The effect of interest rates on investment spending: an empirical analysis of South Africa
- Authors: Dakin, Nicholas John
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1131 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021174
- Description: This thesis investigates the nature and strength of the relationship between short-, medium-, and long-term real interest rates and capital investment spending at both the aggregate and disaggregate levels in South Africa in order to determine whether changes in the real interest rate affect the level of capital investment in the economy. This thesis used quarterly data for the period 1987 to 2013. VAR modelling, variance decompositions, impulse response functions and Granger causality tests are used to explore the nature and strength of the relationship between interest rates and investment spending. It is found that interest rates explain very little of the variation in investment spending and seem to have little impact on investment (of any type). Furthermore, short-, medium- and long-term interest rates have different effects on the level of investment spending. A rise in short-term interest rates appears to decrease the level of investment spending in the long-run, whereas a rise in long-term interest rates results in an increase in investment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Dakin, Nicholas John
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1131 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021174
- Description: This thesis investigates the nature and strength of the relationship between short-, medium-, and long-term real interest rates and capital investment spending at both the aggregate and disaggregate levels in South Africa in order to determine whether changes in the real interest rate affect the level of capital investment in the economy. This thesis used quarterly data for the period 1987 to 2013. VAR modelling, variance decompositions, impulse response functions and Granger causality tests are used to explore the nature and strength of the relationship between interest rates and investment spending. It is found that interest rates explain very little of the variation in investment spending and seem to have little impact on investment (of any type). Furthermore, short-, medium- and long-term interest rates have different effects on the level of investment spending. A rise in short-term interest rates appears to decrease the level of investment spending in the long-run, whereas a rise in long-term interest rates results in an increase in investment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effect of kelp supplementation in formulated feed on the production performance and gut microbiota of South African abalone (Haliotis midae)
- Authors: Nel, Aldi
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/899 , vital:20001
- Description: Formulated feeds with a relatively low (< 5 % of dry mass) kelp (Ecklonia maxima) inclusion level are widely used on commercial abalone (Haliotis midae) farms in South Africa. Although the use of kelp, a major constituent of the natural diet of H. midae, as a dietary supplement is considered to enhance abalone growth and feed utilisation, there are no published studies which quantify the effects of kelp inclusion in formulated feeds. Furthermore, the physiological mechanisms by which kelp supplementation may positively influence abalone digestive physiology and growth are largely unknown. As the kelp supplement is comprised mostly of soluble fibres and abalone gut bacteria associated with macroalgae (and its fibrous polysaccharides) are known to play a key role in digestion, it was hypothesised that the kelp supplement influences the gut-bacterial community profiles of cultured abalone through prebiotic and other metabolic effects. The present thesis thus examined the effect of kelp supplementation on the performance of abalone (Haliotis midae) fed formulated feeds and explored the influence of a kelp supplement on the abalone gut microbiota and its function in the gastrointestinal tract. The key hypotheses of the study were that kelp supplementation in formulated feed: 1) enhances abalone growth; 2) causes a shift in abalone gut-bacterial community composition through a prebiotic-like effect; 3) may induce changes in crop morphology as a result of potential bacterial-associated increases in volatile short-chain fatty acids, and 4) alters digestive enzyme activities in the abalone gut through changes in bacterial-derived (exogenous) digestive enzymes. The growth-promoting efficacy of low-level kelp supplementation was tested by feeding isonitrogenous and isoenergetic experimental feeds containing 0.00 – 3.54 % kelp (dry mass) to sub-adult abalone (~43 mm shell length) for eight months under commercial farm conditions. The growth trial established that kelp supplementation (0.44 – 3.54 % of dry mass) promoted faster growth and improved feed conversion and protein efficiency ratios in cultured abalone compared to abalone fed the non-supplemented control diet, while there were no significant differences in growth for abalone fed the different kelp-supplemented diets (0.44, 0.88, 1.76 and 3.54 % of dry mass). Feed conversion and protein efficiency ratios displayed significant correlations with kelp level in the range of 0.00 – 3.54 % dry mass, and it is therefore recommended that kelp be included in the formulated feeds of cultured South African abalone at a rate of up to 3.54 % of dry mass. A kelp-supplemented (0.88 % dry weight inclusion) feed was fed to abalone under farm conditions to compare gut physiological parameters (crop morphology, digestive enzyme activities and the gut microbiota) in abalone against that of abalone fed an isonitrogenous and isoenergetic non-supplemented control feed. To establish if the observed higher abalone growth rates were related to improved gastrointestinal tract epithelium activity and integrity, as reflected by epithelial cell growth in response to potential changes in bacterial-derived short-chain fatty acid production, crop epithelial morphology was compared between abalone fed the kelp-supplemented and control feeds. Kelp supplementation did not induce any observable changes in crop epithelial cell height for farm-reared sub-adult abalone fed the experimental diets on-farm for seven weeks. This was attributed to the similar macronutrient compositions of kelp-supplemented and control diets and/ or the common diet history of experimental abalone from weaning to the initiation of the experiment. Digestive enzyme activity was compared between abalone fed a kelp-supplemented and a control feed during an on-farm feeding trial with sub-adult abalone. Gut samples were collected after seven weeks and colorimetric enzyme assays were performed for the polysaccharide-degrading enzymes amylase, alginate lyase, laminarinase and fucoidanase, and for acid protease, trypsin and chymotrypsin activity. Amylase and alginate lyase activities were relatively high, compared to the other enzymes. Polysaccharidase and acid protease activity levels did not differ significantly between abalone fed kelp-supplemented and control feeds, but a greater variability in enzyme activity levels was observed in abalone fed the control diet. It was hypothesised that this might be due to the kelp supplement promoting a more stable and less opportunistic gut-bacterial community than the control diet. Pooled gut samples of abalone fed the kelp-supplemented diet were used for proteomic analyses to identify the composition of enzyme proteins of both endogenous and exogenous origin in the abalone digestive system. The key polysaccharidases and proteases in the gut samples of kelp-supplemented formulated feed-fed abalone were all of abalone origin, whereas the bacterial enzymes were of the types that form part of intermediate reactions in metabolic pathways. The results suggested that bacterial enzymes play a different role to abalone endogenous enzymes in the digestion of formulated feed. While abalone enzymes appear to be the main degraders of carbohydrate and protein macromolecules, the profile of exogenous enzymes suggests that they perform bioconversions of smaller organic compounds. The profiles of gut-bacterial communities of farm-reared sub-adult abalone fed kelpsupplemented and control feeds on-farm for seven weeks were analysed with metagenomic pyrosequencing and DGGE analyses, using 16S rDNA-targeted amplified DNA. The results indicated a shift in gut-bacterial composition with a higher abundance of Mollicutes in abalone fed kelp-supplemented feed compared to those fed the control feed. DGGE band patterns displayed a greater within-group similarity in gut bacteria for abalone fed the kelpsupplemented diet and the presence of unique and variable bands for bacteria in the guts of abalone fed the control diet. It was concluded that when cultured abalone are fed kelpsupplemented formulated feeds, more stable gut bacterial communities are present compared to a more opportunistic gut-bacterial community in abalone fed non-supplemented feeds, and that the observed increase in Mollicutes could reflect the restoration of the abalone gut microbiota to a more natural state. The novel application of proteomics to abalone nutrition in the present study demonstrated that gut-bacterial enzymes may form part of many different metabolic pathways and suggests that the metabolism of the gut microbiota serves as an extension of the abalone’s digestive metabolism. Future studies should quantify the contribution of commensal gut-bacteria to cultured abalone nutrition by employing metabolomic studies to characterize the utilisation of bacterial-derived metabolites by the abalone host.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Nel, Aldi
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/899 , vital:20001
- Description: Formulated feeds with a relatively low (< 5 % of dry mass) kelp (Ecklonia maxima) inclusion level are widely used on commercial abalone (Haliotis midae) farms in South Africa. Although the use of kelp, a major constituent of the natural diet of H. midae, as a dietary supplement is considered to enhance abalone growth and feed utilisation, there are no published studies which quantify the effects of kelp inclusion in formulated feeds. Furthermore, the physiological mechanisms by which kelp supplementation may positively influence abalone digestive physiology and growth are largely unknown. As the kelp supplement is comprised mostly of soluble fibres and abalone gut bacteria associated with macroalgae (and its fibrous polysaccharides) are known to play a key role in digestion, it was hypothesised that the kelp supplement influences the gut-bacterial community profiles of cultured abalone through prebiotic and other metabolic effects. The present thesis thus examined the effect of kelp supplementation on the performance of abalone (Haliotis midae) fed formulated feeds and explored the influence of a kelp supplement on the abalone gut microbiota and its function in the gastrointestinal tract. The key hypotheses of the study were that kelp supplementation in formulated feed: 1) enhances abalone growth; 2) causes a shift in abalone gut-bacterial community composition through a prebiotic-like effect; 3) may induce changes in crop morphology as a result of potential bacterial-associated increases in volatile short-chain fatty acids, and 4) alters digestive enzyme activities in the abalone gut through changes in bacterial-derived (exogenous) digestive enzymes. The growth-promoting efficacy of low-level kelp supplementation was tested by feeding isonitrogenous and isoenergetic experimental feeds containing 0.00 – 3.54 % kelp (dry mass) to sub-adult abalone (~43 mm shell length) for eight months under commercial farm conditions. The growth trial established that kelp supplementation (0.44 – 3.54 % of dry mass) promoted faster growth and improved feed conversion and protein efficiency ratios in cultured abalone compared to abalone fed the non-supplemented control diet, while there were no significant differences in growth for abalone fed the different kelp-supplemented diets (0.44, 0.88, 1.76 and 3.54 % of dry mass). Feed conversion and protein efficiency ratios displayed significant correlations with kelp level in the range of 0.00 – 3.54 % dry mass, and it is therefore recommended that kelp be included in the formulated feeds of cultured South African abalone at a rate of up to 3.54 % of dry mass. A kelp-supplemented (0.88 % dry weight inclusion) feed was fed to abalone under farm conditions to compare gut physiological parameters (crop morphology, digestive enzyme activities and the gut microbiota) in abalone against that of abalone fed an isonitrogenous and isoenergetic non-supplemented control feed. To establish if the observed higher abalone growth rates were related to improved gastrointestinal tract epithelium activity and integrity, as reflected by epithelial cell growth in response to potential changes in bacterial-derived short-chain fatty acid production, crop epithelial morphology was compared between abalone fed the kelp-supplemented and control feeds. Kelp supplementation did not induce any observable changes in crop epithelial cell height for farm-reared sub-adult abalone fed the experimental diets on-farm for seven weeks. This was attributed to the similar macronutrient compositions of kelp-supplemented and control diets and/ or the common diet history of experimental abalone from weaning to the initiation of the experiment. Digestive enzyme activity was compared between abalone fed a kelp-supplemented and a control feed during an on-farm feeding trial with sub-adult abalone. Gut samples were collected after seven weeks and colorimetric enzyme assays were performed for the polysaccharide-degrading enzymes amylase, alginate lyase, laminarinase and fucoidanase, and for acid protease, trypsin and chymotrypsin activity. Amylase and alginate lyase activities were relatively