Investigation into the technical feasibility of biological treatment of precious metal refining wastewater
- Authors: Moore, Bronwyn Ann
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sewage -- Purification -- Biological treatment -- South Africa Sewage -- Purification -- Activated sludge process -- South Africa Water reuse -- South Africa Flotation -- South Africa Platinum mines and mining -- Waste disposal -- South Africa Platinum mines and mining -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Mine water -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa Platinum mines and mining -- Waste minimization -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3888 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002013
- Description: The hydrometallurgical refining of platinum group metals results in large volumes of liquid waste that requires suitable treatment before any disposal can be contemplated. The wastewater streams are characterized by extremes of pH, high inorganic ion content (such as chloride), significant residual metal loads and small amounts of entrained organic compounds. Historically these effluents were housed in evaporation reservoirs, however lack of space and growing water demands have led Anglo Platinum to consider treatment of these effluents. The aim of this study was to investigate whether biological wastewater treatment could produce water suitable for onsite reuse. Bench-scale activated sludge and anaerobic digestion for co-treatment of an acidic refinery waste stream with domestic wastewater were used to give preliminary data. Activated sludge showed better water treatment at lab scale in terms of removal efficiencies of ammonia (approximately 25%, cf. 20% in anaerobic digestion) and COD (70% cf. 43% in digestion) and greater robustness when biomass health was compared. Activated sludge was consequently selected for a pilot plant trial. The pilot plant was operated on-site and performed comparably with the bench-scale system, however challenges in the clarifier design led to losses of biomass and poor effluent quality (suspended solids washout). The pilot plant was unable to alter the pH of the feed, but a two week maturation period resulted in the pH increasing from 5.3 to 7.0. Tests on algal treatment as an alternative or follow-on unit operation to activated sludge showed it not to be a viable process. The activated sludge effluent was assessed for onsite reuse in flotation and it was found that there was no significant difference between its flotation performance and that of the process water currently used, indicating the effluent generated by the biological treatment system can be used successfully for flotation. Flotation is the method whereby minerals refining operations recover minerals of interest from ore through the addition of chemicals and aeration of the ore slurry. Target minerals adhere to the bubbles and can be removed from the process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Moore, Bronwyn Ann
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sewage -- Purification -- Biological treatment -- South Africa Sewage -- Purification -- Activated sludge process -- South Africa Water reuse -- South Africa Flotation -- South Africa Platinum mines and mining -- Waste disposal -- South Africa Platinum mines and mining -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Mine water -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa Platinum mines and mining -- Waste minimization -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3888 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002013
- Description: The hydrometallurgical refining of platinum group metals results in large volumes of liquid waste that requires suitable treatment before any disposal can be contemplated. The wastewater streams are characterized by extremes of pH, high inorganic ion content (such as chloride), significant residual metal loads and small amounts of entrained organic compounds. Historically these effluents were housed in evaporation reservoirs, however lack of space and growing water demands have led Anglo Platinum to consider treatment of these effluents. The aim of this study was to investigate whether biological wastewater treatment could produce water suitable for onsite reuse. Bench-scale activated sludge and anaerobic digestion for co-treatment of an acidic refinery waste stream with domestic wastewater were used to give preliminary data. Activated sludge showed better water treatment at lab scale in terms of removal efficiencies of ammonia (approximately 25%, cf. 20% in anaerobic digestion) and COD (70% cf. 43% in digestion) and greater robustness when biomass health was compared. Activated sludge was consequently selected for a pilot plant trial. The pilot plant was operated on-site and performed comparably with the bench-scale system, however challenges in the clarifier design led to losses of biomass and poor effluent quality (suspended solids washout). The pilot plant was unable to alter the pH of the feed, but a two week maturation period resulted in the pH increasing from 5.3 to 7.0. Tests on algal treatment as an alternative or follow-on unit operation to activated sludge showed it not to be a viable process. The activated sludge effluent was assessed for onsite reuse in flotation and it was found that there was no significant difference between its flotation performance and that of the process water currently used, indicating the effluent generated by the biological treatment system can be used successfully for flotation. Flotation is the method whereby minerals refining operations recover minerals of interest from ore through the addition of chemicals and aeration of the ore slurry. Target minerals adhere to the bubbles and can be removed from the process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An evaluation of the brand campus concept implemented at Mercedes-Benz South Africa: a case study
- Authors: Samkange, Tichaona
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Mercedes-Benz of South Africa DaimlerChrysler -- South Africa Consumer satisfaction Case studies -- South Africa Product management Case studies -- South Africa Brand name products -- Management Case studies Brand name products -- Valuation Case studies Marketing Case studies -- South Africa Brand choices Case studies -- South Africa Customer preferences Case studies -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:741 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003861
- Description: Primarily, this research study was concerned with the evaluation of the brand campus concept implemented at then DaimlerChrysler South Africa in 2002, as a case study. Pretoria-based Mercedes-Benz South Africa (Pty) Ltd. (MBSA) is a subsidiary of global vehicle manufacturer Germany’s Daimler-Benz AG (DBAG). They are responsible for assembling, distributing and retailing, certain Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi vehicle brands, and spare parts. The landmark 1998 DaimlerChrysler global ‘merger of equals’ was preceded by the 1995 joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi Motor Corporation. Consequently, three brands (Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler and Mitsubishi) were retailed and marketed under DaimlerChrysler South Africa (Pty) Ltd. (DCSA), positioned next to each other in the same showroom. This report identifies key challenges stemming from this approach, namely: brand strength dilution, more than 80 multi-franchised dealers and multi-branded showrooms, service capacity problems, old working environment and infrastructure, and perceived intra-brand competition. The research evidence suggests that these problems prompted then DCSA to launch the 2000 Dealer Network Strategy (DNS). In the grand scheme of things, the DNS intervention entailed partitioning the dealer network into five brand centres in five metro regions, and eighteen market centres in the rural areas. The brand campus concept was borne out of DNS and proved to be a masterstroke since, the primary focus was on streamlining the retail facilities for DCSA vehicle sales, service and spare parts for both the passenger and commercial vehicles. This study highlights key pillars of the brand campus concept, namely: profitability, brand focus, customer orientation and diversity. The challenge was to address seven major drivers of the brand campus concept, namely: after-sales vehicle support, vehicle service capacity, lead-times, spare parts availability, sales information propagation, behavior of sales personnel and the overall vehicle dealership appearance. Semi-structured interviews constituted part of the evaluation based on the perspectives of five customers, three dealer principals and two MBSA marketing executives. The research evidence, which also came from MBSA documentation and direct observation, shows that this innovative concept has been remarkably successful.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Samkange, Tichaona
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Mercedes-Benz of South Africa DaimlerChrysler -- South Africa Consumer satisfaction Case studies -- South Africa Product management Case studies -- South Africa Brand name products -- Management Case studies Brand name products -- Valuation Case studies Marketing Case studies -- South Africa Brand choices Case studies -- South Africa Customer preferences Case studies -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:741 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003861
- Description: Primarily, this research study was concerned with the evaluation of the brand campus concept implemented at then DaimlerChrysler South Africa in 2002, as a case study. Pretoria-based Mercedes-Benz South Africa (Pty) Ltd. (MBSA) is a subsidiary of global vehicle manufacturer Germany’s Daimler-Benz AG (DBAG). They are responsible for assembling, distributing and retailing, certain Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi vehicle brands, and spare parts. The landmark 1998 DaimlerChrysler global ‘merger of equals’ was preceded by the 1995 joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi Motor Corporation. Consequently, three brands (Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler and Mitsubishi) were retailed and marketed under DaimlerChrysler South Africa (Pty) Ltd. (DCSA), positioned next to each other in the same showroom. This report identifies key challenges stemming from this approach, namely: brand strength dilution, more than 80 multi-franchised dealers and multi-branded showrooms, service capacity problems, old working environment and infrastructure, and perceived intra-brand competition. The research evidence suggests that these problems prompted then DCSA to launch the 2000 Dealer Network Strategy (DNS). In the grand scheme of things, the DNS intervention entailed partitioning the dealer network into five brand centres in five metro regions, and eighteen market centres in the rural areas. The brand campus concept was borne out of DNS and proved to be a masterstroke since, the primary focus was on streamlining the retail facilities for DCSA vehicle sales, service and spare parts for both the passenger and commercial vehicles. This study highlights key pillars of the brand campus concept, namely: profitability, brand focus, customer orientation and diversity. The challenge was to address seven major drivers of the brand campus concept, namely: after-sales vehicle support, vehicle service capacity, lead-times, spare parts availability, sales information propagation, behavior of sales personnel and the overall vehicle dealership appearance. Semi-structured interviews constituted part of the evaluation based on the perspectives of five customers, three dealer principals and two MBSA marketing executives. The research evidence, which also came from MBSA documentation and direct observation, shows that this innovative concept has been remarkably successful.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Colour vision of the citrus psylla Trioza erytreae (Del Guercio) (Homoptera: Psyllidae) in relation to alightment colour preferences
- Authors: Urban, Alan Joseph
- Date: 1977
- Subjects: Trioza , Homoptera , Jumping plant-lice , Color vision
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5885 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013286
- Description: The colour vision of adult citrus psylla, Trioza erytreae, was investigated in the laboratory using the behavioural parameters: alightment and walking. Light green flushing leaves (under which the nymphs develop) were significantly preferred, visually, to dark green mature leaves for alightment. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed (when expressed in the parameters of human colour vision) that flush has a very slightly longer dominant wavelength, and roughly double the reflectance and purity. Alightrnent frequency correlated almost equally well with "purity" (as noted by Moericke, 1952 et seq., in "yellow-sensitive" aphids) as with the aphidological colour parameter "long/short ratio" developed by Kennedy et al. (1961). Elucidation of the mechanism underlying the citrus psylla's alightment colour preference was initially attempted with a printed spectrum and several paint series of measured spectral characteristics. It was clear that T.erytreae belongs to the "yellow-sensitive" group of Homoptera, but it was impossible to distinguish which pararneter(s) of colour the psyllids were responding to. Phototactic (walking) response to the individual parameters of colour was therefore measured using a monochromator. The phototactic action spectrum (against wavelength) was tri-modal, with peaks in the yellow-green (YG), blue (B), and ultra= violet (UV). Rate of phototaxis was not influenced by bandwidth (roughly equivalent to purity), but was proportional to intensity (roughly equivalent to reflectance). To investigate the influence of the above three wavelength regions on alightment, use was made of a very simple flight chamber incorporating a target of coloured light. Yellow-green and UV light both independently stimulated alightment . Their effect was additive. Different thresholds indicated distinct YG and UV receptor systems. Blue light alone did not stimulate alightment, and was strongly alightment-inhibitory in combination both with YG and with UV light. On the basis of the above physiological/behavioural findings, a new alightment formula was drawn up for describing the hamopteran's apparent manner of alightment determining integration of surface reflectance. The flush preference and alightment distributions on the series of artificial surfaces were found to correlate slightly more accurately, on average, as well as more consistently, with the new formula than with previously-available colour parameters. These findings are placed in perspective to the literature, and their possible economic relevance is discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1977
- Authors: Urban, Alan Joseph
- Date: 1977
- Subjects: Trioza , Homoptera , Jumping plant-lice , Color vision
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5885 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013286
