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A feasibility study into total electron content prediction using neural networks

  • Authors: Habarulema, John Bosco
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Electrons , Neural networks (Computer science) , Global Positioning System , Ionosphere , Ionospheric electron density
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5466 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005251 , Electrons , Neural networks (Computer science) , Global Positioning System , Ionosphere , Ionospheric electron density
  • Description: Global Positioning System (GPS) networks provide an opportunity to study the dynamics and continuous changes in the ionosphere by supplementing ionospheric measurements which are usually obtained by various techniques such as ionosondes, incoherent scatter radars and satellites. Total electron content (TEC) is one of the physical quantities that can be derived from GPS data, and provides an indication of ionospheric variability. This thesis presents a feasibility study for the development of a Neural Network (NN) based model for the prediction of South African GPS derived TEC. The South African GPS receiver network is operated and maintained by the Chief Directorate Surveys and Mapping (CDSM) in Cape Town, South Africa. Three South African locations were identified and used in the development of an input space and NN architecture for the model. The input space includes the day number (seasonal variation), hour (diurnal variation), sunspot number (measure of the solar activity), and magnetic index(measure of the magnetic activity). An attempt to study the effects of solar wind on TEC variability was carried out using the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) data and it is recommended that more study be done using low altitude satellite data. An analysis was done by comparing predicted NN TEC with TEC values from the IRI2001 version of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI), validating GPS TEC with ionosonde TEC (ITEC) and assessing the performance of the NN model during equinoxes and solstices. Results show that NNs predict GPS TEC more accurately than the IRI at South African GPS locations, but that more good quality GPS data is required before a truly representative empirical GPS TEC model can be released.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

A framework for managing timetable data quality within the NMMU

  • Authors: Els, Dierdre Jean
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Computer algorithms Timetables , Management information systems , Management -- Data processing , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Management , Information management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:9769 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/948 , Computer algorithms Timetables , Management information systems , Management -- Data processing , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Management , Information management
  • Description: This dissertation investigates the influencing factors on timetable quality, not only from a data quality perspective, but also from an information quality perspective which takes into account the quality of the business processes involved in creating the timetable. The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University was used as a case study for assessing the quality of the timetable process, the quality of the source data, and the quality of the final timetable produced. A framework for managing the data quality during the timetabling process is proposed. The framework is based on reviews done on data quality management best practices and data quality aspects. Chapter 1 introduces the current Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University timetable, and motivates why data quality management is essential to its success. The scope and research objectives are presented for this dissertation. Chapter 2 covers a literature study on business process and data quality management best practices. The common thread through all the management methodologies investigated, was top management involvement and commitment to continuously improving the quality of data. Chapter 3 discusses various characteristics of data quality. Quality is determined to be whether the end result meets the quality requirements for which it was intended. Hence each system could have quality aspects that are unique to it. Chapter 4 explains various research designs and which were followed for this dissertation. The combination of literature studies, a questionnaire and a case study were used. Chapter 5 is a case study of the data quality and timetabling processes used at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and is based on the research design described in chapter 4. The current business processes followed in setting up the current timetable are presented, as well as the proposed timetabling process that should produce a better quality timetable for the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan 4 University. The data quality aspects most pertinent to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University are determined, being timeliness, accountability, integrity and consistency, as well as the most probable causes for bad timetable quality, like uniform technology, processes, ownership and using a common terminology. Chapter 6 presents a framework for managing timetable data quality at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University using an Information Product Map approach that will ensure a better quality timetable. Future research is also proposed. It is evident from this dissertation that data quality of source data as well as the quality of the business process involved is essential for producing a timetable that satisfies the requirements for which it was intended. The management framework proposed for the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University timetabling process can potentially be used at other institutions as well.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

A hybrid approach to beach erosion mitigation and amenity enhancement, St Francis Bay, South Africa