high, compared to the other enzymes. Polysaccharidase and acid protease activity levels did not differ significantly between abalone fed kelp-supplemented and control feeds, but a greater variability in enzyme activity levels was observed in abalone fed the control diet. It was hypothesised that this might be due to the kelp supplement promoting a more stable and less opportunistic gut-bacterial community than the control diet. Pooled gut samples of abalone fed the kelp-supplemented diet were used for proteomic analyses to identify the composition of enzyme proteins of both endogenous and exogenous origin in the abalone digestive system. The key polysaccharidases and proteases in the gut samples of kelp-supplemented formulated feed-fed abalone were all of abalone origin, whereas the bacterial enzymes were of the types that form part of intermediate reactions in metabolic pathways. The results suggested that bacterial enzymes play a different role to abalone endogenous enzymes in the digestion of formulated feed. While abalone enzymes appear to be the main degraders of carbohydrate and protein macromolecules, the profile of exogenous enzymes suggests that they perform bioconversions of smaller organic compounds. The profiles of gut-bacterial communities of farm-reared sub-adult abalone fed kelpsupplemented and control feeds on-farm for seven weeks were analysed with metagenomic pyrosequencing and DGGE analyses, using 16S rDNA-targeted amplified DNA. The results indicated a shift in gut-bacterial composition with a higher abundance of Mollicutes in abalone fed kelp-supplemented feed compared to those fed the control feed. DGGE band patterns displayed a greater within-group similarity in gut bacteria for abalone fed the kelpsupplemented diet and the presence of unique and variable bands for bacteria in the guts of abalone fed the control diet. It was concluded that when cultured abalone are fed kelpsupplemented formulated feeds, more stable gut bacterial communities are present compared to a more opportunistic gut-bacterial community in abalone fed non-supplemented feeds, and that the observed increase in Mollicutes could reflect the restoration of the abalone gut microbiota to a more natural state. The novel application of proteomics to abalone nutrition in the present study demonstrated that gut-bacterial enzymes may form part of many different metabolic pathways and suggests that the metabolism of the gut microbiota serves as an extension of the abalone’s digestive metabolism. Future studies should quantify the contribution of commensal gut-bacteria to cultured abalone nutrition by employing metabolomic studies to characterize the utilisation of bacterial-derived metabolites by the abalone host.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effect of land-use on small mammal diversity inside and outside the Great Fish River Nature Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Thondhlana, Gladman, Lagesse, Juliette V
- Authors: Thondhlana, Gladman , Lagesse, Juliette V
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67823 , vital:29150 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2016.03.006
- Description: Publisher version , This study investigated small mammal species diversity at 10 paired contrast sites along a fence line inside and outside the Great Fish River Nature Reserve (GFRNR), Eastern Cape, South Africa. The sites outside the GFRNR are used for subsistence land-based activities including livestock production and fuelwood harvesting. From 145 live captures, a total of 114 unique individuals of five small mammal species (four rodents and one elephant shrew) were recorded over 1170 trap nights. Average small mammal species diversity and abundance were significantly higher inside the reserve than outside. Human activities such as livestock grazing seemed to explain low levels of small mammal diversity and abundance at the communal sites. Vegetation variables showed a complex interplay with small mammal diversity. In general, high vegetation diversity had a positive influence on small mammal diversity though the influence of some environmental variables was species-dependent. We conclude that the GFRNR is effective in protecting small mammals but the findings raise questions around the influence of land use practices such as livestock grazing on biodiversity, especially given that local communities in South Africa are continuously seeking greater access to reserves for livestock grazing and other provisioning services.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Thondhlana, Gladman , Lagesse, Juliette V
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67823 , vital:29150 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2016.03.006
- Description: Publisher version , This study investigated small mammal species diversity at 10 paired contrast sites along a fence line inside and outside the Great Fish River Nature Reserve (GFRNR), Eastern Cape, South Africa. The sites outside the GFRNR are used for subsistence land-based activities including livestock production and fuelwood harvesting. From 145 live captures, a total of 114 unique individuals of five small mammal species (four rodents and one elephant shrew) were recorded over 1170 trap nights. Average small mammal species diversity and abundance were significantly higher inside the reserve than outside. Human activities such as livestock grazing seemed to explain low levels of small mammal diversity and abundance at the communal sites. Vegetation variables showed a complex interplay with small mammal diversity. In general, high vegetation diversity had a positive influence on small mammal diversity though the influence of some environmental variables was species-dependent. We conclude that the GFRNR is effective in protecting small mammals but the findings raise questions around the influence of land use practices such as livestock grazing on biodiversity, especially given that local communities in South Africa are continuously seeking greater access to reserves for livestock grazing and other provisioning services.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
The effect of novel thiazole-derived small molecules on the neuronal differentiation of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells
- Authors: Joos-Vandewalle, Julia
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64507 , vital:28554
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Joos-Vandewalle, Julia
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64507 , vital:28554
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effect of on-site wellness programs on absenteeism, presenteeism, stress and health care costs
- Authors: Gxolo, Zingisani Mzontsundu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee health promotion -- Economic aspects Absenteeism (Labor)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14323 , vital:27570
- Description: The prevalence of health risk behaviours is growing among South African employees. The deteriorating health of the public and the costs there off, which arise from making unhealthy choices about one’s lifestyle, are a major cause of many preventable Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD’s). The effect of these NCD’s on an organisation can result in employees’ ill health and negative stress, which in turn can lead to absenteeism, presenteeism and thus decreased productivity. Several studies propose that the absenteeism together with presenteeism can cost an organisation up to three times as much as medical costs with stress also being flagged as a severe work-related hazard. Literature shows that ill health affects employee ability to function optimally, thus indirectly affects productivity. Studies on on-site wellness programs, although they report savings in health care costs and increase in productivity, their true effectiveness is not sufficiently measured. To add to this, there is a paucity of work that exists regarding the benefits of on-site wellness programs in South Africa. It is suggested that data about the effect of successful wellness programs does not always make its way to academic literature, thus the observed shortage in investment on such programs from South African companies. This study we aim to find out the effect of on-site wellness programs on absenteeism, presenteeism, stress and health care costs. The results oppose what literature findings report. Reasons for these findings are therefore speculated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Gxolo, Zingisani Mzontsundu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee health promotion -- Economic aspects Absenteeism (Labor)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14323 , vital:27570
- Description: The prevalence of health risk behaviours is growing among South African employees. The deteriorating health of the public and the costs there off, which arise from making unhealthy choices about one’s lifestyle, are a major cause of many preventable Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD’s). The effect of these NCD’s on an organisation can result in employees’ ill health and negative stress, which in turn can lead to absenteeism, presenteeism and thus decreased productivity. Several studies propose that the absenteeism together with presenteeism can cost an organisation up to three times as much as medical costs with stress also being flagged as a severe work-related hazard. Literature shows that ill health affects employee ability to function optimally, thus indirectly affects productivity. Studies on on-site wellness programs, although they report savings in health care costs and increase in productivity, their true effectiveness is not sufficiently measured. To add to this, there is a paucity of work that exists regarding the benefits of on-site wellness programs in South Africa. It is suggested that data about the effect of successful wellness programs does not always make its way to academic literature, thus the observed shortage in investment on such programs from South African companies. This study we aim to find out the effect of on-site wellness programs on absenteeism, presenteeism, stress and health care costs. The results oppose what literature findings report. Reasons for these findings are therefore speculated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effect of shaped nanoparticles on the photophysicochemical behaviour of metallophthalocyanines
- Authors: D'Souza, Sarah
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/529 , vital:19967
- Description: The synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and photophysicochemical analysis of novel and known metallophthalocyanines are reported in this thesis. The novel lowsymmetry compounds were extensively studied. Selected phthalocyanines were conjugated to a variety of nanoparticles consisting of silver (AgNPs), gold (AuNPs) and zinc oxide (ZnO NPs) in order to improve their photophysical and photochemical behaviour. As with the phthalocyanines, the nanoparticles and phthalocyaninenanoparticle conjugates were thoroughly investigated. Research on the effect of the solvent used, as well as the influence of nanoparticle composition and shape on the properties of the phthalocyanines, were performed. The findings showed that there was a general increase in triplet quantum yields of the phthalocyanines in the presence of the nanoparticles. It was also noted that the use of different solvents directly affected the photophysicochemical properties. In the case of the nanoparticle conjugates, photophysical and photochemical changes were observed. Of significance were the gold nanostars, which decreased the degree of phthalocyanine aggregation in water, resulting in increased fluorescence lifetimes. The studies also revealed that the effect of the nanoparticle shape on the phthalocyanine properties was highly dependent on the nanoparticle material. The photodynamic antimicrobial activity of selected phthalocyanine-zinc oxide nanoparticle conjugates was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in solution. The phthalocyanines alone exhibited remarkable growth inhibition, however the presence of the nanoparticles in the conjugates increased the photoinactivation of S. aureus.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: D'Souza, Sarah
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/529 , vital:19967
- Description: The synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and photophysicochemical analysis of novel and known metallophthalocyanines are reported in this thesis. The novel lowsymmetry compounds were extensively studied. Selected phthalocyanines were conjugated to a variety of nanoparticles consisting of silver (AgNPs), gold (AuNPs) and zinc oxide (ZnO NPs) in order to improve their photophysical and photochemical behaviour. As with the phthalocyanines, the nanoparticles and phthalocyaninenanoparticle conjugates were thoroughly investigated. Research on the effect of the solvent used, as well as the influence of nanoparticle composition and shape on the properties of the phthalocyanines, were performed. The findings showed that there was a general increase in triplet quantum yields of the phthalocyanines in the presence of the nanoparticles. It was also noted that the use of different solvents directly affected the photophysicochemical properties. In the case of the nanoparticle conjugates, photophysical and photochemical changes were observed. Of significance were the gold nanostars, which decreased the degree of phthalocyanine aggregation in water, resulting in increased fluorescence lifetimes. The studies also revealed that the effect of the nanoparticle shape on the phthalocyanine properties was highly dependent on the nanoparticle material. The photodynamic antimicrobial activity of selected phthalocyanine-zinc oxide nanoparticle conjugates was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in solution. The phthalocyanines alone exhibited remarkable growth inhibition, however the presence of the nanoparticles in the conjugates increased the photoinactivation of S. aureus.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effect of silica on the reduction of precipitated iron-based fischer-tropsch catalysts
