The identification of criteria to be utilised in mathematical diagnostic tests
- Authors: Wagner-Welsh, Shirley Joy
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Mathematical ability -- Testing , Ability -- Testing , Guidance test battery for secondary pupils , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:10501 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/708 , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Mathematical ability -- Testing , Ability -- Testing , Guidance test battery for secondary pupils , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Description: School-related mistakes and low pass rates have led this researcher to perceive that some students are not adequately prepared for Mathematics 1. To address the problem of under-preparedness overseas universities use placement or diagnostic tests. Diagnostic testing identifies areas of weakness and provides information to guide the development of appropriate remedial support. This researcher embarked on a study to identify the sub-domains (criteria) that should be included in a diagnostic Mathematics test battery at the NMMU. An analysis of first-year curricula was undertaken to determine the required Mathematical pre-knowledge and skills entry-level students should have. Thereafter, the required pre-knowledge and skills were reflected against the standard grade school syllabi. From this it was determined that the school learners should acquire the necessary pre-knowledge and skills for university success as part of the school syllabus. However, in reality this is not the case as the researcher and other Mathematics lecturers identified a number of basic errors that incoming students make. This suggests that they have not developed all the required knowledge and skills. Furthermore, their performance in the matriculation examinations does not provide an adequate measure of the requisite Mathematical pre-knowledge and skills necessary for success at university-level Mathematics. No suitable existing diagnostic Mathematics test could be found. By utilizing both an action research as well as a test development methodology, the researcher thus proceeded to delineate the sub-domains that should be included in a diagnostic Mathematics test battery. Thereafter, test specifications were developed for two pilot tests and items were developed or sourced. The constructed response item-type was chosen for the pilot tests as it was argued that this item-type was more useful to use in a diagnostic test than a multiple-choice item format, for example. The pilot test battery, which consisted of a pilot Arithmetic and Algebra and Calculus tests, was administered to a sample of first-year students at the NMMU in 2004 and their performance in Mathematics at the end of the first year was tracked. Tests were scored holistically and analytically to provide a rich source of information. Thereafter, the test results were analysed to obtain evidence on the content validity of the pilot tests, including the item difficulty values and the item-total correlations; to determine the predictive validity of performance on the pilot tests with respect to final first-year Mathematics marks; and their reliability was determined using the Cronbach’s Alpha statistic. These findings suggest that appropriate sub-domains (criteria) were delineated and the items appropriately covered these sub-domains (i.e. the content validity of the pilot tests is acceptable). Furthermore, the predictive validity of the pilot ix tests was found to be acceptable in that significant correlations were found between the pilot tests and performance in first-year Mathematics. Finally, the pilot tests were found to be reliable. Based on the results, suggestions are made regarding how to refine the diagnostic test battery and the research related to it. The final diagnostic Mathematics test battery holds much potential to be able to assist in the early identification of at-risk students who can be timeously placed in developmentally appropriate Mathematics modules or provided with appropriate remedial intervention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Wagner-Welsh, Shirley Joy
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Mathematical ability -- Testing , Ability -- Testing , Guidance test battery for secondary pupils , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:10501 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/708 , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Mathematical ability -- Testing , Ability -- Testing , Guidance test battery for secondary pupils , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Description: School-related mistakes and low pass rates have led this researcher to perceive that some students are not adequately prepared for Mathematics 1. To address the problem of under-preparedness overseas universities use placement or diagnostic tests. Diagnostic testing identifies areas of weakness and provides information to guide the development of appropriate remedial support. This researcher embarked on a study to identify the sub-domains (criteria) that should be included in a diagnostic Mathematics test battery at the NMMU. An analysis of first-year curricula was undertaken to determine the required Mathematical pre-knowledge and skills entry-level students should have. Thereafter, the required pre-knowledge and skills were reflected against the standard grade school syllabi. From this it was determined that the school learners should acquire the necessary pre-knowledge and skills for university success as part of the school syllabus. However, in reality this is not the case as the researcher and other Mathematics lecturers identified a number of basic errors that incoming students make. This suggests that they have not developed all the required knowledge and skills. Furthermore, their performance in the matriculation examinations does not provide an adequate measure of the requisite Mathematical pre-knowledge and skills necessary for success at university-level Mathematics. No suitable existing diagnostic Mathematics test could be found. By utilizing both an action research as well as a test development methodology, the researcher thus proceeded to delineate the sub-domains that should be included in a diagnostic Mathematics test battery. Thereafter, test specifications were developed for two pilot tests and items were developed or sourced. The constructed response item-type was chosen for the pilot tests as it was argued that this item-type was more useful to use in a diagnostic test than a multiple-choice item format, for example. The pilot test battery, which consisted of a pilot Arithmetic and Algebra and Calculus tests, was administered to a sample of first-year students at the NMMU in 2004 and their performance in Mathematics at the end of the first year was tracked. Tests were scored holistically and analytically to provide a rich source of information. Thereafter, the test results were analysed to obtain evidence on the content validity of the pilot tests, including the item difficulty values and the item-total correlations; to determine the predictive validity of performance on the pilot tests with respect to final first-year Mathematics marks; and their reliability was determined using the Cronbach’s Alpha statistic. These findings suggest that appropriate sub-domains (criteria) were delineated and the items appropriately covered these sub-domains (i.e. the content validity of the pilot tests is acceptable). Furthermore, the predictive validity of the pilot ix tests was found to be acceptable in that significant correlations were found between the pilot tests and performance in first-year Mathematics. Finally, the pilot tests were found to be reliable. Based on the results, suggestions are made regarding how to refine the diagnostic test battery and the research related to it. The final diagnostic Mathematics test battery holds much potential to be able to assist in the early identification of at-risk students who can be timeously placed in developmentally appropriate Mathematics modules or provided with appropriate remedial intervention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Developing an e-health framework through electronic healthcare readiness assessment
- Authors: Coleman, Alfred
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Health -- Computer network resources , Medical care -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Public health -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Internet in medicine -- South Africa , Medical informatics -- South Africa , Telecommunication in medicine -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9729 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1519 , Health -- Computer network resources , Medical care -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Public health -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Internet in medicine -- South Africa , Medical informatics -- South Africa , Telecommunication in medicine -- South Africa
- Description: The major socio-economic development challenges facing most African countries include economic diversification, poverty, unemployment, diseases and the unsustainable use of natural resources. The challenge of quality healthcare provisioning is compounded by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Sub Saharan Africa. However, there is a great potential in using electronic healthcare (e-health) as one of the supportive systems within the healthcare sector to address these pressing challenges facing healthcare systems in developing countries, including solving inequalities in healthcare delivery between rural and urban hospitals/clinics. The purpose of this study was to compile a Provincial E-health Framework (PEHF) based on the feedback from electronic healthcare readiness assessments conducted in selected rural and urban hospitals/clinics in the North West Province in South Africa. The e-healthcare readiness assessment was conducted in the light of effective use of ICT in patient healthcare record system, consultation among healthcare professionals, prescription of medication, referral of patients and training of healthcare professionals in ICT usage. The study was divided into two phases which were phases 1 and 2 and a qualitative design supported by a case study approach was used. Data were collected using different techniques to enhance triangulation of data. The techniques included group interviews, qualitative questionnaires, photographs, document analysis and expert opinions. The outcome of the assessment led to the compilation of the PEHF which was based on Service Oriented Architecture (SOA). SOA was chosen to integrate the hospitals/clinics‟ ICT infrastructure yet allowing each hospital/clinic the autonomy to control its own ICT environment. To assist hospitals/clinics integrate their ICT resources, this research study proposed an Infrastructure Network Architecture which clustered hospitals/clinics to share common ICT infrastructure instead of duplicating these resources. Furthermore, processes of the e-health services (e-patient health IV record system, e-consultation system, e-prescription system, e-referral system and e-training system) were provided to assist in the implementation of the PEHF. Finally, a set of guidelines were provided by the research study to aid the implementation of the PEHF.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Coleman, Alfred
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Health -- Computer network resources , Medical care -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Public health -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Internet in medicine -- South Africa , Medical informatics -- South Africa , Telecommunication in medicine -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9729 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1519 , Health -- Computer network resources , Medical care -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Public health -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Internet in medicine -- South Africa , Medical informatics -- South Africa , Telecommunication in medicine -- South Africa
- Description: The major socio-economic development challenges facing most African countries include economic diversification, poverty, unemployment, diseases and the unsustainable use of natural resources. The challenge of quality healthcare provisioning is compounded by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Sub Saharan Africa. However, there is a great potential in using electronic healthcare (e-health) as one of the supportive systems within the healthcare sector to address these pressing challenges facing healthcare systems in developing countries, including solving inequalities in healthcare delivery between rural and urban hospitals/clinics. The purpose of this study was to compile a Provincial E-health Framework (PEHF) based on the feedback from electronic healthcare readiness assessments conducted in selected rural and urban hospitals/clinics in the North West Province in South Africa. The e-healthcare readiness assessment was conducted in the light of effective use of ICT in patient healthcare record system, consultation among healthcare professionals, prescription of medication, referral of patients and training of healthcare professionals in ICT usage. The study was divided into two phases which were phases 1 and 2 and a qualitative design supported by a case study approach was used. Data were collected using different techniques to enhance triangulation of data. The techniques included group interviews, qualitative questionnaires, photographs, document analysis and expert opinions. The outcome of the assessment led to the compilation of the PEHF which was based on Service Oriented Architecture (SOA). SOA was chosen to integrate the hospitals/clinics‟ ICT infrastructure yet allowing each hospital/clinic the autonomy to control its own ICT environment. To assist hospitals/clinics integrate their ICT resources, this research study proposed an Infrastructure Network Architecture which clustered hospitals/clinics to share common ICT infrastructure instead of duplicating these resources. Furthermore, processes of the e-health services (e-patient health IV record system, e-consultation system, e-prescription system, e-referral system and e-training system) were provided to assist in the implementation of the PEHF. Finally, a set of guidelines were provided by the research study to aid the implementation of the PEHF.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
A multi-stakeholder approach to productivity improvement in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Adebowale, Oluseyi Julius
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Labor productivity , Construction industry -- Labor productivity Construction industry -- South Africa Construction industry -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19597 , vital:28902
- Description: As poor productivity in construction continues to constitute a setback to projects’ success in different countries of the world, the situation in South African construction is no exception. Poor productivity on construction projects and its detrimental impact on project objectives have continually resonated for decades. As a result, several strategies, interventions, and measures that aimed at improving productivity in the construction sector have been proposed. Nevertheless, the phenomenon importunately creates a major challenge on construction projects, and by extension, the construction industry especially in developing countries. Even when construction management literature acknowledged the commonalities in productivity influences, the practice of addressing construction productivity influences as separate entities has gained much relevance over the years. Taking into perspective, the multidisciplinary and complexity inherent in construction, a systemic approach to addressing construction productivity influences is fast becoming essential. This study addressed productivity-influencing factors by considering factors that are related to rework, shortage of construction resources, constructability, political, socio-economic, working environment, welfare conditions, disputes, planning and training. Consequently, the interdependencies of the most significant productivity-influencing factors in South African construction was developed in the form of a qualitative model. The study adopts the underlying assumptions of the quantitative approach, but also accepts some qualitative data. With regards to the subject of enquiry, the paradigm of the research is positivism which consists of realists’ ontological prescriptions and objectivists’ epistemological prescriptions. Site engineers, site managers, and site supervisors working for cidb registered contractors in four South African provinces constitute the sample stratum. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used to analyse the data gathered from these project participants; both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Descriptive statistics was used to summarise and describe the data obtained, while inferential statistics in the form of analysis of variance, T-test, and Tukey post hoc test were adopted. The study reported the most significant factors which negatively influence productivity on South African construction projects as inadequate workers’ skills, defective workmanship, the practice of awarding contracts to lowest bidders, political activities resulting in industrial action, inadequate contractors’ experience in project planning, payment delays by contractors, and corruption. Furthermore, it was found that contractors largely share similar perceptions regarding the factors that constrain productivity growth in South African construction. The approximate level of labour, material, and plant productivity on South African construction projects is 50.4%, 72.9%, and 62.0% respectively, while the approximate multifactor productivity was estimated as 61.8%. The study concluded that productivity has a considerable relationship with time and cost and a less potent relationship with quality. Based on the research findings, contractors’, consultants’, clients’ and government qualitative intervention models were proposed while recommendations towards improving South African construction productivity were made. The study recommended the reinvention of the apprentice training system to develop skills in construction, the involvement of stakeholders in improving workers’ skills, improved collaboration between the construction industry and higher institutions of learning regarding curricula development, adequate supervision of construction activities to mitigate the propagation of rework on construction projects, character in leadership, and integrity of project stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Adebowale, Oluseyi Julius
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Labor productivity , Construction industry -- Labor productivity Construction industry -- South Africa Construction industry -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19597 , vital:28902