  • Authors: Anderson, Dylan Rory
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Beach erosion -- South Africa -- St Francis Bay , Shore protection -- South Africa -- St Francis Bay , Restoration ecology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:10611 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008192 , Beach erosion -- South Africa -- St Francis Bay , Shore protection -- South Africa -- St Francis Bay , Restoration ecology
  • Description: The St Francis Bay beach has experienced chronic erosion over the past three decades. This erosion can largely be attributed to the stabilisation of a large coastal dunefield which contributed +/- 80 percent of the sand supply to St Francis Bay. Stabilisation began in 1975 initially using plant cuttings and followed by the development of the Santareme holiday suburb resulting in complete stabilisation by 1985. Effects were felt from the late 1970‟s and since then the beach has retreated at between 0.5 - 3 m.yr-1. Erosion has encroached on beachfront properties since the early 1990‟s, leading to the placement of 3-4 m high unsightly rock revetments along much of the beach. Where properly maintained these structures have proved successful in protecting the properties behind, however exacerbated erosion of areas in front and adjacent to these structures is evident. Currently no dry beach is present at high tide for most of the year, leading to a significant reduction in beach amenity value. Several technical studies to investigate remediation of this beach erosion problem have been conducted since the early 1990‟s. This study includes investigations into the processes and dynamics of the existing environment and evaluation of the effectiveness and impacts of several elements of a hybrid approach to coastal protection and amenity enhancement for St Francis Bay beach. This proposal incorporated: Multi-Purpose Reefs (MPR‟s) offshore, for coastal protection and amenity enhancement in terms of surfing; beach nourishment with sand from the Kromme Estuary and dune rehabilitation with appropriate native sand binding species. Extensive fieldwork and data collection were conducted, this included: a series of bathymetric surveys; diving surveys and a helicopter flight; sediment sampling; beach profiling and deployment of a wave/current meter. Analysis of these data provided a greater understanding of the existing environment and dynamics of St Francis Bay and provided reliable inputs for numerical modelling. Numerical and physical modelling was conducted to assess the existing processes and conduct MPR design testing. In addition calibrated hydrodynamic modelling of the Kromme Estuary was conducted in order to assess the impacts of sand extraction from the large sand banks within the mouth of the Kromme Estuary for use as beach nourishment. Comparison of bathymetric survey data collected by the author in 2005/06 with survey data collected by the South African Navy Hydrographic Office (SANHO) in 1952 suggest a major loss of sand from the bay, with a volume difference of some 8.8 X 106 m3 calculated. Greater losses were measured between 10-15 m water depths, with shallow areas of +/- 5 m water depth, remaining more stable. This can be attributed to the presence of shallow reef and rocky substrate through much of the bay at this depth range. Monthly RTK GPS survey data from September 2006 to September 2007 indicates a total loss of 40 000 m3 over this period with the greatest losses measured along the northern part of the beach. The greatest losses were measured after large long period waves from a southerly to south-easterly direction occurred in conjunction with equinox tides in mid March 2007. Sediment sampling at over 100 locations within the bay indicated a high percentage of reef (26 percent) and fairly consistent grain size in the fine to medium size class throughout much of the beach, bay and large sand bank within the estuary. While the majority of the South African Coast is exposed to the predominant south westerly winds and waves, St Francis Bay‟s orientation means that waves from a south easterly to easterly direction dominate. The results of the detailed numerical modelling of the hydrodynamics agree with previous calculations and modelling results which concluded that strong unidirectional longshore currents occur along the headland due to the oblique angle of wave incidence and the close to parallel angle of wave incidence along the beach leads to weak longshore currents of variable direction. Erosion along St Francis Bay beach is a result of cross-shore erosion due to large waves from a southerly to easterly direction. Detached breakwaters are the most effective form of coastal protection in these environments and MPR‟s offer additional benefits over traditional breakwater structures. Results of empirical calculations and numerical modelling indicate that the MPR‟s will provide effective coastal protection through the processes of wave dissipation, wave rotation, salient formation and alteration of nearshore circulation. Physical modelling results allowed the MPR design to be assessed and refined in terms of surfing amenity enhancement and construction constraints. In addition numerical modelling results indicate that impacts due to the extraction of up to 600 000 m3 of sand from the lower Kromme Estuary result in highly localised velocity reduction, mainly limited to the extraction areas. The calculated rate of sediment influx into the lower Kromme Estuary indicates that limited extraction, in the order of 20 000 – 40 000 m3 per year, should be sustainable in the long term. Sedimentation of the lower estuary over recent years has had negative recreational and ecological impacts, through reduced navigability and water exchange respectively. Therefore both the estuary and beach systems prove to benefit from this approach. Although not investigated in detail as part of this study, evidence from numerous projects worldwide indicates that foredunes help to trap wind-blown sand on the beach and form a buffer to storm erosion, therefore dune rehabilitation with native sand-binding plant species was recommended as the third element of the proposed remediation of St Francis Bay beach.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

A lean view on an Eastern Cape logistics service provider

  • Authors: Catterall, Kent James
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Production management -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Manufacturing processes -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:8713 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/931 , Production management -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Manufacturing processes -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
  • Description: Global competition is forcing all organisations, both manufacturing and service or ientated, to review their facil ities and processes from a productivity and quality standpoint. The concept of lean manufacturing has evolved from mass production methodologies developed by Henry Ford. Lean methodology, as developed by the Toyota Motor Company of Japan, yields consistent product quality at a lower cost , while delivering greater variety to the customer. The purpose of this research was to identify lean methodology application to the service industr y and to evaluate its application to UTi South Africa (PTY) LTD. The research presented an empirical study of how a lean tool can be a ppl ied at UTi South Africa (PTY) LTD service operations and possible lean models for UTi Port Elizabeth. The research study found that lean methodology can be applied to the freight forwarding industry and that opportunities exist for lean to improve productivity.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

A method for imputing economic value to ecological goods and services provided by the Knysna River

