Assessing challenges in public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: a case study of human resource department in Lukhanji Local Municipality
- Authors: Gijana, Andile Patrick
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11617 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/325 , Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess challenges in Public Appointments and Recruitment Processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: A case study of Human Resource Department in Lukhanji Local Municipality (2008-2010) of the Eastern Cape Province. There has never been a detailed research study conducted in the Chris Hani Human Resource Department, regarding the subject in question. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in Section 195(i) directs that Public Administration must be broadly representative of the South African people, with employment and personnel management practices based on ability, objectivity, fairness and the need to redress the imbalances of the past to achieve broad representation. The literature review explored extensively the models used in implementing recruitment and appointment processes globally. From those tested models elsewhere, it was evident that South Africa has a great Constitution and good policies regarding Local Government Human Resource Department recruitment and appointment processes not withstanding some challenges cited in the study. This assessment of challenges in the public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality assisted in the establishment of the real facts about effective and fair recruitment and appointment processes in the Local Government Human Resource Management Department to deserving communities. It became clear from the study that providing efficient and fair recruitment and appointments processes to the Local Government Human Resource Department in South Africa requires a broader advocacy agenda encompassing the development of Human Resource systems and the generation of numerous skills and expertise to deliver services to the poor people of our country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gijana, Andile Patrick
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11617 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/325 , Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess challenges in Public Appointments and Recruitment Processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: A case study of Human Resource Department in Lukhanji Local Municipality (2008-2010) of the Eastern Cape Province. There has never been a detailed research study conducted in the Chris Hani Human Resource Department, regarding the subject in question. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in Section 195(i) directs that Public Administration must be broadly representative of the South African people, with employment and personnel management practices based on ability, objectivity, fairness and the need to redress the imbalances of the past to achieve broad representation. The literature review explored extensively the models used in implementing recruitment and appointment processes globally. From those tested models elsewhere, it was evident that South Africa has a great Constitution and good policies regarding Local Government Human Resource Department recruitment and appointment processes not withstanding some challenges cited in the study. This assessment of challenges in the public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality assisted in the establishment of the real facts about effective and fair recruitment and appointment processes in the Local Government Human Resource Management Department to deserving communities. It became clear from the study that providing efficient and fair recruitment and appointments processes to the Local Government Human Resource Department in South Africa requires a broader advocacy agenda encompassing the development of Human Resource systems and the generation of numerous skills and expertise to deliver services to the poor people of our country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessing challenges in public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: a case study of human resource department in Lukhanji Local Municipality
- Authors: Gijana, Andile Patrick
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Civil service Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape South Africa -- Officials and employees -- Selection and appointment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5752 , vital:29379
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess challenges in Public Appointments and Recruitment Processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: A case study of Human Resource Department in Lukhanji Local Municipality (2008-2010) of the Eastern Cape Province. There has never been a detailed research study conducted in the Chris Hani Human Resource Department, regarding the subject in question. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in Section 195(i) directs that Public Administration must be broadly representative of the South African people, with employment and personnel management practices based on ability, objectivity, fairness and the need to redress the imbalances of the past to achieve broad representation. The literature review explored extensively the models used in implementing recruitment and appointment processes globally. From those tested models elsewhere, it was evident that South Africa has a great Constitution and good policies regarding Local Government Human Resource Department recruitment and appointment processes not withstanding some challenges cited in the study. This assessment of challenges in the public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality assisted in the establishment of the real facts about effective and fair recruitment and appointment processes in the Local Government Human Resource Management Department to deserving communities. It became clear from the study that providing efficient and fair recruitment and appointments processes to the Local Government Human Resource Department in South Africa requires a broader advocacy agenda encompassing the development of Human Resource systems and the generation of numerous skills and expertise to deliver services to the poor people of our country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gijana, Andile Patrick
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Civil service Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape South Africa -- Officials and employees -- Selection and appointment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5752 , vital:29379
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess challenges in Public Appointments and Recruitment Processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: A case study of Human Resource Department in Lukhanji Local Municipality (2008-2010) of the Eastern Cape Province. There has never been a detailed research study conducted in the Chris Hani Human Resource Department, regarding the subject in question. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in Section 195(i) directs that Public Administration must be broadly representative of the South African people, with employment and personnel management practices based on ability, objectivity, fairness and the need to redress the imbalances of the past to achieve broad representation. The literature review explored extensively the models used in implementing recruitment and appointment processes globally. From those tested models elsewhere, it was evident that South Africa has a great Constitution and good policies regarding Local Government Human Resource Department recruitment and appointment processes not withstanding some challenges cited in the study. This assessment of challenges in the public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality assisted in the establishment of the real facts about effective and fair recruitment and appointment processes in the Local Government Human Resource Management Department to deserving communities. It became clear from the study that providing efficient and fair recruitment and appointments processes to the Local Government Human Resource Department in South Africa requires a broader advocacy agenda encompassing the development of Human Resource systems and the generation of numerous skills and expertise to deliver services to the poor people of our country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessing communication challenges between clerks and deaf patients at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha
- Authors: Stemela, Unati
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Clerks and deaf patients -- Communication -- Hospital
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: vital:18417 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1006597
- Description: A study on assessing communication challenges between clerks and deaf patients at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital was conducted in 2010. The aim was to assess the existence of communication challenges, possible reasons and solutions to these. The literature reviewed identified a gap in the knowledge of communication between staff and deaf patients. A health systems’ study was conducted using a descriptive, cross sectional survey. The study population was made up of 33 clerks who worked at the registration and records area and deaf patients who stayed at Efata and received health services from the hospital. All clerks were interviewed and a random sample of 106 deaf patients was estimated using Epidat statistical software. Self administered questionnaires were used for data collection. Results confirmed the existence of communication challenges between the two groups. A majority of clerks were not trained in Sign Language. They used a combination of methods to communicate with deaf patients, and few clerks could use Sign Language. The patients also used a combination of methods due to the frustration of not having a common method of communication with clerks. The findings clearly showed that there are communication challenges between the two groups and Sign Language needed to be introduced to clerks in order to accommodate deaf patients. Further research may be done on all healthcare providers and to all deaf patients in the region served by Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, and this could have a positive impact on the quality of service offered by the hospital to the deaf community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Stemela, Unati
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Clerks and deaf patients -- Communication -- Hospital
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: vital:18417 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1006597
