The impact of social media marketing on purchase decisions in the tyre industry
- Authors: Ramsunder, Monica
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Social media -- Marketing , Social marketing , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Consumers -- Research -- South Africa , Internet marketing -- South Africa , Social networks -- Computer network resources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8601 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1637 , Social media -- Marketing , Social marketing , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Consumers -- Research -- South Africa , Internet marketing -- South Africa , Social networks -- Computer network resources
- Description: Technology and the boom of the internet have encouraged people to connect with each other, share information and build relationships (Stelzner, 2009; 2010) and the social web has presented a new form of communication through social media which allow people to interact and converse with each other (Evans, 2010). This presents marketers with the opportunity to affect consumers purchase decisions through online marketing and social media. This social engagement by consumers has significant impact on marketing activities as marketers need to be aware of the factors affecting consumer’s purchase decision (Evans, 2010). Continental Tyre South Africa (CTSA), a local tyre manufacturer, is embarking on a social media marketing strategy. No other local tyre manufacturer has a presence on social media platforms. As a result CTSA would have first mover advantage. The main objective of the research that follows is to establish if South African tyre purchasers are supportive of social media as an online research tool to learn more about tyre brands. The significance of this research study is that marketing communications has taken on a different dimension with the growth of online market places and the natural step for CTSA is to engage in social media marketing. The literature review revealed that many modern consumers sought peer advice over social networks thus social media has promoted consumer-to-consumer communication and has made it possible for consumers and brands to interact with each other (Mangold and Faulds, 2009). It was concluded that whilst social media marketing presents marketers with a more cost effective form of marketing, further research regarding South African’s online purchasing activities would be required to assess if the time, money and resources required to manage social media marketing for CTSA would be beneficial to the organisation. As a result a qualitative empirical study was conducted by means of a questionnaire. The research elements were broken down into three segments; the internet and social media, consumer-brand engagement and online iv recommendations. The research revealed that social media marketing is an appropriate strategy for CTSA. The main findings further revealed that CTSA would need to engage in an aggressive traditional marketing campaign in order to drive consumers to engage in the social media campaigns. Strategies must include dedicated social media fan pages, online banners, and online advertisements. Based on the research analysis it is recommended that that most appropriate social media platforms for CTSA to launch social media marketing activities are Facebook and Twitter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ramsunder, Monica
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Social media -- Marketing , Social marketing , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Consumers -- Research -- South Africa , Internet marketing -- South Africa , Social networks -- Computer network resources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8601 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1637 , Social media -- Marketing , Social marketing , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Consumers -- Research -- South Africa , Internet marketing -- South Africa , Social networks -- Computer network resources
- Description: Technology and the boom of the internet have encouraged people to connect with each other, share information and build relationships (Stelzner, 2009; 2010) and the social web has presented a new form of communication through social media which allow people to interact and converse with each other (Evans, 2010). This presents marketers with the opportunity to affect consumers purchase decisions through online marketing and social media. This social engagement by consumers has significant impact on marketing activities as marketers need to be aware of the factors affecting consumer’s purchase decision (Evans, 2010). Continental Tyre South Africa (CTSA), a local tyre manufacturer, is embarking on a social media marketing strategy. No other local tyre manufacturer has a presence on social media platforms. As a result CTSA would have first mover advantage. The main objective of the research that follows is to establish if South African tyre purchasers are supportive of social media as an online research tool to learn more about tyre brands. The significance of this research study is that marketing communications has taken on a different dimension with the growth of online market places and the natural step for CTSA is to engage in social media marketing. The literature review revealed that many modern consumers sought peer advice over social networks thus social media has promoted consumer-to-consumer communication and has made it possible for consumers and brands to interact with each other (Mangold and Faulds, 2009). It was concluded that whilst social media marketing presents marketers with a more cost effective form of marketing, further research regarding South African’s online purchasing activities would be required to assess if the time, money and resources required to manage social media marketing for CTSA would be beneficial to the organisation. As a result a qualitative empirical study was conducted by means of a questionnaire. The research elements were broken down into three segments; the internet and social media, consumer-brand engagement and online iv recommendations. The research revealed that social media marketing is an appropriate strategy for CTSA. The main findings further revealed that CTSA would need to engage in an aggressive traditional marketing campaign in order to drive consumers to engage in the social media campaigns. Strategies must include dedicated social media fan pages, online banners, and online advertisements. Based on the research analysis it is recommended that that most appropriate social media platforms for CTSA to launch social media marketing activities are Facebook and Twitter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The genetic integrity of Labeo capensis and L. umbratus (Cyprinidae) in South Africa in relation to inter-basin water transfer schemes
- Authors: Ramoejane, Mpho
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cyprinidae -- South Africa -- Darlington Dam , Cyprinidae -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam , Labeo -- South Africa -- Darlington Dam , Labeo -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam , Fishes -- Hybridisation -- South Africa -- Darlington Dam , Fishes -- Hybridisation -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam , Fishes -- Anatomy -- South Africa -- Darlington Dam , Fishes -- Anatomy -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam , Water transfer -- South Africa-- Darlington Dam , Water transfer -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5367 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013049
- Description: The Orange-Fish and Cookhouse tunnels that are part of a major inter-basin water transfer scheme (IBT) act as a pathway for several fish species from the Orange River system to enter the Great Fish and Sundays River systems in South Africa. These include Labeo capensis and L. umbratus. Labeo capensis was restricted to the Orange River system before the inter-basin water transfer scheme. Labeo umbratus occurred naturally in the Orange River and in southern flowing river systems. Previous studies showed that the two species hybridise in Hardap Dam, located in a tributary of the Orange River system in Namibia. There are also unconfirmed reports of hybrids from Darlington Dam on the Sundays River system. The aim of the thesis was to confirm hybridisation in Hardap Dam, assess whether hybridisation between L. capensis and L. umbratus has occurred in Darlington Dam and to gain a better understanding of the diversity of these two species. Morphology (morphometrics and meristics), a nuclear S7 intron and the mitochondrial cytochrome ♭ gene were used to assess for hybridisation. A total of 275 specimens were analysed from across the geographical range of the two species. The two species could be distinguished using morphometrics (dorsal fin base, interorbital width and operculum to eye distance) and meristics (lateral line, origin of the dorsal fin to lateral line, origin of the pelvic fin to lateral line and caudal peduncle scale counts) characters. Hybrids from Hardap and Darlington dams were placed between the two species clusters. Labeo umbratus from the Orange River and southern flowing rivers formed a single cluster. The two species could also be distinguished from each other with six nuclear DNA mutations and hybrids were heterozygous at such sites in both dams. Labeo umbratus populations from the Orange River and southern flowing rivers (Gouritz, Gamtoos, Sundays, Bushmans, Great Fish and Nahoon) formed a single lineage. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA, however, revealed that L. umbratus populations from the Orange River and southern flowing rivers were two lineages that differ from each other by 5 mutations. Labeo capensis could be differentiated from both these lineages. Being maternally inherited, mitochondrial DNA did not reveal hybridisation, but ten specimens with L. capensis haplotypes were found in the Darlington Dam. In Hardap Dam, however, it appears that only L. capensis mitochondrial DNA haplotypes persist, despite morphological and nuclear DNA analysis suggesting that both morphs and hybrids of the two species occur. The genetic integrity of these Labeo species has therefore been compromised in at least Hardap and Darlington dams. The Great Fish and Sundays populations are considered to be under threat of complete introgression. The Kat River and Slagboom Dam populations that were isolated before the IBTs have to remain isolated to protect the genetic integrity of the southern lineage of L. umbratus in these two systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ramoejane, Mpho
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cyprinidae -- South Africa -- Darlington Dam , Cyprinidae -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam , Labeo -- South Africa -- Darlington Dam , Labeo -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam , Fishes -- Hybridisation -- South Africa -- Darlington Dam , Fishes -- Hybridisation -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam , Fishes -- Anatomy -- South Africa -- Darlington Dam , Fishes -- Anatomy -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam , Water transfer -- South Africa-- Darlington Dam , Water transfer -- Namibia -- Hardap Dam
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5367 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013049
- Description: The Orange-Fish and Cookhouse tunnels that are part of a major inter-basin water transfer scheme (IBT) act as a pathway for several fish species from the Orange River system to enter the Great Fish and Sundays River systems in South Africa. These include Labeo capensis and L. umbratus. Labeo capensis was restricted to the Orange River system before the inter-basin water transfer scheme. Labeo umbratus occurred naturally in the Orange River and in southern flowing river systems. Previous studies showed that the two species hybridise in Hardap Dam, located in a tributary of the Orange River system in Namibia. There are also unconfirmed reports of hybrids from Darlington Dam on the Sundays River system. The aim of the thesis was to confirm hybridisation in Hardap Dam, assess whether hybridisation between L. capensis and L. umbratus has occurred in Darlington Dam and to gain a better understanding of the diversity of these two species. Morphology (morphometrics and meristics), a nuclear S7 intron and the mitochondrial cytochrome ♭ gene were used to assess for hybridisation. A total of 275 specimens were analysed from across the geographical range of the two species. The two species could be distinguished using morphometrics (dorsal fin base, interorbital width and operculum to eye distance) and meristics (lateral line, origin of the dorsal fin to lateral line, origin of the pelvic fin to lateral line and caudal peduncle scale counts) characters. Hybrids from Hardap and Darlington dams were placed between the two species clusters. Labeo umbratus from the Orange River and southern flowing rivers formed a single cluster. The two species could also be distinguished from each other with six nuclear DNA mutations and hybrids were heterozygous at such sites in both dams. Labeo umbratus populations from the Orange River and southern flowing rivers (Gouritz, Gamtoos, Sundays, Bushmans, Great Fish and Nahoon) formed a single lineage. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA, however, revealed that L. umbratus populations from the Orange River and southern flowing rivers were two lineages that differ from each other by 5 mutations. Labeo capensis could be differentiated from both these lineages. Being maternally inherited, mitochondrial DNA did not reveal hybridisation, but ten specimens with L. capensis haplotypes were found in the Darlington Dam. In Hardap Dam, however, it appears that only L. capensis mitochondrial DNA haplotypes persist, despite morphological and nuclear DNA analysis suggesting that both morphs and hybrids of the two species occur. The genetic integrity of these Labeo species has therefore been compromised in at least Hardap and Darlington dams. The Great Fish and Sundays populations are considered to be under threat of complete introgression. The Kat River and Slagboom Dam populations that were isolated before the IBTs have to remain isolated to protect the genetic integrity of the southern lineage of L. umbratus in these two systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An ion imprinted polymer for the determination of Ni (II) ions from mine tailing samples
- Authors: Rammika, Modise
