A study of procurement and administration in the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Xatula, Meyisi Sigqibo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Procurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13458 , vital:27205
- Description: The study investigated issues concerning procurement and administration in the Department of Health (DoH) in the Eastern Cape and has further investigated the role of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Act 1 of 1999 in the department. That included issues associated with the administration and procurement in relation to service providers from the private sector. The DoH in the Eastern Cape Province delivers:“ … a quality health service to the people of the Eastern Cape Province promoting a better life for all and ensures accessible, comprehensive, and integrated services in the province, emphasising the primary health care approach, as well as utilising and developing all resources to enable present and future generations to enjoy good health and quality of life” (Department of Health [DoH], Eastern Cape, Departmental Annual Performance Plan, 2013:3). Various researchers have investigated the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999 and have identified gaps and made recommendations regarding the identified gaps. The study is based on the following reports from various authors: According to Pillay (2013), since 1994 every public sector department has lost approximately R385 billion to fraud, corruption and maladministration. Government employees have accepted kickbacks in exchange for rigging tenders, including focusing on high levels of corruption (Albert, 2011:1). The fraud and corruption in the Eastern Cape DoH, which involves nepotism, corruption and fraud amounting to a million rand in the audit report of 2013, have prompted calls by the opposition for interventions (PricewaterhouseCoopers [PWC], 2013:9). Departmental Annual Performance Plan for 2013/2014. Impact of accountability and ethics on public service delivery: a South African perspective which involves accountability stating that all government departments have to be efficient to ensure value for public funds including the qualitative and value-laden expectations of the society (Raga & Taylor, 2008:1). EC (2010:9), Audit Report: Health Department, Eastern Cape. King III Report (2009) – Corporate Governance. The study has built on previous research conducted by other researchers who have conducted research on the issue of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act 1 (PFM Act 1) of 1999, and had identify further gaps not previously identified by other researchers or in the audits. In addition, this study aims to also identify shortcomings that have been described in the recent audits 2013/2014 of the DoH, Eastern Cape. Together with the new gaps identified in the PFM Act 1 of 1999, the researcher aims to make a number of recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999. The PFM Act 1 of 1999 was promulgated by the South African government in 1999. The Act promotes the objective of good financial management in order to maximise service delivery through effective and efficient use of available limited resources as well as credible interaction with private sector service providers. A key objective of this Act is to put in place a more effective financial accountability system over public entities. The objectives of the Act are to: Modernise the system of financial management, Enable public sector managers to manage, while at the same time being accountable, Ensure timely provision of quality information, To eliminate waste and corruption in the use of public assets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Xatula, Meyisi Sigqibo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Procurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13458 , vital:27205
- Description: The study investigated issues concerning procurement and administration in the Department of Health (DoH) in the Eastern Cape and has further investigated the role of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Act 1 of 1999 in the department. That included issues associated with the administration and procurement in relation to service providers from the private sector. The DoH in the Eastern Cape Province delivers:“ … a quality health service to the people of the Eastern Cape Province promoting a better life for all and ensures accessible, comprehensive, and integrated services in the province, emphasising the primary health care approach, as well as utilising and developing all resources to enable present and future generations to enjoy good health and quality of life” (Department of Health [DoH], Eastern Cape, Departmental Annual Performance Plan, 2013:3). Various researchers have investigated the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999 and have identified gaps and made recommendations regarding the identified gaps. The study is based on the following reports from various authors: According to Pillay (2013), since 1994 every public sector department has lost approximately R385 billion to fraud, corruption and maladministration. Government employees have accepted kickbacks in exchange for rigging tenders, including focusing on high levels of corruption (Albert, 2011:1). The fraud and corruption in the Eastern Cape DoH, which involves nepotism, corruption and fraud amounting to a million rand in the audit report of 2013, have prompted calls by the opposition for interventions (PricewaterhouseCoopers [PWC], 2013:9). Departmental Annual Performance Plan for 2013/2014. Impact of accountability and ethics on public service delivery: a South African perspective which involves accountability stating that all government departments have to be efficient to ensure value for public funds including the qualitative and value-laden expectations of the society (Raga & Taylor, 2008:1). EC (2010:9), Audit Report: Health