Evaluating social media participation for successful marketing and communication by selected private game reserves, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Booth, Tara
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Social media -- Economic aspects , Online social networks -- Economic aspects , Game reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Marketing , Internet marketing -- Economic aspects , Social media -- Marketing , Tourism -- Marketing , Communication in management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:843 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015692
- Description: Social media has become one of the defining features of the technological advances known as Web 2.0. As social media has increased in popularity, so businesses are expected to participate. Social media platforms enable businesses to widely broadcast a message as well as interact directly with individual customers. Customers are also able to interact directly with one another and share information and reviews about products and services offered. This suits the tourism industry particularly well. Internationally, research has shown that individuals use social media and other online tools to research potential holiday destinations. In addition social media is used during travel to share snapshots and commentary as well as after travel, through reviews and recommendations on platforms such as TripAdvisor. However, few studies have investigated how tourism destinations use social media to attract new clients and retain existing clients. Very little research has been done on tourism and social media in South Africa despite the importance of this industry to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This study focused on four-star establishments within the photographic wildlife tourism industry in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. An initial survey of social media participation was carried out within the framework set out by Chan and Guillet (2011); this was then followed up with interviews with selected managers. Results showed that, in general, Private Game Reserves (PGRs) had embraced social media as a communication and marketing platform; despite concerns raised about the lack of control over content as well as poor understanding of the influence social media might have on the bottom line. TripAdvisor, Facebook and Twitter were the most commonly used platforms due to management familiarity with the platform and their ease of use. Few lodges utilised blogs or content sites such as YouTube and management cited time commitments associated with this type of platform as a reason for non-participation. However, although most PGRs or lodges had a profile on social media, this did not always mean active participation. Frequently, lodges began updating but gradually stopped after a few months. It was noted however that only one of the lodges interviewed retained an individual whose sole responsibility was social media; generally lodges did not feel that a dedicated person was necessary. This may result in a lack of time available on the part of the individual responsible or simply be a case of not understanding the platform or how to use it effectively. However, none of the PGRs with poor social media participation responded to interview requests and therefore it was not possible to determine the reasons for their poor participation. Among those lodges that actively participated, most succeed in retaining fans and followers through consistent posting of relevant and interesting content as well as customised responses that encouraged fans or followers’ interaction. However, there did not appear to be any evidence of using social media to learn about fans and followers in order to better customise the lodge offerings. This may not be necessary in this type of industry as PGRs sell a specific product and have a limited ability to customise offerings. In addition, there may be other sources of market information which lodges prefer to use. Special offers, competitions and promotions had limited success on social media. Generally, lodges used social media to promote links to a dedicated competition or promotions page. In conclusion, the managers interviewed felt strongly that social media had made a measureable impact on the tourism industry and was a channel that was here to stay. Further research around the best practice and most effective use will enable PGRs to develop and maintain effective strategies for social media participation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Booth, Tara
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Social media -- Economic aspects , Online social networks -- Economic aspects , Game reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Marketing , Internet marketing -- Economic aspects , Social media -- Marketing , Tourism -- Marketing , Communication in management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:843 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015692
- Description: Social media has become one of the defining features of the technological advances known as Web 2.0. As social media has increased in popularity, so businesses are expected to participate. Social media platforms enable businesses to widely broadcast a message as well as interact directly with individual customers. Customers are also able to interact directly with one another and share information and reviews about products and services offered. This suits the tourism industry particularly well. Internationally, research has shown that individuals use social media and other online tools to research potential holiday destinations. In addition social media is used during travel to share snapshots and commentary as well as after travel, through reviews and recommendations on platforms such as TripAdvisor. However, few studies have investigated how tourism destinations use social media to attract new clients and retain existing clients. Very little research has been done on tourism and social media in South Africa despite the importance of this industry to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This study focused on four-star establishments within the photographic wildlife tourism industry in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. An initial survey of social media participation was carried out within the framework set out by Chan and Guillet (2011); this was then followed up with interviews with selected managers. Results showed that, in general, Private Game Reserves (PGRs) had embraced social media as a communication and marketing platform; despite concerns raised about the lack of control over content as well as poor understanding of the influence social media might have on the bottom line. TripAdvisor, Facebook and Twitter were the most commonly used platforms due to management familiarity with the platform and their ease of use. Few lodges utilised blogs or content sites such as YouTube and management cited time commitments associated with this type of platform as a reason for non-participation. However, although most PGRs or lodges had a profile on social media, this did not always mean active participation. Frequently, lodges began updating but gradually stopped after a few months. It was noted however that only one of the lodges interviewed retained an individual whose sole responsibility was social media; generally lodges did not feel that a dedicated person was necessary. This may result in a lack of time available on the part of the individual responsible or simply be a case of not understanding the platform or how to use it effectively. However, none of the PGRs with poor social media participation responded to interview requests and therefore it was not possible to determine the reasons for their poor participation. Among those lodges that actively participated, most succeed in retaining fans and followers through consistent posting of relevant and interesting content as well as customised responses that encouraged fans or followers’ interaction. However, there did not appear to be any evidence of using social media to learn about fans and followers in order to better customise the lodge offerings. This may not be necessary in this type of industry as PGRs sell a specific product and have a limited ability to customise offerings. In addition, there may be other sources of market information which lodges prefer to use. Special offers, competitions and promotions had limited success on social media. Generally, lodges used social media to promote links to a dedicated competition or promotions page. In conclusion, the managers interviewed felt strongly that social media had made a measureable impact on the tourism industry and was a channel that was here to stay. Further research around the best practice and most effective use will enable PGRs to develop and maintain effective strategies for social media participation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Sexy girls, heroes and funny losers: gender representations in children's TV around the world edited by Maya Gotz and Dafna Lemish
- Authors: Boshoff, Priscilla A
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143505 , vital:38252 , DOI: 10.1080/10130950.2013.839116
