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.
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- Date Issued: 2008
A framework for secure mobile computing in healthcare
- Authors: Thomas, Godwin Dogara Ayenajeh
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Mobile computing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9789 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/618 , Mobile computing
- Description: Mobile computing is rapidly becoming part of healthcare’s electronic landscape, helping to provide better quality of care and reduced cost. While the technology provides numerous advantages to the healthcare industry, it is not without risk. The size and portable nature of mobile computing devices present a highly vulnerable environment, which threaten the privacy and security of health information. Since these devices continually access possibly sensitive healthcare information, it is imperative that these devices are considered for security in order to meet regulatory compliance. In fact, the increase in government and industry regulation to ensure the privacy and security of health information, makes mobile security no longer just desirable, but mandatory. In addition, as healthcare becomes more aware of the need to reinforce patient confidence to gain competitive advantage, it makes mobile security desirable. Several guidelines regarding security best practices exist. Healthcare institutions are thus faced with matching the guidelines offered by best practices, with the legal and regulatory requirements. While this is a valuable question in general, this research focuses on the aspect of considering this question when considering the introduction of mobile computing into the healthcare environment. As a result, this research proposes a framework that will aid IT administrators in healthcare to ensure that privacy and security of health information is extended to mobile devices. The research uses a comparison between the best practices in ISO 17799:2005 and the regulatory requirements stipulated in HIPAA to provide a baseline for the mobile computing security model. The comparison ensures that the model meets healthcare specific industry requirement and international information security standard. In addition, the framework engages the Information Security Management System (ISMS) model based on the ISO 27000 standard. The framework, furthermore, points to existing technical security measurers associated with mobile computing. It is believed that the framework can assist in achieving mobile computing security that is compliant with the requirements in the healthcare industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Urban agriculture in Nelson Mandela Bay: a case study
- Authors: Philander, Bronwyn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34318 , vital:33301
- Description: Urban agriculture has gained importance due to the rise of both urban poverty and unemployment. In countries such as Malaysia, urban agriculture addresses food security by providing urban dwellers with access to nutritious, safe and cost-effective food. The rising food prices and unemployment in South Africa have put food security of the urban poor in a precarious position and whilst the benefits of urban agriculture have been researched, the main problem identified was that residents in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) were not practising urban agriculture. Thus, this study aims to identify the enablers and barriers of urban agriculture in NMB. The positivism paradigm was adopted for this study. The study was an exploratory study and used Holland Park as a case study. Holland Park is situated in the centre of the city of Port Elizabeth, also known as NMB and is surrounded by Mercantile Hospital, Aspen Pharmaceutical Company, Mondelez International (previously Cadbury) and Morewag Primary School. It falls within ward seven namely the Greenacres/North End cluster of the Nelson Mandela Bay geographical area. This area consists of approximately 1189 residents and most women are housewives. This area was chosen due to the high rate of unemployment amongst women. A sample of 300 was drawn from residents in Holland Park. The selection of the respondents was based on convenience sampling. A cross sectional study was conducted and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The measuring instrument used an existing questionnaire. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument were confirmed using construct validity and internal reliability. Exploratory factor analysis was undertaken and six factors were extracted, namely attitude, food availability, lifestyle, awareness, perceptions and knowledge. These factors were thus identified as the enablers and barriers of urban agriculture. Data collected were subject to several statistical analyses – these included both descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson’s product moment correlations were conducted and findings revealed that all factors except food availability are significantly and positively correlated to the dependent variable, urban agriculture. In addition, food availability showed a negative correlation and a high positive correlation was reported between urban agriculture and knowledge. Hereafter, multiple regression analysis was performed, to identify the strength of the effect that the independent variables, namely attitude, food availability, awareness, lifestyle, perceptions and knowledge have on the dependent variable, urban agriculture. This allowed the researcher to make conclusions as to whether the independent variables are enablers or barriers, depending on the strength of effect. Thus, the enablers identified for this study were attitude, lifestyle and perceptions. These factors were all positive and significantly related to urban agriculture. Food availability was negatively related to urban agriculture, indicating that the more residents had food available, the less they would practise or participate in urban agriculture. Thus, food availability was found to be a barrier to practising urban agriculture in NMB. Finally, awareness and knowledge (under multiple regression analysis) appeared to have not been significantly related to urban agriculture – as such it was insignificant and could not be regarded an enabler nor a barrier. In order to establish whether relationships existed between the demographic factors (age, gender, qualification, employment status and being a breadwinner) and the independent variables (attitude, food availability, lifestyle, awareness, knowledge and perceptions) investigated