A longitudinal study of the occupational aspirations and perceptions of nine to thirteen year-old South African children
- Authors: Hargreaves, Robyn Leigh
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Vocational interests -- Research -- South Africa , Children -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Children aspirations , Personality and occupation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9935 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/520 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011709 , Vocational interests -- Research -- South Africa , Children -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Children aspirations , Personality and occupation
- Description: While the field of career psychology has shifted its attention to the study of career development, the developmental stage of childhood has often been neglected. Similarly, there is an absence of career research of a longitudinal nature, despite consistent calls to focus more on longitudinal methods when studying career development. The present study forms part of an existing longitudinal project which investigates the career development of South African children. This study, initiated in 1998, attempts to explore the occupational aspirations and gender stereotypes of a group of 39 children in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The results from this study will provide much needed baseline information on how South African children become aware of careers, as well as provide useful suggestions on how to develop career education syllabi, particularly within the Life Orientation curriculum. The present study aims to explore and describe the changes that may occur in the participants’ occupational aspiration interest typology, status levels, and gender stereotypes over a five year period. Both developmental and career developmental theories were used to provide a theoretical context from which the participants’ career development could be explored. The study is quantitative in nature as it made use of semi-structured interviews and a biographical questionnaire in order to quantitatively transcribe the data. The questionnaire consisted of four broad questions which asked for information regarding the participants’ occupational aspirations, how much information the participants had about the chosen occupation, the number of occupations the participants knew about, and the extent to which the participants held gender stereotypes regarding fourteen different occupations. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the findings of the data which had been coded according to Holland’s typology of occupations. In addition, content analysis was performed to elicit themes regarding the participants’ own reflections on their career development. Results from the data analysis revealed that the majority of participants aspired to Social type occupations throughout the five years under study. Furthermore, most participants consistently aspired to high status occupations throughout the five years. Similar results were found for girls and boys. The results also demonstrated that the participants’ gender stereotypes tended to decrease over time, particularly as their occupational information increased. Lastly, most children were able to reflect on their career development and attributed changes in their occupational aspirations to changes in their interests. The results from this study offer insight into the development of occupational aspirations and perceptions of South African children which can be used as a foundation for future research and which should be valuable in the development of relevant career education programmes for South African schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Hargreaves, Robyn Leigh
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Vocational interests -- Research -- South Africa , Children -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Children aspirations , Personality and occupation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9935 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/520 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011709 , Vocational interests -- Research -- South Africa , Children -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Children aspirations , Personality and occupation
- Description: While the field of career psychology has shifted its attention to the study of career development, the developmental stage of childhood has often been neglected. Similarly, there is an absence of career research of a longitudinal nature, despite consistent calls to focus more on longitudinal methods when studying career development. The present study forms part of an existing longitudinal project which investigates the career development of South African children. This study, initiated in 1998, attempts to explore the occupational aspirations and gender stereotypes of a group of 39 children in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The results from this study will provide much needed baseline information on how South African children become aware of careers, as well as provide useful suggestions on how to develop career education syllabi, particularly within the Life Orientation curriculum. The present study aims to explore and describe the changes that may occur in the participants’ occupational aspiration interest typology, status levels, and gender stereotypes over a five year period. Both developmental and career developmental theories were used to provide a theoretical context from which the participants’ career development could be explored. The study is quantitative in nature as it made use of semi-structured interviews and a biographical questionnaire in order to quantitatively transcribe the data. The questionnaire consisted of four broad questions which asked for information regarding the participants’ occupational aspirations, how much information the participants had about the chosen occupation, the number of occupations the participants knew about, and the extent to which the participants held gender stereotypes regarding fourteen different occupations. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the findings of the data which had been coded according to Holland’s typology of occupations. In addition, content analysis was performed to elicit themes regarding the participants’ own reflections on their career development. Results from the data analysis revealed that the majority of participants aspired to Social type occupations throughout the five years under study. Furthermore, most participants consistently aspired to high status occupations throughout the five years. Similar results were found for girls and boys. The results also demonstrated that the participants’ gender stereotypes tended to decrease over time, particularly as their occupational information increased. Lastly, most children were able to reflect on their career development and attributed changes in their occupational aspirations to changes in their interests. The results from this study offer insight into the development of occupational aspirations and perceptions of South African children which can be used as a foundation for future research and which should be valuable in the development of relevant career education programmes for South African schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A longitudinal study of the occupational aspirations and perceptions of nine to twelve year-old South African children
- Authors: Crause, Ewald
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Vocational interests -- Research -- South Africa , Children -- South Africa -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9843 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/404 , Vocational interests -- Research -- South Africa , Children -- South Africa -- Attitudes
- Description: Despite the acknowledgement of the developmental nature of careers, little attention has been focused on identifying shaping influences during childhood. This noticeable deficiency in the literature marked the start of the current longitudinal study which was designed to provide information on the career development of nine to twelve-year old South African children. In South Africa research focusing on preadolescent career development is limited with existing research indicating the need to further explore how children’s career choice process initially develops. The study aimed to explore and describe the changes that occur, if any, over a four-year period in terms of occupational interest typology, occupational status levels, occupational gender stereotypes and occupational gender traditionality. Both developmental and career developmental theories were used to provide a context for exploring this process of preadolescent career development. It was decided that quantitative research methods would provide the necessary structure needed to conduct the research. Although semistructured interviews and biographical questionnaires were used to record the verbal data, the data obtained was transposed into nominal data for analysis. Participants responded to questions within a semi-structured interview that focused on four broad areas of questioning. These questions explored participants’ occupational aspirations, how many occupations they knew about, how much they knew about the identified occupation, and the extent to which they held gender-role stereotypes about certain occupations. After the data was iv Key words: career development, children, longitudinal research, occupational aspirations captured it was coded according to Holland's (1985) classification system of occupational interest types. The occupational aspirations expressed by the participants were also coded in terms of their status levels. The coded data was then further analysed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequency counts and percentages. Results from the study support both child and career development theory which view childhood as a time of rapid growth with critical development in various competency areas (including occupational aspirations and perceptions). Although the current study found that most children aspired to Social occupations, the popularity of this typology decreased with increasing age as more children aspired to Investigative, Artistic, and to a lesser extent, Realistic typologies at age twelve. Furthermore, it appears that children, like adults, are aware of status differentials among occupations and that this awareness subsequently influences occupational aspirations. Lastly, the findings broadly provide support for both national and international research in that it was established that an increase in age reflects a decrease in gender-stereotypical perceptions of occupations. The present study gained valuable insight into how the process of career development occurs in preadolescent children. It is clear that there exists a need for the implementation of credible and sustainable career education programs in schools across South Africa in order to encourage and facilitate career exploration during the developmental stage of childhood.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Crause, Ewald
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Vocational interests -- Research -- South Africa , Children -- South Africa -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9843 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/404 , Vocational interests -- Research -- South Africa , Children -- South Africa -- Attitudes