  • Authors: Saunders, James Woodward
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Ecology -- South Africa -- Knysna Fishery management -- South Africa -- Knysna Water-supply -- South Africa -- Knysna Knysna Lagoon (South Africa) Knysna (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:773 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003894
  • Description: The purpose of this thesis was to develop a method by which economic value can be imputed from an economic activity to a non-market ecological function or service which contributes to that economic activity. The Knysna River in South Africa was chosen as the ecological function which supported three economic activities from which value was to be imputed; these were the Knysna Municipal Water Supply, Fish Production in the Knysna Estuary and Production of Indigenous Forest within the Knysna Catchment. Three underlying assumptions and two functional operations were required in order to implement the suggested method. The underlying assumptions were: - The ecological and economic activities considered are within a single catchment. - The allocation of value imputed for a specific economic activity to the ecological function or service under consideration (in this case the Knysna River) is proportional to the total contribution of ecological functions or services contributed to the economic activity. - The valuation of the economic activity for the purposes of obtaining a price-quantity point on a demand function is to be full cost pricing with no producer surplus. The two functional requirements were: - Diagram or map the linkages between an economic activity and the supporting ecological functions. - Determine the consumer surplus related to an incremental change in quantity under a demand function where the original price and quantity are known. A value from each of the economic activities was imputed to the Knysna River. However, the method was not tested. Nonetheless applying the equations and collecting the required data allowed several methodological needs to be clearly pointed out. The most acute deficiency was difficulty in obtaining secondary data from governmental agencies, commercial representatives and existing published academic research to ensure a robust price. Also, scientific information was not sufficiently available for allocating ecological contributions to the economic activities. Even with the shortage of credible data the method appears to allow non-market ecological functions to be valued in context of an existing economic system.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

A model for legal compliance in the South African banking sector : an information security perspective

  • Authors: Maphakela, Madidimalo Rabbie
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Database security -- South Africa , Computer security -- South Africa , Computer networks -- Security measures -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:9783 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/725 , Database security -- South Africa , Computer security -- South Africa , Computer networks -- Security measures -- South Africa
  • Description: In the past, many organisations used to keep their information on paper, which resulted in the loss of important information. In today’s knowledge era the information super-highway facilitates highly connected electronic environments where business applications can communicate on an intra- as well as inter-organizational level. As business expanded more into the cyber-world, so did the need to protect the information they have. Technology advances did not only bring benefits, it also increased the vulnerability of companies’ information. Information, the lifeblood of an organization, must be protected from threats such as hackers and fraud, amongst others. In the highly regulated financial sector, the protection of information is not only a best practice, but a legal obligation carrying penalties for non-compliance. From a positive aspect, organisations can identify security controls that can help them to secure their information, with the aid of legal sources. But organisations find themselves burdened by a burgeoning number of legal sources and requirements, which require vast resources and often become unmanageable. This research focuses on finding a solution for South African banks to comply with multiple legal sources, as seen from an information security perspective.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

A model for role-based security education, training and awareness in the South African healthcare environment

  • Authors: Maseti, Ophola S
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Medical care -- South Africa -- Data processing
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:9784 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/724 , Medical care -- South Africa -- Data processing
  • Description: It is generally accepted that a business operates more efficiently when it is able to consolidate information from a variety of sources. This principle applies as much in the healthcare environment. Although limited in the South African context, the use of electronic systems to access information is advancing rapidly. Many aspects have to be considered in regards to such a high availability of information, for example, training people how to access and protect information, motivating them to use the systems and information extensively and effectively, ensuring adequate levels of security, confronting ethical issues and maintaining the availability of information at crucial times. This is especially true in the healthcare sector, where access to critical data is often vital. This data must be accessed by different kinds of people with different levels of access. However, accessibility often leads to vulnerabilities. The healthcare sector deals with very sensitive data. People’s medical records need to be kept confidential; hence, security is very important. Information of a very sensitive nature is exposed to human intervention on various levels (e.g. nurses, administrative staff, general practitioners and specialists). In this scenario, it is important for each person to be aware of the requirements in terms of security and privacy, especially from a legal perspective. Because of the large dependence on the human factor in maintaining information security, organisations must employ mechanisms that address this at the staff level. One such mechanism is information security education, training and awareness programmes. As the learner is the recipient of information in such a programme, it is increasingly important that it targets the audience that it is intended for. This will maximize the benefits achieved from such a programme. This can be achieved through following a role-based approach in the design and development of the SETA programme. This research therefore proposes a model for a role-based SETA programme, with the area of application being in the South African healthcare environment.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

A preliminary investigation into the use of biomarkers and a fish community index to assess estuarine health in selected Eastern Cape estuaries

