booysen, Duane Danny-Coe
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm, 1844-1900 , Philosophers -- Germany -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9943 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013191
- Description: The primary aim of this psychobiography was to examine Friedrich Nietzsche’s life by utilizing Carl Rogers’ theory of the fully functioning person. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844 - 1900) has become an iconic figure in German philosophy and literature. Nietzsche’s criticism of western morality and culture led him to believe that humankind was not living to its highest potential and consequently Nietzsche sought after a life of self-becoming. Nietzsche’s philosophy has influenced various people such as Viktor Frankl, DH Lawrence, Michel Foucault and NP van Wyk Louw. Nietzsche was chosen as the research subject because of personal interest, his prominence as a philosopher, and because of his ambition to live a meaningful life. Psychobiographical research with the use of psychological theory allows for the exploration and description of the life of an individual. This significant area of research involving the application of psychological theory has in previous decades, however, been under-utilized, particularly in South Africa. But more recently, has it been receiving increasing support by researchers both internationally and in South Africa. Data collected on Friedrich Nietzsche’s life were drawn from several primary and secondary sources. A data collection and analysis grid was developed in order to collect data systematically, and to analyse the data according to the qualities of Carl Rogers’ theory. The study adds to the body of psychobiographical research. It also provides an empirical exploration of Carl Rogers’ theory of the fully functioning person. As the scope of the study was that of a master’s dissertation, future research, utilising semi-structured interviews with knowledgeable relatives, academics, psychologists, biographers, philosophers and historians on Nietzsche’s life, could extend this line of research. In conclusion, the current psychobiography suggests that Nietzsche lived a life filled with several personal crises. Despite these challenges, Nietzsche directed himself towards living as a fully functioning person. Nietzsche’s impetus towards self-becoming is also evident within his philosophical writings. Nietzsche was an extraordinary individual whose life, as described in the current psychobiography, corresponds closely to Rogers’ (1961) theory of a fully functioning person.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Booysen, Duane Danny-Coe
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm, 1844-1900 , Philosophers -- Germany -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9943 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013191
- Description: The primary aim of this psychobiography was to examine Friedrich Nietzsche’s life by utilizing Carl Rogers’ theory of the fully functioning person. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844 - 1900) has become an iconic figure in German philosophy and literature. Nietzsche’s criticism of western morality and culture led him to believe that humankind was not living to its highest potential and consequently Nietzsche sought after a life of self-becoming. Nietzsche’s philosophy has influenced various people such as Viktor Frankl, DH Lawrence, Michel Foucault and NP van Wyk Louw. Nietzsche was chosen as the research subject because of personal interest, his prominence as a philosopher, and because of his ambition to live a meaningful life. Psychobiographical research with the use of psychological theory allows for the exploration and description of the life of an individual. This significant area of research involving the application of psychological theory has in previous decades, however, been under-utilized, particularly in South Africa. But more recently, has it been receiving increasing support by researchers both internationally and in South Africa. Data collected on Friedrich Nietzsche’s life were drawn from several primary and secondary sources. A data collection and analysis grid was developed in order to collect data systematically, and to analyse the data according to the qualities of Carl Rogers’ theory. The study adds to the body of psychobiographical research. It also provides an empirical exploration of Carl Rogers’ theory of the fully functioning person. As the scope of the study was that of a master’s dissertation, future research, utilising semi-structured interviews with knowledgeable relatives, academics, psychologists, biographers, philosophers and historians on Nietzsche’s life, could extend this line of research. In conclusion, the current psychobiography suggests that Nietzsche lived a life filled with several personal crises. Despite these challenges, Nietzsche directed himself towards living as a fully functioning person. Nietzsche’s impetus towards self-becoming is also evident within his philosophical writings. Nietzsche was an extraordinary individual whose life, as described in the current psychobiography, corresponds closely to Rogers’ (1961) theory of a fully functioning person.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A qualitative investigation of gendered perspectives on, maternity leave/family responsibility duties/social roles and access to career development, in the Johannesburg branch of a Multination Corporation (MNC): the case of company A, S.A. Johannesburg branch
- Authors: Mbatha, Mbalenhle
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Glass ceiling (Employment discrimination) -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Sex role in the work environment -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5657 , vital:20956