Department, Eastern Cape. King III Report (2009) – Corporate Governance. The study has built on previous research conducted by other researchers who have conducted research on the issue of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act 1 (PFM Act 1) of 1999, and had identify further gaps not previously identified by other researchers or in the audits. In addition, this study aims to also identify shortcomings that have been described in the recent audits 2013/2014 of the DoH, Eastern Cape. Together with the new gaps identified in the PFM Act 1 of 1999, the researcher aims to make a number of recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999. The PFM Act 1 of 1999 was promulgated by the South African government in 1999. The Act promotes the objective of good financial management in order to maximise service delivery through effective and efficient use of available limited resources as well as credible interaction with private sector service providers. A key objective of this Act is to put in place a more effective financial accountability system over public entities. The objectives of the Act are to: Modernise the system of financial management, Enable public sector managers to manage, while at the same time being accountable, Ensure timely provision of quality information, To eliminate waste and corruption in the use of public assets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A study of the South African national anthem as a tool for division or unification
- Authors: Gallant, Bernette Denolia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cultural fusion -- South Africa Multiculturalism -- South Africa , Politics and culture -- South Africa National songs -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15138 , vital:28143
- Description: South Africa is a nation that was born from a struggle that can be said to have turned racial divisions and discrimination into a diversity of heritages. Thus, contemporary South Africa has become a country recreated in such a way that its people are able to embrace diversity freely. This research study aimed to provide insights into South Africa’s diversity in culture and linguistics that were moulded into a single song, the South African National Anthem. The research study aimed to determine the selected sample’s (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Staff and Students) responses to the representation of the South African National Anthem based on two specific performances. The research study aimed to determine how the two online videos affected the perceptions of NMMU Staff and Students of the South African National Anthem and South Africa as a brand. The research study aimed to determine how the two performances of the South African National Anthem under study were received by Staff and Students at NMMU. The study also aimed to highlight the similarities and differences in the sample’s responses, based on this reception. The selected YouTube videos under study are: SA anthem destroyed URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beg0-kMN3fM Ard Matthews ruins the SA national anthem URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu6IG0Wx19w. An electronic questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions was used to draw a conclusion regarding the selected sample’s perceptions of the South African National Anthem. Following the questionnaire results, a rhetoric analysis of the sample’s questionnaire responses was conducted. This text analysis and interpretation was conducted to gain insight into themes that were labelled based on the questionnaire responses, thus affecting perceptions of the sample and determining whether the South African National Anthem was perceived as a tool for division or unification.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gallant, Bernette Denolia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cultural fusion -- South Africa Multiculturalism -- South Africa , Politics and culture -- South Africa National songs -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15138 , vital:28143
- Description: South Africa is a nation that was born from a struggle that can be said to have turned racial divisions and discrimination into a diversity of heritages. Thus, contemporary South Africa has become a country recreated in such a way that its people are able to embrace diversity freely. This research study aimed to provide insights into South Africa’s diversity in culture and linguistics that were moulded into a single song, the South African National Anthem. The research study aimed to determine the selected sample’s (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Staff and Students) responses to the representation of the South African National Anthem based on two specific performances. The research study aimed to determine how the two online videos affected the perceptions of NMMU Staff and Students of the South African National Anthem and South Africa as a brand. The research study aimed to determine how the two performances of the South African National Anthem under study were received by Staff and Students at NMMU. The study also aimed to highlight the similarities and differences in the sample’s responses, based on this reception. The selected YouTube videos under study are: SA anthem destroyed URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beg0-kMN3fM Ard Matthews ruins the SA national anthem URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu6IG0Wx19w. An electronic questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions was used to draw a conclusion regarding the selected sample’s perceptions of the South African National Anthem. Following the questionnaire results, a rhetoric analysis of the sample’s questionnaire responses was conducted. This text analysis and interpretation was conducted to gain insight into themes that were labelled based on the questionnaire responses, thus affecting perceptions of the sample and determining whether the South African National Anthem was perceived as a tool for division or unification.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A study of the southwestern Karoo basin in South Africa using magnetic and gravity data