- Description: A study on assessing communication challenges between clerks and deaf patients at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital was conducted in 2010. The aim was to assess the existence of communication challenges, possible reasons and solutions to these. The literature reviewed identified a gap in the knowledge of communication between staff and deaf patients. A health systems’ study was conducted using a descriptive, cross sectional survey. The study population was made up of 33 clerks who worked at the registration and records area and deaf patients who stayed at Efata and received health services from the hospital. All clerks were interviewed and a random sample of 106 deaf patients was estimated using Epidat statistical software. Self administered questionnaires were used for data collection. Results confirmed the existence of communication challenges between the two groups. A majority of clerks were not trained in Sign Language. They used a combination of methods to communicate with deaf patients, and few clerks could use Sign Language. The patients also used a combination of methods due to the frustration of not having a common method of communication with clerks. The findings clearly showed that there are communication challenges between the two groups and Sign Language needed to be introduced to clerks in order to accommodate deaf patients. Further research may be done on all healthcare providers and to all deaf patients in the region served by Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, and this could have a positive impact on the quality of service offered by the hospital to the deaf community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessing conflict and management interventions
- Authors: Plaatjes, Carlton Henry
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa , Cognitive styles
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8818 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018930
- Description: Human resource management, or people management, is concerned with the philosophies, policies, programmes, practices and decisions that affect the people who work for an organisation. The various people management functions are aimed at helping the organisation achieve its strategic goals and as such are an integral part of the management process. People management consists of several aspects and sub-divisions of which pro-active conflict handling and management is one and which is also the subject of this study. The objective of this study was to assess causes of conflict and interventions and styles of conflict management in the workplace. Workplace politics, change management, diversity, cultures and religious views are but a few major sources for the emergence of conflict. We are currently in the era of fast change or more aptly put “hyperchange” and conflict is inevitable and management styles can also create and/or escalate conflict situations including, the composition of diversity in the workplace. This adds to the new challenges of management. Organisations in this decade need to acknowledge that their management styles of days gone by are not relevant anymore and one must understand to recognise conflict and resolve it in an appropriate manner. This study assessed the major causes of conflict in the workplace and whether the managerial style of managers and management interventions impacts on the overall conflict situations experienced by staff members in organisations in Cape Town and Windhoek. It also gave an indication if interventions and conflict management training/programmes are in place or used, if at all. Sometimes conflict is resolved successfully or unsuccessfully and what impact it has on the managers, his/her staff and colleagues and the organisation as a whole. This can have a detriment impact on the business and the culture within the organisation and which could result in or give rise to high labour turnover, underlying unhappy staff and disempowerment of managers and staff and poor production and service levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Plaatjes, Carlton Henry
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa , Cognitive styles
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8818 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018930
- Description: Human resource management, or people management, is concerned with the philosophies, policies, programmes, practices and decisions that affect the people who work for an organisation. The various people management functions are aimed at helping the organisation achieve its strategic goals and as such are an integral part of the management process. People management consists of several aspects and sub-divisions of which pro-active conflict handling and management is one and which is also the subject of this study. The objective of this study was to assess causes of conflict and interventions and styles of conflict management in the workplace. Workplace politics, change management, diversity, cultures and religious views are but a few major sources for the emergence of conflict. We are currently in the era of fast change or more aptly put “hyperchange” and conflict is inevitable and management styles can also create and/or escalate conflict situations including, the composition of diversity in the workplace. This adds to the new challenges of management. Organisations in this decade need to acknowledge that their management styles of days gone by are not relevant anymore and one must understand to recognise conflict and resolve it in an appropriate manner. This study assessed the major causes of conflict in the workplace and whether the managerial style of managers and management interventions impacts on the overall conflict situations experienced by staff members in organisations in Cape Town and Windhoek. It also gave an indication if interventions and conflict management training/programmes are in place or used, if at all. Sometimes conflict is resolved successfully or unsuccessfully and what impact it has on the managers, his/her staff and colleagues and the organisation as a whole. This can have a detriment impact on the business and the culture within the organisation and which could result in or give rise to high labour turnover, underlying unhappy staff and disempowerment of managers and staff and poor production and service levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessing education's relevance to industry needs and the impact on graduate employability: a case study of UFH communication graduates
- Authors: Siwela, Ntandokazulu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Graduate students -- South Africa , Curriculum-based assessment -- South Africa , Educational evaluation , Employability -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11425 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/571 , Graduate students -- South Africa , Curriculum-based assessment -- South Africa , Educational evaluation , Employability -- South Africa
- Description: The 21st century has seen nations becoming more competitive yet ironically more interdependent as their future becomes even more dependent on the knowledge, skills, and resourcefulness of its people, creating new opportunities and difficulties for education, (Power, 2000). The education-work-society interdependency has therefore become more important now than ever. It is also because of this triad-interdependency that tertiary education‟s relevance to industry needs has become a crucial issue in societal development. The ever changing needs of South Africa, the unemployment rate, introduction of new technologies and many other ripple effects of globalization have seen more and more pressure mounting on the South African education system as more and more people try to ensure that the education system answers the crucial challenges of the country today and tomorrow.The discussion below provides a detailed account of the context, in which this discourse on curriculum relevance takes place, highlighting some relevant cornerstones of the Reconstruction and Development Programme, (RDP, 1994). Furthermore, this chapter exposes the key research questions and significance of the study. The subsequent chapter 2 gives an account of what other scholars have said on issues of curriculum relevance, development and the South African Higher Education system. Chapter 3 explains the research methodology as a research process used to investigate the problem in question. In this research study the researcher uses both quantitative and qualitative design (online surveys of three groups, these are the graduates, prospective employers and the lecturers). The analysis is based on quantitative data and further substantiated through qualitative data analysis. The subsequent chapter tabulates and lays out the results according to the surveys. The final chapter discusses the findings and makes future recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Siwela, Ntandokazulu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Graduate students -- South Africa , Curriculum-based assessment -- South Africa , Educational evaluation , Employability -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11425 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/571 , Graduate students -- South Africa , Curriculum-based assessment -- South Africa , Educational evaluation , Employability -- South Africa
- Description: The 21st century has seen nations becoming more competitive yet ironically more interdependent as their future becomes even more dependent on the knowledge, skills, and resourcefulness of its people, creating new opportunities and difficulties for education, (Power, 2000). The education-work-society interdependency has therefore become more important now than ever. It is also because of this triad-interdependency that tertiary education‟s relevance to industry needs has become a crucial issue in societal development. The ever changing needs of South Africa, the unemployment rate, introduction of new technologies and many other ripple effects of globalization have seen more and more pressure mounting on the South African education system as more and more people try to ensure that the education system answers the crucial challenges of the country today and tomorrow.The discussion below provides a detailed account of the context, in which this discourse on curriculum relevance takes place, highlighting some relevant cornerstones of the Reconstruction and Development Programme, (RDP, 1994). Furthermore, this chapter exposes the key research questions and significance of the study. The subsequent chapter 2 gives an account of what other scholars have said on issues of curriculum relevance, development and the South African Higher Education system. Chapter 3 explains the research methodology as a research process used to investigate the problem in question. In this research study the researcher uses both quantitative and qualitative design (online surveys of three groups, these are the graduates, prospective employers and the lecturers). The analysis is based on quantitative data and further substantiated through qualitative data analysis. The subsequent chapter tabulates and lays out the results according to the surveys. The final chapter discusses the findings and makes future recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessing the 'breaking new ground in housing' policy of South Africa in meeting the objectives of community participation
- Authors: April, Tandeka
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Housing policy -- Citizen participation , Political participation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9070 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008400 , Housing policy -- Citizen participation , Political participation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality -- Evaluation