- Description: Despite the acknowledgement of the developmental nature of careers, little attention has been focused on identifying shaping influences during childhood. This noticeable deficiency in the literature marked the start of the current longitudinal study which was designed to provide information on the career development of nine to twelve-year old South African children. In South Africa research focusing on preadolescent career development is limited with existing research indicating the need to further explore how children’s career choice process initially develops. The study aimed to explore and describe the changes that occur, if any, over a four-year period in terms of occupational interest typology, occupational status levels, occupational gender stereotypes and occupational gender traditionality. Both developmental and career developmental theories were used to provide a context for exploring this process of preadolescent career development. It was decided that quantitative research methods would provide the necessary structure needed to conduct the research. Although semistructured interviews and biographical questionnaires were used to record the verbal data, the data obtained was transposed into nominal data for analysis. Participants responded to questions within a semi-structured interview that focused on four broad areas of questioning. These questions explored participants’ occupational aspirations, how many occupations they knew about, how much they knew about the identified occupation, and the extent to which they held gender-role stereotypes about certain occupations. After the data was iv Key words: career development, children, longitudinal research, occupational aspirations captured it was coded according to Holland's (1985) classification system of occupational interest types. The occupational aspirations expressed by the participants were also coded in terms of their status levels. The coded data was then further analysed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequency counts and percentages. Results from the study support both child and career development theory which view childhood as a time of rapid growth with critical development in various competency areas (including occupational aspirations and perceptions). Although the current study found that most children aspired to Social occupations, the popularity of this typology decreased with increasing age as more children aspired to Investigative, Artistic, and to a lesser extent, Realistic typologies at age twelve. Furthermore, it appears that children, like adults, are aware of status differentials among occupations and that this awareness subsequently influences occupational aspirations. Lastly, the findings broadly provide support for both national and international research in that it was established that an increase in age reflects a decrease in gender-stereotypical perceptions of occupations. The present study gained valuable insight into how the process of career development occurs in preadolescent children. It is clear that there exists a need for the implementation of credible and sustainable career education programs in schools across South Africa in order to encourage and facilitate career exploration during the developmental stage of childhood.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A model for information architecture of government web sites in Southern Africa
- Authors: Bernardo, Tomás
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Information storage and retrieval systems , Web sites -- Design , Government information -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10479 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/459 , Information storage and retrieval systems , Web sites -- Design , Government information -- South Africa
- Description: The main purpose of this research is to investigate the Information Architecture (IA) of government web sites in Southern Africa. The government web sites of Mozambique and South Africa were selected for the purpose of this research. A further aim of this research was to derive a model for the IA of government web sites. The model was based on IA components and guidelines as well as on web site components and E-government requirements. The IA guidelines in the model were derived from general design guidelines and guidelines for government web sites. The IA guidelines in the proposed model were used to conduct an analytical and empirical evaluation of the selected sites. The selection of the sites was based on similarities in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) strategies and policies, the annual Internet growth rates, the Internet user profiles and the Egovernment initiatives in both countries. Differences between the sites also contributed to their selection. Mozambique is one of the least developed countries in the world, while South Africa is one of the most developed countries in Africa. Heuristic evaluation was used for the analytical evaluation while questionnaires and user testing were used for the empirical evaluation. Some of the usability problems identified in the heuristic evaluation, such as incorrect organisation of information and navigation issues, were also identified in the empirical evaluation, confirming to the existence of these usability problems. The results of this research show that the IA of government web sites has an impact on user performance and satisfaction and that the proposed model can be used to design and evaluate the IA of government web sites in Southern Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Bernardo, Tomás
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Information storage and retrieval systems , Web sites -- Design , Government information -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10479 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/459 , Information storage and retrieval systems , Web sites -- Design , Government information -- South Africa
- Description: The main purpose of this research is to investigate the Information Architecture (IA) of government web sites in Southern Africa. The government web sites of Mozambique and South Africa were selected for the purpose of this research. A further aim of this research was to derive a model for the IA of government web sites. The model was based on IA components and guidelines as well as on web site components and E-government requirements. The IA guidelines in the model were derived from general design guidelines and guidelines for government web sites. The IA guidelines in the proposed model were used to conduct an analytical and empirical evaluation of the selected sites. The selection of the sites was based on similarities in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) strategies and policies, the annual Internet growth rates, the Internet user profiles and the Egovernment initiatives in both countries. Differences between the sites also contributed to their selection. Mozambique is one of the least developed countries in the world, while South Africa is one of the most developed countries in Africa. Heuristic evaluation was used for the analytical evaluation while questionnaires and user testing were used for the empirical evaluation. Some of the usability problems identified in the heuristic evaluation, such as incorrect organisation of information and navigation issues, were also identified in the empirical evaluation, confirming to the existence of these usability problems. The results of this research show that the IA of government web sites has an impact on user performance and satisfaction and that the proposed model can be used to design and evaluate the IA of government web sites in Southern Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A model for the development of service agreements in the Information and Communication Technology sector
- Authors: Johnston, Robert
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Information technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Service industries -- Management , Service -- Level agreements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002772 , Information technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Service industries -- Management , Service -- Level agreements
- Description: SAs are documents that specify the business relationship between stakeholders to an outsourcing agreement. SAs specify this relationship in a legally binding manner that assists in managing expectations of the stakeholders about the service provision. According to Verma (1999), an SA is a precise statement of the expectations and obligations that exist in a business relationship between two organisation: the service provider and the client. In order for organizations to have successful outsourcing partnerships, they need well crafted methods of developing Service Agreements (SAs). Successful methods will produce a conclusive contract that will act as a working document that details the spirit of cooperation between the service provider and the service recipient. This research investigates the development of SAs in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, and proposes a model for their development. A number of models for SA development have been analysed. Models are analysed from leading researchers in the area, from software houses such as Microsoft and from international standards organisations such as the BS15000 which stipulates the ITIL framework. Eight development principles are identified and explored. An investigation into SAs and their development is conducted. A model is proposed that is composed of the development principles. The development of SAs was explored in an empirical study by means of a survey administered to industry practitioners and a series of interviews with managers in the ICT industry. The results of the study indicate varying levels of support for the development principles and limited relationship between the development principles and the success of the SA, as defined by the number of changes made to the SA after it is completed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Johnston, Robert
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Information technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Service industries -- Management , Service -- Level agreements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002772 , Information technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Service industries -- Management , Service -- Level agreements
- Description: SAs are documents that specify the business relationship between stakeholders to an outsourcing agreement. SAs specify this relationship in a legally binding manner that assists in managing expectations of the stakeholders about the service provision. According to Verma (1999), an SA is a precise statement of the expectations and obligations that exist in a business relationship between two organisation: the service provider and the client. In order for organizations to have successful outsourcing partnerships, they need well crafted methods of developing Service Agreements (SAs). Successful methods will produce a conclusive contract that will act as a working document that details the spirit of cooperation between the service provider and the service recipient. This research investigates the development of SAs in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, and proposes a model for their development. A number of models for SA development have been analysed. Models are analysed from leading researchers in the area, from software houses such as Microsoft and from international standards organisations such as the BS15000 which stipulates the ITIL framework. Eight development principles are identified and explored. An investigation into SAs and their development is conducted. A model is proposed that is composed of the development principles. The development of SAs was explored in an empirical study by means of a survey administered to industry practitioners and a series of interviews with managers in the ICT industry. The results of the study indicate varying levels of support for the development principles and limited relationship between the development principles and the success of the SA, as defined by the number of changes made to the SA after it is completed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A model for the facilitation of intergenerational reconciliation during teenage pregnancy a Xhosa perspective
- Authors: James, Sindiwe Valencia
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Teenage pregnancy -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Xhosa (African people) -- South Africa -- Family relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10043 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/458 , Teenage pregnancy -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Xhosa (African people) -- South Africa -- Family relationships