- Authors: Nxantsiya, Zusakhe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Groundwater -- South Africa -- Karoo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14043 , vital:39800
- Description: The early efforts of Booth, Johnson, Rubidge, Catuneanu, de Wit, Chevallier, Stankiewicz, Weckmann and many other scientists in studying the Karoo Supergroup has led to comprehensive documentation of the geology on the main Karoo Basin with regards to understanding the age, sedimentology, sedimentary facies and depositional environments. In spite of these studies, the subsurface structure, variations in thickness of various formations in large parts of the basin, the location and orientation of subsurface dolerite intrusions, and the depth to magnetic and gravity sources remains poorly documented. A geological study with the aid of geophysical techniques, magnetic and gravity, was conducted in the southwestern part of the main Karoo Basin. The objectives of the study were to construct numerous models of the main basin that image the crust to a depth of 45 km, to determine thicknesses of various formations, to relate observed geophysical anomalies with geological bodies and lineaments, to estimate the depth of existing anomalous bodies, to determine densities and porosity of various formations, as well as to determine the mineralogy of various rocks in the Karoo Basin. In total, seventy one rock samples were collected in the main Karoo Basin for density and mineralogical studies. The density results showed that the Beaufort and Ecca Group rocks have the low mean density of 2.490 g/cm3 amongst the rocks while the dolerite intrusions have the highest mean density of 2.697 g/cm3. The porosities of various rocks determined from the measured rock densities revealed that the Ecca Group shales, particularly the Whitehill Formation has the highest porosity of 4.5percent, while the Collingham Formation has the least porosity of 1.4 percent amongst the Ecca Group shales. Mineralogical analysis of seventeen XRD samples and 26 thin sections indicate that quartz, kaolinite, and plagioclase occur as the major mineral in most sandstones and shales in the Karoo Basin, while the pyrophyllite, smectite, and talc occur as minor minerals. Other mineral constituents include, calcite, mica, and amphibole. The 2½ dimensional (2½ D) gravity modelling along seven selected profiles, across the Beattie Magnetic Anomaly (BMA), revealed that the Ecca Group sediments, a target for shale gas exploration in the Karoo, occurs within a depth range of 0 - 4000 m from the surface. The basin deepens to a depth of 4600 m in the southwestern region, near the front of the Cape Fold Belt. It was observed as well that the Karoo dolerite sills are connected at depths and are mostly concentrated at the centre, the deepest part of the basin with some having saucer shape - like structure. These observations correspond well with the borehole data from AB 1/65 and QU 1/65 presented in Linol and de Wit (2016). Thickness isochore maps that were extracted from the gravity models indicate that the Ecca Group, which is the main target for hydrocarbon exploration, thickens to the south away from the centre of the basin and reaches thicknesses of greater than 3680 m. The Beaufort Group proves to be the thickest succession in the Karoo Basin with an estimated thickness of up to 6046 m. Constructed geophysical maps with the geology overlain reveal that most magnetic anomalies are due to dolerite intrusions, while gravity lows are due to less dense shales of the Ecca Group. The depth slices of magnetic data indicate that near surface magnetic bodies occur within the depth of 42 m from the surface whereas deep seated ones occur as deep as 9488 m and possibly deeper. Gravity depth slices reveal signatures that are predominant at depth of 2403 m are of short wavelength and are mainly lineaments and circular structures. They ultimately disappear at depth of 7120 m. The depth slices further indicate that the intensity of both magnetic and gravity long wavelength signatures become stronger with increasing depths.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nxantsiya, Zusakhe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Groundwater -- South Africa -- Karoo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14043 , vital:39800
- Description: The early efforts of Booth, Johnson, Rubidge, Catuneanu, de Wit, Chevallier, Stankiewicz, Weckmann and many other scientists in studying the Karoo Supergroup has led to comprehensive documentation of the geology on the main Karoo Basin with regards to understanding the age, sedimentology, sedimentary facies and depositional environments. In spite of these studies, the subsurface structure, variations in thickness of various formations in large parts of the basin, the location and orientation of subsurface dolerite intrusions, and the depth to magnetic and gravity sources remains poorly documented. A geological study with the aid of geophysical techniques, magnetic and gravity, was conducted in the southwestern part of the main Karoo Basin. The objectives of the study were to construct numerous models of the main basin that image the crust to a depth of 45 km, to determine thicknesses of various formations, to relate observed geophysical anomalies with geological bodies and lineaments, to estimate the depth of existing anomalous bodies, to determine densities and porosity of various formations, as well as to determine the mineralogy of various rocks in the Karoo Basin. In total, seventy one rock samples were collected in the main Karoo Basin for density and mineralogical studies. The density results showed that the Beaufort and Ecca Group rocks have the low mean