- Description: In recent years, there has been increasing concern that gender bias has prevented women from advancing as rapidly and as frequently as men into management positions. Although the number of women managers has increased, they may experience difficulty moving into upper management positions. The purpose of our research was to study employee gender perception of key variables of women and the positions held in high technology companies. In this research, phenomenological research method was chosen, because the aim of it is to determine what the experience means for the people who have experienced it. Based on the collected data, answers and experiences, structural analysis was done in order to find out the major phenomena of gender perceptions. A number of variables uncover the perception of aspects of policy and gender and barriers that may affect female employees' opportunities for advancement. Using a sample of 30 full-time employees from Company A, the results indicated that position held was significantly different for male and female employees. The results also indicated that neither male nor female employees appeared to notice the apparent perceptions apparently as a glass ceiling within their company and the Implications discussed and recommendations provided. With reference to the Empirical research, this paper increases the knowledge about women’s career development and provides recommendations how to deal with it. It is also expected that this thesis will be helpful to all women who are in the labour market for their career development and advancement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mbatha, Mbalenhle
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Glass ceiling (Employment discrimination) -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Sex role in the work environment -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5657 , vital:20956
- Description: In recent years, there has been increasing concern that gender bias has prevented women from advancing as rapidly and as frequently as men into management positions. Although the number of women managers has increased, they may experience difficulty moving into upper management positions. The purpose of our research was to study employee gender perception of key variables of women and the positions held in high technology companies. In this research, phenomenological research method was chosen, because the aim of it is to determine what the experience means for the people who have experienced it. Based on the collected data, answers and experiences, structural analysis was done in order to find out the major phenomena of gender perceptions. A number of variables uncover the perception of aspects of policy and gender and barriers that may affect female employees' opportunities for advancement. Using a sample of 30 full-time employees from Company A, the results indicated that position held was significantly different for male and female employees. The results also indicated that neither male nor female employees appeared to notice the apparent perceptions apparently as a glass ceiling within their company and the Implications discussed and recommendations provided. With reference to the Empirical research, this paper increases the knowledge about women’s career development and provides recommendations how to deal with it. It is also expected that this thesis will be helpful to all women who are in the labour market for their career development and advancement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A self-reflexive investigation into effective translation strategies with reference to Jeanne Goosen's Louoond
- Authors: Minnaar, Rae-Ann
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Translating and interpreting -- South Africa , Afrikaans fiction -- Translating -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8364 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008401 , Translating and interpreting -- South Africa , Afrikaans fiction -- Translating -- South Africa
- Description: This dissertation is a self-reflexive study into effective translation strategies. The study focuses primarily on the translation strategies by Vinay and Darbelnet (1995), namely direct and oblique strategies of translation. The strategies are used in the translation of Jeanne Goosen‘s novel Louoond (1987). The novel was chosen on account of the writer‘s unique writing style and the challenges it poses for the prospective translator. One of the key objectives of this study was to comprehensively illustrate Vinay and Darbelnet‘s strategies of translation when translating the novel. The theoretical framework of this study is an analysis of Vinay and Darbelnet‘s translation strategies. The study also aims to give insight into what is meant by translation, translation theory, literary theory and literary translation. The translation of the novel is the final product, but in order to illustrate each procedure of Vinay and Darbelnet (1995) examples were taken from this final product. The chapters that follow illustrate the strategies of Vinay and Darbelnet (1995) as used in the translation of an Afrikaans text (SL) into English (TL). Conclusions can then be drawn as to whether full equivalence was obtained and whether the translation is deemed successful.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Minnaar, Rae-Ann
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Translating and interpreting -- South Africa , Afrikaans fiction -- Translating -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8364 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008401 , Translating and interpreting -- South Africa , Afrikaans fiction -- Translating -- South Africa
- Description: This dissertation is a self-reflexive study into effective translation strategies. The study focuses primarily on the translation strategies by Vinay and Darbelnet (1995), namely direct and oblique strategies of translation. The strategies are used in the translation of Jeanne Goosen‘s novel Louoond (1987). The novel was chosen on account of the writer‘s unique writing style and the challenges it poses for the prospective translator. One of the key objectives of this study was to comprehensively illustrate Vinay and Darbelnet‘s strategies of translation when translating the novel. The theoretical framework of this study is an analysis of Vinay and Darbelnet‘s translation strategies. The study also aims to give insight into what is meant by translation, translation theory, literary theory and literary translation. The translation of the novel is the final product, but in order to illustrate each procedure of Vinay and Darbelnet (1995) examples were taken from this final product. The chapters that follow illustrate the strategies of Vinay and Darbelnet (1995) as used in the translation of an Afrikaans text (SL) into English (TL). Conclusions can then be drawn as to whether full equivalence was obtained and whether the translation is deemed successful.