- Description: Teenage pregnancy is an international phenomenon with girls falling pregnant from as early as 14 years of age. In South Africa teenage pregnancies are also on the increase (Kaiser, 2000:18; Statistica SA, 2006:5;). Teenage pregnancy may have negative effects for the teenager in that it can force the teenager to drop out of school prematurely as well as shortening her educational career which might limit future career possibilities. It also predisposes both the mother and the child to health risks. Finally, teenage pregnancy also leads to family destabilisation. Within the Xhosa communities family destabilisation becomes even more severe as it is culturally and traditionally related. Traditionally, teenage pregnancy in the Xhosa communities is stigmatized. The family suffers from embarrassment and disappointment and the effects of these experiences can manifest in outrage on the part of the parents towards the pregnant teenager resulting in non-communication with her and ultimately rejection (Boult & Cunningham, 1991:36). This results in no or minimal support from the family (Nxumalo, 1997:16). The research design and method to achieve the objective of the study was a theory-generative design based on a qualitative, phenomenological, explorative, descriptive and contextual research approach utilizing the four steps of theory generation. During the step of concept analysis, which is the first step of the process of theory generation, data was collected by means of individual interviews with the pregnant Xhosa teenagers, parents and grandparents. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. The sample for the study was selected purposively to ensure indepth information.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: James, Sindiwe Valencia
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Teenage pregnancy -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Xhosa (African people) -- South Africa -- Family relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10043 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/458 , Teenage pregnancy -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Xhosa (African people) -- South Africa -- Family relationships
- Description: Teenage pregnancy is an international phenomenon with girls falling pregnant from as early as 14 years of age. In South Africa teenage pregnancies are also on the increase (Kaiser, 2000:18; Statistica SA, 2006:5;). Teenage pregnancy may have negative effects for the teenager in that it can force the teenager to drop out of school prematurely as well as shortening her educational career which might limit future career possibilities. It also predisposes both the mother and the child to health risks. Finally, teenage pregnancy also leads to family destabilisation. Within the Xhosa communities family destabilisation becomes even more severe as it is culturally and traditionally related. Traditionally, teenage pregnancy in the Xhosa communities is stigmatized. The family suffers from embarrassment and disappointment and the effects of these experiences can manifest in outrage on the part of the parents towards the pregnant teenager resulting in non-communication with her and ultimately rejection (Boult & Cunningham, 1991:36). This results in no or minimal support from the family (Nxumalo, 1997:16). The research design and method to achieve the objective of the study was a theory-generative design based on a qualitative, phenomenological, explorative, descriptive and contextual research approach utilizing the four steps of theory generation. During the step of concept analysis, which is the first step of the process of theory generation, data was collected by means of individual interviews with the pregnant Xhosa teenagers, parents and grandparents. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. The sample for the study was selected purposively to ensure indepth information.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A precarious balance: consequences of Zimbabwe's fast-track land reform
- Authors: Sarimana, Ashley
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Land reform -- Zimbabwe , Land use -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Large -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture and state -- Zimbabwe , Agricultural laborers -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3348 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006198 , Land reform -- Zimbabwe , Land use -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Large -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture and state -- Zimbabwe , Agricultural laborers -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions
- Description: This thesis is a detailed account of Zimbabwe's controversial fast-track land reform programme. Zimbabwe's land reform history has been discussed extensively, with a focus on land redistribution. The fast-track land reform programme transferred eleven million hectares of land from 4 000 white commercial farmers to 51 543 landless peasant families. The thesis begins by offering some land reform theories and gives an overview of the land question in Southern Africa. This is followed by a discussion of Zimbabwe's land question from a historical perspective. Next is a periodised account of the successes and failures of land reform attempts made by the Zimbabwean government from independence in 1980 to 1998 when the fast-track land reform programme was conceived. Zimbabwe's political and economic situation at this time is significant. The context for fast-track land reform includes a discussion about the national question in Zimbabwe and the deteriorating status of white citizenship; the rise of Zimbabwe's liberation war veterans as a formidable force and the formation of the Movement for Democratic Change as a strong political party that was challenging, among others, the dominance of the ruling Zanu-PF party and its policies. The blueprint for fast-track land reform is discussed in order to contrast it to how the reform unfolded in practice. In this regard, the response of the international community to the violence and lawlessness that characterised fast-track land reform is worth mentioning, especially since it has bearing on how Zimbabweans are trying to cope with life in a radically altered physical and social environment, following the land reform exercise. The consequences of fast-track land reform are analysed in terms of development and the plight of Zimbabwe's farm workers; the internal displacement of hundreds of thousands of farm workers, white commercial farmers and others in Zimbabwe's countryside and whether or not fast-track land reform beneficiaries can successfully engage in agriculture to improve their standard of living. The Vumba and Burma Valley case study is illustrative of how fasttrack land reform was implemented and its socio-economic impact on Zimbabwe's poor and marginalised groups, for instance, female farm workers. The case study offers valuable insights about the survival strategies that ordinary people affected by the land reform exercise are adopting in order to cope with their new circumstances. Data was gathered from a focus group discussion (pilot study), in-depth semi-structured interviews and observation on three farms, as well as interviews with a few government officials, government documents and newspaper reports. The study is useful to countries that are planning or already implementing land reform, for example, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Sarimana, Ashley
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Land reform -- Zimbabwe , Land use -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Large -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture and state -- Zimbabwe , Agricultural laborers -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3348 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006198 , Land reform -- Zimbabwe , Land use -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Large -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture and state -- Zimbabwe , Agricultural laborers -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions
- Description: This thesis is a detailed account of Zimbabwe's controversial fast-track land reform programme. Zimbabwe's land reform history has been discussed extensively, with a focus on land redistribution. The fast-track land reform programme transferred eleven million hectares of land from 4 000 white commercial farmers to 51 543 landless peasant families. The thesis begins by offering some land reform theories and gives an overview of the land question in Southern Africa. This is followed by a discussion of Zimbabwe's land question from a historical perspective. Next is a periodised account of the successes and failures of land reform attempts made by the Zimbabwean government from independence in 1980 to 1998 when the fast-track land reform programme was conceived. Zimbabwe's political and economic situation at this time is significant. The context for fast-track land reform includes a discussion about the national question in Zimbabwe and the deteriorating status of white citizenship; the rise of Zimbabwe's liberation war veterans as a formidable force and the formation of the Movement for Democratic Change as a strong political party that was challenging, among others, the dominance of the ruling Zanu-PF party and its policies. The blueprint for fast-track land reform is discussed in order to contrast it to how the reform unfolded in practice. In this regard, the response of the international community to the violence and lawlessness that characterised fast-track land reform is worth mentioning, especially since it has bearing on how Zimbabweans are trying to cope with life in a radically altered physical and social environment, following the land reform exercise. The consequences of fast-track land reform are analysed in terms of development and the plight of Zimbabwe's farm workers; the internal displacement of hundreds of thousands of farm workers, white commercial farmers and others in Zimbabwe's countryside and whether or not fast-track land reform beneficiaries can successfully engage in agriculture to improve their standard of living. The Vumba and Burma Valley case study is illustrative of how fasttrack land reform was implemented and its socio-economic impact on Zimbabwe's poor and marginalised groups, for instance, female farm workers. The case study offers valuable insights about the survival strategies that ordinary people affected by the land reform exercise are adopting in order to cope with their new circumstances. Data was gathered from a focus group discussion (pilot study), in-depth semi-structured interviews and observation on three farms, as well as interviews with a few government officials, government documents and newspaper reports. The study is useful to countries that are planning or already implementing land reform, for example, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A qualitative bias review of the adaptation of the WAIS-III for English-speaking South Africans
- Authors: Aston, Susan
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Test -- South Africa , Intelligence tests -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9939 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/453 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011931 , Wechsler Adult Intelligence Test -- South Africa , Intelligence tests -- South Africa
- Description: In response to the growing demand for a test of cognitive ability for South African adults, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) adapted the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales, third edition (WAIS-III) for English-speaking South Africans. However, since the publication of the South African adaptation in 2001, there has been some concern whether some bias may not still be present in the measure. Consequently, this study aimed to qualitatively explore the item content of the South African adaptation of the WAIS-III in order to identify items that might still be potentially biased with specific reference to cultural and linguistic issues. The researcher employed purposive sampling, a non-probability technique, to select psychology professionals to act as expert reviewers. The sample consisted of 20 registered psychologists, psychology lecturers and psychology interns from the predominant culture and language groups of the Eastern and Western Cape. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected by means of a Bias Review Questionnaire which consisted of fixed-choice questions, as well as sections in which specific comments could be indicated. The questionnaire was distributed to 20 selected participants who were qualified to administer psychometric measures and were registered with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Qualitative data was analysed using Tesch’s model of thematic content analysis, and five main themes relating to potential bias were identified, namely: Culture, Language, Education, Socio-economic status, and Format. The qualitative data was re-submitted to the expert review group for approval and further comment. Quantitative data obtained from the Bias Review Questionnaire was analysed by obtaining frequency counts, which were converted to percentages, per subtest and aspect reviewed. The major findings of the study were as follows: 1. Cultural bias is evident in the South African adaptation of the WAIS-III. The differential meanings ascribed to concepts, terms, phrases and words by diverse cultures impact on test performance, as does familiarity with stimulus materials used in the measure. 