An exploration of the materiality of forged steel as medium for visual artists
- Authors: De Lange, Neil
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Blacksmithing , Art -- 21st century Art -- Sculpture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39425 , vital:35245
- Description: This research is an exploration into the materiality of forged steel, and is aimed at the preservation of traditional blacksmith forging techniques and methods by incorporating these methods as added skill set during the making of three dimensional visual art. An investigation into the history of traditional forging (iron works) serves as background aimed at the identification of the various techniques and methods utilized during the processes found in traditional blacksmith forging. The practice of this research consists of three parts: firstly, a textual investigation to establish the basics (note taking- visual journal); secondly, practical exercises to gain a better understanding of the behaviour of various steels by utilizing traditional methods of forging to explore the potential applications for the forge as a tool in service of the visual arts; and lastly, reflection on the process to modify and adapt processes (methods and techniques) to promote further interest in the use of a forge as tool during the making of three-dimensional visual art.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An exploration of the role of a strategic internal communication system in the merging Walter Sisulu University
- Authors: Soha, Sandi
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Communication systems -- Evaluation , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8485 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1458 , Universities and colleges -- Communication systems -- Evaluation , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The merger of institutions of higher learning in South Africa has demonstrated to the study an exploration of the role of strategic internal communication system – in the merging of the Walter Sisulu University. The purpose of the study is to determine to what extent employees of the Walter Sisulu University have perceived that the internal communication system of this university has contributed towards an effectively merged organisation. The study was conducted after three historically disadvantaged institutions of higher learning merged to form one comprehensive university. The three merged institutions are: the Border Technikon, the Eastern Cape Technikon and the University of Transkei. It was foreseeable during the process of the merger, that combining three institutions could possibly result in lower staff morale and uncertainty. The study has explored the theoretical framework for understanding the role of strategic internal communication systems in an organisation. The study was approached from a systems' perspective and that of a transformational model. A survey research design was utilised for the purpose of this study – in order to assess the validity and reliability of the data. A qualitative research design was used for the purpose of this study – in order to acquire the desired outcomes of the research. Questionnaires were used and the sample was drawn from a large population of the Walter Sisulu University – from, four campuses – with the aim of allowing one to make inferences about the population as a whole. The questionnaire was structured in four main sections namely: Biographical information, internal-communication systems, tools of internal communication, and line-management communication. The findings of the study aids the understanding behind the view of internal communication systems as having contributed – or not contributed – to a successfully merged university.
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- Date Issued: 2010
An integrated management system for quality and information security in healthcare
- Authors: Tyali, Sinovuyo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Health services administration -- Quality control.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9745 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1006670 , Health services administration -- Quality control.
- Description: Health service organizations are increasingly required to deliver quality healthcare services without increasing costs. The adoption of health information technologies can assist these organizations to deliver a quality service; however, this again exposes the health information to threats. The protection of personal health information is critical to ensure the privacy of patients in the care of health service organizations. Therefore both quality and information security are of importance in healthcare. Organisations commonly use management system standards to assist them to improve a particular function (e.g. quality or security) through structured organizational processes to establish, maintain and optimise a management system for the particular function. In the healthcare sector, the ISO 9001, ISO 9004 and IWA 1 standards may be used for the purpose of improving quality management through the establishment of a quality management system. Similarly, the ISO 27001 and ISO 27799 standards may be used to improve information security management through the establishment of an information security management system. However, the concurrent implementation of multiple standards brings confusion and complexity within organisations. A possible solution to the confusion is to introduce an integrated management system that addresses the requirements of multiple management systems. In this research, various standards relevant to the establishment of management systems for quality and security are studied. Additionally, literature on integrated management systems is reviewed to determine a possible approach to establishing an IMS for quality and information security in healthcare. It will be shown that the quality management and information security management standards contain commonalities that an integration approach can be based on. A detailed investigation of these commonalities is done in order to present the final proposal of the IMSQS, the Integrated Management System for Quality and Information Security in healthcare.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An integrated management system for quality and information security in healthcare
- Authors: Tyali, Sinovuyo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Health services administration -- Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9800 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012134 , Health services administration -- Quality control
- Description: Health service organizations are increasingly required to deliver quality healthcare services without increasing costs. The adoption of health information technologies can assist these organizations to deliver a quality service; however, this again exposes the health information to threats. The protection of personal health information is critical to ensure the privacy of patients in the care of health service organizations. Therefore both quality and information security are of importance in healthcare. Organisations commonly use management system standards to assist them to improve a particular function (e.g. quality or security) through structured organizational processes to establish, maintain and optimise a management system for the particular function. In the healthcare sector, the ISO 9001, ISO 9004 and IWA 1 standards may be used for the purpose of improving quality management through the establishment of a quality management system. Similarly, the ISO 27001 and ISO 27799 standards may be used to improve information security management through the establishment of an information security management system. However, the concurrent implementation of multiple standards brings confusion and complexity within organisations. A possible solution to the confusion is to introduce an integrated management system that addresses the requirements of multiple management systems. In this research, various standards relevant to the establishment of management systems for quality and security are studied. Additionally, literature on integrated management systems is reviewed to determine a possible approach to establishing an IMS for quality and information security in healthcare. It will be shown that the quality management and information security management standards contain commonalities that an integration approach can be based on. A detailed investigation of these commonalities is done in order to present the final proposal of the IMSQS, the Integrated Management System for Quality and Information Security in healthcare.