in this study, an analysis of variance was undertaken. The results indicated that gender, employment status and being a breadwinner were not related to any of the factors. However, qualification had a significant relationship with attitude (p<0.000), awareness (p<0.004), knowledge (p<0.040) and perceptions (p<0.000), indicating that residents who had a post-matric qualification indicated a positive attitude towards urban agriculture and were more aware of the benefits of urban agriculture towards one’s health and the environment. Findings also revealed that having a post-matric qualification influenced residents’ knowledge with regard to growing food in a sustainable manner, such as using recyclable materials (as holding containers) when practising urban agriculture. In addition, having a post-matric qualification influenced residents’ perceptions regarding urban agriculture, these related to teaching children the importance of gardening (amongst others). In conclusion, findings indicated that residents had an interest in urban agriculture and had some knowledge with regard to growing their own fruit and vegetables.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Antimicrobial activity of selected plants and their combined preparations against pathogens causing respiratory infections
- Authors: Onyebuchi, Ukwuoma Collins
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Anti-infective agents , Respiratory infections -- Alternative treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21197 , vital:29455
- Description: Bacterial infection of the respiratory system is one of the leading causes of death in the world’s population, killing over four million people annually. Treatment of respiratory infections is usually by antibiotics administration. The emergence of multi-drug-resistant pathogens has led to the search for more effective therapeutic agents especially from medicinal plants, as compounds from plants have been shown to possess some therapeutic potential. The aim of this study is to determine the antimicrobial activity of three plants, Tetradenia riparia, Leonotis leonurus and Salvia africana-lutea and the activity of their various combined preparations against 27 pathogens usually associated with respiratory ailments. Various solvents were used for extraction of the dried powdered plant materials. The agar disc diffusion antimicrobial assay and the micro-dilution assay methods were used to determine the inhibitory activity and the minimum inhibitory concentration of the plant extracts. The nature of phytochemicals present in the extracts was determined by thin layer chromatography. The results obtained in this study, showed that ethanol produced the highest average extract yield in both the individual and combined plant preparations. A two-way analysis of variance for the disc diffusion assay showed no significant difference in the inhibition zones (Appendix 1 and 2). MIC of 0.8 mg/ml was obtained with S. africana-lutea against S. pneumoniae ATCC 49619 and B. cereus ATCC 10976 strains, indicating a strong antibacterial activity. Synergistic interaction (FIC index ranging from 0.20 – 0.50) and a strong antimicrobial activity (MIC values ranging from 0.4 – 0.8 mg/ml), was obtained with the acetone extract of the 1:1 combination of L. leonurus with S. africana-lutea. The XEA and CEF solvent systems eluted the most number of compound spots and produced the best separations. The results obtained in this study validate the traditional use of these plants and their combinations for the treatment of respiratory ailments.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A study of the art object as performative
- Authors: Minkley, Emma Smith
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Arts -- Miscellanea , Art objects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12042 , vital:27022
- Description: My research project explores conventions in art-making and viewing via the notion of the performative art object. The performative (derived from J.L. Austin and Judith Butler’s formulations of the word) is here used predominantly as a term to denote a generative, experiential and iterative process (in this case outlined by art theorist Barbara Bolt) in which intuitive or playful actions of both artist and spectator dictate the route of research. The project, following an A/r/tographical cycle of theoriapraxis-poesis (or theory/research - doing/learning - art/making) as defined by Rita Irwin, thus investigates the relations inherent between artists, spectators or viewers, and objects, and how these may change according to the spaces they are conceived in; from art gallery to urban “non-art” environments. It deals with the inclusion of process or performativity within, or in relation to the art object and how this take on the traditionally static object may have the capacity to change how artworks are envisaged, and more significantly, how they are received, in terms of the effects they (in combination with the viewer) have on the world around them. Blurred in the context of performativity, the art object may become a means of documenting process and in a sense may act as a ‘prop’ for artistic research. This enquiry has involved the study of process and play, as related to creative practice, via a series of object-based events or interventions (including gallery exhibitions and other “non-art” events initiated by the artist outside of conventional art-related space) which have been documented and included in the theoretical research as a means of providing a first-hand narrative of theoretical ideas put into practice. Here Diana Taylor’s understanding of interrelated modes of storing and enacting knowledge as posed in the notion of the archive and repertoire has been utilised as a means of collecting and collating performative and ephemeral research. These events/interventions have further served as a means of gauging viewer interaction and participation, thus actively involving the viewer in the creative act. Jacques Rancière’s notion of the emancipated spectator is here utilised to activate the role of the viewer. In this regard, Martin Heidegger’s concept of handiness or handling serves as a means of “emancipating” spectators by encouraging tactile viewership. It is my intent to open up or reveal new modes of thinking or doing within the viewer when he or she enters a state of performative play within these events. Here the status of the art object is challenged and in this way has the potential to subvert or confront problematic repetitions, both in the identity of the viewer and the space occupied in each event.