density of 2.490 g/cm3 amongst the rocks while the dolerite intrusions have the highest mean density of 2.697 g/cm3. The porosities of various rocks determined from the measured rock densities revealed that the Ecca Group shales, particularly the Whitehill Formation has the highest porosity of 4.5percent, while the Collingham Formation has the least porosity of 1.4 percent amongst the Ecca Group shales. Mineralogical analysis of seventeen XRD samples and 26 thin sections indicate that quartz, kaolinite, and plagioclase occur as the major mineral in most sandstones and shales in the Karoo Basin, while the pyrophyllite, smectite, and talc occur as minor minerals. Other mineral constituents include, calcite, mica, and amphibole. The 2½ dimensional (2½ D) gravity modelling along seven selected profiles, across the Beattie Magnetic Anomaly (BMA), revealed that the Ecca Group sediments, a target for shale gas exploration in the Karoo, occurs within a depth range of 0 - 4000 m from the surface. The basin deepens to a depth of 4600 m in the southwestern region, near the front of the Cape Fold Belt. It was observed as well that the Karoo dolerite sills are connected at depths and are mostly concentrated at the centre, the deepest part of the basin with some having saucer shape - like structure. These observations correspond well with the borehole data from AB 1/65 and QU 1/65 presented in Linol and de Wit (2016). Thickness isochore maps that were extracted from the gravity models indicate that the Ecca Group, which is the main target for hydrocarbon exploration, thickens to the south away from the centre of the basin and reaches thicknesses of greater than 3680 m. The Beaufort Group proves to be the thickest succession in the Karoo Basin with an estimated thickness of up to 6046 m. Constructed geophysical maps with the geology overlain reveal that most magnetic anomalies are due to dolerite intrusions, while gravity lows are due to less dense shales of the Ecca Group. The depth slices of magnetic data indicate that near surface magnetic bodies occur within the depth of 42 m from the surface whereas deep seated ones occur as deep as 9488 m and possibly deeper. Gravity depth slices reveal signatures that are predominant at depth of 2403 m are of short wavelength and are mainly lineaments and circular structures. They ultimately disappear at depth of 7120 m. The depth slices further indicate that the intensity of both magnetic and gravity long wavelength signatures become stronger with increasing depths.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A study of the southwestern Karoo basin in South Africa using magnetic and gravity data
- Authors: Nxantsiya, Zusakhe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Groundwater -- South Africa -- Karoo Aquifers -- South Africa -- Karoo Hydrology -- South Africa -- Karoo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4748 , vital:28509
- Description: The early efforts of Booth, Johnson, Rubidge, Catuneanu, de Wit, Chevallier, Stankiewicz, Weckmann and many other scientists in studying the Karoo Supergroup has led to comprehensive documentation of the geology on the main Karoo Basin with regards to understanding the age, sedimentology, sedimentary facies and depositional environments. In spite of these studies, the subsurface structure, variations in thickness of various formations in large parts of the basin, the location and orientation of subsurface dolerite intrusions, and the depth to magnetic and gravity sources remains poorly documented. A geological study with the aid of geophysical techniques, magnetic and gravity, was conducted in the southwestern part of the main Karoo Basin. The objectives of the study were to construct numerous models of the main basin that image the crust to a depth of 45 km, to determine thicknesses of various formations, to relate observed geophysical anomalies with geological bodies and lineaments, to estimate the depth of existing anomalous bodies, to determine densities and porosity of various formations, as well as to determine the mineralogy of various rocks in the Karoo Basin.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nxantsiya, Zusakhe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Groundwater -- South Africa -- Karoo Aquifers -- South Africa -- Karoo Hydrology -- South Africa -- Karoo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4748 , vital:28509
- Description: The early efforts of Booth, Johnson, Rubidge, Catuneanu, de Wit, Chevallier, Stankiewicz, Weckmann and many other scientists in studying the Karoo Supergroup has led to comprehensive documentation of the geology on the main Karoo Basin with regards to understanding the age, sedimentology, sedimentary facies and depositional environments. In spite of these studies, the subsurface structure, variations in thickness of various formations in large parts of the basin, the location and orientation of subsurface dolerite intrusions, and the depth to magnetic and gravity sources remains poorly documented. A geological study with the aid of geophysical techniques, magnetic and gravity, was conducted in the southwestern part of the main Karoo Basin. The objectives of the study were to construct numerous models of the main basin that image the crust to a depth of 45 km, to determine thicknesses of various formations, to relate observed geophysical anomalies with geological bodies and lineaments, to estimate the depth of existing anomalous bodies, to determine densities and porosity of various formations, as well as to determine the mineralogy of various rocks in the Karoo Basin.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A survey of South African crime fiction : critical analysis and publishing history
- Authors: Naidu, Samantha
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Book , text
- Identifier: vital:26344 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/53878 , https://www.isbs.com/products/9781869143558 , https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9456-8657
