Understanding how grade 11 Physical Science teachers mediate learning of the topic distillation in the Kavango Region
- Authors: Shifafure, Andreas Muronga
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Kavango , Distillation -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Kavango , Teachers -- Training of -- Namibia -- Kavango , Community and school -- Namibia -- Kavango , Interdisciplinary approach to knowledge
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2046 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017357
- Description: The National Curriculum of Education was implemented with the broad view of including all learners as laid out in the document Toward Education for All. The curriculum emphasised that the topic distillation should be studied. According to the Examiners Reports, the topic distillation is one of the topics where learners face difficulties in the Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary (NSSCO) examination Grade 12. This led me to do research on understanding how Physical Science teachers mediate the topic distillation in Namibia specifically in the Kavango region. The study was carried out at two rural schools with two teachers teaching Grade 11. The community member who I asked to demonstrate the making of Kashipembe was also a participant during this study. Kashipembe is a local cultural brew alcohol beverage commonly made in the Kavango East and West Regions of Namibia, which was used as a learning context in this research study. The study used a qualitative case study underpinned by an interpretive paradigm. Data was generated through the use of document analysis, semi-structured interviews, stimulated recall interviews, lesson observations, brainstorming and practical demonstration of making Kashipembe. These different methods of data gathering were used with the aim of triangulating and validating the data. Therefore, my theoretical framework adopted Vygotsky’s (1986) mediation of learning, social constructivism and pedagogical content knowledge according to Shulman’s (1986) theory. The emergent themes were identified inductively and they were colour coded. These themes were later developed into analytic statements which were used in the study. The findings indicate that the use of community knowledge and experience during the teaching of scientific concepts like distillation is important. These findings can also be used by the practising teachers to make their teaching more effective in the curriculums where distillation is included. Therefore, the Namibian curriculum developers need to include this community knowledge in the curriculum to make it easier for the learners to make sense of the topic distillation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Shifafure, Andreas Muronga
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Kavango , Distillation -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Kavango , Teachers -- Training of -- Namibia -- Kavango , Community and school -- Namibia -- Kavango , Interdisciplinary approach to knowledge
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2046 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017357
- Description: The National Curriculum of Education was implemented with the broad view of including all learners as laid out in the document Toward Education for All. The curriculum emphasised that the topic distillation should be studied. According to the Examiners Reports, the topic distillation is one of the topics where learners face difficulties in the Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary (NSSCO) examination Grade 12. This led me to do research on understanding how Physical Science teachers mediate the topic distillation in Namibia specifically in the Kavango region. The study was carried out at two rural schools with two teachers teaching Grade 11. The community member who I asked to demonstrate the making of Kashipembe was also a participant during this study. Kashipembe is a local cultural brew alcohol beverage commonly made in the Kavango East and West Regions of Namibia, which was used as a learning context in this research study. The study used a qualitative case study underpinned by an interpretive paradigm. Data was generated through the use of document analysis, semi-structured interviews, stimulated recall interviews, lesson observations, brainstorming and practical demonstration of making Kashipembe. These different methods of data gathering were used with the aim of triangulating and validating the data. Therefore, my theoretical framework adopted Vygotsky’s (1986) mediation of learning, social constructivism and pedagogical content knowledge according to Shulman’s (1986) theory. The emergent themes were identified inductively and they were colour coded. These themes were later developed into analytic statements which were used in the study. The findings indicate that the use of community knowledge and experience during the teaching of scientific concepts like distillation is important. These findings can also be used by the practising teachers to make their teaching more effective in the curriculums where distillation is included. Therefore, the Namibian curriculum developers need to include this community knowledge in the curriculum to make it easier for the learners to make sense of the topic distillation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Histopathology induced by a medicinal plant indigenous to South Africa that has shown in vitro anti-microbial activity against drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Authors: Shauli, Mathulo Mathabiso
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mycobacterial diseases , Tuberculosis -- Treatment -- South Africa , Medicinal plants -- Microbiology , Traditional medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3990 , vital:20498
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) still remains a health problem globally with over a million new infections and a mortality rate of 1.5 million individuals annually (Hawn et al., 2014). The emerging multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains that accompany human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection in high-incidence populations contribute significantly to the health burden of TB (Areeshi et al., 2014). The standard treatment that is advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for active tuberculosis includes long-term therapy that incorporates the use of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinimide and ethambutol as front line drugs (WHO, 2013). Drug resistance against established treatment options for TB makes research into new forms of therapy an imperative in health care (Ntulela et al., 2009). South Africa is currently witnessing a high number of cases of drug-resistant TB. In some parts of the country, one in ten cases of TB is resistant to treatment. It is therefore essential to have new anti-tuberculosis agents, which can be readily and simply produced from some local source (Warner et al., 2014). A logical starting point for this research of new agents would be the herbal medicines which have been used for centuries in rural areas by local healers. Western developed countries have harvested ethno botanical knowledge and have produced drug therapies for conventional medicines for other ailments. The activity of extracts of the active plants and their properties still require study in animal models in order to assess their future as new anti-tuberculosis agents (Lall and Meyer, 1999). This study focuses on qualitative and quantitative experimental findings after the administration of a medicinal plant extract to animals. This will include daily observation of animals, recording of feed consumption, recording of animal weights, macroscopic examination of animals at necropsy, tissue harvesting, histological procedures and microscopy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Shauli, Mathulo Mathabiso
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mycobacterial diseases , Tuberculosis -- Treatment -- South Africa , Medicinal plants -- Microbiology , Traditional medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3990 , vital:20498
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) still remains a health problem globally with over a million new infections and a mortality rate of 1.5 million individuals annually (Hawn et al., 2014). The emerging multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains that accompany human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection in high-incidence populations contribute significantly to the health burden of TB (Areeshi et al., 2014). The standard treatment that is advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for active tuberculosis includes long-term therapy that incorporates the use of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinimide and ethambutol as front line drugs (WHO, 2013). Drug resistance against established treatment options for TB makes research into new forms of therapy an imperative in health care (Ntulela et al., 2009). South Africa is currently witnessing a high number of cases of drug-resistant TB. In some parts of the country, one in ten cases of TB is resistant to treatment. It is therefore essential to have new anti-tuberculosis agents, which can be readily and simply produced from some local source (Warner et al., 2014). A logical starting point for this research of new agents would be the herbal medicines which have been used for centuries in rural areas by local healers. Western developed countries have harvested ethno botanical knowledge and have produced drug therapies for conventional medicines for other ailments. The activity of extracts of the active plants and their properties still require study in animal models in order to assess their future as new anti-tuberculosis agents (Lall and Meyer, 1999). This study focuses on qualitative and quantitative experimental findings after the administration of a medicinal plant extract to animals. This will include daily observation of animals, recording of feed consumption, recording of animal weights, macroscopic examination of animals at necropsy, tissue harvesting, histological procedures and microscopy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An investigation into the types of classroom tasks senior secondary school (grade 11 and 12) mathematics teachers give to their learners : a case study
- Authors: Shapange, Ismael
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Omusati , Task analysis in education -- Namibia -- Omusati , Student-centered learning -- Namibia -- Omusati , High school teaching -- Namibia -- Omusati
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2045 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017356
- Description: This interpretive case study was undertaken to investigate the nature of classroom tasks that teachers give to their learners and to gain insights into how they choose these tasks. It was carried out at two secondary schools in the Okahao circuit of the Omusati region in Namibia. The schools range from Grade 8 to Grade 12. This study focused mainly on teachers who teach Mathematics at senior secondary phase (Grade 11 and 12). The research participants were of four mathematics teachers – two from each school. The study was designed around two phases. Phase one consisted of video-recording of lessons, and phase two consisted of interviewing the teachers. The main purpose of the study was to ascertain the types and nature of tasks that teachers give to their learners and to gain insights into how they chose these tasks. The research adopted a combination of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study revealed that the participating teachers provided a near equal amount of lower level cognitive tasks and higher level cognitive tasks. It further revealed several factors that influence teachers when selecting the types of tasks they give to their learners. These factors include curriculum requirements, types of learners and their experiences, and learners’ contexts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Shapange, Ismael
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Omusati , Task analysis in education -- Namibia -- Omusati , Student-centered learning -- Namibia -- Omusati , High school teaching -- Namibia -- Omusati
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2045 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017356
- Description: This interpretive case study was undertaken to investigate the nature of classroom tasks that teachers give to their learners and to gain insights into how they choose these tasks. It was carried out at two secondary schools in the Okahao circuit of the Omusati region in Namibia. The schools range from Grade 8 to Grade 12. This study focused mainly on teachers who teach Mathematics at senior secondary phase (Grade 11 and 12). The research participants were of four mathematics teachers – two from each school. The study was designed around two phases. Phase one consisted of video-recording of lessons, and phase two consisted of interviewing the teachers. The main purpose of the study was to ascertain the types and nature of tasks that teachers give to their learners and to gain insights into how they chose these tasks. The research adopted a combination of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study revealed that the participating teachers provided a near equal amount of lower level cognitive tasks and higher level cognitive tasks. It further revealed several factors that influence teachers when selecting the types of tasks they give to their learners. These factors include curriculum requirements, types of learners and their experiences, and learners’ contexts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of in-field rainwater harvesting technololgy for enhancing household food security by small holder farmers in the Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape Province
- Shange, Nomfundo Sinethemba Queen
- Authors: Shange, Nomfundo Sinethemba Queen