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- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation into employee empowerment strategies for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs)
- Authors: Pandle, Nolubabalo Leeanne
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Employee empowerment , Business enterprises , Small business -- Management , Affirmative action programs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9344 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012138 , Employee empowerment , Business enterprises , Small business -- Management , Affirmative action programs
- Description: Employee empowerment is a strategy that small business managers can deploy to add value to the business. This strategy is aimed at cultivating the power and ability of employees in their jobs. A business is a business by people working in it though they differ in many ways their contribution to the success of the organization is very important. However, these people are not often recognized as value contributors in the success of the business and for this reason they do not intend to add value to the business and they become demotivated to do their jobs properly. People are the business storehouse of knowledge and they are central to the organization's competitive advantage. Well educated, coached, and highly motivated people are critical to the development and execution of strategies, especially in today's fast-paced market, where top management can no longer assure the business competitiveness in isolation. In the business world, almost all businesses are doing the same, small businesses should strive to do things differently, and the only way that they can achieve that uniqueness is through instilling frankness and liberty to employees so that they act as if the business also belongs to them. The reason behind this success is the strategy the business is using to get into the heart of its customers, and this strategy is “employee empowerment”. People are the business's most underutilized resource; involvement in an organization is no longer a one-way road. In today's corporate environment a manager must work towards engaging the organization forcefully enough to achieve its objectives. New knowledge-based enterprises are characterized by flat hierarchical structures and a multi-skilled workforce. Managers assume more leadership and coaching tasks and work hard to provide employees with resources and working conditions they need to accomplish the goals they have agreed to. In brief, managers work for their staff, and not the reverse and this makes employees feel valued. Small business owners should tap into a new dimension of utilizing employee empowerment strategies in their businesses as these are proficient and are not costly. This paper investigates employee empowerment strategies that can be used by small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME's). An important reason for this investigation is that small businesses have incompetent skilled labour force due to the fact that they operate under a limited budget from which it would be difficult to get skilled workers who will demand higher salaries, as a result they need to put their energies rather on equipping and educating their employees through empowerment, which could at the end make them feel valued and part of the business. It is imperative to firstly assess the current situation of small business commitment to employee empowerment strategies; to what extent do they use employee empowerment strategies in their businesses In terms of the empirical study it was determined that small businesses were not aware of the concept of employee empowerment, but are in actual fact practicing employee empowerment strategies that have been theoretically revealed, according to the researcher’s observation, they were not aware of the impact of employee empowerment in the organization and that they can be implemented into the business. Therefore, by introducing the concept of employee empowerment and the strategies that can be used in small businesses, SMME's can enhance their services to customers, increase productivity and contribute to the welfare of employees to add value to the individual, the business and the country.
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- Date Issued: 2006
An investigation into factors that influence the results of Accounting (Education) 1 at the Technikon Free State
- Authors: Selesho, Jacob Mohlouwa
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Education, Higher
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10785 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/133 , Education, Higher
- Description: Introduction : South Africa is currently engaged in wide-ranging consultations to formulate a new policy on education in line with the major structural changes currently taking place at the national level. The process has focused mainly on the previous government’s discriminatory policies, which were a cornerstone of apartheid. This research is not concerned so much with policy restructuring as with current pedagogical problems, which are a direct result of policy. During contact with students in different faculties at Technikon Free State over a period of nearly two to three years, made it clear that students experienced major learning problems especially in their first year. The research by Selaledi (1996: p8) seems to reflect one common origin which could be summed up as under-preparedness which, will leads to a high failure and drop-out rate among students. The higher education system is also beginning to respond to the changed social order as reflected, for example, in the changing demographic profile of students’ enrolment. However, the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the system is in doubt, as evidenced by a range of systematic problems (NPHE, 2001:p7-8). These include the overall quantity and quality of graduate research output. The contribution of the study will address aspects of the high failure rate as it has been outlined as a problem in the national plan for higher education. Large numbers of students who attend tertiary institutions are not able to deliver the academic standard of work expected from them. This often results in high failure in other subjects (Esterhuizen, 1995:p15). Technikon Free State declared certain subjects at risk and Accounting Education was included in the list. The high failure rate at tertiary institutions could be ascribed to the difference between the expectations of the lecturers and those of the students (NPHE, 2001:p7-9). Learners who take Accounting at high school spend five years doing the subject. This should give learners a solid grounding for future advanced studies in Accounting. However, according to Fridman (1987:p7-8) this, is not the case, as high school Accounting does not influence the result of first year Accounting. This study proposes to investigate the factors that influence the results of Accounting Education I at Technikon Free State. The study will also determine whether Grade 12 Accounting plays an important role in Accounting Education I results. The research findings may contribute towards a better understanding of the factors that influence academic performance in this field.