- Description: The colour vision of adult citrus psylla, Trioza erytreae, was investigated in the laboratory using the behavioural parameters: alightment and walking. Light green flushing leaves (under which the nymphs develop) were significantly preferred, visually, to dark green mature leaves for alightment. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed (when expressed in the parameters of human colour vision) that flush has a very slightly longer dominant wavelength, and roughly double the reflectance and purity. Alightrnent frequency correlated almost equally well with "purity" (as noted by Moericke, 1952 et seq., in "yellow-sensitive" aphids) as with the aphidological colour parameter "long/short ratio" developed by Kennedy et al. (1961). Elucidation of the mechanism underlying the citrus psylla's alightment colour preference was initially attempted with a printed spectrum and several paint series of measured spectral characteristics. It was clear that T.erytreae belongs to the "yellow-sensitive" group of Homoptera, but it was impossible to distinguish which pararneter(s) of colour the psyllids were responding to. Phototactic (walking) response to the individual parameters of colour was therefore measured using a monochromator. The phototactic action spectrum (against wavelength) was tri-modal, with peaks in the yellow-green (YG), blue (B), and ultra= violet (UV). Rate of phototaxis was not influenced by bandwidth (roughly equivalent to purity), but was proportional to intensity (roughly equivalent to reflectance). To investigate the influence of the above three wavelength regions on alightment, use was made of a very simple flight chamber incorporating a target of coloured light. Yellow-green and UV light both independently stimulated alightment . Their effect was additive. Different thresholds indicated distinct YG and UV receptor systems. Blue light alone did not stimulate alightment, and was strongly alightment-inhibitory in combination both with YG and with UV light. On the basis of the above physiological/behavioural findings, a new alightment formula was drawn up for describing the hamopteran's apparent manner of alightment determining integration of surface reflectance. The flush preference and alightment distributions on the series of artificial surfaces were found to correlate slightly more accurately, on average, as well as more consistently, with the new formula than with previously-available colour parameters. These findings are placed in perspective to the literature, and their possible economic relevance is discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1977
The development of sustainability criteria to facilitate the selection of sanitation technologies within the Buffalo City Municipality (Eastern Cape Province, South Africa)
- Authors: Hoossein, Shafick
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Sanitation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Water -- Purification -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Sewage disposal -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Water quality -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Environmental health -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Environmental management -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:32275 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004595
- Description: Two and a half billion people mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia remain without improved sanitation facilities despite the Millennium Development Goal 7's target to halve this number by 2015. While it might be tempting for developing countries such as South Africa to implement the cheapest and most rapidly constructed sanitation services simply to meet the desired target, this could have significant negative implications on human health and the environment over the long-term. As a result, there is a need to ensure that the most appropriate sustainable sanitation technologies are selected during the planning stage. The purpose of this research was therefore to document the development and pilot application of a flexible context-specific decision-support tool for sustainable sanitation technology selection within Buffalo City Municipality (BCM) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The first step in the development process was to ascertain the current status of sanitation within the municipality, with a specific focus on the main challenges related to the provision, maintenance and performance of these technologies. Thereafter, a participatory approach was employed involving BCM stakeholders to develop a series of sustainability criteria and indicators that took into consideration economic, social, environmental and technical concerns as well as legal requirements. The development process resulted in a list of 38 BCM sustainable sanitation selection criteria that were applied in a pilot study involving rural, urban and peri-urban communities within BCM. Certain criteria related to topographical features and the availability of piped water and land were considered useful for 'coarse screening' while others were applied during 'fine screening'. In order to enhance the context specificity of criteria, each was weighted, through consultation with key BCM stakeholders. This research confirmed that the sanitation situation in BCM was poor and preliminary evidence indicated that sanitation systems were negatively impacting on the quality of water resources within BCM justifying the need for a sustainable sanitation decision support tool. Based on the pilot application of the BCM Sustainability Selection Criteria List, the urine diversion technology was considered the most sustainable technology option in each study site. There were however, certain social criteria that received relatively low sustainability scores and these would need to be addressed prior to the approval of this technology for implementation. The approach adopted in this thesis was considered highly context-specific yet flexible and appropriate for adoption not only by BCM but other municipalities on a range of spatial scales.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Hoossein, Shafick
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Sanitation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Water -- Purification -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Sewage disposal -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Water quality -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Environmental health -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Environmental management -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:32275 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004595
- Description: Two and a half billion people mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia remain without improved sanitation facilities despite the Millennium Development Goal 7's target to halve this number by 2015. While it might be tempting for developing countries such as South Africa to implement the cheapest and most rapidly constructed sanitation services simply to meet the desired target, this could have significant negative implications on human health and the environment over the long-term. As a result, there is a need to ensure that the most appropriate sustainable sanitation technologies are selected during the planning stage. The purpose of this research was therefore to document the development and pilot application of a flexible context-specific decision-support tool for sustainable sanitation technology selection within Buffalo City Municipality (BCM) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The first step in the development process was to ascertain the current status of sanitation within the municipality, with a specific focus on the main challenges related to the provision, maintenance and performance of these technologies. Thereafter, a participatory approach was employed involving BCM stakeholders to develop a series of sustainability criteria and indicators that took into consideration economic, social, environmental and technical concerns as well as legal requirements. The development process resulted in a list of 38 BCM sustainable sanitation selection criteria that were applied in a pilot study involving rural, urban and peri-urban communities within BCM. Certain criteria related to topographical features and the availability of piped water and land were considered useful for 'coarse screening' while others were applied during 'fine screening'. In order to enhance the context specificity of criteria, each was weighted, through consultation with key BCM stakeholders. This research confirmed that the sanitation situation in BCM was poor and preliminary evidence indicated that sanitation systems were negatively impacting on the quality of water resources within BCM justifying the need for a sustainable sanitation decision support tool. Based on the pilot application of the BCM Sustainability Selection Criteria List, the urine diversion technology was considered the most sustainable technology option in each study site. There were however, certain social criteria that received relatively low sustainability scores and these would need to be addressed prior to the approval of this technology for implementation. The approach adopted in this thesis was considered highly context-specific yet flexible and appropriate for adoption not only by BCM but other municipalities on a range of spatial scales.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Identification of differentially expressed proteins involved in wheat (Triticum aestivum) resistance against Russian Wheat Aphid (Diuraphis noxia) SA2 using SWATH-MS analysis
- Authors: Ntlokwana, Sitha Emmanuel
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18872 , vital:42888
- Description: Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is the second most-consumed cereal crop in the world, second only to maize. In South Africa it is mainly produced in three provinces; the Free State, Western Cape, and the Northen Cape. The average total land area used for wheat cultivation in these three Provinces, is 533 000 hectares, with a resultant annual production of between 1.3 to 2 million tons. The total wheat requirement in South Africa is currently 2.7 million tons according to the production of wheat guidelines published by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, which is higher than the total annual production. One of the primary reasons that contribute to the lower production levels is insect and pest infestation, in particular, the Russian wheat aphid (Diurophis noxis), which can result in crop loss of up to sixty percent. Russian wheat aphids (RWA) are invasive insects that feed on the phloem of the plant through their specialised thin stylet-like mouthparts and release toxic agents contained in their saliva during feeding, which disrupt cellular functions inside the host plant. This damage leads to symptoms like; chlorosis, necrosis, wilting, stunting and curling of leaves, also known as leaf rolling. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed proteins in resistant and susceptible wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars during Russian wheat aphid Biotype South African 2 (RWA-SA2) infestation, in order to identify proteins involved in the wheat resistant mechanism against RWA-SA2. Two wheat cultivars SST398 (resistant to RWA-SA2) and SST356 (susceptible to RWA-SA2) were used, and a total number of 126 plants were planted and divided according to four different harvest times (Control day 0; day 5; day 7 and day 12). The wheat plants were infested with approximately 10 aphids per plant at the three-leaf stage, and placed within an insect cage inside a growth chamber (Conviron, Winnipeg, Canada) set at 24ºC, light intensity of 352 µmol.m-2.sec-1, ambient CO2 levels (410 ppm) and humidity of 60% with a 16h/8h day/night cycle. Wheat leaves were harvested at various time frames, and total protein extraction was performed. The protein samples were reduced with 10 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) and alkylated with 30 mM iodoacetamide (IAA). Sample clean-up and on-bead trypsin digest were performed on megReSyn Hilic columns, over four hours. The resultant peptides were vacuum dried and resuspended in 2% acetonitrile (ACN) before submitting them to LC-MS/MS (SWATH) for analysis. A total number of 611 proteins were differentially expressed, of which 19 were identified to be involved in the resistance response of wheat, and an additional 20 involved in biotic stress responses. This study showed that reactive oxidative species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals (OH-) play a significant role in the early stages of wheat resistance against RWA-SA2 infestation. They are involved in cell wall strengthening, activation of defence genes, involvement of phytohormone signals such as salicylic and jasmonic acid, which also mediates the systemic defences such as, systemic acquired resistance (SAR), leading to the expression of pathogen-related proteins such as (thaumatin-like proteins, oxalate oxidase, defensin, chitinase, and thionins). Although up-regulation of photosynthesis proteins such as (chlorophyll a/b binding protein, photosystem I and II, rubisco and divinyl chlorophyllide a, and 8 vinyl-reductase) were seen on both infested cultivars (susceptible and resistance), higher numbers of these classes of proteins were identified in the resistance cultivar, suggesting that they also play a critical role in resistance. In conclusion, the SWATH analysis used in this study was able to identify numerous proteins involved in the wheat resistance mechanism against RWA-SA2, most of which have not yet been reported to be involved in either biotic stress or RWA-SA2 resistance responses. Future studies are required to biochemically confirm the involvement of these enzymes and proteins the specific metabolic pathways where they are found, in the wheat resistance mechanism against Russian wheat aphid Biotype 2
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ntlokwana, Sitha Emmanuel
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18872 , vital:42888