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/734 , vital:26492 , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Infield rainwater harvesting (IRWH) technology has been used in arid and semi-arid parts of the world and promising results have been achieved in terms of increasing yield. The main aim of this study was to identify socio-economic factors determining the adoption of IRWH technology for enhancing household food security by smallholder farmers. The specific objectives were to assess the level of adoption of IRWH technology using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency and percentages). To determine socio-economic factors influencing adoption of IRWH technology, the binary logistic regression mode l was used. To determine whether adopters of IRWH technology are more food secure than non-adopters, the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was used as a measure for household food security. For the same objective, to determine socio-economic factors that influence household food security, the binary logistic regression model was also used and adoption of IRWH technology became an independent variable. The study was conducted in Khayalethu, Guquka and Krwakrwa villages in Nkonkobe Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province (EC). The unit of analysis was the individual smallholder farmers practicing agriculture. The availability (accidental) and snowball sampling techniques were used to select 34, 23, 63 respondents from Khayalethu, Guquka and Krwakrwa villages respectively. Since they are non-random, these sampling methods are problematic because of sampling errors. Overall, a sample size of 120 smallholder farmers was targeted for the interviews. Primary and secondary data collected was coded and analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21. Results were presented using graphs, pie charts and tables (including cross-tables). The descriptive results showed that adoption status of IRWH technology was low in these areas, with 79% not adopting the technology. Food insecurity was high amongst the non-adopters with 86%. On the basis of descriptive analysis it can be concluded that any change in each one of the significant variables can significantly influence the probability of adopting IRWH technology and household food security. The results from the logistic regression model for the incidence of adoption revealed that 6 out of 16 variables were significant, three at 1% (access to extension services, access to information and farmers’ perception towards the IRWH technology); one at 5% (access to market) and two at 10% (access to hired labour and farm income). For the incidence of household food security, out of 17 variables, 6 were significant, three at 1% (adoption of the IRWH technology, access to extension services and farmers’ perception towards the IRWH technology); two at 5% (access to hired labour and household income) and one at 10% (household size). The empirical findings of this study indicate that there are socio-economic factors influencing adoption of IRWH technology and household food security amongst smallholder farmers. This study recommends that the government should provide extension officers and research stations with the capacity, support and physical means to expose smallholder farmers to the IRWH technology through demonstrations and trainings. The government can also introduce agricultural finance institutions in rural areas to assist the rural smallholder farmers to increase their access to credit. Further, it is recommended that smallholder farmers can expand to the communal croplands in order to gain more land size and work as a co-operative or as an association to ease labour constraints.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Shange, Nomfundo Sinethemba Queen
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/734 , vital:26492 , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Infield rainwater harvesting (IRWH) technology has been used in arid and semi-arid parts of the world and promising results have been achieved in terms of increasing yield. The main aim of this study was to identify socio-economic factors determining the adoption of IRWH technology for enhancing household food security by smallholder farmers. The specific objectives were to assess the level of adoption of IRWH technology using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency and percentages). To determine socio-economic factors influencing adoption of IRWH technology, the binary logistic regression mode l was used. To determine whether adopters of IRWH technology are more food secure than non-adopters, the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was used as a measure for household food security. For the same objective, to determine socio-economic factors that influence household food security, the binary logistic regression model was also used and adoption of IRWH technology became an independent variable. The study was conducted in Khayalethu, Guquka and Krwakrwa villages in Nkonkobe Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province (EC). The unit of analysis was the individual smallholder farmers practicing agriculture. The availability (accidental) and snowball sampling techniques were used to select 34, 23, 63 respondents from Khayalethu, Guquka and Krwakrwa villages respectively. Since they are non-random, these sampling methods are problematic because of sampling errors. Overall, a sample size of 120 smallholder farmers was targeted for the interviews. Primary and secondary data collected was coded and analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21. Results were presented using graphs, pie charts and tables (including cross-tables). The descriptive results showed that adoption status of IRWH technology was low in these areas, with 79% not adopting the technology. Food insecurity was high amongst the non-adopters with 86%. On the basis of descriptive analysis it can be concluded that any change in each one of the significant variables can significantly influence the probability of adopting IRWH technology and household food security. The results from the logistic regression model for the incidence of adoption revealed that 6 out of 16 variables were significant, three at 1% (access to extension services, access to information and farmers’ perception towards the IRWH technology); one at 5% (access to market) and two at 10% (access to hired labour and farm income). For the incidence of household food security, out of 17 variables, 6 were significant, three at 1% (adoption of the IRWH technology, access to extension services and farmers’ perception towards the IRWH technology); two at 5% (access to hired labour and household income) and one at 10% (household size). The empirical findings of this study indicate that there are socio-economic factors influencing adoption of IRWH technology and household food security amongst smallholder farmers. This study recommends that the government should provide extension officers and research stations with the capacity, support and physical means to expose smallholder farmers to the IRWH technology through demonstrations and trainings. The government can also introduce agricultural finance institutions in rural areas to assist the rural smallholder farmers to increase their access to credit. Further, it is recommended that smallholder farmers can expand to the communal croplands in order to gain more land size and work as a co-operative or as an association to ease labour constraints.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
In search of the comprador: self-exoticisation in selected texts from the South Asian and Middle Eastern diasporas
- Authors: Shabangu, Mohammad
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Rushdie, Salman. Midnight's children -- Criticism and interpretation , Kureishi, Hanif. Buddha of suburbia -- Criticism and interpretation , Hosseini, Khaled. Kite runner -- Criticism and interpretation , Hosseini, Khaled. Thousand splendid suns -- Criticism and interpretation , Compradors , Exoticism in literature , Literature and transnationalism -- Middle East , Literature and transnationalism -- South Asia , Middle Eastern literature (English) -- History and criticism , South Asian literature (English) -- History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2328 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017770
- Description: This thesis is concerned with transnational literature and writers of the Middle Eastern and South Asian diasporas. It argues that the diasporic position of the authors enables their roles as comprador subjects. The thesis maintains that the figure of the comprador is always acted upon by its ontological predisposition, so that diasporic positionality often involves a single subject which straddles and speaks from two or more different subject positions. Comprador authors can be said to be co-opted by Western metropolitan publishing companies who stand to benefit by marketing the apparent marginality of the homelands about which these authors write. The thesis therefore proceeds from the notion that such a diasporic position is the paradoxical condition of the transnational subject or writer. I submit that there is, to some degree, a questionable element in the common political and cultural suggestions that emerge upon closer evaluation of diasporic literature. Indeed, a charge of complicity has been levelled against authors who write, apparently, to service two distinct entities – the wish to speak on behalf of a minority collective, as well as the imperial ‘centre’ which is the intended interlocutor of the comprador author. However, it is this difference, the implied otherness or marginality of the outsider within, which I argue is sometimes used by diasporic writers as a way of articulating with ‘authenticity’ the cultures and politics of their erstwhile localities. This thesis is concerned, therefore, with the representation of ‘the East’ in four novels by diasporic, specifically comprador writers, namely Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children, Hanif Kureishi’s The Buddha of Suburbia, and Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns. I suggest that the ‘third-world’ and transnational literature can also be a selling point for the transnational subject, whose representations may at times pander to preconceived ideas about ‘the Orient’ and its people. As an illustration of this double-bind, I offer a close reading of all the novels to suggest that on the one hand, the comprador author writes within the paradigm of the ‘writing back’ movement, as a counter-discourse to the Orientalist representations of the homeland. However, the corollary is that such an attempt to ‘write back’, in a sense, re-inscribes the very discourse it wishes to subvert, especially because the literature is aimed at a ‘Western’ audience. Moreover, the template of the comprador could be used to explain how a transnational post-9/11 text from an Afghan-American, for instance, may be put to the service of the imperial machine, and read, therefore, as a supporting document to the U.S. policy on Afghanistan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Shabangu, Mohammad
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Rushdie, Salman. Midnight's children -- Criticism and interpretation , Kureishi, Hanif. Buddha of suburbia -- Criticism and interpretation , Hosseini, Khaled. Kite runner -- Criticism and interpretation , Hosseini, Khaled. Thousand splendid suns -- Criticism and interpretation , Compradors , Exoticism in literature , Literature and transnationalism -- Middle East , Literature and transnationalism -- South Asia , Middle Eastern literature (English) -- History and criticism , South Asian literature (English) -- History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2328 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017770
- Description: This thesis is concerned with transnational literature and writers of the Middle Eastern and South Asian diasporas. It argues that the diasporic position of the authors enables their roles as comprador subjects. The thesis maintains that the figure of the comprador is always acted upon by its ontological predisposition, so that diasporic positionality often involves a single subject which straddles and speaks from two or more different subject positions. Comprador authors can be said to be co-opted by Western metropolitan publishing companies who stand to benefit by marketing the apparent marginality of the homelands about which these authors write. The thesis therefore proceeds from the notion that such a diasporic position is the paradoxical condition of the transnational subject or writer. I submit that there is, to some degree, a questionable element in the common political and cultural suggestions that emerge upon closer evaluation of diasporic literature. Indeed, a charge of complicity has been levelled against authors who write, apparently, to service two distinct entities – the wish to speak on behalf of a minority collective, as well as the imperial ‘centre’ which is the intended interlocutor of the comprador author. However, it is this difference, the implied otherness or marginality of the outsider within, which I argue is sometimes used by diasporic writers as a way of articulating with ‘authenticity’ the cultures and politics of their erstwhile localities. This thesis is concerned, therefore, with the representation of ‘the East’ in four novels by diasporic, specifically comprador writers, namely Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children, Hanif Kureishi’s The Buddha of Suburbia, and Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns. I suggest that the ‘third-world’ and transnational literature can also be a selling point for the transnational subject, whose representations may at times pander to preconceived ideas about ‘the Orient’ and its people. As an illustration of this double-bind, I offer a close reading of all the novels to suggest that on the one hand, the comprador author writes within the paradigm of the ‘writing back’ movement, as a counter-discourse to the Orientalist representations of the homeland. However, the corollary is that such an attempt to ‘write back’, in a sense, re-inscribes the very discourse it wishes to subvert, especially because the literature is aimed at a ‘Western’ audience. Moreover, the template of the comprador could be used to explain how a transnational post-9/11 text from an Afghan-American, for instance, may be put to the service of the imperial machine, and read, therefore, as a supporting document to the U.S. policy on Afghanistan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Staff retention at an institution of higher learning
- Authors: Sete, Lerato Virginia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Employee retention , Employee motivation , Education, Higher
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6564 , vital:21111