2. Language bias was detected against groups with English as their second or third language owing to the unfamiliar, and sometimes archaic, terms and vocabulary used in the measure. The intended meanings of the translated items are unclear and confusing for test-takers. 3. South African test-takers have experienced vastly divergent educational opportunities which impact on intelligence test performance. The measure contains potential bias against individuals from disadvantaged educational backgrounds. 4. The content of the items is not relevant to test-takers from deprived socioeconomic backgrounds that have been unable to access good-quality education. 5. Format bias was found to exist with respect to the timed tests. Cultural groups who do not value speededness are disadvantaged by the structure and format of the measure. Based on the findings of this study, certain recommendations were made. These include: 1. Additional qualitative investigation of the WAIS-III , with a view to further adaptation in an effort to eradicate bias on cultural or linguistic grounds, and 2. Conducting further Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analyses and establishing construct equivalence across cultural and linguistic groups to promote this objective. Among the contributions believed to have been made by this study are the identification of potentially biased subtests and items on the grounds of culture and language, which will facilitate possible further revision and adaptation of the measure. Additionally, the variables that were considered important influencing factors of cognitive test performance have been documented and are accessible for future research that will supplement the present study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Aston, Susan
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Test -- South Africa , Intelligence tests -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9939 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/453 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011931 , Wechsler Adult Intelligence Test -- South Africa , Intelligence tests -- South Africa
- Description: In response to the growing demand for a test of cognitive ability for South African adults, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) adapted the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales, third edition (WAIS-III) for English-speaking South Africans. However, since the publication of the South African adaptation in 2001, there has been some concern whether some bias may not still be present in the measure. Consequently, this study aimed to qualitatively explore the item content of the South African adaptation of the WAIS-III in order to identify items that might still be potentially biased with specific reference to cultural and linguistic issues. The researcher employed purposive sampling, a non-probability technique, to select psychology professionals to act as expert reviewers. The sample consisted of 20 registered psychologists, psychology lecturers and psychology interns from the predominant culture and language groups of the Eastern and Western Cape. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected by means of a Bias Review Questionnaire which consisted of fixed-choice questions, as well as sections in which specific comments could be indicated. The questionnaire was distributed to 20 selected participants who were qualified to administer psychometric measures and were registered with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Qualitative data was analysed using Tesch’s model of thematic content analysis, and five main themes relating to potential bias were identified, namely: Culture, Language, Education, Socio-economic status, and Format. The qualitative data was re-submitted to the expert review group for approval and further comment. Quantitative data obtained from the Bias Review Questionnaire was analysed by obtaining frequency counts, which were converted to percentages, per subtest and aspect reviewed. The major findings of the study were as follows: 1. Cultural bias is evident in the South African adaptation of the WAIS-III. The differential meanings ascribed to concepts, terms, phrases and words by diverse cultures impact on test performance, as does familiarity with stimulus materials used in the measure. 2. Language bias was detected against groups with English as their second or third language owing to the unfamiliar, and sometimes archaic, terms and vocabulary used in the measure. The intended meanings of the translated items are unclear and confusing for test-takers. 3. South African test-takers have experienced vastly divergent educational opportunities which impact on intelligence test performance. The measure contains potential bias against individuals from disadvantaged educational backgrounds. 4. The content of the items is not relevant to test-takers from deprived socioeconomic backgrounds that have been unable to access good-quality education. 5. Format bias was found to exist with respect to the timed tests. Cultural groups who do not value speededness are disadvantaged by the structure and format of the measure. Based on the findings of this study, certain recommendations were made. These include: 1. Additional qualitative investigation of the WAIS-III , with a view to further adaptation in an effort to eradicate bias on cultural or linguistic grounds, and 2. Conducting further Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analyses and establishing construct equivalence across cultural and linguistic groups to promote this objective. Among the contributions believed to have been made by this study are the identification of potentially biased subtests and items on the grounds of culture and language, which will facilitate possible further revision and adaptation of the measure. Additionally, the variables that were considered important influencing factors of cognitive test performance have been documented and are accessible for future research that will supplement the present study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A raman spectroscopy study of semiconducting thin films
- Authors: Goosen, William Edward
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Raman spectroscopy , Semiconductor films , Thin films
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10514 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/426 , Raman spectroscopy , Semiconductor films , Thin films
- Description: A home-built Raman system, utilizing a pseudo-backscattering geometry, was built in the Physics Department at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). The system was then used to analyse a variety of bulk and thin film semiconducting materials currently being studied in the Physics Department. Silicon wafers were exposed to hydrogen plasma. Raman analysis of hydrogen induced platelets (HIPs), resulting from hydrogen plasma treatment of silicon, is reported. ZnO layers were deposited on glass, GaAs, Si, sapphire and SiC-Si substrates by metalorganic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) in the Physics Department at the NMMU. It was found that the ZnO layers grown by MOCVD all exhibited a strong E2 (high) phonon mode that dominated the Raman spectra. Furthermore, the spectra lacked the A1 (LO) phonon mode which is usually associated with the O-vacancy, the Zn-interstitial, or complexes of the two, indicating that the layers were all of good quality. The influence of depositing the ZnO thin film on a 3 mm thick SiC layer was also investigated and compared with the deposition of ZnO on Si substrate, in order to reduce the lattice mismatch between ZnO and the Si substrate. The possible shift of the Raman peaks due to the residual strain in the film, if present, could not be resolved. Characterization of GaN and AlxGa1-xN produced by MOCVD at the CRHEA laboratory of the CNRS in Valbonne, France is reported. A sharp peak at 567 cm-1 corresponding to the E2 (high) mode of GaN broadens and shifts to higher wavenumbers as the aluminium content of the AlxGa1-xN is increased. The shift is accompanied by a decrease in the intensity and a broadening of this peak. The broadening was attributed to a general decrease in the quality of the layers which accompanies increased aluminium content in AlxGa1-xN.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Goosen, William Edward
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Raman spectroscopy , Semiconductor films , Thin films
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10514 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/426 , Raman spectroscopy , Semiconductor films , Thin films
- Description: A home-built Raman system, utilizing a pseudo-backscattering geometry, was built in the Physics Department at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). The system was then used to analyse a variety of bulk and thin film semiconducting materials currently being studied in the Physics Department. Silicon wafers were exposed to hydrogen plasma. Raman analysis of hydrogen induced platelets (HIPs), resulting from hydrogen plasma treatment of silicon, is reported. ZnO layers were deposited on glass, GaAs, Si, sapphire and SiC-Si substrates by metalorganic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) in the Physics Department at the NMMU. It was found that the ZnO layers grown by MOCVD all exhibited a strong E2 (high) phonon mode that dominated the Raman spectra. Furthermore, the spectra lacked the A1 (LO) phonon mode which is usually associated with the O-vacancy, the Zn-interstitial, or complexes of the two, indicating that the layers were all of good quality. The influence of depositing the ZnO thin film on a 3 mm thick SiC layer was also investigated and compared with the deposition of ZnO on Si substrate, in order to reduce the lattice mismatch between ZnO and the Si substrate. The possible shift of the Raman peaks due to the residual strain in the film, if present, could not be resolved. Characterization of GaN and AlxGa1-xN produced by MOCVD at the CRHEA laboratory of the CNRS in Valbonne, France is reported. A sharp peak at 567 cm-1 corresponding to the E2 (high) mode of GaN broadens and shifts to higher wavenumbers as the aluminium content of the AlxGa1-xN is increased. The shift is accompanied by a decrease in the intensity and a broadening of this peak. The broadening was attributed to a general decrease in the quality of the layers which accompanies increased aluminium content in AlxGa1-xN.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A research prospectus for the humanities
- Authors: Wright, Laurence
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Book chapter , text
- Identifier: vital:7027 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007213
- Description: The humanities in South Africa, as elsewhere, face a crisis of credibility.There is pressing need for the humanities to articulate their social and educational purpose more clearly, so that their academic value is recognised beyond the confines of academia.The aim of reshaping human character and society remains the foundational impulse of the humanities. This is achieved through the careful study of specially selected exemplary 'texts': literary works, fine art, social schemes, intellectual movements, historical episodes, and philosophical and religious outlooks.Students are required to respond in person to both 'text' and the discourse of which it is an exemplary instantiation. This is the manner in which they act to influence character and society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Wright, Laurence
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Book chapter , text
- Identifier: vital:7027 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007213
- Description: The humanities in South Africa, as elsewhere, face a crisis of credibility.There is pressing need for the humanities to articulate their social and educational purpose more clearly, so that their academic value is recognised beyond the confines of academia.The aim of reshaping human character and society remains the foundational impulse of the humanities. This is achieved through the careful study of specially selected exemplary 'texts': literary works, fine art, social schemes, intellectual movements, historical episodes, and philosophical and religious outlooks.Students are required to respond in person to both 'text' and the discourse of which it is an exemplary instantiation. This is the manner in which they act to influence character and society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A retrospective study of the problems encountered by small business owner-managers in the health sector