- Description: As poor productivity in construction continues to constitute a setback to projects’ success in different countries of the world, the situation in South African construction is no exception. Poor productivity on construction projects and its detrimental impact on project objectives have continually resonated for decades. As a result, several strategies, interventions, and measures that aimed at improving productivity in the construction sector have been proposed. Nevertheless, the phenomenon importunately creates a major challenge on construction projects, and by extension, the construction industry especially in developing countries. Even when construction management literature acknowledged the commonalities in productivity influences, the practice of addressing construction productivity influences as separate entities has gained much relevance over the years. Taking into perspective, the multidisciplinary and complexity inherent in construction, a systemic approach to addressing construction productivity influences is fast becoming essential. This study addressed productivity-influencing factors by considering factors that are related to rework, shortage of construction resources, constructability, political, socio-economic, working environment, welfare conditions, disputes, planning and training. Consequently, the interdependencies of the most significant productivity-influencing factors in South African construction was developed in the form of a qualitative model. The study adopts the underlying assumptions of the quantitative approach, but also accepts some qualitative data. With regards to the subject of enquiry, the paradigm of the research is positivism which consists of realists’ ontological prescriptions and objectivists’ epistemological prescriptions. Site engineers, site managers, and site supervisors working for cidb registered contractors in four South African provinces constitute the sample stratum. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used to analyse the data gathered from these project participants; both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Descriptive statistics was used to summarise and describe the data obtained, while inferential statistics in the form of analysis of variance, T-test, and Tukey post hoc test were adopted. The study reported the most significant factors which negatively influence productivity on South African construction projects as inadequate workers’ skills, defective workmanship, the practice of awarding contracts to lowest bidders, political activities resulting in industrial action, inadequate contractors’ experience in project planning, payment delays by contractors, and corruption. Furthermore, it was found that contractors largely share similar perceptions regarding the factors that constrain productivity growth in South African construction. The approximate level of labour, material, and plant productivity on South African construction projects is 50.4%, 72.9%, and 62.0% respectively, while the approximate multifactor productivity was estimated as 61.8%. The study concluded that productivity has a considerable relationship with time and cost and a less potent relationship with quality. Based on the research findings, contractors’, consultants’, clients’ and government qualitative intervention models were proposed while recommendations towards improving South African construction productivity were made. The study recommended the reinvention of the apprentice training system to develop skills in construction, the involvement of stakeholders in improving workers’ skills, improved collaboration between the construction industry and higher institutions of learning regarding curricula development, adequate supervision of construction activities to mitigate the propagation of rework on construction projects, character in leadership, and integrity of project stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Physical activity in the lives of two generations of black professional women in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Walter, Cheryl Michelle
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Physical education for women , Physical fitness for women , Women -- Health and hygiene
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:10089 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/664 , Physical education for women , Physical fitness for women , Women -- Health and hygiene
- Description: The association between physical inactivity, adverse health and hypokinetic diseases has been widely researched. There is an increased risk of being overweight, and of developing certain chronic diseases and suffering premature death associated with physical inactivity (Young, Miller, Wilder, Yanek & Becker, 1998). Recent surveys and studies have revealed that the majority of the South African population has moved extensively along the epidemiological transition towards a disease profile related to Western lifestyle, where deaths due to chronic diseases of lifestyle is a great cause for concern (Steyn, 2006). Black women, in particular, have been identified as a high risk group with the highest levels of inactivity and the highest levels of overweight and obesity in the country (SADHS, 1998; WHO, 2005). Although there is a growing body of knowledge and research on physical activity in general, there is still a lack of data on the determinants and barriers to participation in physical activity (Lambert & Kolbe-Alexander, 2006). Cultural patterns and economic, political and ideological orders affect the participation of women in sport (Hargreaves, 1994:5). Black women in South Africa have been disadvantaged by the past government’s policy of apartheid, and have also been marginalized and oppressed in their own patriarchal societies. The first democratically elected government in 1994, however, committed itself to gender equality and women’s emancipation, with constitutional guarantees on equality and an affirmative action policy to address gender inequalities. In order to evaluate the extent of the beneficial impact of these political changes in women’s lives, this study proposed to investigate physical activity patterns in the lives of two generations of black professional women (teachers, nurses, social workers and public managers) from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The objectives that guided the research were: • To describe and compare the physical activity patterns and health status of two generations of black women through questionnaires, physical activity records and mechanical devices. • To explore and describe the psychosocial context and socio-cultural influences on physical activity in the lives of the participants. xi • To explore and describe the participants’ perceptions and attitudes, motivations and constraints relating to physical activity. • To use the research findings to compile guidelines to promote physical activity participation among black women. A mixed method approach using both quantitative and qualitative methods was selected to achieve an holistic understanding of physical activity in the lives of black South African women. The older generation (OG) of professional women was comprised of community teachers, nurses, social workers and public managers (n=111, aged 35 to 45 years, mean age = 39.87 years). These women, through their occupations, were in constant contact with the community and could be regarded as role models who influence community lifestyle, attitudes and behaviour. The younger generation (YG) (n=69, aged 18 to 21 years, mean age = 20.12 years) was comprised of teaching, nursing, social work and public management students in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The objective of the quantitative section of the study was to provide baseline information on the physical activity patterns and health status of these two generations of black professional women. Physical activity and health questionnaires were administered and the ActiGraph GT1 accelerometer was used to provide an objective measure of energy expenditure. The objective of the qualitative data collection was to explore and describe the psychosocial context and socio-cultural influences on physical activity in the lives of the participants, and to investigate their attitudes to and perceptions of physical activity, and their motivations and constraints related to it. In-depth qualitative interviews were held with the participants who wore the ActiGraph, and a group of 47 were interviewed (sample size determined by data saturation from the interviews). An explorative-descriptive research design was used in the study. The sampling method was purposive and criterion-based. The younger generation of students were mostly selected from the various campuses of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, while additional student nurses were recruited from the Lilitha Nursing College in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The older generation of professionals were recruited from schools and clinics in the areas of New Brighton, Kwa-Zakhele, Zwide, Motherwell and Kwa-Nobuhle (all historically black areas), the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development, non-government organizations and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. xii The quantitative data were analysed by means of descriptive and inferential statistics. The qualitative data was analysed according to the steps described in Creswell (2003). The results of the quantitative data indicated that prevalence of overweight and obesity among both the YG and OG was high. The mean BMI for the YG and OG were 24.71 kg/m2 and 31.27 kg/m2, respectively, with 41% of the YG and 86% of the OG falling into the overweight/obesity category. BMI was significantly greater (p<.05) for the OG than for the YG. In addition, both the OG and YG had satisfactory scores for the health-related behaviour measures (the Belloc and Breslow Lifestyle Index and the HPLP). All the physical activity measurements (the FIT Index of Kasari, the GPAQ and the ActiGraph data) confirmed that both the YG and OG were not sufficiently physically active. They did not meet the Centre of Disease Control (CDC) and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommendation of engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, or preferably all, days of the week. The YG were significantly more active than the OG in all the physical activity measuring instruments. They were still, however, not reaching the health enhancing physical activity (HEPA) level (≥7 days of any combination of moderate and vigorous activity, ≥ 3000 METmins/week). Pearson Product Moment correlations were calculated to determine the relationship among the various measurements of physical activity o the one hand and the relationship between the measurements of physical activity and the health-related behaviour measurements on the other hand. The correlational analyses highlighted a good cross-validation of the various measures of physical activity. There was a significant correlation between the measures of leisure time physical activity, that is the FIT Index, and the leisure domain of the GPAQ. There was also a significant relationship in the area of walking or steps taken, that is the ActiGraph steps and the GPAQ transport domain. There was also a significant relationship between the overall measures of physical activity, that is the GPAQ total score, and the ActiGraph calories. The correlations between the various physical activity and health related behaviour measures revealed that only the leisure related physical activity measurements, that is, the FIT index and the GPAQ leisure domain, had a significant correlation with the two health related behaviour measures, namely the Belloc and Breslow Lifestyle Index and the HPLP, respectively. xiii The results from the qualitative data revealed that both the OG and YG had positive attitudes towards physical activity participation (displayed by their awareness of the many benefits, their expressed intention to start exercising, the encouragement given to their children in relation to physical activity participation), even though the majority of them were not active on a regular basis. Participants recognized the educational, recreational and developmental importance of being physically active, a shift in attitude from their own upbringing and lifestyles. Regardless of how firmly people may believe that physical activity is beneficial to their health, there are many barriers, whether real or perceived, that represent significant potential obstructions to the adoption, maintenance, or resumption of participation in physical activity (Booth et al., 1997). Three sub-themes were identified in relation to the barriers to physical activity participation, namely personal factors, environmental factors and socio-cultural factors. The personal factors included time constraints, stress and tiredness, lack of motivation, negative school experiences, negative associations with exercise and financial constraints. The environmental factors included residential areas, availability of recreation and sports facilities, and safety. The socio-cultural factors were lack of social support, exercise “not being a part of African culture”, traditional roles of males and females, dress code, exercise associated with the young, exercise associated with undesirable weight loss and negative comments by the community. On the basis of research findings, guidelines were drawn up for the promotion of physical activity participation among black women.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Walter, Cheryl Michelle
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Physical education for women , Physical fitness for women , Women -- Health and hygiene
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:10089 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/664 , Physical education for women , Physical fitness for women , Women -- Health and hygiene
- Description: The association between physical inactivity, adverse health and hypokinetic diseases has been widely researched. There is an increased risk of being overweight, and of developing certain chronic diseases and suffering premature death associated with physical inactivity (Young, Miller, Wilder, Yanek & Becker, 1998). Recent surveys and studies have revealed that the majority of the South African population has moved extensively along the epidemiological transition towards a disease profile related to Western lifestyle, where deaths due to chronic diseases of lifestyle is a great cause for concern (Steyn, 2006). Black women, in particular, have been identified as a high risk group with the highest levels of inactivity and the highest levels of overweight and obesity in the country (SADHS, 1998; WHO, 2005). Although there is a growing body of knowledge and research on physical activity in general, there is still a lack of data on the determinants and barriers to participation in physical activity (Lambert & Kolbe-Alexander, 2006). Cultural patterns and economic, political and ideological orders affect the participation of women in sport (Hargreaves, 1994:5). Black women in South Africa have been disadvantaged by the past government’s policy of apartheid, and have also been marginalized and oppressed in their own patriarchal societies. The first democratically elected government in 1994, however, committed itself to gender equality and women’s emancipation, with constitutional guarantees on equality and an affirmative action policy to address gender inequalities. In order to evaluate the extent of the beneficial impact of these political changes in women’s lives, this study proposed to investigate physical activity patterns in the lives of two generations of black professional women (teachers, nurses, social workers and public managers) from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The objectives that guided the research were: • To describe and compare the physical activity patterns and health status of two generations of black women through questionnaires, physical activity records and mechanical devices. • To explore and describe the psychosocial context and socio-cultural influences on physical activity in the lives of the participants. xi • To explore and describe the participants’ perceptions and attitudes, motivations and constraints relating to physical activity. • To use the research findings to compile guidelines to promote physical activity participation among black women. A mixed method approach using both quantitative and qualitative methods was selected to achieve an holistic understanding of physical activity in the lives of black South African women. The older generation (OG) of professional women was comprised of community teachers, nurses, social workers and public managers (n=111, aged 35 to 45 years, mean age = 39.87 years). These women, through their occupations, were in constant contact with the community and could be regarded as role models who influence community lifestyle, attitudes and behaviour. The younger generation (YG) (n=69, aged 18 to 21 years, mean age = 20.12 years) was comprised of teaching, nursing, social work and public management students in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The objective of the quantitative section of the study was to provide baseline information on the physical activity patterns and health status of these two generations of black professional women. Physical activity and health questionnaires were administered and the ActiGraph GT1 accelerometer was used to provide an objective measure of energy expenditure. The objective of the qualitative data collection was to explore and describe the psychosocial context and socio-cultural influences on physical activity in the lives of the participants, and to investigate their attitudes to and perceptions of physical activity, and their motivations and constraints related to it. In-depth qualitative interviews were held with the participants who wore the ActiGraph, and a group of 47 were interviewed (sample size determined by data saturation from the interviews). An explorative-descriptive research design was used in the study. The sampling method was purposive and criterion-based. The younger generation of students were mostly selected from the various campuses of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, while additional student nurses were recruited from the Lilitha Nursing College in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The older generation of professionals were recruited from schools and clinics in the areas of New Brighton, Kwa-Zakhele, Zwide, Motherwell and Kwa-Nobuhle (all historically black areas), the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development, non-government organizations and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. xii The quantitative data were analysed by means of descriptive and inferential statistics. The qualitative data was analysed according to the steps described in Creswell (2003). The results of the quantitative data indicated that prevalence of overweight and obesity among both the YG and OG was high. The mean BMI for the YG and OG were 24.71 kg/m2 and 31.27 kg/m2, respectively, with 41% of the YG and 86% of the OG falling into the overweight/obesity category. BMI was significantly greater (p<.05) for the OG than for the YG. In addition, both the OG and YG had satisfactory scores for the health-related behaviour measures (the Belloc and Breslow Lifestyle Index and the HPLP). All the physical activity measurements (the FIT Index of Kasari, the GPAQ and the ActiGraph data) confirmed that both the YG and OG were not sufficiently physically active. They did not meet the Centre of Disease Control (CDC) and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommendation of engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, or preferably all, days of the week. The YG were significantly more active than the OG in all the physical activity measuring instruments. They were still, however, not reaching the health enhancing physical activity (HEPA) level (≥7 days of any combination of moderate and vigorous activity, ≥ 3000 METmins/week). Pearson Product Moment correlations were calculated to determine the relationship among the various measurements of physical activity o the one hand and the relationship between the measurements of physical activity and the health-related behaviour measurements on the other hand. The correlational analyses highlighted a good cross-validation of the various measures of physical activity. There was a significant correlation between the measures of leisure time physical activity, that is the FIT Index, and the leisure domain of the GPAQ. There was also a significant relationship in the area of walking or steps taken, that is the ActiGraph steps and the GPAQ transport domain. There was also a significant relationship between the overall measures of physical activity, that is the GPAQ total score, and the ActiGraph calories. The correlations between the various physical activity and health related behaviour measures revealed that only the leisure related physical activity measurements, that is, the FIT index and the GPAQ leisure domain, had a significant correlation with the two health related behaviour measures, namely the Belloc and Breslow Lifestyle Index and the HPLP, respectively. xiii The results from the qualitative data revealed that both the OG and YG had positive attitudes towards physical activity participation (displayed by their awareness of the many benefits, their expressed intention to start exercising, the encouragement given to their children in relation to physical activity participation), even though the majority of them were not active on a regular basis. Participants recognized the educational, recreational and developmental importance of being physically active, a shift in attitude from their own upbringing and lifestyles. Regardless of how firmly people may believe that physical activity is beneficial to their health, there are many barriers, whether real or perceived, that represent significant potential obstructions to the adoption, maintenance, or resumption of participation in physical activity (Booth et al., 1997). Three sub-themes were identified in relation to the barriers to physical activity participation, namely personal factors, environmental factors and socio-cultural factors. The personal factors included time constraints, stress and tiredness, lack of motivation, negative school experiences, negative associations with exercise and financial constraints. The environmental factors included residential areas, availability of recreation and sports facilities, and safety. The socio-cultural factors were lack of social support, exercise “not being a part of African culture”, traditional roles of males and females, dress code, exercise associated with the young, exercise associated with undesirable weight loss and negative comments by the community. On the basis of research findings, guidelines were drawn up for the promotion of physical activity participation among black women.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The design and testing of a national estuarine monitoring prgramme for South Africa