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- Date Issued: 2016
The development of a translucent low fired porcelain casting slip using South African raw materials
- Authors: Ruiters, Mellaney Bualin
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Arts -- Research -- South Africa , Pottery -- Research -- South Africa , Ceramics -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20004 , vital:29026
- Description: The purpose of the research was to develop a translucent low fired porcelain casting slip using South African raw materials, due to the ever increasing electricity tariffs in South Africa as well as the physical deterioration put on the elements and brickwork in electric kilns when fired to traditional porcelain temperatures. Traditional porcelain bodies that can be purchased from South African suppliers are required to be fired to between 12000C and 13000C. The commercially prepared porcelains when tested produced white vitrified bodies but were lacking in translucency. Local ceramic artists are therefore compelled to import their porcelains from overseas suppliers if they require a white translucent porcelain but this is still requires a firing temperature well above 12000C. It has been shown that by using South African ceramic raw materials and adjusting a Parian ceramic formula using a selected frit; a low fired translucent porcelain can be made that matures below 12000C. The addition of paper fibres to the non-plastic porcelain was necessary to reduce the high shrinkage rate and prevented the clay from cracking and tearing in the firing process. With the further adjustments to the formula by the addition of calcium triphosphate true white translucent porcelain was produced. Without this last adjustment the porcelain would be an off-white colour due to the impurities found in the South African ceramic raw materials which are mainly contaminated with iron oxide. It was found that the following formula produced a white translucent porcelain which vitrified at 11900C and satisfies the original concept in the title stated above.
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- Date Issued: 2017
An investigation of the history and works of the Keiskamma Art Project
- Authors: Osner, Heather
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Community arts projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Artists and community -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13038 , vital:27146
- Description: This research study focusses on how and why Carol Hofmeyr began the Keiskamma Art Project in Hamburg, Eastern Cape, as well as the development of the project’s infrastructure, history and detailed business practices and how it has evolved. A chronological detailed pictorial record has been drawn up of the major/monumental works it has produced, its achievements, awards and the accolades it has won. The recurrent narrative themes of HIV/AIDS, Nguni cattle, the Nongquawuse story, local birds, plants and fish which are also discussed. A comparable study, comparing the business practices of the Keiskamma Art Project with the research of Professor Ingrid Stevens on Morris & Co and five other successful, sustained South African Art Projects. Data has been tabulated in an effort to recognise the variances, similarities and differences in an effort to identify a “best practise” business model. Such a model may assist in the development of further art projects, so as to uplift other poverty stricken communities in South Africa. This research study focusses on how and why Carol Hofmeyr began the Keiskamma Art Project in Hamburg, Eastern Cape, as well as the development of the project’s infrastructure, history and detailed business practices and how it has evolved. A chronological detailed pictorial record has been drawn up of the major/monumental works it has produced, its achievements, awards and the accolades it has won. The recurrent narrative themes of HIV/AIDS, Nguni cattle, the Nongquawuse story, local birds, plants and fish which are also discussed. A comparable study, comparing the business practices of the Keiskamma Art Project with the research of Professor Ingrid Stevens on Morris & Co and five other successful, sustained South African Art Projects. Data has been tabulated in an effort to recognise the variances, similarities and differences in an effort to identify a “best practise” business model. Such a model may assist in the development of further art projects, so as to uplift other poverty-stricken communities in South Africa.This research study focusses on how and why Carol Hofmeyr began the Keiskamma Art Project in Hamburg, Eastern Cape, as well as the development of the project’s infrastructure, history and detailed business practices and how it has evolved. A chronological detailed pictorial record has been drawn up of the major/monumental works it has produced, its achievements, awards and the accolades it has won. The recurrent narrative themes of HIV/AIDS, Nguni cattle, the Nongquawuse story, local birds, plants and fish which are also discussed. A comparable study, comparing the business practices of the Keiskamma Art Project with the research of Professor Ingrid Stevens on Morris & Co and five other successful, sustained South African Art Projects. Data has been tabulated in an effort to recognise the variances, similarities and differences in an effort to identify a “best practise” business model. Such a model may assist in the development of further art projects, so as to uplift other poverty stricken communities in South Africa.This research study focusses on how and why Carol Hofmeyr began the Keiskamma Art Project in Hamburg, Eastern Cape, as well as the development of the project’s infrastructure, history and detailed business practices and how it has evolved. A chronological detailed pictorial record has been drawn up of the major/monumental works it has produced, its achievements, awards and the accolades it has won. The recurrent narrative themes of HIV/AIDS, Nguni cattle, the Nongquawuse story, local birds, plants and fish which are also discussed. A comparable study, comparing the business practices of the Keiskamma Art Project with the research of Professor Ingrid Stevens on Morris & Co and five other successful, sustained South African Art Projects. Data has been tabulated in an effort to recognise the variances, similarities and differences in an effort to identify a “best practise” business model. Such a model may assist in the development of further art projects, so as to uplift other poverty stricken communities in South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Wireless mobile android technology in the monitoring and control of a safety integrated robotic cell