- Description: Gotz and Lemish have brought together in this volume a range of research which derives from the project they initiated in 2007 from the International Central Institute for Youth and Educational Television (IZI). Researchers in 24 countries around the world participated in this unique project, and the results, discussed at the 2008 and 2010 Prix Jeunesse International, prompted hopes that the producers of children's television would be persuaded to pay more concerted attention to issues of gender in their programming. Whether or not such a utopian outcome might be expected from this initiative is open to future question. For our immediate purposes however, the value of this collection is that it draws together in one volume some of the results from both the original quantitative survey and the subsequent qualitative analyses that examined specific themes emerging from the data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Boshoff, Priscilla A
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143505 , vital:38252 , DOI: 10.1080/10130950.2013.839116
- Description: Gotz and Lemish have brought together in this volume a range of research which derives from the project they initiated in 2007 from the International Central Institute for Youth and Educational Television (IZI). Researchers in 24 countries around the world participated in this unique project, and the results, discussed at the 2008 and 2010 Prix Jeunesse International, prompted hopes that the producers of children's television would be persuaded to pay more concerted attention to issues of gender in their programming. Whether or not such a utopian outcome might be expected from this initiative is open to future question. For our immediate purposes however, the value of this collection is that it draws together in one volume some of the results from both the original quantitative survey and the subsequent qualitative analyses that examined specific themes emerging from the data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The supernatural detective: witchcraft crime narratives in the Daily Sun
- Authors: Boshoff, Priscilla A
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143447 , vital:38247 , DOI: 10.1080/1013929X.2013.833420
- Description: Reports of witchcraft crimes are a staple feature in the South African tabloid newspaper, the Daily Sun. Instead of dismissing these sensational and seemingly implausible narratives, this paper examines them as ‘fictions’ through the lens of theory developed for the analysis of detective fiction. It draws on Huhn's (1987) model of the readerly relationships established by the narrative forms of the classical detective story and the hard-boiled novel in order to show how the reportage, together with its expected reception, reveals subliminal tensions within working-class black culture. Ironically, such a reading illustrates how the brazen and emotive nature of the tabloid text, which signals for some its untrustworthiness, perhaps comes closer to telling a ‘truth’ about contemporary South African society than the most ‘objective’ reports.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Boshoff, Priscilla A
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143447 , vital:38247 , DOI: 10.1080/1013929X.2013.833420
- Description: Reports of witchcraft crimes are a staple feature in the South African tabloid newspaper, the Daily Sun. Instead of dismissing these sensational and seemingly implausible narratives, this paper examines them as ‘fictions’ through the lens of theory developed for the analysis of detective fiction. It draws on Huhn's (1987) model of the readerly relationships established by the narrative forms of the classical detective story and the hard-boiled novel in order to show how the reportage, together with its expected reception, reveals subliminal tensions within working-class black culture. Ironically, such a reading illustrates how the brazen and emotive nature of the tabloid text, which signals for some its untrustworthiness, perhaps comes closer to telling a ‘truth’ about contemporary South African society than the most ‘objective’ reports.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
“Face the music!”: the Daily Sun's representation of adolescent sex in the Jules High sex scandal
- Boshoff, Priscilla A, Prinsloo, Jeanne
- Authors: Boshoff, Priscilla A , Prinsloo, Jeanne
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143483 , vital:38250 , DOI: 10.1080/10130950.2013.834660
- Description: Rather than being merely a physiological stage, adolescence is variously constructed through social institutions. The media plays a significant role in such constructions, including that of adolescent sexuality. In the recent past there have been several cases of sexual acts involving adolescents that have received prominent media coverage as they have been considered shocking. The Jules High School sex scandal related to sex acts between a single adolescent girl and two adolescent boys. It was recorded on mobile phones by their peers and circulated on their mobile networks, or ‘went viral’ as the media continuously noted. The press coverage surrounding this incident and the legal process that ensued is the focus of this Article which undertakes a critical textual analysis of the coverage in the popular tabloid, the Daily Sun, in order to make explicit the contesting sets of discourses around adolescence and sexuality that were articulated in this popular public sphere. The Article uses a Foucauldian framework in order to probe the discourses of sexuality that are articulated and contested in this space. As the most widely read newspaper in South Africa it serves as a powerful site of definition of teen sexuality. The analysis suggests that, rather than allowing for teen sexuality, it is disavowed by villainising teen sex and responsibility for such ‘deviance’ is directed to various adult and social adult actors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Boshoff, Priscilla A , Prinsloo, Jeanne
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143483 , vital:38250 , DOI: 10.1080/10130950.2013.834660
- Description: Rather than being merely a physiological stage, adolescence is variously constructed through social institutions. The media plays a significant role in such constructions, including that of adolescent sexuality. In the recent past there have been several cases of sexual acts involving adolescents that have received prominent media coverage as they have been considered shocking. The Jules High School sex scandal related to sex acts between a single adolescent girl and two adolescent boys. It was recorded on mobile phones by their peers and circulated on their mobile networks, or ‘went viral’ as the media continuously noted. The press coverage surrounding this incident and the legal process that ensued is the focus of this Article which undertakes a critical textual analysis of the coverage in the popular tabloid, the Daily Sun, in order to make explicit the contesting sets of discourses around adolescence and sexuality that were articulated in this popular public sphere. The Article uses a Foucauldian framework in order to probe the discourses of sexuality that are articulated and contested in this space. As the most widely read newspaper in South Africa it serves as a powerful site of definition of teen sexuality. The analysis suggests that, rather than allowing for teen sexuality, it is disavowed by villainising teen sex and responsibility for such ‘deviance’ is directed to various adult and social adult actors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An investigation into the factors affecting street trading in the Mnquma Local Municipality
- Authors: Bota, Patrick Mziwoxolo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Street vendors -- South Africa -- Gcuwa , Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Gcuwa , Metropolitan finance -- South Africa -- Gcuwa , Metropolitan finance -- South Africa -- Mthatha
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8263 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013128
- Description: This study investigates the challenges faced by street traders in Mnquma Local Municipality. The purpose is to examine the factors affecting street traders trading at N2 Mthatha Street at Butterworth in Mnquma Local Municipality. For this reason, it was necessary to study the literature on local economic development. The challenges facing street traders were also investigated and analysed in order to formulate recommendations for solving challenges facing street trading in Mnquma Local Municipality. In order to fulfil the objective of the study and to address the research problem faceto-face interviews were conducted with the street traders, municipal officials and Hawkers’ Association. The literature review and the interviews enabled the recommendation of possible answers to the problem. These recommendations would be valuable and, one hopes, will also be of assistance to the Mnquma Local Municipality. Findings of this study indicate that challenges faced by street traders in Butterworth include lack of financial support to start their businesses. Also, the fact that there is no water taps that can be used by the members of the public in the Central Business District (CBD) in Butterworth as well as street lights at night is one of the challenges. Recommendations were made with regard to support and assistance for street traders, environmental management and also a recommendation on business registration and licensing. The study concludes that if the Mnquma local municipality can implement all the proposed recommendations, all the factors raised by street traders as disturbing the functionality of their businesses particularly in Butterworth will be rectified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Bota, Patrick Mziwoxolo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Street vendors -- South Africa -- Gcuwa , Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Gcuwa , Metropolitan finance -- South Africa -- Gcuwa , Metropolitan finance -- South Africa -- Mthatha