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- Date Issued: 2007
An investigation into guests' perceived service quality of the bed-and-breakfast and guest house market industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay area
- Authors: Zhang, Jin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Customer services , Boardinghouses -- Customer services -- South Africa , Bed and breakfast accommodations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9337 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1087
- Description: The tourism and hospitality industry has made a meaningful contribution to the development of the South African economy. Not only the hotels, but also the demand for self-catering holiday properties such as guest houses and bed-and-breakfast Bed and Breakfast establishments is increasing which could boost the tourist industry. Moreover, the prospect of the self-catering holiday properties in South Africa is extremely positive, particularly when the country is given the opportunity to hold the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Thus, expectations and perceptions are significantly shaped and transformed by the prosperous environment. The self-catering holiday properties should provide the best possible service to international and domestic tourists and ensure that their needs are fully met. The general purpose of this study was to evaluate the service quality of guest houses and Bed and Breakfasts in the Nelson Mandela Bay by comparing guests’ expectations and perceptions. The results of this study could assist the managers of guest house and Bed and Breakfast in improving its service performance to more effectively fulfil the needs of dynamic tourist market. The literature study provided an overview of tourism industry from the management and marketing perspectives, services marketing and a detailed discussion of service quality focusing on the nature of services, determinants of service quality and techniques for measuring service quality. The SERVQUAL model and its derivative, Lodging Quality Index (LQI), were adapted for measuring the guests’ perceived service quality in this research. ii The empirical data was collected by means of a survey, using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to guests who were staying at guest houses or Bed and Breakfasts in the Nelson Mandela Bay identified in terms of convenience sampling. One hundred and five useable questionnaires were received. The empirical findings based on the perception-minus-expectation (P-E) gap analysis showed that the perception mean scores were consistently lower than the expectation mean scores. This implies that guests perceived service quality of guest house and Bed and Breakfast to be relatively low. It is recommended that the managers of guest houses and BBs should: uniform the employees; use every tool to figure out what the guest wants; establish specific working procedures and help employees to understand their job responsibilities and mangers’ expectations; invite suggestions of existing located facilities from guests, and move the inconvenient facilities if possible; employ a communication audit to evaluate the overall quality of the communication system by comparing communication objectives to actual performance; combine useful destination information from different sources and update them on the website frequently; and apply an attracting layout to build positive image.
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- Date Issued: 2009
An investigation into the antibacterial activites of medicinal plants traditionally used in the Eastern Cape to treat lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients
- Authors: Wilson, Katherine Leigh
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10985 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/242 , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are very serious and are usually fatal. Prolonged antibiotic treatment can result in the development of antibiotic resistance. Thus, studies are required to determine if traditional medicinal plants have any significant effects (i.e. antibacterial effects in this case) on certain bacteria causing lung infections in CF patients, providing possible alternative treatment. The aim of this study was to test the effects of several Eastern Cape medicinal plants on specific bacteria causing lung infections in CF patients, for possible antibacterial activities. Four plants traditionally used to treat lung infections (Artemisia afra, Dodonaea angustifolia, Leonotis leonurus & Tulbaghia violacea), and different strains of four bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas species & Klebsiella pneumoniae), usually causing lung infections were investigated. Methanol, aqueous and acetone extraction methods were used to make extracts of the various plants chosen. A decoction of each plant was also investigated. An adapted microtitre plate method for testing the antibacterial activity of the plant extracts against the chosen bacteria was used. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each plant extract was determined by means of this method.
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- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into the antibacterial activities of medicinial plants traditionally used in the Eastern Cape to treat secondary skin infections associated with burn wounds
- Authors: Weideman, Liezel
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Burns and scalds -- Alternative treatment , Skin -- Infections
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10116 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/172 , Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Burns and scalds -- Alternative treatment , Skin -- Infections
- Description: Traditional medicine has a long history of being used for treating various ailments ranging in severity. Although traditional medicine has typically been the health care for the poorest levels of society, there is a worldwide growth in popularity. The growing popularity of traditional medicine, termed the green boom, may be ascribed to people taking a more holistic approach to maintain their health. Traditional medicine is widely used on a regular basis by 70% of South Africans. Various indigenous medicinal plants are used for the preparation of traditional herbal medicine. These plants are mostly indigenous to the regions were it is used. In this study four medicinal plants (Bulbine frutescens, Leonotis leounurus, Melianthus major & Zantedecshia aethiopica) that are traditionally used in the Eastern Cape region for treating burn wound infections, were collected for investigation. The in vitro antibacterial activity of these plants was tested against different bacterial strains of eight different bacteria. The bacteria used in this investigation included bacterial strains of