- Authors: Cumberlege, Aidan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Android (Electronic resource) , Application software -- Development , Computer software -- Development , Mobile computing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46284 , vital:39543
- Description: The constant strive for improving the efficiency of production processes has become a worldwide challenge. In high speed production facilities response time between man and machine is of utmost importance when financial implications are taken into account. This dissertation contributes to improving the response time by making use of wireless notification between the machine and the maintenance technician when process faults occur. The tool used to achieve this is based on Android. Research is carried out on the latest Android technology while taking the safety aspects of a production environment into consideration. Research in designing a rule based intelligent system is established by using a tablet as the user interface for automatic notification and corrective action recommendations. Quick response is achieved by setting up a wireless network. As a result of designing a wireless intelligent maintenance tool, production downtime is improved. Management can recall all activities logged by the system for graphical representation.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Commercialisation of emerging famers in the Eastern Cape province: identification of limiting factors that inhibit the progression from subsistence to commercial farming
- Authors: Khapayi, Musa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10593 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020067
- Description: The broad objective of the study was to investigate the limiting factors that prevent a breakthrough of emerging farmers to commercial agricultural farming industry. The research objectives were to describe the demographic characteristics such as age, education, farming skills and experience; determine the required support services needed; and inform the limiting factors that prevent breakthrough of emerging farmers to enter commercial agricultural industry. The study was conducted in King William’s Town area through structured questionnaires administered by the researcher. A sample of 50 emerging farmers was drawn in the area. The majority of households in the area depend on subsistence farming for household survival. Results indicated that emerging farmers are faced with poor physical infrastructure such as implements to better their production as well as low education levels which results as an inability to interpret market information to be used in production planning. It is also clear that the farmers face a lack of market infrastructure, poor roads, lack of market information, lack of transportation to markets and high transportation costs. The majority of the farmers were old and the youth was not engaged in agriculture. The findings showed that there is an insufficient role from government with regards to emerging farmer support and providing the required infrastructure to access markets or improving rural infrastructure. As a result the majority of the farmers are trapped in a cycle of poverty. The following policy recommendations are suggested: Financial services such as credit must be made available to emerging farmers at reasonable interest rates such as low interest rate subsidies to emerging farmers up until commercialisation. The requirements for emerging farmers to access loans, funding or credit should be restructured or adjusted to the ability of the farmer to repay the credit rather than the availability of title deeds or assets as collateral. Extension officers should regularly visit the localities were emerging farmers are farming have a better understanding of their farming areas, farming methods and improve their communication with the farmers. Lastly the land reform initiatives should be re-organised or developed if necessary to ensure efficient re-allocation of land. The policies should be developed to focus on both the individual farm plots and the collective rights.
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- Date Issued: 2013
An evaluation of the role of cost management control systems on organisational performance in public enterprises in Namibia: a case study of the Namibia airports company
- Authors: Shindobo, Teopolina
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Cost accounting , Activity-based costing , Performance standards -- Namibia -- Evaluation , Organizational effectiveness -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35785 , vital:33812
- Description: The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the role of cost management control systems (CMCS) on organisational performance of public enterprises in Namibia, using Namibia Airports Company (NAC) as a case study organisation. NAC uses the activity based costing (ABC) management control system and is still making losses, the auditor General have recommended that there is a need to evaluate the CMCS used by the NAC and their expenditure. In pursuing the primary objective of the study, four secondary objectives were therefore developed. The first objective was concerned with evaluating the purpose of the CMCSs in organisational decision making process. The second objective was concerned with analysing the effect of CMCSs on organisational performance in public enterprises. This was also achieved through a comprehensive review of literature. The third objective dealt with the design of a suitable methodology. The last objective was concerned with conclusions and recommendations of the study. The study followed a quantitative research methodology and a total of 100 questionnaires were self-administered to the respondents. Sixty-five questionnaires were returned with usable responses and were captured for analysis. Statistical analysis was applied in order to meet the requirements of research methodology as well as record and analyse the research findings. The study used descriptive statistics, reliability statistics, factor analysis and one way variance analysis (ANOVAs). Factor analysis was performed on the elements used to measure the impacts of CMCSs on the organisational performance of the Namibia Airports Company. Four key impacts of CMCSs were identified in this study. ANOVAs were employed as a way of determining significant differences between groups with regard to the factors that were identified. The finding of the study revealed that, the level of employee involvement in cost management activities is relatively weak at Namibia Airports Company despite a higher frequency of using the CMCSs. There is a significant effect on financial performance of the organisation as a result of employing CMCSs. The significant impacts of CMCSs on the organisational performance of the Namibia Airports Company include opportunities for improving financial performance management, efficiency in service delivery, and strategic decisions.