- Authors: Coombes, Matthew
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Fischer-Tropsch process Reduction (Chemistry) , Catalysts
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14873 , vital:27888
- Description: Iron Fischer-Tropsch (FT) catalysts are typically prepared as iron oxides which are reduced to FT-active iron metal and iron carbide prior to FT synthesis. The iron oxides contain a variety of different chemical and structural promoters to alter FT-activity. Silica is a common structural promoter which stabilises the formation of small crystallites and provides mechanical integrity to the catalyst. However, silica inhibits the reduction of the oxide precursor to the FT-active phases. This ultimately affects catalyst activity and product selectivity. It has been proposed that the silica interacts with the iron to form encapsulating shells of fayalite (Fe2SiO4), or fayalite rafts between the iron oxide and the silica support. In this study, six silica-promoted iron oxide samples were prepared using a simple co-precipitation technique. Samples contain varying amounts of silica, and the samples are named 100/x Fe/SiO2, where x is the weight of silica for 100 weight iron, with x taking on values of 0, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200. The resulting iron oxides were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), M¨ossbauer spectroscopy (MS), magnetic susceptibility measurements (MM), Raman spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and nitrogen physisorption. Their reduction in a hydrogen atmosphere was investigated using temperature programmed reduction (TPR), in situ XRPD and TEM. The reduction in hydrogen of 100/0 Fe/SiO2 and 100/10 Fe/SiO2 was also studied using in situ gas flow TEM cells. These cells allow the samples to be studied in the electron microscope at temperature and pressure conditions approaching those experienced in a real reactor environment. In the absence of a silica promoter (100/0 Fe/SiO2), hematite particles are formed with mean particle diameters of 39 ± 12 and 52.7 ± 0.2 nm determined using TEM and XRPD respectively. MM data reveals a magnetic transition (Morin transition) at≈230 K, consistent with a mean particle size of≈50 nm. In a hydrogen atmosphere, the hematite reduces to metallic iron via a two-step process viz. hematite → magnetite → iron. The final iron particles have an average crystallite size of 68.0 ± 0.2 nm. The presence of lower amounts of silica in the samples 100/10 Fe/SiO2, 100/25 Fe/SiO2 and 100/50 Fe/SiO2 results in the formation of silicasubstituted 2-line ferrihydrite particles. Bands in the Raman spectra of these samples shift on increasing silica content, which indicates an increasing number of Fe-O-Si bonds within the ferrihydrite framework. MM reveals typical superparamagnetic (SPM) behaviour above a blocking temperature in the range 39 - 68 K which gives mean particle sizes of 4.2, 3.6 and 3.5 nm for 100/10 Fe/SiO2, 100/25 Fe/SiO2 and 100/50 Fe/SiO2 respectively, in good agreement with particle sizes determined using TEM (3.1±0.4, 2.4±0.3 and 2.4±0.3 nm respectively). MS data at 300 K and 4.2 K were fitted with distributions of ∆EQ and Bhf respectively. The median values of Bhf decrease with increasing silica content, indicating greater degrees of distortion in the Fe3+ environments induced by increased silica substitution. The reduction to metallic iron occurs via a three-step process viz. hematite → magnetite → wu¨stite → iron, with the silica stabilising the wu¨stite phase. The increasing amount of Fe-O-Si bonds on increasing silica content shifts reduction to higher temperatures broadens each reduction step as a result of local Fe-O-Si concentration variations. Fractions of each sample are not completely reduced even at 1000°C, with the relative proportion increasing with increasing silica content. In situ gas flow TEM studies reveal that the mechanism of reduction involves the liberation of atomic iron atoms from the silica-substituted iron oxides which agglomerate and grow into final iron particles. This leaves a poorly crystalline Fe-O-Si bonded framework behind. STEM-EDS and STEM-EELS reveal low concentrations of silicon at the surface of the resulting iron particles, however they do not form encapsulating shells of fayalite as previously suggested. The majority of the silica remains in the Fe-O-Si material which may crystallise into separate fayalite particles at elevated temperature. The presence of silica in high proportions (100/100 Fe/SiO2 and 100/200 Fe/SiO2) results in the formation of a two-phase system consisting of silicasubstituted 2-line ferrihydrite particles which are encapsulated in an ironinfused amorphous silica network. As with the other silica-bearing samples, there is an increase in Fe-O-Si bonds and an increase in the degree of distortion at Fe3+ sites with increasing silica content. The large amount of silica suppresses the blocking temperature of the SPM crystallites. In a hydrogen atmosphere, the reduction to metallic iron follows the same three step process as the other silica-bearing samples. Reduction temperatures are further shifted to higher values and given reduction steps are considerably broader with increasing silica content. The fraction of iron not fully reduced also increases. Iron particle diameters are very small, since encapsulation by the silica matrix prevents growth of particles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Coombes, Matthew
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Fischer-Tropsch process Reduction (Chemistry) , Catalysts
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14873 , vital:27888
- Description: Iron Fischer-Tropsch (FT) catalysts are typically prepared as iron oxides which are reduced to FT-active iron metal and iron carbide prior to FT synthesis. The iron oxides contain a variety of different chemical and structural promoters to alter FT-activity. Silica is a common structural promoter which stabilises the formation of small crystallites and provides mechanical integrity to the catalyst. However, silica inhibits the reduction of the oxide precursor to the FT-active phases. This ultimately affects catalyst activity and product selectivity. It has been proposed that the silica interacts with the iron to form encapsulating shells of fayalite (Fe2SiO4), or fayalite rafts between the iron oxide and the silica support. In this study, six silica-promoted iron oxide samples were prepared using a simple co-precipitation technique. Samples contain varying amounts of silica, and the samples are named 100/x Fe/SiO2, where x is the weight of silica for 100 weight iron, with x taking on values of 0, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200. The resulting iron oxides were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), M¨ossbauer spectroscopy (MS), magnetic susceptibility measurements (MM), Raman spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and nitrogen physisorption. Their reduction in a hydrogen atmosphere was investigated using temperature programmed reduction (TPR), in situ XRPD and TEM. The reduction in hydrogen of 100/0 Fe/SiO2 and 100/10 Fe/SiO2 was also studied using in situ gas flow TEM cells. These cells allow the samples to be studied in the electron microscope at temperature and pressure conditions approaching those experienced in a real reactor environment. In the absence of a silica promoter (100/0 Fe/SiO2), hematite particles are formed with mean particle diameters of 39 ± 12 and 52.7 ± 0.2 nm determined using TEM and XRPD respectively. MM data reveals a magnetic transition (Morin transition) at≈230 K, consistent with a mean particle size of≈50 nm. In a hydrogen atmosphere, the hematite reduces to metallic iron via a two-step process viz. hematite → magnetite → iron. The final iron particles have an average crystallite size of 68.0 ± 0.2 nm. The presence of lower amounts of silica in the samples 100/10 Fe/SiO2, 100/25 Fe/SiO2 and 100/50 Fe/SiO2 results in the formation of silicasubstituted 2-line ferrihydrite particles. Bands in the Raman spectra of these samples shift on increasing silica content, which indicates an increasing number of Fe-O-Si bonds within the ferrihydrite framework. MM reveals typical superparamagnetic (SPM) behaviour above a blocking temperature in the range 39 - 68 K which gives mean particle sizes of 4.2, 3.6 and 3.5 nm for 100/10 Fe/SiO2, 100/25 Fe/SiO2 and 100/50 Fe/SiO2 respectively, in good agreement with particle sizes determined using TEM (3.1±0.4, 2.4±0.3 and 2.4±0.3 nm respectively). MS data at 300 K and 4.2 K were fitted with distributions of ∆EQ and Bhf respectively. The median values of Bhf decrease with increasing silica content, indicating greater degrees of distortion in the Fe3+ environments induced by increased silica substitution. The reduction to metallic iron occurs via a three-step process viz. hematite → magnetite → wu¨stite → iron, with the silica stabilising the wu¨stite phase. The increasing amount of Fe-O-Si bonds on increasing silica content shifts reduction to higher temperatures broadens each reduction step as a result of local Fe-O-Si concentration variations. Fractions of each sample are not completely reduced even at 1000°C, with the relative proportion increasing with increasing silica content. In situ gas flow TEM studies reveal that the mechanism of reduction involves the liberation of atomic iron atoms from the silica-substituted iron oxides which agglomerate and grow into final iron particles. This leaves a poorly crystalline Fe-O-Si bonded framework behind. STEM-EDS and STEM-EELS reveal low concentrations of silicon at the surface of the resulting iron particles, however they do not form encapsulating shells of fayalite as previously suggested. The majority of the silica remains in the Fe-O-Si material which may crystallise into separate fayalite particles at elevated temperature. The presence of silica in high proportions (100/100 Fe/SiO2 and 100/200 Fe/SiO2) results in the formation of a two-phase system consisting of silicasubstituted 2-line ferrihydrite particles which are encapsulated in an ironinfused amorphous silica network. As with the other silica-bearing samples, there is an increase in Fe-O-Si bonds and an increase in the degree of distortion at Fe3+ sites with increasing silica content. The large amount of silica suppresses the blocking temperature of the SPM crystallites. In a hydrogen atmosphere, the reduction to metallic iron follows the same three step process as the other silica-bearing samples. Reduction temperatures are further shifted to higher values and given reduction steps are considerably broader with increasing silica content. The fraction of iron not fully reduced also increases. Iron particle diameters are very small, since encapsulation by the silica matrix prevents growth of particles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effective management of customer orders received by a pharmaceutical manufacturer
- Authors: Botha, Risca
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- Customer services , Business logistics , Physical distribution of goods -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9087 , vital:26463
- Description: There is a great need for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to provide its customers with the right product at the right time, place and price and also to deliver the product in the right quantity and quality. Should pharmaceutical customers not receive their orders on time from the pharmaceutical manufacturer, the customers might face out-of-stock situations. As a result, the patients or customers might turn to an alternative product from a different pharmaceutical manufacturer, which has the required stock readily available. This could lead to loss in sales and even death amongst its customers. The main objective of this study was to determine the key factors that form part of the demand and operations planning strategies to ensure that these factors are in place to effectively manage and execute the supply chain and logistics processes to reduce possible out-of-stock situations amongst its customers. As a starting point to the study, an analysis was performed based on the review of relevant research and literature from various text books, journals, publications, as well as internet sources. The literature study covered various aspects such as demand planning, production planning, the use of different demand and operations planning strategies, as well as the importance of continuous internal and external customer service levels to ensure that customer orders are delivered on time. The analysis of the literature review was used to establish a theoretical basis for the design and structure of the questionnaire that was used as a research instrument in this study. A survey was conducted amongst the employees that are responsible for executing the supply chain and logistics processes within Aspen Pharmacare. These employees resided within the three main departments of the pharmaceutical manufacturer, namely, the Demand and Operations Planning, Production and Packing, as well as the Warehouse and Distribution departments. Each question posed in the questionnaire related to the role of each employee within these departments that are responsible for the logistics processes within Aspen Pharmacare. The empirical results from the study indicated that the respondents were in support that specific key factors are important for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to manage incoming customer orders efficiently and effectively to reduce possible out-of-stock situations amongst its end customers. However, the respondents also highlighted that there were a number of obstacles preventing them from implementing the key factors that are required to manage incoming customer orders more efficiently within the pharmaceutical manufacturer. Some of these obstacles include: the lack of pro- activeness; lack of accountability; and the lack of constant communication between the employees from the three main departments. Furthermore, incomplete hand-over information during shift changes amongst the employees of the Production and Packing department created unnecessary down-time. Also, the employees from the Warehouse and Distribution department were not informed timeously when changes to the production schedule were made. These obstacles will have a negative impact on the ultimate customer delivery dates and need to be addressed. The empirical results highlighted some recommendations to assist pharmaceutical manufacturing companies to more effectively and efficiently manage their incoming customer orders to reduce or eliminate any possible out-of-stock situations amongst its end customers. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the three main departments; to react immediately to out-of-stock products; and to ensure that internal and external customer service levels are adhered to at all times. The implementation of the recommendations based on the empirical findings of the study will assist the pharmaceutical manufacturing company to achieve excellence and to become a world-class supplier of generic pharmaceutical products. In this way, all incoming customer orders can be fulfilled on time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Botha, Risca