- Description: Is crime fiction the new 'political novel' in South Africa? Why did the apartheid censors disapprove of crime fiction more than any other genre? Crime fiction continues to be a burgeoning literary category in post-apartheid South Africa, with more new authors, titles and themes emerging every year. This book is the first comprehensive survey of South African crime fiction. It provides an overview of this phenomenally successful literary category, and places it within its wider social and historical context. The authors specialise in both literary studies and print culture, and this combination informs a critical analysis and publishing history of South African crime fiction from the nineteenth century to the present day. The book provides a literary lineage while considering different genres and sub-genres, as well as specific themes such as gender and eco-criticism. The inclusion of a detailed bibliography of crime fiction since the 1890s makes A Survey of South African Crime Fiction an indispensable teaching and study aid
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Naidu, Samantha
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Book , text
- Identifier: vital:26344 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/53878 , https://www.isbs.com/products/9781869143558 , https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9456-8657
- Description: Is crime fiction the new 'political novel' in South Africa? Why did the apartheid censors disapprove of crime fiction more than any other genre? Crime fiction continues to be a burgeoning literary category in post-apartheid South Africa, with more new authors, titles and themes emerging every year. This book is the first comprehensive survey of South African crime fiction. It provides an overview of this phenomenally successful literary category, and places it within its wider social and historical context. The authors specialise in both literary studies and print culture, and this combination informs a critical analysis and publishing history of South African crime fiction from the nineteenth century to the present day. The book provides a literary lineage while considering different genres and sub-genres, as well as specific themes such as gender and eco-criticism. The inclusion of a detailed bibliography of crime fiction since the 1890s makes A Survey of South African Crime Fiction an indispensable teaching and study aid
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2017
A survey of the professional identity of clinical psychologists in South Africa
- Authors: Deane, Tessa Anne
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Psychologists -- South Africa , Psychology -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Psychology -- Practice -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5140 , vital:20780
- Description: The mental health care needs of South Africa have shifted significantly in the postapartheid context of changing political and socioeconomic landscapes. However, the extent to which clinical psychologists’ professional identity has responded accordingly has been unclear. By establishing the practice patterns and values that should be central to the profession according to the literature, and ascertaining the extent to which these are reflected among professionals at this time, this study facilitates a re-evaluation of the professional identity of clinical psychologists in South Africa. To this end, an online survey method was used to collect data from a representative sample of 877 participants, i.e. 29,09% of the population of clinical psychologists in South Africa. Statistical analyses were implemented to address a number of key research questions concerning aspects which characterise professional identity, namely: demographic profile; work settings and roles (practices); and theoretical perspective, beliefs and attitudes (values). Findings suggest that, demographically, clinical psychologists do not mirror the clients they serve, and also that there is a large proportion of the population for whom psychological services remain inaccessible and/or inappropriate. Furthermore, the professional identity of clinical psychologists currently does not comprise practices and values which meet the mental health care needs of South Africa. A significant recommendation of the research is its endorsement of the National Health Insurance model given the promise of its role in ensuring psychology remains relevant. It is recommended that future studies expand on these findings qualitatively, and compare clinical psychology with other mental health care fields. Universities are also urged to relook at their training curricula and ensure that trainees are made of aware of issues of policy, and that areas of research and psychological assessment in complex environments are prioritized.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Deane, Tessa Anne
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Psychologists -- South Africa , Psychology -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Psychology -- Practice -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5140 , vital:20780