- Authors: Cilliers, Gerhard Jordaan
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Estuaries -- South Africa Berg Estuary (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15490 , vital:28258
- Description: Adaptive water resource management requires sound scientific based decisions, emanating from robust scientific data. The Department of Environmental Affairs are mandated for collaborative management of the South African coast, including estuaries, through the Integrated Coastal Management Act (Act no 24 of 2008) (ICMA). The Department Water and Sanitation is mandated through the National Water Act (Act no 36 of 1998) (NWA) to design, test and implement monitoring programmes to provide water resource data. Extensive freshwater monitoring programmes exist in South Africa but there is no standard long-term monitoring programme for estuaries. This study designed and tested a National Estuarine Monitoring Programme (NESMP) that is anchored in the NWA and the ICMA. The design was based on a review of international estuary monitoring programmes, consultation with relevant role players and five decades experience in the design, testing and implementation of water resource monitoring programmes by DWS. The main objective of this thesis is 1) to design a national estuarine monitoring programme 2) test the design of the programme for practical implementation by reflecting on collected data from case studies, and 3) design a Decision Support System to translate complex monitoring data into management information. The main objective of the NESMP is 1) to collect long-term data to determine trends in the condition of estuaries in South Africa and 2) to provide management orientated information for effective estuary management. The National Estuary Monitoring programme consists of three tiers. Tier 1 focuses on basic data including system variables and nutrient data. Tier 2 collects data required for the determination of the Ecological Water Requirements (EWR) of estuaries in accordance with a standardised method used by DWS. A tailor made monitoring programme addressing specific issues including pollution incidents and localised development pressure, making use of a combination of Tier 1 and Tier 2 components, forms Tier 3 of the NESMP. This study tested the Tier 1 components of the programme on 28 estuaries across the South African coast since 2012. However, due to space constraints, the data reflected on in this thesis, is only for case studies on the Berg and Breede estuaries between 2012 and 2016. The results indicate that the establishment and operation of the NESMP on South African estuaries making use of monthly surveys, and the deployment of permanent water quality loggers, in line with the proposed protocol, are possible. This does however require collaboration with other role players in order to share responsibility and associated resources. A tiered management structure ensures national, regional and local level implementation takes place seamlessly. A decision support system (DSS) was also designed as part of this thesis to assist with data interpretation and the creation of management orientated information. This DSS includes a measurement of the percentage exceedance of the Threshold of Potential Concern (TPC), which acts as an early warning system for water resource deterioration. This study showed that effective collaboration will ensure the sustainability of the NESMP. Implementation of the more complex and resource intensive Tier 2 and Tier 3 sampling will however need to be investigated to establish the overall success of the NESMP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Cilliers, Gerhard Jordaan
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Estuaries -- South Africa Berg Estuary (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15490 , vital:28258
- Description: Adaptive water resource management requires sound scientific based decisions, emanating from robust scientific data. The Department of Environmental Affairs are mandated for collaborative management of the South African coast, including estuaries, through the Integrated Coastal Management Act (Act no 24 of 2008) (ICMA). The Department Water and Sanitation is mandated through the National Water Act (Act no 36 of 1998) (NWA) to design, test and implement monitoring programmes to provide water resource data. Extensive freshwater monitoring programmes exist in South Africa but there is no standard long-term monitoring programme for estuaries. This study designed and tested a National Estuarine Monitoring Programme (NESMP) that is anchored in the NWA and the ICMA. The design was based on a review of international estuary monitoring programmes, consultation with relevant role players and five decades experience in the design, testing and implementation of water resource monitoring programmes by DWS. The main objective of this thesis is 1) to design a national estuarine monitoring programme 2) test the design of the programme for practical implementation by reflecting on collected data from case studies, and 3) design a Decision Support System to translate complex monitoring data into management information. The main objective of the NESMP is 1) to collect long-term data to determine trends in the condition of estuaries in South Africa and 2) to provide management orientated information for effective estuary management. The National Estuary Monitoring programme consists of three tiers. Tier 1 focuses on basic data including system variables and nutrient data. Tier 2 collects data required for the determination of the Ecological Water Requirements (EWR) of estuaries in accordance with a standardised method used by DWS. A tailor made monitoring programme addressing specific issues including pollution incidents and localised development pressure, making use of a combination of Tier 1 and Tier 2 components, forms Tier 3 of the NESMP. This study tested the Tier 1 components of the programme on 28 estuaries across the South African coast since 2012. However, due to space constraints, the data reflected on in this thesis, is only for case studies on the Berg and Breede estuaries between 2012 and 2016. The results indicate that the establishment and operation of the NESMP on South African estuaries making use of monthly surveys, and the deployment of permanent water quality loggers, in line with the proposed protocol, are possible. This does however require collaboration with other role players in order to share responsibility and associated resources. A tiered management structure ensures national, regional and local level implementation takes place seamlessly. A decision support system (DSS) was also designed as part of this thesis to assist with data interpretation and the creation of management orientated information. This DSS includes a measurement of the percentage exceedance of the Threshold of Potential Concern (TPC), which acts as an early warning system for water resource deterioration. This study showed that effective collaboration will ensure the sustainability of the NESMP. Implementation of the more complex and resource intensive Tier 2 and Tier 3 sampling will however need to be investigated to establish the overall success of the NESMP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A critical ethnography of HIV-positive women attending public health care facilities in Gauteng
- Authors: Du Plessis, Gretchen Erika
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: HIV-positive women -- South Africa -- Gauteng , HIV-positive women -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:16129 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/777 , HIV-positive women -- South Africa -- Gauteng , HIV-positive women -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Description: Women living with HIV have a variety of reproductive health and psychosocial needs. The purpose of this critical ethnographic study was to examine how HIV, empowerment and reproduction are experienced by a volunteer sample of HIVpositive women attending public health care facilities in Gauteng. Feminist and critical approaches were used to guide the methodology of the research and the interpretation of the findings. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and observation. An overview of literature pertaining to the social construction of HIV-AIDS, women’s empowerment and reproductive decision-making is presented. A discourse of “healthy lifestyle” as technologies of the self is considered. Women’s empowerment as an ideal is described and structural barriers to its achievement are discussed. Stigma and discrimination as products of hegemony are discussed as important issues in the disempowerment of women living with HIV. HIV-AIDS as illness experience is reviewed with reference to the social context and to the individual context. Reproductive decision-making models and theories are critically analysed for their applicability to women living with HIV. The need for a conceptual shift in the notion of empowerment in order to understand constrained decision-making for women living with HIV is propagated. The stories of women living with HIV and dependent on public health care services are presented. Through the principles of a critical ethnography the lived experiences of these women are described by means of emerging themes. A historiography of family planning and HIV-AIDS services throws the narrations of the research participants into broader historic relief. Findings revealed that biomedical hegemonic power contoured and marked the lived experiences of women following an HIV-positive diagnosis. Taken-for-granted views of passivity and of own responsibilities regarding reproductive health are challenged. The women in the study were dependent upon public health care personnel for treatment, testing, dietary advice/supplementation and recommendations for a social xii disability grant. ARV-treatment was regarded as a low point in the illness career. All of the participants reported that the overriding problems in their lives were having too few material resources and not having the means to change this. This made them vulnerable to compounded health problems and decreased their ability to voice their own opinions about treatment. They did not regard themselves as having been at risk for contracting HIV and some harboured resentment towards men who were seen as being absolved from testing and responsibilities towards female partners, born and unborn children. Women who were not tested as part of antenatal sentinel groups tended to suffer symptoms of ill health for some time prior to being tested for HIV. Social support systems were either absent or consisted of trusted family members and friends. In many cases, women became the silent care-givers for those affected and infected by HIV. Anticipated stigma permeated the participants’ narrations of living with HIV and disclosure of their statuses was difficult. The use of male condoms, stressed during counselling sessions, was narrated as a difficult burden for women to bear. Although the research participants expressed low fertility preferences, HIV-AIDS was seen as disrupting the link between heterosexual conjugal relations and the taken-for-grantedness of procreation. HIV-AIDS also disrupted norms in infant feeding practices and bottle-feeding was regarded as a sign of possible HIV-infection and hidden. The research participants were not empowered with knowledge about how to deal with side-effects, condom failures and the reluctance of male partners to be tested for HIV. They enacted, resisted and lived with HIV in different ways, incorporating some of the biomedically prescribed posturing as women living positively and blending it with stigma-negating performances and gender-prescribed ways of dressing, walking and acting. Participation in a support group validated their experiences and promoted positive self-perception. The formation of a collective voice in the support group was hampered by irregular attendance, the interference of community leaders and horizontal violence. Power relations, yielded by biomedical hegemony, androcentric sociocultural practices, material deprivation, fear, discrimination and stigma potentially undermined the women’s abilities to become empowered. Expansion of choices in various spheres or fields and collective action xiii are proposed as dimensions to be added to an empowerment-of-women approach to the problems of reproductive health in the age of HIV-AIDS. The contribution of the study as an emancipatory project is evaluated and implications for policy and practice are suggested. On a methodological level, this study is a demonstration of the contribution to be made by a micro-level, critical analysis to the body of knowledge about female reproductive health in the era of HIV-AIDS in South Africa. On a theoretical level, this study contributes to a wider conceptualisation of women’s empowerment by recognising the interplay between micro-level elements of situated experience, knowledge and preferences and the macro-level elements of sociocultural, biomedical and material influences on health and reproductive behavior.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Du Plessis, Gretchen Erika
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: HIV-positive women -- South Africa -- Gauteng , HIV-positive women -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:16129 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/777 , HIV-positive women -- South Africa -- Gauteng , HIV-positive women -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Description: Women living with HIV have a variety of reproductive health and psychosocial needs. The purpose of this critical ethnographic study was to examine how HIV, empowerment and reproduction are experienced by a volunteer sample of HIVpositive women attending public health care facilities in Gauteng. Feminist and critical approaches were used to guide the methodology of the research and the interpretation of the findings. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and observation. An overview of literature pertaining to the social construction of HIV-AIDS, women’s empowerment and reproductive decision-making is presented. A discourse of “healthy lifestyle” as technologies of the self is considered. Women’s empowerment as an ideal is described and structural barriers to its achievement are discussed. Stigma and discrimination as products of hegemony are discussed as important issues in the disempowerment of women living with HIV. HIV-AIDS as illness experience is reviewed with reference to the social context and to the individual context. Reproductive decision-making models and theories are critically analysed for their applicability to women living with HIV. The need for a conceptual shift in the notion of empowerment in order to understand constrained decision-making for women living with HIV is propagated. The stories of women living with HIV and dependent on public health care services are presented. Through the principles of a critical ethnography the lived experiences of these women are described by means of emerging themes. A historiography of family planning and HIV-AIDS services throws the narrations of the research participants into broader historic relief. Findings revealed that biomedical hegemonic power contoured and marked the lived experiences of women following an HIV-positive diagnosis. Taken-for-granted views of passivity and of own responsibilities regarding reproductive health are challenged. The women in the study were dependent upon public health care personnel for treatment, testing, dietary advice/supplementation and recommendations for a social xii disability grant. ARV-treatment was regarded as a low point in the illness career. All of the participants reported that the overriding problems in their lives were having too few material resources and not having the means to change this. This made them vulnerable to compounded health problems and decreased their ability to voice their own opinions about treatment. They did not regard themselves as having been at risk for contracting HIV and some harboured resentment towards men who were seen as being absolved from testing and responsibilities towards female partners, born and unborn children. Women who were not tested as part of antenatal sentinel groups tended to suffer symptoms of ill health for some time prior to being tested for HIV. Social support systems were either absent or consisted of trusted family members and friends. In many cases, women became the silent care-givers for those affected and infected by HIV. Anticipated stigma permeated the participants’ narrations of living with HIV and disclosure of their statuses was difficult. The use of male condoms, stressed during counselling sessions, was narrated as a difficult burden for women to bear. Although the research participants expressed low fertility preferences, HIV-AIDS was seen as disrupting the link between heterosexual conjugal relations and the taken-for-grantedness of procreation. HIV-AIDS also disrupted norms in infant feeding practices and bottle-feeding was regarded as a sign of possible HIV-infection and hidden. The research participants were not empowered with knowledge about how to deal with side-effects, condom failures and the reluctance of male partners to be tested for HIV. They enacted, resisted and lived with HIV in different ways, incorporating some of the biomedically prescribed posturing as women living positively and blending it with stigma-negating performances and gender-prescribed ways of dressing, walking and acting. Participation in a support group validated their experiences and promoted positive self-perception. The formation of a collective voice in the support group was hampered by irregular attendance, the interference of community leaders and horizontal violence. Power relations, yielded by biomedical hegemony, androcentric sociocultural practices, material deprivation, fear, discrimination and stigma potentially undermined the women’s abilities to become empowered. Expansion of choices in various spheres or fields and collective action xiii are proposed as dimensions to be added to an empowerment-of-women approach to the problems of reproductive health in the age of HIV-AIDS. The contribution of the study as an emancipatory project is evaluated and implications for policy and practice are suggested. On a methodological level, this study is a demonstration of the contribution to be made by a micro-level, critical analysis to the body of knowledge about female reproductive health in the era of HIV-AIDS in South Africa. On a theoretical level, this study contributes to a wider conceptualisation of women’s empowerment by recognising the interplay between micro-level elements of situated experience, knowledge and preferences and the macro-level elements of sociocultural, biomedical and material influences on health and reproductive behavior.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A framework for price tariffs in the costing structures of South African private hospitals
- Authors: Botha, Gideon
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Medical care, Cost of -- South Africa , Medical economics -- South Africa Medical care -- South Africa -- Cost control Cost accounting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50432 , vital:42167