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- Customer services , Business logistics , Physical distribution of goods -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9087 , vital:26463
- Description: There is a great need for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to provide its customers with the right product at the right time, place and price and also to deliver the product in the right quantity and quality. Should pharmaceutical customers not receive their orders on time from the pharmaceutical manufacturer, the customers might face out-of-stock situations. As a result, the patients or customers might turn to an alternative product from a different pharmaceutical manufacturer, which has the required stock readily available. This could lead to loss in sales and even death amongst its customers. The main objective of this study was to determine the key factors that form part of the demand and operations planning strategies to ensure that these factors are in place to effectively manage and execute the supply chain and logistics processes to reduce possible out-of-stock situations amongst its customers. As a starting point to the study, an analysis was performed based on the review of relevant research and literature from various text books, journals, publications, as well as internet sources. The literature study covered various aspects such as demand planning, production planning, the use of different demand and operations planning strategies, as well as the importance of continuous internal and external customer service levels to ensure that customer orders are delivered on time. The analysis of the literature review was used to establish a theoretical basis for the design and structure of the questionnaire that was used as a research instrument in this study. A survey was conducted amongst the employees that are responsible for executing the supply chain and logistics processes within Aspen Pharmacare. These employees resided within the three main departments of the pharmaceutical manufacturer, namely, the Demand and Operations Planning, Production and Packing, as well as the Warehouse and Distribution departments. Each question posed in the questionnaire related to the role of each employee within these departments that are responsible for the logistics processes within Aspen Pharmacare. The empirical results from the study indicated that the respondents were in support that specific key factors are important for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to manage incoming customer orders efficiently and effectively to reduce possible out-of-stock situations amongst its end customers. However, the respondents also highlighted that there were a number of obstacles preventing them from implementing the key factors that are required to manage incoming customer orders more efficiently within the pharmaceutical manufacturer. Some of these obstacles include: the lack of pro- activeness; lack of accountability; and the lack of constant communication between the employees from the three main departments. Furthermore, incomplete hand-over information during shift changes amongst the employees of the Production and Packing department created unnecessary down-time. Also, the employees from the Warehouse and Distribution department were not informed timeously when changes to the production schedule were made. These obstacles will have a negative impact on the ultimate customer delivery dates and need to be addressed. The empirical results highlighted some recommendations to assist pharmaceutical manufacturing companies to more effectively and efficiently manage their incoming customer orders to reduce or eliminate any possible out-of-stock situations amongst its end customers. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the three main departments; to react immediately to out-of-stock products; and to ensure that internal and external customer service levels are adhered to at all times. The implementation of the recommendations based on the empirical findings of the study will assist the pharmaceutical manufacturing company to achieve excellence and to become a world-class supplier of generic pharmaceutical products. In this way, all incoming customer orders can be fulfilled on time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effectiveness and impacts of subsidies to film industries
- Collins, Alan, Snowball, Jeanette D
- Authors: Collins, Alan , Snowball, Jeanette D
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68511 , vital:29273 , https://www.southafricanculturalobservatory.org.za/
- Description: Publisher version , Conference paper presented at the South African Cultural Observatory, First National Conference: Counting Culture, The Cultural and Creative Industries in National and International Context, 16-17 May 2016, The Boardwalk International Convention Centre, Nelson Mandela Bay.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Collins, Alan , Snowball, Jeanette D
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68511 , vital:29273 , https://www.southafricanculturalobservatory.org.za/
- Description: Publisher version , Conference paper presented at the South African Cultural Observatory, First National Conference: Counting Culture, The Cultural and Creative Industries in National and International Context, 16-17 May 2016, The Boardwalk International Convention Centre, Nelson Mandela Bay.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effectiveness of brain-compatible blended learning material in the teaching of programming logic
- Van Niekerk, Johannes Frederick, Webb, Paul
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johannes Frederick , Webb, Paul
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Blended learning -- South Africa , Learning, Psychology of , Computer-assisted instruction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45344 , vital:38572
- Description: Blended learning is an educational approach which integrates seemingly distinct educational approaches such as face-to-face and online experiences. In a blended learning environment, the classroom lectures can, for example, be augmented with learning material opened in a variety of technologically delivered formats. Brain-compatible learning is an approach to education which stems from a combination of neuroscience and educational psychology. Brain compatible learning is not a formalised education approach or recipe for teachers', instead it provides a `set of principles and a base of knowledge and skills upon which we can make better decisions about the learning process. While the electiveness of education based on brain-compatible learning principles have been proven in a classroom environment, very little knowledge exists regarding its use in an e-learning environment. The purpose of this research was to determine whether an e-learning intervention which was designed according to brain-compatible learning principles would have an elect on student motivation to learn and on student achievement in the subject Technical programming 1. An e-learning based educational intervention which incorporated several brain-compatible learning principles was designed and administered as a controlled experiment intervention. The impact of the research experiment was measured both qualitatively using an purpose-designed instrument and quantitatively through an analysis of the formal assessments for this subject. The findings of this study, namely that brain-compatible learning principles can be used in an e-learning environment and that e-learning material which adheres to brain-compatible education principles have a positive elect on Technical Programming 1 students' achievement and motivation to learn, appear to be meaningful contributions to the current debate on blended learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effectiveness of brain-compatible blended learning material in the teaching of programming logic
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johannes Frederick , Webb, Paul
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Blended learning -- South Africa , Learning, Psychology of , Computer-assisted instruction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45344 , vital:38572
- Description: Blended learning is an educational approach which integrates seemingly distinct educational approaches such as face-to-face and online experiences. In a blended learning environment, the classroom lectures can, for example, be augmented with learning material opened in a variety of technologically delivered formats. Brain-compatible learning is an approach to education which stems from a combination of neuroscience and educational psychology. Brain compatible learning is not a formalised education approach or recipe for teachers', instead it provides a `set of principles and a base of knowledge and skills upon which we can make better decisions about the learning process. While the electiveness of education based on brain-compatible learning principles have been proven in a classroom environment, very little knowledge exists regarding its use in an e-learning environment. The purpose of this research was to determine whether an e-learning intervention which was designed according to brain-compatible learning principles would have an elect on student motivation to learn and on student achievement in the subject Technical programming 1. An e-learning based educational intervention which incorporated several brain-compatible learning principles was designed and administered as a controlled experiment intervention. The impact of the research experiment was measured both qualitatively using an purpose-designed instrument and quantitatively through an analysis of the formal assessments for this subject. The findings of this study, namely that brain-compatible learning principles can be used in an e-learning environment and that e-learning material which adheres to brain-compatible education principles have a positive elect on Technical Programming 1 students' achievement and motivation to learn, appear to be meaningful contributions to the current debate on blended learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effectiveness of internal financial controls with specific reference to the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Basic Education
- Authors: Tini, Sabelo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Education -- Finance School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1896 , vital:27577
- Description: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of internal financial controls with specific reference to the Eastern Cape provincial department of basic education. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire was filled by the respondents who are directly involved in processing payments and procuring for the departments. The findings have shown that Internal control system does exists within the department however the implementation and monitoring of its effectiveness needs to be strengthened. The findings show that the internal control system have an important role to play in attaining desired positive results within the department. Internal control effectiveness is one of the most important aspects in any organisation, whether in a private sector or in the public sector. It determines the stewardship of an entity’s management. The PFMA states that the accounting officer of a department must ensure that that department has and maintains effective, efficient and transparent systems of financial and risk management and internal control. If public officials could strictly adhere to the stipulated internal controls, there will be a positive response to accountability and also in service delivery as expected by the citizens. Public accountability gives a reflection on how does the entity conducts its business affairs in terms of adhering to the norms and standards as prescribed by the law and whether there are any strong controls to prevent acts of fraud and corruption.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Tini, Sabelo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Education -- Finance School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1896 , vital:27577