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Optimising x-ray referral systems to ensure patient safety during ionising radiographic examination in Nelson Mandela Bay Health District
- Authors: Munnick, Derna Camille
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: X-rays -- Diffraction -- Safety measures , Radiography, Medical , Medical personnel and patients
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22824 , vital:30105
- Description: X-ray request forms are used at hospitals and primary health care centres (PHCC) by health care professionals (HCP) to communicate with radiologists and radiographers when referring patients for ionising radiographic (x-rays) examinations. The x-ray request form and the radiological report are medico-legal documents. However, the importance of adequately completed x-ray request forms, appear to be underestimated. The HCP must write a brief clinical history on the x-ray request form that justifies the ionising radiographic (x-ray) examination referral, enabling radiographers and radiologists to have a better understanding of the patient’s clinical condition. An adequately completed x-ray request form assist the radiographer to make decisions regarding patient safety techniques and standard operating protocols that need to be applied. The radiologist will also have a better understanding of the patient’s clinical condition when reporting on the x-ray projections based on the clinical information supplied on the x-ray request form. The primary objective of this study was to explore and describe the adequacy of completion of x-ray request forms in order to optimise ionising radiographic referrals (x-ray requests) to ensure patient safety during ionising radiographic examinations at PHCC’s in NMBHD. A quantitative research design with an explorative, descriptive, and contextual approach was undertaken. The data was collected using an evaluation form checklist that the radiographer responsible for the requested x-ray examination completed. Data was gathered at all five PHCC’s, offering x-ray services, in the NMBHD by qualified radiographers evaluating the adequacy of completion of the x-ray request forms using an evaluation form checklist with an online program QuestionPro. Strategies to ensure validity and reliability in the study were undertaken. Ethical principles adhered to included informed consent, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality, gaining ethical permission to do the study and approval to enter the research site. The results of the study revealed that none of the 582 x-ray request forms evaluated were adequately completed. The fields on the x-ray request forms that were most frequently completed were the surname, clinical history, examination requested and the referring HCP details all had a total percentage correct completion of 90% and above. The fields most frequently omitted were last menstrual period (LMP) of females of child-bearing age and an indication of previous x-rays. The patient’s age and how to address the patient were also frequently incomplete. The researcher made recommendations to the NMBHD on how the x-ray referral system by means of the x-ray request form could be optimised of in order to increase patient safety during ionising radiographic (x-ray) examinations. Recommendations made to the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD) was based on the findings of the research study to ensure optimisation of x-ray requests concerning the completion of the x-ray request forms to ensure patient safety during x-ray examination procedures. Recommendations to the NMBHD were as follows:Education and training, Distribution of guidelines, Keeping a record of HCP’s qualifications, Consent form must be completed for all female patients of child-bearing age, Redesign the current x-ray request form. The researcher also made recommendations for possible future studies which could also increase patient safety during x-ray examinations and were as follows. The researcher suggested that this research could be applied at both public and private hospitals as well as in other health districts in the Eastern Cape to evaluate the adequacy of the completion of the x-ray request forms in the Eastern Cape. The researcher suggested a research study be done at PHCC’s in NMBHD, on the justification and the dose levels used for the frequently requested x-rays. The researcher recommended an accessible health information exchange system for radiography in Port Elizabeth and surrounding health institutions to reduce repeated x-ray requests for patients who visit different health institutions for the same clinical problem. The researcher concluded from the results of the statistical analyses of the study that generally the adequacy of completion of the x-ray request forms at the PHCC’s in NMBHD was average. Improperly or incomplete fields on the x-ray request forms were observed from the results. Indicating that referring HCP’s at the PHCC’s of NMBHD could optimise the x-ray referral system by means of correct, accurate and comprehensive completion of the x-ray request form to ensure patient safety during ionising radiographic examinations.
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- Date Issued: 2018
The aesthetic manifestations of nothingness in contemporary visual arts practice
- Authors: Munnick, Robyn Therése
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Art, Modern -- 21st century , Aesthetics , Visual perception , Art -- Philosophy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41636 , vital:36550