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate staff retention at an institution of higher learning. The University of South Africa (UNISA) was the institution under scrutiny in this study. The reason for conducting the study was that employees at UNISA, and especially those at the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) with scarce skills, were difficult to attract and retain in their positions. It is thought that this scenario could create an increased workload and lead to stress and job dissatisfaction among remaining staff members in the college. This could resultantly influence the quality of education rendered to students. It was therefore important to identify the reasons behind staff turnover and to consider possible retention strategies that could be employed to retain employees at UNISA. The theoretical study focused on two main facets: factors that influence an employee’s decision to either leave or stay in an organisation; and on retention strategies used by the institution. In addition, interviews were conducted with a senior executive in the Human Resource Department and a senior academic manager in CSET at UNISA, to gain their views on how scarce skills were defined, the reasons for staff turnover and the utilisation of retention strategies to retain employees. A qualitative analysis was applied to the interview responses. In addition, a survey consisting of a self-administered questionnaire was conducted amongst academic staff at CSET and 64 responses were received, which represented a response rate of 30%. The questionnaire focused mainly on turnover intention, factors influencing turnover and retention strategies. The information gathered from the questionnaire was statistically analysed and interpreted. The respondents provided mostly positive responses to personal, job and organisational factors which influence retention compared with market factors, indicating that these factors played a significant role in retention. The results revealed that factors such as: remuneration and packages; recognising academic staff for their contribution; providing a satisfying and stimulating work environment; valuing and engaging employees and empowering supervision could be used to retain employees with scarce skills. The respondents agreed that UNISA could be perceived as an employer of choice and was actively seeking ways to retain employees, but were uncertain of the extent to which a fair compensation system, an attractive value proposition and care for employees with scarce skills were evident. No significant differences were found in terms of length of service, gender or race.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Sete, Lerato Virginia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Employee retention , Employee motivation , Education, Higher
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6564 , vital:21111
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate staff retention at an institution of higher learning. The University of South Africa (UNISA) was the institution under scrutiny in this study. The reason for conducting the study was that employees at UNISA, and especially those at the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) with scarce skills, were difficult to attract and retain in their positions. It is thought that this scenario could create an increased workload and lead to stress and job dissatisfaction among remaining staff members in the college. This could resultantly influence the quality of education rendered to students. It was therefore important to identify the reasons behind staff turnover and to consider possible retention strategies that could be employed to retain employees at UNISA. The theoretical study focused on two main facets: factors that influence an employee’s decision to either leave or stay in an organisation; and on retention strategies used by the institution. In addition, interviews were conducted with a senior executive in the Human Resource Department and a senior academic manager in CSET at UNISA, to gain their views on how scarce skills were defined, the reasons for staff turnover and the utilisation of retention strategies to retain employees. A qualitative analysis was applied to the interview responses. In addition, a survey consisting of a self-administered questionnaire was conducted amongst academic staff at CSET and 64 responses were received, which represented a response rate of 30%. The questionnaire focused mainly on turnover intention, factors influencing turnover and retention strategies. The information gathered from the questionnaire was statistically analysed and interpreted. The respondents provided mostly positive responses to personal, job and organisational factors which influence retention compared with market factors, indicating that these factors played a significant role in retention. The results revealed that factors such as: remuneration and packages; recognising academic staff for their contribution; providing a satisfying and stimulating work environment; valuing and engaging employees and empowering supervision could be used to retain employees with scarce skills. The respondents agreed that UNISA could be perceived as an employer of choice and was actively seeking ways to retain employees, but were uncertain of the extent to which a fair compensation system, an attractive value proposition and care for employees with scarce skills were evident. No significant differences were found in terms of length of service, gender or race.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Experiences of labouring women of unexpected neonatal resuscitation
- Authors: Senti, Nomphiwe Priscilla
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Neonatal nursing Newborn infants -- Patients -- Hospital care , Pediatric nursing Neonatology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18486 , vital:28650
- Description: Experiences of women regarding unexpected neonatal resuscitation were studied in this research. The objective of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of labouring women whose babies required unexpected resuscitation at birth. Recommendations were made based on the findings of the study. Labour and birth do not always go as well as expected as deviations could happen at any of the four stages of labour. Midwives tend to focus on the neonate when resuscitation is needed and leave the mother unattended and wondering what is happening as they rush away with the neonate. The situation motivated the researcher to conduct the study. The focus was on the experience of during the time of resuscitation. The study is qualitative, and exploratory, descriptive, contextual and narrative research approaches were used to reach the objective. The research population included women who delivered in the identified site from six hours to six weeks post delivery period. Inclusion criteria were the following: Women must have attended antenatal care at least four times. Their pregnancies were categorized as low risk. The ages of the women were 18-35 years. Gestational age was 38-41 weeks. The neonate should have been resuscitated successfully and admitted for observation in the nursery. Non-probability, purposive sampling was used. Data was collected by conducting semi-structured one-on-one interviews using a tape recorder. The site for the study was a public hospital, and the managers and operational midwives were used as gatekeepers. Fifteen participants gave permission to participate in the study willingly and were interviewed individually and anonymously. The interviews were transcribed, and Creswell’s data analysis spiral image was used. The period for data collection was seven months in one academic year. An independent coder’s services were utilized to increase the trustworthiness of the findings. The trustworthiness of the study was also ensured by conforming to Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness. Strategies used to ensure trustworthiness were credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability. The researcher maintained the ethical standards for conducting research by adhering to ethical principles, such as human rights, beneficence and justice. Confidentiality was maintained by using numbers instead of names, and only the researcher knows the participants’ names. Only the researcher, supervisor and the independent coder have access to the information. The data is kept in a locked cabinet and will be kept for the next five years following the publication of results. Two main themes emerged from the data analysis with each having two sub-themes Mothers verbalized varying emotions regarding their neonates’ inability to breathe properly. Mothers verbalized the importance of receiving support and information from midwives. To optimise the discussion of research findings, direct quotes were used from the raw data of interviews to support the description of experiences. Recommendations for midwives were to prepare the pregnant women during antenatal care for unexpected emergencies during labour and to reinforce this information on admission when labour commences. Managers are to update the guidelines on maternity care and the health education checklist. Nursing schools should train student midwives in debriefing and counselling skills. Both study objectives were successfully met.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Senti, Nomphiwe Priscilla
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Neonatal nursing Newborn infants -- Patients -- Hospital care , Pediatric nursing Neonatology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18486 , vital:28650
- Description: Experiences of women regarding unexpected neonatal resuscitation were studied in this research. The objective of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of labouring women whose babies required unexpected resuscitation at birth. Recommendations were made based on the findings of the study. Labour and birth do not always go as well as expected as deviations could happen at any of the four stages of labour. Midwives tend to focus on the neonate when resuscitation is needed and leave the mother unattended and wondering what is happening as they rush away with the neonate. The situation motivated the researcher to conduct the study. The focus was on the experience of during the time of resuscitation. The study is qualitative, and exploratory, descriptive, contextual and narrative research approaches were used to reach the objective. The research population included women who delivered in the identified site from six hours to six weeks post delivery period. Inclusion criteria were the following: Women must have attended antenatal care at least four times. Their pregnancies were categorized as low risk. The ages of the women were 18-35 years. Gestational age was 38-41 weeks. The neonate should have been resuscitated successfully and admitted for observation in the nursery. Non-probability, purposive sampling was used. Data was collected by conducting semi-structured one-on-one interviews using a tape recorder. The site for the study was a public hospital, and the managers and operational midwives were used as gatekeepers. Fifteen participants gave permission to participate in the study willingly and were interviewed individually and anonymously. The interviews were transcribed, and Creswell’s data analysis spiral image was used. The period for data collection was seven months in one academic year. An independent coder’s services were utilized to increase the trustworthiness of the findings. The trustworthiness of the study was also ensured by conforming to Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness. Strategies used to ensure trustworthiness were credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability. The researcher maintained the ethical standards for conducting research by adhering to ethical principles, such as human rights, beneficence and justice. Confidentiality was maintained by using numbers instead of names, and only the researcher knows the participants’ names. Only the researcher, supervisor and the independent coder have access to the information. The data is kept in a locked cabinet and will be kept for the next five years following the publication of results. Two main themes emerged from the data analysis with each having two sub-themes Mothers verbalized varying emotions regarding their neonates’ inability to breathe properly. Mothers verbalized the importance of receiving support and information from midwives. To optimise the discussion of research findings, direct quotes were used from the raw data of interviews to support the description of experiences. Recommendations for midwives were to prepare the pregnant women during antenatal care for unexpected emergencies during labour and to reinforce this information on admission when labour commences. Managers are to update the guidelines on maternity care and the health education checklist. Nursing schools should train student midwives in debriefing and counselling skills. Both study objectives were successfully met.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Design, development and evaluation of novel lead compounds as HIV-1 enzyme inhibitors
- Authors: Sekgota, Khethobole Cassius
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Enzyme inhibitors , Viruses -- Reproduction , HIV (Viruses)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4546 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017926
- Description: This project has been concerned with the application of the Baylis-Hillman methodology to the synthesis of medicinally important diketo acid analogues (cinnamate ester-AZT conjugates and 3-hydroxy ester-AZT conjugates) as dual-action HIV-1 IN/RT inhibitors; and on exploratory studies in the preparation of 3-(amidomethyl)-(1H)-2-quinolones as PR inhibitors; and (1H)-2- quinolone-AZT conjugates as dual action IN/RT inhibitors. A series of Baylis-Hillman adducts has been prepared, typically in moderate to excellent yield, by reacting 2-nitrobenzaldehyde with methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate and methyl vinyl ketone in the presence of 1,4- diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO). Subsequently, various transformations that include conjugate addition of primary and secondary amines to the α,ß-unsaturated moiety to obtain 2- (aminomethyl)-3-hydroxy-3-(2-nitrophenyl)propanoate derivatives, effective SN2´ substitution of the BH ß-hydroxy by a Vilsmeier-Haack in situ-generated chloride to afford Baylis-Hillman allyl chlorides, iron in acetic acid-catalyzed cyclisation to 3-acetoxymethyl-(1H)-2-quinolone derivatives were achieved. Thus, using the Baylis-Hillman methodology, two nuanced classes of diketo acid analogues were constructed. These involved conjugating appropriate propargylamine derivatives with AZT using the „click‟ reaction. In an exploratory study, the quinolone derivative, precisely 3-acetoxymethyl- (1H)-quinol-2-one, was transformed into 3-hydroxymethyl-(1H)-quinol-2-one using potassium carbonate in a mixture of methanol and water (1:1). Following successful hydrolysis, the resulting alcohol was transformed to the corresponding chloride, 3-chloromethyl-(1H)-quinol-2- one, using thionyl chloride. Subsequent nucleophilic substitution afforded 3-(aminomethyl)- (1H)-2-quinolone derivatives which were subsequently transformed to 3-(amidomethyl)-(1H)-2- quinolones; and 3-[(propargylamino)-methyl]-(1H)-quinol-2-one as precursors to quinolone- AZT derivatives. All compounds were characterized by NMR, IR, and where appropriate, high resolution MS
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Sekgota, Khethobole Cassius
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Enzyme inhibitors , Viruses -- Reproduction , HIV (Viruses)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4546 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017926