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8263 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013128
- Description: This study investigates the challenges faced by street traders in Mnquma Local Municipality. The purpose is to examine the factors affecting street traders trading at N2 Mthatha Street at Butterworth in Mnquma Local Municipality. For this reason, it was necessary to study the literature on local economic development. The challenges facing street traders were also investigated and analysed in order to formulate recommendations for solving challenges facing street trading in Mnquma Local Municipality. In order to fulfil the objective of the study and to address the research problem faceto-face interviews were conducted with the street traders, municipal officials and Hawkers’ Association. The literature review and the interviews enabled the recommendation of possible answers to the problem. These recommendations would be valuable and, one hopes, will also be of assistance to the Mnquma Local Municipality. Findings of this study indicate that challenges faced by street traders in Butterworth include lack of financial support to start their businesses. Also, the fact that there is no water taps that can be used by the members of the public in the Central Business District (CBD) in Butterworth as well as street lights at night is one of the challenges. Recommendations were made with regard to support and assistance for street traders, environmental management and also a recommendation on business registration and licensing. The study concludes that if the Mnquma local municipality can implement all the proposed recommendations, all the factors raised by street traders as disturbing the functionality of their businesses particularly in Butterworth will be rectified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Factors affecting the impact of BEE strategies in enhancing previously disadvantaged beneficiaries in Manquma Local Municipality
- Authors: Bota, Patrick Mziwoxolo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Blacks -- South Africa -- Economic conditions , Municipal government -- South Africa , Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9174 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020115
- Description: This research project is about the “Factors Affecting the impact of Black Economic Empowerment strategies in enhancing previously disadvantaged beneficiaries in Mnquma Local Municipality.” The purpose is to examine the challenges faced by previously disadvantaged beneficiaries so as to emerge with new innovative BEE mechanisms that can be implemented to improve the situation faced by beneficiaries for the better. To achieve this objective, it was necessary to study the iterature of “Black Economic Empowerment” which is part of the Local Economic Development initiatives. In order to attain the main objective of the study and also to address the research problem face to face interviews were conducted with previously disadvantaged beneficiaries, Local Economic Development officials and councillors from five different wards of Mnquma Local Municipality. The literature review and the interviews helped one to come up with the recommendations to be adopted in order to remedy the situation of the beneficiaries. These recommendations will, hopefully, be of assistance to Mnquma Local Municipality. Findings of this study indicate that challenges faced by previously disadvantaged beneficiaries include: fronting, lack of finance, skills shortage like technical, management, budgeting and saving skills, absence of training workshops, and lack of support on SMMEs development as well as poor implementation of BEE policy by Local Economic Development Unit. The aforesaid challenges have negative effects on the implementation of BEE strategies which adversely affect the beneficiaries. Here are some of the recommendations made in this regard: support and assistance for previously disadvantaged beneficiaries like financial assistance, Khula financial schemes, bank loans, training and workshops, establishment of agricultural projects as well as assistance on coordination of co-operatives initiatives. Other recommendations provide possible solutions to these problems: corruption, nepotism and cadreship deployment. In order to act against these transgressions the following suggestions have been made in the study: containment of fronting, development of heritage and historical sites for tourists’ purposes, recommendation on BEE management strategies and also recommendation on business registration and licensing. The study concludes that if the Mnquma Local Municipality can execute all the proposed recommendations, all the factors raised as the stumbling block towards the success and beneficiary of the previously disadvantaged beneficiaries would be resolved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Bota, Patrick Mziwoxolo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Blacks -- South Africa -- Economic conditions , Municipal government -- South Africa , Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9174 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020115
- Description: This research project is about the “Factors Affecting the impact of Black Economic Empowerment strategies in enhancing previously disadvantaged beneficiaries in Mnquma Local Municipality.” The purpose is to examine the challenges faced by previously disadvantaged beneficiaries so as to emerge with new innovative BEE mechanisms that can be implemented to improve the situation faced by beneficiaries for the better. To achieve this objective, it was necessary to study the iterature of “Black Economic Empowerment” which is part of the Local Economic Development initiatives. In order to attain the main objective of the study and also to address the research problem face to face interviews were conducted with previously disadvantaged beneficiaries, Local Economic Development officials and councillors from five different wards of Mnquma Local Municipality. The literature review and the interviews helped one to come up with the recommendations to be adopted in order to remedy the situation of the beneficiaries. These recommendations will, hopefully, be of assistance to Mnquma Local Municipality. Findings of this study indicate that challenges faced by previously disadvantaged beneficiaries include: fronting, lack of finance, skills shortage like technical, management, budgeting and saving skills, absence of training workshops, and lack of support on SMMEs development as well as poor implementation of BEE policy by Local Economic Development Unit. The aforesaid challenges have negative effects on the implementation of BEE strategies which adversely affect the beneficiaries. Here are some of the recommendations made in this regard: support and assistance for previously disadvantaged beneficiaries like financial assistance, Khula financial schemes, bank loans, training and workshops, establishment of agricultural projects as well as assistance on coordination of co-operatives initiatives. Other recommendations provide possible solutions to these problems: corruption, nepotism and cadreship deployment. In order to act against these transgressions the following suggestions have been made in the study: containment of fronting, development of heritage and historical sites for tourists’ purposes, recommendation on BEE management strategies and also recommendation on business registration and licensing. The study concludes that if the Mnquma Local Municipality can execute all the proposed recommendations, all the factors raised as the stumbling block towards the success and beneficiary of the previously disadvantaged beneficiaries would be resolved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A tale of two neglected systems-structure and function of the thin- and thick-walled sieve tubes in monocotyledonous leaves
- Authors: Botha, Christiaan E J
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Article , text
- Identifier: vital:6499 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004514 , http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2013.00297
- Description: There is a large body of information relating to the ontogeny, development and the vasculature of eudicotyledonous leaves. However, there is less information available concerning the vascular anatomy of monocotyledonous leaves. This is surprising, given that there are two uniquely different phloem systems present in large groups such as grasses and sedges. Monocotyledonous leaves contain marginal, large, intermediate, and small longitudinal veins that are interconnected by numerous transverse veins. The longitudinal veins contain two metaphloem sieve tube types, which, based upon their ontogeny and position within the phloem, are termed early (thin-walled) and late (thick-walled) sieve tubes. Early metaphloem comprises sieve tubes, companion cells and vascular parenchyma (VP) cells, whilst the late metaphloem, contains thick-walled sieve tubes (TSTs) that lack companion cells. TSTs are generally adjacent to, or no more than one cell removed from the metaxylem. Unlike thin-walled sieve tube (ST) -companion cell complexes, TSTs are connected to parenchyma by pore-plasmodesma units and are generally symplasmically isolated from the STs. This paper addresses key structural and functional differences between thin- and thick-walled sieve tubes and explores the unique advantages of alternate transport strategies that this 5–7 million years old dual system may offer. It would seem that these two systems may enhance, add to, or play a significant role in increasing the efficiency of solute retrieval as well as of assimilate transfer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Botha, Christiaan E J
