Coping resources and sense of coherence of male police officers in the South African Police Services
- Authors: Kayal, Mohammed
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Police -- Job stress -- South Africa , South African Police Service , Coping Responses Inventory -- South Africa , Adjustment (Psychology) -- South Africa -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:11018 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/345 , Police -- Job stress -- South Africa , South African Police Service , Coping Responses Inventory -- South Africa , Adjustment (Psychology) -- South Africa -- Testing
- Description: In South Africa the extraordinary high levels of violence and crime, escalating execution and killings of police officers, large number of murders, hijacking, robberies and shootings have created an unusually dangerous and stressful working environment for the members of the South African Police Services (SAPS). An overview of the literature on the nature of work in the SAPS indicates that these working conditions might have a detrimental effect on the coping resources and sense of coherence of police officers. This study aimed to explore and describe the coping resources and sense of coherence of male police officers in the SAPS. It employed a quantitative exploratory descriptive research design, making use of non-probability convenience sampling. The sample consisted of 70 male police officers who have been in the service of the SAPS for at least two years. All police officers that were included in the sample were also shift workers defined by the SAPS as police officers who work unsociable hours and who are likely to be exposed to violence, risks, danger, and traumatic situations. A further inclusion criterion was that the police officers must not be subjected to possible relocation or transfer as stipulated in Resolution 7/2002. The Coping Resources Inventory (CRI) was employed to identify the coping resources used by the participants and the Sense of Coherence Questionnaire (SOC- 29) was utilised as a measure of the participants’ sense of coherence. A biographical questionnaire collated important demographic and background information. The data was analysed by computing descriptive statistics. To examine the relationship between the sense of coherence and coping resources of the participants, a multiple correlation xv between the total score of the SOC-29 and the subscales of the CRI was conducted. Following this, a Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was utilised to intercorrelate the total score of the SOC-29 and the individual subscales of the CRI. The results of the present study indicated the followings: The SOC-29 revealed relatively low scores for the current sample. Results on the CRI revealed low average scores for both the total and all five scales. The correlational analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between the two measures for the current sample.
- Full Text:
Coping resources and sense of coherence of male police officers in the South African Police Services
- Authors: Kayal, Mohammed
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Police -- Job stress -- South Africa , South African Police Service , Coping Responses Inventory -- South Africa , Adjustment (Psychology) -- South Africa -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:11018 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/345 , Police -- Job stress -- South Africa , South African Police Service , Coping Responses Inventory -- South Africa , Adjustment (Psychology) -- South Africa -- Testing
- Description: In South Africa the extraordinary high levels of violence and crime, escalating execution and killings of police officers, large number of murders, hijacking, robberies and shootings have created an unusually dangerous and stressful working environment for the members of the South African Police Services (SAPS). An overview of the literature on the nature of work in the SAPS indicates that these working conditions might have a detrimental effect on the coping resources and sense of coherence of police officers. This study aimed to explore and describe the coping resources and sense of coherence of male police officers in the SAPS. It employed a quantitative exploratory descriptive research design, making use of non-probability convenience sampling. The sample consisted of 70 male police officers who have been in the service of the SAPS for at least two years. All police officers that were included in the sample were also shift workers defined by the SAPS as police officers who work unsociable hours and who are likely to be exposed to violence, risks, danger, and traumatic situations. A further inclusion criterion was that the police officers must not be subjected to possible relocation or transfer as stipulated in Resolution 7/2002. The Coping Resources Inventory (CRI) was employed to identify the coping resources used by the participants and the Sense of Coherence Questionnaire (SOC- 29) was utilised as a measure of the participants’ sense of coherence. A biographical questionnaire collated important demographic and background information. The data was analysed by computing descriptive statistics. To examine the relationship between the sense of coherence and coping resources of the participants, a multiple correlation xv between the total score of the SOC-29 and the subscales of the CRI was conducted. Following this, a Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was utilised to intercorrelate the total score of the SOC-29 and the individual subscales of the CRI. The results of the present study indicated the followings: The SOC-29 revealed relatively low scores for the current sample. Results on the CRI revealed low average scores for both the total and all five scales. The correlational analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between the two measures for the current sample.
- Full Text:
Research portfolio
- Authors: Katewa, E N M
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Rundu College of Education (Namibia) Education -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia College teachers -- Training of -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia Curriculum change -- Namibia Teaching -- Namibia Universities and colleges -- Namibia -- Curricula
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1734 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003617
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate the contradiction between the teaching of integration in ETP and the actual practice of compartmentalisation within ETP at the Rundu College of Education. The second part of this study is to explore and examine the way teacher educators could integrate subjects into their specialisation areas at college level. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the following: • The reason (s) why there is a contradiction between the teaching in ETP and the actual practice of compartmentalisation within the ETP. • Examining and investigating factors that have contributed to the teaching in a compartmentalised way.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Katewa, E N M
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Rundu College of Education (Namibia) Education -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia College teachers -- Training of -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia Curriculum change -- Namibia Teaching -- Namibia Universities and colleges -- Namibia -- Curricula
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1734 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003617
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate the contradiction between the teaching of integration in ETP and the actual practice of compartmentalisation within ETP at the Rundu College of Education. The second part of this study is to explore and examine the way teacher educators could integrate subjects into their specialisation areas at college level. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the following: • The reason (s) why there is a contradiction between the teaching in ETP and the actual practice of compartmentalisation within the ETP. • Examining and investigating factors that have contributed to the teaching in a compartmentalised way.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Imagery and the transformation of meaning in psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: a hermeneutic case study
- Authors: Karpelowsky, Belinda Jodi
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Treatment , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Rehabilitation , Imagery (Psychology) -- Therapeutic use , Psychotherapy , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3000 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002509 , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Treatment , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Rehabilitation , Imagery (Psychology) -- Therapeutic use , Psychotherapy , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Case studies
- Description: This study discusses the assessment and treatment of a 21-year old male who had suffered multiple traumas, which had culminated in the death of his younger brother. He presented with Acute Stress Disorder. The literature review examines a diverse range of theorists and discourses, that have addressed the psychological consequences of trauma and highlights the complexity of the phenomena involved. The case study, located in the South African context, aims to sensitise the reader to the unique dilemmas facing each trauma survivor, and serves to highlight specifically those areas, which are pertinent and further more contribute significantly to the recovery process. The case narrative consists of a detailed synopsis of the therapy process, extracted from the session record notes documented at the time. Several other sources of information, including contributions from the participant, were used to verify and validate the accuracy of the data included. The narrative is written in a style that conveys the intensity of the nature of trauma work and the manner in which both patient and clinician are frequently confronted with very difficult emotional work. Finally the discussion examines the case narrative through the use of a set of carefully selected hermeneutic questions. These focused on (I) key concepts from the work of Robert Lifton who highlights the existential dimensions of the impact of trauma; (2) the role of the image in encapsulating the complex traumatic and post-traumatic experience of the survivor as well as facilitating the emotional processing of the trauma is examined; (3) the contribution to the process of therapy of aspects of the therapeutic relationship; and (4) the concept of recovery in relation to the question of what constitutes 'trauma work'. In conclusion, several meta-theoretical issues related to trauma, the strengths and weaknesses inherent to the research and relevant future areas of research are highlighted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Karpelowsky, Belinda Jodi
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Treatment , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Rehabilitation , Imagery (Psychology) -- Therapeutic use , Psychotherapy , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3000 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002509 , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Treatment , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Rehabilitation , Imagery (Psychology) -- Therapeutic use , Psychotherapy , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Case studies