- Description: The increase of South African health care costs can be extrapolated into the global healthcare cost challenge, with various factors contributing to this problem. One of the factors viewed as being central to the rising cost of health care is the inability of health care provider organisations to accurately measure unit costs of resources used to treat a patient for their medical condition and patient outcomes. The measurement of an accurate unit cost and patient outcomes is imperative to improving value, which is seen as an improvement in outcomes for every rand spent. The determination of price tariffs and the price tariff payment model used to onward bill the price tariff for medical services have also been identified as having a central role in improving value in health care. In order for price tariffs to improve value, they should be reflective and be based on an accurate unit cost that reflects the cost of resources used to provide efficient and effective care for a patient’s medical condition. For the price tariff payment model to improve value, it needs to reward providers for delivering superior patient outcomes at a lower cost by making price tariffs contingent on achieving specified outcomes as well as incorporating performance payments or holdbacks based on outcomes achieved. This study provides a framework for price tariffs in the costing structures of South African private hospitals. Secondary research was conducted in the form of a comprehensive literature search in order to do an interpretative analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the various combinations of unit costing models and price tariff payment models used to determine prices in private hospitals. The literature review was followed by primary research that involved three phases, all of which used a qualitative research approach. In Phase 1, primary data were collected using unobtrusive measures that consisted of a data request first, followed by unstructured interviews with representatives of Hospital A and Hospital B to obtain an analysis of the combinations of unit costing model and price tariff payment model used for a laparoscopic appendectomy. In Phase 2, data were collected by means of an unstructured interview with a surgeon describing a laparoscopic appendectomy procedure in detail and based on this process description, the approximate costs for the various resources that were sourced from different suppliers could be calculated. The data analysis and interpretation were done in three phases, with each phase having different research objectives. The data were first coded and then interpreted. In the first primary research phase, the combinations of unit costing models and price tariff payment models used by private Hospital A and Hospital B were evaluated. In the second phase, the recommended combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model was applied to a hypothetical example and evaluated. In the final phase, based on the outcome of the first and second research phases, a combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model for private hospitals was recommended. The results showed that the recommended combination of unit costing and price tariff payment model namely time-driven activity-based costing with the global fee price tariff payment model was the most appropriate to determine price tariffs in private hospitals when compared to the unit costing models and price tariff payment models used by Hospital A and Hospital B for a laparoscopic appendectomy. Furthermore, the recommended combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model was found to be usable for the determination of price tariffs in the costing structures of private hospitals. The time-driven activity-based costing model and global fee price tariff payment model should be adopted or used as guidelines for determining price tariffs in private hospitals in South Africa. Price tariffs would be more transparent as they would reflect the actual resource cost of treating the patient and the resources used and treatment provided could then be assessed against the delivery value chain that charts the principal activities involved in a patient’s care for a medical condition to ensure that patient best-practice protocols are followed. The proposed framework enables the determination of price tariffs based on an accurate unit cost reflecting the actual resources used to provide efficient and effective care and also improve value for the patient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Botha, Gideon
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Medical care, Cost of -- South Africa , Medical economics -- South Africa Medical care -- South Africa -- Cost control Cost accounting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50432 , vital:42167
- Description: The increase of South African health care costs can be extrapolated into the global healthcare cost challenge, with various factors contributing to this problem. One of the factors viewed as being central to the rising cost of health care is the inability of health care provider organisations to accurately measure unit costs of resources used to treat a patient for their medical condition and patient outcomes. The measurement of an accurate unit cost and patient outcomes is imperative to improving value, which is seen as an improvement in outcomes for every rand spent. The determination of price tariffs and the price tariff payment model used to onward bill the price tariff for medical services have also been identified as having a central role in improving value in health care. In order for price tariffs to improve value, they should be reflective and be based on an accurate unit cost that reflects the cost of resources used to provide efficient and effective care for a patient’s medical condition. For the price tariff payment model to improve value, it needs to reward providers for delivering superior patient outcomes at a lower cost by making price tariffs contingent on achieving specified outcomes as well as incorporating performance payments or holdbacks based on outcomes achieved. This study provides a framework for price tariffs in the costing structures of South African private hospitals. Secondary research was conducted in the form of a comprehensive literature search in order to do an interpretative analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the various combinations of unit costing models and price tariff payment models used to determine prices in private hospitals. The literature review was followed by primary research that involved three phases, all of which used a qualitative research approach. In Phase 1, primary data were collected using unobtrusive measures that consisted of a data request first, followed by unstructured interviews with representatives of Hospital A and Hospital B to obtain an analysis of the combinations of unit costing model and price tariff payment model used for a laparoscopic appendectomy. In Phase 2, data were collected by means of an unstructured interview with a surgeon describing a laparoscopic appendectomy procedure in detail and based on this process description, the approximate costs for the various resources that were sourced from different suppliers could be calculated. The data analysis and interpretation were done in three phases, with each phase having different research objectives. The data were first coded and then interpreted. In the first primary research phase, the combinations of unit costing models and price tariff payment models used by private Hospital A and Hospital B were evaluated. In the second phase, the recommended combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model was applied to a hypothetical example and evaluated. In the final phase, based on the outcome of the first and second research phases, a combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model for private hospitals was recommended. The results showed that the recommended combination of unit costing and price tariff payment model namely time-driven activity-based costing with the global fee price tariff payment model was the most appropriate to determine price tariffs in private hospitals when compared to the unit costing models and price tariff payment models used by Hospital A and Hospital B for a laparoscopic appendectomy. Furthermore, the recommended combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model was found to be usable for the determination of price tariffs in the costing structures of private hospitals. The time-driven activity-based costing model and global fee price tariff payment model should be adopted or used as guidelines for determining price tariffs in private hospitals in South Africa. Price tariffs would be more transparent as they would reflect the actual resource cost of treating the patient and the resources used and treatment provided could then be assessed against the delivery value chain that charts the principal activities involved in a patient’s care for a medical condition to ensure that patient best-practice protocols are followed. The proposed framework enables the determination of price tariffs based on an accurate unit cost reflecting the actual resources used to provide efficient and effective care and also improve value for the patient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
In vivo toxicological evaluation of peptide conjugated gold nanoparticles for potential application in colorectal cancer diagnosis
- Authors: Adewale, Olusola Bolaji
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nanostructured materials -- Toxicology , Colon (Anatomy) -- Cancer Rectum -- Cancer
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50133 , vital:42050
- Description: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in South Africa and worldwide. Efforts are being made at finding improved diagnostic tools, as early detection (before metastasis) is a major factor in CRC treatment. Colonoscopy is the most reliable detection method, but is a specialised and expensive procedure, which is invasive, not readily available and not patient-friendly. There is a risk of developing interval cancers, as colonoscopies are performed every 10 years after the age of 40. The development of non-invasive, cost efficient and readily available diagnostic tools to CRC, which can be performed at more regular intervals, using tumour-targeting molecular imaging agents, is of urgent attention. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) possess several physicochemical properties, including ease of synthesis, biocompatibility, and the ability to be conjugated by ligands or biomolecules such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and peptides for improved stability, tissue targeting and selectivity. These factors potentiate the role in biomedical applications, including cancer theranostics. Conjugation of AuNPs with a targeting molecule (e.g. antibody or peptide) is directed against cancer cell receptors. The peptides, p.C, p.L, and p.14, bind to CRC cells in vitro. Conjugation of AuNPs with these peptides should be investigated for CRC diagnosis in vivo, as it is hypothesised to allow examinations at shorter intervals through imaging techniques. This could reduce the risk of interval cancers, but before developing this novel tool, in vivo toxicity evaluations are essential. This study was therefore aimed at investigating the short- and long-term toxicological effects of a single intravenous injection of peptides (p.C, p.L, and p.14) conjugated to AuNPs in a healthy rat model. Citrate-capped AuNPs were synthesised by the citrate-reduction method, and conjugated with each peptide (biotinylated) using a combination of PEG (99% PEG-OH and 1% PEG-biotin) as a stabilising agent and linker, via biotin-streptavidin interaction. Healthy male Wistar rats were intravenously injected with 14 nm citrate-AuNPs, PEG-, p.C-PEG, p.L-PEG, and p.14-PEG-AuNPs (100 μg/kg body weight), and the control rats were injected with phosphate buffered saline. The animals were monitored for behavioural, physiological, biochemical, haematological and histological changes, as well as inflammatory responses. Phase 1 rats were sacrificed 2 weeks post-injection to determine the immediate or acute toxicity of the AuNPs, while phase 2 animals were sacrificed 12 weeks post-injection, to investigate the delayed or persistence toxicity of the AuNPs. Results revealed no significant toxicities with the citrate, PEG-, p.C-PEG and p.14-PEG-AuNPs over 12 weeks post-exposure, as evidenced by biochemical assays such as serum marker enzymes, liver and kidney function markers, and cholestatic indicators; haematological parameters; oxidative stress markers; and histopathological examinations. P.L-PEG-AuNPs, however, caused significant toxicity (p<0.05) to rats, as evidenced by increased relative liver weight, increased malondialdehyde levels, and total white blood cell counts 2 weeks post-exposure when compared to the control group. This was, however, reversed during the 12 weeks post-exposure. Further, there were no evidence of inflammatory responses, using pro-inflammatory markers including phospho interleukin 18 (IL-18) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), as indicated by immunohistochemical staining of the liver, spleen, kidney and colon of rats 2 weeks post-injection of AuNPs. Citrate, PEG-, p.C-PEG, and p.14-PEG-AuNPs did not induce immediate, acute or persistent toxicity, while p.L-PEG-AuNPs induced a transient acute toxicity. It can be concluded that 14 nm spherical citrate-AuNPs at 100 μg/kg body weight is a good candidate for biomedical applications, and as a suitable carrier for diagnostic and/or therapeutic molecules. Combination of 99% PEG-OH and 1% PEG-biotin is an appropriate option for stabilising AuNPs in biological environment, and conjugating secondary diagnostic or therapeutic biomolecules or agents to citrate-capped AuNPs. Peptide-conjugated AuNPs are suitable for the development into a diagnostic tool for CRC in vivo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Adewale, Olusola Bolaji
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nanostructured materials -- Toxicology , Colon (Anatomy) -- Cancer Rectum -- Cancer
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50133 , vital:42050
- Description: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in South Africa and worldwide. Efforts are being made at finding improved diagnostic tools, as early detection (before metastasis) is a major factor in CRC treatment. Colonoscopy is the most reliable detection method, but is a specialised and expensive procedure, which is invasive, not readily available and not patient-friendly. There is a risk of developing interval cancers, as colonoscopies are performed every 10 years after the age of 40. The development of non-invasive, cost efficient and readily available diagnostic tools to CRC, which can be performed at more regular intervals, using tumour-targeting molecular imaging agents, is of urgent attention. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) possess several physicochemical properties, including ease of synthesis, biocompatibility, and the ability to be conjugated by ligands or biomolecules such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and peptides for improved stability, tissue targeting and selectivity. These factors potentiate the role in biomedical applications, including cancer theranostics. Conjugation of AuNPs with a targeting molecule (e.g. antibody or peptide) is directed against cancer cell receptors. The peptides, p.C, p.L, and p.14, bind to CRC cells in vitro. Conjugation of AuNPs with these peptides should be investigated for CRC diagnosis in vivo, as it is hypothesised to allow examinations at shorter intervals through imaging techniques. This could reduce the risk of interval cancers, but before developing this novel tool, in vivo toxicity evaluations are essential. This study was therefore aimed at investigating the short- and long-term toxicological effects of a single intravenous injection of peptides (p.C, p.L, and p.14) conjugated to AuNPs in a healthy rat model. Citrate-capped AuNPs were synthesised by the citrate-reduction method, and conjugated with each peptide (biotinylated) using a combination of PEG (99% PEG-OH and 1% PEG-biotin) as a stabilising agent and linker, via biotin-streptavidin interaction. Healthy male Wistar rats were intravenously injected with 14 nm citrate-AuNPs, PEG-, p.C-PEG, p.L-PEG, and p.14-PEG-AuNPs (100 μg/kg body weight), and the control rats were injected with phosphate buffered saline. The animals were monitored for behavioural, physiological, biochemical, haematological and histological changes, as well as inflammatory responses. Phase 1 rats were sacrificed 2 weeks post-injection to determine the immediate or acute toxicity of the AuNPs, while phase 2 animals were sacrificed 12 weeks post-injection, to investigate the delayed or persistence toxicity of the AuNPs. Results revealed no significant toxicities with the citrate, PEG-, p.C-PEG and p.14-PEG-AuNPs over 12 weeks post-exposure, as evidenced by biochemical assays such as serum marker enzymes, liver and kidney function markers, and cholestatic indicators; haematological parameters; oxidative stress markers; and histopathological examinations. P.L-PEG-AuNPs, however, caused significant toxicity (p<0.05) to rats, as evidenced by increased relative liver weight, increased malondialdehyde levels, and total white blood cell counts 2 weeks post-exposure when compared to the control group. This was, however, reversed during the 12 weeks post-exposure. Further, there were no evidence of inflammatory responses, using pro-inflammatory markers including phospho interleukin 18 (IL-18) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), as indicated by immunohistochemical staining of the liver, spleen, kidney and colon of rats 2 weeks post-injection of AuNPs. Citrate, PEG-, p.C-PEG, and p.14-PEG-AuNPs did not induce immediate, acute or persistent toxicity, while p.L-PEG-AuNPs induced a transient acute toxicity. It can be concluded that 14 nm spherical citrate-AuNPs at 100 μg/kg body weight is a good candidate for biomedical applications, and as a suitable carrier for diagnostic and/or therapeutic molecules. Combination of 99% PEG-OH and 1% PEG-biotin is an appropriate option for stabilising AuNPs in biological environment, and conjugating secondary diagnostic or therapeutic biomolecules or agents to citrate-capped AuNPs. Peptide-conjugated AuNPs are suitable for the development into a diagnostic tool for CRC in vivo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The machinability of rapidly solidified aluminium alloy for optical mould inserts
- Authors: Otieno, Timothy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Aluminum alloys , Automobiles -- Materials Materials -- Mechanical properties
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23097 , vital:30415
- Description: Ultra-high precision machining is a material removing process under the nanotechnology regime whereby the highest dimensional accuracies are attained. Critical components for optical devices and optical measuring systems are mainly produced through ultra-high precision machining. Their mass production is usually implemented by utilising optical moulds. Aluminium alloys have proven to be advantageous and very commonly used in the photonics industry for moulds. This ever-increasing use and demand within optics have led to the development of newly modified grades of aluminium alloys produced by rapid solidification in the foundry process. The newer grades are characterised by finer microstructures and improved mechanical and physical properties. The main inconvenience in their usage currently lies in their very limited machining database. This research investigates the machinability of rapidly solidified aluminium, RSA 905, under varying cutting conditions in single point diamond turning. The machining parameters varied were cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. The resulting surface roughness of the workpiece and wear of the diamond tool were measured at various intervals. Acoustic emissions and cutting force were also monitored during machining. The results were statistically analysed and accurate predictive models were developed. Generally, very low tool wear, within 3 to 5 μm, and very low surface roughness, within 3 to 8 nm, was obtained. Acoustic emissions recorded were in the range of 0.06 to 0.13 V and cutting forces were in the range of 0.08 to 0.94 N. The trends of the monitored acoustic emissions and cutting force showed to have a linked representation of the tool wear and surface roughness results. Contour maps were generated to identify zones where the cutting parameters produced the best results. In addition, a range of machining parameters were presented for optimum quality where surface roughness and tool wear can be minimised. As the machining is of a nanometric scale, a molecular dynamics approach was applied to investigate the underlying mechanisms at atom level. The nanomachining simulations were found to have a correlation to the actual machining results and microstructural nature of the alloy. This research proves that rapidly solidified aluminium is a superior alternative to traditional aluminium alloys and provides a good reference with room for flexibility that machinists can apply when using rapidly solidified aluminium alloys. Efficiency could be improved by reducing the required machining interruption through effective monitoring and performance could be improved by maintaining quality and extending tool life through parameter selection.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Otieno, Timothy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Aluminum alloys , Automobiles -- Materials Materials -- Mechanical properties