- Description: This project has been concerned with the application of the Baylis-Hillman methodology to the synthesis of medicinally important diketo acid analogues (cinnamate ester-AZT conjugates and 3-hydroxy ester-AZT conjugates) as dual-action HIV-1 IN/RT inhibitors; and on exploratory studies in the preparation of 3-(amidomethyl)-(1H)-2-quinolones as PR inhibitors; and (1H)-2- quinolone-AZT conjugates as dual action IN/RT inhibitors. A series of Baylis-Hillman adducts has been prepared, typically in moderate to excellent yield, by reacting 2-nitrobenzaldehyde with methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate and methyl vinyl ketone in the presence of 1,4- diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO). Subsequently, various transformations that include conjugate addition of primary and secondary amines to the α,ß-unsaturated moiety to obtain 2- (aminomethyl)-3-hydroxy-3-(2-nitrophenyl)propanoate derivatives, effective SN2´ substitution of the BH ß-hydroxy by a Vilsmeier-Haack in situ-generated chloride to afford Baylis-Hillman allyl chlorides, iron in acetic acid-catalyzed cyclisation to 3-acetoxymethyl-(1H)-2-quinolone derivatives were achieved. Thus, using the Baylis-Hillman methodology, two nuanced classes of diketo acid analogues were constructed. These involved conjugating appropriate propargylamine derivatives with AZT using the „click‟ reaction. In an exploratory study, the quinolone derivative, precisely 3-acetoxymethyl- (1H)-quinol-2-one, was transformed into 3-hydroxymethyl-(1H)-quinol-2-one using potassium carbonate in a mixture of methanol and water (1:1). Following successful hydrolysis, the resulting alcohol was transformed to the corresponding chloride, 3-chloromethyl-(1H)-quinol-2- one, using thionyl chloride. Subsequent nucleophilic substitution afforded 3-(aminomethyl)- (1H)-2-quinolone derivatives which were subsequently transformed to 3-(amidomethyl)-(1H)-2- quinolones; and 3-[(propargylamino)-methyl]-(1H)-quinol-2-one as precursors to quinolone- AZT derivatives. All compounds were characterized by NMR, IR, and where appropriate, high resolution MS
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
On active layer processes and landforms in western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica
- Authors: Scott, David Alan
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Landforms -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Permafrost -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Permafrost -- Thermal properties -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Climatic changes -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Cryosphere , Drone aircraft -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , 3-D modeling
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4893 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019757
- Description: Permafrost is a variable in Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems, and the role it plays in the cryosphere is not well understood. There is much still to be learnt about the thermal state, physical properties, thickness and age of permafrost in Western Dronning Maud Land (WDML). Active layer dynamics and observed change over time have the potential to improve our knowledge of climate change. Understanding the effects of a warming climate on permafrost can also be of benefit to infrastructure, especially in areas with a large amount of frozen ground such as Scandinavia, Canada and Russia. Active layer and permafrost dynamics of WDML, Antarctica, are presented and discussed using data from six study sites, namely the Robertskollen, Vesleskarvet, Flarjuven, Grunehogna, Slettjfell nunataks and the Troll research station in the Jutulsessen area. Ground and ambient air temperature, as well as ground moisture data were collected for each site. An inventory of active layer and permafrost landforms was compiled, as were the frequency of cycles over the zero-degree isotherm, and the depth of the active layer. Furthermore, 3D models, geo-referenced maps and Digital Elevation Models were created of study areas with the use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Polygonal features are the most common landscape feature and are common to most of the study sites. Robertskollen has the deepest active layer at over 66cm and Slettfjell the shallowest at 9cm. A maximum recorded air temperature of 8.76°C (10/11/2014) occurred at Troll with the second highest maximum of 6.77°C (22/12/2010) recorded at Vesleskarvet. Robertskollen has the highest observable biological growth and a maximum recorded ground temperature of 22.84°C (10/01/2014). Troll and Valterkulten, registered the second and third highest ground temperatures respectively. The high ground Temperature observed for Robertskollen may be ascribed to it being the lowest altitude site. The highest number of cycles over the zero-degree isotherm was observed at Troll (11.01%), followed by Robertskollen (10.99%). For relatively warm areas, such as Robertskollen it is recommended that two metre borehole loggers are installed in order to capture a detailed understanding of the active layer. The UAV proved to be a beneficial tool for capturing aerial photographs for post fieldwork analysis and 3D modelling.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Scott, David Alan
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Landforms -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Permafrost -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Permafrost -- Thermal properties -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Climatic changes -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , Cryosphere , Drone aircraft -- Antarctica -- Queen Maud Land , 3-D modeling
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4893 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019757
- Description: Permafrost is a variable in Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems, and the role it plays in the cryosphere is not well understood. There is much still to be learnt about the thermal state, physical properties, thickness and age of permafrost in Western Dronning Maud Land (WDML). Active layer dynamics and observed change over time have the potential to improve our knowledge of climate change. Understanding the effects of a warming climate on permafrost can also be of benefit to infrastructure, especially in areas with a large amount of frozen ground such as Scandinavia, Canada and Russia. Active layer and permafrost dynamics of WDML, Antarctica, are presented and discussed using data from six study sites, namely the Robertskollen, Vesleskarvet, Flarjuven, Grunehogna, Slettjfell nunataks and the Troll research station in the Jutulsessen area. Ground and ambient air temperature, as well as ground moisture data were collected for each site. An inventory of active layer and permafrost landforms was compiled, as were the frequency of cycles over the zero-degree isotherm, and the depth of the active layer. Furthermore, 3D models, geo-referenced maps and Digital Elevation Models were created of study areas with the use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Polygonal features are the most common landscape feature and are common to most of the study sites. Robertskollen has the deepest active layer at over 66cm and Slettfjell the shallowest at 9cm. A maximum recorded air temperature of 8.76°C (10/11/2014) occurred at Troll with the second highest maximum of 6.77°C (22/12/2010) recorded at Vesleskarvet. Robertskollen has the highest observable biological growth and a maximum recorded ground temperature of 22.84°C (10/01/2014). Troll and Valterkulten, registered the second and third highest ground temperatures respectively. The high ground Temperature observed for Robertskollen may be ascribed to it being the lowest altitude site. The highest number of cycles over the zero-degree isotherm was observed at Troll (11.01%), followed by Robertskollen (10.99%). For relatively warm areas, such as Robertskollen it is recommended that two metre borehole loggers are installed in order to capture a detailed understanding of the active layer. The UAV proved to be a beneficial tool for capturing aerial photographs for post fieldwork analysis and 3D modelling.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Coastal landscape change on the Cape St Francis/St Francis Bay peninsula from 1960 to 2014
- Authors: Schroeder, Daniel Heiko
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Coast changes -- South Africa -- Saint Francis, Cape , Peninsulas -- South Africa -- Saint Francis, Cape , Human ecology -- South Africa -- Saint Francis, Cape , Geographic information systems -- South Africa -- Saint Francis, Cape , Surveying -- South Africa -- Saint Francis, Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5086 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018203
- Description: A large proportion of the human population, their settlements and socioeconomic activities occur on land directly adjacent to the coastline. The increased demand for coastal leisure and tourism has interfered with natural landscape features and their associated processes. The Cape St Francis/St Francis Bay peninsula located on the southeast coast of South Africa was rapidly developed and transformed from a little fishing village into an urban coastal developed area over a 50-year period (1961-2014). A system that once existed in a state of dynamic or non-equilibrium was interfered with through anthropogenic disturbances, resulting in more frequent and intense natural events, which ranged from floods to debris flows, decreased sand supply and resulting beach erosion. The aim of the project was to identify and map landscape features and changes on the peninsula using an interdisciplinary approach. The triangulated methods of a desktop study using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and media reviews, a crowdsourcing/participatory approach based on interviews, and a one year land surveying period of measurable field based surveys of physical features gave a well balanced view. The research showed that the natural landscape has been altered dramatically by settlement and associated infrastructure development. In particular, the loss of dunefields and the artificial modification of river paths were major impact areas. Beach erosion is a continual issue for the peninsula residents, particularly in St Francis Bay.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Schroeder, Daniel Heiko
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Coast changes -- South Africa -- Saint Francis, Cape , Peninsulas -- South Africa -- Saint Francis, Cape , Human ecology -- South Africa -- Saint Francis, Cape , Geographic information systems -- South Africa -- Saint Francis, Cape , Surveying -- South Africa -- Saint Francis, Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5086 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018203
- Description: A large proportion of the human population, their settlements and socioeconomic activities occur on land directly adjacent to the coastline. The increased demand for coastal leisure and tourism has interfered with natural landscape features and their associated processes. The Cape St Francis/St Francis Bay peninsula located on the southeast coast of South Africa was rapidly developed and transformed from a little fishing village into an urban coastal developed area over a 50-year period (1961-2014). A system that once existed in a state of dynamic or non-equilibrium was interfered with through anthropogenic disturbances, resulting in more frequent and intense natural events, which ranged from floods to debris flows, decreased sand supply and resulting beach erosion. The aim of the project was to identify and map landscape features and changes on the peninsula using an interdisciplinary approach. The triangulated methods of a desktop study using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and media reviews, a crowdsourcing/participatory approach based on interviews, and a one year land surveying period of measurable field based surveys of physical features gave a well balanced view. The research showed that the natural landscape has been altered dramatically by settlement and associated infrastructure development. In particular, the loss of dunefields and the artificial modification of river paths were major impact areas. Beach erosion is a continual issue for the peninsula residents, particularly in St Francis Bay.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Amber : a aero-interaction honeypot with distributed intelligence
- Authors: Schoeman, Adam
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Security systems -- Security measures , Computer viruses , Intrusion detection systems (Computer security) , Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017938
- Description: For the greater part, security controls are based on the principle of Decision through Detection (DtD). The exception to this is a honeypot, which analyses interactions between a third party and itself, while occupying a piece of unused information space. As honeypots are not located on productive information resources, any interaction with it can be assumed to be non-productive. This allows the honeypot to make decisions based simply on the presence of data, rather than on the behaviour of the data. But due to limited resources in human capital, honeypots’ uptake in the South African market has been underwhelming. Amber attempts to change this by offering a zero-interaction security system, which will use the honeypot approach of decision through Presence (DtP) to generate a blacklist of third parties, which can be passed on to a network enforcer. Empirical testing has proved the usefulness of this alternative and low cost approach in defending networks. The functionality of the system was also extended by installing nodes in different geographical locations, and streaming their detections into the central Amber hive.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Schoeman, Adam
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Security systems -- Security measures , Computer viruses , Intrusion detection systems (Computer security) , Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017938
- Description: For the greater part, security controls are based on the principle of Decision through Detection (DtD). The exception to this is a honeypot, which analyses interactions between a third party and itself, while occupying a piece of unused information space. As honeypots are not located on productive information resources, any interaction with it can be assumed to be non-productive. This allows the honeypot to make decisions based simply on the presence of data, rather than on the behaviour of the data. But due to limited resources in human capital, honeypots’ uptake in the South African market has been underwhelming. Amber attempts to change this by offering a zero-interaction security system, which will use the honeypot approach of decision through Presence (DtP) to generate a blacklist of third parties, which can be passed on to a network enforcer. Empirical testing has proved the usefulness of this alternative and low cost approach in defending networks. The functionality of the system was also extended by installing nodes in different geographical locations, and streaming their detections into the central Amber hive.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The meaning of success : perspectives of family business owners using word associations