- Description: Community participation is an important aspect of South African government policies that deal with integrated development planning and sustainable development. This report presents aspects of community participation in infrastructure delivery and in particular housing in Reeston which is part of the Duncan Village Redevelopment Initiative in East London area of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The importance of community participation is acknowledged as it enhances the ability of the community members to demonstrate and use their own views to deal with specific issues and to address the needs and problems that emerge and prevail in their societies. The two emerging paradigms of community participation suggest that the participating communities should be involved in the ‘selection, design, planning and implementation’ of projects that will have an effect on them and from which they are going to benefit ; and that continuous feedback to communities forms a fundamental part of any development activity. This report explores how the “Breaking New Ground in Housing” (BNG) policy of the South African Government meets its objectives in the context of community participation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: April, Tandeka
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Housing policy -- Citizen participation , Political participation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9070 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008400 , Housing policy -- Citizen participation , Political participation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality -- Evaluation
- Description: Community participation is an important aspect of South African government policies that deal with integrated development planning and sustainable development. This report presents aspects of community participation in infrastructure delivery and in particular housing in Reeston which is part of the Duncan Village Redevelopment Initiative in East London area of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The importance of community participation is acknowledged as it enhances the ability of the community members to demonstrate and use their own views to deal with specific issues and to address the needs and problems that emerge and prevail in their societies. The two emerging paradigms of community participation suggest that the participating communities should be involved in the ‘selection, design, planning and implementation’ of projects that will have an effect on them and from which they are going to benefit ; and that continuous feedback to communities forms a fundamental part of any development activity. This report explores how the “Breaking New Ground in Housing” (BNG) policy of the South African Government meets its objectives in the context of community participation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessing the impact of integrated development planning (IDP) on gender equality and women's empowerment in South Africa: a case study of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Municipality
- Authors: Mpofu, Sibongile
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Gender mainstreaming -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Women in development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Equality -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4751 , vital:20672
- Description: The South African local government is expected to conform to all national policy directives including the principle of gender equality. Local government provides an immense opportunity for redressing imbalances and empowerment of women as they are the most negatively affected by poverty as a result of inequality. The South African Government has developed a wide range of legislation that ensures that women are empowered and participate in their own development. With all the legislation in place, women‟s empowerment as envisaged in the South African Constitution has, however, not yet been yielded the desired results as evidenced by the fact that women continue to remain disadvantaged in relation to men. This study therefore seeks to investigate whether and how the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM) has mainstreamed gender in support to the principles of gender equality and women‟s empowerment in the implementation of Integrated Development Planning (IDP) with particular reference to wards 15 and 17. The researcher used a mixed methods research approach, this means that the study followed both the qualitative and quantitative approaches for in-depth understanding followed in the design and implementation of the IDP process. Data was collected from women participants by conducting surveys, making use of questionnaires. Structured interviews were conducted with municipality officials in order to give more insight more insight into how the IDP process is initiated in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Municipality. The findings of the study revealed that there is a lack of a strategic understanding of gender mainstreaming particularly by the leadership of the municipality. This as a result, has made operationalisation and engendering the IDP difficult. Due to this strategic vacuum, gender is generally not taken seriously when compared to other developmental challenges such as infrastructure provision. Moreover, the municipality does not have a coordination mechanism nor does it have a proper consultation mechanism to ensure that the nature of development projects is appropriate, effective and actually targets women‟s developmental needs. The leadership of the municipality must commit to the process of gender mainstreaming if the IDP is to be an effective tool in addressing the gender imbalances.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mpofu, Sibongile
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Gender mainstreaming -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Women in development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Equality -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4751 , vital:20672
- Description: The South African local government is expected to conform to all national policy directives including the principle of gender equality. Local government provides an immense opportunity for redressing imbalances and empowerment of women as they are the most negatively affected by poverty as a result of inequality. The South African Government has developed a wide range of legislation that ensures that women are empowered and participate in their own development. With all the legislation in place, women‟s empowerment as envisaged in the South African Constitution has, however, not yet been yielded the desired results as evidenced by the fact that women continue to remain disadvantaged in relation to men. This study therefore seeks to investigate whether and how the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM) has mainstreamed gender in support to the principles of gender equality and women‟s empowerment in the implementation of Integrated Development Planning (IDP) with particular reference to wards 15 and 17. The researcher used a mixed methods research approach, this means that the study followed both the qualitative and quantitative approaches for in-depth understanding followed in the design and implementation of the IDP process. Data was collected from women participants by conducting surveys, making use of questionnaires. Structured interviews were conducted with municipality officials in order to give more insight more insight into how the IDP process is initiated in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Municipality. The findings of the study revealed that there is a lack of a strategic understanding of gender mainstreaming particularly by the leadership of the municipality. This as a result, has made operationalisation and engendering the IDP difficult. Due to this strategic vacuum, gender is generally not taken seriously when compared to other developmental challenges such as infrastructure provision. Moreover, the municipality does not have a coordination mechanism nor does it have a proper consultation mechanism to ensure that the nature of development projects is appropriate, effective and actually targets women‟s developmental needs. The leadership of the municipality must commit to the process of gender mainstreaming if the IDP is to be an effective tool in addressing the gender imbalances.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessing the impact of school governance in the Limpopo Department of Education with specific reference to Mankweng and Polokwane circuits
- Authors: Mothapo, Sentshuhleng Jacob
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School management and organization -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Leadership -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Responsibility -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Teacher effectiveness -- South Africa -- Limpopo , School boards -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (in Public Administration)
- Identifier: vital:11663 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007096 , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Leadership -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Responsibility -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Teacher effectiveness -- South Africa -- Limpopo , School boards -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Description: Education has been identified as a priority area by the South African government, in particular by the African National Congress as the ruling party. To this end, huge amounts of money are being spent on education as a service that has been approved by the legislators. Rules and regulations have been promulgated, and among others, the South African Schools Act, Act No. 84 of 1996, has been enacted. Rich research has also been funded with the sole intention of providing quality education to the people. Education of unacceptably poor quality has, however, been the result, as postulated by Peterson and Hassel (1998:55). The above are attested to by the findings that the political tensions emanating from the conduct of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union and the Professional Educators’ Union, leading to class disruptions and general instability, erode the ethos of accountability on the part of educators and therefore impact negatively on service delivery. Furthermore, the Limpopo Department of Education is not immune to the challenges ranging from the elements of corrupt activities that often surface, teacher attrition which in the main is caused by lack of discipline. Winkler, Modise and Dawber (1998) indicate that teaching has never been easy, and many teachers are leaving their jobs because of the many problems with children in classrooms. Some of the problems cited are children who do not want to learn and learning that is becoming too difficult for the students because they do not want to listen. This study adopted sequential mixed methods namely, quantitative and qualitative research methods which are viewed as complementary rather than opposing approaches. Information was amassed from the subjects through interviews, observation, documentary survey and observation and the information has since been triangulated to validate the facts. All the methodologies employed proved to be useful in this study. The study sought to test the hypothesis “Good governance is informed by strong accountability and future-oriented organisation, continuously steering it towards its mission and vision, and thereby ensuring that the day-to-day management and administration are always linked with the organisation’s values and goals and thus eventually bringing about effectual and accelerated service delivery” to the South African populace without compromise. After empirically testing the hypothesis, showing mixed reaction informed by the findings of the study, five recommendations were made, based on the conclusions arrived at.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mothapo, Sentshuhleng Jacob