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23097 , vital:30415
- Description: Ultra-high precision machining is a material removing process under the nanotechnology regime whereby the highest dimensional accuracies are attained. Critical components for optical devices and optical measuring systems are mainly produced through ultra-high precision machining. Their mass production is usually implemented by utilising optical moulds. Aluminium alloys have proven to be advantageous and very commonly used in the photonics industry for moulds. This ever-increasing use and demand within optics have led to the development of newly modified grades of aluminium alloys produced by rapid solidification in the foundry process. The newer grades are characterised by finer microstructures and improved mechanical and physical properties. The main inconvenience in their usage currently lies in their very limited machining database. This research investigates the machinability of rapidly solidified aluminium, RSA 905, under varying cutting conditions in single point diamond turning. The machining parameters varied were cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. The resulting surface roughness of the workpiece and wear of the diamond tool were measured at various intervals. Acoustic emissions and cutting force were also monitored during machining. The results were statistically analysed and accurate predictive models were developed. Generally, very low tool wear, within 3 to 5 μm, and very low surface roughness, within 3 to 8 nm, was obtained. Acoustic emissions recorded were in the range of 0.06 to 0.13 V and cutting forces were in the range of 0.08 to 0.94 N. The trends of the monitored acoustic emissions and cutting force showed to have a linked representation of the tool wear and surface roughness results. Contour maps were generated to identify zones where the cutting parameters produced the best results. In addition, a range of machining parameters were presented for optimum quality where surface roughness and tool wear can be minimised. As the machining is of a nanometric scale, a molecular dynamics approach was applied to investigate the underlying mechanisms at atom level. The nanomachining simulations were found to have a correlation to the actual machining results and microstructural nature of the alloy. This research proves that rapidly solidified aluminium is a superior alternative to traditional aluminium alloys and provides a good reference with room for flexibility that machinists can apply when using rapidly solidified aluminium alloys. Efficiency could be improved by reducing the required machining interruption through effective monitoring and performance could be improved by maintaining quality and extending tool life through parameter selection.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Pre-service education students’ application of visualisation strategies to solve mathematical word-problems
- Authors: Shaw, Peter
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Word problems (Mathematics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16604 , vital:40735
- Description: This classroom-based action research dissertation examined visualisation strategies used by pre-service Intermediate Phase PGCE education students to solve mathematical word-problems. The setting was an Eastern Cape university. Previous literature indicated a positive correlation between the use of visual scaffolds and success in solving word problems. However, a gap was found insofar as little research had been published on the application of visualisation to word-problems by student teachers in South Africa. This thesis advances our understanding of the role visualisation may play in assisting student teachers to solve word-problems. The theoretic framework was informed by Bruner’s theory of learning. The research was grounded in the hermeneutic tradition. An interpretivist research paradigm was expedited by using an inductive, naturalistic perspective and relativist ontology. Thirty-eight student-teachers participated in the study. Parallel and convergent qualitative and quantitative data gathering instruments were used, thereby facilitating triangulation and examination for microgenesis. It was found that vestiges of past teaching practices initially limited the participants’ knowledge to a deeply-flawed, banking model of routines and an instrumental perception of mathematics. Disruptive calls for social justice impeded progress. Albeit visualisation strategies liberated understanding, many foundational concepts and skills had to be reconstructed. The confluence of time and rehearsal culminated in some measure of expertise. Sustained effort enabled new knowledge to be compressed and consigned to long-term memory. Salient visual representations assisted participants to conceptualise relational mathematical meta-concepts and reduced the cognitive demands imposed by word-problems but that achievement was a hard-won prize.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Shaw, Peter
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Word problems (Mathematics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16604 , vital:40735
- Description: This classroom-based action research dissertation examined visualisation strategies used by pre-service Intermediate Phase PGCE education students to solve mathematical word-problems. The setting was an Eastern Cape university. Previous literature indicated a positive correlation between the use of visual scaffolds and success in solving word problems. However, a gap was found insofar as little research had been published on the application of visualisation to word-problems by student teachers in South Africa. This thesis advances our understanding of the role visualisation may play in assisting student teachers to solve word-problems. The theoretic framework was informed by Bruner’s theory of learning. The research was grounded in the hermeneutic tradition. An interpretivist research paradigm was expedited by using an inductive, naturalistic perspective and relativist ontology. Thirty-eight student-teachers participated in the study. Parallel and convergent qualitative and quantitative data gathering instruments were used, thereby facilitating triangulation and examination for microgenesis. It was found that vestiges of past teaching practices initially limited the participants’ knowledge to a deeply-flawed, banking model of routines and an instrumental perception of mathematics. Disruptive calls for social justice impeded progress. Albeit visualisation strategies liberated understanding, many foundational concepts and skills had to be reconstructed. The confluence of time and rehearsal culminated in some measure of expertise. Sustained effort enabled new knowledge to be compressed and consigned to long-term memory. Salient visual representations assisted participants to conceptualise relational mathematical meta-concepts and reduced the cognitive demands imposed by word-problems but that achievement was a hard-won prize.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A model for using learners' online behaviour to inform differentiated instructional design in MOODLE
- Authors: Leppan, Ronald George
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Cyberspace -- Psychological aspects , Web applications in libraries Moodle Special education -- Computer programs Computer-assisted instruction -- Computer programs Open source software
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40393 , vital:36155
- Description: This thesis proposes a learning analytics-based process model, derived from a web analytics process, which aims to build a learner profile of attributes from Moodle log files that can be used for differentiated instructional design in Moodle. Commercial websites are rife with examples of personalisation based on web analytics, while the personalisation of online learning has not yet gained such widespread adoption. Several Instructional Design Models recommend that, in addition to taking prior knowledge and learning outcomes into account, instruction should also be informed by learner attributes. Learning design choices should be made based on unique learner attributes that influence their learning processes. Learner attributes are generally derived from well-known learning styles and associated learning style questionnaires. However, there are some criticisms of learning style theories and the use of questionnaires to create a learner profile. Attributes that can be inferred from learners’ online behaviour could provide a more dynamic learner profile. Education institutions are increasingly using Learning Management Systems, such as Moodle, to deliver and manage online learning. Moodle is not designed to create a learner profile or provide differentiated instruction. However, the abundant data generated by learners accessing course material presented in Moodle provides an opportunity for educators to build such a dynamic learner profile. Individual learner profiles can be used by educators who desire to tailor instruction to the needs of their learners. The proposed model was developed and evaluated using an iterative design focused approach that incorporates characteristics of a web analytics process, instructional design models, Learning Management Systems, educational data mining and adaptive education technologies. At each iteration, the model was evaluated using a technical risk and efficacy strategy. This strategy proposes a formative evaluation in an artificial setting. Evaluation criteria used include relevance, consistency, practicality and utility. The contributions of this thesis address the lack of prescriptive guidance on how to analyse learner online behaviours in order to differentiate learning design in Moodle. The theoretical contribution is a model for a dynamic data-driven approach to profile building and a phased differentiated learning design in a Learning Management System. The practical contribution is an evaluation of the expected practicality and utility of learner modelling from Moodle log files and the provision of tailored instruction using standard Moodle tools. The proposed model recommends that educators should define goals, develop Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to measure goal attainment, collect and analyse suitable metrics towards KPIs, test optional alternative hypotheses and implement actionable insights. To enable differentiated instruction, two phases are necessary: learner modelling and differentiated learning design. Both phases rely on the selection of suitable attributes which influence learning processes, and which can be dynamically inferred from online behaviours. In differentiated learning design, the selection/creation and sequencing of Learning Objects are influenced by the learner attributes. In learner modelling, the data sources and data analysis techniques should enable the discovery of the learner attributes that was catered for in the learning design. Educators who follow the steps described in the proposed model will be capable of building a learner profile from Moodle log files that can be used for differentiated instruction based on any learning style theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A model for using learners' online behaviour to inform differentiated instructional design in MOODLE
- Authors: Leppan, Ronald George
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Cyberspace -- Psychological aspects , Web applications in libraries Moodle Special education -- Computer programs Computer-assisted instruction -- Computer programs Open source software
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40393 , vital:36155
- Description: This thesis proposes a learning analytics-based process model, derived from a web analytics process, which aims to build a learner profile of attributes from Moodle log files that can be used for differentiated instructional design in Moodle. Commercial websites are rife with examples of personalisation based on web analytics, while the personalisation of online learning has not yet gained such widespread adoption. Several Instructional Design Models recommend that, in addition to taking prior knowledge and learning outcomes into account, instruction should also be informed by learner attributes. Learning design choices should be made based on unique learner attributes that influence their learning processes. Learner attributes are generally derived from well-known learning styles and associated learning style questionnaires. However, there are some criticisms of learning style theories and the use of questionnaires to create a learner profile. Attributes that can be inferred from learners’ online behaviour could provide a more dynamic learner profile. Education institutions are increasingly using Learning Management Systems, such as Moodle, to deliver and manage online learning. Moodle is not designed to create a learner profile or provide differentiated instruction. However, the abundant data generated by learners accessing course material presented in Moodle provides an opportunity for educators to build such a dynamic learner profile. Individual learner profiles can be used by educators who desire to tailor instruction to the needs of their learners. The proposed model was developed and evaluated using an iterative design focused approach that incorporates characteristics of a web analytics process, instructional design models, Learning Management Systems, educational data mining and adaptive education technologies. At each iteration, the model was evaluated using a technical risk and efficacy strategy. This strategy proposes a formative evaluation in an artificial setting. Evaluation criteria used include relevance, consistency, practicality and utility. The contributions of this thesis address the lack of prescriptive guidance on how to analyse learner online behaviours in order to differentiate learning design in Moodle. The theoretical contribution is a model for a dynamic data-driven approach to profile building and a phased differentiated learning design in a Learning Management System. The practical contribution is an evaluation of the expected practicality and utility of learner modelling from Moodle log files and the provision of tailored instruction using standard Moodle tools. The proposed model recommends that educators should define goals, develop Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to measure goal attainment, collect and analyse suitable metrics towards KPIs, test optional alternative hypotheses and implement actionable insights. To enable differentiated instruction, two phases are necessary: learner modelling and differentiated learning design. Both phases rely on the selection of suitable attributes which influence learning processes, and which can be dynamically inferred from online behaviours. In differentiated learning design, the selection/creation and sequencing of Learning Objects are influenced by the learner attributes. In learner modelling, the data sources and data analysis techniques should enable the discovery of the learner attributes that was catered for in the learning design. Educators who follow the steps described in the proposed model will be capable of building a learner profile from Moodle log files that can be used for differentiated instruction based on any learning style theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Implementation of school-based assessment in high schools, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa : implications for teaching and learning
- Authors: Chipfiko, Jack
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: High schools -- Examinations Educational tests and measurements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15892 , vital:40549
- Description: The purpose of any education system is to deliver a quality educational product. Various forms of assessment are used to ensure the suitability of the product and inform decisions. In South Africa, School-Based Assessment(SBA) is one of the tools used to assess the content competences, skills, values and attitudes; to provide learners, parents and teachers with results that are a meaningful indication of what the learners know, understand and can do at the time of assessment (DBE, 2012). Surprisingly, on a yearly basis, Umalusi reports reveal that SBA marks are rejected resulting in the learners being resulted on mostly the year end examination. The purpose of this study was to examine the implementation of SBA with a view to unearth the factors contributing to the perennial rejection of SBA marks, resulting in learners from some schools being unfairly assessed. To explore the research problem, a mixed methods study, employing a concurrent triangulation design, was employed. Total Quality Management theory was the theoretical framework anchoring this study. Sub research questions to interrogate the research problem focused on examining the roles of the teachers, learners and parents in the implementation of SBA; assessing the structures in place to support the implementation of SBA; examining how teachers, learners and parents play complementary roles in the implementation of SBA; and identifying strategies to enhance the implementation of SBA in South African (SA) high schools. Data were collected using Questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions with purposively selected samples of teachers, learners and SGB chairpersons from high schools in White River Circuit in Mpumalanga Province in South Africa. The use of mixed methods produced quantitative and qualitative data which were independently analysed and merged during interpretation. Findings revealed that: participants and respondents confirmed the various roles of SBA in teaching and learning; structures were in place to support the implementation of SBA in high schools; complementarity of roles were sporadic in the implementation of SBA in high schools; and various strategies were employed to enhance the implementation of SBA in high schools. Implications for teaching and learning focused on realigning the implementation processes in the production of a quality educational product, and maximising its benefits to teachers, learners and parents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chipfiko, Jack
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: High schools -- Examinations Educational tests and measurements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15892 , vital:40549