- Description: This study discusses the assessment and treatment of a 21-year old male who had suffered multiple traumas, which had culminated in the death of his younger brother. He presented with Acute Stress Disorder. The literature review examines a diverse range of theorists and discourses, that have addressed the psychological consequences of trauma and highlights the complexity of the phenomena involved. The case study, located in the South African context, aims to sensitise the reader to the unique dilemmas facing each trauma survivor, and serves to highlight specifically those areas, which are pertinent and further more contribute significantly to the recovery process. The case narrative consists of a detailed synopsis of the therapy process, extracted from the session record notes documented at the time. Several other sources of information, including contributions from the participant, were used to verify and validate the accuracy of the data included. The narrative is written in a style that conveys the intensity of the nature of trauma work and the manner in which both patient and clinician are frequently confronted with very difficult emotional work. Finally the discussion examines the case narrative through the use of a set of carefully selected hermeneutic questions. These focused on (I) key concepts from the work of Robert Lifton who highlights the existential dimensions of the impact of trauma; (2) the role of the image in encapsulating the complex traumatic and post-traumatic experience of the survivor as well as facilitating the emotional processing of the trauma is examined; (3) the contribution to the process of therapy of aspects of the therapeutic relationship; and (4) the concept of recovery in relation to the question of what constitutes 'trauma work'. In conclusion, several meta-theoretical issues related to trauma, the strengths and weaknesses inherent to the research and relevant future areas of research are highlighted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An analysis of restructuring and work design used by manufacturing organisations in response to changing global forces
- Authors: Kapp, Ashley
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Organizational change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Business Administration)
- Identifier: vital:10867 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/145 , Organizational change -- South Africa
- Description: Due to the continual increase in competitive pressure from international organisations, it has become necessary to assess the degree of transformational change within South African organisations to overcome the effect of global forces. Transformation was investigated in terms of organizational restructuring and the various work designs that are utilised by organisations to deal with the effect of global forces. To examine the main problem, three sub-problems were identified. The first sub-problem that had been identified dealt with the extent of which global forces impacted on the business environment. It was investigated by evaluating various economic, technological and sociopolitical forces. From the results it may be concluded that global forces have a large impact on the local business environment. The second sub-problem looked at the degree to which work designs assisted organisations to manage the effect of global forces. It was evident that the flexible types of work designs were more readily utilised to optimise productivity and employee moral. Finally, the third sub-problem investigated the various structures that organisations could adopt to deal with the effect of global forces. Organisational structures were analysed in terms of customer orientation, fulfilment of company objectives and the types of structures that are used within organisations. The results showed that 75% of the sample population believed that their organisational structures co-ordinated all activities within their organisations. Feedback on the type of structures that were used by organisations revealed that various types are being used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Kapp, Ashley
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Organizational change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Business Administration)
- Identifier: vital:10867 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/145 , Organizational change -- South Africa
- Description: Due to the continual increase in competitive pressure from international organisations, it has become necessary to assess the degree of transformational change within South African organisations to overcome the effect of global forces. Transformation was investigated in terms of organizational restructuring and the various work designs that are utilised by organisations to deal with the effect of global forces. To examine the main problem, three sub-problems were identified. The first sub-problem that had been identified dealt with the extent of which global forces impacted on the business environment. It was investigated by evaluating various economic, technological and sociopolitical forces. From the results it may be concluded that global forces have a large impact on the local business environment. The second sub-problem looked at the degree to which work designs assisted organisations to manage the effect of global forces. It was evident that the flexible types of work designs were more readily utilised to optimise productivity and employee moral. Finally, the third sub-problem investigated the various structures that organisations could adopt to deal with the effect of global forces. Organisational structures were analysed in terms of customer orientation, fulfilment of company objectives and the types of structures that are used within organisations. The results showed that 75% of the sample population believed that their organisational structures co-ordinated all activities within their organisations. Feedback on the type of structures that were used by organisations revealed that various types are being used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Age, growth and yield-per-recruit analysis of ndunduma Diplotaxodon limnothrissa (Teleostei: Cichlidae), in the southeastern arm of Lake Malawi
- Authors: Kanyerere, Geoffrey Zantute
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Fishes -- Nyasa, Lake , Cichlids -- Nyasa, Lake , Fishes -- Growth -- Nyasa, Lake , Fishes -- Age -- Nyasa, Lake , Fishery resources -- Malawi , Fishery management -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5214 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005057 , Fishes -- Nyasa, Lake , Cichlids -- Nyasa, Lake , Fishes -- Growth -- Nyasa, Lake , Fishes -- Age -- Nyasa, Lake , Fishery resources -- Malawi , Fishery management -- Malawi
- Description: Diplotaxodon limnothrissa Turner (1995) is a widely distributed species occurring throughout Lake Malawi, extending from the surface to a depth of at least 220m. It is probably the most abundant cichlid in the lake with biomass estimates of around 87 000 tonnes in the pelagic zone alone. The species is exploited commercially in the southern part of the lake but since its inception the fishery has never been assessed. As such this study investigates some aspects of age and growth of the species besides applying a yield-per-recruit analysis to assess the status of the fishery. Analysis of sectioned sagittal otoliths revealed that D. limnothrissa is fast growing and relatively long-lived species, attaining ages in excess of 10 years. Growth in length was rapid in immature fish, with fish attaining almost half of their maximum size within their first year. Le ngth-at-age was described by the von Bertalanffy growth model with combined-sex growth described as Lt = 211.21(1-exp(- 0.24(t+1.36))) mm TL. Total, natural and fishing mortalities were estimated at 0.76 yr⁻¹, 0.31 yr⁻¹ and 0.45 yr⁻¹ respectively. Per-recruit analysis indicated that the D. limnothrissa stock in the southeast arm of the lake is fully exploited as indicated by the current spawner biomass-per-recruit ratios of 31-55% (SB/R)F=0. Modelling indicated that the current age-at-capture (2.67 years) is lower than the age at which yield is optimised (> 5 years) based on the F₀·₁ harvesting strategy. It is, therefore, recommended that the age-at-capture should be increased from 2.67 to 5 years to optimise yield.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Kanyerere, Geoffrey Zantute
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Fishes -- Nyasa, Lake , Cichlids -- Nyasa, Lake , Fishes -- Growth -- Nyasa, Lake , Fishes -- Age -- Nyasa, Lake , Fishery resources -- Malawi , Fishery management -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5214 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005057 , Fishes -- Nyasa, Lake , Cichlids -- Nyasa, Lake , Fishes -- Growth -- Nyasa, Lake , Fishes -- Age -- Nyasa, Lake , Fishery resources -- Malawi , Fishery management -- Malawi
- Description: Diplotaxodon limnothrissa Turner (1995) is a widely distributed species occurring throughout Lake Malawi, extending from the surface to a depth of at least 220m. It is probably the most abundant cichlid in the lake with biomass estimates of around 87 000 tonnes in the pelagic zone alone. The species is exploited commercially in the southern part of the lake but since its inception the fishery has never been assessed. As such this study investigates some aspects of age and growth of the species besides applying a yield-per-recruit analysis to assess the status of the fishery. Analysis of sectioned sagittal otoliths revealed that D. limnothrissa is fast growing and relatively long-lived species, attaining ages in excess of 10 years. Growth in length was rapid in immature fish, with fish attaining almost half of their maximum size within their first year. Le ngth-at-age was described by the von Bertalanffy growth model with combined-sex growth described as Lt = 211.21(1-exp(- 0.24(t+1.36))) mm TL. Total, natural and fishing mortalities were estimated at 0.76 yr⁻¹, 0.31 yr⁻¹ and 0.45 yr⁻¹ respectively. Per-recruit analysis indicated that the D. limnothrissa stock in the southeast arm of the lake is fully exploited as indicated by the current spawner biomass-per-recruit ratios of 31-55% (SB/R)F=0. Modelling indicated that the current age-at-capture (2.67 years) is lower than the age at which yield is optimised (> 5 years) based on the F₀·₁ harvesting strategy. It is, therefore, recommended that the age-at-capture should be increased from 2.67 to 5 years to optimise yield.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into the neuroprotective effects of melatonin in a model of rotenone-induced neurodegeneration
- Authors: Kadanthode, Rubina John
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Melatonin , Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Treatment , Rotenone
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3763 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003241 , Melatonin , Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Treatment , Rotenone
- Description: Parkinson’s disease, one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders associated with ageing, is characterised by abnormal and profound loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but epidemiological studies suggest an association with pesticides and other environmental toxins, and biochemical studies implicate oxidative damage and mitochondrial impairment, particularly at the level of complex I enzyme. Recently, rotenone, a commonly used organic pesticide and a classical inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I has been reported to reproduce the specific features of Parkinson’s disease in rodents. The mitochondrial respiratory chain is one of the most important sites of reactive oxygen species production under physiological conditions. Toxic free radicals have been implicated in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases as well as ageing itself. Melatonin, a secretory product of the pineal gland is a multifaceted free radical scavenger and natural antioxidant. In the present study, the neuroprotective effects of melatonin against the environmental neurotoxin, rotenone was investigated. Initial studies showed that inhibition of mitochondrial complex I enzyme by rotenone induced superoxide radical generation. Melatonin, administered to the rat in vivo and in vitro was able to offer neuroprotection by curtailing the production of superoxide radicals induced by rotenone. Mitochondria, being the major target of rotenone, the effects of melatonin were investigated at the mitochondrial level. Melatonin was able to increase the electron transport chain activity thus preventing the respiratory inhibition by rotenone. The pineal hormone also counteracted the action of rotenone on complex I enzyme. These results suggest melatonin’s ability to potentially limit the free radical generation and thereby modulate the mitochondrial functions. The detection and measurement of lipid peroxidation