four Gram-positive bacteria, S. aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), E. feacalis, S. pyogenes and four Gramnegative bacteria, P. aeruginosa, A. baumanii, K. pneumoniae and P. mirabilis. Traditional preparations as well as three different extracts (methanol, aqueous & acetone) of the plants were used for in vitro antibacterial activity testing. The microtitre plate assay and agar dilution assay were used for determining the antibacterial activity of the traditional preparations and plant extracts against the different bacterial strains. In the microtitre plate assay the antibacterial activity was tested using the bacterial growth indicator, INT and a microtitre plate spectrophotometer to determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations of the plant extracts and traditional preparations. The microtitre plate assay was used for testing the antibacterial activity of the plants against the bacterial strains of five bacteria, S. aureus, MRSA, P. aeruginosa, A. baumanii and K. pneumoniae. The bacterial strains of the three bacteria, S. pyogenes, E. feacalis and P. mirabilis were not compatible with the microtitre plate assay using INT and spectrophotometric readings to determine bacterial inhibition. Therefore the agar dilution assay were used as an alternative method for determining the MIC’s of the plant extracts against the bacterial strains of these bacteria. The initial plant extract concentration in the microtitre plate assay differed with the different plant extracts in the microtitre plate assay. Acetone followed by methanol extracted the highest plant extract concentrations with the different medicinal plants. M. major followed by L. leonurus produced the highest plant extract concentrations following extraction with the different extraction solvents. Consequently the acetone extract of M. major had the highest plant extract concentration before serial dilution in the microtitre plate assay. Uniform plant extract concentrations were tested in the agar dilution assay. The methanol extract followed by the acetone extract of the plants gave the highest antibacterial activity against the different bacterial strains. The extracts of M. major followed by L. leonurus inhibited the highest number of bacterial strains in the microtitre plate assay and the extracts of B. frutescens inhibited the lowest number of bacterial strains. The acetone and methanol extracts of M. major were the only extracts that displayed antibacterial activity in the agar dilution assay. The bacterial strains of P. mirabilis were the only bacteria that were inhibited using this method. The bacterial strains of S. pyogenes and E. feacalis were not inhibited at any of the plant extract concentrations in the agar dilution assay.
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- Date Issued: 2005
An investigation into the antimicrobial and anticancer activities of Geranium incanum, Artemisia afra and Artemisia absinthium
- Authors: Freidberg, Ryno
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Cancer -- Alternative treatment -- South Africa , Anti-infective agents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10122 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1045 , Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Cancer -- Alternative treatment -- South Africa , Anti-infective agents
- Description: It has been estimated that between 3000 and 4000 plant species are used for their medicinal properties throughout South Africa, with approximately 27 million South Africans making use of traditional medicines. Of this 27 million, 3 million South Africans rely on traditional medicine as their primary source of health care. Of the 250 000 to 500 000 known plant species, very few have been investigated for their pharmacological qualities, and compounds of significant medicinal value may still remain undiscovered in many plant species. The aims of this study included investigating the antimicrobial properties of Geranium incanum and Artemisia afra, both plants traditionally used for their medicinal properties, and comparing the antimicrobial activity of the latter to that of Artemisia absinthium, as well as investigating the anticancer properties of G. incanum and A. afra, and comparing the anticancer activity of the latter to that of A. absinthium. Infusions, aqueous-, methanol- and acetone extracts of the three plants were prepared and used for anticancer and antimicrobial screening. Plant specimens used to prepare extracts for antimicrobial activity were collected and extracted over three seasons, while extracts used for anticancer screening were prepared from plants collected during the summer only. Considerable variation existed in the percentage crude extract yields obtained when different extractants were used, while the season in which the plants were harvested and extracted also appeared to play a significant role in the amount of extract obtained. The plant extracts were screened for antimicrobial activity against various strains of Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, using an agar dilution method. G. incanum and A. afra possessed activity for C. albicans, while all three plants showed activity for S. aureus and B. cereus. Activity was largely dependent on the extraction method used. iii The 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to screen for anticancer activity of the respective extracts, at varying concentrations, against MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) cells, HT-29 (human colonic adenocarcinoma) cells and HeLa (human cervical cancer) cells. All of the extracts showed cytotoxic activity in all three cell lines to varying extents, depending on the extract used and cell line screened. The acetone extract of A. afra proved to be the most effective inhibitor with the lowest IC50 (2.65 ± 1.05 μg/ml) having been shown in MCF-7 cells. A. afra and A. absinthium showed similar inhibitory patterns, with the methanol- and acetone extracts having been the most potent inhibitors of each of the respective cell lines in general. Fluorescence microscopy employing 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI) and propidium iodide (PI) staining indicated that the acetone extract of A. afra induces apoptosis in MCF-7 cells as apposed to necrosis, and the results were comparable to those obtained for cells exposed to cisplatin. Screening of the A. afra acetone extract for toxicity in normal human cells using the CellTiter-Blue® assay indicated the extract to be toxic to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC’s) at concentrations comparable to that for MCF-7 cells, while cell cycle analysis of MCF-7 cells exposed to the A. afra acetone extract indicated the extract’s ability to induce apoptosis comparable to that of cisplatin, with the extract exerting its activity at a point during or just prior to the S phase of the cell cycle.