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School management and organization -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Leadership -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Responsibility -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Teacher effectiveness -- South Africa -- Limpopo , School boards -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (in Public Administration)
- Identifier: vital:11663 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007096 , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Leadership -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Responsibility -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Teacher effectiveness -- South Africa -- Limpopo , School boards -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Description: Education has been identified as a priority area by the South African government, in particular by the African National Congress as the ruling party. To this end, huge amounts of money are being spent on education as a service that has been approved by the legislators. Rules and regulations have been promulgated, and among others, the South African Schools Act, Act No. 84 of 1996, has been enacted. Rich research has also been funded with the sole intention of providing quality education to the people. Education of unacceptably poor quality has, however, been the result, as postulated by Peterson and Hassel (1998:55). The above are attested to by the findings that the political tensions emanating from the conduct of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union and the Professional Educators’ Union, leading to class disruptions and general instability, erode the ethos of accountability on the part of educators and therefore impact negatively on service delivery. Furthermore, the Limpopo Department of Education is not immune to the challenges ranging from the elements of corrupt activities that often surface, teacher attrition which in the main is caused by lack of discipline. Winkler, Modise and Dawber (1998) indicate that teaching has never been easy, and many teachers are leaving their jobs because of the many problems with children in classrooms. Some of the problems cited are children who do not want to learn and learning that is becoming too difficult for the students because they do not want to listen. This study adopted sequential mixed methods namely, quantitative and qualitative research methods which are viewed as complementary rather than opposing approaches. Information was amassed from the subjects through interviews, observation, documentary survey and observation and the information has since been triangulated to validate the facts. All the methodologies employed proved to be useful in this study. The study sought to test the hypothesis “Good governance is informed by strong accountability and future-oriented organisation, continuously steering it towards its mission and vision, and thereby ensuring that the day-to-day management and administration are always linked with the organisation’s values and goals and thus eventually bringing about effectual and accelerated service delivery” to the South African populace without compromise. After empirically testing the hypothesis, showing mixed reaction informed by the findings of the study, five recommendations were made, based on the conclusions arrived at.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessing the impact of unions and related barriers in lean manufacturing implementation within Eastern Cape automotive component suppliers
- Authors: Ebrahim, Zahier
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Motor industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor unions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8791 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015690
- Description: Lean manufacturing provides a fundamental basis for competitiveness in the auto component sector. The implementation and sustainability of the lean philosophy are important aspects when deciding on the adoption of the lean concept within organisations. Various barriers to implementation present themselves during and after lean implementation. These barriers are often related and in some instances they may be converted from an impediment into an enabler of lean within companies. The impact of unions as a negative or positive influence forms a central focus of this research. The influences on the perception of unions and their constituents are studied in relation to other barriers in order to determine their relevance in the Eastern Cape auto sector. A research questionnaire was constructed in line with the selected research design. The application of triangulation in the research design allows for greater depth in the responses from the participants in this research. The quantitative analysis combined with the qualitative thematic analysis provides an excellent means to explore and understand these selected barriers to lean in great detail. It can be concluded that automotive trade unions in the Eastern Cape are a barrier to implementation; however the factor that influences lean the most is the incorrect perception of lean due to ineffective leadership practices among organisational and union leaders, among other barriers. The impact of unions on the acceptance of a lean culture has far-reaching implications for the auto sector that requires a specific implementation approach in order to change perceptions and gain the requisite interest alignment among unions and their constituents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ebrahim, Zahier
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Motor industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor unions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8791 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015690
- Description: Lean manufacturing provides a fundamental basis for competitiveness in the auto component sector. The implementation and sustainability of the lean philosophy are important aspects when deciding on the adoption of the lean concept within organisations. Various barriers to implementation present themselves during and after lean implementation. These barriers are often related and in some instances they may be converted from an impediment into an enabler of lean within companies. The impact of unions as a negative or positive influence forms a central focus of this research. The influences on the perception of unions and their constituents are studied in relation to other barriers in order to determine their relevance in the Eastern Cape auto sector. A research questionnaire was constructed in line with the selected research design. The application of triangulation in the research design allows for greater depth in the responses from the participants in this research. The quantitative analysis combined with the qualitative thematic analysis provides an excellent means to explore and understand these selected barriers to lean in great detail. It can be concluded that automotive trade unions in the Eastern Cape are a barrier to implementation; however the factor that influences lean the most is the incorrect perception of lean due to ineffective leadership practices among organisational and union leaders, among other barriers. The impact of unions on the acceptance of a lean culture has far-reaching implications for the auto sector that requires a specific implementation approach in order to change perceptions and gain the requisite interest alignment among unions and their constituents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessing the statistical methodologies of business research in the South African context
- Authors: Ndou, Aifheli Amos
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Statistics -- South Africa , Commercial statistics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:8631 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1484 , Statistics -- South Africa , Commercial statistics -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of the study is to establish an acceptable classification scheme for the statistical methods used in business research. The approach compares the statistical component of the research and evaluates how it has changed over time and across different journals. If, as expected, the statistical expertise has changed, the change would be identified with the view to recommending curriculum changes for Statistics Departments of South African tertiary institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ndou, Aifheli Amos
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Statistics -- South Africa , Commercial statistics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:8631 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1484 , Statistics -- South Africa , Commercial statistics -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of the study is to establish an acceptable classification scheme for the statistical methods used in business research. The approach compares the statistical component of the research and evaluates how it has changed over time and across different journals. If, as expected, the statistical expertise has changed, the change would be identified with the view to recommending curriculum changes for Statistics Departments of South African tertiary institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessment of capacity development through public-private partnership: a case study of the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Sogoni, Mbulelo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public-private sector cooperation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11619 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/327 , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public-private sector cooperation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a capacity development programme initiated by the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEA) as a mechanism to enhance the performance of the employees in order to improve service delivery to the people of the Eastern Cape. The public service is enjoined by the Constitution to provide services that citizens need, and for this reason it is in need of educated, trained and professional public servants, especially in the technical, professional and managerial categories. The department also recognized the potential of public–private partnerships (PPPs) to improve performance in the areas of transformation and service delivery, and that it required investments aimed at developing and strengthening public management capacity. However, the effectiveness of the PPP as a mechanism for capacity development, remained unknown. The literature reviewed overwhelmingly supported the assertion that human capital development is critical for performance in the public service. The review also highlighted