- Description: The purpose of any education system is to deliver a quality educational product. Various forms of assessment are used to ensure the suitability of the product and inform decisions. In South Africa, School-Based Assessment(SBA) is one of the tools used to assess the content competences, skills, values and attitudes; to provide learners, parents and teachers with results that are a meaningful indication of what the learners know, understand and can do at the time of assessment (DBE, 2012). Surprisingly, on a yearly basis, Umalusi reports reveal that SBA marks are rejected resulting in the learners being resulted on mostly the year end examination. The purpose of this study was to examine the implementation of SBA with a view to unearth the factors contributing to the perennial rejection of SBA marks, resulting in learners from some schools being unfairly assessed. To explore the research problem, a mixed methods study, employing a concurrent triangulation design, was employed. Total Quality Management theory was the theoretical framework anchoring this study. Sub research questions to interrogate the research problem focused on examining the roles of the teachers, learners and parents in the implementation of SBA; assessing the structures in place to support the implementation of SBA; examining how teachers, learners and parents play complementary roles in the implementation of SBA; and identifying strategies to enhance the implementation of SBA in South African (SA) high schools. Data were collected using Questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions with purposively selected samples of teachers, learners and SGB chairpersons from high schools in White River Circuit in Mpumalanga Province in South Africa. The use of mixed methods produced quantitative and qualitative data which were independently analysed and merged during interpretation. Findings revealed that: participants and respondents confirmed the various roles of SBA in teaching and learning; structures were in place to support the implementation of SBA in high schools; complementarity of roles were sporadic in the implementation of SBA in high schools; and various strategies were employed to enhance the implementation of SBA in high schools. Implications for teaching and learning focused on realigning the implementation processes in the production of a quality educational product, and maximising its benefits to teachers, learners and parents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An evaluation of the implementation of decentralization of the World Bank's operations of poverty reduction in Uganda
- Okiria-Ofwono Jacqueline Jane
- Authors: Okiria-Ofwono Jacqueline Jane
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Decentralization in government -- Uganda , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Sustainable development -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty – Uganda -- International cooperation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9105 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012605 , Decentralization in government -- Uganda , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Sustainable development -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty – Uganda -- International cooperation
- Description: Continued debates on economic development, poverty eradication and the growing skeptism concerning the paradigms proposed through many decades, has led to a continued search for a paradigm that would, finally, resolve the issue of pervasive poverty in the Sub-Saharan Africa. Having implemented decentralization within government entities without any significant contribution to poverty eradication, the focus has now turned to the development agencies themselves. What are the inefficiencies in these agencies which if addressed might enable them deliver development aid more efficiently thus, providing more resources for development from being lost in the attrition of overheads? It is, therefore, argued that decentralization of development agencies will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of IFIs in delivering development aid. At the same time, decentralization reforms have been proposed as a response to the failures of highly centralized states (or organizations in this case). Empirical evidence, strongly, suggests that physical proximity and more "face-time", promotes better results-on-the-ground, delivered by staff who are better attuned to local conditions and have a better understanding of the client and their development agenda. But, will decentralization alone solve the issue of pervasive poverty? This research recognises that the factors affecting poverty are diverse and intricate and isolating just one part of the puzzle is not enough. Nevertheless, it is argues that decentralization, has a positive impact on poverty reduction thus, this study presents both practical and theoretical considerations from which policy measures can be derived. This thesis focused on establishing how the World Bank, changed its strategies through the implementation of decentralization of its operations as proposed in the ‗Strategic Compact‘, renewed the way it worked in order to maintain its relevance in the development world. The World Bank President, James Wolfensohn, proposed the Compact as a solution to the organization‘s self diagnosis that it was in distress, in a state of possible decline and was not fulfilling its mission of poverty eradication. This research, using Uganda Country Office as a case study, undertook, mainly, a qualitative review of the overall strategy of decentralization and its implementation organization wide and specifically, in Uganda. The research examined how the implementation of the strategy impacted on poverty trends in Uganda. This research found that the decentralization strategy was, fundamentally, the right one to deliver better results of the Bank‘s mission of ‗fighting poverty for lasting results‘ and its vision of ‗A World Free of Poverty‘. Contrary to the popular notion that the World Bank has been, largely ineffective in the delivery of its mission and its decentralization strategy just another one of its 'shams‘, this research established that the implementation of the strategy, although not having a direct or causal relationship, did have positive impact on poverty alleviation in Uganda. This study, therefore, makes a case for decentralization of donor organizations as a means of better delivery of the poverty eradication agenda in the developing world. The benefits though hard to measure in monetary terms are, nevertheless, real in terms of faster and better quality engagement with the clients which in turn, result into better delivery of services and programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Okiria-Ofwono Jacqueline Jane
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Decentralization in government -- Uganda , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Sustainable development -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty – Uganda -- International cooperation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9105 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012605 , Decentralization in government -- Uganda , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Sustainable development -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty – Uganda -- International cooperation
- Description: Continued debates on economic development, poverty eradication and the growing skeptism concerning the paradigms proposed through many decades, has led to a continued search for a paradigm that would, finally, resolve the issue of pervasive poverty in the Sub-Saharan Africa. Having implemented decentralization within government entities without any significant contribution to poverty eradication, the focus has now turned to the development agencies themselves. What are the inefficiencies in these agencies which if addressed might enable them deliver development aid more efficiently thus, providing more resources for development from being lost in the attrition of overheads? It is, therefore, argued that decentralization of development agencies will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of IFIs in delivering development aid. At the same time, decentralization reforms have been proposed as a response to the failures of highly centralized states (or organizations in this case). Empirical evidence, strongly, suggests that physical proximity and more "face-time", promotes better results-on-the-ground, delivered by staff who are better attuned to local conditions and have a better understanding of the client and their development agenda. But, will decentralization alone solve the issue of pervasive poverty? This research recognises that the factors affecting poverty are diverse and intricate and isolating just one part of the puzzle is not enough. Nevertheless, it is argues that decentralization, has a positive impact on poverty reduction thus, this study presents both practical and theoretical considerations from which policy measures can be derived. This thesis focused on establishing how the World Bank, changed its strategies through the implementation of decentralization of its operations as proposed in the ‗Strategic Compact‘, renewed the way it worked in order to maintain its relevance in the development world. The World Bank President, James Wolfensohn, proposed the Compact as a solution to the organization‘s self diagnosis that it was in distress, in a state of possible decline and was not fulfilling its mission of poverty eradication. This research, using Uganda Country Office as a case study, undertook, mainly, a qualitative review of the overall strategy of decentralization and its implementation organization wide and specifically, in Uganda. The research examined how the implementation of the strategy impacted on poverty trends in Uganda. This research found that the decentralization strategy was, fundamentally, the right one to deliver better results of the Bank‘s mission of ‗fighting poverty for lasting results‘ and its vision of ‗A World Free of Poverty‘. Contrary to the popular notion that the World Bank has been, largely ineffective in the delivery of its mission and its decentralization strategy just another one of its 'shams‘, this research established that the implementation of the strategy, although not having a direct or causal relationship, did have positive impact on poverty alleviation in Uganda. This study, therefore, makes a case for decentralization of donor organizations as a means of better delivery of the poverty eradication agenda in the developing world. The benefits though hard to measure in monetary terms are, nevertheless, real in terms of faster and better quality engagement with the clients which in turn, result into better delivery of services and programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Uphononongo lwemiba yentlalo inkcubeko noburharha ephembelela ababhali kuthiyo lwabalinganiswa kwiincwadi zedrama zesiXhosa ezichongiweyo
- Authors: Kapa, Nompumelelo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Characters and characteristics in literature Xhosa drama
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8440 , vital:32795
- Description: Olu phando luzakuqwalasela iimeko abathi bazilandele ababhali xa bathiya abalinganiswa phantsi kweemeko zenkcubeko noburharha, kwakunye nokubaluleka kwalo gabalala. Oku kuzakwenziwa kuboniswa nenxaxheba elithi liyidlale ebomini. Kuza kuhlalutywa ezi ncwadi zilandelayo:Amaza ngokubhalwe ngu-Z.S. Qangule, Buzani kuBawo ngu-W.K.Tamsanqa Akwaba ng-T.Ntwana, Iziphumo Zodendo ngu-L.E.Menze, Emgxobhozweni ngu-B.B.Mkonto, Yeha Mfazi Obulala Indoda ngu-L.L.Ngewu, Hay’Ukuzenza ngu-C.F.Jaji. Kwezi ncwadi kuzakuhlalutywa iimeko ezilandelwa ngababhali xa bethiya abalinganiswa kunye nendima edlalwa ligama lo mlinganiswa ngamnye ebalini, oku kuza kubonisa indlela ekuthiywa ngayo ekuhlaleni kwakunye nokubaluleka kwegama kumnini lo. Isahluko sokuqala sizakunika amagqabantshintshi ngolu phando. Esi sahlukosiqulathe oku kulandelayo:Ingabula zigcawu ngophando• Imvelaphi ngentsusa yokuthiywa kwegama• Iinjongo zolu phando• Okunye okufunyenweyo kolu phando• Indlela oluza kuqhutywa ngayo olu phando• Iingxaki zolu phando• Imibuzo yolu phando• Amagqabantshintshi ngezahluko zoluphando Isahluko sesibini siqwalasele ithiyori ezakuthi isetyenziswe kolu phando . Oku kwenziwa ngokuthi kuqwalaselwe ukuba bathini abanye ababhali ngothiyo. Isahluko sesithathu luphononongo lwabalinganiswa kwincwadi nganye kwezichongiweyo, kulandelwa inkcubeko neemeko zasekuhlaleni . Isahluko sesine sijonge ubugcisa boburharha obulandelwe ngababhali xa bathiya abalinganiswa, kwiincwadi ezichongiweyo, kwakunye nendima ethi edlalwe ngabalinganiswa ebalini. Isahluko sesihlanu nesisesokugqibela, siveza ulwazi oluthe lwafumaneka kuthiyo ngqo, luthelekisa nothiyo ezincwadini,sishwankathela iziphumo zophando.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kapa, Nompumelelo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Characters and characteristics in literature Xhosa drama
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8440 , vital:32795
- Description: Olu phando luzakuqwalasela iimeko abathi bazilandele ababhali xa bathiya abalinganiswa phantsi kweemeko zenkcubeko noburharha, kwakunye nokubaluleka kwalo gabalala. Oku kuzakwenziwa kuboniswa nenxaxheba elithi liyidlale ebomini. Kuza kuhlalutywa ezi ncwadi zilandelayo:Amaza ngokubhalwe ngu-Z.S. Qangule, Buzani kuBawo ngu-W.K.Tamsanqa Akwaba ng-T.Ntwana, Iziphumo Zodendo ngu-L.E.Menze, Emgxobhozweni ngu-B.B.Mkonto, Yeha Mfazi Obulala Indoda ngu-L.L.Ngewu, Hay’Ukuzenza ngu-C.F.Jaji. Kwezi ncwadi kuzakuhlalutywa iimeko ezilandelwa ngababhali xa bethiya abalinganiswa kunye nendima edlalwa ligama lo mlinganiswa ngamnye ebalini, oku kuza kubonisa indlela ekuthiywa ngayo ekuhlaleni kwakunye nokubaluleka kwegama kumnini lo. Isahluko sokuqala sizakunika amagqabantshintshi ngolu phando. Esi sahlukosiqulathe oku kulandelayo:Ingabula zigcawu ngophando• Imvelaphi ngentsusa yokuthiywa kwegama• Iinjongo zolu phando• Okunye okufunyenweyo kolu phando• Indlela oluza kuqhutywa ngayo olu phando• Iingxaki zolu phando• Imibuzo yolu phando• Amagqabantshintshi ngezahluko zoluphando Isahluko sesibini siqwalasele ithiyori ezakuthi isetyenziswe kolu phando . Oku kwenziwa ngokuthi kuqwalaselwe ukuba bathini abanye ababhali ngothiyo. Isahluko sesithathu luphononongo lwabalinganiswa kwincwadi nganye kwezichongiweyo, kulandelwa inkcubeko neemeko zasekuhlaleni . Isahluko sesine sijonge ubugcisa boburharha obulandelwe ngababhali xa bathiya abalinganiswa, kwiincwadi ezichongiweyo, kwakunye nendima ethi edlalwe ngabalinganiswa ebalini. Isahluko sesihlanu nesisesokugqibela, siveza ulwazi oluthe lwafumaneka kuthiyo ngqo, luthelekisa nothiyo ezincwadini,sishwankathela iziphumo zophando.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Best practice strategies to eradicate business growth challenges of female-owned small businesses in Uganda
- Authors: Mbidde, Cathy Ikiror
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women-owned business enterprises -- Uganda , Self-employed women -- Uganda Businesswomen -- Uganda Small business -- Uganda -- Growth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19004 , vital:28764
- Description: Small businesses of which the majority are female-owned are the backbone of many economies across the globe. Despite the increasingly important role of female-owned small businesses to economic development and poverty alleviation, the growth of female-owned businesses in Uganda remains a major concern. The purpose of this study, therefore, was twofold – to identify business growth challenges of female small business entrepreneurs in Uganda and also to identify the strategies for overcoming these small business growth challenges to add to existing theory within the small business management field. The study followed a qualitative research with an exploratory descriptive case study design approach. A comprehensive international and national literature on female entrepreneurship, the Ugandan business environment, small business growth challenges in Uganda, and global best practice strategies for stimulating small business growth was conducted. Primary data were collected using face-to-face and telephonic interviews with semi-structured interview guides. Twelve (three female small business entrepreneurs and nine small business support specialists) participants were selected using purposive, theoretical, and expert sampling methods. The biographical profiles of the participants interviewed during the study were presented as case studies. Firstly, the biographical profiles of the three Ugandan small businesses (supermarket, restaurant and hairdressing salon) and the female entrepreneurs were presented. Secondly, the biographical profiles of the nine small business support institutions (two governmental, two funding, two training, one export promotion) and two business associations, as well as the profile of the small business support specialists were presented. Based on the content analysis of the qualitative interviews with the three female small business entrepreneurs, their current business status revealed that the female entrepreneurs have growth aspirations and aligned their goals towards it, but did not have strategies in place to effect business growth. Further still, based on the empirical results of the female small business participants, eight main challenges were identified as: lack of adequate business support and business skills training; demanding and costly business registration and trading license processes; high business taxation; access to finance; inadequate road infrastructure; family-related issues and cultural taboos. These participants also suggested some solutions to overcome these challenges. The small business support specialist participants either confirmed the challenges that specifically females experience or confirmed that they are perceived and not real challenges, or that it is not female-specific but generic to all small businesses. The study further established what female small business participants regard as possible strategies to the challenges experienced, while the small business support specialist participants could indicate which strategies have already been implemented and also suggest further strategies. It was concluded that although many of the challenges could apply to all small businesses, this study found that cultural taboos and family-related issues are a real challenge for female small business entrepreneurs. As seen in this study, these two main challenges can further influence some of the other challenges. It can influence whether qualifying for access to funding, having extra funding to pay for registration, licensing and tax, what the business is allowed to sell, and even the novelty of a female owing a business, never mind wishing to grow their businesses. Although some challenges such as discrimination against female entrepreneurs regarding access to small business support or funding is perceived, there are real infrastructure challenges such as rural road conditions, access to electricity and ICT. Several strategies are already in place in Uganda to assist all small businesses with business growth, but not necessarily just assisting female small business entrepreneurs. However, many of these strategies are work-in-progress and have not yet had the desired end result. This study made a contribution to knowledge by indicating that government-, skills training-, financial- and export promotion institutions, as well as business associations together with influential community members, can contribute significantly to the implementation of several strategies to promote female small business growth. In addition, the chapter on best practices of global developed – and developing countries provided insight into making well-informed practical recommendations that Uganda can implement to assist small businesses to grow and in particular females small businesses. These global best practice strategies for the growth of SMMEs as applied within the seven selected seven countries were elaborated on in detail with a clear indication of the responsible bodies in Uganda that can affect these strategies. The emphasis was on suggesting strategies that can be practically executed with relative ease in Uganda as a developing country. This study concludes that it remains the responsibility of female small business entrepreneurs to make the effort to grow their small businesses and turn their business visions into reality. They should write a business plan, search for and approach small business support institutions for assistance and engage in an extensive networking drive to grow their customer market and to search for opportunities to grow their business such as private-public sector partnerships or expansion into the international market. Awareness is not just the responsibility of the several small business support institutions in Uganda, but female small business entrepreneurs should actively scrutinise media reports in newspapers, the radio and television to obtain information regarding business support opportunities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mbidde, Cathy Ikiror
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women-owned business enterprises -- Uganda , Self-employed women -- Uganda Businesswomen -- Uganda Small business -- Uganda -- Growth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19004 , vital:28764