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- Date Issued: 2012
A socio-economic impact analysis of selected national development agency funded projects in the Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Mditshwa, Siviwe
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Economics -- Sociological aspects , Economic impact analysis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8254 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012045 , Economics -- Sociological aspects , Economic impact analysis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The South African government cannot in isolation deliver all the community needs as expected. Therefore, the involvement of all the sectors becomes crucial in the fight against poverty, largely due to the fact that the delivery of services (community needs) by the public sector does not balance with the amount of the resources allocated. This implies that government cannot successfully manage to deliver the community needs in isolation. A shared service delivery strategy to support the socio-economic development initiatives towards sustainable shared growth is therefore essential. The Public-Private Partnerships and Public-Public Partnership have emerged as alternative measures or important public policy tools in addressing the ‘shared delivery’ of services to the general public of South Africa. As a result of high levels of poverty experienced by the people of the Eastern Cape, in fact by the larger South African population, major interventions by NGOs, CBOs and other civil organisation are gaining momentum. Likewise, the establishment of the National Development Agency as mandated is also a public policy tool that looks into improving the socio-economic development of the local communities. Such interventions and partnerships therefore have a big role to play in support of the ANC led government to effectively deliver on its mandate, thus ensuring improved citizen’s welfare. Importantly, what triggered the undertaking of this study are the high levels of poverty, poor local economic developments and poor monitoring and evaluation of the funded projects in the Eastern Cape. In this study community and poverty in developing South Africa is well discussed. Attention is drawn to the whole idea of socio-economic development - simultaneously touching on the socio-economic shift in SA. Local Economic Development is also discussed with its LED dimensions, including business developments within the two said districts. The main aim of this study is to establish the extent to which the interventions by National Development Agency ‘Public Entity’ have improved the socio-economic development of the rural local communities in the Amathole and OR Tambo Districts towards sustainable and shared growth. The study includes a conceptual meaning of the public sector in general with its key service delivery role players. The study also includes the conceptual theoretical basis of the socio-economic development with specific reference to South Africa then cascades down to the study areas. Under the same note, a detailed explanation is also given on the nature of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) as a model for improved socio-economic development. Conceptual presentation of the Public-Public Partnership (PPP) for shared service delivery is also alluded to.
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- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mditshwa, Siviwe
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Economics -- Sociological aspects , Economic impact analysis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8254 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012045 , Economics -- Sociological aspects , Economic impact analysis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The South African government cannot in isolation deliver all the community needs as expected. Therefore, the involvement of all the sectors becomes crucial in the fight against poverty, largely due to the fact that the delivery of services (community needs) by the public sector does not balance with the amount of the resources allocated. This implies that government cannot successfully manage to deliver the community needs in isolation. A shared service delivery strategy to support the socio-economic development initiatives towards sustainable shared growth is therefore essential. The Public-Private Partnerships and Public-Public Partnership have emerged as alternative measures or important public policy tools in addressing the ‘shared delivery’ of services to the general public of South Africa. As a result of high levels of poverty experienced by the people of the Eastern Cape, in fact by the larger South African population, major interventions by NGOs, CBOs and other civil organisation are gaining momentum. Likewise, the establishment of the National Development Agency as mandated is also a public policy tool that looks into improving the socio-economic development of the local communities. Such interventions and partnerships therefore have a big role to play in support of the ANC led government to effectively deliver on its mandate, thus ensuring improved citizen’s welfare. Importantly, what triggered the undertaking of this study are the high levels of poverty, poor local economic developments and poor monitoring and evaluation of the funded projects in the Eastern Cape. In this study community and poverty in developing South Africa is well discussed. Attention is drawn to the whole idea of socio-economic development - simultaneously touching on the socio-economic shift in SA. Local Economic Development is also discussed with its LED dimensions, including business developments within the two said districts. The main aim of this study is to establish the extent to which the interventions by National Development Agency ‘Public Entity’ have improved the socio-economic development of the rural local communities in the Amathole and OR Tambo Districts towards sustainable and shared growth. The study includes a conceptual meaning of the public sector in general with its key service delivery role players. The study also includes the conceptual theoretical basis of the socio-economic development with specific reference to South Africa then cascades down to the study areas. Under the same note, a detailed explanation is also given on the nature of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) as a model for improved socio-economic development. Conceptual presentation of the Public-Public Partnership (PPP) for shared service delivery is also alluded to.