is the evidence most frequently cited to support the involvement of free radical reactions in toxicology and in human disease. Melatonin also offered significant protection in vivo and in vitro against rotenone induced lipid peroxidation. Since iron plays a major role in oxidative damage and in the progression of Parkinson’s disease, the effect of melatonin on both rotenone and iron induced lipid peroxidation was investigated, the results of which show that melatonin affords protection and this was suggested to be due to its interaction with the rotenone-iron complex that might have formed. Electrochemical studies were further used to characterise the interactions between melatonin, rotenone and iron (III). Melatonin was shown to bind with iron and thus reducing their toxicity. Histological studies were undertaken to assess the effects of melatonin on rotenone induced toxicity on the dopaminergic neurons in the rat brain. Rotenone treated brains showed extensive neuronal damage whereas with melatonin less damage was observed. Rotenone induces apoptosis via reactive oxygen species production and apoptotic cell death has been identified in PD brains. Furthermore, the apoptotic cell death was detected and quantified by the TUNEL staining. Rotenone treated sections showed signs of apoptosis whereas with melatonin, less apoptotic damage was observed. The findings of this study indicate that the neurohormone, melatonin may protect against rotenone-induced neurodegeneration. Since melatonin production falls substantially during ageing, the loss of this antioxidant is theorized to be instrumental in the degenerative processes associated with advanced age. Considering how devastating diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, are to a patient and the patient’s families, the discovery of protective agents are a matter of urgency. Further investigations using the pesticide model will help to determine the involvement of environmental exposure in the pathogenesis of human diseases as well as to test therapeutic strategies for the treatment of such diseases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Kadanthode, Rubina John
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Melatonin , Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Treatment , Rotenone
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3763 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003241 , Melatonin , Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Treatment , Rotenone
- Description: Parkinson’s disease, one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders associated with ageing, is characterised by abnormal and profound loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but epidemiological studies suggest an association with pesticides and other environmental toxins, and biochemical studies implicate oxidative damage and mitochondrial impairment, particularly at the level of complex I enzyme. Recently, rotenone, a commonly used organic pesticide and a classical inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I has been reported to reproduce the specific features of Parkinson’s disease in rodents. The mitochondrial respiratory chain is one of the most important sites of reactive oxygen species production under physiological conditions. Toxic free radicals have been implicated in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases as well as ageing itself. Melatonin, a secretory product of the pineal gland is a multifaceted free radical scavenger and natural antioxidant. In the present study, the neuroprotective effects of melatonin against the environmental neurotoxin, rotenone was investigated. Initial studies showed that inhibition of mitochondrial complex I enzyme by rotenone induced superoxide radical generation. Melatonin, administered to the rat in vivo and in vitro was able to offer neuroprotection by curtailing the production of superoxide radicals induced by rotenone. Mitochondria, being the major target of rotenone, the effects of melatonin were investigated at the mitochondrial level. Melatonin was able to increase the electron transport chain activity thus preventing the respiratory inhibition by rotenone. The pineal hormone also counteracted the action of rotenone on complex I enzyme. These results suggest melatonin’s ability to potentially limit the free radical generation and thereby modulate the mitochondrial functions. The detection and measurement of lipid peroxidation is the evidence most frequently cited to support the involvement of free radical reactions in toxicology and in human disease. Melatonin also offered significant protection in vivo and in vitro against rotenone induced lipid peroxidation. Since iron plays a major role in oxidative damage and in the progression of Parkinson’s disease, the effect of melatonin on both rotenone and iron induced lipid peroxidation was investigated, the results of which show that melatonin affords protection and this was suggested to be due to its interaction with the rotenone-iron complex that might have formed. Electrochemical studies were further used to characterise the interactions between melatonin, rotenone and iron (III). Melatonin was shown to bind with iron and thus reducing their toxicity. Histological studies were undertaken to assess the effects of melatonin on rotenone induced toxicity on the dopaminergic neurons in the rat brain. Rotenone treated brains showed extensive neuronal damage whereas with melatonin less damage was observed. Rotenone induces apoptosis via reactive oxygen species production and apoptotic cell death has been identified in PD brains. Furthermore, the apoptotic cell death was detected and quantified by the TUNEL staining. Rotenone treated sections showed signs of apoptosis whereas with melatonin, less apoptotic damage was observed. The findings of this study indicate that the neurohormone, melatonin may protect against rotenone-induced neurodegeneration. Since melatonin production falls substantially during ageing, the loss of this antioxidant is theorized to be instrumental in the degenerative processes associated with advanced age. Considering how devastating diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, are to a patient and the patient’s families, the discovery of protective agents are a matter of urgency. Further investigations using the pesticide model will help to determine the involvement of environmental exposure in the pathogenesis of human diseases as well as to test therapeutic strategies for the treatment of such diseases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The effect of a water-based programme on the motor proficiency of children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD)
- Authors: Joubert, Christine
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Hydrotherapy for children -- South Africa , Motor ability in children -- South Africa -- Testing , Children with disabilities -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:11032 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/397 , Hydrotherapy for children -- South Africa , Motor ability in children -- South Africa -- Testing , Children with disabilities -- South Africa
- Description: This study determined the effect of a water-based programme on the motor proficiency of children with Development Coordination Disorder (DCD). The water-based programme promoted an alternative environment for DCD children, involving all dimensions of movement. Thirty-one (31) children from Port Elizabeth participated, with an experimental group (n=15) following the eight-week water-based programme, while a control group (n=16) carried on with daily activities. Motor proficiency was measured during three tests, utilizing the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP). Results indicated positive effects of the intervention on all the variables of the BOTMP (p < 0.05). Confirming this, three variables obtained practical significance with Cohen’s d > 0.8, and one with 0.2 < d < 0.8. At the end of the three-month duration of the study, the experimental group indicated better performances at the end of the study than at the start, thereby confirming the positive and lasting effect of the water-based intervention programme. Therefore, the use of a water-based programme in improving motor proficiency is supported. However, implementation of the programme over a longer period is recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Joubert, Christine
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Hydrotherapy for children -- South Africa , Motor ability in children -- South Africa -- Testing , Children with disabilities -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:11032 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/397 , Hydrotherapy for children -- South Africa , Motor ability in children -- South Africa -- Testing , Children with disabilities -- South Africa
- Description: This study determined the effect of a water-based programme on the motor proficiency of children with Development Coordination Disorder (DCD). The water-based programme promoted an alternative environment for DCD children, involving all dimensions of movement. Thirty-one (31) children from Port Elizabeth participated, with an experimental group (n=15) following the eight-week water-based programme, while a control group (n=16) carried on with daily activities. Motor proficiency was measured during three tests, utilizing the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP). Results indicated positive effects of the intervention on all the variables of the BOTMP (p < 0.05). Confirming this, three variables obtained practical significance with Cohen’s d > 0.8, and one with 0.2 < d < 0.8. At the end of the three-month duration of the study, the experimental group indicated better performances at the end of the study than at the start, thereby confirming the positive and lasting effect of the water-based intervention programme. Therefore, the use of a water-based programme in improving motor proficiency is supported. However, implementation of the programme over a longer period is recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The location of meaning in the postmodernist literary text: a reading of Mark Z. Danielewski's House of Leaves and related material
- Authors: Jeffery, Thomas Carnegie
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Danielewski, Mark Z. House of leaves , Danielewski, Mark Z. Criticism and interpretation , Horror tales , English literature -- Criticism, Textual , Literature, Modern -- History and criticism , Postmodernism (Literature)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2196 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002238
- Description: In House of Leaves, Mark Z. Danielewski has produced a text which epitomises the traits and concerns of postmodernist literature. Through his attention to aspects such as metafiction, intertextuality and parody, Danielewski develops a narrative structure which is best understood as a literary labyrinth. It is a structure intended to reflect the social conditions of the twenty-first century and comment on the experience of people living at this time. Some of the meaning-making strategies within the book’s labyrinthine structure are thus discussed in detail in order to demonstrate the relevance and importance of House of Leaves as social commentary. House of Leaves is an exemplary postmodernist text, but it is also one that seeks to guide the reader beyond the intellectual impasse of the postmodernist paradigm toward a renewed ethical and political engagement with the world. One of the most important goals of both Danielewski’s novel and this thesis is to attempt to redefine the postmodernist perspective in such a way as to insist on the necessity of what I call a new realism. This is founded upon an awareness of the pervasiveness of the self-perpetuating ideology of capitalism, even in the perspective of postmodernism (which purports to subvert all authoritative ideologies). Playing a crucial role in perpetuating the status quo of capitalism is the growth of entertainment culture, which works to sideline crucial political issues by replacing information with infotainment. The result is an intensification of the processes of commodification. Such an intensification, it is argued, may be countered by a radical scepticism which draws upon the methods and insights of contemporary science.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Jeffery, Thomas Carnegie