- Description: Small businesses of which the majority are female-owned are the backbone of many economies across the globe. Despite the increasingly important role of female-owned small businesses to economic development and poverty alleviation, the growth of female-owned businesses in Uganda remains a major concern. The purpose of this study, therefore, was twofold – to identify business growth challenges of female small business entrepreneurs in Uganda and also to identify the strategies for overcoming these small business growth challenges to add to existing theory within the small business management field. The study followed a qualitative research with an exploratory descriptive case study design approach. A comprehensive international and national literature on female entrepreneurship, the Ugandan business environment, small business growth challenges in Uganda, and global best practice strategies for stimulating small business growth was conducted. Primary data were collected using face-to-face and telephonic interviews with semi-structured interview guides. Twelve (three female small business entrepreneurs and nine small business support specialists) participants were selected using purposive, theoretical, and expert sampling methods. The biographical profiles of the participants interviewed during the study were presented as case studies. Firstly, the biographical profiles of the three Ugandan small businesses (supermarket, restaurant and hairdressing salon) and the female entrepreneurs were presented. Secondly, the biographical profiles of the nine small business support institutions (two governmental, two funding, two training, one export promotion) and two business associations, as well as the profile of the small business support specialists were presented. Based on the content analysis of the qualitative interviews with the three female small business entrepreneurs, their current business status revealed that the female entrepreneurs have growth aspirations and aligned their goals towards it, but did not have strategies in place to effect business growth. Further still, based on the empirical results of the female small business participants, eight main challenges were identified as: lack of adequate business support and business skills training; demanding and costly business registration and trading license processes; high business taxation; access to finance; inadequate road infrastructure; family-related issues and cultural taboos. These participants also suggested some solutions to overcome these challenges. The small business support specialist participants either confirmed the challenges that specifically females experience or confirmed that they are perceived and not real challenges, or that it is not female-specific but generic to all small businesses. The study further established what female small business participants regard as possible strategies to the challenges experienced, while the small business support specialist participants could indicate which strategies have already been implemented and also suggest further strategies. It was concluded that although many of the challenges could apply to all small businesses, this study found that cultural taboos and family-related issues are a real challenge for female small business entrepreneurs. As seen in this study, these two main challenges can further influence some of the other challenges. It can influence whether qualifying for access to funding, having extra funding to pay for registration, licensing and tax, what the business is allowed to sell, and even the novelty of a female owing a business, never mind wishing to grow their businesses. Although some challenges such as discrimination against female entrepreneurs regarding access to small business support or funding is perceived, there are real infrastructure challenges such as rural road conditions, access to electricity and ICT. Several strategies are already in place in Uganda to assist all small businesses with business growth, but not necessarily just assisting female small business entrepreneurs. However, many of these strategies are work-in-progress and have not yet had the desired end result. This study made a contribution to knowledge by indicating that government-, skills training-, financial- and export promotion institutions, as well as business associations together with influential community members, can contribute significantly to the implementation of several strategies to promote female small business growth. In addition, the chapter on best practices of global developed – and developing countries provided insight into making well-informed practical recommendations that Uganda can implement to assist small businesses to grow and in particular females small businesses. These global best practice strategies for the growth of SMMEs as applied within the seven selected seven countries were elaborated on in detail with a clear indication of the responsible bodies in Uganda that can affect these strategies. The emphasis was on suggesting strategies that can be practically executed with relative ease in Uganda as a developing country. This study concludes that it remains the responsibility of female small business entrepreneurs to make the effort to grow their small businesses and turn their business visions into reality. They should write a business plan, search for and approach small business support institutions for assistance and engage in an extensive networking drive to grow their customer market and to search for opportunities to grow their business such as private-public sector partnerships or expansion into the international market. Awareness is not just the responsibility of the several small business support institutions in Uganda, but female small business entrepreneurs should actively scrutinise media reports in newspapers, the radio and television to obtain information regarding business support opportunities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A critical analysis of the role of strategic communication in strategic planning : a case study of South African universities
- Authors: Hadji, Mutambuli James
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Communication in management Business communication Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8209 , vital:31978
- Description: The debate on how the communication function can contribute at a strategic level to organisational success is an on-going one because communicators still need to prove their relevance at the top management level. In general, the contribution of communication as a management function in corporate strategy is not known. It is either considered an afterthought or as an element within other functional departments. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to analyse critically the role of communication in strategic planning at the selected South African universities. To achieve this main objective, institutional theory was applied, as it seeks to affirm the role of communication in decision-making with the intention to be legitimised. In-depth interviews were conducted with senior communicators and strategy planners at six universities on how they approach strategic planning in their respective universities. Significant from the findings was the fact that the South African universities follow the same process for strategic planning. Regarding the role of strategic communication, the findings confirmed literature in the sense that communication practice at functional level has been institutionalised but not at the top management level. It was this study’s finding that university reputation and positioning did not prominently feature in the strategic planning processes. Furthermore, this study found that communicators should play a leading in environmental scanning to identify society, industry and commerce with a view to fine-tune the university’s qualification mix. That is, communicators should provide intelligence on changes in the environment which serve as the basis of the development of university strategies. In other words, they should provide vital information to top management to enable them to take informed strategic decisions. Lastly, it was this study’s finding that communicators should conduct evaluation research to assist top management in comparing the set strategic objectives with actual performance. In addition, the communicators should assist top management in determining corrective actions if need be. In view of these findings, this study developed guidelines that will empower communicators to make a more meaningful contribution in the strategic planning process. Given the paucity of research evidence of strategic communication in a university context, the study provides a better understanding of the theory and practice thereof.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Hadji, Mutambuli James
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Communication in management Business communication Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8209 , vital:31978
- Description: The debate on how the communication function can contribute at a strategic level to organisational success is an on-going one because communicators still need to prove their relevance at the top management level. In general, the contribution of communication as a management function in corporate strategy is not known. It is either considered an afterthought or as an element within other functional departments. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to analyse critically the role of communication in strategic planning at the selected South African universities. To achieve this main objective, institutional theory was applied, as it seeks to affirm the role of communication in decision-making with the intention to be legitimised. In-depth interviews were conducted with senior communicators and strategy planners at six universities on how they approach strategic planning in their respective universities. Significant from the findings was the fact that the South African universities follow the same process for strategic planning. Regarding the role of strategic communication, the findings confirmed literature in the sense that communication practice at functional level has been institutionalised but not at the top management level. It was this study’s finding that university reputation and positioning did not prominently feature in the strategic planning processes. Furthermore, this study found that communicators should play a leading in environmental scanning to identify society, industry and commerce with a view to fine-tune the university’s qualification mix. That is, communicators should provide intelligence on changes in the environment which serve as the basis of the development of university strategies. In other words, they should provide vital information to top management to enable them to take informed strategic decisions. Lastly, it was this study’s finding that communicators should conduct evaluation research to assist top management in comparing the set strategic objectives with actual performance. In addition, the communicators should assist top management in determining corrective actions if need be. In view of these findings, this study developed guidelines that will empower communicators to make a more meaningful contribution in the strategic planning process. Given the paucity of research evidence of strategic communication in a university context, the study provides a better understanding of the theory and practice thereof.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Behavioural flexibility in an endangered seabird during current changes
- Authors: Traisnel, Gwendoline
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Penguins -- South Africa , Penguins -- Behavior Sea birds -- Behavior Sea birds -- Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43800 , vital:37048
- Description: Penguins spend a large part of their life cycle at sea and are amongst the most threatened seabirds as they suffer high mortality and have low reproductive success. Across the world, many populations are currently declining despite the constant development of conservation actions. The lack of information at the individual level reduces the understanding of individual variability and its potential role in the population dynamics of these vulnerable species. For example, long-lived species are characterised by substantial individual heterogeneity in their contribution to the overall population dynamic that should be understood when considering the implemention of conservation policies. This thesis explored some of the primary mechanisms behind inter-individual differences in behaviour and breeding success in the endangered African penguin Spheniscus demersus. On Bird island (Algoa Bay), nest defence behaviours were investigated on adults brooding chicks 1-3 weeks-old and chicks were measured at regular intervals (every 5 days) to assess their growth rate, a proxy for breeding success in this species. All adults were sexed and implanted with a passive integrated transponder which was used for individual identification. In this species, males are usually larger than females and have a higher survival rates both as juveniles and as adults. A subsample of them was equipped with tracking devices (GPSs and Time Depth Recorders), sometimes over consecutive foraging trips and across years. Finally, mate and nest fidelity were investigated to understand the drivers and consequences of this trait in that population. Breeding success was linked to nest defence behaviours, with bolder birds generally showing lower breeding success. This relation could not, however, be explained by differences in foraging strategies. Males were generally bolder than females when defending the nests, but their foraging behaviour did not vary with their personality. They generally had lower foraging effort than females. By contrast, bolder females performed more sinuous path, more wiggles and travelled larger vertical distances than shyer ones. Overall, females were more flexible than males over consecutive trips, suggesting that they probably adjust their behaviours to the offspring needs in this species. However, no sex difference in behavioural flexibility between sexes was visible across years, indicating that environmental variability may equally impact females and males’ behaviour over such time-scale. Generally, consistency was time-scale dependent as penguins increased their foraging flexibility across years, potentially adjusting to the variability of the environment. Interestingly, foraging consistency over consecutive trips increased during years of poor environmental conditions, and individuals with consistent foraging strategies were more successful than more flexible individuals when resources were extremely scarce. Finally, while nest and mate fidelity were high in this species, individuals that changed nest/partners, improved their breeding outcome. Particularly, after low breeding success females were more likely to change nest site and thereby partner to possibly improve their fitness. The potential biased adult sex ratio towards males in this population may facilitate changes in females which may have more partners available to re-mate than males. The present thesis reveals the existence of individual differences in behaviour and breeding success which relate to personality in penguins. These findings highlight the importance to integrate individual variability to predict future population dynamics in the context of global changes to understand the resilience and vulnerability of the species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Traisnel, Gwendoline
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Penguins -- South Africa , Penguins -- Behavior Sea birds -- Behavior Sea birds -- Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43800 , vital:37048
- Description: Penguins spend a large part of their life cycle at sea and are amongst the most threatened seabirds as they suffer high mortality and have low reproductive success. Across the world, many populations are currently declining despite the constant development of conservation actions. The lack of information at the individual level reduces the understanding of individual variability and its potential role in the population dynamics of these vulnerable species. For example, long-lived species are characterised by substantial individual heterogeneity in their contribution to the overall population dynamic that should be understood when considering the implemention of conservation policies. This thesis explored some of the primary mechanisms behind inter-individual differences in behaviour and breeding success in the endangered African penguin Spheniscus demersus. On Bird island (Algoa Bay), nest defence behaviours were investigated on adults brooding chicks 1-3 weeks-old and chicks were measured at regular intervals (every 5 days) to assess their growth rate, a proxy for breeding success in this species. All adults were sexed and implanted with a passive integrated transponder which was used for individual identification. In this species, males are usually larger than females and have a higher survival rates both as juveniles and as adults. A subsample of them was equipped with tracking devices (GPSs and Time Depth Recorders), sometimes over consecutive foraging trips and across years. Finally, mate and nest fidelity were investigated to understand the drivers and consequences of this trait in that population. Breeding success was linked to nest defence behaviours, with bolder birds generally showing lower breeding success. This relation could not, however, be explained by differences in foraging strategies. Males were generally bolder than females when defending the nests, but their foraging behaviour did not vary with their personality. They generally had lower foraging effort than females. By contrast, bolder females performed more sinuous path, more wiggles and travelled larger vertical distances than shyer ones. Overall, females were more flexible than males over consecutive trips, suggesting that they probably adjust their behaviours to the offspring needs in this species. However, no sex difference in behavioural flexibility between sexes was visible across years, indicating that environmental variability may equally impact females and males’ behaviour over such time-scale. Generally, consistency was time-scale dependent as penguins increased their foraging flexibility across years, potentially adjusting to the variability of the environment. Interestingly, foraging consistency over consecutive trips increased during years of poor environmental conditions, and individuals with consistent foraging strategies were more successful than more flexible individuals when resources were extremely scarce. Finally, while nest and mate fidelity were high in this species, individuals that changed nest/partners, improved their breeding outcome. Particularly, after low breeding success females were more likely to change nest site and thereby partner to possibly improve their fitness. The potential biased adult sex ratio towards males in this population may facilitate changes in females which may have more partners available to re-mate than males. The present thesis reveals the existence of individual differences in behaviour and breeding success which relate to personality in penguins. These findings highlight the importance to integrate individual variability to predict future population dynamics in the context of global changes to understand the resilience and vulnerability of the species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Using ambient noise tomography to image the Eastern Cape-Karoo and Karoo regions, South Africa
- Bezuidenhout, Lucian John-Ross
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Lucian John-Ross
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Geometric tomography -- South Africa , Geobiology Geology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23602 , vital:30585