- Description: Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is the second most-consumed cereal crop in the world, second only to maize. In South Africa it is mainly produced in three provinces; the Free State, Western Cape, and the Northen Cape. The average total land area used for wheat cultivation in these three Provinces, is 533 000 hectares, with a resultant annual production of between 1.3 to 2 million tons. The total wheat requirement in South Africa is currently 2.7 million tons according to the production of wheat guidelines published by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, which is higher than the total annual production. One of the primary reasons that contribute to the lower production levels is insect and pest infestation, in particular, the Russian wheat aphid (Diurophis noxis), which can result in crop loss of up to sixty percent. Russian wheat aphids (RWA) are invasive insects that feed on the phloem of the plant through their specialised thin stylet-like mouthparts and release toxic agents contained in their saliva during feeding, which disrupt cellular functions inside the host plant. This damage leads to symptoms like; chlorosis, necrosis, wilting, stunting and curling of leaves, also known as leaf rolling. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed proteins in resistant and susceptible wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars during Russian wheat aphid Biotype South African 2 (RWA-SA2) infestation, in order to identify proteins involved in the wheat resistant mechanism against RWA-SA2. Two wheat cultivars SST398 (resistant to RWA-SA2) and SST356 (susceptible to RWA-SA2) were used, and a total number of 126 plants were planted and divided according to four different harvest times (Control day 0; day 5; day 7 and day 12). The wheat plants were infested with approximately 10 aphids per plant at the three-leaf stage, and placed within an insect cage inside a growth chamber (Conviron, Winnipeg, Canada) set at 24ºC, light intensity of 352 µmol.m-2.sec-1, ambient CO2 levels (410 ppm) and humidity of 60% with a 16h/8h day/night cycle. Wheat leaves were harvested at various time frames, and total protein extraction was performed. The protein samples were reduced with 10 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) and alkylated with 30 mM iodoacetamide (IAA). Sample clean-up and on-bead trypsin digest were performed on megReSyn Hilic columns, over four hours. The resultant peptides were vacuum dried and resuspended in 2% acetonitrile (ACN) before submitting them to LC-MS/MS (SWATH) for analysis. A total number of 611 proteins were differentially expressed, of which 19 were identified to be involved in the resistance response of wheat, and an additional 20 involved in biotic stress responses. This study showed that reactive oxidative species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals (OH-) play a significant role in the early stages of wheat resistance against RWA-SA2 infestation. They are involved in cell wall strengthening, activation of defence genes, involvement of phytohormone signals such as salicylic and jasmonic acid, which also mediates the systemic defences such as, systemic acquired resistance (SAR), leading to the expression of pathogen-related proteins such as (thaumatin-like proteins, oxalate oxidase, defensin, chitinase, and thionins). Although up-regulation of photosynthesis proteins such as (chlorophyll a/b binding protein, photosystem I and II, rubisco and divinyl chlorophyllide a, and 8 vinyl-reductase) were seen on both infested cultivars (susceptible and resistance), higher numbers of these classes of proteins were identified in the resistance cultivar, suggesting that they also play a critical role in resistance. In conclusion, the SWATH analysis used in this study was able to identify numerous proteins involved in the wheat resistance mechanism against RWA-SA2, most of which have not yet been reported to be involved in either biotic stress or RWA-SA2 resistance responses. Future studies are required to biochemically confirm the involvement of these enzymes and proteins the specific metabolic pathways where they are found, in the wheat resistance mechanism against Russian wheat aphid Biotype 2
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
An evaluation of performance management and development system: South African social security agency, Eastern Cape regional office
- Authors: Ndamase, Nkuthalo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41763 , vital:36579
- Description: The main aim and objective of the study was to conduct an evaluation of Performance Management and Development System with reference to South African Social Security Agency Eastern Cape Regional Office. In order to achieve the objective, the study applied stratified random sampling to draw a sample of 44 participants and 4 key informants representing the four PMDS Moderation Branch Committees. The study utilized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews as data collection instruments. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics in terms of frequencies and percentages of occurrences. Data was also analyzed using thematic content analysis and a number of themes were identified. The main findings of the study, were that there was alignment of individual key performance areas to their unit’s Operational Plan and ultimately to goals and objectives of the Agency. There was lack of performance feedback sessions between supervisor and supervisee, which resulted in training of employees not being conducted. PMDS Moderation Committee members were not equipped in terms of how to assess employee performance. The main recommendation of the study is for the Human Capital Development unit as custodians of the implementation of PMDS, to conduct regular workshops on the application of the PMDS Policy for the employees as well as training of the PMDS Moderation Committee members. This would be done in an effort to ensure that the implementation of PMDS leads to the achievement of the goals and objectives of the Agency. The implementation of the PMDS Policy at SASSA Eastern Cape Regional Office has the potential to contribute to improved service delivery and by implication, the improvement of the quality of life of the millions of the recipients of social grant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ndamase, Nkuthalo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41763 , vital:36579
- Description: The main aim and objective of the study was to conduct an evaluation of Performance Management and Development System with reference to South African Social Security Agency Eastern Cape Regional Office. In order to achieve the objective, the study applied stratified random sampling to draw a sample of 44 participants and 4 key informants representing the four PMDS Moderation Branch Committees. The study utilized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews as data collection instruments. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics in terms of frequencies and percentages of occurrences. Data was also analyzed using thematic content analysis and a number of themes were identified. The main findings of the study, were that there was alignment of individual key performance areas to their unit’s Operational Plan and ultimately to goals and objectives of the Agency. There was lack of performance feedback sessions between supervisor and supervisee, which resulted in training of employees not being conducted. PMDS Moderation Committee members were not equipped in terms of how to assess employee performance. The main recommendation of the study is for the Human Capital Development unit as custodians of the implementation of PMDS, to conduct regular workshops on the application of the PMDS Policy for the employees as well as training of the PMDS Moderation Committee members. This would be done in an effort to ensure that the implementation of PMDS leads to the achievement of the goals and objectives of the Agency. The implementation of the PMDS Policy at SASSA Eastern Cape Regional Office has the potential to contribute to improved service delivery and by implication, the improvement of the quality of life of the millions of the recipients of social grant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Development of high capacity lithium-manganese-rich cathode materials xLi2MnO3•(1-x)LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2 for lithium ion batteries
- Authors: Rapulenyane, Nomasonto
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Lithium ion batteries , Electrochemistry Lithium cells
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34766 , vital:33442
- Description: In this study, a facile synthesis method was developed to produce layered-layered cathode materials with the formula xLi2MnO3•(1-x)LiMO2 (M= Ni and Mn) referred to as lithium-manganese-rich materials for lithium ion batteries. The prepared materials displayed high capacity ≥200 mAh/g at a current density of 20 mA/g in the voltage range of 2.0 V to 4.8 V. In particular the cathode material prepared at pH 10.0 delivered a high initial discharge capacity of 266 mAh/g at 20 mA/g current density and maintained a discharge capacity ≥220 mAh/g at 50 mA/g after 50 cycles. The synthesis method was used to further investigate the effect of lithium ratio in the layered-layered material. Li1+xMn0.6Ni0.2O2, x= 0.2, 0.25, 0.3 and 0.4 cathode materials were produced respectively. The BET surface area analysis results showed that Li1.3Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 material had comparatively higher surface area to the other cathode materials and also delivered good electrochemical results. XPS showed that the cation distribution is affected by the increase in lithium ratio, the Mn4+ percentages decreased significantly with an increase in lithium ratio. All materials peaks deconvoluted into two peaks namely Mn4+ and Mn3+, Li1.3Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 had the highest percentages of the stable Mn4+ 70.8%. Further investigation focused on the effect of the sintering temperature on the structure and the electrochemical performance of Li1+xMn0.6Ni0.2O2, x= 0.25, 0.3 and 0.4 cathode materials. X-ray diffraction showed the same patterns for all cathode materials sintered at 700˚C, 800˚C and 900˚C. Rietveld refined results however, showed that the increase in the sintering temperature, results in a decrease in the Li2MnO3 component percentage in the layered structures. Scanning electron microscopy images further proved that the particle size increases with increasing temperature. The charge–discharge tests of coin cells demonstrated that the materials sintered at 800˚C delivered higher discharge capacities above 200 mAh/g at 20 mA/g current density when compared to the materials made at the lower temperatures. Lastly the cathode material prepared at pH 10.0 was further evaluated in a cell using lithium titanate oxide Li4Ti5O12 as anode material. The cells delivered an initial discharge capacity of 213 mAh/g at 20 mA/g within a voltage range 3.3V-0.5V. The coin cells developed in this work delivered good cycling performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Rapulenyane, Nomasonto
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Lithium ion batteries , Electrochemistry Lithium cells
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34766 , vital:33442
- Description: In this study, a facile synthesis method was developed to produce layered-layered cathode materials with the formula xLi2MnO3•(1-x)LiMO2 (M= Ni and Mn) referred to as lithium-manganese-rich materials for lithium ion batteries. The prepared materials displayed high capacity ≥200 mAh/g at a current density of 20 mA/g in the voltage range of 2.0 V to 4.8 V. In particular the cathode material prepared at pH 10.0 delivered a high initial discharge capacity of 266 mAh/g at 20 mA/g current density and maintained a discharge capacity ≥220 mAh/g at 50 mA/g after 50 cycles. The synthesis method was used to further investigate the effect of lithium ratio in the layered-layered material. Li1+xMn0.6Ni0.2O2, x= 0.2, 0.25, 0.3 and 0.4 cathode materials were produced respectively. The BET surface area analysis results showed that Li1.3Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 material had comparatively higher surface area to the other cathode materials and also delivered good electrochemical results. XPS showed that the cation distribution is affected by the increase in lithium ratio, the Mn4+ percentages decreased significantly with an increase in lithium ratio. All materials peaks deconvoluted into two peaks namely Mn4+ and Mn3+, Li1.3Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 had the highest percentages of the stable Mn4+ 70.8%. Further investigation focused on the effect of the sintering temperature on the structure and the electrochemical performance of Li1+xMn0.6Ni0.2O2, x= 0.25, 0.3 and 0.4 cathode materials. X-ray diffraction showed the same patterns for all cathode materials sintered at 700˚C, 800˚C and 900˚C. Rietveld refined results however, showed that the increase in the sintering temperature, results in a decrease in the Li2MnO3 component percentage in the layered structures. Scanning electron microscopy images further proved that the particle size increases with increasing temperature. The charge–discharge tests of coin cells demonstrated that the materials sintered at 800˚C delivered higher discharge capacities above 200 mAh/g at 20 mA/g current density when compared to the materials made at the lower temperatures. Lastly the cathode material prepared at pH 10.0 was further evaluated in a cell using lithium titanate oxide Li4Ti5O12 as anode material. The cells delivered an initial discharge capacity of 213 mAh/g at 20 mA/g within a voltage range 3.3V-0.5V. The coin cells developed in this work delivered good cycling performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
'Technic' practices of the computer game Lanner: identity development through the LAN-gameplay experience
- Khunyeli, Ramotsamai Itumeleng
- Authors: Khunyeli, Ramotsamai Itumeleng
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Computer games -- Social aspects , Computer games -- Psychological aspects , Computer games -- Sex differences , Information technology -- Social aspects , Social interaction -- Computer network resources , Local area networks (Computer networks) -- Social aspects , Race discrimination -- Education (Higher) -- Computer network resources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3534 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013405
- Description: This thesis is a reception analysis using qualitative interviews to investigate the formation of cultural groups around computer-game LANs present in Rhodes University. It also looks at how issues of social inequalities evident on the university's campus impact on the participation of students in these LANs. The findings of this study are that the participants have established a community around the practice of computer LAN-gameplay based on values developed through the combination of the material and gameworlds. It serves as a home-on-campus for them; where they can fully explore their passion for games thus reaffirming their identity as gamers on a campus where being a gamer is viewed negatively. In this light, computer-game playing is not just a practice these participants perform, but a culture they live out every day. This is a culture predominantly lived out by men. One of the reasons for this is because most women have been raised to believe to have negative predispositions about digital gaming e.g. that it is childish, addictive and anti-social, but also that computer are meant to be used by men - women use them only when it is absolutely necessary, for example, that it is childish, for academic-related purposes. As a result, not many of them will use computers for any otherreason for fear of being socially criticised. In addition, the gaming culture being dominated by whites is due to the fact that admittance in to this community is still unaffordable for the majority of black students on the Rhodes University campus as a result of their social backgrounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Khunyeli, Ramotsamai Itumeleng