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Imprinted polymers , Metal ions , Polymerization , Mineral industries -- Waste disposal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4323 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004981 , Imprinted polymers , Metal ions , Polymerization , Mineral industries -- Waste disposal
- Description: A Ni(II)-dimethylglyoxime ion imprinted polymer {Ni(II)-DMG IIP} was synthesized by the trapping method using the bulk polymerisation format. The structures of the imprinted and non-imprinted polymer were evaluated by infrared spectroscopy and the morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The Ni(II)-DMG IIP was optimised for pH, mass, time and by the uniform design experimental method for the molar ratios of monomer to crosslinker to porogen and template to ligands as well as keeping these parameters constant and varying the quantities of initiator, 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN). The optimum pH was 8.5, optimum mass was 50 mg, optimum time was 1 min and the optimum molar ratios of crosslinker to monomer, monomer to template and nickel(II) sulfate hexahydrate (NiSO₄.6H₂O) to 4-vinylpyridine to dimethylglyoxime were found to be 3.3:1.0, 0.6:1.0 and 1.0:0.6:3.6 respectively with 30 mg and 8 mL as the optimum amounts of initiator and porogen respectively. Through this optimisation, recovery of Ni(II) was increased from 98 to 100%. Selectivity of the ion imprinted polymer was evaluated by analysing, using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer, for Ni(II) ions that were spiked with varying concentrations of Co(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Pd(II), Fe(II), Ca(II), Mg(II), Na(I) and K(I) in aqueous samples. Selectivity studies also confirmed that the ion imprinted polymer had very good selectivity characterised by % RSD of less than 5 %. Co(II) was the only ion found to slightly interfere with the determination of Ni(II). The limits of detection and quantification were found to be 3x10⁻⁴ μg/mL and 9x10⁻⁴ μg/mL respectively. The method was evaluated by a custom solution of ground water certified reference material (SEP-3) and sandy soil reference material (BCR-142R) and the concentrations of Ni(II) obtained were not significantly different to the certified ones. The Ni(II)-DMG IIP was then evaluated in aqueous and soil samples where recoveries of 93 to 100% and 98 to 99% respectively were obtained with enrichment factors ranging from 2 to 18 in aqueous and 27 to 40 in soil samples. Finally, the Ni(II)-DMG IIP was used to analyse mine tailings samples and Ni(II) recovery of 99% was obtained with an enrichment factor of 2.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Rammika, Modise
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Imprinted polymers , Metal ions , Polymerization , Mineral industries -- Waste disposal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4323 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004981 , Imprinted polymers , Metal ions , Polymerization , Mineral industries -- Waste disposal
- Description: A Ni(II)-dimethylglyoxime ion imprinted polymer {Ni(II)-DMG IIP} was synthesized by the trapping method using the bulk polymerisation format. The structures of the imprinted and non-imprinted polymer were evaluated by infrared spectroscopy and the morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The Ni(II)-DMG IIP was optimised for pH, mass, time and by the uniform design experimental method for the molar ratios of monomer to crosslinker to porogen and template to ligands as well as keeping these parameters constant and varying the quantities of initiator, 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN). The optimum pH was 8.5, optimum mass was 50 mg, optimum time was 1 min and the optimum molar ratios of crosslinker to monomer, monomer to template and nickel(II) sulfate hexahydrate (NiSO₄.6H₂O) to 4-vinylpyridine to dimethylglyoxime were found to be 3.3:1.0, 0.6:1.0 and 1.0:0.6:3.6 respectively with 30 mg and 8 mL as the optimum amounts of initiator and porogen respectively. Through this optimisation, recovery of Ni(II) was increased from 98 to 100%. Selectivity of the ion imprinted polymer was evaluated by analysing, using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer, for Ni(II) ions that were spiked with varying concentrations of Co(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Pd(II), Fe(II), Ca(II), Mg(II), Na(I) and K(I) in aqueous samples. Selectivity studies also confirmed that the ion imprinted polymer had very good selectivity characterised by % RSD of less than 5 %. Co(II) was the only ion found to slightly interfere with the determination of Ni(II). The limits of detection and quantification were found to be 3x10⁻⁴ μg/mL and 9x10⁻⁴ μg/mL respectively. The method was evaluated by a custom solution of ground water certified reference material (SEP-3) and sandy soil reference material (BCR-142R) and the concentrations of Ni(II) obtained were not significantly different to the certified ones. The Ni(II)-DMG IIP was then evaluated in aqueous and soil samples where recoveries of 93 to 100% and 98 to 99% respectively were obtained with enrichment factors ranging from 2 to 18 in aqueous and 27 to 40 in soil samples. Finally, the Ni(II)-DMG IIP was used to analyse mine tailings samples and Ni(II) recovery of 99% was obtained with an enrichment factor of 2.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An investigation into the implementation of the Batho Pele Principles in the Department of Labour: Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Ralane, Nombulelo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Local officials and employees -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8197 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1318 , Local officials and employees -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa
- Description: After 1994, the democratic South Africa passed a number of legislations in order to address the imbalances of the previous apartheid regime. The new South African government had a special mandate to provide appropriate services to all the citizens of the country. In 1995 the government formulated the White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service. The aim was to transform the South African public service, which is the indication of the importance of service delivery, as the key machinery of the government to equalize service delivery to all citizens. In 1996 the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa anchored the Bill of Rights as the cornerstone of democracy that enshrines the rights of all people and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom. In chapter ten of the Constitution stipulates the basic values and principles governing public administration. The White Paper on Transformation of Public Service was followed by White Paper on Transforming Service Delivery in 1997 (Batho Pele White Paper) which provided a policy framework and practical implementation strategy for the more efficient , effective and equitable provision of public service. The Batho Pele White Paper signalled the adoption of a citizen oriented approach on service delivery informed by eight principles: consultation, service standard, access, courtesy, information, openness and transparency, redress and value for money. This study focuses on the investigation on the implementation of Batho Pele Principles in the Department of Labour: Port Elizabeth. The main objectives of the study are: To provide an overview of the Batho-Pele principles in relation to service delivery. To investigate the importance of implementing the Batho-Pele principles in the department of Labour, Port Elizabeth. To identify challenges affecting the implementation of the Batho-Pele principles in the Department of Labour, Port Elizabeth. To investigate the importance of implementing the Batho Pele principles in the Department of Labour: Port Elizabeth and to identify challenges affecting the implementation. In this study a sample of three units was selected to conduct research in the Department of Labour, Port Elizabeth. The units were frontline Services, Beneficiary Services and Enforcement Inspection Services. The reason for choosing these sections is because they are directly involved in serving clients. A sample of 20 officials was drawn from these units. A quantitative method of data collection and analysis was followed. The main findings of the study were firstly, that the Department of Labour officials are aware of the Batho Pele principles. Based on the findings, they are not sure of the compliance of the policies. This means that the implementation of the Batho Pele principles has gaps that need to be addressed. Officials indicate that they need attention because they are the tools of operation. They register a low morale that needs to be addressed by the Department. The dissemination of information needs to be improved and communication with the clients of the Department should be done oin all languages so that clients can clearly understand the services offered by the Department of Labour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ralane, Nombulelo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Local officials and employees -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8197 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1318 , Local officials and employees -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa
- Description: After 1994, the democratic South Africa passed a number of legislations in order to address the imbalances of the previous apartheid regime. The new South African government had a special mandate to provide appropriate services to all the citizens of the country. In 1995 the government formulated the White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service. The aim was to transform the South African public service, which is the indication of the importance of service delivery, as the key machinery of the government to equalize service delivery to all citizens. In 1996 the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa anchored the Bill of Rights as the cornerstone of democracy that enshrines the rights of all people and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom. In chapter ten of the Constitution stipulates the basic values and principles governing public administration. The White Paper on Transformation of Public Service was followed by White Paper on Transforming Service Delivery in 1997 (Batho Pele White Paper) which provided a policy framework and practical implementation strategy for the more efficient , effective and equitable provision of public service. The Batho Pele White Paper signalled the adoption of a citizen oriented approach on service delivery informed by eight principles: consultation, service standard, access, courtesy, information, openness and transparency, redress and value for money. This study focuses on the investigation on the implementation of Batho Pele Principles in the Department of Labour: Port Elizabeth. The main objectives of the study are: To provide an overview of the Batho-Pele principles in relation to service delivery. To investigate the importance of implementing the Batho-Pele principles in the department of Labour, Port Elizabeth. To identify challenges affecting the implementation of the Batho-Pele principles in the Department of Labour, Port Elizabeth. To investigate the importance of implementing the Batho Pele principles in the Department of Labour: Port Elizabeth and to identify challenges affecting the implementation. In this study a sample of three units was selected to conduct research in the Department of Labour, Port Elizabeth. The units were frontline Services, Beneficiary Services and Enforcement Inspection Services. The reason for choosing these sections is because they are directly involved in serving clients. A sample of 20 officials was drawn from these units. A quantitative method of data collection and analysis was followed. The main findings of the study were firstly, that the Department of Labour officials are aware of the Batho Pele principles. Based on the findings, they are not sure of the compliance of the policies. This means that the implementation of the Batho Pele principles has gaps that need to be addressed. Officials indicate that they need attention because they are the tools of operation. They register a low morale that needs to be addressed by the Department. The dissemination of information needs to be improved and communication with the clients of the Department should be done oin all languages so that clients can clearly understand the services offered by the Department of Labour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Antioxidant activity and the quality of meat from goats and broilers supplemented with Moringa (Moringa Oleifera) leaves
- Authors: Qwele, Kumnandi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chickens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Meat -- Quality , Moringa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11803 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/469 , Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chickens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Meat -- Quality , Moringa
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine the antioxidant activity (AA) and the quality of meat from goats and chickens supplemented with Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves. For the first experimental chapter, eighteen 9 months old Xhosa lop-eared, castrated goats with an average body weight of 14 kg were used. There were three supplements namely, Moringa oleifera leaves, sunflower cake and grass hay. There were six goats per supplement. The goats were slaughtered after 60 days of supplementation and the Muscularis longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) of the right side of each goat was used to determine fatty acid composition, total phenolic content (TPC), diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, 2, 2 azino-bis (3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic diammonium salt (ABTS) assay and reducing power assay of meat. Glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) were taken as parameters to evaluate in vivo AA of the meat. For the second experiment, twelve male broilers were used in four groups of dietary supplementation. Three broilers were allocated per group. After slaughter, the breast muscle was sampled for total phenols, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, TPC, ABTS, GSH, CAT, SOD, lipid peroxidation, ultimate pH (pH24), colour (L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness)), WB-shear force and cooking loss. In both chapters Moringa leaves exhibited the highest AA. Meat from goats supplement with Moringa exhibited the highest AA. Meat from broilers supplemented with a mixture of Moringa leaves, broiler finisher and crushed maize, had the highest (P < 0.05) pH24 and L* values. Moringa can therefore be used to preserve meat without changing the quality of meat.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Qwele, Kumnandi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chickens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Meat -- Quality , Moringa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11803 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/469 , Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chickens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Meat -- Quality , Moringa