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Danielewski, Mark Z. House of leaves , Danielewski, Mark Z. Criticism and interpretation , Horror tales , English literature -- Criticism, Textual , Literature, Modern -- History and criticism , Postmodernism (Literature)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2196 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002238
- Description: In House of Leaves, Mark Z. Danielewski has produced a text which epitomises the traits and concerns of postmodernist literature. Through his attention to aspects such as metafiction, intertextuality and parody, Danielewski develops a narrative structure which is best understood as a literary labyrinth. It is a structure intended to reflect the social conditions of the twenty-first century and comment on the experience of people living at this time. Some of the meaning-making strategies within the book’s labyrinthine structure are thus discussed in detail in order to demonstrate the relevance and importance of House of Leaves as social commentary. House of Leaves is an exemplary postmodernist text, but it is also one that seeks to guide the reader beyond the intellectual impasse of the postmodernist paradigm toward a renewed ethical and political engagement with the world. One of the most important goals of both Danielewski’s novel and this thesis is to attempt to redefine the postmodernist perspective in such a way as to insist on the necessity of what I call a new realism. This is founded upon an awareness of the pervasiveness of the self-perpetuating ideology of capitalism, even in the perspective of postmodernism (which purports to subvert all authoritative ideologies). Playing a crucial role in perpetuating the status quo of capitalism is the growth of entertainment culture, which works to sideline crucial political issues by replacing information with infotainment. The result is an intensification of the processes of commodification. Such an intensification, it is argued, may be countered by a radical scepticism which draws upon the methods and insights of contemporary science.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The application of rheological techniques in the characterization of semisolids in the pharmaceutical industry
- Authors: Jaganath, Nelesh
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Drugs -- Dosage forms , Rheology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10128 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/380 , Drugs -- Dosage forms , Rheology
- Description: Rheological characterization of pharmaceutical semisolids is of importance as it provides fundamental information required for the assessment of some of the final properties of a product such as viscosity, elasticity, quality and storage stability. The effect of formulation variables on product characteristics such as consistency and correlation of consumer evaluation of consistency can also be attained. (Ramachandran et al., 1999) This study focussed on using rheological techniques to fully characterize the properties of various semisolid formulations being developed or produced at a South African-based generic pharmaceutical company. Various tests were employed to characterize the semisolid dosage forms (creams and ointments), including continuous shear tests such as flow and viscosity curves and yield point measurements, oscillatory tests such as amplitude and frequency sweeps, as well as step and temperature ramp tests. A method to determine justifiable and meaningful viscosity specifications was developed, where excellent reproducibility of results were obtained when compared to the single-point viscosity determinations usually used. An evaluation as to whether rheology can be utilized as an assessment tool for product stability revealed varying results, with the oscillation-frequency sweep test displaying modest predictive capabilities. Observable differences in rheological character were found when evaluating ointment formulations exhibiting deviating quality characteristics. When analysing the effect of varying processing parameters, namely, cooling rate and mixing speed, during the manufacture of a cream, statistically significant rheological differences were obtained, while a thorough characterization of a scale-up procedure was also achieved upon analysis of various rheological properties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Jaganath, Nelesh
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Drugs -- Dosage forms , Rheology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10128 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/380 , Drugs -- Dosage forms , Rheology
- Description: Rheological characterization of pharmaceutical semisolids is of importance as it provides fundamental information required for the assessment of some of the final properties of a product such as viscosity, elasticity, quality and storage stability. The effect of formulation variables on product characteristics such as consistency and correlation of consumer evaluation of consistency can also be attained. (Ramachandran et al., 1999) This study focussed on using rheological techniques to fully characterize the properties of various semisolid formulations being developed or produced at a South African-based generic pharmaceutical company. Various tests were employed to characterize the semisolid dosage forms (creams and ointments), including continuous shear tests such as flow and viscosity curves and yield point measurements, oscillatory tests such as amplitude and frequency sweeps, as well as step and temperature ramp tests. A method to determine justifiable and meaningful viscosity specifications was developed, where excellent reproducibility of results were obtained when compared to the single-point viscosity determinations usually used. An evaluation as to whether rheology can be utilized as an assessment tool for product stability revealed varying results, with the oscillation-frequency sweep test displaying modest predictive capabilities. Observable differences in rheological character were found when evaluating ointment formulations exhibiting deviating quality characteristics. When analysing the effect of varying processing parameters, namely, cooling rate and mixing speed, during the manufacture of a cream, statistically significant rheological differences were obtained, while a thorough characterization of a scale-up procedure was also achieved upon analysis of various rheological properties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Sobriety of crisp and fuzzy topological spaces
- Authors: Jacot-Guillarmod, Paul
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Topological spaces , Fuzzy sets
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5414 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005228 , Topological spaces , Fuzzy sets
- Description: The objective of this thesis is a survey of crisp and fuzzy sober topological spaces. We begin by examining sobriety of crisp topological spaces. We then extend this to the L- topological case and obtain analogous results and characterizations to those of the crisp case. We then brie y examine semi-sobriety of (L;M)-topological spaces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Jacot-Guillarmod, Paul
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Topological spaces , Fuzzy sets
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5414 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005228 , Topological spaces , Fuzzy sets
- Description: The objective of this thesis is a survey of crisp and fuzzy sober topological spaces. We begin by examining sobriety of crisp topological spaces. We then extend this to the L- topological case and obtain analogous results and characterizations to those of the crisp case. We then brie y examine semi-sobriety of (L;M)-topological spaces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A comparative case study of the strategies used by grade one teachers who teach through the medium of English
- Authors: Jackson, Gail
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Native language and education -- South Africa Language policy -- South Africa Language and education -- South Africa English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa Multilingualism -- South Africa Education, Bilingual -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1941 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007855
- Description: This research project begins by exploring the problems surrounding the implementation of the 1997 Language in Education Policy (LiEP), and offers insight into why some schools, despite the promotion of additive bilingualism, choose English as the primary medium of instruction. It is a comparative case study of two Grade 1 classes in different situational contexts, which highlights the teaching strategies and language practices of teachers who teach predominantly non-English speakers through the medium of English. Research carried out through this case study illustrates the use of a wide range of teaching strategies, which assist young learners when learning through an additional language. In School A, thematic linking between different learning areas to maximise vocabulary development in both the mother tongue and the additional language, as well as repetition, recycling, scaffolding and contextualisation of content were found to be important. In addition, the use of questioning to elicit understanding, as well as classroom organisation and code-switching were strategies which assisted both the teacher and learners in this multilingual environment. In School B, class size, group work and the inclusion into the timetable of a wide range of diverse activities over and above the main learning areas, which provided opportunities for language development, were important considerations. In addition, routine, predictability and an attention to detail, in keeping with a form-focussed approach, aided the children in understanding the mechanics of literacy and guiding them towards becoming phonologically aware.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Jackson, Gail
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Native language and education -- South Africa Language policy -- South Africa Language and education -- South Africa English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa Multilingualism -- South Africa Education, Bilingual -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1941 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007855
- Description: This research project begins by exploring the problems surrounding the implementation of the 1997 Language in Education Policy (LiEP), and offers insight into why some schools, despite the promotion of additive bilingualism, choose English as the primary medium of instruction. It is a comparative case study of two Grade 1 classes in different situational contexts, which highlights the teaching strategies and language practices of teachers who teach predominantly non-English speakers through the medium of English. Research carried out through this case study illustrates the use of a wide range of teaching strategies, which assist young learners when learning through an additional language. In School A, thematic linking between different learning areas to maximise vocabulary development in both the mother tongue and the additional language, as well as repetition, recycling, scaffolding and contextualisation of content were found to be important. In addition, the use of questioning to elicit understanding, as well as classroom organisation and code-switching were strategies which assisted both the teacher and learners in this multilingual environment. In School B, class size, group work and the inclusion into the timetable of a wide range of diverse activities over and above the main learning areas, which provided opportunities for language development, were important considerations. In addition, routine, predictability and an attention to detail, in keeping with a form-focussed approach, aided the children in understanding the mechanics of literacy and guiding them towards becoming phonologically aware.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The role of management and leadership in the schooling of at-risk learners: a case study of a school in Namibia