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- Date Issued: 2012
A South African perspective on the tax implications of virtual asset accumulation and transactions stemming from persistent virtual worlds
- Authors: Haupt, Alexander
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001638
- Description: Massively multiplayer online role-playing games are growing in popularity with millions of people participating in these persistent online environments on a daily basis. Accompanying the ever-increasing subscription numbers is an increase in real money trade transactions stemming from these game worlds. The research question to be addressed in this thesis is whether transactions stemming from virtual worlds have real-world taxation consequences. The goal of this research is to determine the taxability of virtual assets obtained in structured as well as unstructured virtual environments and to attempt to establish the differences between capital and revenue receipts in these virtual realms, taking into account the nature of a receipt. The general deduction formula is applied to establish the deductibility of expenditure incurred whilst participating in these virtual environments. Sundry matters such as Value-Added Tax, donations tax, the withholding tax on gambling gains and tax avoidance will also be addressed. The methodology adopted for the research could best be described as interpretative, aimed at analysing and interpreting the relationship between real world taxes and persistent virtual worlds and the transactions that stem from participation therein. The research is based purely on documentary evidence. After applying relevant tax legislation to virtual economies it became evident that merely because virtual assets only exist in virtual reality does not necessarily preclude them real world tax consequences. It was concluded, however, that it is not practical for the South African Revenue Service to monitor all virtual world transactions or for participant taxpayers to calculate the real world value of each and every asset acquired in-world. As a result, it was concluded that real world tax consequences should only be applied in situations where participants actually convert their virtual assets into real world currency.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Haupt, Alexander
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001638
- Description: Massively multiplayer online role-playing games are growing in popularity with millions of people participating in these persistent online environments on a daily basis. Accompanying the ever-increasing subscription numbers is an increase in real money trade transactions stemming from these game worlds. The research question to be addressed in this thesis is whether transactions stemming from virtual worlds have real-world taxation consequences. The goal of this research is to determine the taxability of virtual assets obtained in structured as well as unstructured virtual environments and to attempt to establish the differences between capital and revenue receipts in these virtual realms, taking into account the nature of a receipt. The general deduction formula is applied to establish the deductibility of expenditure incurred whilst participating in these virtual environments. Sundry matters such as Value-Added Tax, donations tax, the withholding tax on gambling gains and tax avoidance will also be addressed. The methodology adopted for the research could best be described as interpretative, aimed at analysing and interpreting the relationship between real world taxes and persistent virtual worlds and the transactions that stem from participation therein. The research is based purely on documentary evidence. After applying relevant tax legislation to virtual economies it became evident that merely because virtual assets only exist in virtual reality does not necessarily preclude them real world tax consequences. It was concluded, however, that it is not practical for the South African Revenue Service to monitor all virtual world transactions or for participant taxpayers to calculate the real world value of each and every asset acquired in-world. As a result, it was concluded that real world tax consequences should only be applied in situations where participants actually convert their virtual assets into real world currency.