the importance of partnerships, especially the role of the private sector in the area of capacity development, advancing the argument that PPPs should be pursued in order to leverage ideas, resources, and capabilities to achieve public service goals. Various research tools, namely interviews, questionnaires and document analysis were used to conduct the study. Data collected and analysed provided empirical evidence of improved performance of both the individual managers and the department in the functional areas of financial governance and management; programme and project management; as well as ethics and professionalism. It suggested a strong correlation between training, capacity development and service delivery. This research found the DEDEA/National Business Initiative (NBI) PPP initiative, as a capacity development mechanism to enhance the performance of the department‟s employees, effective. On strength of the overwhelming evidence gathered through this research, it strongly recommends that the programme be rolled out to other employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Sogoni, Mbulelo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public-private sector cooperation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11619 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/327 , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public-private sector cooperation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a capacity development programme initiated by the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEA) as a mechanism to enhance the performance of the employees in order to improve service delivery to the people of the Eastern Cape. The public service is enjoined by the Constitution to provide services that citizens need, and for this reason it is in need of educated, trained and professional public servants, especially in the technical, professional and managerial categories. The department also recognized the potential of public–private partnerships (PPPs) to improve performance in the areas of transformation and service delivery, and that it required investments aimed at developing and strengthening public management capacity. However, the effectiveness of the PPP as a mechanism for capacity development, remained unknown. The literature reviewed overwhelmingly supported the assertion that human capital development is critical for performance in the public service. The review also highlighted the importance of partnerships, especially the role of the private sector in the area of capacity development, advancing the argument that PPPs should be pursued in order to leverage ideas, resources, and capabilities to achieve public service goals. Various research tools, namely interviews, questionnaires and document analysis were used to conduct the study. Data collected and analysed provided empirical evidence of improved performance of both the individual managers and the department in the functional areas of financial governance and management; programme and project management; as well as ethics and professionalism. It suggested a strong correlation between training, capacity development and service delivery. This research found the DEDEA/National Business Initiative (NBI) PPP initiative, as a capacity development mechanism to enhance the performance of the department‟s employees, effective. On strength of the overwhelming evidence gathered through this research, it strongly recommends that the programme be rolled out to other employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in fish samples from the Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Authors: Mpofu, Christopher
- Date: 2011 , 2011-02-28
- Subjects: Pesticides , Organochlorine compounds , Freshwater fishes -- Effect of pesticides on -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Water -- Pesticide content -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Catfishes -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Tigerfish -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Redbreast tilapia -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4404 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006707 , Pesticides , Organochlorine compounds , Freshwater fishes -- Effect of pesticides on -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Water -- Pesticide content -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Catfishes -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Tigerfish -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Redbreast tilapia -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta
- Description: This thesis presents an evaluation of the dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) method referred to as the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) method for the determination of four organochlorine pesticide residues in fish samples. The pesticides investigated in this study were o, p′-DDT, p, p′-DDE, aldrin and dieldrin. The combined use of Gas Chromatography with an Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) and sensitive Time of Flight (TOF) mass detector facilitated the identification of the target analytes. In the absence of certified reference material, the overall analytical procedure was validated by systematic recovery experiments on spiked samples at three levels of 2, 5 and 10 ng/g. The targeted compounds were successfully extracted and their recovery ranged from 76 to 96% with relative standard deviations of less than 13%. The optimum QuEChERS conditions were 2g of fish powder, 10 ml acetonitrile and 1 min shaking time. The optimal conditions were applied to assess the levels of chlorinated pesticides in blunt-tooth catfish (Clarias ngamensis), tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus), Oreochromis andersonii and red-breasted tilapia (Tilapia rendalli) from the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Dieldrin, p, p′-DDE and aldrin were detected in all the analysed samples with a concentration range of 0.04 – 0.29, 0.07 – 0.33, 0.04 – 0.28 and 0.03 – 0.24 ng/g per dry weight in O. andersonii, C. ngamensis, T. rendalli and H. vittatus respectively. These concentrations were below the US-EPA 0.1 μg/g allowable limit in edible fish and the Australian Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of 50 - 1000 ng/g in fresh fish. DDT was not detected in all the fish species investigated. The mean lipid content recorded in the fish samples were 1.24, 2.16, 2.18 and 4.21% for H. vittatus, T. rendalli, O. andersonni and C. ngamensis respectively. No systematic trend was observed between fish age and pesticide levels in fish. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity assays were performed to assess the effects of organochlorine pesticides in Clarias ngamensis. The enzyme activity recorded in Clarias ngamensis from the Okavango Delta and the reference site was 12.31 μmol of acetylcholine iodide hydrolysed/min/g brain tissue. The enzyme activity remained the same indicating no enzyme inhibition. The conclusions drawn from this study are that the QuEChERS method is applicable for the determination of organochlorine pesticide residues in fish matrices. The fish from the Okavango Delta are safe for human consumption.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mpofu, Christopher
- Date: 2011 , 2011-02-28
- Subjects: Pesticides , Organochlorine compounds , Freshwater fishes -- Effect of pesticides on -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Water -- Pesticide content -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Catfishes -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Tigerfish -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Redbreast tilapia -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4404 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006707 , Pesticides , Organochlorine compounds , Freshwater fishes -- Effect of pesticides on -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Water -- Pesticide content -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Catfishes -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Tigerfish -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Redbreast tilapia -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta
- Description: This thesis presents an evaluation of the dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) method referred to as the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) method for the determination of four organochlorine pesticide residues in fish samples. The pesticides investigated in this study were o, p′-DDT, p, p′-DDE, aldrin and dieldrin. The combined use of Gas Chromatography with an Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) and sensitive Time of Flight (TOF) mass detector facilitated the identification of the target analytes. In the absence of certified reference material, the overall analytical procedure was validated by systematic recovery experiments on spiked samples at three levels of 2, 5 and 10 ng/g. The targeted compounds were successfully extracted and their recovery ranged from 76 to 96% with relative standard deviations of less than 13%. The optimum QuEChERS conditions were 2g of fish powder, 10 ml acetonitrile and 1 min shaking time. The optimal conditions were applied to assess the levels of chlorinated pesticides in blunt-tooth catfish (Clarias ngamensis), tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus), Oreochromis andersonii and red-breasted tilapia (Tilapia rendalli) from the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Dieldrin, p, p′-DDE and aldrin were detected in all the analysed samples with a concentration range of 0.04 – 0.29, 0.07 – 0.33, 0.04 – 0.28 and 0.03 – 0.24 ng/g per dry weight in O. andersonii, C. ngamensis, T. rendalli and H. vittatus respectively. These concentrations were below the US-EPA 0.1 μg/g allowable limit in edible fish and the Australian Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of 50 - 1000 ng/g in fresh fish. DDT was not detected in all the fish species investigated. The mean lipid content recorded in the fish samples were 1.24, 2.16, 2.18 and 4.21% for H. vittatus, T. rendalli, O. andersonni and C. ngamensis respectively. No systematic trend was observed between fish age and pesticide levels in fish. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity assays were performed to assess the effects of organochlorine pesticides in Clarias ngamensis. The enzyme activity recorded in Clarias ngamensis from the Okavango Delta and the reference site was 12.31 μmol of acetylcholine iodide hydrolysed/min/g brain tissue. The enzyme activity remained the same indicating no enzyme inhibition. The conclusions drawn from this study are that the QuEChERS method is applicable for the determination of organochlorine pesticide residues in fish matrices. The fish from the Okavango Delta are safe for human consumption.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessment of the antibacterial properties of n-Hexane extract of Cocos Nucifera and its interactions with some conventional antibiotics
- Authors: Akinyele, Taiwo Adesola
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Coconut palm , Microbial sensitivity tests , Gram-negative bacterial infections , Vibrio infections , Antibiotics , Hexane , Extracts
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11245 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/416 , Coconut palm , Microbial sensitivity tests , Gram-negative bacterial infections , Vibrio infections , Antibiotics , Hexane , Extracts