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Computer games -- Social aspects , Computer games -- Psychological aspects , Computer games -- Sex differences , Information technology -- Social aspects , Social interaction -- Computer network resources , Local area networks (Computer networks) -- Social aspects , Race discrimination -- Education (Higher) -- Computer network resources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3534 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013405
- Description: This thesis is a reception analysis using qualitative interviews to investigate the formation of cultural groups around computer-game LANs present in Rhodes University. It also looks at how issues of social inequalities evident on the university's campus impact on the participation of students in these LANs. The findings of this study are that the participants have established a community around the practice of computer LAN-gameplay based on values developed through the combination of the material and gameworlds. It serves as a home-on-campus for them; where they can fully explore their passion for games thus reaffirming their identity as gamers on a campus where being a gamer is viewed negatively. In this light, computer-game playing is not just a practice these participants perform, but a culture they live out every day. This is a culture predominantly lived out by men. One of the reasons for this is because most women have been raised to believe to have negative predispositions about digital gaming e.g. that it is childish, addictive and anti-social, but also that computer are meant to be used by men - women use them only when it is absolutely necessary, for example, that it is childish, for academic-related purposes. As a result, not many of them will use computers for any otherreason for fear of being socially criticised. In addition, the gaming culture being dominated by whites is due to the fact that admittance in to this community is still unaffordable for the majority of black students on the Rhodes University campus as a result of their social backgrounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Psychological capital as a moderator on the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions amongst selected bank employees in the Amathole district, Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Nyahwema, Cloudious
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employee competitive behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Human capital -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13556 , vital:39679
- Description: Globalisation has facilitated high mobility among 21st century employees allowing brain circulation to occur. However, high employee mobility also means organisations are losing employees to competitors some of which are global business moguls with better resources leaving emerging businesses at a disadvantage. Lately, the South African banking sector has also been affected with high employee turnover requiring the need for investigation. For these reasons, the main objective of the study was to investigate whether psychological capital significantly moderates the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions among selected bank employees in Amathole district, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study also examined if there is a positive and significant relationship between psychological capital and work-life balance among selected bank employees. In addition, the study sought to examine if there is a positive and significant relationship between psychological capital and turnover intention among selected bank employees. The study followed a quantitative research approach. Therefore, survey questionnaires were used as means of data collection and data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Research results indicated that psychological capital significantly moderates the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions among selected bank employees. A significantly positive relationship between psychological capital (PsyCap) and work-life balance among selected bank employees was found. The results also revealed that there is no significant relationship between psychological capital and turnover intentions among selected bank employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nyahwema, Cloudious
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employee competitive behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Human capital -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13556 , vital:39679
- Description: Globalisation has facilitated high mobility among 21st century employees allowing brain circulation to occur. However, high employee mobility also means organisations are losing employees to competitors some of which are global business moguls with better resources leaving emerging businesses at a disadvantage. Lately, the South African banking sector has also been affected with high employee turnover requiring the need for investigation. For these reasons, the main objective of the study was to investigate whether psychological capital significantly moderates the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions among selected bank employees in Amathole district, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study also examined if there is a positive and significant relationship between psychological capital and work-life balance among selected bank employees. In addition, the study sought to examine if there is a positive and significant relationship between psychological capital and turnover intention among selected bank employees. The study followed a quantitative research approach. Therefore, survey questionnaires were used as means of data collection and data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Research results indicated that psychological capital significantly moderates the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions among selected bank employees. A significantly positive relationship between psychological capital (PsyCap) and work-life balance among selected bank employees was found. The results also revealed that there is no significant relationship between psychological capital and turnover intentions among selected bank employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A cyclic approach to business continuity planning
- Authors: Botha, Jacques
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Data recovery (Computer science) -- Planning , Data protection , Emergency management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Information Technology)
- Identifier: vital:10788 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/81 , Data recovery (Computer science) -- Planning , Data protection , Emergency management
- Description: The Information Technology (IT) industry has grown and has become an integral part in the world of business today. The importance of information, and IT in particular, will in fact only increase with time (von Solms, 1999). For a large group of organizations computer systems form the basis of their day-to-day functioning (Halliday, Badendorst & von Solms, 1996). These systems evolve at an incredible pace and this brings about a greater need for securing them, as well as the organizational information processed, transmitted and stored. This technological evolution brings about new risks for an organization’s systems and information (Halliday et. al., 1996). If IT fails, it means that the business could fail as well, creating a need for more rigorous IT management (International Business Machines Corporation, 2000). For this reason, executive management must be made aware of the potential consequences that a disaster could have on the organisation (Hawkins,Yen & Chou, 2000). A disaster could be any event that would cause a disruption in the normal day-to-day functioning of an organization. Such an event could range from a natural disaster, like a fire, an earthquake or a flood, to something more trivial, like a virus or system malfunction (Hawkins et. al., 2000). During the 1980’s a discipline known as Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP) emerged to protect an organization’s data centre, which was central to the organisation’s IT based structure, from the effects of disasters. This solution, however, focussed only on the protection of the data centre. During the early 1990’s the focus shifted towards distributed computing and client/server technology. Data centre protection and recovery were no longer enough to ensure survival. Organizations needed to ensure the continuation of their mission critical processes to support their continued goal of operations (IBM Global Services, 1999). Organizations now had to ensure that their mission critical functions could continue while the data centre was recovering from a disaster. A different approach was required. It is for this reason that Business Continuity Planning (BCP) was accepted as a formal discipline (IBM Global Services, 1999). To ensure that business continues as usual, an organization must have a plan in place that will help them ensure both the continuation and recovery of critical business processes and the recovery of the data centre, should a disaster strike (Moore, 1995). Wilson (2000) defines a business continuity plan as “a set of procedures developed for the entire enterprise, outlining the actions to be taken by the IT organization, executive staff, and the various business units in order to quickly resume operations in the event of a service interruption or an outage”. With markets being highly competitive as they are, an organization needs a detailed listing of steps to follow to ensure minimal loss due to downtime. This is very important for maintaining its competitive advantage and public stature (Wilson, 2000). The fact that the company’s reputation is at stake requires executive management to take continuity planning very serious (IBM Global Services, 1999). Ensuring continuity of business processes and recovering the IT services of an organization is not the sole responsibility of the IT department. Therefore management should be aware that they could be held liable for any consequences resulting from a disaster (Kearvell-White, 1996). Having a business continuity plan in place is important to the entire organization, as everyone, from executive management to the employees, stands to benefit from it (IBM Global Services, 1999). Despite this, numerous organizations do not have a business continuity plan in place. Organizations neglecting to develop a plan put themselves at tremendous risk and stand to loose everything (Kearvell-White, 1996).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Botha, Jacques
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Data recovery (Computer science) -- Planning , Data protection , Emergency management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Information Technology)
- Identifier: vital:10788 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/81 , Data recovery (Computer science) -- Planning , Data protection , Emergency management
- Description: The Information Technology (IT) industry has grown and has become an integral part in the world of business today. The importance of information, and IT in particular, will in fact only increase with time (von Solms, 1999). For a large group of organizations computer systems form the basis of their day-to-day functioning (Halliday, Badendorst & von Solms, 1996). These systems evolve at an incredible pace and this brings about a greater need for securing them, as well as the organizational information processed, transmitted and stored. This technological evolution brings about new risks for an organization’s systems and information (Halliday et. al., 1996). If IT fails, it means that the business could fail as well, creating a need for more rigorous IT management (International Business Machines Corporation, 2000). For this reason, executive management must be made aware of the potential consequences that a disaster could have on the organisation (Hawkins,Yen & Chou, 2000). A disaster could be any event that would cause a disruption in the normal day-to-day functioning of an organization. Such an event could range from a natural disaster, like a fire, an earthquake or a flood, to something more trivial, like a virus or system malfunction (Hawkins et. al., 2000). During the 1980’s a discipline known as Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP) emerged to protect an organization’s data centre, which was central to the organisation’s IT based structure, from the effects of disasters. This solution, however, focussed only on the protection of the data centre. During the early 1990’s the focus shifted towards distributed computing and client/server technology. Data centre protection and recovery were no longer enough to ensure survival. Organizations needed to ensure the continuation of their mission critical processes to support their continued goal of operations (IBM Global Services, 1999). Organizations now had to ensure that their mission critical functions could continue while the data centre was recovering from a disaster. A different approach was required. It is for this reason that Business Continuity Planning (BCP) was accepted as a formal discipline (IBM Global Services, 1999). To ensure that business continues as usual, an organization must have a plan in place that will help them ensure both the continuation and recovery of critical business processes and the recovery of the data centre, should a disaster strike (Moore, 1995). Wilson (2000) defines a business continuity plan as “a set of procedures developed for the entire enterprise, outlining the actions to be taken by the IT organization, executive staff, and the various business units in order to quickly resume operations in the event of a service interruption or an outage”. With markets being highly competitive as they are, an organization needs a detailed listing of steps to follow to ensure minimal loss due to downtime. This is very important for maintaining its competitive advantage and public stature (Wilson, 2000). The fact that the company’s reputation is at stake requires executive management to take continuity planning very serious (IBM Global Services, 1999). Ensuring continuity of business processes and recovering the IT services of an organization is not the sole responsibility of the IT department. Therefore management should be aware that they could be held liable for any consequences resulting from a disaster (Kearvell-White, 1996). Having a business continuity plan in place is important to the entire organization, as everyone, from executive management to the employees, stands to benefit from it (IBM Global Services, 1999). Despite this, numerous organizations do not have a business continuity plan in place. Organizations neglecting to develop a plan put themselves at tremendous risk and stand to loose everything (Kearvell-White, 1996).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
Relating indigenous knowledge practices and science concepts : an exploratory case study in a secondary school teacher-training programme
- Authors: Mandikonza, Caleb