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine the antioxidant activity (AA) and the quality of meat from goats and chickens supplemented with Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves. For the first experimental chapter, eighteen 9 months old Xhosa lop-eared, castrated goats with an average body weight of 14 kg were used. There were three supplements namely, Moringa oleifera leaves, sunflower cake and grass hay. There were six goats per supplement. The goats were slaughtered after 60 days of supplementation and the Muscularis longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) of the right side of each goat was used to determine fatty acid composition, total phenolic content (TPC), diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, 2, 2 azino-bis (3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic diammonium salt (ABTS) assay and reducing power assay of meat. Glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) were taken as parameters to evaluate in vivo AA of the meat. For the second experiment, twelve male broilers were used in four groups of dietary supplementation. Three broilers were allocated per group. After slaughter, the breast muscle was sampled for total phenols, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, TPC, ABTS, GSH, CAT, SOD, lipid peroxidation, ultimate pH (pH24), colour (L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness)), WB-shear force and cooking loss. In both chapters Moringa leaves exhibited the highest AA. Meat from goats supplement with Moringa exhibited the highest AA. Meat from broilers supplemented with a mixture of Moringa leaves, broiler finisher and crushed maize, had the highest (P < 0.05) pH24 and L* values. Moringa can therefore be used to preserve meat without changing the quality of meat.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Evaluating the sustainable management of the State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Quvile, Nkosipendule
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:793 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004130
- Description: This research assesses the state of sustainability of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape and provides recommendations to improve their sustainability. The Eastern Cape Indigenous Forest Management Audit (ECIFMA) report of 2009 provided the primary data for this assessment (DAFF, 2009). The research was inspired by the fact that the global challenge of forestry destruction and degradation where the extent of forests is being reduced at an alarming rate of 6% annually. It became essential for global leaders to develop policies and strategies that sought to promote sustainable forest management. The monitoring of sustainability of forests was only possible through use of globally and nationally developed sets of criteria and indicators. Eleven forest estates responsible for the management of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape were selected for this research. The choice was influenced by the availability of audit data from the ECIFMA report of 2009. This report contained performance information of 41 indicators under 18 criteria for monitoring sustainable forest management as extracted from the PCI&S assessment checklist developed for monitoring the sustainability of indigenous forests in South Africa (DWAF, 2005). The data was refined using the MCA methods (ranking and scoring) as described by Mendoza and Prabhu (2000). These methods yielded to the determination of the performance of indicators of forest sustainability. It was thus important to conclude the research by responding to the following questions: • What is the state of sustainability of the State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape? • What recommendations could be made to improve the sustainability of State indigenous forests? It was found that the State indigenous forests were not managed in a sustainable manner. The research report is concluded by providing concrete recommendations to improve forest sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Quvile, Nkosipendule
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:793 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004130
- Description: This research assesses the state of sustainability of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape and provides recommendations to improve their sustainability. The Eastern Cape Indigenous Forest Management Audit (ECIFMA) report of 2009 provided the primary data for this assessment (DAFF, 2009). The research was inspired by the fact that the global challenge of forestry destruction and degradation where the extent of forests is being reduced at an alarming rate of 6% annually. It became essential for global leaders to develop policies and strategies that sought to promote sustainable forest management. The monitoring of sustainability of forests was only possible through use of globally and nationally developed sets of criteria and indicators. Eleven forest estates responsible for the management of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape were selected for this research. The choice was influenced by the availability of audit data from the ECIFMA report of 2009. This report contained performance information of 41 indicators under 18 criteria for monitoring sustainable forest management as extracted from the PCI&S assessment checklist developed for monitoring the sustainability of indigenous forests in South Africa (DWAF, 2005). The data was refined using the MCA methods (ranking and scoring) as described by Mendoza and Prabhu (2000). These methods yielded to the determination of the performance of indicators of forest sustainability. It was thus important to conclude the research by responding to the following questions: • What is the state of sustainability of the State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape? • What recommendations could be made to improve the sustainability of State indigenous forests? It was found that the State indigenous forests were not managed in a sustainable manner. The research report is concluded by providing concrete recommendations to improve forest sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Barriers to entrepreneurship: assessing NMBM school leavers for business enterprise
- Authors: Qumza, Thabang Vuyo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Young adults -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth development -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8943 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011804 , Young adults -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth development -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In plight of the country‟s high unemployment, poverty, and income inequalities, there is an urgent need to address these issues by converging toward entrepreneurship. World-wide, it is acknowledged by both government and academia that entrepreneurship soothes and remedies socio-economic ills. It creates employment, wealth, alleviates poverty, increases tax base, balances income disparities and accomplishes social stability. With the high youth (18-34 year age) unemployment looming at 73 percent and a low South African total entrepreneurship rate at 8.9 percent; this study attempts to investigate the barriers that hinder school leavers from engaging in entrepreneurship. The research investigates critical entrepreneurial factors including entrepreneurial character and behaviour, entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, managerial knowledge and skills, knowledge on legal aspects of a business, sourcing of finances, and entrepreneurial background and orientation. The primary objective was met through the investigation of the secondary objectives. This was accomplished through a questionnaire survey, composed with multiple choice questions and closed questions measured on a Likert scale. The questionnaire was constructed based on the literature reviewed from various sources including books, dissertations, journals, government reports, newspapers, magazines, internet, television and radio broadcasts (interviews and news). The study discovers that learners are inhibited by various factors from engaging into business venturing. The list of barriers identified was: A discouraging entrepreneurial background (heritage) – parents had low levels of education and were not entrepreneurial, Weak entrepreneurial character and behaviour, Lack of entrepreneurial exposure and work experience, Learners lack financial skills and computer skills, Families lack savings to financially support their business start-ups, Limited knowledge on the legal aspects regulating a business, Limited knowledge on sourcing finances (angel and venture capital investors).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Qumza, Thabang Vuyo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Young adults -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth development -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8943 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011804 , Young adults -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth development -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In plight of the country‟s high unemployment, poverty, and income inequalities, there is an urgent need to address these issues by converging toward entrepreneurship. World-wide, it is acknowledged by both government and academia that entrepreneurship soothes and remedies socio-economic ills. It creates employment, wealth, alleviates poverty, increases tax base, balances income disparities and accomplishes social stability. With the high youth (18-34 year age) unemployment looming at 73 percent and a low South African total entrepreneurship rate at 8.9 percent; this study attempts to investigate the barriers that hinder school leavers from engaging in entrepreneurship. The research investigates critical entrepreneurial factors including entrepreneurial character and behaviour, entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, managerial knowledge and skills, knowledge on legal aspects of a business, sourcing of finances, and entrepreneurial background and orientation. The primary objective was met through the investigation of the secondary objectives. This was accomplished through a questionnaire survey, composed with multiple choice questions and closed questions measured on a Likert scale. The questionnaire was constructed based on the literature reviewed from various sources including books, dissertations, journals, government reports, newspapers, magazines, internet, television and radio broadcasts (interviews and news). The study discovers that learners are inhibited by various factors from engaging into business venturing. The list of barriers identified was: A discouraging entrepreneurial background (heritage) – parents had low levels of education and were not entrepreneurial, Weak entrepreneurial character and behaviour, Lack of entrepreneurial exposure and work experience, Learners lack financial skills and computer skills, Families lack savings to financially support their business start-ups, Limited knowledge on the legal aspects regulating a business, Limited knowledge on sourcing finances (angel and venture capital investors).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of the sustainability of poverty alleviation projects in the Amatole District Municipality
- Authors: Quma, Nosintu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9153 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019727
- Description: There are escalating levels of poverty and unemployment in the Eastern Cape, despite the poverty alleviation programmes that have been established since 1994. The overall aim of the research was to investigate the sustainability of poverty alleviation projects in Amatole District Municipality in the Eastern Cape at Ngqushwa Local Municipality. The study focused on the following aspects: project management, capacity building, monitoring and mentoring, the market and the views community members have on poverty alleviation projects. The research sought to find out what challenges have been encountered by Sipheleke Food Security Project that might lead to the project not being sustainable. The study concluded that poverty alleviation projects are not sustainable because of lack of commitment from project members, market, capacity, management skills and scarcity of water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Quma, Nosintu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9153 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019727
- Description: There are escalating levels of poverty and unemployment in the Eastern Cape, despite the poverty alleviation programmes that have been established since 1994. The overall aim of the research was to investigate the sustainability of poverty alleviation projects in Amatole District Municipality in the Eastern Cape at Ngqushwa Local Municipality. The study focused on the following aspects: project management, capacity building, monitoring and mentoring, the market and the views community members have on poverty alleviation projects. The research sought to find out what challenges have been encountered by Sipheleke Food Security Project that might lead to the project not being sustainable. The study concluded that poverty alleviation projects are not sustainable because of lack of commitment from project members, market, capacity, management skills and scarcity of water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Effects of genetically modified maize (MON810) and its residues on the functional diversity of microorganisms in two South African soils