- Authors: O'Connell, J
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Health facilities -- South Africa -- Business management , New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management , Businesspeople -- South Africa Interviews
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9985 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/429 , Health facilities -- South Africa -- Business management , New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management , Businesspeople -- South Africa Interviews
- Description: It is estimated that the failure rate of small, medium and micro enterprises in South Africa’s (SMME’s) are between 70 percent and 80 percent. As a result, millions of rand are lost on business ventures because of essentially avoidable mistakes and problems. Difficulties encountered by small business owner-managers can be described as environmental, marketing, financial or managerial in nature. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the nature and importance of problems experience by small business owner-managers in the private health sector. The design that was used in this study was qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual in nature. This study fell within the broad framework of qualitative research, as interviews were employed to do the research project (Baker, 1999:247). A purposive sample was used to identify the participants for inclusion. The target population was small business owner-managers operating within the private health sector in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The sample comprised eight business owner-managers in the health sector within the boundaries of the Nelson Mandela Metropole, purposely identified. Before doing the empirical research, a pilot study was conducted with one small business owner-manager that fulfilled the required criteria of the research population. Data was collected by means of naïve sketches and semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed according to the framework provided by Tesch (in Creswell, 1994). Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991) was employed for data verification. Interviews were conducted in both Afrikaans and English. iii Direct transcriptions from the tape-recorded interviews ensured that all data was gathered and saved for reference when needed during the data analysis as described by Field and Morse (1996:64). The researcher took observational, theoretical, methodological and personal notes as described in Wilson (1989: 433-435). Transcriptions from sketches and interviews served as the database for the study. Only literature pertaining to the research process was consulted prior to the data collection of the primary data, in order to establish an effective research format. The problems experienced by small business owner-managers in the health sector were discussed under four major themes and several sub-themes identified by the researcher and the independent coder. The main themes that emerged from the study were: small business ownermanagers in the health sector lacked business skills and experience; had financial problems regarding their businesses; had difficulty building a customer base; and were uncertain in terms of their businesses’ future. Conclusions were drawn from the findings of the study and limiting factors were identified and acknowledged in the report. Recommendations that could assist practitioners, educators and trainers were suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: O'Connell, J
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Health facilities -- South Africa -- Business management , New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management , Businesspeople -- South Africa Interviews
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9985 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/429 , Health facilities -- South Africa -- Business management , New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management , Businesspeople -- South Africa Interviews
- Description: It is estimated that the failure rate of small, medium and micro enterprises in South Africa’s (SMME’s) are between 70 percent and 80 percent. As a result, millions of rand are lost on business ventures because of essentially avoidable mistakes and problems. Difficulties encountered by small business owner-managers can be described as environmental, marketing, financial or managerial in nature. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the nature and importance of problems experience by small business owner-managers in the private health sector. The design that was used in this study was qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual in nature. This study fell within the broad framework of qualitative research, as interviews were employed to do the research project (Baker, 1999:247). A purposive sample was used to identify the participants for inclusion. The target population was small business owner-managers operating within the private health sector in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The sample comprised eight business owner-managers in the health sector within the boundaries of the Nelson Mandela Metropole, purposely identified. Before doing the empirical research, a pilot study was conducted with one small business owner-manager that fulfilled the required criteria of the research population. Data was collected by means of naïve sketches and semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed according to the framework provided by Tesch (in Creswell, 1994). Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991) was employed for data verification. Interviews were conducted in both Afrikaans and English. iii Direct transcriptions from the tape-recorded interviews ensured that all data was gathered and saved for reference when needed during the data analysis as described by Field and Morse (1996:64). The researcher took observational, theoretical, methodological and personal notes as described in Wilson (1989: 433-435). Transcriptions from sketches and interviews served as the database for the study. Only literature pertaining to the research process was consulted prior to the data collection of the primary data, in order to establish an effective research format. The problems experienced by small business owner-managers in the health sector were discussed under four major themes and several sub-themes identified by the researcher and the independent coder. The main themes that emerged from the study were: small business ownermanagers in the health sector lacked business skills and experience; had financial problems regarding their businesses; had difficulty building a customer base; and were uncertain in terms of their businesses’ future. Conclusions were drawn from the findings of the study and limiting factors were identified and acknowledged in the report. Recommendations that could assist practitioners, educators and trainers were suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A review of lessons learned to inform capacity-building for sustainable nature-based tourism development in the European Union funded ʺSupport to the Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programmeʺ
- Authors: Wright, Brian Bradley
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programme , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Sustainable development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Conservation and natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- International cooperation , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic development , South Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- European Union countries , European Union countries -- Foreign economic relations -- South Africa , Ecotourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1744 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003628 , Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programme , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Sustainable development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Conservation and natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- International cooperation , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic development , South Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- European Union countries , European Union countries -- Foreign economic relations -- South Africa , Ecotourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This case-study establishes the influences of power-knowledge relationships on capacity-building for sustainability in the European Union Funded ‘Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programme’ (EU Programme). It aims to capture the lessons learned for capacitybuilding to support nature-based tourism initiatives on the Wild Coast. The EU Programme aimed to achieve economic and social development of previously disadvantaged communities through nature-based tourism enterprises, and to develop capacity of local authorities and communities to support environmental management. The study discusses common trends in thematic categories emerging from the research data, and contextualises research findings in a broader development landscape. This study indicates that power-knowledge relations were reflected in the EU Programme’s development ideology by an exclusionary development approach, which lacked a participatory ethos. This exclusionary approach did not support an enabling environment for capacity-building. This development approach, guiding the programme conceptualization, design and implementation processes, resulted in a programme with unrealistic objectives, time-frames and resource allocations; a programme resisted by provincial and local government. The study provides a causal link between participation, programme relevance, programme ownership, commitment of stakeholders, effective management and capacity-building for sustainable programme implementation. The study argues that the underlying motivation for the exclusionary EU development ideology in the programme is driven by a risk management strategy. This approach allows the EU to hold power in the development process, whereas, an inclusionary participative development methodology would require a more in-depth negotiation with stakeholders, thereby requiring the EU to relinquish existing levels of power and control. This may increase the risk of an unexpected programme design outcome and associated exposure to financial risk. It may also have a significant financial effect on donor countries' consultancies and consultants currently driving the development industry. This study recommends an interactive-participative methodology for programme design and implementation, if an enabling environment for capacity-building is to be created. In addition, all programme stakeholders must share contractual accountability for programme outcomes. This requires a paradigm shift in the EU development ideology to an inclusionary methodology. However, this research suggests that the current EU development approach will not voluntarily change. I, therefore, argue that South Africa needs to develop a legislative framework that will guide donor-funded development programme methodology, to support an enabling environment for capacity-building.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Wright, Brian Bradley