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Article , text
- Identifier: vital:6499 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004514 , http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2013.00297
- Description: There is a large body of information relating to the ontogeny, development and the vasculature of eudicotyledonous leaves. However, there is less information available concerning the vascular anatomy of monocotyledonous leaves. This is surprising, given that there are two uniquely different phloem systems present in large groups such as grasses and sedges. Monocotyledonous leaves contain marginal, large, intermediate, and small longitudinal veins that are interconnected by numerous transverse veins. The longitudinal veins contain two metaphloem sieve tube types, which, based upon their ontogeny and position within the phloem, are termed early (thin-walled) and late (thick-walled) sieve tubes. Early metaphloem comprises sieve tubes, companion cells and vascular parenchyma (VP) cells, whilst the late metaphloem, contains thick-walled sieve tubes (TSTs) that lack companion cells. TSTs are generally adjacent to, or no more than one cell removed from the metaxylem. Unlike thin-walled sieve tube (ST) -companion cell complexes, TSTs are connected to parenchyma by pore-plasmodesma units and are generally symplasmically isolated from the STs. This paper addresses key structural and functional differences between thin- and thick-walled sieve tubes and explores the unique advantages of alternate transport strategies that this 5–7 million years old dual system may offer. It would seem that these two systems may enhance, add to, or play a significant role in increasing the efficiency of solute retrieval as well as of assimilate transfer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Stock returns and Friday the 13th effect in five African countries
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396127 , vital:69152 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aref/article/view/91060"
- Description: This study is concerned with Friday the 13th and daily stock market returns in five African countries. Using the MSCI Global Equity Indices during various periods, the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that there is no Friday the 13th effect.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396127 , vital:69152 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aref/article/view/91060"
- Description: This study is concerned with Friday the 13th and daily stock market returns in five African countries. Using the MSCI Global Equity Indices during various periods, the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that there is no Friday the 13th effect.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The gold of one’s ring is not far more precious than the gold of one’s heart: Reported life satisfaction among married and cohabitating South African adults
- Botha, Ferdi, Booysen, Frikkie
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , Booysen, Frikkie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396181 , vital:69156 , xlink:href=" https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-012-9337-3"
- Description: This paper tests for differences in reported life satisfaction between married and cohabiting persons, i.e. the cohabitation gap, and in particular whether selection factors can explain the cohabitation gap. The paper also explores whether age at marriage and at start of cohabitation as well as the duration of relationship type matters for subjective well-being. Based on statistical and regression analysis of the 2008 National Income Dynamics Survey, married and cohabiting persons exhibit some differences in their respective determinants of life satisfaction. While the age at relationship commencement has no relationship with well-being, there is evidence to suggest that married people become more satisfied at a later stage in marriage, while cohabitants are more satisfied initially. A significant cohabitation gap exists (0.251), but after controlling for various selection factors, the cohabitation gap virtually disappears (0.042) and becomes insignificant, which suggests that marriage and cohabitation are very similar in South Africa. Relative income, absolute income, and education explain the largest part of the cohabitation gap. Against the global backdrop of an increasing trend towards cohabitation and declining marriage rates, the overall results of this paper suggest that, since a cohabitation gap no longer exists after controlling for selection factors, South Africans may as well not go the “official route” of entering into marriage, as cohabitation provides similar benefits in terms of its contribution to individual satisfaction with life.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , Booysen, Frikkie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396181 , vital:69156 , xlink:href=" https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-012-9337-3"
- Description: This paper tests for differences in reported life satisfaction between married and cohabiting persons, i.e. the cohabitation gap, and in particular whether selection factors can explain the cohabitation gap. The paper also explores whether age at marriage and at start of cohabitation as well as the duration of relationship type matters for subjective well-being. Based on statistical and regression analysis of the 2008 National Income Dynamics Survey, married and cohabiting persons exhibit some differences in their respective determinants of life satisfaction. While the age at relationship commencement has no relationship with well-being, there is evidence to suggest that married people become more satisfied at a later stage in marriage, while cohabitants are more satisfied initially. A significant cohabitation gap exists (0.251), but after controlling for various selection factors, the cohabitation gap virtually disappears (0.042) and becomes insignificant, which suggests that marriage and cohabitation are very similar in South Africa. Relative income, absolute income, and education explain the largest part of the cohabitation gap. Against the global backdrop of an increasing trend towards cohabitation and declining marriage rates, the overall results of this paper suggest that, since a cohabitation gap no longer exists after controlling for selection factors, South Africans may as well not go the “official route” of entering into marriage, as cohabitation provides similar benefits in terms of its contribution to individual satisfaction with life.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The relationship between marital status and life satisfaction among South African adults
- Botha, Ferdi, Booysen, Frikkie
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , Booysen, Frikkie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396207 , vital:69158 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC138900"
- Description: This article examines the association between marital status and reported life satisfaction in South Africa. Using the 2008 National Income Dynamics Survey, the relationship between marital status and life satisfaction is heterogeneous. In the overall sample, life satisfaction is significantly higher for married compared to widowed individuals, while the former are more satisfied than those from all other marital statuses. In the overall and female samples, married people are more satisfied compared to those from all other marital status groups. Married men are not significantly more satisfied than men from other marital statuses as a whole. Marriage is positively associated with life satisfaction among women, but not among men.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , Booysen, Frikkie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396207 , vital:69158 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC138900"
- Description: This article examines the association between marital status and reported life satisfaction in South Africa. Using the 2008 National Income Dynamics Survey, the relationship between marital status and life satisfaction is heterogeneous. In the overall sample, life satisfaction is significantly higher for married compared to widowed individuals, while the former are more satisfied than those from all other marital statuses. In the overall and female samples, married people are more satisfied compared to those from all other marital status groups. Married men are not significantly more satisfied than men from other marital statuses as a whole. Marriage is positively associated with life satisfaction among women, but not among men.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Does national sporting performance affect stock market returns in South Africa?