- Authors: Puta, Usanda
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Genetically modified foods -- South Africa , Transgenic plants -- South Africa , Crops -- Genetic engineering -- South Africa , Soil microbiology -- South Africa , Microorganisms , Microbial ecology , Rhizosphere -- Microbiology , Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizas , Corn -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11250 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/419 , Genetically modified foods -- South Africa , Transgenic plants -- South Africa , Crops -- Genetic engineering -- South Africa , Soil microbiology -- South Africa , Microorganisms , Microbial ecology , Rhizosphere -- Microbiology , Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizas , Corn -- South Africa
- Description: Genetically modified (GM) crops are commercially cultivated worldwide but there are concerns on their possible negative impacts on soil biodiversity. A glasshouse study was conducted to determine effects of Bt maize residues on soil microbial diversity. Residues of Bt maize (PAN 6Q-308B) and non-Bt maize (PAN 6Q-121) were incorporated into the soil and corresponding maize seeds planted. The treatments were replicated three times. Fertilizer and water application were similar for both treatments. Rhizosphere and bulk soil was destructively sampled from each treatment and analyzed for microbial community level physiological profiles using Biolog plates with 31 different carbon substrates. Absorbance in the Biolog plates was recorded after 72 h of incubation at 20oC. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spore counts were also determined. Field studies were conducted at the University of Free State and University of Fort Hare Research Farms to determine the effects of growing Bt maize on soil microbial diversity. One Bt maize cultivar (PAN6Q-308B) and non-Bt maize (PAN6Q-121) were grown in a paired experiment at University of Free State farm, while two Bt maize (DKC61-25B and PAN6Q-321B) and their near-isogenic non-Bt maize lines (DKC61-24 and PAN6777) were grown in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Fertilization, weed control and water application, were similar for both Bt maize cultivars and their non-Bt maize counterparts. Rhizosphere soil samples were collected by uprooting whole plants and collecting the soil attached to the roots. The samples were analysed for microbial diversity and for arbuscular mycorrhizae fungal spore counts. Principal component analysis showed that soil microbial diversity was affected more by sampling time whereas genetic modification had minimal effects. Presence of residues also increased the diversity of microorganisms. Mycorrhizal fungal spores were not affected by the presence of Bt maize residues. Growing Bt maize had no effect on the soil microbial diversity in the rhizosphere.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Puta, Usanda
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Genetically modified foods -- South Africa , Transgenic plants -- South Africa , Crops -- Genetic engineering -- South Africa , Soil microbiology -- South Africa , Microorganisms , Microbial ecology , Rhizosphere -- Microbiology , Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizas , Corn -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11250 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/419 , Genetically modified foods -- South Africa , Transgenic plants -- South Africa , Crops -- Genetic engineering -- South Africa , Soil microbiology -- South Africa , Microorganisms , Microbial ecology , Rhizosphere -- Microbiology , Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizas , Corn -- South Africa
- Description: Genetically modified (GM) crops are commercially cultivated worldwide but there are concerns on their possible negative impacts on soil biodiversity. A glasshouse study was conducted to determine effects of Bt maize residues on soil microbial diversity. Residues of Bt maize (PAN 6Q-308B) and non-Bt maize (PAN 6Q-121) were incorporated into the soil and corresponding maize seeds planted. The treatments were replicated three times. Fertilizer and water application were similar for both treatments. Rhizosphere and bulk soil was destructively sampled from each treatment and analyzed for microbial community level physiological profiles using Biolog plates with 31 different carbon substrates. Absorbance in the Biolog plates was recorded after 72 h of incubation at 20oC. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spore counts were also determined. Field studies were conducted at the University of Free State and University of Fort Hare Research Farms to determine the effects of growing Bt maize on soil microbial diversity. One Bt maize cultivar (PAN6Q-308B) and non-Bt maize (PAN6Q-121) were grown in a paired experiment at University of Free State farm, while two Bt maize (DKC61-25B and PAN6Q-321B) and their near-isogenic non-Bt maize lines (DKC61-24 and PAN6777) were grown in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Fertilization, weed control and water application, were similar for both Bt maize cultivars and their non-Bt maize counterparts. Rhizosphere soil samples were collected by uprooting whole plants and collecting the soil attached to the roots. The samples were analysed for microbial diversity and for arbuscular mycorrhizae fungal spore counts. Principal component analysis showed that soil microbial diversity was affected more by sampling time whereas genetic modification had minimal effects. Presence of residues also increased the diversity of microorganisms. Mycorrhizal fungal spores were not affected by the presence of Bt maize residues. Growing Bt maize had no effect on the soil microbial diversity in the rhizosphere.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Solid-phase extraction based sample preparation for the determination of drug and organic pollutant residue
- Authors: Pule, Bellah Oreeditse
- Date: 2011 , 2011-02-08
- Subjects: Food contamination , Drugs -- Analysis , Pharmaceutical chemistry , Extraction (Chemistry) , Sorbents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4406 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006711 , Food contamination , Drugs -- Analysis , Pharmaceutical chemistry , Extraction (Chemistry) , Sorbents
- Description: This thesis presents solid phase extraction (SPE) methodologies based on mixed-mode polymeric sorbents; a mixed mode strong anion exchanger (Agilent SampliQ SAX) and a mixed mode strong cation exchanger (Agilent SampliQ SCX). Furthermore, dispersive-SPE based on a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) method was assessed for applicability in the determination of drug residues. The mixed-mode polymeric sorbents were evaluated for the simultaneous fractionation of drugs that exhibit diverse polarities with acidic, basic and neutral functionalities in biological matrices (plasma and urine). The polymeric skeleton of these sorbents entails an exchanger group and therefore provides two retention mechanisms, strong cation or anion exchange retention mechanisms with hydrophobic interactions. It was demonstrated that with a sequential elution protocol for sample clean-up analytes were fractionated into acidic, basic and neutral classes. The SAX was employed for analysis of ketoprofen, naproxen (acidic drugs), nortriptyline (basic) and secobarbital (neutral) from urine sample. The SCX was used for fractionating phenobarbital, p-toluamide (acidic), amphetamine, m-toluidine (basic) and acetaminophen (neutral drug) from plasma sample. QuEChERS method was employed for quantitative determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from fish fillets and soil; 9 sulfonamides (SAs) from chicken muscles and acrylamide (AA) in cooking oil. The analyte recoveries ranged from 79.6 - 109% with RSDs ranging from 0.06 - 1.9% at three different fortification levels. Good linearity (r2 > 0.9990) was attained for most analytes. The limits of detection and quantification ranged from 0.03 - 0.84 μg/ml and 0.81 - 1.89 μg/ml respectively for analytes in biological samples. LODs and LOQs for analytes in food and environmental samples ranged from 0.02 to 0.39 and 0.25 to 1.30 ng/g respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Pule, Bellah Oreeditse
- Date: 2011 , 2011-02-08
- Subjects: Food contamination , Drugs -- Analysis , Pharmaceutical chemistry , Extraction (Chemistry) , Sorbents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4406 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006711 , Food contamination , Drugs -- Analysis , Pharmaceutical chemistry , Extraction (Chemistry) , Sorbents
- Description: This thesis presents solid phase extraction (SPE) methodologies based on mixed-mode polymeric sorbents; a mixed mode strong anion exchanger (Agilent SampliQ SAX) and a mixed mode strong cation exchanger (Agilent SampliQ SCX). Furthermore, dispersive-SPE based on a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) method was assessed for applicability in the determination of drug residues. The mixed-mode polymeric sorbents were evaluated for the simultaneous fractionation of drugs that exhibit diverse polarities with acidic, basic and neutral functionalities in biological matrices (plasma and urine). The polymeric skeleton of these sorbents entails an exchanger group and therefore provides two retention mechanisms, strong cation or anion exchange retention mechanisms with hydrophobic interactions. It was demonstrated that with a sequential elution protocol for sample clean-up analytes were fractionated into acidic, basic and neutral classes. The SAX was employed for analysis of ketoprofen, naproxen (acidic drugs), nortriptyline (basic) and secobarbital (neutral) from urine sample. The SCX was used for fractionating phenobarbital, p-toluamide (acidic), amphetamine, m-toluidine (basic) and acetaminophen (neutral drug) from plasma sample. QuEChERS method was employed for quantitative determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from fish fillets and soil; 9 sulfonamides (SAs) from chicken muscles and acrylamide (AA) in cooking oil. The analyte recoveries ranged from 79.6 - 109% with RSDs ranging from 0.06 - 1.9% at three different fortification levels. Good linearity (r2 > 0.9990) was attained for most analytes. The limits of detection and quantification ranged from 0.03 - 0.84 μg/ml and 0.81 - 1.89 μg/ml respectively for analytes in biological samples. LODs and LOQs for analytes in food and environmental samples ranged from 0.02 to 0.39 and 0.25 to 1.30 ng/g respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Relational processes enabling the balancing of academic work and motherhood: a grounded theory study with academic women at a South African university
- Authors: Poulos, Tessa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Working mothers -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Women in education -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Work and family -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Rhodes University -- Employees Motherhood -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Sex role in the work environment -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3038 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002547
- Description: Through the use of contextual data, this research study aims to explicate a theory about the experiences of academic women, who are also mothers, employed at a South African University. The research is interpretive in nature as it explores the women's accounts of the conflicts they face in striving to satisfy the demands of both their scholarly work and family responsibilities within multiple intersecting factors related to their personal/familial circumstances, and the strategic processes they engage in to manage the balance between these competing roles. The study followed a constructivist grounded theory design in an attempt to test the hypothesis (emerging from a prior pilot study) that the most significant enabling factors at work in the lives of these women comprise various relational support processes. The findings indicate that balancing academic work and mothering is a delicate activity that is sensitive to a number of facilitating as well as hindering factors. The participants revealed that they experience work-family role-conflict as a result of competing desires to dedicate themselves fully to both of these roles. The relational factors most prominently cited as being critical to enabling a work-family balance include the presence of a supportive partner, a support structure in the home in the form of an employed domestic helper, and the support derived from a 'shared experience' with other working mothers. Non-relational factors emanating from the unique quality of life afforded to mothers by employment within the particular case institution also emerged as being significantly enabling of a work-family balance for this group of academic mothers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Poulos, Tessa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Working mothers -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Women in education -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Work and family -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Rhodes University -- Employees Motherhood -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Sex role in the work environment -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3038 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002547
- Description: Through the use of contextual data, this research study aims to explicate a theory about the experiences of academic women, who are also mothers, employed at a South African University. The research is interpretive in nature as it explores the women's accounts of the conflicts they face in striving to satisfy the demands of both their scholarly work and family responsibilities within multiple intersecting factors related to their personal/familial circumstances, and the strategic processes they engage in to manage the balance between these competing roles. The study followed a constructivist grounded theory design in an attempt to test the hypothesis (emerging from a prior pilot study) that the most significant enabling factors at work in the lives of these women comprise various relational support processes. The findings indicate that balancing academic work and mothering is a delicate activity that is sensitive to a number of facilitating as well as hindering factors. The participants revealed that they experience work-family role-conflict as a result of competing desires to dedicate themselves fully to both of these roles. The relational factors most prominently cited as being critical to enabling a work-family balance include the presence of a supportive partner, a support structure in the home in the form of an employed domestic helper, and the support derived from a 'shared experience' with other working mothers. Non-relational factors emanating from the unique quality of life afforded to mothers by employment within the particular case institution also emerged as being significantly enabling of a work-family balance for this group of academic mothers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The effectiveness of livestock guarding dogs for livestock production and conservation in Namibia