- Description: The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the notion of nothingness and how it [nothingness] is the conceptual and theoretical foundation for my practice. Furthermore, within this study I explicate how my art uses my mother’s battle with cancer and the subsequent void it created in me as source material for the artistic expression of nothingness. The diagnosis which followed by a physical and emotional absence of the matriarch of my family, led to an emotional trauma that triggered a feeling of nothingness within me. The overarching problem in the study is therefore how this nothingness could be expressed in my art. Nothingness, as a product of expectation, is a notion which refers to where something used to be, should be or is not anymore, and attempts to grasp what is there by not being there. In attempting to express nothingness, the research aimed to build on an exploration of the various materials and modes utilized in order to underpin the research objectives. The primary mode of delivery for my art-making process is painting. However, through strengthening the messages and meaning of the hypothesis of nothingness within my art and research, the use of further modes and materials became pivotal. This involved the use of unconventional contrasting modes within painting such as the cloth doily, thread, tubing, ceramics, food colour, spray paint, PVA, plaster, wooden boxes and fragments thereof. These materials and modes were vital in visualising and aestheticising the conceptual underpinnings of the research. As a result, this strengthened and emancipated my art from the traditional bounds of pure painting. Methods of data gathering took the form of artefacts, document analysis and field notes in the form of photographic journaling. Ultimately my body of work and research validates that the idea of nothingness can be artistically explored.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Evaluation of near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy to determine the nutrient composition of raw materials and compound ostrich feeds
- Authors: Swart, Etheresia , Lehmann-Maritz, Maryna
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Near infrared spectroscopy , Animal nutrition , Animal feeding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13779 , vital:27307
- Description: The chemical analysis of feed samples can be time consuming and expensive. The use of near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy was evaluated in a range of studies as a rapid technique to predict the chemical constituents in feedstuffs and compound ostrich feeds. The prediction of accurate results by NIR spectroscopy relies heavily upon obtaining a calibration set which represents the variation in the main population, accurate laboratory analyses and the application of the best mathematical procedures. This research project was designed to meet five objectives: The first objective was to determine the feasibility of using near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy to predict dry matter, ash, crude protein, crude fibre, oil content, and fatty acids such as palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1) and linoleic acid (C18:2) in sunflower seed meal. The second objective was to develop calibration models to predict the dry matter, crude protein and oil content in milled canola seed, compared to whole canola seeds. The third objective was to investigate the feasibility of using NIR spectroscopy to predict the dry matter, ash, crude protein, crude fibre and oil content in milled lupin seeds, compared to whole lupin seeds. The fourth objective was to describe the development of near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy calibration equations for the prediction of chemical composition and amino acid content from different populations of alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa L.). The last objective was to determine the potential of NIR spectroscopy to predict the dry matter, ash, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), calcium, phosphorus, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and amino acids such as lysine, methionine, threonine and arginine in compound ostrich feed samples. The results of this study indicate that NIR spectroscopy calibrations in sunflower seed meal are only applicable in sunflower breeding programmes for a fast screening as it was not suitable for prediction purposes. Screening of sunflower seeds by NIR spectroscopy represents a rapid, simple and cost effective alternative that is a great utility for users who need to analyse a large number of samples. Calibrations developed for crude protein and oil content in milled canola seeds proved to be better than calibrations for whole canola seeds. Although the results indicated that calibrations were better for milled canola seeds, it indicated values that were typical of equations suitable for screening purposes to select samples for more detailed chemical analysis. According to calibration statistics obtained for crude protein, crude fibre and oil content in whole lupin seeds, there is no need to grind the seeds to scan the meal as similarly accurate results were obtained by analysing whole seeds. Screening of whole lupin seeds by NIR spectroscopy represents a rapid, simple and cost effective alternative that may be of great utility for users who need to analyse a large number of samples with no sample preparation. The calibration and validation statistics obtained in the study to test the potential of NIR spectroscopy to predict the chemical composition and amino acid contents in alfalfa hay, showed the accuracy was too low for routine analysis, although NIR spectroscopy could be used as a screening tool. Further research needs to be done to improve the accuracy of the NIR spectroscopy analysis, including more samples from different cultivars and years. In the study to examine the possibility of using NIR spectroscopy to predict the chemical composition of compound ostrich feeds, the results indicated that NIR spectroscopy is a suitable tool for a rapid and reliable prediction of the crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, IVOMD, ADF and NDF in compound ostrich feeds. Calibrations can be improved for amino acids if a larger sample pool is used to develop the calibrations. These studies indicated that NIR spectroscopy can be a rapid and successful tool for the prediction of the nutritive value up to certain amino acid contents of feedstuffs and compound ostrich feeds.