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , De Beer, Carl
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396023 , vital:69144 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC135922"
- Description: This study explores whether South African national sporting performance can influence investors in such a way that it has the ability to impact on market returns. Using standard event study methodology, this study determines the constant mean return using the daily All-Share price index on the JSE for the period of 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2010. This study focuses on three of South Africa's most popular sports, namely soccer, cricket and rugby, and examines if these three sports have the ability to influence market returns. Although there is some evidence of a relationship between stock returns and sporting performance in the descriptive analysis, the regression results indicate that sporting performance in South Africa does not significantly explain abnormal market returns on the JSE. The study provides a number of possible reasons for this finding and concludes by suggesting areas for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , De Beer, Carl
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396023 , vital:69144 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC135922"
- Description: This study explores whether South African national sporting performance can influence investors in such a way that it has the ability to impact on market returns. Using standard event study methodology, this study determines the constant mean return using the daily All-Share price index on the JSE for the period of 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2010. This study focuses on three of South Africa's most popular sports, namely soccer, cricket and rugby, and examines if these three sports have the ability to influence market returns. Although there is some evidence of a relationship between stock returns and sporting performance in the descriptive analysis, the regression results indicate that sporting performance in South Africa does not significantly explain abnormal market returns on the JSE. The study provides a number of possible reasons for this finding and concludes by suggesting areas for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Determinants of student satisfaction with campus residence life at a South African University
- Botha, Ferdi, Snowball, Jeanette D, De Klerk, Vivian A, Radloff, Sarah E
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , Snowball, Jeanette D , De Klerk, Vivian A , Radloff, Sarah E
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68543 , vital:29281 , https://econrsa.org/publications/working-papers/determinants-student-satisfaction-campus-residence-life-south-african
- Description: Publisher version , Although there are a number of studies on the determinants of general quality of life among university students, these occur mainly in developed countries and do not focus specifically on campus-based residence life. It has long been accepted that factors outside the classroom (“the other curriculum”) can contribute to academic success, as well as the achievement of other important outcomes such as the appreciation of human diversity. Striving towards equality of residence life satisfaction across different racial and gender groups, for example, is thus important for academic outcomes and for the development of well-functioning citizens. This study is based on the 2011 Quality of Residence Life (QoRL) Survey, conducted at a South African university, comprising roughly 2 000 respondents. Based on descriptive analyses and ordered probit regressions, the study investigates the association between satisfaction with QoRL and (i) residence milieu and characteristics, (ii) direct and indirect discrimination, (iii) perceptions of drug and alcohol issues in residence, (iv) safety, and (v) individual student characteristics. One of the main findings is that there are no significant differences in satisfaction with QoRL across racial and gender groups; a finding that suggests significant progress in university transformation and equity goals. The general atmosphere and characteristics of residences are also important predictors of QoRL satisfaction. , Economic Research Southern Africa (ERSA) is a research programme funded by the National Treasury of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , Snowball, Jeanette D , De Klerk, Vivian A , Radloff, Sarah E
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68543 , vital:29281 , https://econrsa.org/publications/working-papers/determinants-student-satisfaction-campus-residence-life-south-african
- Description: Publisher version , Although there are a number of studies on the determinants of general quality of life among university students, these occur mainly in developed countries and do not focus specifically on campus-based residence life. It has long been accepted that factors outside the classroom (“the other curriculum”) can contribute to academic success, as well as the achievement of other important outcomes such as the appreciation of human diversity. Striving towards equality of residence life satisfaction across different racial and gender groups, for example, is thus important for academic outcomes and for the development of well-functioning citizens. This study is based on the 2011 Quality of Residence Life (QoRL) Survey, conducted at a South African university, comprising roughly 2 000 respondents. Based on descriptive analyses and ordered probit regressions, the study investigates the association between satisfaction with QoRL and (i) residence milieu and characteristics, (ii) direct and indirect discrimination, (iii) perceptions of drug and alcohol issues in residence, (iv) safety, and (v) individual student characteristics. One of the main findings is that there are no significant differences in satisfaction with QoRL across racial and gender groups; a finding that suggests significant progress in university transformation and equity goals. The general atmosphere and characteristics of residences are also important predictors of QoRL satisfaction. , Economic Research Southern Africa (ERSA) is a research programme funded by the National Treasury of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The role of reasonableness in the review of CCMA arbitration awards in South Africa : an English law comparison
- Authors: Botma-Kleu, Carli Helena
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Arbitration and award -- South Africa , Labor courts -- South Africa , Law -- South Africa -- English influences
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , LLD
- Identifier: vital:10291 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020196
- Description: In South Africa, the Labour Courts have experienced an important and continuing controversy regarding the permissible scope of judicial review of arbitration awards of the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (“CCMA”) in terms of section 145 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (“LRA”). Section 145(1) of the LRA specifically provides that arbitration awards, generally considered final and binding, can be reviewed and set aside by the Labour Court on the basis of a defect as defined in section 145(2)(a) and (b). These defects are not prescribed in an open-ended manner but limited to decisions involving allegations of misconduct by the commissioner in relation to his or her duties, a gross irregularity in the conduct of the proceedings and/or allegations that the commissioner exceeded his or her powers or that the award was improperly obtained. Unreasonableness and/or irrationality are not included within the scope of a defect as per section 145(2)(a) and (b). Initially, Carephone (Pty) Ltd v Marcus NO & others 1998 11 BLLR 1093 (LAC) found that the interpretation of section 145 was influenced by rational justifiability in accordance with the right to just administrative action as provided for in section 33, read with item 23(2) of Schedule 6, of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (‘the 1996 Constitution’). Today, leading precedent in the form of Sidumo & another v Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd & others 2007 12 BLLR 1097 (CC) dictates that section 145 of the LRA is suffused by reasonableness in accordance with the right to just administrative action as provided for in section 33 of the 1996 Constitution. The ultimate enquiry is whether the arbitration award is one that a reasonable decision-maker could reach as articulated in Bato Star Fishing (Pty) Ltd v Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and others 2004 4 SA 490 (CC). However, the enquiry into the reasonableness of a decision is indistinct. As a result, the Labour Courts have struggled to apply the concept of reasonableness in a consistent manner. This thesis seeks to identify the proper role of reasonableness in the judicial review process, including identifying factors that would assist in recognising an unreasonable decision. Relevant principles of judicial review in South Africa in the general administrative law context are considered and distinguished from the process of appeal. An assessment of English case law and commentary in the field of both administrative and employment law is conducted. Finally an extensive examination of South African case law and commentary on the subject, both pre- and post Sidumo, is undertaken. The English law approach is found to provide greater clarity to the interpretation of reasonableness in South African labour law in several respects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Botma-Kleu, Carli Helena
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Arbitration and award -- South Africa , Labor courts -- South Africa , Law -- South Africa -- English influences
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , LLD
- Identifier: vital:10291 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020196