  • Authors: Richardson, Naomi
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Fish communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Estuarine fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Estuarine health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management Coastal zone management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental monitoring -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5348 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007480
  • Description: The aims of this study were to determine the potential use of biomarkers at multiple levels of biological organisation together with a fish community bioindicator to assess the estuarine health status of three temporarily open/closed estuaries. The estuaries investigated were the East Kleinemonde (EK), Old Woman's (OW) and Mtana (MTN), all of which are situated in the Eastern Cape Province. Three biomarkers, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) assay, lipid peroxidation (LPx) assay, liver histopathology and a condition factor were used to determine sub-organism health and one bioindicator, the Estuarine Fish Community Index (EFCI), was used as a bioindicator of community health. The estuarine-dependent marine species Rhabdosargus holubi was selected as an indicator species for the sub-organism level analyses. The results from the community analyses indicated that the EK and OW estuaries were in 'good' condition, while the MTN was found to be in 'moderate' condition. Histological analyses revealed that R. holubi from all three estuaries showed signs of pathological changes to the liver, with the fish from the MTN eliciting the highest occurrence of these changes. The LPx assay found that R. holubi from both the OW and MTN showed signs of oxidative damage in the liver tissue, but those from the EK did not appear to be affected. The AChE assay showed that only the fish from the OW had been affected by anticholinesterase compounds. A laboratory study was undertaken using R. holubi as a positive control for the AChE and LPx assay. The fish were exposed to 3 μg/L chlorpyrifos, a known cholinesterase inhibitor, for six hours and their tissues were examined for changes to LPx levels and AChE activities. AChE activity was significantly inhibited (Mann Whitney U test, Z = 3.65, n = 38, P < 0.001) by the exposure, but LPx levels were not significantly affected. A composite index incorporating the biomarkers at different biological levels of organisation was developed. The index was designed to assist managers and scientists to determine whether the ichthyofauna of a system was being affected by environmental stressors and what management interventions could be undertaken to ameliorate the water quality in an estuary. The index was applied to the three estuaries investigated during the present study and both the OW and MTN were assessed to be in need of immediate management intervention. The fish in the OW were found to be stressed at all the sub-organism levels measured and the reason for this was hypothesised to be as a result of golf course activities in this adjacent estuary. A number of management actions are proposed to reduce the sub-organism stress observed in the fish from the OW. The livers of fish from the MTN were shown to be under stress; however the causative agent of this stress was unknown because there is no formal development in the MTN catchment. However, a possible contaminant source is proposed and management interventions to alleviate the stress on the biota of the MTN are suggested. The EK does not require immediate management intervention, however, continuous routine monitoring is recommended to ensure that conditions do not deteriorate. Shortcomings of the index were outlined and a number of suggestions were made in terms of other measures of biological health which could be incorporated into the index.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

A standards-based security model for health information systems

  • Authors: Thomson, Steven Michael
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures -- Standards -- South Africa , Data protection -- Management -- Standards , Computer security -- South Africa -- Management , Computers -- Access control -- South Africa , Management information systems -- Security measures -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:9786 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/718 , Computer networks -- Security measures -- Standards -- South Africa , Data protection -- Management -- Standards , Computer security -- South Africa -- Management , Computers -- Access control -- South Africa , Management information systems -- Security measures -- South Africa
  • Description: In the healthcare environment, various types of patient information are stored in electronic format. This prevents the re-entering of information that was captured previously. In the past this information was stored on paper and kept in large filing cabinets. However, with the technology advancements that have occurred over the years, the idea of storing patient information in electronic systems arose. This led to a number of electronic health information systems being created, which in turn led to an increase in possible security risks. Any organization that stores information of a sensitive nature must apply information security principles in order to ensure that the stored information is kept secure. At a basic level, this entails ensuring the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the information, which is not an easy feat in today’s distributed and networked environments. This paved the way for organized standardization activities in the areas of information security and information security management. Throughout history, there have been practices that were created to help “standardize” industries of all areas, to the extent that there are professional organizations whose main objective it is to create such standards to help connect industries all over the world. This applies equally to the healthcare environment, where standardization took off in the late eighties. Healthcare organizations must follow standardized security measures to ensure that patient information stored in health information systems is kept secure. However, the proliferation in standards makes it difficult to understand, adopt and deploy these standards in a coherent manner. This research, therefore, proposes a standards-based security model for health information systems to ensure that such standards are applied in a manner that contributes to securing the healthcare environment as a whole, rather than in a piecemeal fashion.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

A study of professionalism and the professionalisation of journalists in Uganda from 1995 to 2008

  • Authors: Mayiga, John Bosco
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Journalists -- Uganda Journalism -- Political aspects -- Uganda Mass media -- Political aspects -- Uganda Journalism -- Sociological aspects -- Uganda Journalism, Commercial -- Uganda
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:3461 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002916
  • Description: This study seeks to examine how Ugandan journalists’ and politicians’ views on journalism professionalisation in Uganda relate to the broad theoretical arguments about professionalism within sociology and media studies. It also seeks to examine how such views impact on the democratic role of the media. The study finds out that there are two sets of distinct ideas on journalism professionalisation. The idea espoused by politicians is statutory professionalisation in which the state plays a major role through regulation and control, hence professionalisation is seen primarily as a control system. On the other hand, journalists perceive professionalisation as nurtured by voluntarily and socially inculcated professional values, hence as a value system. The study however, finds that both sets of understandings have their own complexities. While the statutory approach has complexities like how core elements of professionalism such as professional values can be imposed through legislation, the voluntary approach to professionalism also exhibits tensions within, especially stemming from the relationship between the professional and the news organisation regarding what constitutes professionalism. The study concludes that both sets of ideas have implications for the democratic role of the media, with both perceptions of professionalism curtailing this role. Statutory professionalisation in the Ugandan political context where the state is the dominant institution brings media institutions within its control, which leads to suppression of content of democratic value through a number of means. On the other hand, the self-regulatory perception does not protect media professionalism from the assault of commercial imperatives, especially when fused with state patronage in regard to broadcasting licences and placement of advertising.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