- Authors: Scheepers, Jessica
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises , Success , Association tests , Content analysis (Communication)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9308 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018512
- Description: Despite family business researchers having worked towards an understanding of how family businesses obtain success or achieve satisfaction, much confusion and debate on how to define success still exist in the field. It is suggested that defining success in terms of a family business is problematic because even family members themselves have varying perceptions of success. This confusion and debate has in recent years led to an increase in research concerning the meaning of success in the context of family businesses. Defining success is necessary, because if family businesses do not know what success means and what they are working towards, they will not know what decisions to make in order to be successful. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to establish the perceptions of the concept of success among family business owners. For the purpose of this study, a mixed methodology was adopted because the data was collected using a qualitative method but analysed using a quantitative method. This study used a free word association test – which is a qualitative projective technique – to collect the data, which was then analysed by means of summative manifest content analysis which is a quantitative research method. Convenience sampling was used to identify small business owners to undergo the word association tests. By means of these tests, 811 words/phrases were generated by the 50 small non-family and 51 small family business owners who participated in the study. Theoretical, data, investigator and methodological triangulation was used to ensure the validity of the study whereas credibility, transferability, dependability, confirmability and authenticity were applied to ensure its reliability. A coding framework was developed and several analyses were undertaken to summarise the data. The nature and position of the words/phrases recalled as well as the most frequently occurring words/phrases recalled were reported on. To determine whether significant differences exist between the different sample groups, Chi-square statistics were calculated to ascertain statistical significance and Craemer’s V statistics to establish practical significance. The findings of this study show that small non-family business owners mostly associate business success with non-financial indicators. These non-family business owners perceive a successful small business as one that is customer-focused, provides quality service and is characterised by discipline, drive and determination. Similarly, the findings show that the small family business owners participating in this study mostly associate family business success with words/phrases of a non-financial nature. The family business owners perceived a successful family business as one where, in addition to financial returns, discipline, drive and determination, as well as trust, honesty and hard work prevail. Even though both non-family and family business owner participants mostly recalled words/phrases of a non-financial nature, non-family business owners were mainly concerned with being customer-focused and proving quality, whereas family business owners focused more on values such as discipline, drive and determination as well as trust and honesty. Based on the perceptions of success among family business owners, a workable definition of “family business success” was formulated. Family business owners mainly perceive a successful family business as one where, in addition to financial returns, values such as discipline, drive and determination as well as trust, honesty and hard work prevail in the organisational culture of their businesses. Investigating the meaning of success in the field of family business has become a topic of growing interest. This study is one of the first in South Africa to adopt a qualitative dominant approach in attempting to overcome the lack of consensus, as well as to gain greater clarity regarding the way in which success is defined by family businesses. It is hoped that the results of this study will provide family business owners as well as practitioners and researchers in the field with a better understanding of what family business success entails. This understanding offers the potential to guide and improve goal-setting and strategic processes by family businesses, resulting in fewer family business failures and ultimately improving the South African economy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Scheepers, Jessica
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises , Success , Association tests , Content analysis (Communication)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9308 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018512
- Description: Despite family business researchers having worked towards an understanding of how family businesses obtain success or achieve satisfaction, much confusion and debate on how to define success still exist in the field. It is suggested that defining success in terms of a family business is problematic because even family members themselves have varying perceptions of success. This confusion and debate has in recent years led to an increase in research concerning the meaning of success in the context of family businesses. Defining success is necessary, because if family businesses do not know what success means and what they are working towards, they will not know what decisions to make in order to be successful. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to establish the perceptions of the concept of success among family business owners. For the purpose of this study, a mixed methodology was adopted because the data was collected using a qualitative method but analysed using a quantitative method. This study used a free word association test – which is a qualitative projective technique – to collect the data, which was then analysed by means of summative manifest content analysis which is a quantitative research method. Convenience sampling was used to identify small business owners to undergo the word association tests. By means of these tests, 811 words/phrases were generated by the 50 small non-family and 51 small family business owners who participated in the study. Theoretical, data, investigator and methodological triangulation was used to ensure the validity of the study whereas credibility, transferability, dependability, confirmability and authenticity were applied to ensure its reliability. A coding framework was developed and several analyses were undertaken to summarise the data. The nature and position of the words/phrases recalled as well as the most frequently occurring words/phrases recalled were reported on. To determine whether significant differences exist between the different sample groups, Chi-square statistics were calculated to ascertain statistical significance and Craemer’s V statistics to establish practical significance. The findings of this study show that small non-family business owners mostly associate business success with non-financial indicators. These non-family business owners perceive a successful small business as one that is customer-focused, provides quality service and is characterised by discipline, drive and determination. Similarly, the findings show that the small family business owners participating in this study mostly associate family business success with words/phrases of a non-financial nature. The family business owners perceived a successful family business as one where, in addition to financial returns, discipline, drive and determination, as well as trust, honesty and hard work prevail. Even though both non-family and family business owner participants mostly recalled words/phrases of a non-financial nature, non-family business owners were mainly concerned with being customer-focused and proving quality, whereas family business owners focused more on values such as discipline, drive and determination as well as trust and honesty. Based on the perceptions of success among family business owners, a workable definition of “family business success” was formulated. Family business owners mainly perceive a successful family business as one where, in addition to financial returns, values such as discipline, drive and determination as well as trust, honesty and hard work prevail in the organisational culture of their businesses. Investigating the meaning of success in the field of family business has become a topic of growing interest. This study is one of the first in South Africa to adopt a qualitative dominant approach in attempting to overcome the lack of consensus, as well as to gain greater clarity regarding the way in which success is defined by family businesses. It is hoped that the results of this study will provide family business owners as well as practitioners and researchers in the field with a better understanding of what family business success entails. This understanding offers the potential to guide and improve goal-setting and strategic processes by family businesses, resulting in fewer family business failures and ultimately improving the South African economy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Impact of the global financial crisis on economic growth: implications for South Africa and other developing economies
- Authors: Savy, Neil Edward
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Global Financial Crisis, 2008-2009 , Gross domestic product -- Developing countries , Gross domestic product -- South Africa , Economic forecasting -- South Africa , Economic forecasting -- Developing countries , Economic development -- South Africa , Economic development -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017542
- Description: This paper examines the impact of the recent global financial crisis on economic growth in developing economies and South Africa in particular. It explores whether the events experienced by developing countries conform to what would be anticipated from economic theory. This is done by firstly comparing country growth forecasts for 2012 captured in 2008 at the beginning of the crisis to actual 2012 GDP growth data. Secondly, panel data analysis is used to investigate three important transmission channels, namely those of Trade, Capital Flows and Exchange Rates for 25 developing economies. The results suggest that economic forecasters in 2008 on average overestimated GDP growth for 2012 by -21.6 percent (excluding Venezuela). The only important transmission channel identified using Trend analysis to explain this negative impact on growth was capital flows. However when using Panel regression analysis all three channels were found to explain the economic impact of the crisis on GDP growth for developing countries, conforming to economic theory. It was discovered that, contrary to what was initially expected, portfolio inflows actually increased for most developing countries during the crisis. This possibly can be explained by the impact of quantitative easing in the USA. South Africa was found to have been negatively impacted by the global financial crisis, but to a lesser extent when compared to most other developing countries. The findings are important for global investors looking for new investment opportunities. The extent to which individual economies are “decoupled” from developed economies’ performance provides possible opportunities for diversifying risk through a geographic spread of investor portfolios.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Savy, Neil Edward
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Global Financial Crisis, 2008-2009 , Gross domestic product -- Developing countries , Gross domestic product -- South Africa , Economic forecasting -- South Africa , Economic forecasting -- Developing countries , Economic development -- South Africa , Economic development -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017542
- Description: This paper examines the impact of the recent global financial crisis on economic growth in developing economies and South Africa in particular. It explores whether the events experienced by developing countries conform to what would be anticipated from economic theory. This is done by firstly comparing country growth forecasts for 2012 captured in 2008 at the beginning of the crisis to actual 2012 GDP growth data. Secondly, panel data analysis is used to investigate three important transmission channels, namely those of Trade, Capital Flows and Exchange Rates for 25 developing economies. The results suggest that economic forecasters in 2008 on average overestimated GDP growth for 2012 by -21.6 percent (excluding Venezuela). The only important transmission channel identified using Trend analysis to explain this negative impact on growth was capital flows. However when using Panel regression analysis all three channels were found to explain the economic impact of the crisis on GDP growth for developing countries, conforming to economic theory. It was discovered that, contrary to what was initially expected, portfolio inflows actually increased for most developing countries during the crisis. This possibly can be explained by the impact of quantitative easing in the USA. South Africa was found to have been negatively impacted by the global financial crisis, but to a lesser extent when compared to most other developing countries. The findings are important for global investors looking for new investment opportunities. The extent to which individual economies are “decoupled” from developed economies’ performance provides possible opportunities for diversifying risk through a geographic spread of investor portfolios.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Determination and validation of medicinal plants used by farmers to control internal and external parasites in goats in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Sanhokwe, Marcia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Goats -- Parasites -- Control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2249 , vital:27718