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Zimbabwe Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Zimbabwe Teachers -- Training of -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007321
- Description: This study reports research on how student teachers in Science at Mutare Teachers' College in Zimbabwe worked with indigenous knowledge practices in relation to science concepts in the secondary school syllabus. The study was conducted among first-year science students and involved them in developing science learning activities for a peer-teaching process that was part of their course. The research was undertaken during a review ofthe college syllabus and as a study to inform the Secondary Teacher Training Environmental Education Programme (ST²EEP). The research design involved the researcher in participant observations and interviews with rural people to document indigenous knowledge practices and to develop materials for the students to work with in the lessons design part of the study. The student teachers used the documented practices to generate learning activities and lesson plans to teach the science concepts they had identified. A peer review session and focus group interviews followed the lesson presentations. Findings from the research point to the rural community being a repository of diverse indigenous knowledge practices. Student teachers showed that they had prior knowledge of both indigenous knowledge practices and science concepts when they come to class. Student teachers were able to relate indigenous knowledge practices and science concepts in ways that have the potential to enhance the learning of science in rural school contexts that lack laboratories and science equipment. The scope of the study does not allow for anything beyond tentative conclusions that point to the need for further work to be undertaken with student teachers and for the research to be extended to teaching and learning interactions in schools. Recommendations are also made for further resource-based work to be undertaken within the forthcoming St²eep implementation phase in 2007.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Mandikonza, Caleb
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Zimbabwe Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Zimbabwe Teachers -- Training of -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007321
- Description: This study reports research on how student teachers in Science at Mutare Teachers' College in Zimbabwe worked with indigenous knowledge practices in relation to science concepts in the secondary school syllabus. The study was conducted among first-year science students and involved them in developing science learning activities for a peer-teaching process that was part of their course. The research was undertaken during a review ofthe college syllabus and as a study to inform the Secondary Teacher Training Environmental Education Programme (ST²EEP). The research design involved the researcher in participant observations and interviews with rural people to document indigenous knowledge practices and to develop materials for the students to work with in the lessons design part of the study. The student teachers used the documented practices to generate learning activities and lesson plans to teach the science concepts they had identified. A peer review session and focus group interviews followed the lesson presentations. Findings from the research point to the rural community being a repository of diverse indigenous knowledge practices. Student teachers showed that they had prior knowledge of both indigenous knowledge practices and science concepts when they come to class. Student teachers were able to relate indigenous knowledge practices and science concepts in ways that have the potential to enhance the learning of science in rural school contexts that lack laboratories and science equipment. The scope of the study does not allow for anything beyond tentative conclusions that point to the need for further work to be undertaken with student teachers and for the research to be extended to teaching and learning interactions in schools. Recommendations are also made for further resource-based work to be undertaken within the forthcoming St²eep implementation phase in 2007.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Assessing linkages between local ecological knowledge, HIV/AIDS and the commercialisation of natural resources across Southern Africa
- Authors: Weyer, Dylan James
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Africa, Southern , HIV infections -- Africa, Southern , Natural resources -- Management -- Africa, Southern , Traditional ecological knowledge -- Africa, Southern , Households -- Economic aspects -- Africa, Southern , Poverty -- Environmental aspects -- Africa, Southern , Ecology -- Economic aspects -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4769 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007180 , AIDS (Disease) -- Africa, Southern , HIV infections -- Africa, Southern , Natural resources -- Management -- Africa, Southern , Traditional ecological knowledge -- Africa, Southern , Households -- Economic aspects -- Africa, Southern , Poverty -- Environmental aspects -- Africa, Southern , Ecology -- Economic aspects -- Africa, Southern
- Description: That natural resources (NRs) are important to those experiencing adversity, and, especially, vulnerability associated with HIV/AIDS, is well documented, particularly with respect to food and energy security. What is unclear is where HIV/AIDS ranks in terms of its significance in comparison to other household shocks, the role local ecological knowledge may (LEK) play in households' response to shock, a propos the types of coping strategies that are employed. Consequently, this research aims to bridge the knowledge gap between HIV/AIDS and the degree to which it is contributing to the expansion of NR commercialisation and to explore the unknowns surrounding the influence of LEK on people's choice of coping strategy. A two phase study was designed to provide quantitative rigour with qualitative depth. Phase one was an extensive, rapid survey of NR traders within urban and rural settings in five southern Africa countries. The principle objective was to profile the trade, the livelihoods of those involved and their reasons for entering the trade, to ultimately establish to what degree HIV/AIDS may have been a catalyst for this. Almost one third of the sample entered the trade in response to illness and/or death in their households, with 80% of deaths being of breadwinners. The findings illustrated considerable dependence on the sale of NRs; for almost 60% of the sample it was their household's only source of income. There was evidently increased blurring of the lines between rural and urban NR use with a greater diversity of products being traded in urban areas. Phase two involved in-depth interviews and work with a smaller sample at two sites selected based on the findings from the first phase. It incorporated three groups of households; non-trading, inexperienced trading and experienced trading households. Key areas of focus were household shocks, coping strategies employed in response to these and the role LEK may be playing in the choice of coping strategies. Within a two year period, 95% of households registered at least one shock, of which 80% recorded AIDS-related proxy shocks. Non-trading households were significantly worse-off in this regard, while in the case of non-AIDS proxy shocks, there was no such difference between groups. The most frequently employed coping strategy was the consumption and sale of NRs and was of particular importance when households were faced with AIDS proxy shocks. Trading households emerged as having superior levels of LEK in comparison to non-trading households, even for non-traded NRs, suggesting that prior LEK of NRs opened up opportunities to trade in NR as a coping strategy. Further inspection of the latter group however revealed that the portion of non-trading households who traded on a very ad hoc basis actually had comparable levels of LEK to the trading households. Despite the ad hoc trading households' vulnerable state and their disproportionately high level of AIDS proxy measures, they had at their disposal, sufficient LEK to unlock certain key coping strategies, namely the NR trade. In this sense there are apparent linkages between LEK, HIV/AIDS and the expansion of the commercialisation of NRs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Weyer, Dylan James
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Africa, Southern , HIV infections -- Africa, Southern , Natural resources -- Management -- Africa, Southern , Traditional ecological knowledge -- Africa, Southern , Households -- Economic aspects -- Africa, Southern , Poverty -- Environmental aspects -- Africa, Southern , Ecology -- Economic aspects -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4769 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007180 , AIDS (Disease) -- Africa, Southern , HIV infections -- Africa, Southern , Natural resources -- Management -- Africa, Southern , Traditional ecological knowledge -- Africa, Southern , Households -- Economic aspects -- Africa, Southern , Poverty -- Environmental aspects -- Africa, Southern , Ecology -- Economic aspects -- Africa, Southern
- Description: That natural resources (NRs) are important to those experiencing adversity, and, especially, vulnerability associated with HIV/AIDS, is well documented, particularly with respect to food and energy security. What is unclear is where HIV/AIDS ranks in terms of its significance in comparison to other household shocks, the role local ecological knowledge may (LEK) play in households' response to shock, a propos the types of coping strategies that are employed. Consequently, this research aims to bridge the knowledge gap between HIV/AIDS and the degree to which it is contributing to the expansion of NR commercialisation and to explore the unknowns surrounding the influence of LEK on people's choice of coping strategy. A two phase study was designed to provide quantitative rigour with qualitative depth. Phase one was an extensive, rapid survey of NR traders within urban and rural settings in five southern Africa countries. The principle objective was to profile the trade, the livelihoods of those involved and their reasons for entering the trade, to ultimately establish to what degree HIV/AIDS may have been a catalyst for this. Almost one third of the sample entered the trade in response to illness and/or death in their households, with 80% of deaths being of breadwinners. The findings illustrated considerable dependence on the sale of NRs; for almost 60% of the sample it was their household's only source of income. There was evidently increased blurring of the lines between rural and urban NR use with a greater diversity of products being traded in urban areas. Phase two involved in-depth interviews and work with a smaller sample at two sites selected based on the findings from the first phase. It incorporated three groups of households; non-trading, inexperienced trading and experienced trading households. Key areas of focus were household shocks, coping strategies employed in response to these and the role LEK may be playing in the choice of coping strategies. Within a two year period, 95% of households registered at least one shock, of which 80% recorded AIDS-related proxy shocks. Non-trading households were significantly worse-off in this regard, while in the case of non-AIDS proxy shocks, there was no such difference between groups. The most frequently employed coping strategy was the consumption and sale of NRs and was of particular importance when households were faced with AIDS proxy shocks. Trading households emerged as having superior levels of LEK in comparison to non-trading households, even for non-traded NRs, suggesting that prior LEK of NRs opened up opportunities to trade in NR as a coping strategy. Further inspection of the latter group however revealed that the portion of non-trading households who traded on a very ad hoc basis actually had comparable levels of LEK to the trading households. Despite the ad hoc trading households' vulnerable state and their disproportionately high level of AIDS proxy measures, they had at their disposal, sufficient LEK to unlock certain key coping strategies, namely the NR trade. In this sense there are apparent linkages between LEK, HIV/AIDS and the expansion of the commercialisation of NRs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A longitudinal investigation into employability : student transition and experiences from tertiary education into the labour market
- Authors: Harry, Tinashe Timothy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employability Graduate students Labor market
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11053 , vital:37015
- Description: Orientation: Several policies have been formulated by the government to redress the inequalities of apartheid. However, the policies have not yielded any positive results as many graduates from Historically Disadvantaged Institutes (HDIs) continue to struggle in the open labour market as compared to graduates from Historically Advantaged Institutes (HAIs). This has been mainly attributed to the legacy of apartheid in several previous studies. As a result, most of these previously disadvantaged individuals (mostly Black Africans) struggle to make the transition from higher education into the world of work. Research Purpose: This study thus explores the journeys of these Black African students from HDIs to understand the transition and experiences from tertiary education into the labour market. Further, the research sought to understand how these transitions and experiences manifest in a context of high unemployment. Finally, the resolution tactics used by students in such a context are given attention. Research approach, design and method: A longitudinal qualitative approach was deemed appropriate for the study as the aim was to understand the changes that occurred over time. The data was collected over a two-year period. A narrative inquiry was utilized as it allowed the participants to share their perceptions without limitations. A total of 30 participants partook in the study. The participants were selected using a purposive sampling to ensure the right participants were involved in the study. The main criteria for selection to participate was that the participants had to be enrolled with a HDI. Main findings: The narratives of the participants led to the formulation of six main themes that were regarded as affecting the transitions and experiences of the Black graduates from HDIs; namely, (1) socio-economic background, (2) education system, (3) labour market experiences, (4) geographical location, (5) social capital and (6) student resolutions to the challenges of employability. A previously disadvantaged background resulted in the participants being recipients of poor education quality, no social networks or information to navigate the labour market and limited access to the labour market due to secluded residential areas. Subsequently, most participants were unable to take responsibility of enhancing their own employability. Contribution: It is not the sole responsibility of the higher education institutes to produce employable graduates, but it's a process that should also involve government, students and employers. As long as the social inequality remains an issue in the country all the efforts to improve employability and transition into the open labour market will be in vain. Furthermore, employers must work together with higher education institutes by offering programs such as internships and career expos to enhance the employability of the graduates. A Graduate Transition Model (GTM) is suggested based on the findings of this research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Harry, Tinashe Timothy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employability Graduate students Labor market