- Authors: Potgieter, Gail Christine
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Livestock protection dogs -- Namibia , Herding dogs -- Namibia , Livestock -- Predators of -- Control -- Namibia , Livestock -- Losses -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10680 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1666 , Livestock protection dogs -- Namibia , Herding dogs -- Namibia , Livestock -- Predators of -- Control -- Namibia , Livestock -- Losses -- Namibia
- Description: The use of livestock guarding dogs (LGDs) to mitigate farmer-predator conflict in Namibia was evaluated. As farmer-predator conflict has two sides, LGDs were evaluated in terms of livestock production and conservation. The main objectives in terms of livestock production were to document: 1) the perceived ability of LGDs to reduce livestock losses in a cost-effective manner; 2) the farmers’ satisfaction with LGD performance; and 3) factors influencing LGD behaviour. The main objectives in terms of conservation were to record: 1) predator killing by farmers relative to LGD introduction; 2) direct impacts of LGDs on target (damage-causing) species; and 3) the impact of LGDs on non-target species. This evaluation was conducted on LGDs bred by the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) and placed on farms in Namibia. The data were collected during face-to-face interviews with farmers using LGDs. Historical data from the CCF programme were used in conjunction with a complete survey of the farmers in the CCF LGD programme during 2009-2010. In terms of livestock production, 91 percent of the LGDs (n = 65) eliminated or reduced livestock losses. Subsequently, 73 percent of the farmers perceived their LGDs as economically beneficial, although a cost-benefit analysis showed that only 59 percent of the LGDs were cost-effective. Farmers were generally satisfied with the performance of their LGDs. However, farmer satisfaction was more closely linked to good LGD behaviour than the perceived reduction in livestock losses. The most commonly-reported LGD behavioural problems (n = 195) were staying at home rather than accompanying the livestock (21 percent) and chasing wildlife (19 percent). LGD staying home behaviour was linked to a lack of care on subsistence farms, as high quality dog food was not consistently provided. Care for LGDs declined with LGD age on subsistence, but not commercial, farms. In terms of conservation, predator-killing farmers killed fewer individuals in the year since LGD introduction than previously; this result was only significant for black-backed jackal Canis mesomelas. However, 37 LGDs killed jackals, nine killed baboons Papio ursinus, three killed caracals Caracal caracal and one killed a cheetah Acinonyx jubatus (n = 83). Farmers and LGDs combined killed significantly more jackals in the survey year than the same farmers (n = 36) killed before LGD introduction. Conversely, five farmers killed 3.2 ± 2.01 cheetahs each in the year before LGD introduction, whereas LGDs and these farmers combined killed only 0.2 ± 0.2 cheetahs per farm in the survey year. Only 16 LGDs (n = 83) killed non-target species. The high LGD success rate in terms of livestock production was facilitated by livestock husbandry practices in the study area. In terms of conservation, LGDs were more beneficial for apex predators than for mesopredators and had a minor impact on non-target species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Potgieter, Gail Christine
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Livestock protection dogs -- Namibia , Herding dogs -- Namibia , Livestock -- Predators of -- Control -- Namibia , Livestock -- Losses -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10680 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1666 , Livestock protection dogs -- Namibia , Herding dogs -- Namibia , Livestock -- Predators of -- Control -- Namibia , Livestock -- Losses -- Namibia
- Description: The use of livestock guarding dogs (LGDs) to mitigate farmer-predator conflict in Namibia was evaluated. As farmer-predator conflict has two sides, LGDs were evaluated in terms of livestock production and conservation. The main objectives in terms of livestock production were to document: 1) the perceived ability of LGDs to reduce livestock losses in a cost-effective manner; 2) the farmers’ satisfaction with LGD performance; and 3) factors influencing LGD behaviour. The main objectives in terms of conservation were to record: 1) predator killing by farmers relative to LGD introduction; 2) direct impacts of LGDs on target (damage-causing) species; and 3) the impact of LGDs on non-target species. This evaluation was conducted on LGDs bred by the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) and placed on farms in Namibia. The data were collected during face-to-face interviews with farmers using LGDs. Historical data from the CCF programme were used in conjunction with a complete survey of the farmers in the CCF LGD programme during 2009-2010. In terms of livestock production, 91 percent of the LGDs (n = 65) eliminated or reduced livestock losses. Subsequently, 73 percent of the farmers perceived their LGDs as economically beneficial, although a cost-benefit analysis showed that only 59 percent of the LGDs were cost-effective. Farmers were generally satisfied with the performance of their LGDs. However, farmer satisfaction was more closely linked to good LGD behaviour than the perceived reduction in livestock losses. The most commonly-reported LGD behavioural problems (n = 195) were staying at home rather than accompanying the livestock (21 percent) and chasing wildlife (19 percent). LGD staying home behaviour was linked to a lack of care on subsistence farms, as high quality dog food was not consistently provided. Care for LGDs declined with LGD age on subsistence, but not commercial, farms. In terms of conservation, predator-killing farmers killed fewer individuals in the year since LGD introduction than previously; this result was only significant for black-backed jackal Canis mesomelas. However, 37 LGDs killed jackals, nine killed baboons Papio ursinus, three killed caracals Caracal caracal and one killed a cheetah Acinonyx jubatus (n = 83). Farmers and LGDs combined killed significantly more jackals in the survey year than the same farmers (n = 36) killed before LGD introduction. Conversely, five farmers killed 3.2 ± 2.01 cheetahs each in the year before LGD introduction, whereas LGDs and these farmers combined killed only 0.2 ± 0.2 cheetahs per farm in the survey year. Only 16 LGDs (n = 83) killed non-target species. The high LGD success rate in terms of livestock production was facilitated by livestock husbandry practices in the study area. In terms of conservation, LGDs were more beneficial for apex predators than for mesopredators and had a minor impact on non-target species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessing conflict and management interventions
- Authors: Plaatjes, Carlton Henry
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa , Cognitive styles
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8818 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018930
- Description: Human resource management, or people management, is concerned with the philosophies, policies, programmes, practices and decisions that affect the people who work for an organisation. The various people management functions are aimed at helping the organisation achieve its strategic goals and as such are an integral part of the management process. People management consists of several aspects and sub-divisions of which pro-active conflict handling and management is one and which is also the subject of this study. The objective of this study was to assess causes of conflict and interventions and styles of conflict management in the workplace. Workplace politics, change management, diversity, cultures and religious views are but a few major sources for the emergence of conflict. We are currently in the era of fast change or more aptly put “hyperchange” and conflict is inevitable and management styles can also create and/or escalate conflict situations including, the composition of diversity in the workplace. This adds to the new challenges of management. Organisations in this decade need to acknowledge that their management styles of days gone by are not relevant anymore and one must understand to recognise conflict and resolve it in an appropriate manner. This study assessed the major causes of conflict in the workplace and whether the managerial style of managers and management interventions impacts on the overall conflict situations experienced by staff members in organisations in Cape Town and Windhoek. It also gave an indication if interventions and conflict management training/programmes are in place or used, if at all. Sometimes conflict is resolved successfully or unsuccessfully and what impact it has on the managers, his/her staff and colleagues and the organisation as a whole. This can have a detriment impact on the business and the culture within the organisation and which could result in or give rise to high labour turnover, underlying unhappy staff and disempowerment of managers and staff and poor production and service levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Plaatjes, Carlton Henry
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa , Cognitive styles
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8818 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018930
- Description: Human resource management, or people management, is concerned with the philosophies, policies, programmes, practices and decisions that affect the people who work for an organisation. The various people management functions are aimed at helping the organisation achieve its strategic goals and as such are an integral part of the management process. People management consists of several aspects and sub-divisions of which pro-active conflict handling and management is one and which is also the subject of this study. The objective of this study was to assess causes of conflict and interventions and styles of conflict management in the workplace. Workplace politics, change management, diversity, cultures and religious views are but a few major sources for the emergence of conflict. We are currently in the era of fast change or more aptly put “hyperchange” and conflict is inevitable and management styles can also create and/or escalate conflict situations including, the composition of diversity in the workplace. This adds to the new challenges of management. Organisations in this decade need to acknowledge that their management styles of days gone by are not relevant anymore and one must understand to recognise conflict and resolve it in an appropriate manner. This study assessed the major causes of conflict in the workplace and whether the managerial style of managers and management interventions impacts on the overall conflict situations experienced by staff members in organisations in Cape Town and Windhoek. It also gave an indication if interventions and conflict management training/programmes are in place or used, if at all. Sometimes conflict is resolved successfully or unsuccessfully and what impact it has on the managers, his/her staff and colleagues and the organisation as a whole. This can have a detriment impact on the business and the culture within the organisation and which could result in or give rise to high labour turnover, underlying unhappy staff and disempowerment of managers and staff and poor production and service levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A case study of corporate social investment: employing people with intellectual disabilities
- Authors: Pillay, Jayalakshmi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Kuyasa Special School (Grahamstown, South Africa) , Rhodes University -- Employees , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , People with mental disabilities -- Employment -- South Africa , Employee retention -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Vocational guidance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:733 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003853 , Kuyasa Special School (Grahamstown, South Africa) , Rhodes University -- Employees , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , People with mental disabilities -- Employment -- South Africa , Employee retention -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Vocational guidance -- South Africa