- Description: In South Africa, the Labour Courts have experienced an important and continuing controversy regarding the permissible scope of judicial review of arbitration awards of the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (“CCMA”) in terms of section 145 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (“LRA”). Section 145(1) of the LRA specifically provides that arbitration awards, generally considered final and binding, can be reviewed and set aside by the Labour Court on the basis of a defect as defined in section 145(2)(a) and (b). These defects are not prescribed in an open-ended manner but limited to decisions involving allegations of misconduct by the commissioner in relation to his or her duties, a gross irregularity in the conduct of the proceedings and/or allegations that the commissioner exceeded his or her powers or that the award was improperly obtained. Unreasonableness and/or irrationality are not included within the scope of a defect as per section 145(2)(a) and (b). Initially, Carephone (Pty) Ltd v Marcus NO & others 1998 11 BLLR 1093 (LAC) found that the interpretation of section 145 was influenced by rational justifiability in accordance with the right to just administrative action as provided for in section 33, read with item 23(2) of Schedule 6, of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (‘the 1996 Constitution’). Today, leading precedent in the form of Sidumo & another v Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd & others 2007 12 BLLR 1097 (CC) dictates that section 145 of the LRA is suffused by reasonableness in accordance with the right to just administrative action as provided for in section 33 of the 1996 Constitution. The ultimate enquiry is whether the arbitration award is one that a reasonable decision-maker could reach as articulated in Bato Star Fishing (Pty) Ltd v Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and others 2004 4 SA 490 (CC). However, the enquiry into the reasonableness of a decision is indistinct. As a result, the Labour Courts have struggled to apply the concept of reasonableness in a consistent manner. This thesis seeks to identify the proper role of reasonableness in the judicial review process, including identifying factors that would assist in recognising an unreasonable decision. Relevant principles of judicial review in South Africa in the general administrative law context are considered and distinguished from the process of appeal. An assessment of English case law and commentary in the field of both administrative and employment law is conducted. Finally an extensive examination of South African case law and commentary on the subject, both pre- and post Sidumo, is undertaken. The English law approach is found to provide greater clarity to the interpretation of reasonableness in South African labour law in several respects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An information privacy model for primary health care facilities
- Authors: Boucher, Duane Eric
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Data protection , Privacy, Right of , Medical records -- Access control , Primary health care , Medical care , Caregivers , Community health nursing , Confidential communications , Information technology -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11139 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007181 , Data protection , Privacy, Right of , Medical records -- Access control , Primary health care , Medical care , Caregivers , Community health nursing , Confidential communications , Information technology -- Management
- Description: The revolutionary migration within the health care sector towards the digitisation of medical records for convenience or compliance touches on many concerns with respect to ensuring the security of patient personally identifiable information (PII). Foremost of these is that a patient’s right to privacy is not violated. To this end, it is necessary that health care practitioners have a clear understanding of the various constructs of privacy in order to ensure privacy compliance is maintained. This research project focuses on an investigation of privacy from a multidisciplinary philosophical perspective to highlight the constructs of information privacy. These constructs together with a discussion focused on the confidentiality and accessibility of medical records results in the development of an artefact represented in the format of a model. The formulation of the model is accomplished by making use of the Design Science research guidelines for artefact development. Part of the process required that the artefact be refined through the use of an Expert Review Process. This involved an iterative (three phase) process which required (seven) experts from the fields of privacy, information security, and health care to respond to semi-structured questions administered with an interview guide. The data analysis process utilised the ISO/IEC 29100:2011(E) standard on privacy as a means to assign thematic codes to the responses, which were then analysed. The proposed information privacy model was discussed in relation to the compliance requirements of the South African Protection of Personal Information (PoPI) Bill of 2009 and their application in a primary health care facility. The proposed information privacy model provides a holistic view of privacy management that can residually be used to increase awareness associated with the compliance requirements of using patient PII.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Boucher, Duane Eric
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Data protection , Privacy, Right of , Medical records -- Access control , Primary health care , Medical care , Caregivers , Community health nursing , Confidential communications , Information technology -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11139 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007181 , Data protection , Privacy, Right of , Medical records -- Access control , Primary health care , Medical care , Caregivers , Community health nursing , Confidential communications , Information technology -- Management
- Description: The revolutionary migration within the health care sector towards the digitisation of medical records for convenience or compliance touches on many concerns with respect to ensuring the security of patient personally identifiable information (PII). Foremost of these is that a patient’s right to privacy is not violated. To this end, it is necessary that health care practitioners have a clear understanding of the various constructs of privacy in order to ensure privacy compliance is maintained. This research project focuses on an investigation of privacy from a multidisciplinary philosophical perspective to highlight the constructs of information privacy. These constructs together with a discussion focused on the confidentiality and accessibility of medical records results in the development of an artefact represented in the format of a model. The formulation of the model is accomplished by making use of the Design Science research guidelines for artefact development. Part of the process required that the artefact be refined through the use of an Expert Review Process. This involved an iterative (three phase) process which required (seven) experts from the fields of privacy, information security, and health care to respond to semi-structured questions administered with an interview guide. The data analysis process utilised the ISO/IEC 29100:2011(E) standard on privacy as a means to assign thematic codes to the responses, which were then analysed. The proposed information privacy model was discussed in relation to the compliance requirements of the South African Protection of Personal Information (PoPI) Bill of 2009 and their application in a primary health care facility. The proposed information privacy model provides a holistic view of privacy management that can residually be used to increase awareness associated with the compliance requirements of using patient PII.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Barriers to implementation of evidence-based practices in a critical care unit
- Authors: Bowers, Candice Andrea
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Evidence-based medicine , Critical care medicine , Nursing ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10048 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013612
- Description: Over the last three decades there has been a greater need for health care practitioners to base their decision on the best available in order to optimise quality and cost-effective patient care. Evidence-based practice necessitates guideline development, education and review in order to achieve improved patient outcomes. However, initiatives that endeavour to disseminate and implement evidence-based practice have faced barriers and opposition. Barriers that might hamper the implementation of evidence-based practice include characteristics of the evidence itself, personal, institutional or organizational factors. The research study explored and described the barriers to implementation of evidence-based practices in a critical care unit. Based on the data analysis, recommendations were made to enhance the implementation of evidence-based practices in the critical care unit. A quantitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was used to operationalize the research objectives. The target population comprised professional nurses in the critical care unit. Non-probability sampling was used to obtain data by means of a structured self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive data analysis was applied, using a statistical programme and the aid of a statistician. The results are graphically displayed using bar graphs and tables. Recommendations for nursing practice, education and research were made. Ethical principles have been maintained throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Bowers, Candice Andrea
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Evidence-based medicine , Critical care medicine , Nursing ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10048 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013612
- Description: Over the last three decades there has been a greater need for health care practitioners to base their decision on the best available in order to optimise quality and cost-effective patient care. Evidence-based practice necessitates guideline development, education and review in order to achieve improved patient outcomes. However, initiatives that endeavour to disseminate and implement evidence-based practice have faced barriers and opposition. Barriers that might hamper the implementation of evidence-based practice include characteristics of the evidence itself, personal, institutional or organizational factors. The research study explored and described the barriers to implementation of evidence-based practices in a critical care unit. Based on the data analysis, recommendations were made to enhance the implementation of evidence-based practices in the critical care unit. A quantitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was used to operationalize the research objectives. The target population comprised professional nurses in the critical care unit. Non-probability sampling was used to obtain data by means of a structured self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive data analysis was applied, using a statistical programme and the aid of a statistician. The results are graphically displayed using bar graphs and tables. Recommendations for nursing practice, education and research were made. Ethical principles have been maintained throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Nutrient-mediated effects on Cornops aquaticum Brüner (Orthoptera: Acrididae), a potential biological control agent of water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Pontederiaceae)
- Bownes, Angela, Hill, Martin P, Byrne, Marcus J
- Authors: Bownes, Angela , Hill, Martin P , Byrne, Marcus J
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406131 , vital:70241 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2013.07.023"