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- Date Issued: 2017
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
A comparative assessment of dairy calf feeding management systems at Fernwood Dairy Farm, Alexandria, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Phakwago, Potego Steward Kgaditsi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Dairy cattle -- Nutrition -- Requirements , Dairy cattle -- Feeding and feeds , Cattle -- Feed utilization efficiency
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48069 , vital:40468
- Description: The study compared fresh milk as group control to three different milk replacers (Blossom® Easymix, Denkavit® Milk-Bar and Surromel® Calf) and two milk supplements (Byboost Calf® and SupaCalf®) mixed with fresh milk at Fernwood Dairy Farm in Alexandria, Eastern Cape. The objectives of the study were to compare the growth rate of the calves in a trial from day two to 49 at weaning and to calculate average daily gain with the aim of comparison of the cost/weight gain ratio of each liquid feed fed. Sixty Holstein (60) heifer calves were used in a completely randomised design to calculate average daily body weight gains in the six calf groups fed six different milk feeds. Calves were fed four litres liquid feeds every day. Water and solid feeds (Olifantskop® calf starter pellets and lucerne hay) were available. Results comprise of details regarding weather conditions, weight gain results, and body stature measurements, including body weight, wither height, hip height and heart girth. Statistical analysis of the weight gain and body stature measurements was essential to determine the usefulness and reliability of the research data. Results of the statistical calculations indicated that the body weight gain data provided very useful results with statistical significant differences between the six groups (F=5.09; P=0.0008). Body stature measurements are not as reliable. Results are summarised as follows: Liquid feed Cost/kg weight gain Average daily gain • Fresh milk R 34.29 0.50 kg/day • Blossom®Easymix R39.25 0.35 kg/day • Denkavit® Milk-Bar R22.57 0.42 kg/day • Surromel® Calf R23.48 0.39 kg/day • Fresh milk + Byboost Calf® R37.46 0.47 kg/day • Fresh milk +SupaCalf® R29.76 0.62 kg/day Comparison of the cost/weight gain ratio of milk replacers and fresh milk draws the following conclusions: The cost of feeding a calf was significantly lower when milk replacers Denkavit® and Surromel® were used; however this yielded a lower average daily gain when compared with that of fresh milk. Denkavit® milk replacer had a lower cost than fresh milk in terms of the average daily gain. The cost of the Denkavit was the lowest of all the products (R22.56/kg) and was in the fourth position in weight gain (0.42kg/day). Surromel® lay in the fifth place for both cost (R23.48/kg) and weight gain (0.39 kg/day). Blossom® Easymix milk replacer had a higher cost than fresh milk. Blossom was the most costly of all the feeds (R39.25/kg) but had the lowest average daily gain (0.35 kg/day). Comparison of fresh milk plus additives to fresh milk alone: The use of SupaCalf® additive to fresh milk resulted in the highest average daily gain of 0.62 kg/day at a cost of R29.76/kg which was more cost effective than the control fresh milk group (0.50 kg/day, R34.29/kg), When using Byboost® additive the average daily gain of 0.47 kg/day at a cost of R37.46, less cost effective than fresh milk (0.50 kg/day, R34.29). Statistical analysis of body stature measurements yielded one significant result(F=3.20; p=0.0140) confirming that use of SupaCalf® additive resulted in the biggest heart girth increase at 16.90 cm and the smallest being Blossom® Easymix at 11.88 cm. Figure for the control fresh milk group was 12.86 cm. Dairy calves all over the world are fed different feeds depending on the farm owner or manager’s preference and budget. For those who have been in the industry for a while as well as the newcomers, this study can help when weighing options and deciding on which feeds to use.
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- Date Issued: 2014
User experience factors for mobile banking adoption: South African case study
- Authors: Louw, Jacques Gerrit
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Mobile commerce -- South Africa , Telecommunication -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39207 , vital:35059
- Description: Smartphone devices are driving the transformation of online banking to satisfy the needs and desires of the consumer. This has led South African commercial banks to launch mobile banking applications on smartphones to enhance the growth of the economy and to provide more opportunities to improve the deprived sector of the economy, at acceptable rates. Moreover, opportunities exist for revenue growth, such as the delivery of greater real-time access to products and the offering of a wide variety of banking services. South African commercial banks could realise opportunities for economical and revenue growth should they focus on specific criteria that could enhance mobile banking adoption. Such criteria could not until recently, be realised by commercial banks in South Africa as the adoption rate of mobile banking remained low at 9%. Numerous South African studies have attempted to determine factors that could enhance mobile banking adoption in South Africa. There is, however, a lack of South African studies attempting to identify user experience factors that could enhance mobile banking adoption in South Africa. User experience refers to the subjective feeling of the user that results from their interaction or intention to interact with a product, to perform a specific task in a specific environment. One of the most important components for the success of any product is a positive user experience. When the user interface and functionality of a product match the expectations of the users and make the users effective and efficient, feel safe and attain some level of self-worth from using or possessing the product, their interaction with the product becomes more satisfactory. Consequently, the importance of designing for a positive user experience opens up the potential for identifying potential user experience factors that could enhance mobile banking adoption in South Africa. The user experience factors identified in this study infer their components from the user experience aspect of persuasive design and its elements, namely persuasion and trust, that led to the emergence of scarcity, reciprocation and security factors that could enhance mobile banking adoption in South Africa. A case study was employed to confirm the factors that could enhance mobile banking adoption in South Africa. The findings from the case study and the extensive literature review culminated in a set of user experience factors that in future could enhance the adoption of mobile banking in South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Carbon monoxide exposure and respiratory diseases in Wells Estate and Walmer township in Port Elizabeth, South africa
- Authors: Ejesieme, Amarachi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Air -- Pollution -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Carbon monoxide , Respiratory organs -- Diseases , Respiratory infections
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39874 , vital:35496
- Description: To ascertain household exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) and its associations with respiratory diseases in Port Elizabeth, a cross-sectional study was undertaken in Walmer Township and Wells Estate in Port Elizabeth. Ambient and indoor CO levels were measured in each township and compared with national and international air quality guideline. ChromAir® diffusion carbon monoxide badges were used for carbon monoxide measurement. Badges are relatively inexpensive and easy to use and results can be obtained after a 48-hour passive exposure. Exposure to CO was determined by measuring levels in the ambient environment and living rooms of study dwellings. The prevalence of respiratory diseases and symptoms were assessed using the iBhayi study questionnaire. The mean of ambient and indoor CO levels for the total sample was 8.02 (SD 2.43) and 0.68 (SD 1.23) ppm respectively. In this study, 40% of ambient CO measurements exceeded the World Health Organisation (WHO) 8-hour guideline of 8.7 ppm. The Student’s t-test showed that ambient (p = 0.59) and indoor (p = 0.16) CO levels in Walmer Township and Wells Estate were similar. This shows that CO exposure in both townships do not vary significantly. Fever and chills (32%), headache (19%) and runny/blocked nose (19%) were the most prevalent acute respiratory symptoms. The predominant respiratory diseases/conditions were tuberculosis (8.5%) and asthma (5.7%). CO at levels below the WHO 8-hour guidelines was significantly associated with the prevalence of acute respiratory symptoms (AOR = 2.286; 95% CI: 1.220 - 4.283). Ageing emerged as an independent risk factor for high tuberculosis prevalence in the study sites (AOR = 5.837; 95% CI: 1.654 – 20. 596). The study indicated low levels of carbon monoxide exposure in the study areas. From the findings, CO may be associated with an increase in respiratory symptoms in the study population. Increasing community awareness on sources and adverse health effects of CO exposure with improved service delivery will be helpful in reducing the burden of respiratory outcomes in the study sites.