- Description: This research was undertaken within the broader concept of Corporate Social Investments and how this concept is integrated within the context of staff retention and what this means for business and creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Illustrated through the description of CSI literature and intending to explain the link between CSI and employee retention, research questions presented as part of the outcomes for the research examines notion that there is a relationship between Corporate Social Investment and Employee Retention. Reference to the case study "Rhodes / Kuyasa Partnership" illustrates how such partnerships attempt to create opportunities for the community, the organisation, people with disabilities and employees at large. The case study was written to be used as a teaching case study in the context of Human Resources, Business Sustainability and Corporate Social Investment. The effectiveness and viability of the Kuyasa / Rhodes partnership will highlight acceptance and or non acceptance of people with disability by the non-disabled workforce. This case study will highlight CSI linkages that lead to staff retention, higher job satisfaction, lower turnover of staff, enhanced community engagement, creating opportunities that accommodate people with special needs, developing models that can be replicated in other organisations, creating additional opportunities for existing staff. Metcalf (2008:61) suggests that organisations need to ensure that the leadership and organisation culture within organisations is appropriate to engage staff with disabilities and non-disabled staff, and that their most senior managers demonstrate their commitment to develop, and help others develop, in the same way. The Kuyasa Rhodes Partnership may have started off as a Retention Strategy, however has given rise to a social initiative that can be replicated in other enabling organisations. The case study material was acquired through one on one interviews, and a focus group session on the effectiveness with the retention of such employees with intellectual disabilities, internship and mentoring issues, and as well as issues such as affirmative action, and the benefits and shortcomings of staff retention to the organisation. Key stakeholders interviewed for this case study expressed differing view -points, and in particular the benefits and shortcomings of this initiative. The Rhodes Kuyasa initiative appears to have achieved some success in enabling young adults / learners to work in a mainstream working environment by developing employment skills and life skills, and by improving their employment opportunities. Factors critical to the continuation of such initiatives included: the close involvement with both partners (Rhodes and the Kuyasa Special School), the sensitive treatment of the learners, and creating internal departmental partnerships within the Rhodes environment. A selected group of ten learners were mentored and provided with full time employment within the industrial Campus Food Services facility. Discussion that was highlighted in the case study must give consideration to a more investigative approach into overcoming the barriers of discrimination in the workplace and the major barriers to skills development. These have highlighted a number of relatively consistent themes around what were the successful and unsuccessful strategies. Integration of people with disabilities within the Rhodes University service areas has had positive effects for the disabled learner and employee workplace. People with disabilities indicated on how having mainstream employment allowed them to be independent, have a purpose in life and enhance their self worth in their communities and place of employment. Furthermore, being employed had positive repercussions on the person‘s co-workers. By demonstrating their competence, people with disabilities have had significant impact on other people‘s attitudes to disabled persons. Discussions held with the Principal of the Kuyasa Specialised School highlighted the need for crucial planning within special schools for disabled people in the area of transition from school to skills development and work. Skills development guidance is important in ensuring a choice of relevant interventions and obtaining the necessary information. Some staff expressed frustration at being with co-workers who questioned their presence and placement in the kitchen environment. Even though the disabled person was suitably placed they faced stereotypical behaviour and attitudes from their co-workers on what people with disabilities can or cannot do. Staff with intellectual disabilities commented that their co-workers see them as needing constant attention and care and not being capable of working. Some of the staff with disabilities had to work much harder to be recognised by their co-workers and supervisors. Currently few people with disabilities seem to be receiving career guidance while at school, as reflected in the case studies. One person with an intellectual disability described how the intervention of developing a comprehensive school leaving plan, which was then implemented by the school, allowed for good transition from school to Rhodes University. The role of personal factors such as life skills, personal motivation, the desire for personal achievement and a positive attitude were common themes that came out of the focus group. Initiatives to ensure that people accept themselves, their circumstances and are able to express their desires and realise their dreams are important factors. In addressing the barriers, co-worker attitudes make a big difference to how effectively the disabled person is able to participate in the training and employment. The future focus must be enabling and in line with successes and failures in the areas of employee integration in the workplace, life-skills development for people with disabilities. A clear career guidance plan should be developed for all disabled children before they leave school. This plan should include provision of adequate information on different career options and training. The negative attitudes of co-workers and supervisors should be changed by providing training support to ensure that they feel confident to meet the needs of disabled staff. Employers should be providing support and information on how to meet the needs of disabled employees. People with intellectual disabilities are an integral part of the South African population. Business and social enterprises need to have a focused inclusive strategy to integrate people with intellectual disabilities within the South African society to ensure equity and diversity awareness. Working with people with intellectual disabilities has been the focus of this research to ensure long term sustainable employment, CSI and Employment equity. Integrating Corporate Social Investment policies with Human Resources Equity policies are important factors in ensuring that people with intellectual disabilities are a fundamental focus in recruitment and retention strategies within business and social enterprises. Initiatives such as the Kuyasa / Rhodes Partnership are attempting to align to the overall objectives of incorporating people with intellectual disabilities into mainstream work, in particular, with the objective of incorporating people with disabilities in some accessible sections within the organisation. This contributes to the Rhodes University Campus Food Services becoming an example of excellence in the CSI and employee retention field. It is hoped that this teaching case study will make an important contribution to students learning about sustainable business practices, and for business focusing on employment recruitment and retention strategies to integrate people with intellectual disabilities within their organisations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Pillay, Jayalakshmi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Kuyasa Special School (Grahamstown, South Africa) , Rhodes University -- Employees , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , People with mental disabilities -- Employment -- South Africa , Employee retention -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Vocational guidance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:733 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003853 , Kuyasa Special School (Grahamstown, South Africa) , Rhodes University -- Employees , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , People with mental disabilities -- Employment -- South Africa , Employee retention -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Vocational guidance -- South Africa
- Description: This research was undertaken within the broader concept of Corporate Social Investments and how this concept is integrated within the context of staff retention and what this means for business and creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Illustrated through the description of CSI literature and intending to explain the link between CSI and employee retention, research questions presented as part of the outcomes for the research examines notion that there is a relationship between Corporate Social Investment and Employee Retention. Reference to the case study "Rhodes / Kuyasa Partnership" illustrates how such partnerships attempt to create opportunities for the community, the organisation, people with disabilities and employees at large. The case study was written to be used as a teaching case study in the context of Human Resources, Business Sustainability and Corporate Social Investment. The effectiveness and viability of the Kuyasa / Rhodes partnership will highlight acceptance and or non acceptance of people with disability by the non-disabled workforce. This case study will highlight CSI linkages that lead to staff retention, higher job satisfaction, lower turnover of staff, enhanced community engagement, creating opportunities that accommodate people with special needs, developing models that can be replicated in other organisations, creating additional opportunities for existing staff. Metcalf (2008:61) suggests that organisations need to ensure that the leadership and organisation culture within organisations is appropriate to engage staff with disabilities and non-disabled staff, and that their most senior managers demonstrate their commitment to develop, and help others develop, in the same way. The Kuyasa Rhodes Partnership may have started off as a Retention Strategy, however has given rise to a social initiative that can be replicated in other enabling organisations. The case study material was acquired through one on one interviews, and a focus group session on the effectiveness with the retention of such employees with intellectual disabilities, internship and mentoring issues, and as well as issues such as affirmative action, and the benefits and shortcomings of staff retention to the organisation. Key stakeholders interviewed for this case study expressed differing view -points, and in particular the benefits and shortcomings of this initiative. The Rhodes Kuyasa initiative appears to have achieved some success in enabling young adults / learners to work in a mainstream working environment by developing employment skills and life skills, and by improving their employment opportunities. Factors critical to the continuation of such initiatives included: the close involvement with both partners (Rhodes and the Kuyasa Special School), the sensitive treatment of the learners, and creating internal departmental partnerships within the Rhodes environment. A selected group of ten learners were mentored and provided with full time employment within the industrial Campus Food Services facility. Discussion that was highlighted in the case study must give consideration to a more investigative approach into overcoming the barriers of discrimination in the workplace and the major barriers to skills development. These have highlighted a number of relatively consistent themes around what were the successful and unsuccessful strategies. Integration of people with disabilities within the Rhodes University service areas has had positive effects for the disabled learner and employee workplace. People with disabilities indicated on how having mainstream employment allowed them to be independent, have a purpose in life and enhance their self worth in their communities and place of employment. Furthermore, being employed had positive repercussions on the person‘s co-workers. By demonstrating their competence, people with disabilities have had significant impact on other people‘s attitudes to disabled persons. Discussions held with the Principal of the Kuyasa Specialised School highlighted the need for crucial planning within special schools for disabled people in the area of transition from school to skills development and work. Skills development guidance is important in ensuring a choice of relevant interventions and obtaining the necessary information. Some staff expressed frustration at being with co-workers who questioned their presence and placement in the kitchen environment. Even though the disabled person was suitably placed they faced stereotypical behaviour and attitudes from their co-workers on what people with disabilities can or cannot do. Staff with intellectual disabilities commented that their co-workers see them as needing constant attention and care and not being capable of working. Some of the staff with disabilities had to work much harder to be recognised by their co-workers and supervisors. Currently few people with disabilities seem to be receiving career guidance while at school, as reflected in the case studies. One person with an intellectual disability described how the intervention of developing a comprehensive school leaving plan, which was then implemented by the school, allowed for good transition from school to Rhodes University. The role of personal factors such as life skills, personal motivation, the desire for personal achievement and a positive attitude were common themes that came out of the focus group. Initiatives to ensure that people accept themselves, their circumstances and are able to express their desires and realise their dreams are important factors. In addressing the barriers, co-worker attitudes make a big difference to how effectively the disabled person is able to participate in the training and employment. The future focus must be enabling and in line with successes and failures in the areas of employee integration in the workplace, life-skills development for people with disabilities. A clear career guidance plan should be developed for all disabled children before they leave school. This plan should include provision of adequate information on different career options and training. The negative attitudes of co-workers and supervisors should be changed by providing training support to ensure that they feel confident to meet the needs of disabled staff. Employers should be providing support and information on how to meet the needs of disabled employees. People with intellectual disabilities are an integral part of the South African population. Business and social enterprises need to have a focused inclusive strategy to integrate people with intellectual disabilities within the South African society to ensure equity and diversity awareness. Working with people with intellectual disabilities has been the focus of this research to ensure long term sustainable employment, CSI and Employment equity. Integrating Corporate Social Investment policies with Human Resources Equity policies are important factors in ensuring that people with intellectual disabilities are a fundamental focus in recruitment and retention strategies within business and social enterprises. Initiatives such as the Kuyasa / Rhodes Partnership are attempting to align to the overall objectives of incorporating people with intellectual disabilities into mainstream work, in particular, with the objective of incorporating people with disabilities in some accessible sections within the organisation. This contributes to the Rhodes University Campus Food Services becoming an example of excellence in the CSI and employee retention field. It is hoped that this teaching case study will make an important contribution to students learning about sustainable business practices, and for business focusing on employment recruitment and retention strategies to integrate people with intellectual disabilities within their organisations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The experiences of pregnant teenagers as related to ante-natal care