- Description: Environmental nutrient availability can drive and modify both plant responses to herbivory by phytophagous insects and insect feeding patterns which, in insect-weed systems, may ultimately determine whether biological control succeeds or fails. The impacts of insect biological control agents on the invasive aquatic weed, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) vary with nutrient levels in the environment. It was therefore considered important to evaluate nutrient-specific responses of E. crassipes to a grasshopper herbivore, Cornops aquaticum, prior to its release in South Africa. Both plant productivity and the response of E. crassipes to herbivory by C. aquaticum were nutrient dependent. Increases in plant biomass and leaf and ramet production were correlated with increases in nutrients in the water and plant biomass accumulation was reduced by herbivory at all three nutrient levels tested (high = 67%; medium = 100%; low = 400%). C. aquaticum nymphs fed E. crassipes leaves with the lowest nitrogen levels produced the highest biomass of frass during their development, indicating compensatory consumption. The results suggest that environmental nutrient availability will influence efficacy of C. aquaticum. They also provide further evidence that E. crassipes problems are exacerbated by an over-abundance of nutrients in aquatic environments, and that biological control would be a highly effective management tool if aquatic systems in South Africa were less polluted. Additionally, the results also show how an understanding of the fundamental responses of E. crassipes and its insect biocontrol agents to their environment can assist in determining specific management strategies or interventions according to prevailing site-specific conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Bownes, Angela , Hill, Martin P , Byrne, Marcus J
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406131 , vital:70241 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2013.07.023"
- Description: Environmental nutrient availability can drive and modify both plant responses to herbivory by phytophagous insects and insect feeding patterns which, in insect-weed systems, may ultimately determine whether biological control succeeds or fails. The impacts of insect biological control agents on the invasive aquatic weed, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) vary with nutrient levels in the environment. It was therefore considered important to evaluate nutrient-specific responses of E. crassipes to a grasshopper herbivore, Cornops aquaticum, prior to its release in South Africa. Both plant productivity and the response of E. crassipes to herbivory by C. aquaticum were nutrient dependent. Increases in plant biomass and leaf and ramet production were correlated with increases in nutrients in the water and plant biomass accumulation was reduced by herbivory at all three nutrient levels tested (high = 67%; medium = 100%; low = 400%). C. aquaticum nymphs fed E. crassipes leaves with the lowest nitrogen levels produced the highest biomass of frass during their development, indicating compensatory consumption. The results suggest that environmental nutrient availability will influence efficacy of C. aquaticum. They also provide further evidence that E. crassipes problems are exacerbated by an over-abundance of nutrients in aquatic environments, and that biological control would be a highly effective management tool if aquatic systems in South Africa were less polluted. Additionally, the results also show how an understanding of the fundamental responses of E. crassipes and its insect biocontrol agents to their environment can assist in determining specific management strategies or interventions according to prevailing site-specific conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Case study of the experiences of former street children as learners: implications for teaching and learning
- Authors: Boyana, Nokwenzeka
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Street children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , School children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Learning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16188 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006248 , Street children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , School children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Learning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Description: In this study the main focus is on the experiences of former street children as learners. The main emphasis of this study is the manner in which such experiences influence these children’s learning towards constructing new identities. By examining the experiences of former street children in a school environment, namely a teaching and learning environment, this study will contribute towards the literature by providing focused and relevant information pertaining to the way former street children experience learning. By focusing on these particular learners from the street, the study attempts to explore and build an insightful knowledge in terms of understanding how former street children perceive learning in relation to their present personal and past life on the streets. Through this study the researcher will hopefully be able to determine how former street children feel, experience and relate to teaching and learning within a school context. Data collection for this study included the researcher’s observations and face-to-face unstructured in-depth phenomenological interviews with learners who are formerly from the streets. Among others, the study found that these particular learners have low self- esteem, a low opinion of themselves, and lack of self- confidence. The study also revealed that some of these learners are struggling academically and would appreciate it if academic was parallel with vocational skills so as to equip them for the world of work. It also transpired that learners who have relationships with those who have not been to the streets changed their lives for the better by learning from their peers but those who have relationships with other former street children at this school continue to engage in deviant behaviour, for many schooling has helped them to reclaim their childhood identity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Boyana, Nokwenzeka
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Street children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , School children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Learning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16188 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006248 , Street children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , School children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Learning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Description: In this study the main focus is on the experiences of former street children as learners. The main emphasis of this study is the manner in which such experiences influence these children’s learning towards constructing new identities. By examining the experiences of former street children in a school environment, namely a teaching and learning environment, this study will contribute towards the literature by providing focused and relevant information pertaining to the way former street children experience learning. By focusing on these particular learners from the street, the study attempts to explore and build an insightful knowledge in terms of understanding how former street children perceive learning in relation to their present personal and past life on the streets. Through this study the researcher will hopefully be able to determine how former street children feel, experience and relate to teaching and learning within a school context. Data collection for this study included the researcher’s observations and face-to-face unstructured in-depth phenomenological interviews with learners who are formerly from the streets. Among others, the study found that these particular learners have low self- esteem, a low opinion of themselves, and lack of self- confidence. The study also revealed that some of these learners are struggling academically and would appreciate it if academic was parallel with vocational skills so as to equip them for the world of work. It also transpired that learners who have relationships with those who have not been to the streets changed their lives for the better by learning from their peers but those who have relationships with other former street children at this school continue to engage in deviant behaviour, for many schooling has helped them to reclaim their childhood identity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Perceptions of organisations on how the ward committee impacts on their participation on environmental sustainability in Ward 5 Knysna Municipality
- Authors: Boyce, Marlene
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Knysna , Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Knysna , Local government -- South Africa -- Knysna
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9199 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020393
- Description: This guided research report presents the findings of a study on how conservancies perceive the impact of the ward committee on their participation. The research was conducted with the objective of gaining insight into participation in sustainable development in Ward 5 in Knysna Municipality. The study was qualitative and involved a mix of methods including interviews, a survey and documentary review. The analysis shows that the impact of the ward committee on participation is indirect, in that there is a rigid approach to participation by the municipality which focusses only on participation through the ward committees. A change in paradigm that will extend the participation space and accommodate changing media in communication is recommended. The research results will be shared with all the stakeholders in this particular participation relationship, with the view to enhancing participation in sustainable development issues in the ward.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Boyce, Marlene
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Knysna , Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Knysna , Local government -- South Africa -- Knysna
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9199 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020393
- Description: This guided research report presents the findings of a study on how conservancies perceive the impact of the ward committee on their participation. The research was conducted with the objective of gaining insight into participation in sustainable development in Ward 5 in Knysna Municipality. The study was qualitative and involved a mix of methods including interviews, a survey and documentary review. The analysis shows that the impact of the ward committee on participation is indirect, in that there is a rigid approach to participation by the municipality which focusses only on participation through the ward committees. A change in paradigm that will extend the participation space and accommodate changing media in communication is recommended. The research results will be shared with all the stakeholders in this particular participation relationship, with the view to enhancing participation in sustainable development issues in the ward.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Market triumphalism and the South Afican state: a case study of local government in the Eastern Cape