- Description: The broad objective of the study was to determine and validate medicinal plants used by resource-limited farmers to control internal and external parasites in goats in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A survey was conducted among 50 farmers and three herbalists to determine medicinal plants used to control parasites in goats. The survey revealed nine plant species belonging to eight families that were used. Among the identified plant species, Aloe ferox, Acokanthera oppositifolia and Elephantorrhiza elephantina were the plants having the highest Fidelity Level for their use, each scored 100.00 percent, followed by Albuca setosa (83.33 percent). These plants were then selected for validation studies. Gas-Chromatography-Mass-Spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed 7, 33, 26 and 32 bioactive phytochemicals in A. ferox, E. elephantina, A. oppositifolia and A. setosa, respectively. Terpenes and fatty acids were present, oxygenated terpenes being the most abundant hydrocarbons present in all the four plant species. The effect of acetone, methanol and ethanol extracts of leaves of Aloe ferox and Acokanthera oppositifolia on tick repellency and acaricidal activity were investigated on blood engorged Ambylomma hebraeum and Rhipicephalus decoloratus ticks at concentration 15, 30 and 50 percent. The 30 and 50 percent acetone extract of A. ferox and Dazzel dip had the highest acaricidal properties of 100 percent. The 50 percent methanol extract of A. oppositifolia and 50 percent acetone extract of A. ferox had the highest repellency activity of 89 percent and 85.33 percent, respectively. Results from this study revealed that the efficacy of medicinal plants used by farmers to control ticks vary with the type of solvent used for extracting the bioactive compounds. Furthermore, it revealed that Aloe ferox and A. opppositifolia plant extracts possess repellent and acaricidal activities. In a study to investigate the anthelminthic effect of crude extracts of Elephantorrhiza elephantina and Albuca setosa plants, significant anthelminthic effect on nematodes was observed in both plants. In this study, all E. elephantina and A. setosa extracts caused paralysis and mortality. Methanol was the most effective solvent in extracting bioactive compounds and methanol extract showed the best anthelminthic effects among the crude extracts investigated in both plants. The least time taken for the worms to be paralysed was 8.33 mins and 14.33mins in 100mg/ml methanol extracts of E. elephantina and A. setosa, resepectively. Methanol extract of E. elephantina and A. setosa (100mg/ml) had the highest anthelminthic activity and mortality was recorded after 18mins and 20mins, respectively. Results from this study revealed that these two plants possess anthelminthic activities. The study revealed that resource-limited farmers use medicinal plants to control internal and external parasites in goats. Gas-Chromatography-Mass-Spectrometry analysis showed that these plants contain bioactive compounds that have a potential in controlling parasites. Validation studies showed that A. ferox and A. oppositifolia possess repellent and acaricidal activities whereas A. setosa and E. elephantina possess anthelminthic activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Sanhokwe, Marcia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Goats -- Parasites -- Control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2249 , vital:27718
- Description: The broad objective of the study was to determine and validate medicinal plants used by resource-limited farmers to control internal and external parasites in goats in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A survey was conducted among 50 farmers and three herbalists to determine medicinal plants used to control parasites in goats. The survey revealed nine plant species belonging to eight families that were used. Among the identified plant species, Aloe ferox, Acokanthera oppositifolia and Elephantorrhiza elephantina were the plants having the highest Fidelity Level for their use, each scored 100.00 percent, followed by Albuca setosa (83.33 percent). These plants were then selected for validation studies. Gas-Chromatography-Mass-Spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed 7, 33, 26 and 32 bioactive phytochemicals in A. ferox, E. elephantina, A. oppositifolia and A. setosa, respectively. Terpenes and fatty acids were present, oxygenated terpenes being the most abundant hydrocarbons present in all the four plant species. The effect of acetone, methanol and ethanol extracts of leaves of Aloe ferox and Acokanthera oppositifolia on tick repellency and acaricidal activity were investigated on blood engorged Ambylomma hebraeum and Rhipicephalus decoloratus ticks at concentration 15, 30 and 50 percent. The 30 and 50 percent acetone extract of A. ferox and Dazzel dip had the highest acaricidal properties of 100 percent. The 50 percent methanol extract of A. oppositifolia and 50 percent acetone extract of A. ferox had the highest repellency activity of 89 percent and 85.33 percent, respectively. Results from this study revealed that the efficacy of medicinal plants used by farmers to control ticks vary with the type of solvent used for extracting the bioactive compounds. Furthermore, it revealed that Aloe ferox and A. opppositifolia plant extracts possess repellent and acaricidal activities. In a study to investigate the anthelminthic effect of crude extracts of Elephantorrhiza elephantina and Albuca setosa plants, significant anthelminthic effect on nematodes was observed in both plants. In this study, all E. elephantina and A. setosa extracts caused paralysis and mortality. Methanol was the most effective solvent in extracting bioactive compounds and methanol extract showed the best anthelminthic effects among the crude extracts investigated in both plants. The least time taken for the worms to be paralysed was 8.33 mins and 14.33mins in 100mg/ml methanol extracts of E. elephantina and A. setosa, resepectively. Methanol extract of E. elephantina and A. setosa (100mg/ml) had the highest anthelminthic activity and mortality was recorded after 18mins and 20mins, respectively. Results from this study revealed that these two plants possess anthelminthic activities. The study revealed that resource-limited farmers use medicinal plants to control internal and external parasites in goats. Gas-Chromatography-Mass-Spectrometry analysis showed that these plants contain bioactive compounds that have a potential in controlling parasites. Validation studies showed that A. ferox and A. oppositifolia possess repellent and acaricidal activities whereas A. setosa and E. elephantina possess anthelminthic activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Poverty alleviation through employment creation in Matatiele, Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Salukazana, Temate Lucia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Matatiele , Job creation -- South Africa -- Matatiele
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9245 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021138
- Description: This paper will be looking at unemployment in South Africa, since this is a serious matter. A number of policies in South Africa have been formulated to address the issue of unemployment since the transition from apartheid to democracy. The paper will attempt to define unemployment and the different types of unemployment. Even though policies have been designed, this does not necessarily mean that unemployment has, therefore, been reduced. In my research I will be concentrating on unemployment. I would be touching on ways that could be used to improve unemployment, in order to alleviate poverty. We are faced with challenges in our country and in the small town where we live: Matatiele. South Africa is faced with challenges, which will be addressed in the study, as it will be looking at the economy since the apartheid era ended, and the commencement of democracy under the African National Congress (ANC) government. The study will tackle the theories that were used in unemployment and the policies that were introduced, in order to improve unemployment. The study will be mentioning the different solutions that could be adopted, in order to improve unemployment and to alleviate poverty. It is not only the responsibility of the government, but through agricultural training and increased access to farming – especially in the area of Matatiele– government needs to subsidise these people, in order to produce people with skills. Unemployment would then decrease. Tourism is a prominent job-creator, because of the many opportunities it creates for semi-skilled labour, and because Matatiele people are friendly and hospitable. This could be accomplished through better education, investment to create more job opportunities, and fostering economic growth in the country (Emeka Okafor). The policy implications are that government should diminish labour-market segmentation, and the obstacles to entering the productive informal sector may be relevant. However, it should also look to other developing countries with high levels of unemployment. How have they coped with these problems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Salukazana, Temate Lucia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Matatiele , Job creation -- South Africa -- Matatiele
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9245 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021138
- Description: This paper will be looking at unemployment in South Africa, since this is a serious matter. A number of policies in South Africa have been formulated to address the issue of unemployment since the transition from apartheid to democracy. The paper will attempt to define unemployment and the different types of unemployment. Even though policies have been designed, this does not necessarily mean that unemployment has, therefore, been reduced. In my research I will be concentrating on unemployment. I would be touching on ways that could be used to improve unemployment, in order to alleviate poverty. We are faced with challenges in our country and in the small town where we live: Matatiele. South Africa is faced with challenges, which will be addressed in the study, as it will be looking at the economy since the apartheid era ended, and the commencement of democracy under the African National Congress (ANC) government. The study will tackle the theories that were used in unemployment and the policies that were introduced, in order to improve unemployment. The study will be mentioning the different solutions that could be adopted, in order to improve unemployment and to alleviate poverty. It is not only the responsibility of the government, but through agricultural training and increased access to farming – especially in the area of Matatiele– government needs to subsidise these people, in order to produce people with skills. Unemployment would then decrease. Tourism is a prominent job-creator, because of the many opportunities it creates for semi-skilled labour, and because Matatiele people are friendly and hospitable. This could be accomplished through better education, investment to create more job opportunities, and fostering economic growth in the country (Emeka Okafor). The policy implications are that government should diminish labour-market segmentation, and the obstacles to entering the productive informal sector may be relevant. However, it should also look to other developing countries with high levels of unemployment. How have they coped with these problems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Exploring the development of an integrated, participative, water quality management process for the Crocodile River catchment, focusing on the sugar industry
- Authors: Sahula, Asiphe
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Water quality management -- South Africa -- Krokodilrivier (Mpumalanga) , Watersheds -- South Africa -- Krokodilrivier (Mpumalanga) , Integrated water development -- South Africa -- Krokodilrivier (Mpumalanga) , Water quality management -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Krokodilrivier (Mpumalanga) , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Krokodilrivier (Mpumalanga) , Water quality -- South Africa -- Krokodilrivier (Mpumalanga)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:6051 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017876
- Description: Water quality deterioration is reaching crisis proportions in South Africa. Many South African catchments are over-allocated, and decreasing volumes of source water mean increasing concentrations of pollutants. The Crocodile River Catchment in the Mpumalanga province in South Africa was identified through previous research, as a catchment faced with deteriorating source water quality for water users in the catchment. Poor source water quality has become a sufficiently acute concern for the stakeholders in this catchment to co-operate in developing a process that assists with compliance control of their water use and waste disposal to reduce costs, decrease industrial risks as water quality compliance increases, and improve source water quality. The sugar industry is downstream within the Crocodile River Catchment, and is affected by the activities of all upstream water users; the industry is thus dependent on the stakeholders upstream participating in the effective management of the resource. However, the sugar industry is also located just before the confluence of the Crocodile River and Komati River upstream of the Mozambique border, and thus the water quality of the sugar industry effluent will affect the quality of the water that flows into Mozambique. The sugar industry is on the opposite river bank to the Kruger National Park, which has high water resource protection goals. Therefore, the sugar industry has a national role to play in the management of water resources in the Crocodile River Catchment. This study provides a focused view of the role of the sugar industry in the development of a co-operative, integrated water quality management process (IWQMP) in the Crocodile River Catchment. In order to address the objectives of this study, this research drew from an understanding of the social processes that influence water management practices within the sugar industry as well as social processes that influence the role of the Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency as the main governing institution in water resource management in the Inkomati Water Management Area. The study also drew from an understanding of scientific knowledge in terms of a water chemistry which describes the upstream and downstream water quality impacts related to the sugar industry. The water quality analysis for the Lower Crocodile River Catchment shows a decline in water quality in terms of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) loads when moving from below Mbombela to the Mozambique border. The major sources of TDS in the Lower Crocodile River are point source dominated, which may be attributed to the extensive mining, industrial and municipal activities that occur across the catchment. When observing Total Alkalinity (TAL) and pH values from below Mbombela to the furthest monitoring point, there is deterioration in the quality of the water in the Lower Crocodile River, with the Kaap River contributing a negative effect that is diluted by the Crocodile main stem. The Hectorspruit Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTWs) (located in the Lower Crocodile River Catchment) contributes high concentrations of TDS and TAL into the Crocodile River. Total Inorganic Nitrogen and Soluble Reactive Phosphorus concentrations decrease in the lower reaches of the Crocodile River compared with the river below Mbombela, which can be attributed to the extensive sugar cane plantations located in the Lower Crocodile River Catchment acting as an “agricultural wetland” that serves a function of bioremediation resulting in large scale absorption of nutrients. This is an interesting result as earlier assumptions were that fertiliser application would result in an overall increase in nutrient loads and concentrations. Biomonitoring data show no substantial change in aquatic health in the LowerCrocodile River Catchment. For a catchment that has an extensive agricultural land use in terms of sugarcane and citrus production, the Crocodile River is unexpectedly not in a toxic state in terms of aquatic health. This is a positive result and it suggests that pesticide use is strictly controlled in the sugar and citrus industry in the Crocodile River Catchment. For long term sustainability, it is essential for the sugar industry to maintain (and possibly improve) this pesticide management. The social component of this study aimed to provide an analysis of the management practices of the sugar mill as well as examining agricultural practices in the sugar cane fields in relation to water quality management through the use of Cultural Historical Activity System Theory (CHAT). This component showed that there are contradictions within the sugar industry activity system that are considered to be areas of “tension” that can be loosened or focused on to improve the contribution the sugar industry can make to the IWQMP. Surfacing contradictions within the sugar industry activity system and the Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency activity systems highlighted areas of potential for learning and change. While an understanding of biophysical processes through scientific knowledge is critical in water management decision making, it is evident that an understanding of other actors, institutions and networks that inform water quality management decision-making also plays a significant role. The notion of improving the role of scientific or biophysical knowledge in contributing to socio-ecologically robust knowledge co-creation, decisions and actions towards resolving water quality problems is emphasised. Specifically, moving towards improving interactions between scientists and other actors (water users in the Crocodile Catchment in this case), so that scientific practices become more orientated towards societal platforms where water quality management is tackled to enable improved water quality management practices. Therefore, linking the social and biophysical components in this study provides a holistic understanding of how the sugar industry can contribute to the development of an IWQMP for the Crocodile River catchment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Sahula, Asiphe
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Water quality management -- South Africa -- Krokodilrivier (Mpumalanga) , Watersheds -- South Africa -- Krokodilrivier (Mpumalanga) , Integrated water development -- South Africa -- Krokodilrivier (Mpumalanga) , Water quality management -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Krokodilrivier (Mpumalanga) , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Krokodilrivier (Mpumalanga) , Water quality -- South Africa -- Krokodilrivier (Mpumalanga)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:6051 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017876
- Description: Water quality deterioration is reaching crisis proportions in South Africa. Many South African catchments are over-allocated, and decreasing volumes of source water mean increasing concentrations of pollutants. The Crocodile River Catchment in the Mpumalanga province in South Africa was identified through previous research, as a catchment faced with deteriorating source water quality for water users in the catchment. Poor source water quality has become a sufficiently acute concern for the stakeholders in this catchment to co-operate in developing a process that assists with compliance control of their water use and waste disposal to reduce costs, decrease industrial risks as water quality compliance increases, and improve source water quality. The sugar industry is downstream within the Crocodile River Catchment, and is affected by the activities of all upstream water users; the industry is thus dependent on the stakeholders upstream participating in the effective management of the resource. However, the sugar industry is also located just before the confluence of the Crocodile River and Komati River upstream of the Mozambique border, and thus the water quality of the sugar industry effluent will affect the quality of the water that flows into Mozambique. The sugar industry is on the opposite river bank to the Kruger National Park, which has high water resource protection goals. Therefore, the sugar industry has a national role to play in the management of water resources in the Crocodile River Catchment. This study provides a focused view of the role of the sugar industry in the development of a co-operative, integrated water quality management process (IWQMP) in the Crocodile River Catchment. In order to address the objectives of this study, this research drew from an understanding of the social processes that influence water management practices within the sugar industry as well as social processes that influence the role of the Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency as the main governing institution in water resource management in the Inkomati Water Management Area. The study also drew from an understanding of scientific knowledge in terms of a water chemistry which describes the upstream and downstream water quality impacts related to the sugar industry. The water quality analysis for the Lower Crocodile River Catchment shows a decline in water quality in terms of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) loads when moving from below Mbombela to the Mozambique border. The major sources of TDS in the Lower Crocodile River are point source dominated, which may be attributed to the extensive mining, industrial and municipal activities that occur across the catchment. When observing Total Alkalinity (TAL) and pH values from below Mbombela to the furthest monitoring point, there is deterioration in the quality of the water in the Lower Crocodile River, with the Kaap River contributing a negative effect that is diluted by the Crocodile main stem. The Hectorspruit Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTWs) (located in the Lower Crocodile River Catchment) contributes high concentrations of TDS and TAL into the Crocodile River. Total Inorganic Nitrogen and Soluble Reactive Phosphorus concentrations decrease in the lower reaches of the Crocodile River compared with the river below Mbombela, which can be attributed to the extensive sugar cane plantations located in the Lower Crocodile River Catchment acting as an “agricultural wetland” that serves a function of bioremediation resulting in large scale absorption of nutrients. This is an interesting result as earlier assumptions were that fertiliser application would result in an overall increase in nutrient loads and concentrations. Biomonitoring data show no substantial change in aquatic health in the LowerCrocodile River Catchment. For a catchment that has an extensive agricultural land use in terms of sugarcane and citrus production, the Crocodile River is unexpectedly not in a toxic state in terms of aquatic health. This is a positive result and it suggests that pesticide use is strictly controlled in the sugar and citrus industry in the Crocodile River Catchment. For long term sustainability, it is essential for the sugar industry to maintain (and possibly improve) this pesticide management. The social component of this study aimed to provide an analysis of the management practices of the sugar mill as well as examining agricultural practices in the sugar cane fields in relation to water quality management through the use of Cultural Historical Activity System Theory (CHAT). This component showed that there are contradictions within the sugar industry activity system that are considered to be areas of “tension” that can be loosened or focused on to improve the contribution the sugar industry can make to the IWQMP. Surfacing contradictions within the sugar industry activity system and the Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency activity systems highlighted areas of potential for learning and change. While an understanding of biophysical processes through scientific knowledge is critical in water management decision making, it is evident that an understanding of other actors, institutions and networks that inform water quality management decision-making also plays a significant role. The notion of improving the role of scientific or biophysical knowledge in contributing to socio-ecologically robust knowledge co-creation, decisions and actions towards resolving water quality problems is emphasised. Specifically, moving towards improving interactions between scientists and other actors (water users in the Crocodile Catchment in this case), so that scientific practices become more orientated towards societal platforms where water quality management is tackled to enable improved water quality management practices. Therefore, linking the social and biophysical components in this study provides a holistic understanding of how the sugar industry can contribute to the development of an IWQMP for the Crocodile River catchment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial properties of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Brachylaena elliptica (Thurb.) dc. and Brachylaena ilicifolia (Lam.) Phill & Schweick
- Authors: Sagbo, Idowu Jonas
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Medicinal plants , Traditional medicine , Herbs -- Therapeutic use
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Biochemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11297 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021289 , Medicinal plants , Traditional medicine , Herbs -- Therapeutic use
- Description: Resistance of human pathogenic bacterial strains results in selective pressure against known antibiotic. However, plant derived compounds that possess antibacterial potential are currently being investigated for treatment of wound infections in diabetic patients as they are inexpensive and non-toxic. Hence, this dissertation was designed to evaluate two medicinal plants (Brachylaena elliptica and Brachylaena ilicifolia) traditionally used in the treatment of various diseases such as diabetes, and its secondary complications in diabetic patients. The in vitro antioxidant activity of both plants were evaluated using DPPH (1, 1-diphenylhydrazl), ferric reducing power, ABTS (2, 2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), NO (nitric oxide) and H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) techniques. The antibacterial test and Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by agar dilution method against 5 bacteria strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogene, Proteus vulgaris and Proteus mirabilis) infecting wounds in diabetic patients using amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin as positive control. The phytochemical analyses were assessed using standard published methods. Identification of bioactive components in essential oils of both plants were assessed using GCMS. The aqueous and ethanol extracts of both plants were also evaluated to identify bioactive components using LC-MS. The results of the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, flavanoids, flavanols, proanthocyanidins, saponins and alkaloids in both plants. Both plants indicated strong antioxidant activities which might be due to the presence of bioactive compounds. The aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of both plants demonstrated appreciable broad spectrum activities against these wound pathogens with MIC ranging between 5 and 0.3 mg/ml. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oils of both plants revealed the presence of monoterpenes, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, phenolics and esters. The LC-MS analysis of the aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of both plants showed that both plants are rich in alkaloids, terpenes, terpenoids, monoterpernoids, and flavanoids. Conclusively, this study has partially justified the ethnomedicinal use of B. elliptica and B.licifolia leaves for the treatment of various diseases, including diabetes and wound infections caused by bacteria in diabetic patients. These may be attributed to the presence of antioxidant compound such as phenols, flavanoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids and other phytochemical compounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Sagbo, Idowu Jonas
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Medicinal plants , Traditional medicine , Herbs -- Therapeutic use
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Biochemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11297 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021289 , Medicinal plants , Traditional medicine , Herbs -- Therapeutic use
- Description: Resistance of human pathogenic bacterial strains results in selective pressure against known antibiotic. However, plant derived compounds that possess antibacterial potential are currently being investigated for treatment of wound infections in diabetic patients as they are inexpensive and non-toxic. Hence, this dissertation was designed to evaluate two medicinal plants (Brachylaena elliptica and Brachylaena ilicifolia) traditionally used in the treatment of various diseases such as diabetes, and its secondary complications in diabetic patients. The in vitro antioxidant activity of both plants were evaluated using DPPH (1, 1-diphenylhydrazl), ferric reducing power, ABTS (2, 2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), NO (nitric oxide) and H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) techniques. The antibacterial test and Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by agar dilution method against 5 bacteria strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogene, Proteus vulgaris and Proteus mirabilis) infecting wounds in diabetic patients using amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin as positive control. The phytochemical analyses were assessed using standard published methods. Identification of bioactive components in essential oils of both plants were assessed using GCMS. The aqueous and ethanol extracts of both plants were also evaluated to identify bioactive components using LC-MS. The results of the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, flavanoids, flavanols, proanthocyanidins, saponins and alkaloids in both plants. Both plants indicated strong antioxidant activities which might be due to the presence of bioactive compounds. The aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of both plants demonstrated appreciable broad spectrum activities against these wound pathogens with MIC ranging between 5 and 0.3 mg/ml. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oils of both plants revealed the presence of monoterpenes, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, phenolics and esters. The LC-MS analysis of the aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of both plants showed that both plants are rich in alkaloids, terpenes, terpenoids, monoterpernoids, and flavanoids. Conclusively, this study has partially justified the ethnomedicinal use of B. elliptica and B.licifolia leaves for the treatment of various diseases, including diabetes and wound infections caused by bacteria in diabetic patients. These may be attributed to the presence of antioxidant compound such as phenols, flavanoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids and other phytochemical compounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Natural resource use as a coping and adaptation strategy to floods of vulnerable populations in the Eastern Cape