- Authors: Pienaar, Nadine
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Pregnant teenagers -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municpality , Prenatal diagnosis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10028 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1321 , Pregnant teenagers -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municpality , Prenatal diagnosis
- Description: The experiences of pregnant teenagers as related to ante-natal care were researched. The primary objective of the study was to explore and describe the experiences pregnant teenagers had of their ante-natal care. The researcher recommended measures based on the findings of the study to midwives to encourage ante-natal care clinic attendance amongst pregnant teenagers. The recommendations were such that even nurses at Primary Health Care clinics could utilise them as they also come into contact with pregnant teenagers. An increasing number of pregnant teenagers in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality area are admitted to referral hospitals with complications during pregnancy and labour. Some of these teenagers are un-booked or had only a few ante-natal clinic visits. The researcher therefore wanted to obtain first hand information related to the reluctance of pregnant teenagers to attend ante-natal care clinics. Attendance at ante-natal care clinics plays an important part in enabling the staff to screen pregnant mothers for health problems and so limit complications. Hence the concern and need to develop measures to motivate pregnant teenagers to attend ante-natal clinics.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Pienaar, Nadine
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Pregnant teenagers -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municpality , Prenatal diagnosis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10028 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1321 , Pregnant teenagers -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municpality , Prenatal diagnosis
- Description: The experiences of pregnant teenagers as related to ante-natal care were researched. The primary objective of the study was to explore and describe the experiences pregnant teenagers had of their ante-natal care. The researcher recommended measures based on the findings of the study to midwives to encourage ante-natal care clinic attendance amongst pregnant teenagers. The recommendations were such that even nurses at Primary Health Care clinics could utilise them as they also come into contact with pregnant teenagers. An increasing number of pregnant teenagers in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality area are admitted to referral hospitals with complications during pregnancy and labour. Some of these teenagers are un-booked or had only a few ante-natal clinic visits. The researcher therefore wanted to obtain first hand information related to the reluctance of pregnant teenagers to attend ante-natal care clinics. Attendance at ante-natal care clinics plays an important part in enabling the staff to screen pregnant mothers for health problems and so limit complications. Hence the concern and need to develop measures to motivate pregnant teenagers to attend ante-natal clinics.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011
Cointegration in equity markets: a comparison between South African and major developed and emerging markets
- Authors: Petrov, Pavel
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cointegration Stock exchanges -- South Africa Stock exchanges -- Developing countries Stock exchanges -- Developed countries South Africa -- Economic conditions Portfolio management -- South Africa Econometrics Autoregression (Statistics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:5575 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005539
- Description: Cointegration has important implications for portfolio diversification. One of these is that in order to spread risk it is advisable to invest in markets that are not cointegrated. Over the last several decades communication technology has made the world a smaller place and hence cointegration in equity markets has become more prevalent. The bulk of research into cointegration focuses on developed and Asian markets, with little research been done on African markets. This study compares the Engle-Granger and Johansen tests for cointegration and uses them to calculate the level of cointegration between South African and other global equity markets. Each market is compared pair-wise with South Africa and the results have been that in general South Africa is cointegrated with other emerging markets but not really with African nor developed markets. Short-run analysis with the error correction was carried out and showed that in general markets respond slowly to any disequilibrium. Innovation accounting methods showed that the country placed first in Cholesky ordering dominates the other one. Multivariate cointegration was carried out using three selections of 4, 6 and 8 market portfolios. One of the markets was SA and the others were all chosen based on the criteria that they are not pair-wise cointegrated with SA. The level of cointegration varied depending on the portfolios, as did the error correction rates, impulse responses and variance decomposition. The one constant was that the USA dominated any portfolio where it was introduced. Recommendations were finally made about which market portfolio an investor should consider as most favourable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Petrov, Pavel
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cointegration Stock exchanges -- South Africa Stock exchanges -- Developing countries Stock exchanges -- Developed countries South Africa -- Economic conditions Portfolio management -- South Africa Econometrics Autoregression (Statistics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:5575 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005539
- Description: Cointegration has important implications for portfolio diversification. One of these is that in order to spread risk it is advisable to invest in markets that are not cointegrated. Over the last several decades communication technology has made the world a smaller place and hence cointegration in equity markets has become more prevalent. The bulk of research into cointegration focuses on developed and Asian markets, with little research been done on African markets. This study compares the Engle-Granger and Johansen tests for cointegration and uses them to calculate the level of cointegration between South African and other global equity markets. Each market is compared pair-wise with South Africa and the results have been that in general South Africa is cointegrated with other emerging markets but not really with African nor developed markets. Short-run analysis with the error correction was carried out and showed that in general markets respond slowly to any disequilibrium. Innovation accounting methods showed that the country placed first in Cholesky ordering dominates the other one. Multivariate cointegration was carried out using three selections of 4, 6 and 8 market portfolios. One of the markets was SA and the others were all chosen based on the criteria that they are not pair-wise cointegrated with SA. The level of cointegration varied depending on the portfolios, as did the error correction rates, impulse responses and variance decomposition. The one constant was that the USA dominated any portfolio where it was introduced. Recommendations were finally made about which market portfolio an investor should consider as most favourable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Developing an incubation strategy for Oudtshoorn
- Authors: Petersen, Winifred
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Business incubators -- South Africa -- Oudshoorn , New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Oudshoorn
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8648 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1385 , Business incubators -- South Africa -- Oudshoorn , New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Oudshoorn
- Description: Business incubators, as recognised in their contemporary form, have a history dating back to the 1970s in the United Kingdom and the USA. South Africa is no stranger to this concept of business incubation either: Since the 1980s the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) operated business “hives” as clusters of small enterprises. Business incubators are support facilities that empower and stimulate small-entrepreneurial businesses – from the financially vulnerable start-up period, until the time that the fledgling company is ready to operate more autonomously. Business incubators provide, as part of their services, affordable space, financial-management services, sound business advice and other development services. Incubation stimulates the development of small-entrepreneurial businesses and, to this end, helps stimulate the economy. Thus, for South Africa to invest in the development of small growing businesses, is to invest directly in its larger economy and to address its own development challenges like employment-creation, income-generation and the alleviation of poverty. It is in this context that this study discusses the development challenges of one of the rural areas in South Africa, Oudtshoorn, and aims to provide a viable strategy of business incubation for this area, in anticipation that in future lessons can be drawn from this and applied to other rural areas. Oudtshoorn is a town in the Klein Karoo, in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The strongest sectors in Oudtshoorn’s economy are agriculture and tourism. These two sectors should provide the basis for an empowering business incubator to strengthen and enhance smaller businesses in the town. The study focuses on the development challenges of South Africa and, in particular, a rural town such as Oudtshoorn, the importance of investing in small entrepreneurial businesses so as to strengthen the country’s economy. the nature an significance of a business-incubation strategy for the Oudtshoorn area. Background literature on South Africa’s development challenges was collated as well as information gathered on small-business support and incubation in particular. Literature was retrieved from local institutions as well as national and international sources. Case studies of incubators in South Africa and in other countries were included to enhance the understanding of the importance of business incubation. In addition, the researcher’s close networks with the Oudtshoorn municipality, the local Red Door office and the different role-players in the small-business support sphere allowed for an in-depth assessment of support for such an incubation project and the critical obstacles it may encounter en route.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Petersen, Winifred
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Business incubators -- South Africa -- Oudshoorn , New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Oudshoorn
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8648 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1385 , Business incubators -- South Africa -- Oudshoorn , New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Oudshoorn
- Description: Business incubators, as recognised in their contemporary form, have a history dating back to the 1970s in the United Kingdom and the USA. South Africa is no stranger to this concept of business incubation either: Since the 1980s the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) operated business “hives” as clusters of small enterprises. Business incubators are support facilities that empower and stimulate small-entrepreneurial businesses – from the financially vulnerable start-up period, until the time that the fledgling company is ready to operate more autonomously. Business incubators provide, as part of their services, affordable space, financial-management services, sound business advice and other development services. Incubation stimulates the development of small-entrepreneurial businesses and, to this end, helps stimulate the economy. Thus, for South Africa to invest in the development of small growing businesses, is to invest directly in its larger economy and to address its own development challenges like employment-creation, income-generation and the alleviation of poverty. It is in this context that this study discusses the development challenges of one of the rural areas in South Africa, Oudtshoorn, and aims to provide a viable strategy of business incubation for this area, in anticipation that in future lessons can be drawn from this and applied to other rural areas. Oudtshoorn is a town in the Klein Karoo, in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The strongest sectors in Oudtshoorn’s economy are agriculture and tourism. These two sectors should provide the basis for an empowering business incubator to strengthen and enhance smaller businesses in the town. The study focuses on the development challenges of South Africa and, in particular, a rural town such as Oudtshoorn, the importance of investing in small entrepreneurial businesses so as to strengthen the country’s economy. the nature an significance of a business-incubation strategy for the Oudtshoorn area. Background literature on South Africa’s development challenges was collated as well as information gathered on small-business support and incubation in particular. Literature was retrieved from local institutions as well as national and international sources. Case studies of incubators in South Africa and in other countries were included to enhance the understanding of the importance of business incubation. In addition, the researcher’s close networks with the Oudtshoorn municipality, the local Red Door office and the different role-players in the small-business support sphere allowed for an in-depth assessment of support for such an incubation project and the critical obstacles it may encounter en route.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