- Description: Cocos nucifera belong to the family Aracaceae (palm Family). The English name is coconut and it is used extensively as medicinal remedies against infections such as urinary tract infections, gastro intestinal infections, skin and wound infections. The in vitro antibacterial (including anti-listerial and anti-vibrio) properties as well as the evaluation of the combination potentials of the plant extract with six front-line antibiotics were evaluated in this study using standard procedures. The in vitro anti-listerial properties of the crude aqueous and n-Hexane extract of the husk of Cocos nucifera were carried out against 37 Listeria isolates. Twenty-nine of the test organisms were susceptible to the aqueous extract while thirty were susceptible to the n-Hexane extract both at the screening concentration of 25 mg/ml. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for all the susceptible bacteria ranged between 0.6 - 5.0 mg/ml. For the aqueous extract, average log reduction in viable cell count ranged between 0.32 Log10 and 4.8 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hours interaction in 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. For the n-Hexane extract, the log reduction ranged between 2.4 Log10 and 6.2 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hours interaction in 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. The time-kill characteristics of the two extracts suggest that at higher concentration (2 × MIC) and longer duration of interaction (8 hr), more bacteria were killed. In vitro anti-vibrio and antibacterial properties experiment revealed that of all the 45 vibrio and 25 bacteria strains that was tested, 37 were susceptible to the aqueous extract and 38 to the n-Hexane extract, while 17 were susceptible to the aqueous extract and 21 to the n-Hexane extract. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for all the susceptible bacteria ranged between 0.3 - 5.0 mg/ml. viii The time kill studies revealed that for the aqueous extract, average log reduction in viable cell count in time kill assay ranged between 0.12 Log10 and 4.2 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hr interaction at 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. For the n-Hexane extract, the log reduction ranged between 0.56 Log10 and 6.4 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hr interaction in 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. In the test for the combination interactions, the checkerboard method revealed synergy of 67% and indifferent of 33%, while the time kill assay detected synergy in 72% and indifferent in 28% of the combinations tested. The synergy detected was not specific to any of the antibiotics or the Gram reaction of the bacteria, and no antagonism was detected. We conclude that the aqueous and n-Hexane extract of the husk of C. nucifera contains potential broad spectrum antibiotics resistance modulating compounds that could be relevant in the treatment of infections caused by these pathogens. In addition, the husk which is being discarded as agro waste will opens up a vista of opportunities for utilization for therapeutic purposes
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Akinyele, Taiwo Adesola
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Coconut palm , Microbial sensitivity tests , Gram-negative bacterial infections , Vibrio infections , Antibiotics , Hexane , Extracts
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11245 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/416 , Coconut palm , Microbial sensitivity tests , Gram-negative bacterial infections , Vibrio infections , Antibiotics , Hexane , Extracts
- Description: Cocos nucifera belong to the family Aracaceae (palm Family). The English name is coconut and it is used extensively as medicinal remedies against infections such as urinary tract infections, gastro intestinal infections, skin and wound infections. The in vitro antibacterial (including anti-listerial and anti-vibrio) properties as well as the evaluation of the combination potentials of the plant extract with six front-line antibiotics were evaluated in this study using standard procedures. The in vitro anti-listerial properties of the crude aqueous and n-Hexane extract of the husk of Cocos nucifera were carried out against 37 Listeria isolates. Twenty-nine of the test organisms were susceptible to the aqueous extract while thirty were susceptible to the n-Hexane extract both at the screening concentration of 25 mg/ml. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for all the susceptible bacteria ranged between 0.6 - 5.0 mg/ml. For the aqueous extract, average log reduction in viable cell count ranged between 0.32 Log10 and 4.8 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hours interaction in 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. For the n-Hexane extract, the log reduction ranged between 2.4 Log10 and 6.2 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hours interaction in 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. The time-kill characteristics of the two extracts suggest that at higher concentration (2 × MIC) and longer duration of interaction (8 hr), more bacteria were killed. In vitro anti-vibrio and antibacterial properties experiment revealed that of all the 45 vibrio and 25 bacteria strains that was tested, 37 were susceptible to the aqueous extract and 38 to the n-Hexane extract, while 17 were susceptible to the aqueous extract and 21 to the n-Hexane extract. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for all the susceptible bacteria ranged between 0.3 - 5.0 mg/ml. viii The time kill studies revealed that for the aqueous extract, average log reduction in viable cell count in time kill assay ranged between 0.12 Log10 and 4.2 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hr interaction at 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. For the n-Hexane extract, the log reduction ranged between 0.56 Log10 and 6.4 Log10 CFU/ml after 8 hr interaction in 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. In the test for the combination interactions, the checkerboard method revealed synergy of 67% and indifferent of 33%, while the time kill assay detected synergy in 72% and indifferent in 28% of the combinations tested. The synergy detected was not specific to any of the antibiotics or the Gram reaction of the bacteria, and no antagonism was detected. We conclude that the aqueous and n-Hexane extract of the husk of C. nucifera contains potential broad spectrum antibiotics resistance modulating compounds that could be relevant in the treatment of infections caused by these pathogens. In addition, the husk which is being discarded as agro waste will opens up a vista of opportunities for utilization for therapeutic purposes
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessment of the status of lean implementation at selected South African Revenue Service branch offices
- Authors: Samela, Thandile
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- Evaluation , Production management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8702 , vital:26422
- Description: Governments around the world want to deliver better education, better health care, better pensions and better transportation services. They know that impatient electorates want to see change, and fast. But, the funds required to meet such expectations are enormous, particularly in the many developed economies where populations are aging and the public sector's productivity has not kept pace with that of the private sector. The need to get value for money from governments at all levels is therefore under the spotlight as never before. However, cost-cutting programmes that seek savings of 1 to 3% per year will not be sufficient and, in some cases, may even weaken the quality of service (Bhatia & Drew, 2006). One of the key innovative means to improve productivity, and do more with less, is through the implementation of lean initiatives. The purpose of this study is to conduct an 'Assessment of the status of lean implementation at selected SARS (South African Revenue Service) branch offices'. Literature review was conducted to investigate the origins of lean and how the service industry tapped from this philosophy, which was initially developed for the manufacturing sector. The lean philosophy has now been widely adopted in various service industries, from government agencies such as the South African Revenue Service to financial institutions such as ABSA bank, including the healthcare industry. The findings of the research indicated that even though the organisation has made a strategic decision to implement lean, this has not been entirely successful as there is a lack of understanding of lean among managers and team leaders. There are some pockets of excellence though. The researcher recommends that a comprehensive road map be developed to guide the organisation into a sustainable lean implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Samela, Thandile
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- Evaluation , Production management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8702 , vital:26422
- Description: Governments around the world want to deliver better education, better health care, better pensions and better transportation services. They know that impatient electorates want to see change, and fast. But, the funds required to meet such expectations are enormous, particularly in the many developed economies where populations are aging and the public sector's productivity has not kept pace with that of the private sector. The need to get value for money from governments at all levels is therefore under the spotlight as never before. However, cost-cutting programmes that seek savings of 1 to 3% per year will not be sufficient and, in some cases, may even weaken the quality of service (Bhatia & Drew, 2006). One of the key innovative means to improve productivity, and do more with less, is through the implementation of lean initiatives. The purpose of this study is to conduct an 'Assessment of the status of lean implementation at selected SARS (South African Revenue Service) branch offices'. Literature review was conducted to investigate the origins of lean and how the service industry tapped from this philosophy, which was initially developed for the manufacturing sector. The lean philosophy has now been widely adopted in various service industries, from government agencies such as the South African Revenue Service to financial institutions such as ABSA bank, including the healthcare industry. The findings of the research indicated that even though the organisation has made a strategic decision to implement lean, this has not been entirely successful as there is a lack of understanding of lean among managers and team leaders. There are some pockets of excellence though. The researcher recommends that a comprehensive road map be developed to guide the organisation into a sustainable lean implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Associations in ephemeral systems: the lack of trophic relationships between sandhoppers and beach wrack
- Porri, Francesca, Hill, Jaclyn M, McQuaid, Christopher D
- Authors: Porri, Francesca , Hill, Jaclyn M , McQuaid, Christopher D
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/444552 , vital:74250 , https://doi.org/10.3354/meps08951