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programme , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Sustainable development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Conservation and natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- International cooperation , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic development , South Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- European Union countries , European Union countries -- Foreign economic relations -- South Africa , Ecotourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1744 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003628 , Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programme , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Sustainable development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Conservation and natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- International cooperation , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic development , South Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- European Union countries , European Union countries -- Foreign economic relations -- South Africa , Ecotourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This case-study establishes the influences of power-knowledge relationships on capacity-building for sustainability in the European Union Funded ‘Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programme’ (EU Programme). It aims to capture the lessons learned for capacitybuilding to support nature-based tourism initiatives on the Wild Coast. The EU Programme aimed to achieve economic and social development of previously disadvantaged communities through nature-based tourism enterprises, and to develop capacity of local authorities and communities to support environmental management. The study discusses common trends in thematic categories emerging from the research data, and contextualises research findings in a broader development landscape. This study indicates that power-knowledge relations were reflected in the EU Programme’s development ideology by an exclusionary development approach, which lacked a participatory ethos. This exclusionary approach did not support an enabling environment for capacity-building. This development approach, guiding the programme conceptualization, design and implementation processes, resulted in a programme with unrealistic objectives, time-frames and resource allocations; a programme resisted by provincial and local government. The study provides a causal link between participation, programme relevance, programme ownership, commitment of stakeholders, effective management and capacity-building for sustainable programme implementation. The study argues that the underlying motivation for the exclusionary EU development ideology in the programme is driven by a risk management strategy. This approach allows the EU to hold power in the development process, whereas, an inclusionary participative development methodology would require a more in-depth negotiation with stakeholders, thereby requiring the EU to relinquish existing levels of power and control. This may increase the risk of an unexpected programme design outcome and associated exposure to financial risk. It may also have a significant financial effect on donor countries' consultancies and consultants currently driving the development industry. This study recommends an interactive-participative methodology for programme design and implementation, if an enabling environment for capacity-building is to be created. In addition, all programme stakeholders must share contractual accountability for programme outcomes. This requires a paradigm shift in the EU development ideology to an inclusionary methodology. However, this research suggests that the current EU development approach will not voluntarily change. I, therefore, argue that South Africa needs to develop a legislative framework that will guide donor-funded development programme methodology, to support an enabling environment for capacity-building.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A review of the actuaries' capitalisation rate from an economic perspective
- Authors: Turner, Jason
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Macroeconomics , Keynesian economics , Insurance -- Mathematics , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1961-1991 , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:992 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002727 , Macroeconomics , Keynesian economics , Insurance -- Mathematics , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1961-1991 , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Description: The purpose of this paper was to evaluate if the macroeconomic change that has occurred in the South African economy since the 1980s has been significant enough to justify a re-examination of the actuaries’ capitalisation rate, due to its formulation processes dependence on the macroeconomic situation. The need for the reexamination arises from the use of the capitalisation in the calculation of lump sum awards where even a small change in the rate can have a significant impact on the value of the final award. In order to address the issue an examination of how Keynesian expectations are formulated and an examination of the Government’s macroeconomic policy was conducted to provide the foundation. On this foundation, a trend analysis of the major groups of financial instruments, as well as the current outlooks for the South African economy, was conducted to determine if there was any indication of a significant change in the macroeconomic conditions. The results of the analysis provided a compelling case for the urgent need for the actuaries’ capitalisation rate to be recalculated to account for the changed economic situation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Turner, Jason
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Macroeconomics , Keynesian economics , Insurance -- Mathematics , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1961-1991 , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:992 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002727 , Macroeconomics , Keynesian economics , Insurance -- Mathematics , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1961-1991 , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Description: The purpose of this paper was to evaluate if the macroeconomic change that has occurred in the South African economy since the 1980s has been significant enough to justify a re-examination of the actuaries’ capitalisation rate, due to its formulation processes dependence on the macroeconomic situation. The need for the reexamination arises from the use of the capitalisation in the calculation of lump sum awards where even a small change in the rate can have a significant impact on the value of the final award. In order to address the issue an examination of how Keynesian expectations are formulated and an examination of the Government’s macroeconomic policy was conducted to provide the foundation. On this foundation, a trend analysis of the major groups of financial instruments, as well as the current outlooks for the South African economy, was conducted to determine if there was any indication of a significant change in the macroeconomic conditions. The results of the analysis provided a compelling case for the urgent need for the actuaries’ capitalisation rate to be recalculated to account for the changed economic situation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A stability-indicating high performance liquid chromatographic assay for the determination of orlistat in capsules
- Mohammadi, Ali, Haririan, I, Rezanour, Nasrin, Ghiasi, L, Walker, Roderick B
- Authors: Mohammadi, Ali , Haririan, I , Rezanour, Nasrin , Ghiasi, L , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184267 , vital:44195 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2006.03.038"
- Description: A stability-indicating HPLC method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of orlistat in capsule dosage forms. An isocratic separation was achieved using a Perfectsil® target ODS-3, 250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm particle size column with a flow rate of 0.7 ml/min and using a UV detector to monitor the eluate at 210 nm. The mobile phase consisted of methanol:acetonitrile:trifluoroacetic acid (82.5:17.5:0.01, v/v/v). The drug was subjected oxidation, hydrolysis, photolysis and heat to apply stress conditions. Complete separation was achieved for the parent compound and all degradation products in an overall analytical run time of approximately 15 min with the parent compound orlistat eluting at approximately 9 min. The method was linear over the concentration range of 0.02–0.75 mg/ml (r = 0.9998) with a limit of detection and quantitation 0.006 and 0.02 mg/ml, respectively. The method has the requisite accuracy, selectivity, sensitivity and precision to assay orlistat in capsules. Degradation products resulting from the stress studies did not interfere with the detection of orlistat and the assay is thus stability-indicating.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Mohammadi, Ali , Haririan, I , Rezanour, Nasrin , Ghiasi, L , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184267 , vital:44195 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2006.03.038"
- Description: A stability-indicating HPLC method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of orlistat in capsule dosage forms. An isocratic separation was achieved using a Perfectsil® target ODS-3, 250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm particle size column with a flow rate of 0.7 ml/min and using a UV detector to monitor the eluate at 210 nm. The mobile phase consisted of methanol:acetonitrile:trifluoroacetic acid (82.5:17.5:0.01, v/v/v). The drug was subjected oxidation, hydrolysis, photolysis and heat to apply stress conditions. Complete separation was achieved for the parent compound and all degradation products in an overall analytical run time of approximately 15 min with the parent compound orlistat eluting at approximately 9 min. The method was linear over the concentration range of 0.02–0.75 mg/ml (r = 0.9998) with a limit of detection and quantitation 0.006 and 0.02 mg/ml, respectively. The method has the requisite accuracy, selectivity, sensitivity and precision to assay orlistat in capsules. Degradation products resulting from the stress studies did not interfere with the detection of orlistat and the assay is thus stability-indicating.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A stability-indicating high performance liquid chromatographic assay for the determination of orlistat in capsules
- Mohammadi, Ali, Haririan, I, Rezanour, I, Ghiasi, L, Walker, Roderick B
- Authors: Mohammadi, Ali , Haririan, I , Rezanour, I , Ghiasi, L , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Article , text
- Identifier: vital:6407 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006480
- Description: A stability-indicating HPLC method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of orlistat in capsule dosage forms. An isocratic separation was achieved using a Perfectsil® target ODS-3, 250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 µm particle size column with a flow rate of 0.7 ml/min and using a UV detector to monitor the eluate at 210 nm. The mobile phase consisted of methanol:acetonitrile:trifluoroacetic acid (82.5:17.5:0.01, v/v/v). The drug was subjected oxidation, hydrolysis, photolysis and heat to apply stress conditions. Complete separation was achieved for the parent compound and all degradation products in an overall analytical run time of approximately 15 min with the parent compound orlistat eluting at approximately 9 min. The method was linear over the concentration range of 0.02–0.75 mg/ml (r = 0.9998) with a limit of detection and quantitation 0.006 and 0.02 mg/ml, respectively. The method has the requisite accuracy, selectivity, sensitivity and precision to assay orlistat in capsules. Degradation products resulting from the stress studies did not interfere with the detection of orlistat and the assay is thus stability-indicating.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Mohammadi, Ali , Haririan, I , Rezanour, I , Ghiasi, L , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Article , text
- Identifier: vital:6407 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006480
- Description: A stability-indicating HPLC method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of orlistat in capsule dosage forms. An isocratic separation was achieved using a Perfectsil® target ODS-3, 250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 µm particle size column with a flow rate of 0.7 ml/min and using a UV detector to monitor the eluate at 210 nm. The mobile phase consisted of methanol:acetonitrile:trifluoroacetic acid (82.5:17.5:0.01, v/v/v). The drug was subjected oxidation, hydrolysis, photolysis and heat to apply stress conditions. Complete separation was achieved for the parent compound and all degradation products in an overall analytical run time of approximately 15 min with the parent compound orlistat eluting at approximately 9 min. The method was linear over the concentration range of 0.02–0.75 mg/ml (r = 0.9998) with a limit of detection and quantitation 0.006 and 0.02 mg/ml, respectively. The method has the requisite accuracy, selectivity, sensitivity and precision to assay orlistat in capsules. Degradation products resulting from the stress studies did not interfere with the detection of orlistat and the assay is thus stability-indicating.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A strategy for the development of team leaders in the East Cape motor industry cluster : a competency based approach