- Breakfast, Ntsikelelo Benjamin
- Authors: Breakfast, Ntsikelelo Benjamin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- East London -- Case studies , Local government -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Case studies , Development economics -- South Africa -- East London , Development economics -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8267 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014085
- Description: At a glance, this study is a critique of local development policies with specific reference to the Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipalities in the Eastern Cape. The researcher enters the debate by posing a primary research question: Do the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) ventures that constitute anti-poverty strategies succeed in addressing the issues of poverty, and achieving more equitable development at the municipal level in the Eastern Cape? This research proposes a problem statement: The local development policies of PPP and BBBEE that are being applied through Local Economic Development strategies are not in the interests of the majority of people living in the Eastern Cape. At a methodological level this research employs both quantitative and qualitative approaches to answer the central question and to verify the problem statement of this study. This triangulation approach is employed to utilize the strengths of both quantitative and qualitative methods. More specifically, the researcher uses a number of different research instruments to collect the data including four hundred questionnaires, four focus groups and elite interviews in both municipalities. The findings of this study indicate that local development policies in both municipalities do not improve the lives of the people. This line of thinking is indicated by both the empirical study conducted by the researcher and is supported by a number of scholarly materials. This study contributes to the body of knowledge in Political Economy and Development Studies including other disciplines in Social and Economic Sciences. The central argument of this thesis is that both BBBEE and PPPs are inspired by neo-liberalism (BBBEE is not neo-liberal per se though it may be heavily influenced by it) and neo-liberalism in practice is contradictory in nature as it involves the allocation of state resources to politically influential individuals, rather than promoting economic development for the majority. The evidence of this research further shows that the local business and political elites through the BBBEE, PPPs and outsourcing of services are using their strong networks (associated political, social and capital resources) in their efforts for personal accumulation. The researcher in this study examines the local development policies from a particular standpoint which is a political economy approach. The business and political elites according to political economic perspective use state resources to enrich themselves.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Market triumphalism and the South Afican state: a case study of local government in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Breakfast, Ntsikelelo Benjamin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- East London -- Case studies , Local government -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Case studies , Development economics -- South Africa -- East London , Development economics -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8267 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014085
- Description: At a glance, this study is a critique of local development policies with specific reference to the Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipalities in the Eastern Cape. The researcher enters the debate by posing a primary research question: Do the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) ventures that constitute anti-poverty strategies succeed in addressing the issues of poverty, and achieving more equitable development at the municipal level in the Eastern Cape? This research proposes a problem statement: The local development policies of PPP and BBBEE that are being applied through Local Economic Development strategies are not in the interests of the majority of people living in the Eastern Cape. At a methodological level this research employs both quantitative and qualitative approaches to answer the central question and to verify the problem statement of this study. This triangulation approach is employed to utilize the strengths of both quantitative and qualitative methods. More specifically, the researcher uses a number of different research instruments to collect the data including four hundred questionnaires, four focus groups and elite interviews in both municipalities. The findings of this study indicate that local development policies in both municipalities do not improve the lives of the people. This line of thinking is indicated by both the empirical study conducted by the researcher and is supported by a number of scholarly materials. This study contributes to the body of knowledge in Political Economy and Development Studies including other disciplines in Social and Economic Sciences. The central argument of this thesis is that both BBBEE and PPPs are inspired by neo-liberalism (BBBEE is not neo-liberal per se though it may be heavily influenced by it) and neo-liberalism in practice is contradictory in nature as it involves the allocation of state resources to politically influential individuals, rather than promoting economic development for the majority. The evidence of this research further shows that the local business and political elites through the BBBEE, PPPs and outsourcing of services are using their strong networks (associated political, social and capital resources) in their efforts for personal accumulation. The researcher in this study examines the local development policies from a particular standpoint which is a political economy approach. The business and political elites according to political economic perspective use state resources to enrich themselves.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Multiple representations and cognitive load: words, arrows, and colours when solving algebraic problems
- Authors: Brey, Amina
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Algebraic logic , Mathematical analysis , Mathematics -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9580 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020392
- Description: This study investigates the possible effects that access to selected multiple representations (words, arrows and colours) have in terms of cognitive load and learner achievement when presented with algebraic problems at grade nine level. The presentation of multiple representations (the intervention) was intended to decrease extraneous cognitive load, manage the intrinsic cognitive load (algebraic problems) and optimise germane cognition (schema acquisition and automation). An explanatory sequential mixed-method design was employed with six hundred and seventy three learners in four secondary schools. Quantitative data were generated via pre-, intervention and post-tests/questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained from open-ended questions in the pre-, intervention, and post-tests/questionnaires, eight learner focus group interviews (n = 32), and four semi-structured, open-ended teacher interviews. Statistically and practically significant improvement in mean test scores from the pre- to intervention test scores in all schools was noted. No statistically and practically significant improvement was noted in further post-tests except for post-test 2 which employed more challenging problems (statistically significant decrease with a small practical effect). Learners expressed their preference for arrows, followed by colours and then words as effective representations. Teacher generated qualitative data suggests that they realise the importance of using multiple representations as an instructional strategy and implicitly understand the notion of cognitive load. The findings, when considered in the light of literature on cognitive load, suggest that a reduction in extraneous cognitive load by using a more effective instructional design (multiple representations) frees working memory capacity which can then be devoted to the intrinsic cognitive load (algebraic problems) and thereby increase germane cognition (schema acquisition and automation).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Brey, Amina
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Algebraic logic , Mathematical analysis , Mathematics -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9580 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020392
- Description: This study investigates the possible effects that access to selected multiple representations (words, arrows and colours) have in terms of cognitive load and learner achievement when presented with algebraic problems at grade nine level. The presentation of multiple representations (the intervention) was intended to decrease extraneous cognitive load, manage the intrinsic cognitive load (algebraic problems) and optimise germane cognition (schema acquisition and automation). An explanatory sequential mixed-method design was employed with six hundred and seventy three learners in four secondary schools. Quantitative data were generated via pre-, intervention and post-tests/questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained from open-ended questions in the pre-, intervention, and post-tests/questionnaires, eight learner focus group interviews (n = 32), and four semi-structured, open-ended teacher interviews. Statistically and practically significant improvement in mean test scores from the pre- to intervention test scores in all schools was noted. No statistically and practically significant improvement was noted in further post-tests except for post-test 2 which employed more challenging problems (statistically significant decrease with a small practical effect). Learners expressed their preference for arrows, followed by colours and then words as effective representations. Teacher generated qualitative data suggests that they realise the importance of using multiple representations as an instructional strategy and implicitly understand the notion of cognitive load. The findings, when considered in the light of literature on cognitive load, suggest that a reduction in extraneous cognitive load by using a more effective instructional design (multiple representations) frees working memory capacity which can then be devoted to the intrinsic cognitive load (algebraic problems) and thereby increase germane cognition (schema acquisition and automation).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013