- Description: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of internal financial controls with specific reference to the Eastern Cape provincial department of basic education. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire was filled by the respondents who are directly involved in processing payments and procuring for the departments. The findings have shown that Internal control system does exists within the department however the implementation and monitoring of its effectiveness needs to be strengthened. The findings show that the internal control system have an important role to play in attaining desired positive results within the department. Internal control effectiveness is one of the most important aspects in any organisation, whether in a private sector or in the public sector. It determines the stewardship of an entity’s management. The PFMA states that the accounting officer of a department must ensure that that department has and maintains effective, efficient and transparent systems of financial and risk management and internal control. If public officials could strictly adhere to the stipulated internal controls, there will be a positive response to accountability and also in service delivery as expected by the citizens. Public accountability gives a reflection on how does the entity conducts its business affairs in terms of adhering to the norms and standards as prescribed by the law and whether there are any strong controls to prevent acts of fraud and corruption.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effectiveness of research management at a selected higher education institution
- Authors: Koeberg, Algene Maria
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Research -- Management Education, Higher -- Research , Research institutes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47959 , vital:40456
- Description: Due to the importance of research in creating sustainability of knowledge, active research management has become a highly strategic function within progressive universities. The practice of research management and administration (RMA) in higher education and elsewhere has developed considerably over the last ten to fifteen years to become an activity that encompasses significant elements of institutional strategy, policy, governance, profile, finance, people management, postgraduate research, assessment, systems, and so on.The objective of the study was to improve research administration at the selected Higher Education Institution by investigating the role of strategic planning or an institutional research plan in the university‟s research portfolio and how effective and efficient it is in terms of research administration and service delivery to staff and students. A detailed literature review was conducted on the research trends in South Africa and globally, as well as on research management in higher education. A qualitative approach was used as the most appropriate research methodology for this study.In a selected South African university, the study investigated whether an Institutional Research Plan exists within its Research Office and whether the latter is effective and efficient with regards to research administration. A questionnaire was developed to survey the directors of the NMMU Research Office. Another questionnaire was developed to survey the postgraduate students‟ and staff members‟ perceptions about the quality of services that they received from the Research Office. The results were analysed and, based on the findings, recommendations were made for further research.The empirical results show that the selected higher education institution has an Institutional Research Plan located in the institution‟s Strategic Plan. Students and staff members surveyed in the study are largely satisfied with the services they received. The study also revealed factors that negatively impact the research office in this university, namely funding constraints due to historical political views about the institution; inadequate support from other support services within institutions; and uncompetitive salaries to attract and retain strong research academics. The study provides insights into the research function of the selected university and makes recommendations on how this function could be improved in other similar institutions. In this way, the study attempts to contribute to the body of knowledge on research management at higher education institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Koeberg, Algene Maria
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Research -- Management Education, Higher -- Research , Research institutes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47959 , vital:40456
- Description: Due to the importance of research in creating sustainability of knowledge, active research management has become a highly strategic function within progressive universities. The practice of research management and administration (RMA) in higher education and elsewhere has developed considerably over the last ten to fifteen years to become an activity that encompasses significant elements of institutional strategy, policy, governance, profile, finance, people management, postgraduate research, assessment, systems, and so on.The objective of the study was to improve research administration at the selected Higher Education Institution by investigating the role of strategic planning or an institutional research plan in the university‟s research portfolio and how effective and efficient it is in terms of research administration and service delivery to staff and students. A detailed literature review was conducted on the research trends in South Africa and globally, as well as on research management in higher education. A qualitative approach was used as the most appropriate research methodology for this study.In a selected South African university, the study investigated whether an Institutional Research Plan exists within its Research Office and whether the latter is effective and efficient with regards to research administration. A questionnaire was developed to survey the directors of the NMMU Research Office. Another questionnaire was developed to survey the postgraduate students‟ and staff members‟ perceptions about the quality of services that they received from the Research Office. The results were analysed and, based on the findings, recommendations were made for further research.The empirical results show that the selected higher education institution has an Institutional Research Plan located in the institution‟s Strategic Plan. Students and staff members surveyed in the study are largely satisfied with the services they received. The study also revealed factors that negatively impact the research office in this university, namely funding constraints due to historical political views about the institution; inadequate support from other support services within institutions; and uncompetitive salaries to attract and retain strong research academics. The study provides insights into the research function of the selected university and makes recommendations on how this function could be improved in other similar institutions. In this way, the study attempts to contribute to the body of knowledge on research management at higher education institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effectiveness of school nutrition programme of the Eastern Cape Department of Education
- Authors: Ndilele, Theodora Zola
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School children -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Children -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2005 , vital:27593
- Description: This dissertation is about the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) in South Africa. This Programme was introduced by government in 1994 with the aim of alleviating poverty; unemployment and improving learning capacity of children. Specifically, it is intended to help poor children and to empower poverty-stricken communities, particularly in the rural areas across all the nine provinces. The focus of this study is on the investigation of effectiveness and efficient management of the Programme in the Eastern Cape Province, with specific reference to Mhlontlo District. Mhlontlo district is one of the predominantly rural areas in the province of the Eastern Cape, a remote area characterized by high levels of poverty and unemployment, and low levels of infrastructural developments. Surrounding Schools in the area are also affected by these problems. Learners at these schools are from poor families. It is for this reason that this scheme becomes important as it is most needed and, to effectively and efficiently realise its intended objectives, it must be properly managed. The main theme of the study revolves around effective and efficient service delivery that must be taken as the first priority in the management of NSNP. Factors that contribute to efficiency and effectiveness must be taken into consideration by all stakeholders and are outlined as follows: The aims in this study is to assess the effectiveness of management of the National School Nutrition Programme at Mhlontlo district in the eastern Cape, to identity shortcomings in the management of the Programme and to suggest possible remedies to improve the management of the Programme to effective service delivery. Against the background of the problem statement, the following questions were posited. How can the management of the National School Nutrition Programme with specific reference to Mhlontlo district be enhanced to ensure that its intended objectives are realized? What effect will improved management have on service delivery in the National School Nutrition Programme? And how will adherence to the Batho Pele Principles improve service delivery in schools with regard to the National School Nutrition Programme? The target population in this study was the learners, teachers and community of Schools around Mhlontlo District whose children are being catered for at school as respondents. Statistics of learners who are beneficiaries of this programme were obtained from surrounding Schools. The percentage of the response to the questions led to the results that services are not delivered as effectively as expected. The study concluded by recommendations of what national and provincial department of Education are required to do together with the school, service providers and the community in order to improve service delivery in schools that participate in the NSNP. Finally, the NSNP is for the deprived citizens of South Africa. The onus is on the community of Mhlontlo District, service providers, teachers and education authorities responsible for the NSNP to work together to make the programme effective for advancing the development of young people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ndilele, Theodora Zola
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School children -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Children -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2005 , vital:27593
- Description: This dissertation is about the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) in South Africa. This Programme was introduced by government in 1994 with the aim of alleviating poverty; unemployment and improving learning capacity of children. Specifically, it is intended to help poor children and to empower poverty-stricken communities, particularly in the rural areas across all the nine provinces. The focus of this study is on the investigation of effectiveness and efficient management of the Programme in the Eastern Cape Province, with specific reference to Mhlontlo District. Mhlontlo district is one of the predominantly rural areas in the province of the Eastern Cape, a remote area characterized by high levels of poverty and unemployment, and low levels of infrastructural developments. Surrounding Schools in the area are also affected by these problems. Learners at these schools are from poor families. It is for this reason that this scheme becomes important as it is most needed and, to effectively and efficiently realise its intended objectives, it must be properly managed. The main theme of the study revolves around effective and efficient service delivery that must be taken as the first priority in the management of NSNP. Factors that contribute to efficiency and effectiveness must be taken into consideration by all stakeholders and are outlined as follows: The aims in this study is to assess the effectiveness of management of the National School Nutrition Programme at Mhlontlo district in the eastern Cape, to identity shortcomings in the management of the Programme and to suggest possible remedies to improve the management of the Programme to effective service delivery. Against the background of the problem statement, the following questions were posited. How can the management of the National School Nutrition Programme with specific reference to Mhlontlo district be enhanced to ensure that its intended objectives are realized? What effect will improved management have on service delivery in the National School Nutrition Programme? And how will adherence to the Batho Pele Principles improve service delivery in schools with regard to the National School Nutrition Programme? The target population in this study was the learners, teachers and community of Schools around Mhlontlo District whose children are being catered for at school as respondents. Statistics of learners who are beneficiaries of this programme were obtained from surrounding Schools. The percentage of the response to the questions led to the results that services are not delivered as effectively as expected. The study concluded by recommendations of what national and provincial department of Education are required to do together with the school, service providers and the community in order to improve service delivery in schools that participate in the NSNP. Finally, the NSNP is for the deprived citizens of South Africa. The onus is on the community of Mhlontlo District, service providers, teachers and education authorities responsible for the NSNP to work together to make the programme effective for advancing the development of young people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effectiveness of technical analysis as an investment instrument in the financial markets