- Description: In ephemeral systems, material subsidies can play a key role in the persistence and connectivity of populations, especially if the organisms living within them are trophically dependent on imported resources. Sandy beaches are heavily subsidized by organic material of both terrestrial and marine origin. For highly mobile supratidal fringe species, such as amphipods, which are marine but with a high tolerance of aerial conditions, such material potentially provides both food and shelter. We investigated the relationship between beach wrack and amphipods by examining the trophic contribution of allochthonous food sources to sandhopper diets using stable isotope analysis. Replicate samples of the sandhopper Talorchestia capensis and several types of beach wrack (including seagrass, wood and different macrophytes) colonized by these amphipods were collected from 11 sites within one biogeographical region along the south coast of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Porri, Francesca , Hill, Jaclyn M , McQuaid, Christopher D
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/444552 , vital:74250 , https://doi.org/10.3354/meps08951
- Description: In ephemeral systems, material subsidies can play a key role in the persistence and connectivity of populations, especially if the organisms living within them are trophically dependent on imported resources. Sandy beaches are heavily subsidized by organic material of both terrestrial and marine origin. For highly mobile supratidal fringe species, such as amphipods, which are marine but with a high tolerance of aerial conditions, such material potentially provides both food and shelter. We investigated the relationship between beach wrack and amphipods by examining the trophic contribution of allochthonous food sources to sandhopper diets using stable isotope analysis. Replicate samples of the sandhopper Talorchestia capensis and several types of beach wrack (including seagrass, wood and different macrophytes) colonized by these amphipods were collected from 11 sites within one biogeographical region along the south coast of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Balancing the educator's rights to fair labour practices and to strike with the right to education
- Authors: Govender, Mahalingum
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Right to education -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Children's rights -- South Africa , Educational law and legislation -- South Africa , Strikes and lockouts -- Teachers -- South Africa , Right to strike -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10198 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1565 , Right to education -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Children's rights -- South Africa , Educational law and legislation -- South Africa , Strikes and lockouts -- Teachers -- South Africa , Right to strike -- South Africa
- Description: This treatise investigates the potential for law (including courts and tribunals) to intervene and act as a lever for the protection and advancement of the rights of the child including the right to basic education. The dissertation critically explores the debate on the educator‟s right to strike and fair labour practices and the child‟s right to education, by assessing the rights and liberties, which accrue to educators and the child (learners) in terms of existing law. The South African Constitution has made specific provision for the protection of the rights of children and the rights of educators and these rights are fundamental to the development of a society in transition. The vexed question that arises is whether these rights can co-exist in a society that has inherited a legacy of discrimination and inequality. The consequences of this legacy have resulted in the rights of educators competing with those of learners. The normalisation of the balance of these opposite rights is the challenge that lies ahead and this process will require intervention of all stakeholders rather than purely legislative intervention. This dissertation recommends a consensus-based approach, which is the most appropriate solution to balance the rights of educators with this of the child‟s right to education, as opposed to a declaration of the education sector as an essential service. It further proposes the establishment of a more structured and organised forum / institution and its sole purpose would be to deal with the individual or collective rights of educators that compete with the rights of learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Govender, Mahalingum
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Right to education -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Children's rights -- South Africa , Educational law and legislation -- South Africa , Strikes and lockouts -- Teachers -- South Africa , Right to strike -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10198 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1565 , Right to education -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Children's rights -- South Africa , Educational law and legislation -- South Africa , Strikes and lockouts -- Teachers -- South Africa , Right to strike -- South Africa
- Description: This treatise investigates the potential for law (including courts and tribunals) to intervene and act as a lever for the protection and advancement of the rights of the child including the right to basic education. The dissertation critically explores the debate on the educator‟s right to strike and fair labour practices and the child‟s right to education, by assessing the rights and liberties, which accrue to educators and the child (learners) in terms of existing law. The South African Constitution has made specific provision for the protection of the rights of children and the rights of educators and these rights are fundamental to the development of a society in transition. The vexed question that arises is whether these rights can co-exist in a society that has inherited a legacy of discrimination and inequality. The consequences of this legacy have resulted in the rights of educators competing with those of learners. The normalisation of the balance of these opposite rights is the challenge that lies ahead and this process will require intervention of all stakeholders rather than purely legislative intervention. This dissertation recommends a consensus-based approach, which is the most appropriate solution to balance the rights of educators with this of the child‟s right to education, as opposed to a declaration of the education sector as an essential service. It further proposes the establishment of a more structured and organised forum / institution and its sole purpose would be to deal with the individual or collective rights of educators that compete with the rights of learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Barriers to entrepreneurship: assessing NMBM school leavers for business enterprise
- Authors: Qumza, Thabang Vuyo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Young adults -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth development -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8943 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011804 , Young adults -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth development -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In plight of the country‟s high unemployment, poverty, and income inequalities, there is an urgent need to address these issues by converging toward entrepreneurship. World-wide, it is acknowledged by both government and academia that entrepreneurship soothes and remedies socio-economic ills. It creates employment, wealth, alleviates poverty, increases tax base, balances income disparities and accomplishes social stability. With the high youth (18-34 year age) unemployment looming at 73 percent and a low South African total entrepreneurship rate at 8.9 percent; this study attempts to investigate the barriers that hinder school leavers from engaging in entrepreneurship. The research investigates critical entrepreneurial factors including entrepreneurial character and behaviour, entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, managerial knowledge and skills, knowledge on legal aspects of a business, sourcing of finances, and entrepreneurial background and orientation. The primary objective was met through the investigation of the secondary objectives. This was accomplished through a questionnaire survey, composed with multiple choice questions and closed questions measured on a Likert scale. The questionnaire was constructed based on the literature reviewed from various sources including books, dissertations, journals, government reports, newspapers, magazines, internet, television and radio broadcasts (interviews and news). The study discovers that learners are inhibited by various factors from engaging into business venturing. The list of barriers identified was: A discouraging entrepreneurial background (heritage) – parents had low levels of education and were not entrepreneurial, Weak entrepreneurial character and behaviour, Lack of entrepreneurial exposure and work experience, Learners lack financial skills and computer skills, Families lack savings to financially support their business start-ups, Limited knowledge on the legal aspects regulating a business, Limited knowledge on sourcing finances (angel and venture capital investors).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Qumza, Thabang Vuyo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Young adults -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth development -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8943 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011804 , Young adults -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth development -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In plight of the country‟s high unemployment, poverty, and income inequalities, there is an urgent need to address these issues by converging toward entrepreneurship. World-wide, it is acknowledged by both government and academia that entrepreneurship soothes and remedies socio-economic ills. It creates employment, wealth, alleviates poverty, increases tax base, balances income disparities and accomplishes social stability. With the high youth (18-34 year age) unemployment looming at 73 percent and a low South African total entrepreneurship rate at 8.9 percent; this study attempts to investigate the barriers that hinder school leavers from engaging in entrepreneurship. The research investigates critical entrepreneurial factors including entrepreneurial character and behaviour, entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, managerial knowledge and skills, knowledge on legal aspects of a business, sourcing of finances, and entrepreneurial background and orientation. The primary objective was met through the investigation of the secondary objectives. This was accomplished through a questionnaire survey, composed with multiple choice questions and closed questions measured on a Likert scale. The questionnaire was constructed based on the literature reviewed from various sources including books, dissertations, journals, government reports, newspapers, magazines, internet, television and radio broadcasts (interviews and news). The study discovers that learners are inhibited by various factors from engaging into business venturing. The list of barriers identified was: A discouraging entrepreneurial background (heritage) – parents had low levels of education and were not entrepreneurial, Weak entrepreneurial character and behaviour, Lack of entrepreneurial exposure and work experience, Learners lack financial skills and computer skills, Families lack savings to financially support their business start-ups, Limited knowledge on the legal aspects regulating a business, Limited knowledge on sourcing finances (angel and venture capital investors).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Bayesian logistic regression models for credit scoring