- Authors: Ipinge, Emma
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: School management and organization -- Namibia -- Case studies Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Case studies Education and state -- Namibia School discipline -- Namibia Children with social disabilities -- Education -- Namibia Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1750 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003634
- Description: Most schools that serve learners who come from disadvantaged areas and backgrounds face unusually difficult challenges. These schools experience poor performance and disciplinary problems, and teachers lack motivation and commitment. This study explores the role of leadership and management in the schooling of at-risk learners at Pandu Primary School. This school accommodates learners mostly from Hafo, a township characterised by poverty with a high crime rate. However, in spite of these factors school inspectors and advisory teachers perceive the school to be successful. The school uses an abundance of energy and unusually high levels of human effort in a very focused way to improve the teaching and learning standard. The study found the co-existence of apparently conflicting management and leadership approaches in managing and leading the school. Strict control used in the school to make teachers work hard is an element of classical organisational theory, with its emphasis on span of control or number of workers supervised. Policies with strict rules are in place to create a calm atmosphere and serve as directives for teachers and learners. On the other hand, constructivist approaches – such as instructional leadership, transformational leadership, collegial model of management and open systems – are also clearly evident in the findings. Instructional leadership is evident in the emphasis on improvement of classroom practice. Elements of transformational leadership are seen in that the principal motivates the teachers and serves as a role model. The school also has some features of the collegial model of management, and can be described as an open system. Thus, by drawing on management and leadership approaches informed by different traditions and philosophies, the school succeeds against severe odds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Ipinge, Emma
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: School management and organization -- Namibia -- Case studies Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Case studies Education and state -- Namibia School discipline -- Namibia Children with social disabilities -- Education -- Namibia Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1750 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003634
- Description: Most schools that serve learners who come from disadvantaged areas and backgrounds face unusually difficult challenges. These schools experience poor performance and disciplinary problems, and teachers lack motivation and commitment. This study explores the role of leadership and management in the schooling of at-risk learners at Pandu Primary School. This school accommodates learners mostly from Hafo, a township characterised by poverty with a high crime rate. However, in spite of these factors school inspectors and advisory teachers perceive the school to be successful. The school uses an abundance of energy and unusually high levels of human effort in a very focused way to improve the teaching and learning standard. The study found the co-existence of apparently conflicting management and leadership approaches in managing and leading the school. Strict control used in the school to make teachers work hard is an element of classical organisational theory, with its emphasis on span of control or number of workers supervised. Policies with strict rules are in place to create a calm atmosphere and serve as directives for teachers and learners. On the other hand, constructivist approaches – such as instructional leadership, transformational leadership, collegial model of management and open systems – are also clearly evident in the findings. Instructional leadership is evident in the emphasis on improvement of classroom practice. Elements of transformational leadership are seen in that the principal motivates the teachers and serves as a role model. The school also has some features of the collegial model of management, and can be described as an open system. Thus, by drawing on management and leadership approaches informed by different traditions and philosophies, the school succeeds against severe odds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into the extended use of mobile phone technology in the cellular industry in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Inman, Michael Christopher
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Cell phone services industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cell phones , Cell phone systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10923 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/247 , Cell phone services industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cell phones , Cell phone systems
- Description: While experiencing exponential growth worldwide, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are key factors in business today. The ubiquitous nature of the mobile phone in South Africa and the use of wireless technologies facilitate business in areas where current fixed infrastructure is limited or non-existent, thereby aiding in the development of rural areas. This descriptive study determines what factors will extend the use of mobile phone technology in business. The literature indicates business advantage can be gained from incorporating technology into a strategic framework but in so doing must consider the complexities of the technology and its lifecycle. Currently, e-mail and Internet access would be the most likely applications of data use via Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). As a technology-based study the methodology used e-mail to deliver a survey targeting staff from the three cellular network operators in Port Elizabeth. The mobile industry and Port Elizabeth were both considered good indicators of technology use and the progression of infrastructure throughout South Africa. The findings indicate that although most mobile phones have the features required by users, the current use of associated data applications is low. Email is the most appropriate application and expected to be significant in 2006. The technology is of strategic importance and can be applied to make idle time productive. Successful use depends on the removal of barriers. In the case of e-mail and Internet access; the most significant of these is the complexity of the initial set-up. Despite the complexity of technology evolution and the challenges of effective business application, substantial gains can be still be realised. Currently, technology is best deployed to meet specialised needs. The expected introduction of third generation technologies herald’s higher data transfer rates, providing the opportunity for more generalised application in business in the immediate future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Inman, Michael Christopher
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Cell phone services industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cell phones , Cell phone systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10923 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/247 , Cell phone services industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cell phones , Cell phone systems
- Description: While experiencing exponential growth worldwide, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are key factors in business today. The ubiquitous nature of the mobile phone in South Africa and the use of wireless technologies facilitate business in areas where current fixed infrastructure is limited or non-existent, thereby aiding in the development of rural areas. This descriptive study determines what factors will extend the use of mobile phone technology in business. The literature indicates business advantage can be gained from incorporating technology into a strategic framework but in so doing must consider the complexities of the technology and its lifecycle. Currently, e-mail and Internet access would be the most likely applications of data use via Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). As a technology-based study the methodology used e-mail to deliver a survey targeting staff from the three cellular network operators in Port Elizabeth. The mobile industry and Port Elizabeth were both considered good indicators of technology use and the progression of infrastructure throughout South Africa. The findings indicate that although most mobile phones have the features required by users, the current use of associated data applications is low. Email is the most appropriate application and expected to be significant in 2006. The technology is of strategic importance and can be applied to make idle time productive. Successful use depends on the removal of barriers. In the case of e-mail and Internet access; the most significant of these is the complexity of the initial set-up. Despite the complexity of technology evolution and the challenges of effective business application, substantial gains can be still be realised. Currently, technology is best deployed to meet specialised needs. The expected introduction of third generation technologies herald’s higher data transfer rates, providing the opportunity for more generalised application in business in the immediate future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The development of a business model for a non-profit organisation in Port Elizabeth : a case study
- Authors: Inman, Lydia Alice Annabel
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Nonprofit organizations -- Planning , Business planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10868 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/216 , Nonprofit organizations -- Planning , Business planning
- Description: Non-profit organisations are a niche sector of the service industry, which is increasing worldwide. This entails more competition for funding and a need for such organisations to adopt a management approach that is more akin to business, in order that the organisation will operate as effectively and efficiently as possible. Unlike business whose goal is to be profitable, the aim of non-profit organisations is to render a service to the community. Therefore, incorporating business principles into the management of the organisation is often in conflict with its aims. Furthermore, while the organisation’s donors want sound management, they want funding to be used for the recipients of the service and not for administration and salaries that help to ensure good governance. This study involved one such non-profit organisation that has been compelled to conform to management criteria as prescribed by the South African, Department of Social Development, in order to continue receiving the annual subsidies for salaries and running costs. This has meant various adjustments to the organisation’s operations including increased administration, the completion of an annual business plan and a change in emphasis to the service delivery. Through increased communication, the interviewees achieved greater consensus as to what business features were important for the effective management of the organisation. In addition, the development of a business model for a non-profit organisation was viewed as relevant, as it could assist in showing the stakeholders how the organisation operates. This would be particularly appropriate to its donors from business, who themselves use and understand such models and would see this development as a further move towards managing the organisation according to business principles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Inman, Lydia Alice Annabel
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Nonprofit organizations -- Planning , Business planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10868 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/216 , Nonprofit organizations -- Planning , Business planning