- Description: The primary aim of this thesis was to explore the use of ambient seismic noise as a tool to map the subsurface of the Cape-Karoo and Karoo region of South Africa. The Karoo is an ideal laboratory to use ambient seismic signal to map the shallow subsurface, as it is a quiet and pristine environment with a relatively well known geology. Ambient seismic signals were continuously recorded at three independent networks (ArrayA, ArrayB and ArrayC). ArrayA and ArrayB comprised 17 temporary stand-alone seismic stations each and recorded ambient noise wavefields for a ten week period between August and October 2015. ArrayC comprised 19 temporary stand-alone seismic stations, recording ambient seismic noise for a period of six weeks between June and July 2016. ArrayA and ArrayB were installed in the south-eastern Cape-Karoo region, near the town of Jansenville and ArrayC was installed near the Cradock-Tarkastad region of South Africa. This thesis is made up of two separate studies. Firstly, the retrieval and coherency of Rayleigh surface waves extracted from the vertical component recordings. For the first time in the south-eastern Cape-Karoo and Karoo area, estimates of Green’s function from cross-correlating ambient noise data between stations pairs were reconstructed and shown, which can be successfully used to image the subsurface. The stacked cross-correlations between all station pairs show clear arrivals of the Rayleigh surface waves. The group velocities of the Rayleigh waves in the 2 to 7 seconds period range were picked and inverted to compute the 2-D group velocity maps. For ArrayA and ArrayB, the resulting 2-D group velocity maps at different periods resulted in a group velocity model from approximately 2 to 7 km depth, which generally show a high velocity anomaly in the north of the study area, most likely imaging the denser, thick sedimentary basin of the Karoo (Carboniferous-Permian). To the south, the low velocity anomaly likely corresponds to the overlying Jurassic- Cretaceous sequences of the younger Algoa Basin (Uitenhage Group). For ArrayC, the group velocity maps showed high velocity regions, which is consistent with the dolerite sill intrusions in the Karoo and the low velocity structures, which was interpreted as the Karoo sediments. Secondly, the study comprised of characterizing the ambient seismic noise source. The first order analysis of the symmetry of the cross-correlation function showed that, although the ambient noise sources are relatively homogeneously distributed in the study area, most (energetic) of the ambient seismic noise propagates from the coast of South Africa. This was verified by analyzing the azimuthal distribution of the ambient seismic noise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Lucian John-Ross
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Geometric tomography -- South Africa , Geobiology Geology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23602 , vital:30585
- Description: The primary aim of this thesis was to explore the use of ambient seismic noise as a tool to map the subsurface of the Cape-Karoo and Karoo region of South Africa. The Karoo is an ideal laboratory to use ambient seismic signal to map the shallow subsurface, as it is a quiet and pristine environment with a relatively well known geology. Ambient seismic signals were continuously recorded at three independent networks (ArrayA, ArrayB and ArrayC). ArrayA and ArrayB comprised 17 temporary stand-alone seismic stations each and recorded ambient noise wavefields for a ten week period between August and October 2015. ArrayC comprised 19 temporary stand-alone seismic stations, recording ambient seismic noise for a period of six weeks between June and July 2016. ArrayA and ArrayB were installed in the south-eastern Cape-Karoo region, near the town of Jansenville and ArrayC was installed near the Cradock-Tarkastad region of South Africa. This thesis is made up of two separate studies. Firstly, the retrieval and coherency of Rayleigh surface waves extracted from the vertical component recordings. For the first time in the south-eastern Cape-Karoo and Karoo area, estimates of Green’s function from cross-correlating ambient noise data between stations pairs were reconstructed and shown, which can be successfully used to image the subsurface. The stacked cross-correlations between all station pairs show clear arrivals of the Rayleigh surface waves. The group velocities of the Rayleigh waves in the 2 to 7 seconds period range were picked and inverted to compute the 2-D group velocity maps. For ArrayA and ArrayB, the resulting 2-D group velocity maps at different periods resulted in a group velocity model from approximately 2 to 7 km depth, which generally show a high velocity anomaly in the north of the study area, most likely imaging the denser, thick sedimentary basin of the Karoo (Carboniferous-Permian). To the south, the low velocity anomaly likely corresponds to the overlying Jurassic- Cretaceous sequences of the younger Algoa Basin (Uitenhage Group). For ArrayC, the group velocity maps showed high velocity regions, which is consistent with the dolerite sill intrusions in the Karoo and the low velocity structures, which was interpreted as the Karoo sediments. Secondly, the study comprised of characterizing the ambient seismic noise source. The first order analysis of the symmetry of the cross-correlation function showed that, although the ambient noise sources are relatively homogeneously distributed in the study area, most (energetic) of the ambient seismic noise propagates from the coast of South Africa. This was verified by analyzing the azimuthal distribution of the ambient seismic noise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Evaluating the effectiveness of public participation in the environmental impact assessment process in South Africa
- Authors: Uithaler, Eldrid Marlon
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Environmental impact analysis -- South Africa , Environmental policy -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5928 , vital:21015
- Description: This research is based on reflections of various practitioners and their views on how public participation processes may or may not contribute to effective EIA decisions. It is therefore grounded in what is described as practitioner-based research. To study comparative development activities effectively, one must draw on many disciplines and construct a balanced understanding of historical and contemporary development processes. No single conventional disciplinary area of research is able to integrate the issues of public participation, EIA and decision-making in the context of the current development debate. The emergence of Trans-disciplinary areas of research allows for such integration. The Africa Earth Observatory Network (AEON) institute creates the space for this study to achieve an integrated response to the question of the effectiveness of public participation in EIA and decision-making. This further creates the opportunity to contribute and expand the growing body of knowledge and literature of public participation in the earth stewardship science discipline. Making use of triangulation, this study fulfils four major tasks: firstly, an assessment is made on the historical and theoretical importance, process and outcome of both EIA and public participation internationally and in South Africa. Secondly, three prominent case studies (i) the Coega IDZ, (ii) the Pondoland N2 Toll Road, and (iii) the anticipated Hydraulic Fracturing in the Karoo each focusses on concerns of an environmental, socio-economic, and political nature to assess if the public participation process has had influence, if any, on the final decisions for these projects to go-ahead. Thirdly, a survey was conducted to establish the views and perceptions of practitioners in the EIA and public participation domain on the effectiveness of public participation in EIA processes. Lastly, face-to-face interviews were conducted with various ‘pracademics’, i.e. consultants, practitioners, government, and non-governmental officials to establish their views on how public participation may or may not influence EIA decisions. Utilising the International Association for Public Participation’s (IAP2) participation spectrum as an evaluation tool, this research explores thirteen key criteria normally attributed to effective public participation. This provides a scale (inform, involve, consult, collaborate) to assess whether public participation in EIA in South Africa is least effective (inform) or most effective (collaborate). My research confirms that in South Africa an enabling environment to address impacts on our environment is emerging. One of the main challenges remains putting in place robust, clear and effective regulations, models or approaches that provide for effective public participation and decision-making in EIAs. My research also suggests that the legislation on which EIA is based cannot by itself guarantee the effectiveness of public participation processes. In practice, EIA is an institutional process of power division between different actors, and the practitioner or ‘pracademic’ has to play a more fundamental role to ensure effectiveness and fairness in the public participation process. Academic commentators should therefore call for new approaches that emphasise collaborative interaction between decision-makers and the public as well as deliberation amongst participants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Uithaler, Eldrid Marlon
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Environmental impact analysis -- South Africa , Environmental policy -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5928 , vital:21015
- Description: This research is based on reflections of various practitioners and their views on how public participation processes may or may not contribute to effective EIA decisions. It is therefore grounded in what is described as practitioner-based research. To study comparative development activities effectively, one must draw on many disciplines and construct a balanced understanding of historical and contemporary development processes. No single conventional disciplinary area of research is able to integrate the issues of public participation, EIA and decision-making in the context of the current development debate. The emergence of Trans-disciplinary areas of research allows for such integration. The Africa Earth Observatory Network (AEON) institute creates the space for this study to achieve an integrated response to the question of the effectiveness of public participation in EIA and decision-making. This further creates the opportunity to contribute and expand the growing body of knowledge and literature of public participation in the earth stewardship science discipline. Making use of triangulation, this study fulfils four major tasks: firstly, an assessment is made on the historical and theoretical importance, process and outcome of both EIA and public participation internationally and in South Africa. Secondly, three prominent case studies (i) the Coega IDZ, (ii) the Pondoland N2 Toll Road, and (iii) the anticipated Hydraulic Fracturing in the Karoo each focusses on concerns of an environmental, socio-economic, and political nature to assess if the public participation process has had influence, if any, on the final decisions for these projects to go-ahead. Thirdly, a survey was conducted to establish the views and perceptions of practitioners in the EIA and public participation domain on the effectiveness of public participation in EIA processes. Lastly, face-to-face interviews were conducted with various ‘pracademics’, i.e. consultants, practitioners, government, and non-governmental officials to establish their views on how public participation may or may not influence EIA decisions. Utilising the International Association for Public Participation’s (IAP2) participation spectrum as an evaluation tool, this research explores thirteen key criteria normally attributed to effective public participation. This provides a scale (inform, involve, consult, collaborate) to assess whether public participation in EIA in South Africa is least effective (inform) or most effective (collaborate). My research confirms that in South Africa an enabling environment to address impacts on our environment is emerging. One of the main challenges remains putting in place robust, clear and effective regulations, models or approaches that provide for effective public participation and decision-making in EIAs. My research also suggests that the legislation on which EIA is based cannot by itself guarantee the effectiveness of public participation processes. In practice, EIA is an institutional process of power division between different actors, and the practitioner or ‘pracademic’ has to play a more fundamental role to ensure effectiveness and fairness in the public participation process. Academic commentators should therefore call for new approaches that emphasise collaborative interaction between decision-makers and the public as well as deliberation amongst participants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Database and guide for Lesotho wool and mohair production and quality
- Authors: Maqalika, Papali Elizabeth
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mohair -- Dissertations -- Lesotho , Wool -- Dissertations -- Lesotho Textile fabrics -- Lesotho Textile industry -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49148 , vital:41605
- Description: Lesotho produces significant quantities of Merino apparel wool and mohair, both of a quality that allows them to compete on the global market and to make a significant contribution to the economy of the country. Nevertheless, very little production and quality data and trends of these fibres have been documented. This is a serious disadvantage in terms of international trading and benchmarking as well as attempts to improve the production and quality of Lesotho wool and mohair. In the light of the aforementioned, the available production and quality data of the past 10 years have been captured and analysed for trends and also benchmarking, where considered applicable. The main focus is on fibre diameter (fineness), staple length, and yield since they largely determine fibre quality, application and price. Some quality related tests were undertaken to fill certain important gaps in the available data. In addition, prickle and medullation were evaluated on representative wool and mohair samples, respectively, because they represent important quality measures for apparel wool and mohair, respectively. It was found that Lesotho wool and mohair are of a fairly good and internationally competitive quality, with the wool having an average fibre diameter (MFD) of ≈20μm, an average staple length of about 64mm, an average VM level of about 4%, an average yield of about 57%, and the annual production being about 4 million kilograms greasy. The average staple length of the mohair was about 140mm, average MFD about 29μm and the average medullation, which unless otherwise specified, refers to the objectionable medullated fibres (kemp type) including the flat medullated fibre, relatively high at about 5.7%. The latter is certainly an area of concern which needs attention and improvement. It was found that the prickle level (Comfort Factor), of some of the wools tested was of such a level as to make the wool suitable for wearing against the skin. With respect to mohair, there is considerable scope to substantially reduce the level of objectionable medullated (kemp style) fibre level through the appropriate breeding interventions. Production of both wool and mohair has increased slightly over the ten years covered by this study. It also became apparent that Lesotho wool and mohair quality and production are greatly influenced by the farming practices and climatic conditions. Greater adoption of the merino sheep breed, sheds/barns and sheep coats are suggested as ways to reduce mortality rate (due to extremely cold temperatures), improve quality and increase yield and production. Some farming practices such as the lack of barns, supplementary feeding and veterinary care present constraints in terms of production of both wool and mohair. The districts in the Highlands region had the highest production of mostly wool, this being ascribed to better pastures, climatic and other conditions conducive to wool and mohair production. Both wool and mohair are considered to have potential for improved quality and production, which could be affected by appropriate interventions by the Small Agricultural and Development Project (SADP) and others through National Wool and Mohair Growers Association (NWMGA). Nevertheless, since the wool and mohair growers (farmers) do not form part of these and other interventions, they do not readily adopt the various strategies and decisions and do not receive the associated benefits immediately. It is therefore advised that local farmers, relevant educators and researchers be represented in policy and other decision making forums. In this way, educational campaigns will be demand driven with greater chance of adoption and success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Maqalika, Papali Elizabeth
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mohair -- Dissertations -- Lesotho , Wool -- Dissertations -- Lesotho Textile fabrics -- Lesotho Textile industry -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49148 , vital:41605
- Description: Lesotho produces significant quantities of Merino apparel wool and mohair, both of a quality that allows them to compete on the global market and to make a significant contribution to the economy of the country. Nevertheless, very little production and quality data and trends of these fibres have been documented. This is a serious disadvantage in terms of international trading and benchmarking as well as attempts to improve the production and quality of Lesotho wool and mohair. In the light of the aforementioned, the available production and quality data of the past 10 years have been captured and analysed for trends and also benchmarking, where considered applicable. The main focus is on fibre diameter (fineness), staple length, and yield since they largely determine fibre quality, application and price. Some quality related tests were undertaken to fill certain important gaps in the available data. In addition, prickle and medullation were evaluated on representative wool and mohair samples, respectively, because they represent important quality measures for apparel wool and mohair, respectively. It was found that Lesotho wool and mohair are of a fairly good and internationally competitive quality, with the wool having an average fibre diameter (MFD) of ≈20μm, an average staple length of about 64mm, an average VM level of about 4%, an average yield of about 57%, and the annual production being about 4 million kilograms greasy. The average staple length of the mohair was about 140mm, average MFD about 29μm and the average medullation, which unless otherwise specified, refers to the objectionable medullated fibres (kemp type) including the flat medullated fibre, relatively high at about 5.7%. The latter is certainly an area of concern which needs attention and improvement. It was found that the prickle level (Comfort Factor), of some of the wools tested was of such a level as to make the wool suitable for wearing against the skin. With respect to mohair, there is considerable scope to substantially reduce the level of objectionable medullated (kemp style) fibre level through the appropriate breeding interventions. Production of both wool and mohair has increased slightly over the ten years covered by this study. It also became apparent that Lesotho wool and mohair quality and production are greatly influenced by the farming practices and climatic conditions. Greater adoption of the merino sheep breed, sheds/barns and sheep coats are suggested as ways to reduce mortality rate (due to extremely cold temperatures), improve quality and increase yield and production. Some farming practices such as the lack of barns, supplementary feeding and veterinary care present constraints in terms of production of both wool and mohair. The districts in the Highlands region had the highest production of mostly wool, this being ascribed to better pastures, climatic and other conditions conducive to wool and mohair production. Both wool and mohair are considered to have potential for improved quality and production, which could be affected by appropriate interventions by the Small Agricultural and Development Project (SADP) and others through National Wool and Mohair Growers Association (NWMGA). Nevertheless, since the wool and mohair growers (farmers) do not form part of these and other interventions, they do not readily adopt the various strategies and decisions and do not receive the associated benefits immediately. It is therefore advised that local farmers, relevant educators and researchers be represented in policy and other decision making forums. In this way, educational campaigns will be demand driven with greater chance of adoption and success.
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- Date Issued: 2020