- Authors: Jacobs, Marius Stephen
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Technical analysis (Investment analysis) -- South Africa , Financial security -- South Africa , Futures -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7473 , vital:21785
- Description: This study was conducted in order to assess the effectiveness of technical analysis as a tool for financial security price forecasting. This form of analysis was examined so as to determine whether or not any benefit could be attributed to an investor or financial trader who applied it. Two technical trading strategies, consisting of three indicators each, were applied to fifteen financial securities over a five year period; so as to observe the price forecasting signals offered by the technical indicators. The resulting technical signals offered by the trading strategies were recorded and assessed for accuracy; allowing for various observations to be made; namely the forecasting precision of the technical strategies, the application of technical analysis in the equity and foreign exchange markets, the use of single or multiple technical indicators within a strategy, and the combining of technical analysis with fundamental analysis. The results indicated that the effective implementation of technical analysis could very well benefit the price forecasting practices of financial analysts and investors. However, it was determined that a fair amount of discretion on behalf of the analyst would be required when examining the signals offered by the technical indicators for the purpose of predicting financial security price movements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Jacobs, Marius Stephen
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Technical analysis (Investment analysis) -- South Africa , Financial security -- South Africa , Futures -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7473 , vital:21785
- Description: This study was conducted in order to assess the effectiveness of technical analysis as a tool for financial security price forecasting. This form of analysis was examined so as to determine whether or not any benefit could be attributed to an investor or financial trader who applied it. Two technical trading strategies, consisting of three indicators each, were applied to fifteen financial securities over a five year period; so as to observe the price forecasting signals offered by the technical indicators. The resulting technical signals offered by the trading strategies were recorded and assessed for accuracy; allowing for various observations to be made; namely the forecasting precision of the technical strategies, the application of technical analysis in the equity and foreign exchange markets, the use of single or multiple technical indicators within a strategy, and the combining of technical analysis with fundamental analysis. The results indicated that the effective implementation of technical analysis could very well benefit the price forecasting practices of financial analysts and investors. However, it was determined that a fair amount of discretion on behalf of the analyst would be required when examining the signals offered by the technical indicators for the purpose of predicting financial security price movements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effectiveness of the concrete / semi-concrete / abstract (CSA) appoach and drill- practice on grade 10 learners' ability to simplify addition and subtraction algebraic fractions
- Authors: Awuah, Bernard Prince
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Algebra, Abstract
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5105 , vital:29076
- Description: This study was conducted in one of the education districts in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The purpose was to analyse the effectiveness of the concrete/semi-concrete/abstract (CSA) approach and drill-practice instructional strategies on Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. The following two objectives were set. First, to identify the learners’ challenges in studying addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions in grade 10; and second to analyse the effectiveness of the CSA approach and drill-practice instructional strategies on Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. Both threshold concepts and troublesome knowledge, Polya’s problem-solving techniques, CSA Approach theory and Drill-practice theory were all pertinent as a theoretical framework for the study. Positivism research paradigm was adopted for the study and it afforded the researcher opportunity to employ quantitative research approach. Based on the research question of this study, an experimental design was chosen as a suitable descriptive design. Purposive sampling method was used to select three schools which involved 135 grade 10 mathematics learners. Stratified random sampling method was thereafter employed to select 45 learners from each school for the study. The learners were grouped in each school as top, average and weak based on their performance in Algebra in term one. Pre-questionnaire and post-questionnaire were used to obtain data regarding challenges learners experience in simplifying addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. Ethical clearance from the relevant school and university authorities were obtained. On the first two days, the researcher briefed the school authorities and learners and explained to them the purpose and details of the study. Day three was used to administer the pre-questionnaire test, thereafter, the next ten days were used to teach addition and subtraction of both numeric and algebraic fractions with same and different numerators and denominators. The next two days were used for revision and the last day was used to administer the postquestionnaire test out 25 marks. The respondent rate was 98.5%. The data collected were analysed by using SPSS version 16.10. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The pre-questionnaire scores revealed that majority of the learners’ perceived fractions as two separate entities and as a result add or subtract numerator to numerator and denominator to denominator. It was also discovered that learners had a challenge in finding LCM of algebraic fractions. A t-Test for independent means was used to test the following hypotheses at 𝛼 = 0.05: 𝐇𝟎: The CSA approach and drill-practice intervention has no significant effect on Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions; 𝐇𝟏: The CSA approach and drill-practice will significantly enhance Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. The t-Test revealed a p-value of 0.139 which was statistically significant at 𝛼 = 0.05. Therefore, the researcher rejected the null hypothesis and concluded that the CSA approach and drill-practice have significantly enhanced the Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify algebraic fractions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Awuah, Bernard Prince
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Algebra, Abstract
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5105 , vital:29076
- Description: This study was conducted in one of the education districts in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The purpose was to analyse the effectiveness of the concrete/semi-concrete/abstract (CSA) approach and drill-practice instructional strategies on Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. The following two objectives were set. First, to identify the learners’ challenges in studying addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions in grade 10; and second to analyse the effectiveness of the CSA approach and drill-practice instructional strategies on Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. Both threshold concepts and troublesome knowledge, Polya’s problem-solving techniques, CSA Approach theory and Drill-practice theory were all pertinent as a theoretical framework for the study. Positivism research paradigm was adopted for the study and it afforded the researcher opportunity to employ quantitative research approach. Based on the research question of this study, an experimental design was chosen as a suitable descriptive design. Purposive sampling method was used to select three schools which involved 135 grade 10 mathematics learners. Stratified random sampling method was thereafter employed to select 45 learners from each school for the study. The learners were grouped in each school as top, average and weak based on their performance in Algebra in term one. Pre-questionnaire and post-questionnaire were used to obtain data regarding challenges learners experience in simplifying addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. Ethical clearance from the relevant school and university authorities were obtained. On the first two days, the researcher briefed the school authorities and learners and explained to them the purpose and details of the study. Day three was used to administer the pre-questionnaire test, thereafter, the next ten days were used to teach addition and subtraction of both numeric and algebraic fractions with same and different numerators and denominators. The next two days were used for revision and the last day was used to administer the postquestionnaire test out 25 marks. The respondent rate was 98.5%. The data collected were analysed by using SPSS version 16.10. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The pre-questionnaire scores revealed that majority of the learners’ perceived fractions as two separate entities and as a result add or subtract numerator to numerator and denominator to denominator. It was also discovered that learners had a challenge in finding LCM of algebraic fractions. A t-Test for independent means was used to test the following hypotheses at 𝛼 = 0.05: 𝐇𝟎: The CSA approach and drill-practice intervention has no significant effect on Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions; 𝐇𝟏: The CSA approach and drill-practice will significantly enhance Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. The t-Test revealed a p-value of 0.139 which was statistically significant at 𝛼 = 0.05. Therefore, the researcher rejected the null hypothesis and concluded that the CSA approach and drill-practice have significantly enhanced the Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify algebraic fractions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effects of a gradual shift rotation and a split shift nap intervention on cognitive, physiological and subjective responses under simulated night shift settings
- Authors: Davy, Jonathan Patrick
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/517 , vital:19966
- Description: Introduction: Shift work, particularly work that occurs at night has been associated with numerous challenges to occupational safety and productivity. This stems from the associated extended wakefulness, circadian disruptions and sleep loss from the inversion of the sleep wake cycle, which predisposes shift workers to reduced alertness, increased fatigue and decrements in performance capacity. These effects may be exacerbated over consecutive night shifts as a result of reductions in sleep length associated with attempting to sleep against the alerting signals of the circadian rhythm during the day. Although a variety of shift work countermeasures exist, new and innovative fatigue management strategies are needed to mitigate the effects of night work. This study proposed two night shift interventions; the Rolling rotation and a split shift nap combination. Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of these interventions to a conventional Fixed night shift arrangement. Selected performance, physiological and subjective measures were applied to track any effects during a five-day shift work study. Methods: The study was laboratory-based and performance was quantified through the application of computer-based perceptual, cognitive and motor tests. Student participants (24 females and 21 males) partook in the study, which adopted a nonrepeated measures design and spanned five consecutive days. During this time, participants were required to perform a simple beading task over five 8-hour shifts. Participants were split according to sex and chronotype between four independent conditions; 1. Fixed night condition required participants to complete one afternoon shift (14h00 – 22h00) and four consecutive night shifts (22h00 - 06h00) 2. Rolling rotation condition gradually “rolled” participants into the night shift by delaying the start and end of an afternoon shift by two hours each day (16h00 – 00h00, 18h00 – 02h00, 20h00 – 04h00, 22h00 – 06h00) until the times matched that of the Fixed night condition. 3. The split shift nap system was made up of two independent groups, both of which completed one afternoon (14h00 to 22h00) and four night shifts. The Nap early condition worked from 20h00 to 08h00, napping between 00h00 and 04h00, while the Nap late condition worked from 00h00 to 12h00 and napped between 04h00 and 08h00 during the night shifts. Napping, the opportunity for which was 200 minutes occurred in the laboratory, but post shift recovery sleep, for all conditions, happened outside the laboratory. During each shift, six test batteries were completed, in which the following measures were taken: 1. Performance: beading output, eye accommodation time, choice reaction time, visual vigilance, simple reaction time, processing speed and object recognition, working memory, motor response time and tracking performance. 