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- Date Issued: 2019
The efficiency of budgeting for procurement of movable non-current assets in the absence of sound asset management
- Authors: Mtayisi, Nobuntu Rebecca
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Assets (Accounting) -- Management , Asset management accounts , Budget
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19651 , vital:28923
- Description: Movable non-current assets are physical and mobile assets that a municipality uses to provide services to the community directly or indirectly. Therefore, effective movable non-current asset management is necessary to ensure that these assets provide value to both the municipality and the community. This study seeks to determine whether poor asset management negatively affects capital budgeting for procurement of movable non-current assets. Mbhashe Local Municipality, a Category B municipality in the Eastern Cape Province was selected for the study. A desktop research method was utilised for this study. The analysis of secondary data includes policy documents (such as National Treasury asset management guidelines and Mbhashe budgeting policy), books, journals, internet data, newspapers and research documents in order to determine asset management guidelines and budgeting theories by noteworthy scholars. Auditor General South Africa (AGSA) and State of Local Government Finance reports were also analysed to establish the current practice and impact of the role of the municipal management in its finances as well as budget spending patterns at Mbhashe Local Municipality. The results of the study revealed that Mbhashe Local Municipality’s non-compliance with asset management and budgeting policies and procedures throughout the period of the study negatively affected their capital budgeting decisions. The consequences of instability in leadership and lack of approved movable non-current asset management policy resulted in partial asset information, incorrect recording and accounting systems for assets and unauthorised disposal of strategic movable non-current assets. Although, an approved budget policy existed at Mbhashe Local Municipality, the budgetary information was unrealistic because of negligence such as: lack of public participation, consultation and alignment of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) with the municipality’s objectives. This resulted in habitual under-spending of capital assets compared to the capital budget throughout the period of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Constraints to students' participation in sport on a formalised level: implications for marketers
- Authors: Halforty, Gail Avril
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Sports -- Physiological aspects , Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9370 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012120 , Sports -- Physiological aspects , Marketing
- Description: The rate of obesity has risen dramatically over recent years and is an epidemic in many countries. School pupils and university students are no exception to this. The negative effects physically, mentally and emotionally of being overweight are detrimental to one’s quality of life. It is therefore critical to encourage pupils and students to participate in physical activity. Formalised sport is a key component of encouraging physical activity. The habits learnt in childhood and early adulthood are often carried through for the rest of one’s life. The benefits of participating in sport need to be promoted extensively to the students, as research has shown students that participate in sport are not only healthier but achieve better academic results. This study examined the constraints to students’ participation in formalised sport. The empirical data was collected by means of a survey, using self-administered questionnaires distributed to students on the three Summerstrand campuses at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth. Two hundred and eighty three usable questionnaires were received. Time and scheduling was found to be the most constraining factor to participation in sport. I am too busy with my university studies attracted the highest mean score of all the items on the questionnaire. It is recommended that: • sport organisers at NMMU emphasise to the students the benefits of regular participation in physical activity; • the effectiveness of the current NMMU sport programmes and accessibility be further investigated as only 18 per cent of the students in 2011 were participating in sport programmes at NMMU; • time management skills be taught to the NMMU students as the Time and scheduling constraint was the most profound constraint to participation in formalised sport; • NMMU academic staff work more closely with the staff at the University Sport Bureau to promote regular sport participation and to disseminate sport related information that could promote being more actively involved in sport; and • relevant introductory sport programmes and more internal leagues be offered, that gently introduce various sport codes to the students.
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- Date Issued: 2012