- Authors: Melamed, Graham Morrison
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Leadership , Teams in the workplace , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: vital:8568 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/419 , Leadership , Teams in the workplace , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The research undertaken in this study was to identify the strategy needed to be adopted by the East Cape Motor Industry Cluster (ECMIC) in order to develop the competencies of its Team Leaders. v Hamel and Prahalad (1994: 28) are of the opinion that the focus of a company must move from current market share, to the share of tomorrow’s opportunities that the company can reasonably expect to gain. The company must therefore consider what it can achieve with its existing set of competencies, and what new competencies need to be acquired in order to prosper in the future. The development of competencies is thus deemed to be critical to the South African economy as the various local automotive manufacturers enter the export field. The ECMIC has traditionally been considered the heart of the automotive industry in South Africa with three of the major manufacturers located in the Nelson Mandela and Buffalo City Metropoles. In order to support these manufacturers, a vast number of component manufacturers and service providers have been established to support the automotive manufacturers both in the ECMIC and in other areas of the country. Since the establishment of a democratic South Africa and the removal of sanctions, the automotive industry has started to establish itself globally. This study will undertake a literature study of the application of competencies in the workplace, teams and team leaders and how competencies are applied in the ECMIC. The results of an empirical study into core competencies in the ECMIC will be used to elucidate a set of competencies which will be used to develop a strategy utilising the competency approach in team leaders in the ECMIC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Melamed, Graham Morrison
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Leadership , Teams in the workplace , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: vital:8568 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/419 , Leadership , Teams in the workplace , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The research undertaken in this study was to identify the strategy needed to be adopted by the East Cape Motor Industry Cluster (ECMIC) in order to develop the competencies of its Team Leaders. v Hamel and Prahalad (1994: 28) are of the opinion that the focus of a company must move from current market share, to the share of tomorrow’s opportunities that the company can reasonably expect to gain. The company must therefore consider what it can achieve with its existing set of competencies, and what new competencies need to be acquired in order to prosper in the future. The development of competencies is thus deemed to be critical to the South African economy as the various local automotive manufacturers enter the export field. The ECMIC has traditionally been considered the heart of the automotive industry in South Africa with three of the major manufacturers located in the Nelson Mandela and Buffalo City Metropoles. In order to support these manufacturers, a vast number of component manufacturers and service providers have been established to support the automotive manufacturers both in the ECMIC and in other areas of the country. Since the establishment of a democratic South Africa and the removal of sanctions, the automotive industry has started to establish itself globally. This study will undertake a literature study of the application of competencies in the workplace, teams and team leaders and how competencies are applied in the ECMIC. The results of an empirical study into core competencies in the ECMIC will be used to elucidate a set of competencies which will be used to develop a strategy utilising the competency approach in team leaders in the ECMIC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A structural study of Witteberg group rocks (Cape supergroup) in the Cape fold belt, Steytlerville district, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Brunsdon, Gideon
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Geology, Structural|zSouth Africa|zEastern Cape , Faults (Geology)|zSouth Africa|zEastern Cape , Folds (Geology)|zSouth Africa|zEastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10666 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019682
- Description: A structural study of Witteberg Group Rocks was conducted along the Soutkloof River, approximately 14 km east of Steytlerville, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Here a north to south geotraverse was studied in an attempt at unravelling the structural geology of the rocks belonging to the Upper Devonian to Lower Carboniferous Witteberg Group (Upper Cape Supergroup). These rocks are mostly arenaceous and include quartzite, sandstone, siltstone and shale which have been folded, faulted and metamorphosed. Thrust, normal and strike-slip faulting occur in the area. Shallow south-dipping low-angle thrust fault planes are displaced by steep south-dipping thrust planes and subordinate north-dipping backthrusts. Displacement along thrust planes is predominantly northwards. Steeply dipping thrust fault planes are often reactivated as east-west striking normal faults. Strike-slip faulting postdates all observed structural features and displaces normal and thrust fault planes. Open to tight folds are present and are mostly northvergent and often steepened or truncated by steep south-dipping thrust fault planes. South-vergent folds are related to backthrusting and post-fold faulting. The study has revealed that the current geological map and the local stratigraphy were compiled without recognising major structural features such as thrust, normal and strike-slip faulting and their (the map and currently accepted stratigraphy) validity are therefore questioned. The presence of extensive faulting suggests that the conventional stratigraphic interpretation of the Witteberg Group should be revised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Brunsdon, Gideon
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Geology, Structural|zSouth Africa|zEastern Cape , Faults (Geology)|zSouth Africa|zEastern Cape , Folds (Geology)|zSouth Africa|zEastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10666 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019682
- Description: A structural study of Witteberg Group Rocks was conducted along the Soutkloof River, approximately 14 km east of Steytlerville, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Here a north to south geotraverse was studied in an attempt at unravelling the structural geology of the rocks belonging to the Upper Devonian to Lower Carboniferous Witteberg Group (Upper Cape Supergroup). These rocks are mostly arenaceous and include quartzite, sandstone, siltstone and shale which have been folded, faulted and metamorphosed. Thrust, normal and strike-slip faulting occur in the area. Shallow south-dipping low-angle thrust fault planes are displaced by steep south-dipping thrust planes and subordinate north-dipping backthrusts. Displacement along thrust planes is predominantly northwards. Steeply dipping thrust fault planes are often reactivated as east-west striking normal faults. Strike-slip faulting postdates all observed structural features and displaces normal and thrust fault planes. Open to tight folds are present and are mostly northvergent and often steepened or truncated by steep south-dipping thrust fault planes. South-vergent folds are related to backthrusting and post-fold faulting. The study has revealed that the current geological map and the local stratigraphy were compiled without recognising major structural features such as thrust, normal and strike-slip faulting and their (the map and currently accepted stratigraphy) validity are therefore questioned. The presence of extensive faulting suggests that the conventional stratigraphic interpretation of the Witteberg Group should be revised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A study of fuzzy sets and systems with applications to group theory and decision making
- Authors: Gideon, Frednard
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Fuzzy sets , Fuzzy systems , Abelian groups , Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5417 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005231 , Fuzzy sets , Fuzzy systems , Abelian groups , Decision making
- Description: In this study we apply the knowledge of fuzzy sets to group structures and also to decision-making implications. We study fuzzy subgroups of finite abelian groups. We set G = Z[subscript p[superscript n]] + Z[subscript q[superscript m]]. The classification of fuzzy subgroups of G using equivalence classes is introduced. First, we present equivalence relations on fuzzy subsets of X, and then extend it to the study of equivalence relations of fuzzy subgroups of a group G. This is then followed by the notion of flags and keychains projected as tools for enumerating fuzzy subgroups of G. In addition to this, we use linear ordering of the lattice of subgroups to characterize the maximal chains of G. Then we narrow the gap between group theory and decision-making using relations. Finally, a theory of the decision-making process in a fuzzy environment leads to a fuzzy version of capital budgeting. We define the goal, constraints and decision and show how they conflict with each other using membership function implications. We establish sets of intervals for projecting decision boundaries in general. We use the knowledge of triangular fuzzy numbers which are restricted field of fuzzy logic to evaluate investment projections.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Gideon, Frednard
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Fuzzy sets , Fuzzy systems , Abelian groups , Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5417 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005231 , Fuzzy sets , Fuzzy systems , Abelian groups , Decision making
- Description: In this study we apply the knowledge of fuzzy sets to group structures and also to decision-making implications. We study fuzzy subgroups of finite abelian groups. We set G = Z[subscript p[superscript n]] + Z[subscript q[superscript m]]. The classification of fuzzy subgroups of G using equivalence classes is introduced. First, we present equivalence relations on fuzzy subsets of X, and then extend it to the study of equivalence relations of fuzzy subgroups of a group G. This is then followed by the notion of flags and keychains projected as tools for enumerating fuzzy subgroups of G. In addition to this, we use linear ordering of the lattice of subgroups to characterize the maximal chains of G. Then we narrow the gap between group theory and decision-making using relations. Finally, a theory of the decision-making process in a fuzzy environment leads to a fuzzy version of capital budgeting. We define the goal, constraints and decision and show how they conflict with each other using membership function implications. We establish sets of intervals for projecting decision boundaries in general. We use the knowledge of triangular fuzzy numbers which are restricted field of fuzzy logic to evaluate investment projections.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A study of perceptions, attitudes and knowledge as it pertains to susceptibility to HIV/AIDS among grade 11 pupils in Grahamstown
- Authors: Mdziniso, Nompumelelo B