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11053 , vital:37015
- Description: Orientation: Several policies have been formulated by the government to redress the inequalities of apartheid. However, the policies have not yielded any positive results as many graduates from Historically Disadvantaged Institutes (HDIs) continue to struggle in the open labour market as compared to graduates from Historically Advantaged Institutes (HAIs). This has been mainly attributed to the legacy of apartheid in several previous studies. As a result, most of these previously disadvantaged individuals (mostly Black Africans) struggle to make the transition from higher education into the world of work. Research Purpose: This study thus explores the journeys of these Black African students from HDIs to understand the transition and experiences from tertiary education into the labour market. Further, the research sought to understand how these transitions and experiences manifest in a context of high unemployment. Finally, the resolution tactics used by students in such a context are given attention. Research approach, design and method: A longitudinal qualitative approach was deemed appropriate for the study as the aim was to understand the changes that occurred over time. The data was collected over a two-year period. A narrative inquiry was utilized as it allowed the participants to share their perceptions without limitations. A total of 30 participants partook in the study. The participants were selected using a purposive sampling to ensure the right participants were involved in the study. The main criteria for selection to participate was that the participants had to be enrolled with a HDI. Main findings: The narratives of the participants led to the formulation of six main themes that were regarded as affecting the transitions and experiences of the Black graduates from HDIs; namely, (1) socio-economic background, (2) education system, (3) labour market experiences, (4) geographical location, (5) social capital and (6) student resolutions to the challenges of employability. A previously disadvantaged background resulted in the participants being recipients of poor education quality, no social networks or information to navigate the labour market and limited access to the labour market due to secluded residential areas. Subsequently, most participants were unable to take responsibility of enhancing their own employability. Contribution: It is not the sole responsibility of the higher education institutes to produce employable graduates, but it's a process that should also involve government, students and employers. As long as the social inequality remains an issue in the country all the efforts to improve employability and transition into the open labour market will be in vain. Furthermore, employers must work together with higher education institutes by offering programs such as internships and career expos to enhance the employability of the graduates. A Graduate Transition Model (GTM) is suggested based on the findings of this research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Assessing the role of leadership in strategic planning
- Authors: Solomon, Wesley Anthony
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Leadership , Strategic planning , Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8758 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/609 , Leadership , Strategic planning , Management
- Description: Effective leadership is one of the most important factors that influence the performance of an organization. Effective leadership together with supervision are similar in terms of their influence on others towards achieving the goals of the organization. Therefore, effective leadership and supervision are principal activities through which organizational goals and objectives are achieved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Solomon, Wesley Anthony
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Leadership , Strategic planning , Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8758 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/609 , Leadership , Strategic planning , Management
- Description: Effective leadership is one of the most important factors that influence the performance of an organization. Effective leadership together with supervision are similar in terms of their influence on others towards achieving the goals of the organization. Therefore, effective leadership and supervision are principal activities through which organizational goals and objectives are achieved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A systematic risk management model for construction project management: a case study of the new infrastructure project in the University of Mpumalanga
- Authors: Lukhele, Themba Mfanafuthi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Risk management , Construction industry -- Management , Infrastructure -- University of Mpumalanga
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60479 , vital:65609
- Description: The construction industry has become the significant player in the economy of many developed and developing countries in the world. The industry contributes to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment rate of many nations. As such, the industry is the engine for the economic development and growth across the world. Recently, African countries have received global attention due to its calls for massive infrastructure development and maintenance thereof. Accordingly, the South African government has adopted a National Infrastructure Development Plan (NIDP), which seeks not only to transform the economic landscape of the country, but also to support the integration of the African economies through infrastructure development. To ensure that the execution of these infrastructure projects is successfully delivered in terms of time, cost, and scope; project risk management in the construction industry has become an important area of interest in the execution and delivery of the infrastructure projects. However, the constantly increasing complexity and dynamics in the delivery of construction projects have serious effects on the risk management processes during the execution of the project. In practice, risk methods and techniques have proven to be unrealistic when using the traditional risk management approach in the context of the complexity and dynamic environments wherein construction projects are delivered. Worryingly, project management practitioners in engineering and construction projects still lack the holistic and systematic insight and understanding of construction projects when applying the risk management procedures in the complex and dynamic projects environments. As a result, there are growing reports of unsatisfactory delivery of construction projects in terms of time, cost, quality, and environmental objectives. In this regard, the call for embracing the systems thinking paradigm as the alternative approach that will provide more clarity in dealing with the complex management challenges and which will gradually substitute the traditional theoretical approach of dealing with construction project management, is becoming prominent. Against this background, this study uses a multiple case study approach to explore how a systematic risk management approach could be developed and applied towards successful delivery of construction projects, and subsequently to propose a systematic risk management model that is designed to depict and grasp the underlying complexities and dynamics embedded ix | P a g e in construction projects. The choice of the case study design is founded on its utility and appropriateness for in-depth investigations into phenomena in its context as well as its usefulness for exploratory studies. Therefore, to explore the risk management phenomenon in real-life settings, the unit of analysis in this study was based on three construction projects built in one of the new Institutions of Higher Learning in South Africa during the period between 2017 and 2019. Notwithstanding the unique characteristics of these projects, the complexity and dynamic environments of these projects also emanated from the facts that i) the successful delivery of the projects was a predecessor activity to the academic schedule and activities; ii) this was one of the first universities to be built by the democratic Republic of South Africa; and, iii) the construction contract used for the delivery of the construction projects is relatively new to the professionals in the country’s construction industry. This qualitative case study design has its backbone in the constructivism philosophical paradigm which is underpinned by the ontology that there are multiple realities as conceptualized, experienced, and perceived by the people in their real-life situations or natural settings. Accordingly, the construction professionals, projects’ documents as well as field work observations were purposively chosen as the essential and reliable methods of data collection for this case study. For analysis, a conventional content data analysis methodology was applied on the empirical data that was obtained from the multiple data sources to provide a clearer understanding of the contexts in which the risk management for construction projects is performed. Accordingly, a qualitative data analysis software system called MAXQDA was used to enable the performance of data coding, managing coding, and eventually the retrieving of the coded segments in a form of visual models and summary tables. Ultimately, the qualitative content analysis approach in this thesis was performed in terms of a ‘critical filter of thick description’ which involved a balanced approach between the deductive analysis and the inductive analysis processes. With the assistance of the MAXQDA, performing the multiple levels coding and analysis processes in this thesis has not only been efficient, but also more reliable. To shed insight into the empirical findings of the study, a hybrid theoretical framework has been applied in the discussion and interpretation of the findings. The theoretical framework of this study is underpinned by the complexity theory and the theory of systems engineering. The applicability of these theories in this study is essential in providing a x | P a g e systematic and logical explanation of the practices of risk management in construction projects and further helps to explain why particular events occurred in the processes of risk management. Eventually, the theoretical framework has enabled the designing and developing of a systematic risk management model that will assist in depicting and grasping the underlying complexities while supporting proactive decision making in the delivery of construction projects. To this end, this study has made several major contributions in three multiple folds in the body of knowledge. Firstly, this study makes theoretical contributions by developing an empirically underpinned systematic risk management model which provide more clarity on comprehending the multifaceted and complex risk factors embedded in construction projects. Secondly, the qualitative case study approach and the associated analysis methods thereof in this thesis provides novelty and lays the groundwork for future research and methodological replicability in another similar phenomenon elsewhere in the world. Thirdly, this study has gone some way towards expanding the understanding and the basis for managerial decision making in relation to front-end planning and proactive approach for risk management, and eventually to improve projects’ performances on cost, time, scope, and environmental sustainability. In this regard, the key practical implication for project management practitioners is that the adoption and embracing of the systematic and holistic thinking approach in the risk management processes could enhance the successful delivery of construction projects. In the literature, there is paucity and need for more research into the exploration and analysis of the integration and interplay between the systems engineering and complexity perspectives and the other knowledge areas in the PMBOK. In conclusion, this thesis therefore argues that to address the deficiencies in risk management practices during construction projects’ delivery, the solution requires a paradigm shift from the traditional linear approach which, by design, overlooks the complexities, non-linearity and interdependences of the elements that are underpinning and characterizing the nature of the contemporary construction projects. Therefore, this thesis supports the increasingly emerging debate on the discourse that the superior traditional and linear approaches do not solve the current problems, and as such they should be replaced with the systems and holistic thinking approach that will provide more clarity in dealing with the complex management challenges in contemporary construction projects. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, Built environment and Information Technology, School of the built Environment 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Lukhele, Themba Mfanafuthi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Risk management , Construction industry -- Management , Infrastructure -- University of Mpumalanga
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60479 , vital:65609