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- Date Issued: 2009
An investigation into the effects of co-operative learning strategies on the test results of science students at N3 level at the Port Elizabeth College for Further Education and Training
- Authors: Ferreira, Dennis Compton
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Group work in education , Examinations -- Validity , Science students -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , College students -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9488 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/245 , Group work in education , Examinations -- Validity , Science students -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , College students -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The poor academic performance of Engineering Science N3 students at the Port Elizabeth College for Further Education and Training prompted me to conduct this study. The aim thereof was to investigate the influence that a co-operative learning strategy would have on the test results of students who enrolled for this programme. The hypothesis being tested in this study was whether co-operative learning strategies would improve the test results of science students in the N3 Engineering Science class. A literature review on co-operative learning, its principles as well as the role of the lecturer as facilitator was conducted. In addition, the different types of co-operative learning techniques were investigated so that an approach conducive to the needs of students studying at Further Education and Training Colleges could be selected. The Student Team Achievement Divisions (STAD) technique was deemed to be the most suitable approach. Both qualitative and quantitative data gathering techniques are employed in this study. Interviews were carried out with fellow lecturers at the Port Elizabeth College to determine what teaching strategies are generally implemented in the N3 class. Experimental research involving two groups of 30 students was then conducted to determine the results of students. The one group (experimental) was subjected to an intervention, namely the STAD co-operative learning technique while the other group (control) was taught using the traditional method of talk and chalk. This intervention took place over a period of ix two weeks. However, prior to the co-operative learning intervention and before students were divided into groups, they were taught as a single group for a period of two weeks. The total time spent on this experiment was therefore four weeks. Student test scores gathered from the experiment was statistically analysed and reported on in chapter five. These results indicated that the experimental group out-performed the control group by a significant margin. The higher academic achievement of students in the experimental group could only be attributed to the alternative teaching strategy (STAD) which was absent in the teaching of the control group. This proved the hypothesis.
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- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into the factors in the Chinese market that influence wine imports from South Africa
- Authors: Xiaobin, Li
- Subjects: Wine industry -- Marketing , Wine industry -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Chinese
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9343 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1177 , Wine industry -- Marketing , Wine industry -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Chinese
- Description: As an important part of a nation’s history and culture, South African wine industry contributes vastly towards South Africa’s economy and job creation. However, under the influence of the widespread globalisation, South African wineries have to face many new issues and challenges. How to expand their overseas markets and obtain a sustainable development mode has drawn more attention from South African entrepreneurs in this field. Due to the rapid economic development and the huge population, China can provide a market with enormous potential to South African wineries. The fast growing trade between the two countries can also bring opportunities to South African entrepreneurs to explore the Chinese market. Therefore, it is necessary and vital for South African wineries to understand the Chinese market and the factors that influence wine imports from South Africa before they enter the wine market in China. The research problem addressed in this study was to investigate the factors in the Chinese market that influence wine imports from South Africa. To achieve this objective, a literature study was undertaken to probe the various aspects of the wine market in China, including the characteristics, the status quo and the development trends of this market. The driving factors that attribute to a great increase in wine consumption in China were also explored and discussed. Based on the literature study, a survey questionnaire was developed to obtain the empirical data. By means of comparison and integration of the findings of the empirical survey with the literature study, the results were obtained for solving the research problems. In addition, conclusions and recommendations iii were drawn to assist South African wineries and other marketers in choosing appropriate marketing strategies and avoiding potential risks.
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An investigation into the family life cycle within a South African context
- Authors: Koekemoer, Evan
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Market segmentation , Consumers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9352 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/191 , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Market segmentation , Consumers -- South Africa
- Description: Each individual/household progresses through the family life cycle (FLC). This progression, which is characterized by various stages and varying consumption portfolios, can be traditional or non-traditional in nature. In the general marketing sense, the FLC concept has great value. The concept is utilized in a variety of marketing activities, particularly in segmentation, and is also applied in consumer behaviour. The lack of research regarding the FLC in South Africa and the need to investigate the concept’s applicability to different environments motivated this research. The aim of the study was to determine how the FLC within a South African context compared to the theoretical depiction of the concept. The evaluation of literature revealed five distinct traditional stages and an array of non-traditional stages, determined by a combination of life stage determining variables. Regarding the empirical approach, self-administered questionnaires were distributed to a convenience sample consisting of 225 students and staff members of the then Port Elizabeth Technikon. The empirical findings revealed the following. {u100083} Non-traditional stages were more prevalent than traditional stages. ii {u100083} Marital status, the presence/absence of children and living arrangement appear to be sufficient life stage determining variables for both current and prospective life stage classifications. {u100083} The consumption portfolios of individuals in the traditional FLC were similar to theory. The research provided insight into the consumption portfolios of individuals in the non-traditional FLC. {u100083} Based on the intentions of certain individuals regarding marriage, having children and living arrangements, it appears as though the future FLC will include an integration of traditional and non-traditional progressions.