2. Physiological: heart rate, heart rate variability (r-MSSD, normalised Low frequency power: LFnu). 3. Self-reported measures: subjective sleepiness and reported sleep length and quality while outside the laboratory. Results: Analyses revealed that: 1. Measures of beading performance, simple reaction time, vigilance and object recognition, working memory, motor response time and control, all physiological measures, except LFnu and subjective sleepiness demonstrated the effects of time of day / fatigue, irrespective of condition. 2. There was no evidence of cumulative fatigue over the four night shifts in the performance and subjective measures and most of the physiological indicators. Beading output decreased significantly over the course of the night shifts, while reported post shift sleep length was significantly reduced with the start of the night shifts, irrespective of condition. 3. The majority of the physiological and performance measures did not differ significantly between conditions. However, there were some effects: the Rolling rotation condition produced the highest beading output compared to the Nap late condition; working memory was significantly lower in the Nap late condition compared to the other conditions. Furthermore, the nap opportunity in both the Nap early and Nap late conditions reduced subjective sleepiness, while napping during the night shift reduced post shift sleep length compared to the Rolling rotation and Fixed night conditions. There was also evidence of sleep inertia following pre-post nap test comparisons, which mainly affected visual perception tasks in both nap conditions. Sleep inertia possibly also accounted for an apparent dissociation between subjective and performance measures. Conclusions: Quantifying and interpreting the effects of night shift work in a laboratory setting has limitations. These stem mainly from the limited ecological validity of the performance outcome measures adopted and the characteristics of the sample that is tested. However, in order to fully understand the efficacy of any shift work countermeasure, the laboratory setting offers a safe, controlled environment in which to do so. The conclusions should thus be considered in light of these limitations. Night shift work negatively affected all elements of human information processing. The combination of reduced physiological arousal, extended wakefulness, increased perceptions of sleepiness and reduced total sleep obtained explained these decrements in performance. While cumulative fatigue has been reported as a challenge associated with night shift work, there was no conclusive evidence of this in the current study. In the case of the Rolling rotation, the gradual introduction to the night shift delayed the inevitable reduction in alertness and performance, which limits the viability of this intervention. The inclusion of the nap interventions was associated with reduced perceptions of sleepiness, which did not translate into improved performance, relative to the Rolling rotation and Fixed night conditions. Apart from considerations of how to manage sleep inertia post nap, the split shift nap intervention can provide an alternative to conventional night shift work arrangements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Davy, Jonathan Patrick
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/517 , vital:19966
- Description: Introduction: Shift work, particularly work that occurs at night has been associated with numerous challenges to occupational safety and productivity. This stems from the associated extended wakefulness, circadian disruptions and sleep loss from the inversion of the sleep wake cycle, which predisposes shift workers to reduced alertness, increased fatigue and decrements in performance capacity. These effects may be exacerbated over consecutive night shifts as a result of reductions in sleep length associated with attempting to sleep against the alerting signals of the circadian rhythm during the day. Although a variety of shift work countermeasures exist, new and innovative fatigue management strategies are needed to mitigate the effects of night work. This study proposed two night shift interventions; the Rolling rotation and a split shift nap combination. Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of these interventions to a conventional Fixed night shift arrangement. Selected performance, physiological and subjective measures were applied to track any effects during a five-day shift work study. Methods: The study was laboratory-based and performance was quantified through the application of computer-based perceptual, cognitive and motor tests. Student participants (24 females and 21 males) partook in the study, which adopted a nonrepeated measures design and spanned five consecutive days. During this time, participants were required to perform a simple beading task over five 8-hour shifts. Participants were split according to sex and chronotype between four independent conditions; 1. Fixed night condition required participants to complete one afternoon shift (14h00 – 22h00) and four consecutive night shifts (22h00 - 06h00) 2. Rolling rotation condition gradually “rolled” participants into the night shift by delaying the start and end of an afternoon shift by two hours each day (16h00 – 00h00, 18h00 – 02h00, 20h00 – 04h00, 22h00 – 06h00) until the times matched that of the Fixed night condition. 3. The split shift nap system was made up of two independent groups, both of which completed one afternoon (14h00 to 22h00) and four night shifts. The Nap early condition worked from 20h00 to 08h00, napping between 00h00 and 04h00, while the Nap late condition worked from 00h00 to 12h00 and napped between 04h00 and 08h00 during the night shifts. Napping, the opportunity for which was 200 minutes occurred in the laboratory, but post shift recovery sleep, for all conditions, happened outside the laboratory. During each shift, six test batteries were completed, in which the following measures were taken: 1. Performance: beading output, eye accommodation time, choice reaction time, visual vigilance, simple reaction time, processing speed and object recognition, working memory, motor response time and tracking performance. 2. Physiological: heart rate, heart rate variability (r-MSSD, normalised Low frequency power: LFnu). 3. Self-reported measures: subjective sleepiness and reported sleep length and quality while outside the laboratory. Results: Analyses revealed that: 1. Measures of beading performance, simple reaction time, vigilance and object recognition, working memory, motor response time and control, all physiological measures, except LFnu and subjective sleepiness demonstrated the effects of time of day / fatigue, irrespective of condition. 2. There was no evidence of cumulative fatigue over the four night shifts in the performance and subjective measures and most of the physiological indicators. Beading output decreased significantly over the course of the night shifts, while reported post shift sleep length was significantly reduced with the start of the night shifts, irrespective of condition. 3. The majority of the physiological and performance measures did not differ significantly between conditions. However, there were some effects: the Rolling rotation condition produced the highest beading output compared to the Nap late condition; working memory was significantly lower in the Nap late condition compared to the other conditions. Furthermore, the nap opportunity in both the Nap early and Nap late conditions reduced subjective sleepiness, while napping during the night shift reduced post shift sleep length compared to the Rolling rotation and Fixed night conditions. There was also evidence of sleep inertia following pre-post nap test comparisons, which mainly affected visual perception tasks in both nap conditions. Sleep inertia possibly also accounted for an apparent dissociation between subjective and performance measures. Conclusions: Quantifying and interpreting the effects of night shift work in a laboratory setting has limitations. These stem mainly from the limited ecological validity of the performance outcome measures adopted and the characteristics of the sample that is tested. However, in order to fully understand the efficacy of any shift work countermeasure, the laboratory setting offers a safe, controlled environment in which to do so. The conclusions should thus be considered in light of these limitations. Night shift work negatively affected all elements of human information processing. The combination of reduced physiological arousal, extended wakefulness, increased perceptions of sleepiness and reduced total sleep obtained explained these decrements in performance. While cumulative fatigue has been reported as a challenge associated with night shift work, there was no conclusive evidence of this in the current study. In the case of the Rolling rotation, the gradual introduction to the night shift delayed the inevitable reduction in alertness and performance, which limits the viability of this intervention. The inclusion of the nap interventions was associated with reduced perceptions of sleepiness, which did not translate into improved performance, relative to the Rolling rotation and Fixed night conditions. Apart from considerations of how to manage sleep inertia post nap, the split shift nap intervention can provide an alternative to conventional night shift work arrangements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effects of emotional intelligence on entrepreneurial intention of university students in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Kanonuhwa, Michelle
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- Psychological aspects Emotional intelligence Businesspeople -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8451 , vital:32833
- Description: Prompted by the various advantages presented by entrepreneurship, there has been an increase in studies investigating the factors that could influence entrepreneurial establishment and success. The purpose of this study was to determine whether emotional intelligence could stimulate entrepreneurial interest, thereby contributing to the literature on antecedents of entrepreneurship. This study tested the various socio-demographic characteristics of the sample and how each variable influenced entrepreneurial intent and emotional intelligence. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 385 students in the Eastern Cape Province using the purposive sampling method. Correlations, simple linear regression and multiple regressions were computed to test the hypotheses using the SPSS data analysis package. The findings of the study showed that there is a direct relationship between emotional intelligence and intention to become an entrepreneur. Furthermore, socio-demographic factors examined showed immense relevance to the development of entrepreneurial intent. As such the study suggested that apart from developing an effective entrepreneurship education program open to all individuals with a keen interest in the subject irrespective of academic merit; educators should create a learning environment that encourages effective expression and use of emotions to nurture the emotional intelligence of students. Moreover, mentorship relationships between students and local entrepreneurs should be highly encouraged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Kanonuhwa, Michelle
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- Psychological aspects Emotional intelligence Businesspeople -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8451 , vital:32833
- Description: Prompted by the various advantages presented by entrepreneurship, there has been an increase in studies investigating the factors that could influence entrepreneurial establishment and success. The purpose of this study was to determine whether emotional intelligence could stimulate entrepreneurial interest, thereby contributing to the literature on antecedents of entrepreneurship. This study tested the various socio-demographic characteristics of the sample and how each variable influenced entrepreneurial intent and emotional intelligence. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 385 students in the Eastern Cape Province using the purposive sampling method. Correlations, simple linear regression and multiple regressions were computed to test the hypotheses using the SPSS data analysis package. The findings of the study showed that there is a direct relationship between emotional intelligence and intention to become an entrepreneur. Furthermore, socio-demographic factors examined showed immense relevance to the development of entrepreneurial intent. As such the study suggested that apart from developing an effective entrepreneurship education program open to all individuals with a keen interest in the subject irrespective of academic merit; educators should create a learning environment that encourages effective expression and use of emotions to nurture the emotional intelligence of students. Moreover, mentorship relationships between students and local entrepreneurs should be highly encouraged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effects of land use on the avifauna and its conservation in a Kenyan coastal forest ecosystem, and the significance of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest to the local community
- Authors: Chiawo, David O
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5950 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020946