A study of the Amathole District Municipality's settlement plan in the light of the land reform and spatial planning measures

  • Authors: Zenzile, Mlamli Lennox
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land settlement -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- Planning -- South Africa , Restitution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Compensation (Law) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
  • Identifier: vital:3700 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003215 , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land settlement -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- Planning -- South Africa , Restitution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Compensation (Law) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: This study concerns the analysis of policy, and the statutory and regulatory impact of spatial planning on the land reform programme with emphasis on the land reform settlement plan (LSRP) of the Amathole District Municipality (ADM). There is a brief historical overview of the effect of the policy of spatial segregation in both rural and urban areas of the ADM. This study demonstrates, inter alia, the challenges faced by the ADM in both consolidating and physically integrating communities that were hitherto divided across racial lines. The critical question is whether the ADM has the ability to produce a Spatial Development Framework (SDF), which will be responsive to the needs of the region and serve as a catalyst in reversing the physical distortions caused by the land-planning legislation of the apartheid past. The greatest challenge lies in meeting the developmental aspirations of the Development Facilitation Act, 1995, the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 and the National Spatial Development Perspective, 2003. Chapter 1 deals with the purpose, research problem and the method of research, as well as the definition of terms used in this research and literature review. Chapter 2 deals with the evolution of central themes of spatial planning and land reform, spatial development plans and integrated development plans (IDPs), the alignment of Amathole SDF and Eastern Cape Spatial Development Plan and the co-ordination of spatial frameworks. Chapter 3 deals with the composition of the ADM and the evolution of the LRSP, as well as land-tenure reform programmes impacting on the Amathole Municipality region. This chapter analyses the settlement plan against spatial planning legislation, the issue of institutional arrangements and mechanisms of consolidated local planning processes. Chapter 5 deals with the thorny issue of participation of traditional leaders in municipal planning and the government’s land-reform programme. Despite the existence of legislation in this regard, implementation seems to pose some difficulties. This chapter also deals with the co-operative governance framework. Chapter 6 is a concluding chapter dealing with the gaps discovered in the Amathole Municipality in the light of existing legislation. Reference to cases is made to demonstrate the challenges confronting the ADM. One notable aspect is the issue of urban-rural dichotomy and how the two worlds are positioned in their competition for the use of space. It is evident from this research that the post-1994 policy and legislative framework and implementation machinery lacks capacity to change the current form of the apartheid city-planning paradigm, something which impacts immensely on the sustainability of the current human-settlement development programmes. Population dynamics in terms of migration are hugely driven by search for employment opportunities and better services. The efficiency and ability of the municipal spatial evelopment frameworks in directing and dictating the identification of development nodes in its juristic boundary informed by the overarching national policy and legislative framework is key in building a better South Africa.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

A study of the conducivness of the culture at Freeworld Automotive Coatings to the implementation of lean maunfacturing techniques

  • Authors: Gray, Alexander George
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa , Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:8719 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/910 , Corporate culture -- South Africa , Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
  • Description: It is becoming increasingly important for companies to be responsive to global demands and in order to remain competitive, many companies are looking at lean manufacturing to help them achieve this. Lean manufacturing is however more than just a set of tools as it also requires a change in the organisational culture of the company involved. The creation of an organisation that has a culture of continuous improvement and achieving results through its various principles and philosophies is a main factor in Toyota’s Toyota Way Model. It was the aim of this research study to analyse and determine the factors relating to the impact of an organisation’s culture on the concepts of lean manufacturing based on the Toyota Way model. This was achieved by analysing how conducive the current organisational culture at Freeworld Automotive Coatings to the implementation of Lean Manufacturing principles? The method used for the research study was the questionnaire method using a lean culture assessment questionnaire that has been designed by the researcher that was aligned to the principles important to the Toyota Way model. It can be concluded from the research findings of this study indicates that the existing organisational culture of Freeworld Automotive coatings is relatively conducive to the implementation of lean manufacturing principles within the company.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