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- Date Issued: 2006
An investigation into the parameters affecting the stability of Dithane
- Authors: Williams, Nadia
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Fungicides , Dithane
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10407 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/645 , Fungicides , Dithane
- Description: Plant diseases caused by fungi are the number one cause of crop loss worldwide. The application of a fungicide which is a toxic substance applied either to prevent the growth of, or to kill fungi is one of the methods by which plant diseases are controlled. Ethylenebisdithiocarbamate fungicides are a group of surface acting fungicides which control a broad spectrum of fungi and their associated plant diseases. Mancozeb, also commonly known as Dithane, falls under the polymeric Dithiocarbamate fungicides which have several sites of toxicity to the fungal cell. The use of Mancozeb as a fungicide is increasing worldwide due to the advantages of low acute toxicity, low production and short environmental persistence. However, it has one major disadvantage, namely its lack of oxidative stability under ambient conditions. One of the objectives of this study was to characterize the Dithane samples supplied by Dow AgroSciences in terms of their active ingredient, metal and stabilizer content, and to study the thermal decomposition behaviour of Dithane. An attempt was made to correlate the active ingredient analyses with the TGA and DSC results to establish whether the thermal stability and active ingredient content of Dithane could be simultaneously determined by thermal analysis. This approach offered the attractive advantage of shorter analysis times thus allowing the elimination of the more tedious analytical methods employed by Dow AgroSciences. Furthermore, Fourier Transform infra-red characterization of Dithane samples and metal complexes containing HMT, Mn and/or Zn was carried out in order to identify the presence of functional groups and to gain some insight into the nature of the bonding of HMT, sulfate and water. A study of the nature of the bands in the FTIR spectra of these complexes was able to highlight the nature of the bonding but could not give confirmation of the structures of these complexes. In addition to this, the amount of HMT present in the said complexes was determined by the FTIR using the standard addition method. A final objective of the study was to investigate the reconstitution of Dithane by investigating the influence of the addition order of the various constituents on the stability of the final product. The addition order was found to have a definite influence on the thermal stability of the final product as well as on the percentage of fixed HMT in the product, and the kinetics of the Mn/Zn exchange.
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- Date Issued: 2007
An investigation into the role of leadership in strategic planning
- Authors: Van Wyk, Luhan George
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Leadership , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10888 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65 , Leadership , Strategic planning
- Description: Strategic planning will reach its full potential once leadership operates effectively within the South African organisation. In this research, theoretical views of strategic planning and the role leadership should perform within South African organisations in the year 2000 are investigated. Firstly, the author conducted a theoretical study into the strategic management model, and the most important factors influencing it. Secondly, the author investigated the leadership theories in relation to strategic planning. Thirdly, an empirical study was conducted to determine to which extent South African managers are successful leaders, and the resulted impact on strategic planning. Lastly, the author evaluated the empirical study, and made recommendations based on the literature and empirical study conducted.
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- Date Issued: 2001
An investigation into the use of electrode mass measurement to optimise an electrostatic precipitator unit
- Authors: Pershad, Sathish Kumar
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Electrostatic precipitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10815 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66 , Electrostatic precipitation
- Description: Electrostatic precipitators (ESP’s) can be simply described as particle collection devices and service a wide variety of industries. This particle collection can either be classed as a cleansing or product recovery (or both) process. They can be found in fossil fueled power generation plant (municipal incinerators, iron and steel industries (sinter plants, coke ovens), non ferrous industries, rock products (cement, lime), chemical and petrochemical (detarrers, de-oilers) They have been around for approximately 70 years and their fundamental principle of operation has not changed much during this time. What has changed is the demand on their operating efficiency. Environmental pressure as well as the loss of product has forced ESP’s to perform even better than before. This performance enhancement is two-fold : an increase in collection efficiency and a reduction in maintenance and wear costs. This project researches the use of mass measurement techniques to optimise the operation of ESP’s from both the above mentioned perspectives.
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- Date Issued: 2001
An investigation into user interface factors impacting on user experience: Pastel accounting case study
- Authors: Mashapa, Job
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: User interfaces (Computer systems) -- South Africa , Accounting -- Data processing , Accounting -- Computer programs , Small business -- South Africa -- Computer network resources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9762 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1184 , User interfaces (Computer systems) -- South Africa , Accounting -- Data processing , Accounting -- Computer programs , Small business -- South Africa -- Computer network resources
- Description: The purpose of this research is to propose metrics to evaluate the user interface factors that impact on the user experience of Software Accounting Applications (SAAs) used to support the accounting business activities in Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) operating in developing countries. The research commences by outlining the conceptual background that introduces the study. In the introductory chapter, the problems together with the objectives that motivate the significance of the study are presented. In the same chapter, the overall research focus and how each of the research questions are treated to accomplish the intended goals are defined. In Chapter 2, the typical accounting business activities for SMMEs operating in developing countries are investigated. Findings from the preliminary survey revealed that Pastel accounting is the commonly used SMME accounting application used in developing countries. Inventory management, cash book processing, preparation of financial statements, customer and supplier documents processing are revealed as the most prevalent SMME accounting activities. This chapter highlights the problems that inhibit the implementation and the delivery of full benefits of using these SAAs. After indentifying the SAA problems, user experience aspects of the SAA are addressed in Chapter 3. User experience (UX) is defined and existing UX evaluation criteria are discussed. The findings form the basis for choosing the applicable criteria for evaluating the User Interface (UI) factors impacting on the UX of Pastel accounting. The proposed user experience evaluation metrics are described in Chapter 4. A discussion on how the metrics are implemented and what UI aspect they measure is presented. The research design and methodology followed is discussed in Chapter 5. The chapter outlines the possible research philosophy, strategy, methods and data collecting methods. A choice is made about the appropriate approach to answer the stated research questions to satisfy the intended overall research objective. A phenomenologist, qualitative inductive approach is adopted in the study. A contextual inquiry case-study strategy is chosen as applicable to this research. Data is collected using expert reviews, user observation and subjective questionnaires. After the choice of the research techniques, the case study results are presented and analysed in Chapter 6. It is found that Pastel UI is attractive and the users are happy with the visual design of the application. The major factors that impact on Pastel accounting are its lack of 4 feedback and its complexity which makes it difficult for first time users to use the application and the paucity of the help function. After the observed findings, the conclusions and recommendations of the research are presented in Chapter 7. It has been concluded that Pastel accounting UI fails to captivate a positive user experience for first-time users; the users do not find the expected help from the Help function and are often left wondering about the status of the system and the outcome of their actions on a task. Recommendations on how designers would make Pastel user interface more helpful, easy to use, and provide adequate feedback are presented in Chapter 7.