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- Date Issued: 2012
A spatial and temporal analysis of elephant induced thicket degradation in Addo Elephant National Park
- Authors: Smith, Janis
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Soil degradation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10661 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012903
- Description: Thicket degradation within the Addo Elephant National Park (AENP), Eastern Cape, South Africa is a key issue of concern. The increasing elephant densities have over time threatened thicket vegetation, which is endemic to this area. The “elephant problem” within the Park has raised many concerns as to the vulnerability of thicket to elephant impacts. Remote sensing provides an environment in which temporal changes in thicket vegetation condition can be assessed. The main aim of this study was to assess temporal and spatial trends in thicket degradation within the AENP, using multi-temporal satellite imagery. Elephant induced thicket degradation was assessed using multi-temporal satellite imagery from between 1973 and 2010. Changes in thicket condition in relation to the AENP expansion were analysed using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), post-classification and landscape metrics. The ‘per-pixel’ based classification approach was carried out and change detection of land cover classes was analysed by post-classification. Landscape spatial metrics were used in order to gain an understanding of vegetation fragmentation trends. Temporal changes in vegetation gradients in relation to water points and thicket condition within the botanical reserves were also assessed. Thicket condition was noted to deteriorate as the AENP expanded. An expansion of degraded vegetation away from the water points was identified during the study period. Thicket condition in botanical reserves 1 and 2 fluctuated over time, with a registered increase in intact thicket within botanical reserve 2, with botanical reserve 3 remaining constant. Landscape spatial metric analyses revealed evidence of increased vegetation fragmentation as new areas of the AENP were opened for elephant activity. A progressive decline in intact thicket and increase in degraded thicket were observed. Considering the current elephant densities, thicket degradation within AENP is set to continue, causing a continued threat to the thicket biome.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Smith, Janis
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Soil degradation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10661 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012903
- Description: Thicket degradation within the Addo Elephant National Park (AENP), Eastern Cape, South Africa is a key issue of concern. The increasing elephant densities have over time threatened thicket vegetation, which is endemic to this area. The “elephant problem” within the Park has raised many concerns as to the vulnerability of thicket to elephant impacts. Remote sensing provides an environment in which temporal changes in thicket vegetation condition can be assessed. The main aim of this study was to assess temporal and spatial trends in thicket degradation within the AENP, using multi-temporal satellite imagery. Elephant induced thicket degradation was assessed using multi-temporal satellite imagery from between 1973 and 2010. Changes in thicket condition in relation to the AENP expansion were analysed using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), post-classification and landscape metrics. The ‘per-pixel’ based classification approach was carried out and change detection of land cover classes was analysed by post-classification. Landscape spatial metrics were used in order to gain an understanding of vegetation fragmentation trends. Temporal changes in vegetation gradients in relation to water points and thicket condition within the botanical reserves were also assessed. Thicket condition was noted to deteriorate as the AENP expanded. An expansion of degraded vegetation away from the water points was identified during the study period. Thicket condition in botanical reserves 1 and 2 fluctuated over time, with a registered increase in intact thicket within botanical reserve 2, with botanical reserve 3 remaining constant. Landscape spatial metric analyses revealed evidence of increased vegetation fragmentation as new areas of the AENP were opened for elephant activity. A progressive decline in intact thicket and increase in degraded thicket were observed. Considering the current elephant densities, thicket degradation within AENP is set to continue, causing a continued threat to the thicket biome.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A spatial and temporal analysis of the changes in alien macrophyte communities and a baseline assessment of the macroinvertebrates associated with Eurasian watermilfoil, Myriophyllum spicatum L. (Haloragaceae) in the Vaal River
- Authors: Fordham, Colin Justin
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Water hyacinth -- Control -- South Africa , Aquatic weeds -- Control -- South Africa , Eurasian watermilfoil -- South Africa , Water quality management -- South Africa , Freshwater invertebrates -- Ecology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5767 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005455 , Water hyacinth -- Control -- South Africa , Aquatic weeds -- Control -- South Africa , Eurasian watermilfoil -- South Africa , Water quality management -- South Africa , Freshwater invertebrates -- Ecology -- South Africa