A study of the existence of equilibrium in mathematical economics

  • Authors: Xotyeni, Zukisa Gqabi
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Equilibrium (Economics) -- Mathematical models , Macroeconomics -- Mathematical models , Economics -- Mathematical models , Welfare economics -- Mathematical models , Lattice theory , Economics, Mathematical
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5418 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005232 , Equilibrium (Economics) -- Mathematical models , Macroeconomics -- Mathematical models , Economics -- Mathematical models , Welfare economics -- Mathematical models , Lattice theory , Economics, Mathematical
  • Description: In this thesis we define and study the existence of an equilibrium situation in which producers maximize their profits relative to the production vectors in their production sets, consumers satisfy their preferences in their consumption sets under certain budget constraint, and for every commodity total demand equals total supply. This competitive equilibrium situation is referred to as the Walrasian equilibrium. The existence of this equilibrium is investigated from a various mathematical points of view. These include microeconomic theory, simplicial spaces, global analysis and lattice theory.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

A study of the reintergration of former child soldiers : the case study of Gusco Northern Uganda

  • Authors: Obika, Juliana
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Children and war -- Uganda -- Gusco , Child soldiers -- Uganda -- Gusco , Soldiers -- Rehabilitation -- Uganda , Lord's Resistance Army
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
  • Identifier: vital:8256 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/786 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012067 , Children and war -- Uganda -- Gusco , Child soldiers -- Uganda -- Gusco , Soldiers -- Rehabilitation -- Uganda , Lord's Resistance Army
  • Description: The provision of basic needs such as food, shelter, security, identity and recognition is central in the rebuilding and reconstruction of the war-torn areas of Africa and indeed around the world. The war in northern Uganda, in particular, has taken its toll on the people of that area for more than 20 years and in the process, has witnessed the children facing some of the worst effects of armed conflicts known to man. This study investigated the role played by the Gulu Support the Children Organisation (GUSCO) in the reintegration of former child soldiers in Northern Uganda. GUSCO is however in favour of the term Formerly Abducted Children (FAC) as this is less prone to acts of stigmatisation against those who have faced some of the most horrific abuses known to human kind. It focused on the process of reintegration of the FAC in relation to the human needs theory which has been used as a basis for conflict resolution practices. The researcher conducted extensive face-to-face interviews with the employees of GUSCO who work in various fields as social workers, counsellors, health workers and teachers, who tend to the needs of the FAC daily. The researcher was also able to carryout observations of the activities that take place at the GUSCO reception centre where the children are rehabilitated. The organisation’s official documents were also consulted in order to carryout this triangular study and collect data. The major themes constructed from the study include: the empowerment and development of the FAC through education and skills training; health care provision to meet both physical and psychological needs; community empowerment and development and finally peacebuilding and reconciliation which involves the participation of whole communities to meet their needs and rebuild the war-torn northern Uganda. The researcher highlights some challenges that GUSCO faces in trying to reintegrate the former combatants albeit children into a routine of a community that struggles to recover from a war that continues to persist after twenty years. Several recommendations are made for GUSCO and civil societies who have given themselves the mandate to work towards salvaging the future generations of Uganda and Africa as a whole.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

A VLBI study of OH masers in a proto-planetary nebula OH 0.9+1.3

  • Authors: McAlpine, Kim
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Very long baseline interferometry , Proto-planetary nebulae , Masers
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5499 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005285 , Very long baseline interferometry , Proto-planetary nebulae , Masers
  • Description: This thesis reports the calibration, imaging and analysis of one epoch of VLBA observations of the 1612 MHz OH maser emission from the protoplanetary nebula OH 0.9+1.3. These are the first polarisation VLBI observations of this source and the spatial morphology of the OH emission is resolved on this scale. Proto-planetary nebulae represent the transition phase in the evolution of stars between the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) phase and their emergence as planetary nebulae. A long-standing astronomical question is how the predominantly spherical circumstellar envelopes of AGB stars evolve into the bipolar and axisymmetric structures that are commonly observed in planetary nebula. Proto-planetary nebulae offer a unique opportunity to study this transformation process. The high-resolution VLBI maps produced in this thesis were used to investigate the morphology and kinematics of OH 0.9+1.3 with a view to gaining insight into the development of asymmetries in the circumstellar material. The OH maser emission of OH 0.9+1.3 has a double-peaked profile with one peak blue-shifted and the other red-shifted with respect to the stellar velocity. The total intensity maser maps demonstrate a considerable degree of asymmetry with the blue- and red-shifted emission located in spatially distinct regions of the envelope. The blue-shifted emission is distributed preferentially along an axis at a projected position angle of » 135± ( North through East). The morphology of this source is not consistent with the standard symmetric thin-shell model and an attempt to fit the traditional OH/IR kinematic model of a simple expanding shell to the maser components was found to be unsatisfactory. No definitive evidence of a bipolar outflow was observed either. The high degree of asymmetry observed in the source is consistent with its status as a proto-planetary nebula. The source was imaged in all four Stokes parameters and the fractional linear and circular polarisations of the maser components were derived from the Stokes parameter maps. In all except one of the components the total fractional polarisation was found to be low ( < 15%). The mean fractional linear and circular polarisation were calculated to be 5.54% and 7.11% respectively. The absence of an identifiable Zeeman pair in the Stokes V map prohibited the estimation of the magnetic field in the circumstellar envelope of this source.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