- Authors: Webster, Gregg
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Bayesian statistical decision theory Credit scoring systems Regression analysis Logistic regression analysis Monte Carlo method Markov processes Financial institutions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:5574 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005538
- Description: The Bayesian approach to logistic regression modelling for credit scoring is useful when there are data quantity issues. Data quantity issues might occur when a bank is opening in a new location or there is change in the scoring procedure. Making use of prior information (available from the coefficients estimated on other data sets, or expert knowledge about the coefficients) a Bayesian approach is proposed to improve the credit scoring models. To achieve this, a data set is split into two sets, “old” data and “new” data. Priors are obtained from a model fitted on the “old” data. This model is assumed to be a scoring model used by a financial institution in the current location. The financial institution is then assumed to expand into a new economic location where there is limited data. The priors from the model on the “old” data are then combined in a Bayesian model with the “new” data to obtain a model which represents all the available information. The predictive performance of this Bayesian model is compared to a model which does not make use of any prior information. It is found that the use of relevant prior information improves the predictive performance when the size of the “new” data is small. As the size of the “new” data increases, the importance of including prior information decreases
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Webster, Gregg
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Bayesian statistical decision theory Credit scoring systems Regression analysis Logistic regression analysis Monte Carlo method Markov processes Financial institutions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:5574 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005538
- Description: The Bayesian approach to logistic regression modelling for credit scoring is useful when there are data quantity issues. Data quantity issues might occur when a bank is opening in a new location or there is change in the scoring procedure. Making use of prior information (available from the coefficients estimated on other data sets, or expert knowledge about the coefficients) a Bayesian approach is proposed to improve the credit scoring models. To achieve this, a data set is split into two sets, “old” data and “new” data. Priors are obtained from a model fitted on the “old” data. This model is assumed to be a scoring model used by a financial institution in the current location. The financial institution is then assumed to expand into a new economic location where there is limited data. The priors from the model on the “old” data are then combined in a Bayesian model with the “new” data to obtain a model which represents all the available information. The predictive performance of this Bayesian model is compared to a model which does not make use of any prior information. It is found that the use of relevant prior information improves the predictive performance when the size of the “new” data is small. As the size of the “new” data increases, the importance of including prior information decreases
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Becoming African: debating post-apartheid white South African identities
- Authors: Matthews, Sally
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142409 , vital:38077 , DOI: 10.1080/14725843.2011.530440
- Description: The post-apartheid era necessitates the rethinking of white identities in South Africa. One way in which some white South Africans are seeking to redefine themselves is through describing themselves as African. However, claims by white South Africans that they too are Africans have been met with mixed responses from black South Africans. In this article I use contributions to an online university students' forum to explore ways in which some white South Africans are embracing an African identity and to consider ways in which some black South Africans are responding to white South Africans' shifting identities. I use contributions to this forum as a starting point to think about the possibilities and limitations that the embracing of an African identity has for the development of what Frankenberg calls ‘anti-racist forms of whiteness’ among white South Africans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Matthews, Sally
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142409 , vital:38077 , DOI: 10.1080/14725843.2011.530440
- Description: The post-apartheid era necessitates the rethinking of white identities in South Africa. One way in which some white South Africans are seeking to redefine themselves is through describing themselves as African. However, claims by white South Africans that they too are Africans have been met with mixed responses from black South Africans. In this article I use contributions to an online university students' forum to explore ways in which some white South Africans are embracing an African identity and to consider ways in which some black South Africans are responding to white South Africans' shifting identities. I use contributions to this forum as a starting point to think about the possibilities and limitations that the embracing of an African identity has for the development of what Frankenberg calls ‘anti-racist forms of whiteness’ among white South Africans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Being Indian, being MK: an exploration of the experiences and ethnic identities of Indian South African Umkhonto we Sizwe members
- Authors: Lalla, Varsha
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Umkhonto we Sizwe (South Africa) -- Research Political activists -- Research -- South Africa East Indians -- Politics and government -- Research -- South Africa Ethnicity -- Political aspects -- South Africa -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2792 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003002
- Description: Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) was a military organization dominated by black Africans. Although it is not generally associated with Indian South Africans, who form a minority in the country, there were Indian MK members. This thesis explores the way in which Indian MK members reconciled aspects of their ethnic identity with their membership of MK. It explores the experiences of two generations of members: those born between 1929 and 1944 and those born between 1960 and 1969. In particular it looks at whether they experienced tensions between their ethnic and political identities. It explores what set these Indian South Africans apart from the rest of the Indian South African community that did not join MK. It also looks at what significant differences there were between different generations of Indian MK members. The research results show that the first generation MK members believe that their MK activities were „the highest form of passive resistance‟. An explanation for this way of referring to their activities could be that this was a way of reconciling tensions between their ethnic and political identities. The first generation was also very critical of the Indian SA community. This could be because they still feel part of this community despite having a strong political consciousness that is different from most of the community. It was found that some of the features that set Indian MK members apart from other Indian South Africans were that they were not raised in very religious households and occupied a fairly low rather than „middle man‟ economic position. In addition, members of the first generation of MK members were raised in comparatively multi-racial areas. Both generations made the decision to join MK because of Indian role models. There were some marked differences between the two generations of MK veterans. Most notably, the younger did not see their activities as in line with passive resistance and they also displayed more ambivalence about their ethnic identities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Lalla, Varsha
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Umkhonto we Sizwe (South Africa) -- Research Political activists -- Research -- South Africa East Indians -- Politics and government -- Research -- South Africa Ethnicity -- Political aspects -- South Africa -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2792 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003002
- Description: Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) was a military organization dominated by black Africans. Although it is not generally associated with Indian South Africans, who form a minority in the country, there were Indian MK members. This thesis explores the way in which Indian MK members reconciled aspects of their ethnic identity with their membership of MK. It explores the experiences of two generations of members: those born between 1929 and 1944 and those born between 1960 and 1969. In particular it looks at whether they experienced tensions between their ethnic and political identities. It explores what set these Indian South Africans apart from the rest of the Indian South African community that did not join MK. It also looks at what significant differences there were between different generations of Indian MK members. The research results show that the first generation MK members believe that their MK activities were „the highest form of passive resistance‟. An explanation for this way of referring to their activities could be that this was a way of reconciling tensions between their ethnic and political identities. The first generation was also very critical of the Indian SA community. This could be because they still feel part of this community despite having a strong political consciousness that is different from most of the community. It was found that some of the features that set Indian MK members apart from other Indian South Africans were that they were not raised in very religious households and occupied a fairly low rather than „middle man‟ economic position. In addition, members of the first generation of MK members were raised in comparatively multi-racial areas. Both generations made the decision to join MK because of Indian role models. There were some marked differences between the two generations of MK veterans. Most notably, the younger did not see their activities as in line with passive resistance and they also displayed more ambivalence about their ethnic identities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011