- Description: Non-profit organisations are a niche sector of the service industry, which is increasing worldwide. This entails more competition for funding and a need for such organisations to adopt a management approach that is more akin to business, in order that the organisation will operate as effectively and efficiently as possible. Unlike business whose goal is to be profitable, the aim of non-profit organisations is to render a service to the community. Therefore, incorporating business principles into the management of the organisation is often in conflict with its aims. Furthermore, while the organisation’s donors want sound management, they want funding to be used for the recipients of the service and not for administration and salaries that help to ensure good governance. This study involved one such non-profit organisation that has been compelled to conform to management criteria as prescribed by the South African, Department of Social Development, in order to continue receiving the annual subsidies for salaries and running costs. This has meant various adjustments to the organisation’s operations including increased administration, the completion of an annual business plan and a change in emphasis to the service delivery. Through increased communication, the interviewees achieved greater consensus as to what business features were important for the effective management of the organisation. In addition, the development of a business model for a non-profit organisation was viewed as relevant, as it could assist in showing the stakeholders how the organisation operates. This would be particularly appropriate to its donors from business, who themselves use and understand such models and would see this development as a further move towards managing the organisation according to business principles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An assessment of communication strategies utilised at Guangzhou Instititute of Resources Separation Sciences (GIRSS)
- Authors: Huang, Lin
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Business communication , Communication in management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10934 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/203 , Business communication , Communication in management
- Description: The main problem of this study was to assess the communication strategies used by GIRSS to achieve organisational goals. To address this problem, a theoretical study was undertaken to identify the communication strategies used in organisations. The theoretical guidelines for effective communication were integrated into a communication model, which consisted of the following components: · The establishment of organisational communication structures; · The selection of appropriate communication media; IV · The management of communication barriers; and · Addressing the challenges in organisational communication. Based on the model, a survey questionnaire was developed to assess the extent to which GIRSS made use of these strategies. The questionnaire was administered to both managers and non-managers in the organisation. Due to the distance between South Africa and China, the questionnaire was administered via e-mail. The empirical results revealed that some of the theoretical guidelines were followed, but there was room for improvement in terms of communication strategies used at GIRSS. Specifically it was found that many barriers existed as a result of status and other differences, which influenced communication in the organisation. Communication in organisations is very important as it contributes to goal attainment, satisfaction, cooperation and problem-solving. Communication is a skill that can be learned, and managers as well as employees should consider the results of the study to initiate changes to the communication strategies used in the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Huang, Lin
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Business communication , Communication in management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10934 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/203 , Business communication , Communication in management
- Description: The main problem of this study was to assess the communication strategies used by GIRSS to achieve organisational goals. To address this problem, a theoretical study was undertaken to identify the communication strategies used in organisations. The theoretical guidelines for effective communication were integrated into a communication model, which consisted of the following components: · The establishment of organisational communication structures; · The selection of appropriate communication media; IV · The management of communication barriers; and · Addressing the challenges in organisational communication. Based on the model, a survey questionnaire was developed to assess the extent to which GIRSS made use of these strategies. The questionnaire was administered to both managers and non-managers in the organisation. Due to the distance between South Africa and China, the questionnaire was administered via e-mail. The empirical results revealed that some of the theoretical guidelines were followed, but there was room for improvement in terms of communication strategies used at GIRSS. Specifically it was found that many barriers existed as a result of status and other differences, which influenced communication in the organisation. Communication in organisations is very important as it contributes to goal attainment, satisfaction, cooperation and problem-solving. Communication is a skill that can be learned, and managers as well as employees should consider the results of the study to initiate changes to the communication strategies used in the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Research portfolio
- Authors: Hoveka, E P
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia Teaching -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia English language -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1733 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003616
- Description: The purpose of this study is to look at English Second Language IGCSE Core Curriculum for Grades 11 and 12. The criteria that has been identified and selected for analysis as stipulated by the Ministry of Basic Education and Culture Language policy Document of 1996 reads as follows: The aim of teaching English as a language should be to enable the learners to increase their participation in the learning processes. This aim was selected as the criteria for investigation because the notion of active participation by the learners in the teaching and learning process places the learners in a different perspective. In other words, the learners are to be seen as possessors of knowledge rather than ‘empty vessels’ as depicted by the behaviourist approach (Van Harmelen 1999). This idea of a learner-centred approach as embedded in Social Constructivism approach is the foundation on which the Namibian Education Reform Process is based. The justification for selecting these particular criteria for close inspection in the English Second Language Curriculum was sparked by the professional attachment of the researcher into teaching English Second Language to Grades 11 and 12 at the Herman Gmeiner Technical School in Swakopmund. The researcher is also serving as a subject head for this particular discipline. Furthermore, evaluating and analyzing the English Second Language curriculum on this particular objective, the researcher hopes to uncover or come to an understanding of how our educational practices have moved from what was practiced under the behavioural approach and to discover the needs of teachers in terms of implementing the new curriculum in their daily practices as educators. Having the criteria stated, the study will focus on how the data was collected and the type of methodology used to gather this information.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Hoveka, E P
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia Teaching -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia English language -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1733 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003616
- Description: The purpose of this study is to look at English Second Language IGCSE Core Curriculum for Grades 11 and 12. The criteria that has been identified and selected for analysis as stipulated by the Ministry of Basic Education and Culture Language policy Document of 1996 reads as follows: The aim of teaching English as a language should be to enable the learners to increase their participation in the learning processes. This aim was selected as the criteria for investigation because the notion of active participation by the learners in the teaching and learning process places the learners in a different perspective. In other words, the learners are to be seen as possessors of knowledge rather than ‘empty vessels’ as depicted by the behaviourist approach (Van Harmelen 1999). This idea of a learner-centred approach as embedded in Social Constructivism approach is the foundation on which the Namibian Education Reform Process is based. The justification for selecting these particular criteria for close inspection in the English Second Language Curriculum was sparked by the professional attachment of the researcher into teaching English Second Language to Grades 11 and 12 at the Herman Gmeiner Technical School in Swakopmund. The researcher is also serving as a subject head for this particular discipline. Furthermore, evaluating and analyzing the English Second Language curriculum on this particular objective, the researcher hopes to uncover or come to an understanding of how our educational practices have moved from what was practiced under the behavioural approach and to discover the needs of teachers in terms of implementing the new curriculum in their daily practices as educators. Having the criteria stated, the study will focus on how the data was collected and the type of methodology used to gather this information.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The development of turnaround strategies for the Calitzdorp Spa Tourism resort
- Authors: Holtzhausen, Beatrix
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Corporate turnarounds -- Management , Health resorts -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8541 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/225 , Corporate turnarounds -- Management , Health resorts -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Strategic planning
- Description: The objective of this study was to develop turnaround strategies for the Calitzdorp Spa Tourism Resort (herein after referred to as Calitzdorp Spa) to stop the performance decline and put it back on the road of recovery again. The development of turnaround strategies are dependent on establishing the cause of the performance decline and to enable management to plan effective and optimal strategies for the tourism resort focused on the recovery response. An analysis of various sources on strategic management models were undertaken to find a theoretical framework for the development of a strategic management model that could be applied to a tourism resort. The following model for the strategic management of a tourism resort was consequently developed and consists of the following main components: • Mission, objectives and stakeholders; • Strategic position; • Strategic choice; and • Strategic implementation. A second model for the Turnaround Process of a tourism resort was proposed to assist management in guiding the resort to recovery, consisting of two main phases, namely: • Turnaround situation; and the • Turnaround response. The research methodology followed included: • a literature survey to define the important concepts of tourism, resorts, strategic management and turnaround strategies; • a questionnaire survey to determine customer satisfaction at the Calitzdorp Spa; • telephone interviews to determine the marketing and positioning strategies of the Calitzdorp Spa; and • a focus group discussion session to determine the current situation at the resort and to plan future management strategies of the Calitzdorp Spa. Specific conclusions were made and specific actions recommended based on the results obtained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Holtzhausen, Beatrix