Absenteeism management at Willard Batteries

  • Authors: Paul, Gary William
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) -- Management , Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:9383 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/896 , Absenteeism (Labor) -- Management , Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa
  • Description: The main research problem in this study centred around the assessment of the impact of an absenteeism monitoring and management system at Willard Batteries. The main research problem had five sub-problems which were addressed through the following actions: A literature study was conducted to identify the causes and impact of absenteeism in the workplace. The researcher also conducted interviews with the Human Resources Manager, line managers and employees at Willard Batteries to obtain their views of the absenteeism management strategies utilised, as well as the effects of absenteeism in their organisation. The insights gained from these interviews were incorporated into the questionnaire. The absenteeism figures of the organisation for the period 2005 to 2008 were analysed and compared against the internationally accepted absenteeism norm of three percent. An absence rate above three percent is considered as unacceptable and would imply that the current absenteeism management system is not effective. The theoretical study also entailed the reviewing of the legal framework within which absenteeism needs to be managed, as well as the literature that deals with strategies for the effective management of absenteeism. These strategies relate to the recording, calculation, analysis, benchmarking and practical management of absenteeism in the workplace. A survey questionnaire was developed to determine the perceptions of managers, supervisors and employees in relation to the impact of absenteeism on the company as well as the extent to which managers and supervisors were utilising selected absenteeism monitoring and management strategies within the company. The results from the empirical study revealed that management and supervisors were more aware of the impact of absenteeism on the organisation than their employees. It can therefore be concluded that employees perceived their absence from work to have little impact on aspects such as employee morale, cost, production and the customer. This could possibly be due to ineffective communication in terms of the cost and other consequences of absenteeism in the organisation. Employees also felt that managers were effective in taking the necessary disciplinary action with regards to absenteeism-related transgressions, but that they were not diligent in the recording and communication of absence information, as well as comparing absenteeism information inter-departmentally. Absenteeism has proven to be globally pervasive, expensive and extremely disruptive to organisations. Managers and supervisors who employ the various absence monitoring and management strategies, could be more effective in improving employee attendance. Their efforts could be further enhanced if employees are made aware of the negative impact that their absence has on the morale of their fellow employees, the cost to the company, the customer, as well as the achievement of production targets and the quality of outputs.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

Action research on leadership style, and relationships in an East London law firm

  • Authors: Stoltz, Tania
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Action research Law offices Leadership Law firms--South Africa--East London Law offices--South Africa--East London
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:798 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004592
  • Description: "Good leadership springs from a genuine passion for the work and a genuine concern for other people. Great Leaders are people who love what they do and want to share that love with others. " (Daft, 2005:20). During an informal discussion with my husband Hugo Daniels, the leader in this Action Research Case Study, it became apparent that lawyers do not attend a single module or complete a single subject during their formal training at university to obtain their law degree that is related to the field of leadership and how to lead, inspire and motivate followers. The discussion centered on the problems the leader was experiencing in his East London law firm, problems he believed to be as a result of his lack of knowledge in the field of leadership. And so this research project began. It was obvious from the start that to intervene in the firm in order to bring about change would need the participation of everyone in the firm. The first step towards facilitating change would be to change the leadership style of the director of the firm. He would be required to gain knowledge in the field of leadership and the effects that different leadership styles have on followers. At the same time staff's perception of the current leadership style would have to be determined, as well as the desired style for their leader. The research process could then begin, based on the needs expressed by the staff and with participation from all levels in the firm. The case involved 27 members of staff made up of three heads of departments, twenty three general staff members and the leader. Data was gathered through formal interviews with the leader and the heads of departments, as well as from personal journals kept by two heads of departments and the leader. General staff members were first asked to complete The Productive Practice Survey (Hall 1987) to determine their perceptions of the current leadership style in the firm and what they thought they needed from their leader if the firm is to move forward. The Productive Practice Survey (Hall 1987) was not used with the intention of gathering quantitative data, but rather as a means of gathering information of staff's perception in general while ensuring anonymity, so as to facilitate a discussion during a feedback session. The Productive Survey's (Hall 1987) content and working is explained in further detail in Chapter 3 on page 44. Initially participants were skeptical of the process and used the survey as a medium to lash out against the firm and Hugo Daniels as a leader, leaving no room for suggestions for improvement, an "it is what it is" approach. During the feedback session general staff members became more open when they realized that change would benefit them, as changes would be suggested by them and implemented with their participation. They became less reluctant about change and provided valuable input during the session. All participants understood that this Participatory Action Research intervention was only the beginning of change in the firm and the sustainability of the changes rests on the firm as a whole, and working towards it would be a continuous process not ending with the Participatory Action Research process.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