- Description: This study examines the effects of land use on the bird community of Arabuko Sokoke Forest, the largest area of coastal forest remaining in East Africa and a major Important Bird Area in mainland Kenya. Bird species diversity in three land use types (primary forest, plantation and farm lands) was compared using multivariate analysis to determine the response of different feeding guilds to habitat characteristics. The effect of habitat characteristics on overall bird diversity and specific feeding guilds was tested using linear mixed models. A total of 2600 bird observations were recorded during point counts, representing 97 bird species including 25 fruit-eating birds, 17 nectar feeders; and 60 species belonging exclusively to other feeding guilds. Land use had a significant effect on overall bird diversity and abundance. The distribution of frugivorous birds was primarily influenced by the presence of fruiting trees rather than land use type, while nectarivores were significantly affected by vertical habitat heterogeneity and vegetation type. Although the distribution of insectivorous birds is influenced by many habitat factors, proximity to natural forest, habitat heterogeneity, and the presence of large trees and fruiting trees appear to be most important to this guild. The natural forest has the greatest avian diversity and a distinctive community compared to plantation and farmlands. Patterns of habitat use by birds in the area suggest that vertical vegetation heterogeneity and complexity is especially significant in sustaining diverse and abundant bird populations, if they are in close proximity to native forests. Improvement of conservation management for the plantation and farmlands is thus critical for connectivity with other remnant primary forest patches in the area. Socio-economic data was collected from 109 forest adjacent households to determine the value of the forest to the local community and their perception of conservation issues. Arabuko Sokoke Forest is important in supplementing the livelihood needs of the local community. However, the community lacks information on the forest management plan and many people have little knowledge of local birds, which could limit their capacity to participate in conservation projects. Drivers for local community participation in conservation projects are primarily a sustainable income and the fulfillment of basic household needs. Community conservation education is needed to promote local knowledge of forest biodiversity, as well as clear frameworks for the active involvement of the local community in forest management. Support of community based projects is vital to achieve both the conservation and livelihood objectives of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest management plan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Chiawo, David O
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5950 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020946
- Description: This study examines the effects of land use on the bird community of Arabuko Sokoke Forest, the largest area of coastal forest remaining in East Africa and a major Important Bird Area in mainland Kenya. Bird species diversity in three land use types (primary forest, plantation and farm lands) was compared using multivariate analysis to determine the response of different feeding guilds to habitat characteristics. The effect of habitat characteristics on overall bird diversity and specific feeding guilds was tested using linear mixed models. A total of 2600 bird observations were recorded during point counts, representing 97 bird species including 25 fruit-eating birds, 17 nectar feeders; and 60 species belonging exclusively to other feeding guilds. Land use had a significant effect on overall bird diversity and abundance. The distribution of frugivorous birds was primarily influenced by the presence of fruiting trees rather than land use type, while nectarivores were significantly affected by vertical habitat heterogeneity and vegetation type. Although the distribution of insectivorous birds is influenced by many habitat factors, proximity to natural forest, habitat heterogeneity, and the presence of large trees and fruiting trees appear to be most important to this guild. The natural forest has the greatest avian diversity and a distinctive community compared to plantation and farmlands. Patterns of habitat use by birds in the area suggest that vertical vegetation heterogeneity and complexity is especially significant in sustaining diverse and abundant bird populations, if they are in close proximity to native forests. Improvement of conservation management for the plantation and farmlands is thus critical for connectivity with other remnant primary forest patches in the area. Socio-economic data was collected from 109 forest adjacent households to determine the value of the forest to the local community and their perception of conservation issues. Arabuko Sokoke Forest is important in supplementing the livelihood needs of the local community. However, the community lacks information on the forest management plan and many people have little knowledge of local birds, which could limit their capacity to participate in conservation projects. Drivers for local community participation in conservation projects are primarily a sustainable income and the fulfillment of basic household needs. Community conservation education is needed to promote local knowledge of forest biodiversity, as well as clear frameworks for the active involvement of the local community in forest management. Support of community based projects is vital to achieve both the conservation and livelihood objectives of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest management plan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effects of poor programme management coordination on the delivery of health infrastructure projects: a case of the Northern Cape
- Authors: Mabona, Lesetja Godley
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Health facilities -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Hospital buildings -- Maintenance and repair
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8165 , vital:25341
- Description: The Northern Cape Department of Health (NCDoH) experiences sub-optimal programme management coordination in the delivery of health facilities. This research study aimed to determine how programme management coordination amongst the provincial office of the NCDoH, district office and the hospital that did undergo revitalisation through the Hospital Revitalisation Programme (HRP) could be improved. In order to explore the research problem the concepts of construction management and operations management were studied from which factors that impact positively and negatively on programme management coordination were extracted. A rationalist philosophical approach and subjectivist epistemology were utilised. The empirical enquiry was conducted through the case study method to obtain in-depth context of the case. The empirical evidence was obtained through a research interview guide utilising the purposive sampling strategy. The research initiated the sampling procedure by targeting the most relevant managers to the research study in the three units of analysis. A snowball approach evolved for the identification of other managers deemed relevant for purposes of this research. The thesis obtained opinions on the subject matter from managers who participated or were supposed to participate in the implementation of the delivery objectives of the administrative programmes in the NCDoH together with the objectives of the HRP. The research revealed that poor programme management coordination in the NCDoH as a result of internal competition and silo functions which prevent synergy from programme management plan development up to implementation. Furthermore, the complete building infrastructure only attains the objectives of construction management but the building infrastructure are not a complete justification for benefit realisation without the integration of operations management. The NCDoH cannot declare a successful programme management practices if it fails to realise the benefits that require integration of infrastructure and services. It is recommended that in order to attain effective programme management and realise the benefits of strategic objectives there should be a cross-functional approach from executive management which should trickle-down to the lowest level of administration. This research has developed a framework that can be useful in the integration of construction and operations management whereby infrastructure and operational services have to be delivered simultaneously in the field of programme management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mabona, Lesetja Godley
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Health facilities -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Hospital buildings -- Maintenance and repair
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8165 , vital:25341
- Description: The Northern Cape Department of Health (NCDoH) experiences sub-optimal programme management coordination in the delivery of health facilities. This research study aimed to determine how programme management coordination amongst the provincial office of the NCDoH, district office and the hospital that did undergo revitalisation through the Hospital Revitalisation Programme (HRP) could be improved. In order to explore the research problem the concepts of construction management and operations management were studied from which factors that impact positively and negatively on programme management coordination were extracted. A rationalist philosophical approach and subjectivist epistemology were utilised. The empirical enquiry was conducted through the case study method to obtain in-depth context of the case. The empirical evidence was obtained through a research interview guide utilising the purposive sampling strategy. The research initiated the sampling procedure by targeting the most relevant managers to the research study in the three units of analysis. A snowball approach evolved for the identification of other managers deemed relevant for purposes of this research. The thesis obtained opinions on the subject matter from managers who participated or were supposed to participate in the implementation of the delivery objectives of the administrative programmes in the NCDoH together with the objectives of the HRP. The research revealed that poor programme management coordination in the NCDoH as a result of internal competition and silo functions which prevent synergy from programme management plan development up to implementation. Furthermore, the complete building infrastructure only attains the objectives of construction management but the building infrastructure are not a complete justification for benefit realisation without the integration of operations management. The NCDoH cannot declare a successful programme management practices if it fails to realise the benefits that require integration of infrastructure and services. It is recommended that in order to attain effective programme management and realise the benefits of strategic objectives there should be a cross-functional approach from executive management which should trickle-down to the lowest level of administration. This research has developed a framework that can be useful in the integration of construction and operations management whereby infrastructure and operational services have to be delivered simultaneously in the field of programme management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effects of silica based nanoparticles on the photophysicochemical properties, in vitro dark viability and photodynamic therapy study of zinc monocarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine
- Oluwole, David O, Uddin, Imran, Prinsloo, Earl, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Oluwole, David O , Uddin, Imran , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/240371 , vital:50828 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2016.07.002"
- Description: Aminopropyl triethoxysilane functionalized core SiO2 and core/shell ZnO/SiO2 nanoparticles (NP) were covalently linked to zinc monocarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine (ZnMCPPc, complex 1) via amide bond formation. The photophysicochemical behavior, in vitro dark viability and photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity against human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7 cells) of the conjugates were studied. The nanoconjugates showed enhanced photophysicochemical behavior as compared to complex 1 alone. Complex 1 showed higher dark toxicity against MCF-7 cells when compared to the conjugates. In the dark, complex 1 accounted for less than 50% viable cells at 28.6 μg/mL and 57.1 μg/mL compared to the conjugates which accounted for more than 50% cell viability at these concentrations. The in vitro dark viability and PDT activity of complex 1 was reduced in the presence of these nanoparticles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Oluwole, David O , Uddin, Imran , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/240371 , vital:50828 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2016.07.002"
- Description: Aminopropyl triethoxysilane functionalized core SiO2 and core/shell ZnO/SiO2 nanoparticles (NP) were covalently linked to zinc monocarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine (ZnMCPPc, complex 1) via amide bond formation. The photophysicochemical behavior, in vitro dark viability and photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity against human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7 cells) of the conjugates were studied. The nanoconjugates showed enhanced photophysicochemical behavior as compared to complex 1 alone. Complex 1 showed higher dark toxicity against MCF-7 cells when compared to the conjugates. In the dark, complex 1 accounted for less than 50% viable cells at 28.6 μg/mL and 57.1 μg/mL compared to the conjugates which accounted for more than 50% cell viability at these concentrations. The in vitro dark viability and PDT activity of complex 1 was reduced in the presence of these nanoparticles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016