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- Date Issued: 2009
An investigation into visitors' satisfaction with Port Elizabeth's heritage museums
- Authors: Hou, Yue
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Art museum attendance -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Customer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Heritage tourism -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Museums -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Tourism -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9361 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1250 , Art museum attendance -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Customer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Heritage tourism -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Museums -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Tourism -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: Cultural and heritage tourism, one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry, is becoming a major pillar in the tourism strategy of many countries. Like elsewhere in the world, museums play a significant role in heritage tourism. South Africa has a rich history of intangible cultural heritage which manifests itself in oral history, traditional music and dance, social practices and indigenous knowledge systems. It is becoming more important for museum managers to identify the variables that will enhance the attraction and retention of museum visitors. The aim of the study was to determine tourists’ satisfaction with their visit to Port Elizabeth’s heritage museums by comparing their expectations and experiences. This could help museum marketers to better understand their customers, and design experiences that match their expectations. The literature review presented a brief overview of heritage tourism, the museum experience, and visitors’ satisfaction. Concepts of heritage tourism, functions of museums and the different museum attributes that might impact customer satisfaction were discussed. Literature on visitors’ satisfaction included descriptions of the expectations and approaches to measuring customer satisfaction. A museum satisfaction conceptual model resulted from these reviews. ii The proposed model was modified in the empirical study. The data were collected by means of a survey, using self-administered questionnaires distributed to visitors at three heritage museums in Port Elizabeth. Two hundred and twelve useable questionnaires were received. The empirical findings did not fully support the conceptual model. By conducting a factor analysis, the data was reduced to eight factors, namely, human interaction, physical evidence, facilities, facility quality, exhibition, edutainment, escape and aestheticism. It was found that the satisfaction mean scores were consistently higher than the expectation mean scores. This implies that museum visitors were satisfied with their experience of the three heritage museums in Port Elizabeth. Finally, the results of the paired sample t-test and regression analyses tested and explained formulated hypotheses. The principal recommendations emanating from this study are summarised in two groups, namely: • recommendations pertaining to the strategic implications of the findings in terms of service, facilities and experience. For example, the museum administration could establish more facilities for the disabled and the elderly, consider discounting and promotion programmes, and increase the use of technology in their displays. • recommendations for future research. For example, future studies could be applied to investigate visitors’ satisfaction with other heritage museums in South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2009
An investigation of indoor air quality assessment in office buildings
- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, Francois
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Indoor air pollution , Air quality management , Air quality -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10824 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32 , Indoor air pollution , Air quality management , Air quality -- Measurement
- Description: Over the last several years studies have shown that the quality of indoor air may be worse than outdoor air. People spend as much as 90% of their time indoors, therefor, the associated health risk due to indoor air pollution may be greater than the risk due to outdoor air pollution. Building designs have altered dramatically over the last two decades resulted in "tighter" buildings that rely on sophisticated mechanical systems to provide for the quantity of air required throughout the building. These changes over the years could result in an increased number of complaints received regarding Sick Building Syndrome symptoms. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 30% of office buildings world-wide may have significant problems regarding poor indoor air quality (IAQ). This study involves a literature study of the major indoor air pollutants regarding the source of the pollutant, the associated health effects, the measuring techniques available and the results of previous studies conducted on the specific pollutant. Measurements will be taken in two sealed buildings, one an old and the other a new building to identify the major pollutants. A questionnaire was compiled specifically for building occupants and completed by the occupants of both buildings. From the results obtained a step-by-step method for solving indoor air quality (IAQ) problems was proposed. The method was applied and evaluated in a case study of a problem building where indoor air quality related problems were experienced. The results of the study revealed that the major indoor air pollutants are present in old as well as new buildings. The study also revealed that some office workers might be more susceptible than others to the medical reactions cause to human beings by these pollutants. Some concentrations are higher in new buildings than in old buildings. The responses from the questionnaire was evaluated against the results obtained from the measurement study. The step-by-step method in the case study provided a more systematic approach at solving IAQ problems at buildings. Solving indoor air quality problems is a very practical issue and does not necessarily require an investment of expensive high technology equipment, but might merely require a practical approach. Environmental Health Officers can play a major role in providing expert advice when scrutinizing building plans. Environmental Health Officers should empower themselves with the knowledge to do inspections or investigations in office buildings by using the step-by-step method for investigating indoor air quality problems. By addressing indoor air quality problems in buildings, the workers in healthy buildings can increase their productivity with lasting effects on a company’s bottom line.