- Description: The construction industry has become the significant player in the economy of many developed and developing countries in the world. The industry contributes to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment rate of many nations. As such, the industry is the engine for the economic development and growth across the world. Recently, African countries have received global attention due to its calls for massive infrastructure development and maintenance thereof. Accordingly, the South African government has adopted a National Infrastructure Development Plan (NIDP), which seeks not only to transform the economic landscape of the country, but also to support the integration of the African economies through infrastructure development. To ensure that the execution of these infrastructure projects is successfully delivered in terms of time, cost, and scope; project risk management in the construction industry has become an important area of interest in the execution and delivery of the infrastructure projects. However, the constantly increasing complexity and dynamics in the delivery of construction projects have serious effects on the risk management processes during the execution of the project. In practice, risk methods and techniques have proven to be unrealistic when using the traditional risk management approach in the context of the complexity and dynamic environments wherein construction projects are delivered. Worryingly, project management practitioners in engineering and construction projects still lack the holistic and systematic insight and understanding of construction projects when applying the risk management procedures in the complex and dynamic projects environments. As a result, there are growing reports of unsatisfactory delivery of construction projects in terms of time, cost, quality, and environmental objectives. In this regard, the call for embracing the systems thinking paradigm as the alternative approach that will provide more clarity in dealing with the complex management challenges and which will gradually substitute the traditional theoretical approach of dealing with construction project management, is becoming prominent. Against this background, this study uses a multiple case study approach to explore how a systematic risk management approach could be developed and applied towards successful delivery of construction projects, and subsequently to propose a systematic risk management model that is designed to depict and grasp the underlying complexities and dynamics embedded ix | P a g e in construction projects. The choice of the case study design is founded on its utility and appropriateness for in-depth investigations into phenomena in its context as well as its usefulness for exploratory studies. Therefore, to explore the risk management phenomenon in real-life settings, the unit of analysis in this study was based on three construction projects built in one of the new Institutions of Higher Learning in South Africa during the period between 2017 and 2019. Notwithstanding the unique characteristics of these projects, the complexity and dynamic environments of these projects also emanated from the facts that i) the successful delivery of the projects was a predecessor activity to the academic schedule and activities; ii) this was one of the first universities to be built by the democratic Republic of South Africa; and, iii) the construction contract used for the delivery of the construction projects is relatively new to the professionals in the country’s construction industry. This qualitative case study design has its backbone in the constructivism philosophical paradigm which is underpinned by the ontology that there are multiple realities as conceptualized, experienced, and perceived by the people in their real-life situations or natural settings. Accordingly, the construction professionals, projects’ documents as well as field work observations were purposively chosen as the essential and reliable methods of data collection for this case study. For analysis, a conventional content data analysis methodology was applied on the empirical data that was obtained from the multiple data sources to provide a clearer understanding of the contexts in which the risk management for construction projects is performed. Accordingly, a qualitative data analysis software system called MAXQDA was used to enable the performance of data coding, managing coding, and eventually the retrieving of the coded segments in a form of visual models and summary tables. Ultimately, the qualitative content analysis approach in this thesis was performed in terms of a ‘critical filter of thick description’ which involved a balanced approach between the deductive analysis and the inductive analysis processes. With the assistance of the MAXQDA, performing the multiple levels coding and analysis processes in this thesis has not only been efficient, but also more reliable. To shed insight into the empirical findings of the study, a hybrid theoretical framework has been applied in the discussion and interpretation of the findings. The theoretical framework of this study is underpinned by the complexity theory and the theory of systems engineering. The applicability of these theories in this study is essential in providing a x | P a g e systematic and logical explanation of the practices of risk management in construction projects and further helps to explain why particular events occurred in the processes of risk management. Eventually, the theoretical framework has enabled the designing and developing of a systematic risk management model that will assist in depicting and grasping the underlying complexities while supporting proactive decision making in the delivery of construction projects. To this end, this study has made several major contributions in three multiple folds in the body of knowledge. Firstly, this study makes theoretical contributions by developing an empirically underpinned systematic risk management model which provide more clarity on comprehending the multifaceted and complex risk factors embedded in construction projects. Secondly, the qualitative case study approach and the associated analysis methods thereof in this thesis provides novelty and lays the groundwork for future research and methodological replicability in another similar phenomenon elsewhere in the world. Thirdly, this study has gone some way towards expanding the understanding and the basis for managerial decision making in relation to front-end planning and proactive approach for risk management, and eventually to improve projects’ performances on cost, time, scope, and environmental sustainability. In this regard, the key practical implication for project management practitioners is that the adoption and embracing of the systematic and holistic thinking approach in the risk management processes could enhance the successful delivery of construction projects. In the literature, there is paucity and need for more research into the exploration and analysis of the integration and interplay between the systems engineering and complexity perspectives and the other knowledge areas in the PMBOK. In conclusion, this thesis therefore argues that to address the deficiencies in risk management practices during construction projects’ delivery, the solution requires a paradigm shift from the traditional linear approach which, by design, overlooks the complexities, non-linearity and interdependences of the elements that are underpinning and characterizing the nature of the contemporary construction projects. Therefore, this thesis supports the increasingly emerging debate on the discourse that the superior traditional and linear approaches do not solve the current problems, and as such they should be replaced with the systems and holistic thinking approach that will provide more clarity in dealing with the complex management challenges in contemporary construction projects. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, Built environment and Information Technology, School of the built Environment 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Enhancing parental involvement in children’s academic work: Implications for teaching and learning
- Authors: Fihla, Gcobisa Victoria
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education -- Parent participation Parent-teacher relationships Academic achievement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8042 , vital:31485
- Description: Partnership between schools and parents seems to substandard, leading to both parties questioning each other on why children underperform. Most parents view the school as an instrument for the achievement of children and parents with limited or no education may have little or no interest in supporting children’s academic work. The aim of this study was to investigate how parental involvement in children’s academic work can be enhanced. It focused on three rural secondary schools in the Amathole West Education District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study particularly investigated how school schools involved parents in children’s academic work and how they, together with principals, teachers and learners view their involvement in children’s academic work. Guided by Epstein’s theory of parental involvement, this qualitative study was premised on the interpretative paradigm. Face to face interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data from three high schools in the Amathole West Education District. Purposive sampling was used to select participants who comprised a target population of 24 participants. It emerged from the data that although schools were trying to involve parents in children’s academic work, their activities were uncoordinated, occurred at school level rather than classroom level and focused less on learners’ academic work. Parent’ involvement in their children’s academic work was not touching the real curriculum issues; rather it touched on the outside. The data also showed that parents’ academic statuses influenced their participation as those who had little education seemed to be reluctant to participate on academic issues. The study concludes that there was lack of coordinated strategies by schools to involve parents in children’s academic work. The study, therefore, recommends that Coordinated Grade-based Parent-Teacher Forums be established. This will assist in opening a planform for teachers and parents to engage on teaching and learning discussions and curriculum debates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Fihla, Gcobisa Victoria
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education -- Parent participation Parent-teacher relationships Academic achievement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8042 , vital:31485
- Description: Partnership between schools and parents seems to substandard, leading to both parties questioning each other on why children underperform. Most parents view the school as an instrument for the achievement of children and parents with limited or no education may have little or no interest in supporting children’s academic work. The aim of this study was to investigate how parental involvement in children’s academic work can be enhanced. It focused on three rural secondary schools in the Amathole West Education District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study particularly investigated how school schools involved parents in children’s academic work and how they, together with principals, teachers and learners view their involvement in children’s academic work. Guided by Epstein’s theory of parental involvement, this qualitative study was premised on the interpretative paradigm. Face to face interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data from three high schools in the Amathole West Education District. Purposive sampling was used to select participants who comprised a target population of 24 participants. It emerged from the data that although schools were trying to involve parents in children’s academic work, their activities were uncoordinated, occurred at school level rather than classroom level and focused less on learners’ academic work. Parent’ involvement in their children’s academic work was not touching the real curriculum issues; rather it touched on the outside. The data also showed that parents’ academic statuses influenced their participation as those who had little education seemed to be reluctant to participate on academic issues. The study concludes that there was lack of coordinated strategies by schools to involve parents in children’s academic work. The study, therefore, recommends that Coordinated Grade-based Parent-Teacher Forums be established. This will assist in opening a planform for teachers and parents to engage on teaching and learning discussions and curriculum debates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The principal's leadership role in a successful rural school in Namibia
- Authors: Kawana, Joseph Jost
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Rural schools -- Namibia School principals -- Namibia Educational leadership -- Namibia School management and organization -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1713 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003596
- Description: Rural schools generally find it hard to function effectively for a variety of reasons, and managing and leading these schools brings additional challenges. This study explored the role of the principal in an academically successful rural school in Namibia. It drew on leadership theory and findings from related studies to make sense of this particular case of leadership against the odds. Using the interpretive orientation, the research explored selected organisation members’ perceptions of the principal’s leadership through semi-structured interviews. The study found that the actions and attitudes of the leader had a significant influence on the school’s performance. The manner in which the principal conducted himself, the shared vision he encouraged and his insistence on associating with all stakeholders involved in education, were instrumental in the organization’s positive achievements. The principal was shown as committed and a leader with good interpersonal working relationships. The study also revealed that this principal was both a person- and taskoriented leader, and closely resembled the ideals of transformational leadership. This study further found that, through the principal’s instructional leadership, teaching and learning are seen as the core of the school’s activities. Finally, the principal’s leadership role opens the school to the community and results in strong and mutually beneficial relationships between the school and its community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Kawana, Joseph Jost
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Rural schools -- Namibia School principals -- Namibia Educational leadership -- Namibia School management and organization -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1713 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003596
- Description: Rural schools generally find it hard to function effectively for a variety of reasons, and managing and leading these schools brings additional challenges. This study explored the role of the principal in an academically successful rural school in Namibia. It drew on leadership theory and findings from related studies to make sense of this particular case of leadership against the odds. Using the interpretive orientation, the research explored selected organisation members’ perceptions of the principal’s leadership through semi-structured interviews. The study found that the actions and attitudes of the leader had a significant influence on the school’s performance. The manner in which the principal conducted himself, the shared vision he encouraged and his insistence on associating with all stakeholders involved in education, were instrumental in the organization’s positive achievements. The principal was shown as committed and a leader with good interpersonal working relationships. The study also revealed that this principal was both a person- and taskoriented leader, and closely resembled the ideals of transformational leadership. This study further found that, through the principal’s instructional leadership, teaching and learning are seen as the core of the school’s activities. Finally, the principal’s leadership role opens the school to the community and results in strong and mutually beneficial relationships between the school and its community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Antibiogram profiling of Escherichia coli pathotypes isolated from Kat River and Fort Beaufort abstraction water