Adaptive user interfaces for mobile map-based visualisation

  • Authors: Van Tonder, Bradley Paul
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Cartography , Maps -- Design , Digital mapping , Geographic information systems , User interfaces (Computer systems) -- Design
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:10470 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/866 , Cartography , Maps -- Design , Digital mapping , Geographic information systems , User interfaces (Computer systems) -- Design
  • Description: Mobile devices today frequently serve as platforms for the visualisation of map-based data. Despite the obvious advantages, mobile map-based visualisation (MMV) systems are often difficult to design and use. Limited screen space, resource constraints and awkward interaction mechanisms are among the many problems with which designers and users have to contend. Adaptive user interfaces (AUIs), which adapt to the individual user, represent a possible means of addressing the problems of MMV. Adaptive MMV systems are, however, generally designed in an ad-hoc fashion, making the benefits achieved difficult to replicate. In addition, existing models for adaptive MMV systems are either conceptual in nature or only address a subset of the possible input variables and adaptation effects. The primary objective of this research was to develop and evaluate an adaptive MMV system using a model-based approach. The Proteus Model was proposed to support the design of MMV systems which adapt in terms of information, visualisation and user interface in response to the user‟s behaviour, tasks and context. The Proteus Model describes the architectural, interface, data and algorithm design of an adaptive MMV system. A prototype adaptive MMV system, called MediaMaps, was designed and implemented based on the Proteus Model. MediaMaps allows users to capture, location-tag, organise and visualise multimedia on their mobile phones. Information adaptation is performed through the use of an algorithm to assist users in sorting media items into collections based on time and location. Visualisation adaptation is performed by adapting various parameters of the map-based visualisations according to user preferences. Interface adaptation is performed through the use of adaptive lists. An international field study of MediaMaps was conducted in which participants were required to use MediaMaps on their personal mobile phones for a period of three weeks. The results of the field study showed that high levels of accuracy were achieved by both the information and interface adaptations. High levels of user satisfaction were reported, with participants rating all three forms of adaptation as highly useful. The successful implementation of MediaMaps provides practical evidence that the model-based design of adaptive MMV systems is feasible. The positive results of the field study clearly show that the adaptations implemented were highly accurate and that participants found these adaptations to be useful, usable and easy to understand. This research thus provides empirical evidence that the use of AUIs can provide significant benefits for the visualisation of map-based information on mobile devices.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

Addressing the barriers to learning in the Helenvale area of Port Elizabeth : a school management perspective

  • Authors: Van Heerden, Edward Thomas
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Students -- South Africa -- Port Alizabeth -- Social conditions , Children with social disabilities -- Education -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Learning disabilities -- South Africa , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:9544 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/676 , Students -- South Africa -- Port Alizabeth -- Social conditions , Children with social disabilities -- Education -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Learning disabilities -- South Africa , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Description: Educational underachievement is a big problem in all schools, but it is especially prevalent in poverty stricken areas. The main objective of this research was to investigate the possible reasons for, consequences of and strategies to address the problem of educational underachievement in poverty stricken areas. The research conducted was based on the interpretive paradigm and a qualitative approach was used to gather data. A case study approach was used as a research design. The data collection methods were questionnaires, interviews and observations. The study found that the home conditions, individual factors, family and psychological factors are the main reasons for academic underachievement. The main consequences of academic underachievement were found to be unemployment, behavioural problems, a negative self-perception, high failure rates, high drop-out rates and teenage pregnancies. The main strategies to address the problem which the study revealed are: teachers familiarising themselves with the home conditions of the child, addressing the problem of overcrowding, and poverty, involving the parents in the education of their children, enhancing the self-esteem of learners, improving teaching, implementing cooperative learning and providing study facilities for these learners at the school after hours.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

Adoption of business information systems in an automotive manufacturing environment: a case study

  • Authors: Dyer, Shirley
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Management information systems , Technology -- Information services , Information resources management , Business -- Data processing
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:9772 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/892 , Management information systems , Technology -- Information services , Information resources management , Business -- Data processing
  • Description: Dorbyl Automotive Technologies (DAT) is a manufacturing company that supplies parts and components to the local and international motor vehicle market. The automotive components’ market is very competitive and customers require more from the industry to stay competitive. Customers require full integration throughout the supply chain. DAT and its Information Systems Department have ensured that the necessary business information systems are available to assist the company in staying competitive. One problem, though, is that the users of these systems are not using and adopting the technologies available. This research examines the reasons for this by making use of a technology acceptance model called the UNIFIED THEORY OF ACCEPTANCE AND USE OF TECHNOLOGY (UTAUT), which is an integrated model based on eight different available acceptance models. The aim is to understand which factors influence the use of systems. The research also proposes a way forward by suggesting a model to assist DAT in new system implementations as well as correcting the current situation. The only way DAT will stay competitive is by ensuring that the company becomes lean. Customers demand this as more and more are moving to just-in-time delivery. This implies that the suppliers must react to changes real-time. The use of business information systems will become the main focus area to react to changes quickly and correctly. Effective and accurate systems depend on users making good use of these systems. Remaining competitive will depend on how effectively Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are used.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2008
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