In-vitro anti-vibrio activities of crude extracts of Garcinia Kola seeds
- Authors: Penduka, Dambudzo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Microbial sensitivity tests , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Antibiotics , Garcinia , Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11256 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/405 , Microbial sensitivity tests , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Antibiotics , Garcinia , Medicinal plants
- Description: The n-Hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and aqueous crude extracts of Garcinia kola (Heckel) seeds were screened for their anti-Vibrio activities against 50 Vibrio bacteria isolated from wastewater final effluents. The 50 isolates consisted of different Vibrio species namely V. fluvialis (14), V. vulnificus (12), V. parahaemolyticus (12), V. metschnikovii (3) and 9 others unidentified to the specie level. The n-Hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extracts had activities against 16 (32 percent) of the Vibrio isolates, while the aqueous extracts had activities against 12 (24 percent) all at a screening concentration of 10 mg/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were 0.313-0.625 mg/ml, 0.313-0.625 mg/ml, 0.313-2.5 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml for n-Hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and aqueous extracts respectively. Rate of kill studies were carried out against three different Vibrio species namely V. vulnificus (AL042), V. parahaemolyticus (AL049) and V. fluvialis ( AL040) using the n-Hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extracts at 1× to 4 × MICs and 2 hour exposure. About 96.3 percent, 82.2 percent, and 78.1 percent (V. fluvialis AL040); 92.6 percent, 87.8 percent and 68.9 percent (V. parahaemolyticus AL049); and 91.6 percent, 64.4 percent, 60 percent (V. vulnificus AL042) of the bacteria were killed by the crude n-Hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extracts respectively after 2 hour exposure time at 4× MIC. The patterns of activity were bacteriostatic, with the n-Hexane extracts being most effective in activity. We conclude that the Garcinia kola seeds have promise in the treatment and management of infections caused by Vibrio species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Penduka, Dambudzo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Microbial sensitivity tests , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Antibiotics , Garcinia , Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11256 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/405 , Microbial sensitivity tests , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Antibiotics , Garcinia , Medicinal plants
- Description: The n-Hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and aqueous crude extracts of Garcinia kola (Heckel) seeds were screened for their anti-Vibrio activities against 50 Vibrio bacteria isolated from wastewater final effluents. The 50 isolates consisted of different Vibrio species namely V. fluvialis (14), V. vulnificus (12), V. parahaemolyticus (12), V. metschnikovii (3) and 9 others unidentified to the specie level. The n-Hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extracts had activities against 16 (32 percent) of the Vibrio isolates, while the aqueous extracts had activities against 12 (24 percent) all at a screening concentration of 10 mg/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were 0.313-0.625 mg/ml, 0.313-0.625 mg/ml, 0.313-2.5 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml for n-Hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and aqueous extracts respectively. Rate of kill studies were carried out against three different Vibrio species namely V. vulnificus (AL042), V. parahaemolyticus (AL049) and V. fluvialis ( AL040) using the n-Hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extracts at 1× to 4 × MICs and 2 hour exposure. About 96.3 percent, 82.2 percent, and 78.1 percent (V. fluvialis AL040); 92.6 percent, 87.8 percent and 68.9 percent (V. parahaemolyticus AL049); and 91.6 percent, 64.4 percent, 60 percent (V. vulnificus AL042) of the bacteria were killed by the crude n-Hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extracts respectively after 2 hour exposure time at 4× MIC. The patterns of activity were bacteriostatic, with the n-Hexane extracts being most effective in activity. We conclude that the Garcinia kola seeds have promise in the treatment and management of infections caused by Vibrio species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Analysis of community-based coping and adaptation strategies to climate variability and change for sustainable rural livelihoods : a case study of Kaunda Village in T/A Simlemba, Kasungu District, Malawi
- Authors: Paul, John Mussa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- Economic aspects -- Malawi , Community-based conservation -- Malawi , Sustainable agriculture -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9104 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012322 , Climatic changes -- Economic aspects -- Malawi , Community-based conservation -- Malawi , Sustainable agriculture -- Malawi
- Description: Rural communities in Malawi are experiencing adverse climatic hazards which are attributed to climate variability and change. The frequent events being experienced include floods, dry spells and seasonal droughts. Rural livelihoods are severely affected because of their sensitivity to these phenomena. The research has analyzed community-based coping and adaptation strategies for sustainable livelihoods among the rural poor in Kaunda village, T/A Simlemba in Kasungu district, Malawi. The research data was collected from groups of male and female participants which also included a group of traditional leaders living in the area. The study used Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods such as Focus Group Discussions using the associated tools of resource mapping, transect walks, timelines and livelihood ranking to collect the data. The research findings have revealed that the major climate events experienced in Kaunda village are seasonal droughts and dry spells which have significantly impacted agriculture as a major livelihood activity in Malawi. The study has also revealed the community-based coping and adaptation strategies employed by the people. Recommendations made in this study have highlighted the need to support vulnerable rural communities with resilient and secure livelihoods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Paul, John Mussa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- Economic aspects -- Malawi , Community-based conservation -- Malawi , Sustainable agriculture -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9104 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012322 , Climatic changes -- Economic aspects -- Malawi , Community-based conservation -- Malawi , Sustainable agriculture -- Malawi
- Description: Rural communities in Malawi are experiencing adverse climatic hazards which are attributed to climate variability and change. The frequent events being experienced include floods, dry spells and seasonal droughts. Rural livelihoods are severely affected because of their sensitivity to these phenomena. The research has analyzed community-based coping and adaptation strategies for sustainable livelihoods among the rural poor in Kaunda village, T/A Simlemba in Kasungu district, Malawi. The research data was collected from groups of male and female participants which also included a group of traditional leaders living in the area. The study used Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods such as Focus Group Discussions using the associated tools of resource mapping, transect walks, timelines and livelihood ranking to collect the data. The research findings have revealed that the major climate events experienced in Kaunda village are seasonal droughts and dry spells which have significantly impacted agriculture as a major livelihood activity in Malawi. The study has also revealed the community-based coping and adaptation strategies employed by the people. Recommendations made in this study have highlighted the need to support vulnerable rural communities with resilient and secure livelihoods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The development and implementation of a mental toughness training programme for young cricketers
- Authors: Pattison, Stuart
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cricket -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket -- Training -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket players -- Mental health -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Mental discipline , Toughness (Personality trait) , Success -- Psychological aspects , Personal coaching -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , School sports -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3037 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002546 , Cricket -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket -- Training -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket players -- Mental health -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Mental discipline , Toughness (Personality trait) , Success -- Psychological aspects , Personal coaching -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , School sports -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Description: Modern research being conducted on Mental Toughness is now shifting away from efforts aimed at developing definitions for the construct and instead moving toward efforts at understanding its development. This particular research study focuses on the development and implementation of a Mental Toughness programme designed specifically for, and tailored exclusively to, the needs of schoolboy cricket at Kingswood College in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. The programme development was an intricate process and the research procedure was guided by the Organisational Development Process model. Data from a focus group as well as various individual interviews were integrated with currently existing Mental Toughness literature and theory to devise this particular Mental Toughness programme. The programme entails educating the athletes on six specific mental skills and incorporates elements of practical application as well as awareness of the importance and influence of Mental Toughness and mental training in a sporting sphere. The programme took the form of mental skills workshops held over a three week period. An analysis was conducted post-programme to document the experience of the athletes as a result of exposure to the programme. Results drawn from the array of analysis procedures were used to help identify the level of success of the Mental Toughness intervention as well as help validify current Mental Toughness models. In addition to highlighting the benefits as a result of the programme experience, various recommendations were drawn in order to shed light on the programme limitations and assist future researchers with understanding the intricacies behind better and more efficient programme implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Pattison, Stuart
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cricket -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket -- Training -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket players -- Mental health -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Mental discipline , Toughness (Personality trait) , Success -- Psychological aspects , Personal coaching -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , School sports -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3037 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002546 , Cricket -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket -- Training -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Cricket players -- Mental health -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Mental discipline , Toughness (Personality trait) , Success -- Psychological aspects , Personal coaching -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , School sports -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Description: Modern research being conducted on Mental Toughness is now shifting away from efforts aimed at developing definitions for the construct and instead moving toward efforts at understanding its development. This particular research study focuses on the development and implementation of a Mental Toughness programme designed specifically for, and tailored exclusively to, the needs of schoolboy cricket at Kingswood College in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. The programme development was an intricate process and the research procedure was guided by the Organisational Development Process model. Data from a focus group as well as various individual interviews were integrated with currently existing Mental Toughness literature and theory to devise this particular Mental Toughness programme. The programme entails educating the athletes on six specific mental skills and incorporates elements of practical application as well as awareness of the importance and influence of Mental Toughness and mental training in a sporting sphere. The programme took the form of mental skills workshops held over a three week period. An analysis was conducted post-programme to document the experience of the athletes as a result of exposure to the programme. Results drawn from the array of analysis procedures were used to help identify the level of success of the Mental Toughness intervention as well as help validify current Mental Toughness models. In addition to highlighting the benefits as a result of the programme experience, various recommendations were drawn in order to shed light on the programme limitations and assist future researchers with understanding the intricacies behind better and more efficient programme implementation.
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- Date Issued: 2011