- Authors: Nontongana, Nolonwabo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Escherichia coli infections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11289 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019820 , Escherichia coli infections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a widespread species that includes a broad variety of strains, ranging from highly pathogenic strains causing worldwide outbreaks of severe disease to virulent isolates which are part of the normal intestinal flora or which are well characterized and safe laboratory strains. The pathogenicity of a given E. coli strain is mainly determined by specific virulence factors which include adhesins, invasins, toxins and capsule. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and antibiogram profiles of E. coli pathotypes previously isolated from Kat River and Fort Beaufort abstraction water. A total of 171 E. coli isolates showed at least one pathogenic determinant among the isolated 278 E. coli. The other 107 isolates were negative for the tested virulence genes. All 278 presumptive isolates tested positive for the UidA gene, and were therefore classified as non-categorized pathogenic E. coli. The 171 pathogenic isolates had at least one characteristic gene of pathogenic E. coli and were identified and classified as enteropathogenic E. coli (6%), enterotoxigenicE. coli (131), uropathogenic E. coli (6), neonatal meningitis E. coli (14), diffusely adherent E. coli (1) and enterohaemrrhagic E. coli (1). Interestingly, no virulence genes were detected for the enteroinvasive E. coli and the enteroaggregative E. coli. The antibiotic resistance profiles for all isolates that were identified as E. coli showed 100% resistance to penicillin G, 98% resistance to ampicillin, 38% resistance to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole and 8% resistance to streptomycin. Multiple antibacterial resistance (MAR) was also observed, where 44% of the isolates were resistant to three antibiotics and 8% resistant to four antibiotics. The results of this study showed the Kat River and Fort Beaufort abstraction water are reservoirs of pathogenic strains of E. coli which harbour antibiotic resistance determinants that can cause serious health risks to the people in the surrounding communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Nontongana, Nolonwabo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Escherichia coli infections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11289 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019820 , Escherichia coli infections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a widespread species that includes a broad variety of strains, ranging from highly pathogenic strains causing worldwide outbreaks of severe disease to virulent isolates which are part of the normal intestinal flora or which are well characterized and safe laboratory strains. The pathogenicity of a given E. coli strain is mainly determined by specific virulence factors which include adhesins, invasins, toxins and capsule. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and antibiogram profiles of E. coli pathotypes previously isolated from Kat River and Fort Beaufort abstraction water. A total of 171 E. coli isolates showed at least one pathogenic determinant among the isolated 278 E. coli. The other 107 isolates were negative for the tested virulence genes. All 278 presumptive isolates tested positive for the UidA gene, and were therefore classified as non-categorized pathogenic E. coli. The 171 pathogenic isolates had at least one characteristic gene of pathogenic E. coli and were identified and classified as enteropathogenic E. coli (6%), enterotoxigenicE. coli (131), uropathogenic E. coli (6), neonatal meningitis E. coli (14), diffusely adherent E. coli (1) and enterohaemrrhagic E. coli (1). Interestingly, no virulence genes were detected for the enteroinvasive E. coli and the enteroaggregative E. coli. The antibiotic resistance profiles for all isolates that were identified as E. coli showed 100% resistance to penicillin G, 98% resistance to ampicillin, 38% resistance to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole and 8% resistance to streptomycin. Multiple antibacterial resistance (MAR) was also observed, where 44% of the isolates were resistant to three antibiotics and 8% resistant to four antibiotics. The results of this study showed the Kat River and Fort Beaufort abstraction water are reservoirs of pathogenic strains of E. coli which harbour antibiotic resistance determinants that can cause serious health risks to the people in the surrounding communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A comparative analysis of factors affecting the purchasing decisions of cleaning rag buyers in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Shearer, David Charcles
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Purchasing -- Decision making , Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020928
- Description: The objectives of this research project were to identify and compare factors that influence the purchasing decisions of Multifibres’ customers active in each channel. Multifibres manufactures and distributes industrial cleaning rags to three channels or client categories, these being industrial resellers, industrial end-users and the walk-in customers. An extensive literature review revealed that purchasing decisions are influenced by, amongst other factors, the buyer’s role, the internal cognitive processes of the buyer, as well as factors present in the buyer’s business and external environment. An empirical study was conducted utilising in-depth interviews. The most prevalent, emergent themes that buyers attached the greatest weight to when purchasing cleaning rags were: price; quality; service; relationships; and, convenience. These factors were probed, analysed and compared, based on each buyer category’s unique set of characteristics. When motivating their purchasing preferences, resellers emphasised the importance of the business relationship and trust as being paramount, while end-users viewed price and service as the most important factors. Walk-in customers valued the combination of price and convenience as the most important reasons influencing their purchasing decisions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Shearer, David Charcles
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Purchasing -- Decision making , Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020928
- Description: The objectives of this research project were to identify and compare factors that influence the purchasing decisions of Multifibres’ customers active in each channel. Multifibres manufactures and distributes industrial cleaning rags to three channels or client categories, these being industrial resellers, industrial end-users and the walk-in customers. An extensive literature review revealed that purchasing decisions are influenced by, amongst other factors, the buyer’s role, the internal cognitive processes of the buyer, as well as factors present in the buyer’s business and external environment. An empirical study was conducted utilising in-depth interviews. The most prevalent, emergent themes that buyers attached the greatest weight to when purchasing cleaning rags were: price; quality; service; relationships; and, convenience. These factors were probed, analysed and compared, based on each buyer category’s unique set of characteristics. When motivating their purchasing preferences, resellers emphasised the importance of the business relationship and trust as being paramount, while end-users viewed price and service as the most important factors. Walk-in customers valued the combination of price and convenience as the most important reasons influencing their purchasing decisions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The constitutionality of section 32 of the Labour Relations Act
- Authors: Hemsley, Michael Norman
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa Labor unions -- South Africa Collective bargaining -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11070 , vital:26882
- Description: Collective bargaining is the process whereby employees act as a collective unit whilst negotiating terms and conditions of employment with employers. The collective unit typically takes the form of a trade union, mandated by its members to negotiate on their behalf. By negotiating collectively the inherent imbalance of power between employer and individual employee is seen to be neutralised. The process of collective bargaining enjoys legal status in South Africa and around the world. The Industrial Conciliation Act of 1924 institutionalised collective bargaining for the first time in the form of the Industrial-Council system. This sectoral bargaining system stood firm throughout the pre-democracy period but initially excluded non-white employees. Industrial unrest in the 1970s was the catalyst for the Wiehan commission which ultimately brought all employees into the fold. By the dawn of democracy in South Africa the bargaining system enjoyed wide-spread support and legitimacy. This was particularly so amongst the COSATU-led labour movement which enjoyed a position of political strength. This support and strength were reflected in the contents of both the Labour Relations Act and the Constitution which enshrined the constitutional right to engage in collective bargaining. Possibly the most debated aspect of the Council system has been the question of extending agreements to non-parties. Those in favour argue that the Council system cannot function in the absence of extensions. This is so because what would then effectively be a voluntary system would not attract sufficient volunteers. Those against argue that extensions act as a barrier to economic activity, particularly for small and new businesses. Legislation has, since 1924, facilitated the extension of agreements as long as certain criteria are met. Section 32 of the Labour Relations Act is the current extension vehicle. The extension criteria have vacillated over time and especially so in recent history with section 32 being subject to change in every post-democracy amendment to the Act. Possibly the most serious challenge to the extension status quo has come in the form of a constitutional challenge by the Free-Market Foundation. The Foundation advances old economic arguments but links these to an alleged impingement of constitutional rights. The challenge comes at a time when the country is experiencing the most significant socio-political turbulence since democracy. This includes the most enduring strike in our history, a landmark-employer lock-out and a parliamentary facelift. The Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council oversees the biggest manufacturing sector in the South African economy. This status prompted the Council to submit its own responding papers in the Free-Market case. Particularly fascinating is that an employer party to the Council not only supports the Foundation case but has also lodged its own proceedings against the extension of the 2014 Engineering agreement. Both these cases are still pending and the outcomes have the potential to transform the political and economic landscape of our country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Hemsley, Michael Norman
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa Labor unions -- South Africa Collective bargaining -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11070 , vital:26882
- Description: Collective bargaining is the process whereby employees act as a collective unit whilst negotiating terms and conditions of employment with employers. The collective unit typically takes the form of a trade union, mandated by its members to negotiate on their behalf. By negotiating collectively the inherent imbalance of power between employer and individual employee is seen to be neutralised. The process of collective bargaining enjoys legal status in South Africa and around the world. The Industrial Conciliation Act of 1924 institutionalised collective bargaining for the first time in the form of the Industrial-Council system. This sectoral bargaining system stood firm throughout the pre-democracy period but initially excluded non-white employees. Industrial unrest in the 1970s was the catalyst for the Wiehan commission which ultimately brought all employees into the fold. By the dawn of democracy in South Africa the bargaining system enjoyed wide-spread support and legitimacy. This was particularly so amongst the COSATU-led labour movement which enjoyed a position of political strength. This support and strength were reflected in the contents of both the Labour Relations Act and the Constitution which enshrined the constitutional right to engage in collective bargaining. Possibly the most debated aspect of the Council system has been the question of extending agreements to non-parties. Those in favour argue that the Council system cannot function in the absence of extensions. This is so because what would then effectively be a voluntary system would not attract sufficient volunteers. Those against argue that extensions act as a barrier to economic activity, particularly for small and new businesses. Legislation has, since 1924, facilitated the extension of agreements as long as certain criteria are met. Section 32 of the Labour Relations Act is the current extension vehicle. The extension criteria have vacillated over time and especially so in recent history with section 32 being subject to change in every post-democracy amendment to the Act. Possibly the most serious challenge to the extension status quo has come in the form of a constitutional challenge by the Free-Market Foundation. The Foundation advances old economic arguments but links these to an alleged impingement of constitutional rights. The challenge comes at a time when the country is experiencing the most significant socio-political turbulence since democracy. This includes the most enduring strike in our history, a landmark-employer lock-out and a parliamentary facelift. The Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council oversees the biggest manufacturing sector in the South African economy. This status prompted the Council to submit its own responding papers in the Free-Market case. Particularly fascinating is that an employer party to the Council not only supports the Foundation case but has also lodged its own proceedings against the extension of the 2014 Engineering agreement. Both these cases are still pending and the outcomes have the potential to transform the political and economic landscape of our country.
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- Date Issued: 2015