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , AIDS (Disease) in adolescence -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Attitudes , Youth -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3157 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007623 , AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , AIDS (Disease) in adolescence -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Attitudes , Youth -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Description: HIV/AIDS has emerged as the leading cause of death in South Africa, with young people being the most affected. Awareness of HIV/AIDS is quite high, yet prevalence rates have not stabilised and are still climbing. Lack of sexual behavioural change among young people is a major factor which explains why prevalence rates are still on the increase among this population. Sexual behaviour change is influenced by perceptions and attitudes, most notably perceived susceptibility. Information on the psychological factors that affect perceived susceptibility can provide an important base for the development of programmes aimed at reducing further transmission among young people. A survey, using a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire with close-ended questions to collect data, was conducted among Grade 11 learners (n = 318) in Rini, Grahamstown, South Africa. One of the constructs (namely Perceived Susceptibility) in the Health Belief Model informed the data collection. The data generated were first analysed descriptively, providing percentages for responses. Secondly cross-tabulations were calculated. The results showed that knowledge about HIV/AIDS is sufficient, young people receive accurate and non-conflictual messages about sex and HIV/AIDS, they are not discriminatory towards People Living With HIV/AIDS, they have adequate access to healthcare and their perceived susceptibility to HIV/AIDS is high. All these are factors which are favourable and conducive for positive sexual behavioural change. However, the study also found that there was little behaviour change among young people especially regarding regular condom use and decreased sexual activity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Mdziniso, Nompumelelo B
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , AIDS (Disease) in adolescence -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Attitudes , Youth -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3157 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007623 , AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , AIDS (Disease) in adolescence -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Attitudes , Youth -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Description: HIV/AIDS has emerged as the leading cause of death in South Africa, with young people being the most affected. Awareness of HIV/AIDS is quite high, yet prevalence rates have not stabilised and are still climbing. Lack of sexual behavioural change among young people is a major factor which explains why prevalence rates are still on the increase among this population. Sexual behaviour change is influenced by perceptions and attitudes, most notably perceived susceptibility. Information on the psychological factors that affect perceived susceptibility can provide an important base for the development of programmes aimed at reducing further transmission among young people. A survey, using a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire with close-ended questions to collect data, was conducted among Grade 11 learners (n = 318) in Rini, Grahamstown, South Africa. One of the constructs (namely Perceived Susceptibility) in the Health Belief Model informed the data collection. The data generated were first analysed descriptively, providing percentages for responses. Secondly cross-tabulations were calculated. The results showed that knowledge about HIV/AIDS is sufficient, young people receive accurate and non-conflictual messages about sex and HIV/AIDS, they are not discriminatory towards People Living With HIV/AIDS, they have adequate access to healthcare and their perceived susceptibility to HIV/AIDS is high. All these are factors which are favourable and conducive for positive sexual behavioural change. However, the study also found that there was little behaviour change among young people especially regarding regular condom use and decreased sexual activity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A study of the development of partner relationships associated with the chinese travel trade to South Africa
- Lin, Bin
- Authors: Lin, Bin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Travel agents -- South Africa , Tourism -- China , Travel agents -- China , Tourism -- South Africa , Relationship marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9336 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/414 , Travel agents -- South Africa , Tourism -- China , Travel agents -- China , Tourism -- South Africa , Relationship marketing
- Description: The Chinese inbound tourism market to SA has been acknowledged as an emerging market. However, South African tour operators experience difficulties in establishing and developing viable partner relationships with Chinese travel agents. Recognizing the size, importance and complexity of this market, the major purpose of this research is to explore and investigate the crucial process of developing Sino-South African partnership relationships in the tourism industry, to facilitate the establishment of business relationships with Chinese travel agents. This study is draws on applied marketing, management and cross-cultural theories on networking to explore the process of developing partnership relationships in the Chinese inbound tourism market to SA. The literature on networking, the development of networking relationships, and the effect of guanxi (connection), a key feature of Chinese business networking on partnership relations are reviewed. Given the limited research conducted on this topic and its cross-country nature, a quantitative research method was adopted for this study. Specifically, this study utilized e-mail survey techniques to explore the relationships between South African inbound tour operators and Chinese travel agents. This study identifies that the process of developing partnership relationships between Chinese travel agents and South African inbound tour operators is culturally embedded. They are giving rise to communication problems that affect partnership relationships. A new stage model of the development of partnership relationships between South African inbound tour operators and Chinese travel agents is therefore developed. In particular, the study identifies important factors in the process of developing business relationships. For example, mutual commitment, the pricing issue, word-of-mouth, and quality of services are all considered crucial in attaining long-term stable partnership relationships. Guanxi plays a significant, but not decisive role in the process of developing partnership relationships between Chinese travel agents and South African inbound tour operators. However, guanxi relationships can provide added value to the partnership relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Lin, Bin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Travel agents -- South Africa , Tourism -- China , Travel agents -- China , Tourism -- South Africa , Relationship marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9336 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/414 , Travel agents -- South Africa , Tourism -- China , Travel agents -- China , Tourism -- South Africa , Relationship marketing
- Description: The Chinese inbound tourism market to SA has been acknowledged as an emerging market. However, South African tour operators experience difficulties in establishing and developing viable partner relationships with Chinese travel agents. Recognizing the size, importance and complexity of this market, the major purpose of this research is to explore and investigate the crucial process of developing Sino-South African partnership relationships in the tourism industry, to facilitate the establishment of business relationships with Chinese travel agents. This study is draws on applied marketing, management and cross-cultural theories on networking to explore the process of developing partnership relationships in the Chinese inbound tourism market to SA. The literature on networking, the development of networking relationships, and the effect of guanxi (connection), a key feature of Chinese business networking on partnership relations are reviewed. Given the limited research conducted on this topic and its cross-country nature, a quantitative research method was adopted for this study. Specifically, this study utilized e-mail survey techniques to explore the relationships between South African inbound tour operators and Chinese travel agents. This study identifies that the process of developing partnership relationships between Chinese travel agents and South African inbound tour operators is culturally embedded. They are giving rise to communication problems that affect partnership relationships. A new stage model of the development of partnership relationships between South African inbound tour operators and Chinese travel agents is therefore developed. In particular, the study identifies important factors in the process of developing business relationships. For example, mutual commitment, the pricing issue, word-of-mouth, and quality of services are all considered crucial in attaining long-term stable partnership relationships. Guanxi plays a significant, but not decisive role in the process of developing partnership relationships between Chinese travel agents and South African inbound tour operators. However, guanxi relationships can provide added value to the partnership relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A study of the effectiveness of the VCT service at the NMMU
- Authors: August, Yolande Margaret
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8540 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/470 , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention
- Description: The students are the future economic backbone of the country and it is essential that measures are taken to reduce the number of new HIV infections in this segment of the population. Free voluntary counselling and testing for HIV was introduced at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University as one of the prevention strategies to curb the spread of HIV. This service has grown steadily over the years but strategies need to be formulated and implemented to improve the existing service and thereby increase the utilisation of the testing service. This treatise takes the form of an investigative survey involving literature review and a survey of all the individuals who utilised the VCT service over a three month period. The author has attempted to portray the general views and best practices of experts in the field of VCT service delivery. The identified best practices were used as an assessment tool to determine to what extent the VCT service at the NMMU complies with national and international standards. The quantification of these insights must be viewed with caution since the survey sample was relatively low due to time constraints. It has been shown that the VCT service at the NMMU largely complies with national and international standards although several recommendations have been presented for consideration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: August, Yolande Margaret
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8540 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/470 , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention
- Description: The students are the future economic backbone of the country and it is essential that measures are taken to reduce the number of new HIV infections in this segment of the population. Free voluntary counselling and testing for HIV was introduced at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University as one of the prevention strategies to curb the spread of HIV. This service has grown steadily over the years but strategies need to be formulated and implemented to improve the existing service and thereby increase the utilisation of the testing service. This treatise takes the form of an investigative survey involving literature review and a survey of all the individuals who utilised the VCT service over a three month period. The author has attempted to portray the general views and best practices of experts in the field of VCT service delivery. The identified best practices were used as an assessment tool to determine to what extent the VCT service at the NMMU complies with national and international standards. The quantification of these insights must be viewed with caution since the survey sample was relatively low due to time constraints. It has been shown that the VCT service at the NMMU largely complies with national and international standards although several recommendations have been presented for consideration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006