- Description: The majority of South Africa’s fresh water (lotic and lentic), is eutrophic and this has resulted in water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (C.Mart.) Solms. (Pontederiaceae) becoming South Africa’s most damaging aquatic macrophyte. Recently however, concerns have also been voiced over the presence of highly invasive submerged macrophyte species, such as Eurasian water-milfoil, Myriophyllum spicatum L. (Haloragaceae) in the Vaal River. Interaction studies between floating and submerged macrophytes have shown that floating macrophyte dominance restricts light penetration into the water column shading out submerged macrophytes while submerged macrophyte dominance reduces nutrient availability in the water column limiting floating macrophyte growth. This cycle ensures that these species cannot coexist in the same habitat for extended periods of time. The aims of this thesis were to: 1. Investigate changes in the historical and current macrophyte dominance in the Vaal River 2. Determine whether these changes could be attributed to stochastic events, such as floods and herbicide control measures. 3. The physio-chemical conditions of the water column, and whether pressure from herbivory by macroinvertebrates had possibly influenced Eurasian water-milfoil’s ability to dominate. Spatial and temporal analysis of satellite imagery revealed that water hyacinth and submerged macrophyte species dominated different regions of the study area over different periods of time from 2006 to 2010. This was significantly correlated with nitrate concentrations of the water column. One of the lower Vaal River Water Management Areas (WMA) had changed from a water hyacinth dominated state in 2006 to an alternative submerged macrophyte dominated stable state in 2008. It was concluded that this change could be attributed to: a stochastic flooding event in 2006; perturbation from integrated control measures implemented against water hyacinth; and low nitrate concentrations of the WMA. The lack of any substantial macroinvertebrate herbivory pressure or control measures implemented against Eurasian water-milfoil, compared to similar surveys conducted in the U.S.A. and its native range in Eurasia was shown to contribute to its dominance. Future successful integrated control programmes, including biological control against Eurasian water-milfoil, could provide the perturbation required to restore the ecosystem. However, without the reduction in nitrate concentration levels, water hyacinth will remain the dominant stable state of the rest of the Vaal River.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Fordham, Colin Justin
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Water hyacinth -- Control -- South Africa , Aquatic weeds -- Control -- South Africa , Eurasian watermilfoil -- South Africa , Water quality management -- South Africa , Freshwater invertebrates -- Ecology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5767 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005455 , Water hyacinth -- Control -- South Africa , Aquatic weeds -- Control -- South Africa , Eurasian watermilfoil -- South Africa , Water quality management -- South Africa , Freshwater invertebrates -- Ecology -- South Africa
- Description: The majority of South Africa’s fresh water (lotic and lentic), is eutrophic and this has resulted in water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (C.Mart.) Solms. (Pontederiaceae) becoming South Africa’s most damaging aquatic macrophyte. Recently however, concerns have also been voiced over the presence of highly invasive submerged macrophyte species, such as Eurasian water-milfoil, Myriophyllum spicatum L. (Haloragaceae) in the Vaal River. Interaction studies between floating and submerged macrophytes have shown that floating macrophyte dominance restricts light penetration into the water column shading out submerged macrophytes while submerged macrophyte dominance reduces nutrient availability in the water column limiting floating macrophyte growth. This cycle ensures that these species cannot coexist in the same habitat for extended periods of time. The aims of this thesis were to: 1. Investigate changes in the historical and current macrophyte dominance in the Vaal River 2. Determine whether these changes could be attributed to stochastic events, such as floods and herbicide control measures. 3. The physio-chemical conditions of the water column, and whether pressure from herbivory by macroinvertebrates had possibly influenced Eurasian water-milfoil’s ability to dominate. Spatial and temporal analysis of satellite imagery revealed that water hyacinth and submerged macrophyte species dominated different regions of the study area over different periods of time from 2006 to 2010. This was significantly correlated with nitrate concentrations of the water column. One of the lower Vaal River Water Management Areas (WMA) had changed from a water hyacinth dominated state in 2006 to an alternative submerged macrophyte dominated stable state in 2008. It was concluded that this change could be attributed to: a stochastic flooding event in 2006; perturbation from integrated control measures implemented against water hyacinth; and low nitrate concentrations of the WMA. The lack of any substantial macroinvertebrate herbivory pressure or control measures implemented against Eurasian water-milfoil, compared to similar surveys conducted in the U.S.A. and its native range in Eurasia was shown to contribute to its dominance. Future successful integrated control programmes, including biological control against Eurasian water-milfoil, could provide the perturbation required to restore the ecosystem. However, without the reduction in nitrate concentration levels, water hyacinth will remain the dominant stable state of the rest of the Vaal River.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012