- Sachikonye, Mwazvita Tapiwa Beatrice
- Authors: Sachikonye, Mwazvita Tapiwa Beatrice
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Flood damage prevention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nature -- Effect of human beings on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human beings -- Effect of environment on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4786 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018194
- Description: Many of the anticipated increased occurances of natural hazards are not only a consequence of climate change, but rather of rapid and widespread land cover change and the subsequent loss of the buffering capacity provided by healthy ecosystems against natural hazards. Unplanned and unmanaged developments in informal settlements limit government’s ability to mitigate and manage, pointing towards natural resources as being integral for vulnerable communities in developing countries to cope with and mitigate flood disasters. There is a lack of understanding on how natural resources contribute to resilience of vulnerable populations in the Eastern Cape and how they are impacted by these populations before, during and after a flood shock. There also exists a gap in knowledge on how natural resources can mitigate the physical impacts of flooding in South Africa, more so in the Eastern Cape province. Using household questionnaires and GIS techniques, the strategies that households used to recover from the October 2012-February 2013 flood shocks were investigated in informal settlements of three towns (Grahamstown, Port Alfred and Port St Johns). Within the vulnerability paradigm and the sustainable livelihood framework, the study also quantified and evaluated the relative contribution of natural resources to recovery strategies, and lastly, the study investigated how patterns of land use, state of natural vegetation and household topographical location exacerbated or diminished the physical impacts of flooding. This study found that natural resources contributed up to 70 percent to recovery of households from the flood shock, most of this being to reconstruction of housing structures after the flood, less so to economic recovery. It was also found that at a settlement scale the buffering effect of vegetation, although variable amongst settlements, was significant. Settlements that were dominated by dense bush and small trees experienced up to 46 percent less impacts on their property than those surrounded by bare gravel and impervious roofs with degraded environments. The main findings of the research show that natural resources reduce the vulnerability of households in informal settlements to flooding in two significant ways; by physically mitigating against damage to shelters and by also providing an emergency-net function that substitutes financial capital in households. Their inclusion in disaster management has the potential to encourage the sustainable livelihoods of the urban poor in the Eastern Cape
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Sachikonye, Mwazvita Tapiwa Beatrice
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Flood damage prevention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nature -- Effect of human beings on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human beings -- Effect of environment on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4786 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018194
- Description: Many of the anticipated increased occurances of natural hazards are not only a consequence of climate change, but rather of rapid and widespread land cover change and the subsequent loss of the buffering capacity provided by healthy ecosystems against natural hazards. Unplanned and unmanaged developments in informal settlements limit government’s ability to mitigate and manage, pointing towards natural resources as being integral for vulnerable communities in developing countries to cope with and mitigate flood disasters. There is a lack of understanding on how natural resources contribute to resilience of vulnerable populations in the Eastern Cape and how they are impacted by these populations before, during and after a flood shock. There also exists a gap in knowledge on how natural resources can mitigate the physical impacts of flooding in South Africa, more so in the Eastern Cape province. Using household questionnaires and GIS techniques, the strategies that households used to recover from the October 2012-February 2013 flood shocks were investigated in informal settlements of three towns (Grahamstown, Port Alfred and Port St Johns). Within the vulnerability paradigm and the sustainable livelihood framework, the study also quantified and evaluated the relative contribution of natural resources to recovery strategies, and lastly, the study investigated how patterns of land use, state of natural vegetation and household topographical location exacerbated or diminished the physical impacts of flooding. This study found that natural resources contributed up to 70 percent to recovery of households from the flood shock, most of this being to reconstruction of housing structures after the flood, less so to economic recovery. It was also found that at a settlement scale the buffering effect of vegetation, although variable amongst settlements, was significant. Settlements that were dominated by dense bush and small trees experienced up to 46 percent less impacts on their property than those surrounded by bare gravel and impervious roofs with degraded environments. The main findings of the research show that natural resources reduce the vulnerability of households in informal settlements to flooding in two significant ways; by physically mitigating against damage to shelters and by also providing an emergency-net function that substitutes financial capital in households. Their inclusion in disaster management has the potential to encourage the sustainable livelihoods of the urban poor in the Eastern Cape
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Improving employee retention at a selected South African petrochemical firm through career-pathing
- Authors: Saaiman, Cherwin Jesse
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa , Career development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8933 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021190
- Description: In the competitive knowledge economy of today it is talented employees who ensure a competitive advantage for their company above their competitors. Voluntary employee turnover is said to have a number of negative consequences for employers, such as recruitment, selection and training costs, as well as lowered morale in the case of employees who stay behind. Companies and countries such as South Africa have to become globally competitive through talented and dedicated employees. Companies should therefore place more focus on the retention and grooming of their internal talent since a “war on talent” is being waged between companies for the best talent. With the looming shortage of talent globally it becomes more important for organisations in general and the petrochemical sector in particular to understand why talented and dedicated employees voluntarily leave their organisations. With such insight at their disposal, people managers are able to devise appropriate strategies to retain talent for the competitive benefit of their own organisations. The principal objective of this research study was to improve employee retention by investigating the influence of career-pathing (career development practices) and other selected critical success factors on employee retention. The study considered how employee retention (the dependent variable) is influenced by affective organisational commitment, career-pathing, growth need satisfaction, job commitment, affective professional commitment, continuance professional commitment and normative professional commitment (the independent variables). The sample who participated in this study consisted of one hundred and one (101) out of a possible total of two hundred and eleven (211) respondents from the selected South African petrochemical organisation. The empirical results reveal that affective organisational commitment and career-pathing are significantly related to employee retention, while all the other variables tested are not significantly related to employee retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Saaiman, Cherwin Jesse
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa , Career development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8933 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021190
- Description: In the competitive knowledge economy of today it is talented employees who ensure a competitive advantage for their company above their competitors. Voluntary employee turnover is said to have a number of negative consequences for employers, such as recruitment, selection and training costs, as well as lowered morale in the case of employees who stay behind. Companies and countries such as South Africa have to become globally competitive through talented and dedicated employees. Companies should therefore place more focus on the retention and grooming of their internal talent since a “war on talent” is being waged between companies for the best talent. With the looming shortage of talent globally it becomes more important for organisations in general and the petrochemical sector in particular to understand why talented and dedicated employees voluntarily leave their organisations. With such insight at their disposal, people managers are able to devise appropriate strategies to retain talent for the competitive benefit of their own organisations. The principal objective of this research study was to improve employee retention by investigating the influence of career-pathing (career development practices) and other selected critical success factors on employee retention. The study considered how employee retention (the dependent variable) is influenced by affective organisational commitment, career-pathing, growth need satisfaction, job commitment, affective professional commitment, continuance professional commitment and normative professional commitment (the independent variables). The sample who participated in this study consisted of one hundred and one (101) out of a possible total of two hundred and eleven (211) respondents from the selected South African petrochemical organisation. The empirical results reveal that affective organisational commitment and career-pathing are significantly related to employee retention, while all the other variables tested are not significantly related to employee retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The influence of financial market development on economic growth in Brics countries
- Authors: Ruzive, Tafadzwa Mutsvedu
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Financial services industry -- Marketing , Economic development -- BRIC countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6594 , vital:21123
- Description: The debate about the influence of financial market development on economic growth has been ongoing for more than a century. Since Schumpeter (1912) wrote about the happenings on Lombard Street, right up to the economists of today, there is growing interest into how financial market development affects economic activity and hence economic growth. With economic growth gaining prominence in respect of development discourse, inquiry into the finance-growth nexus has grown rapidly. The latest advances of the finance-growth nexus show a positive relationship between financial market development and economic growth. In this regard, little research has been done globally pertaining to most recent economic developments, especially concerning the BRICS economies. This research investigates the influence of financial market development on emerging economies, BRICS and non-BRICS and to determine whether the openness of financial markets in BRICS economies contributed to higher growth trajectories compared to their non-BRICS counterparts. The research utilises the Generalised Method of Moments and an extended endogenous growth model to estimate the influence of a set of financial market indicators. The study found that higher levels of credit to the private sector and financial depth in the BRICS economies contributed to the higher levels of economic growth experienced in the BRICS compared to non-BRICs emerging economies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ruzive, Tafadzwa Mutsvedu
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Financial services industry -- Marketing , Economic development -- BRIC countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6594 , vital:21123
- Description: The debate about the influence of financial market development on economic growth has been ongoing for more than a century. Since Schumpeter (1912) wrote about the happenings on Lombard Street, right up to the economists of today, there is growing interest into how financial market development affects economic activity and hence economic growth. With economic growth gaining prominence in respect of development discourse, inquiry into the finance-growth nexus has grown rapidly. The latest advances of the finance-growth nexus show a positive relationship between financial market development and economic growth. In this regard, little research has been done globally pertaining to most recent economic developments, especially concerning the BRICS economies. This research investigates the influence of financial market development on emerging economies, BRICS and non-BRICS and to determine whether the openness of financial markets in BRICS economies contributed to higher growth trajectories compared to their non-BRICS counterparts. The research utilises the Generalised Method of Moments and an extended endogenous growth model to estimate the influence of a set of financial market indicators. The study found that higher levels of credit to the private sector and financial depth in the BRICS economies contributed to the higher levels of economic growth experienced in the BRICS compared to non-BRICs emerging economies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015