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Corporate turnarounds -- Management , Health resorts -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8541 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/225 , Corporate turnarounds -- Management , Health resorts -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Strategic planning
- Description: The objective of this study was to develop turnaround strategies for the Calitzdorp Spa Tourism Resort (herein after referred to as Calitzdorp Spa) to stop the performance decline and put it back on the road of recovery again. The development of turnaround strategies are dependent on establishing the cause of the performance decline and to enable management to plan effective and optimal strategies for the tourism resort focused on the recovery response. An analysis of various sources on strategic management models were undertaken to find a theoretical framework for the development of a strategic management model that could be applied to a tourism resort. The following model for the strategic management of a tourism resort was consequently developed and consists of the following main components: • Mission, objectives and stakeholders; • Strategic position; • Strategic choice; and • Strategic implementation. A second model for the Turnaround Process of a tourism resort was proposed to assist management in guiding the resort to recovery, consisting of two main phases, namely: • Turnaround situation; and the • Turnaround response. The research methodology followed included: • a literature survey to define the important concepts of tourism, resorts, strategic management and turnaround strategies; • a questionnaire survey to determine customer satisfaction at the Calitzdorp Spa; • telephone interviews to determine the marketing and positioning strategies of the Calitzdorp Spa; and • a focus group discussion session to determine the current situation at the resort and to plan future management strategies of the Calitzdorp Spa. Specific conclusions were made and specific actions recommended based on the results obtained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Investigating teaching strategies used by teachers to foster environmental learning in the Namibian Life Science curriculum
- Authors: Hoabes, Rosina
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Life sciences -- Study and teaching -- Namibia Education -- Namibia Teaching -- Namibia Effective teaching -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia Environmental education -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1590 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003472
- Description: This study was carried out to investigate the strategies used by teachers to foster environmental learning in the Namibian Life Science curriculum in four schools in Swakopmund, Erongo Education Region. This study is a qualitative case study. I used semi-structured interviews, observation and document analysis as instruments to collect data. Two schools were selected to participate in the case study. Research participants included four teachers (two teachers from each school) of which two teachers are teaching at each school. The study was contextualised through a review of policy changes in Namibian education, which focus on learner-centred education. The study identified six strategies used by teachers to foster environmental learning in the Life Sciences curriculum. These are planning; working with information; practical, excursions and clubs; involving the learners; using visual aids and teaching materials; and choosing topics with a local focus. Through a consideration of the different strategies used by teachers, in relation to the learner-centred nature of the educational reform project in Namibia the study provides insight into the way in which teachers view learner-centred education. The study also illuminates how strategies used by teachers reflect learner-centred education principles and it outlines a number of tensions emerging in the fostering of environmental learning in learner-centred ways. The study identifies further support required by teachers, and makes recommendations which will further enhance the strategies used by teachers to foster the environmental learning focus in Life Sciences, and also enhance learner-centred teaching in Life Science.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Hoabes, Rosina
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Life sciences -- Study and teaching -- Namibia Education -- Namibia Teaching -- Namibia Effective teaching -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia Environmental education -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1590 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003472
- Description: This study was carried out to investigate the strategies used by teachers to foster environmental learning in the Namibian Life Science curriculum in four schools in Swakopmund, Erongo Education Region. This study is a qualitative case study. I used semi-structured interviews, observation and document analysis as instruments to collect data. Two schools were selected to participate in the case study. Research participants included four teachers (two teachers from each school) of which two teachers are teaching at each school. The study was contextualised through a review of policy changes in Namibian education, which focus on learner-centred education. The study identified six strategies used by teachers to foster environmental learning in the Life Sciences curriculum. These are planning; working with information; practical, excursions and clubs; involving the learners; using visual aids and teaching materials; and choosing topics with a local focus. Through a consideration of the different strategies used by teachers, in relation to the learner-centred nature of the educational reform project in Namibia the study provides insight into the way in which teachers view learner-centred education. The study also illuminates how strategies used by teachers reflect learner-centred education principles and it outlines a number of tensions emerging in the fostering of environmental learning in learner-centred ways. The study identifies further support required by teachers, and makes recommendations which will further enhance the strategies used by teachers to foster the environmental learning focus in Life Sciences, and also enhance learner-centred teaching in Life Science.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A study of Ted Hughes's Birthday letters
- Authors: Highman, Kathryn Barbara
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Hughes, Ted, 1930-1998 Criticism and interpretation Hughes, Ted, 1930-1998 Birthday Letters
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2193 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002235
- Description: This thesis focusses on the literary self-reflexivity of Birthday Letters, Ted Hughes's collection of poems addressed to his long-dead first wife, poet Sylvia Plath. By close attention to the language of select poems and a discussion of cross-referencing images and allusions across the volume, and intertextually, I argue that the collection is more self-consciously ordered and designed than the mainly biographical criticism the work has met with suggests. The thesis focusses on the poets' art rather than the biographical context of Birthday Letters, though it does not draw a neat distinction between their lives and their poetry - rather it demonstrates how Birthday Letters itself treats the relationship of art to life thematically. The introduction outlines the context of the volume's genesis and publication and the notions of poetry, myth and drama out of which Hughes works, and introduces the central metaphor of metamorphosis as figured in Ariel's song "Full Fathom Five" from The Tempest, as well as the importance of that play to Plath. Each of the chapters that follow focusses on a cluster of inter-related imagery through a discussion of four or five key poems. Chapter One examines Hughes's portrayal of himself as imprisoned by Plath's poetic portraits, and relates this to the recurring motifs of the snapshot and the Medusa myth. The poems discussed emphasize Hughes's consciousness of the metamorphic and "magical" relationship of art to life. The second chapter discusses Hughes's use of the myth of the labyrinth and the Minotaur, tracing it back to Plath's writings and reading, and pointing out its self-reflexivity: the labyrinth figures Hughes's own loss as well as the labyrinthine nature of writing. The third chapter considers the themes of possession and loss, and how they attach themselves to images of houses and jewels. Possession and loss tum, self-reflexively, upon issues of inheritance and remembrance, notably Hughes's inheritance of Plath's poetic legacy, and his remembrance of her and her poetry through his own poetry. The conclusion pursues connections between the observations made in the separate chapters, outlining the larger context out of which the poems emerge, and returning to the trope of metamorphosis as figured in "Full Fathom Five"
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Highman, Kathryn Barbara
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Hughes, Ted, 1930-1998 Criticism and interpretation Hughes, Ted, 1930-1998 Birthday Letters
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2193 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002235
- Description: This thesis focusses on the literary self-reflexivity of Birthday Letters, Ted Hughes's collection of poems addressed to his long-dead first wife, poet Sylvia Plath. By close attention to the language of select poems and a discussion of cross-referencing images and allusions across the volume, and intertextually, I argue that the collection is more self-consciously ordered and designed than the mainly biographical criticism the work has met with suggests. The thesis focusses on the poets' art rather than the biographical context of Birthday Letters, though it does not draw a neat distinction between their lives and their poetry - rather it demonstrates how Birthday Letters itself treats the relationship of art to life thematically. The introduction outlines the context of the volume's genesis and publication and the notions of poetry, myth and drama out of which Hughes works, and introduces the central metaphor of metamorphosis as figured in Ariel's song "Full Fathom Five" from The Tempest, as well as the importance of that play to Plath. Each of the chapters that follow focusses on a cluster of inter-related imagery through a discussion of four or five key poems. Chapter One examines Hughes's portrayal of himself as imprisoned by Plath's poetic portraits, and relates this to the recurring motifs of the snapshot and the Medusa myth. The poems discussed emphasize Hughes's consciousness of the metamorphic and "magical" relationship of art to life. The second chapter discusses Hughes's use of the myth of the labyrinth and the Minotaur, tracing it back to Plath's writings and reading, and pointing out its self-reflexivity: the labyrinth figures Hughes's own loss as well as the labyrinthine nature of writing. The third chapter considers the themes of possession and loss, and how they attach themselves to images of houses and jewels. Possession and loss tum, self-reflexively, upon issues of inheritance and remembrance, notably Hughes's inheritance of Plath's poetic legacy, and his remembrance of her and her poetry through his own poetry. The conclusion pursues connections between the observations made in the separate chapters, outlining the larger context out of which the poems emerge, and returning to the trope of metamorphosis as figured in "Full Fathom Five"
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The new economic geography of SADC free trade area
- Authors: Hess, Simon Peter
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community Free trade -- Africa, Southern Economic geography Industries -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEcon
- Identifier: vital:932 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001648