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- Date Issued: 2007
An investigation of specific contributing factors affecting quality assurance in the diagnosis of conventional cervical smears
- Authors: Jordaan, Suzette Mirietta
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Cervix uteri -- Cancer -- Cytodiagnosis -- Quality control , Vaginal smears -- Quality control , Pap test -- Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/173 , Cervix uteri -- Cancer -- Cytodiagnosis -- Quality control , Vaginal smears -- Quality control , Pap test -- Quality control
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate specific contributing factors affecting quality assurance in the diagnosis of conventional cervical smears. More than half of South- African women fail to have one cervical smear in their lifetime and +/- 50 percent of those who do have cervical smears taken, are lost to follow-up. Since cervical cancer is the most common malignancy amongst women in developing countries, the medical profession will have to endeavor to screen a higher rate of women and ensure a 100 percent quality assurance with every patient treated in order to reduce the unacceptable high incidence of cervical carcinoma. At this stage it seems like an impossible task to screen all women in South Africa, due to far-off rural areas, shortage of medical professionals and the lack of knowledge of some women of the necessity of cervical smears. Many newly qualified South-African doctors leave the country to go and work elsewhere. South Africa then in turn has to recruit doctors from other countries to staff the State hospitals and clinics. Some areas have one doctor to thousands of patients, insufficient nursing personnel and inadequate equipment. Doctors in some areas cannot cope with the volume of work and the long hours. One has to accept that the quality of the management of some patients is affected negatively. There are a number of medico-legal issues (world wide) in relation to aspects of cervical cancer prevention practices which are controversial and are of particular concern to all of those involved in cervical cancer prevention. Various countries have therefore formed different national organizations to address the medico-legal issues in screening for the prevention of cancer. These organizations monitors procedures, internal quality control as well as external quality control. In South Africa, medico-legal cases are not so prevalent, but may become so shortly. The South-African medical professionals therefore have to ensure that their quality of work conforms to accepted good practice in all circumstances. State hospitals serve thousands of patients per month and it is an every day occurrence to see long queues of patients sitting waiting for doctors and who often have to come back the following day. The situation appears to be much improved in private practice and since patients have medical cover and accessible medical facilities. Since cervical cancer is the most common malignancy amongst women in developing countries, the medical profession will have to endeavor to screen a higher rate of women and ensure a 100 percent quality assurance with every patient treated in order to reduce the unacceptable high incidence of cervical carcinoma. At this stage it seems like an impossible task to screen 100 percent of women in South Africa, due to far-off rural areas, the shortage of medical professionals and ignorance of patients. Quality assurance is therefore of paramount importance to every medical professional for every patient treated. Laboratories all worldwide have been, or are in the process of being accredited by their specific accreditation authorities. The main reason for this is improvement of quality control and therefore quality assurance. The South African National Accreditation Society (SANAS) now accredits various laboratories in South Africa with the view of accreditting all laboratories within a certain time limit. The Ampath laboratory Port Elizabeth was successfully accredited during 2001. Accredited laboratories have to uphold a very high degree of quality to remain accredited. A team of professionals inspects the laboratory every 2 years and other quality assurance staff inspects the laboratories every few months. All aspects of the laboratory are checked, e.g. the qualification of staff, their registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), their curriculum vitaes, equipment, safety of the laboratory etc. Since the laboratory chosen for this study, is accredited, the author evaluated every cervical smear that was received in the laboratory since the year 2000, with the following objectives in mind: · Whether the presence or absence of an endocervical component has an effect on the adequacy of cervical smears · To determine the effect of using smaller coverslips on quality assurance in the cytology laboratory · Evaluate the effect that manual re-screening of smears has on quality assurance in the cytology laboratory. As there is a shortage of cytotechnologists and pathologists worldwide, several countries make use of automated screening devices as primary screening or secondary screening for quality assurance. These devices were tested in some laboratories in South Africa but were found to be very expensive and sensitivity and specificity were not up to standard. Sensitivity is a measure of the ability of a test to detect the abnormal - Sensitivity is the ratio of true positives to true positives + false negatives. Specificity is a measure of the ability of a test to correctly identify the negative - Specificity is the ratio of true negative to true negatives + false positives. The automated screening machines failed to identify abnormal cells amongst inflammatory cells, as well as in very blood stained smears. Several other problems also occurred and an increasing number of smears had to be manually rescreened, thus making this exercise costly and not helpful as a quality assurance instrument. The slides used for this thesis, have been retrieved from the archives of the Ampath laboratory in Port Elizabeth. Fourteen specific contributing factors affecting quality assurance in the diagnosis of cervical smears are also discussed and conclusions and recommendations given.
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- Date Issued: 2005