- Description: The current implementation of a free trade area in SADC has given rise to concerns that the present location of industry in the region will be adversely affected. Specifically, many of the smaller and less-developed countries fear that this change will result in a loss of their industry towards the more developed members, and particularly towards South Africa. This study uses the framework of the new economic geography to address these concerns. The new economic geography is a body of theory that has arisen in the last decade and allows for a dynamic analysis of the process of regional integration. Studies of such dynamic effects in the developing country context are exceedingly scarce, and particularly so in southern Africa. Another area of little research is in the comparison of the evolving industrial structure of different regional blocs. Thus, in response to this gap in the literature and in order to address the concerns of polarisation of industry within the SADC region, a two-pronged empirical approach is taken. The study first conducts a review of the spatial distribution of industry within SADC from 1970 to 1999. This is achieved through the calculation and examination of industrial locational Gini coefficients, measuring the relative degree of concentration of 28 ISIC (rev 2) industries for the years 1970, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995 and 1999. Secondly, an empirical comparison is conducted with other blocs that are in the process of deepening regional integration, namely the European Union and Mercosur. Again, this is done through the calculation of locational Gini coefficients for individual industries for all three blocs at five year intervals from 1980 to 1995, and then for 1999. The average level of concentration within SADC is found to increase steadily from 1970 to 1990. Between 1990 and 1995, the level of concentration increases further, but at a lower rate, and, by 1999 industry begins to disperse. The Gini coefficient is a relative measure, and thus does not measure the absolute level of concentration. Thus, much of the increase in concentration seen is towards peripheral countries. To further interpret the Gini, the changes in concentration are compared to the absolute changes in manufacturing employment in South Africa. From this analysis, eight of the 28 industries analysed show particular tendencies to concentrate in the periphery. These are beverages, textiles, wearing apparel, paper and products, rubber products, other non-metallic mineral products, transport equipment, and professional and scientific equipment. Likewise, another six industries become more concentrated in South Africa over this time, namely food products, printing and publishing, industrial chemicals, petroleum refineries, miscellaneous petroleum and coal products, and electrical machinery. According to the Gini coefficient, the tobacco industry is by far the most concentrated, while the wood products industry is the most dispersed. It is also found that scale-intensive industries tend to be among the most concentrated. In the cross-bloc comparison, Mercosur has the lowest level of aggregate concentration with an average Gini of 0.08 in 1999. This compares with Ginis of 0.28 for the EU, and 0.22 for SADC. The EU has the largest increase in concentration over the period, while the concentration in Mercosur falls during the 1980s, increases in the mid 1990s and then falls again by 1999. A common theme, however, between all three blocs is a trend towards dispersion in the late 1990s. This is particularly apparent in SADC and Mercosur where the Gini decreases in value, while in the EU, the Gini only increases marginally in this period. Other studies of the EU have indicated that industry was starting to disperse at this time. This finding would be more apparent at a greater level of industrial disaggregation. The following industries are found to be agglomerated above the average level in all three blocs: tobacco, miscellaneous petroleum and coal products, and pottery china and earthenware. Conversely, transport equipment, paper and products, machinery except electrical, plastic products, rubber products, and fabricated metal products tend to be more dispersed across all three. Perhaps more interesting is that there appears to be some commonality between industries that become more agglomerated across all three blocs, while industries that dispersed tend to be region specific. The industries that show universal agglomeration tendencies are the highly sensitive wearing apparel and textiles industries, in addition to industrial chemicals, printing and publishing, iron and steel, and plastic products. In relation to SADC, the first two of these industries show an increased concentration in the periphery, as in the EU, while the remaining industries show tendencies to concentrate in the core. The new economic geography predicts that, as the presently high levels of transport costs begin to fall in SADC, industry will tend to concentrate in the core. However, the results of this study indicate that the effect on manufacturing is, to a large extent, sector specific, with some manufacturing industries concentrating in the core and others in the periphery. The study therefore concludes that the mass polarization of industry from the smaller countries in SADC towards South Africa is unlikely to occur with the further reduction in trade costs. Although certain industries may be attracted towards the core, the high degree of wage disparity in the region and present trade concessions from developed markets overseas towards the peripheral countries, will make these countries an attractive location, particularly for export orientated firms. Two main policy recommendations result from the study. Firstly, individual countries in SADC need to promote those industries that show concentration tendencies in their country. Secondly, in order for the periphery to maximize their gain from the free trade area, transport costs within the region need to be reduced rapidly and effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Hess, Simon Peter
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community Free trade -- Africa, Southern Economic geography Industries -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEcon
- Identifier: vital:932 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001648
- Description: The current implementation of a free trade area in SADC has given rise to concerns that the present location of industry in the region will be adversely affected. Specifically, many of the smaller and less-developed countries fear that this change will result in a loss of their industry towards the more developed members, and particularly towards South Africa. This study uses the framework of the new economic geography to address these concerns. The new economic geography is a body of theory that has arisen in the last decade and allows for a dynamic analysis of the process of regional integration. Studies of such dynamic effects in the developing country context are exceedingly scarce, and particularly so in southern Africa. Another area of little research is in the comparison of the evolving industrial structure of different regional blocs. Thus, in response to this gap in the literature and in order to address the concerns of polarisation of industry within the SADC region, a two-pronged empirical approach is taken. The study first conducts a review of the spatial distribution of industry within SADC from 1970 to 1999. This is achieved through the calculation and examination of industrial locational Gini coefficients, measuring the relative degree of concentration of 28 ISIC (rev 2) industries for the years 1970, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995 and 1999. Secondly, an empirical comparison is conducted with other blocs that are in the process of deepening regional integration, namely the European Union and Mercosur. Again, this is done through the calculation of locational Gini coefficients for individual industries for all three blocs at five year intervals from 1980 to 1995, and then for 1999. The average level of concentration within SADC is found to increase steadily from 1970 to 1990. Between 1990 and 1995, the level of concentration increases further, but at a lower rate, and, by 1999 industry begins to disperse. The Gini coefficient is a relative measure, and thus does not measure the absolute level of concentration. Thus, much of the increase in concentration seen is towards peripheral countries. To further interpret the Gini, the changes in concentration are compared to the absolute changes in manufacturing employment in South Africa. From this analysis, eight of the 28 industries analysed show particular tendencies to concentrate in the periphery. These are beverages, textiles, wearing apparel, paper and products, rubber products, other non-metallic mineral products, transport equipment, and professional and scientific equipment. Likewise, another six industries become more concentrated in South Africa over this time, namely food products, printing and publishing, industrial chemicals, petroleum refineries, miscellaneous petroleum and coal products, and electrical machinery. According to the Gini coefficient, the tobacco industry is by far the most concentrated, while the wood products industry is the most dispersed. It is also found that scale-intensive industries tend to be among the most concentrated. In the cross-bloc comparison, Mercosur has the lowest level of aggregate concentration with an average Gini of 0.08 in 1999. This compares with Ginis of 0.28 for the EU, and 0.22 for SADC. The EU has the largest increase in concentration over the period, while the concentration in Mercosur falls during the 1980s, increases in the mid 1990s and then falls again by 1999. A common theme, however, between all three blocs is a trend towards dispersion in the late 1990s. This is particularly apparent in SADC and Mercosur where the Gini decreases in value, while in the EU, the Gini only increases marginally in this period. Other studies of the EU have indicated that industry was starting to disperse at this time. This finding would be more apparent at a greater level of industrial disaggregation. The following industries are found to be agglomerated above the average level in all three blocs: tobacco, miscellaneous petroleum and coal products, and pottery china and earthenware. Conversely, transport equipment, paper and products, machinery except electrical, plastic products, rubber products, and fabricated metal products tend to be more dispersed across all three. Perhaps more interesting is that there appears to be some commonality between industries that become more agglomerated across all three blocs, while industries that dispersed tend to be region specific. The industries that show universal agglomeration tendencies are the highly sensitive wearing apparel and textiles industries, in addition to industrial chemicals, printing and publishing, iron and steel, and plastic products. In relation to SADC, the first two of these industries show an increased concentration in the periphery, as in the EU, while the remaining industries show tendencies to concentrate in the core. The new economic geography predicts that, as the presently high levels of transport costs begin to fall in SADC, industry will tend to concentrate in the core. However, the results of this study indicate that the effect on manufacturing is, to a large extent, sector specific, with some manufacturing industries concentrating in the core and others in the periphery. The study therefore concludes that the mass polarization of industry from the smaller countries in SADC towards South Africa is unlikely to occur with the further reduction in trade costs. Although certain industries may be attracted towards the core, the high degree of wage disparity in the region and present trade concessions from developed markets overseas towards the peripheral countries, will make these countries an attractive location, particularly for export orientated firms. Two main policy recommendations result from the study. Firstly, individual countries in SADC need to promote those industries that show concentration tendencies in their country. Secondly, in order for the periphery to maximize their gain from the free trade area, transport costs within the region need to be reduced rapidly and effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004