- Description: The mental health care needs of South Africa have shifted significantly in the postapartheid context of changing political and socioeconomic landscapes. However, the extent to which clinical psychologists’ professional identity has responded accordingly has been unclear. By establishing the practice patterns and values that should be central to the profession according to the literature, and ascertaining the extent to which these are reflected among professionals at this time, this study facilitates a re-evaluation of the professional identity of clinical psychologists in South Africa. To this end, an online survey method was used to collect data from a representative sample of 877 participants, i.e. 29,09% of the population of clinical psychologists in South Africa. Statistical analyses were implemented to address a number of key research questions concerning aspects which characterise professional identity, namely: demographic profile; work settings and roles (practices); and theoretical perspective, beliefs and attitudes (values). Findings suggest that, demographically, clinical psychologists do not mirror the clients they serve, and also that there is a large proportion of the population for whom psychological services remain inaccessible and/or inappropriate. Furthermore, the professional identity of clinical psychologists currently does not comprise practices and values which meet the mental health care needs of South Africa. A significant recommendation of the research is its endorsement of the National Health Insurance model given the promise of its role in ensuring psychology remains relevant. It is recommended that future studies expand on these findings qualitatively, and compare clinical psychology with other mental health care fields. Universities are also urged to relook at their training curricula and ensure that trainees are made of aware of issues of policy, and that areas of research and psychological assessment in complex environments are prioritized.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A sustainability assessment of the Inxuba Yethemba local municipality
- Authors: Van Lingen, Matthew
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7056 , vital:21213
- Description: The aim of this research was to assess the sustainability of the Inxuba Yethemba local municipality with the goal that policy-makers would use the assessment recommendations to improve their decision-making. The United Nations Indicators for Sustainable Development framework (3rd Edition) was chosen to carry out the assessment because of its indicator selection and methodology for distinguishing which indicators were relevant or irrelevant for the assessment (United Nations, 2007). If an indicator showed that the situation was improving, it was assumed to help with the overall sustainability of the area (Hedayati-Moghadam, Eskandar Seidayi and Nouri, 2014; and United Nations, 2007). The indicators for environmental sustainability showed that the area is on an environmentally sustainable path (Du Toit, 2017; United Nations, 2007). While the indicators for social sustainability showed that the living standards of the population (measured by poverty, housing, and access to electricity amongst others) had increased which is a good indication for social sustainability. The indicators for education and labour productivity showed the opposite (CHDM a, 2012; CHDM a, 2014; United Nations, 2007). The indicators for the economy showed that the economy was not growing which is not a good indication for economic sustainability (CHDM a, 2012; CHDM a, 2014; United Nations, 2007). The recommendation to policy-makers is that developing labour productivity through education and skills training is the most important area to improve, and compiling regular sustainability assessments will improve their decision making. Another recommendation is that, because 65% of the households rely on the social grant (CHDM b, 2014) this cannot be withdrawn in the short term. Furthermore, if inflation were to develop into hyperinflation, the value of the social grants would deteriorate (Market Insight South Africa, 2016). A recommendation to policy makers is that more data collection is needed in order to do proper sustainability assessments. Overall, the municipality cannot be classified as sustainable mainly on account of the poor education system, high levels of unemployed and unskilled labour, and the social, and economic dependence that the municipality has on government spending.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Van Lingen, Matthew
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7056 , vital:21213
- Description: The aim of this research was to assess the sustainability of the Inxuba Yethemba local municipality with the goal that policy-makers would use the assessment recommendations to improve their decision-making. The United Nations Indicators for Sustainable Development framework (3rd Edition) was chosen to carry out the assessment because of its indicator selection and methodology for distinguishing which indicators were relevant or irrelevant for the assessment (United Nations, 2007). If an indicator showed that the situation was improving, it was assumed to help with the overall sustainability of the area (Hedayati-Moghadam, Eskandar Seidayi and Nouri, 2014; and United Nations, 2007). The indicators for environmental sustainability showed that the area is on an environmentally sustainable path (Du Toit, 2017; United Nations, 2007). While the indicators for social sustainability showed that the living standards of the population (measured by poverty, housing, and access to electricity amongst others) had increased which is a good indication for social sustainability. The indicators for education and labour productivity showed the opposite (CHDM a, 2012; CHDM a, 2014; United Nations, 2007). The indicators for the economy showed that the economy was not growing which is not a good indication for economic sustainability (CHDM a, 2012; CHDM a, 2014; United Nations, 2007). The recommendation to policy-makers is that developing labour productivity through education and skills training is the most important area to improve, and compiling regular sustainability assessments will improve their decision making. Another recommendation is that, because 65% of the households rely on the social grant (CHDM b, 2014) this cannot be withdrawn in the short term. Furthermore, if inflation were to develop into hyperinflation, the value of the social grants would deteriorate (Market Insight South Africa, 2016). A recommendation to policy makers is that more data collection is needed in order to do proper sustainability assessments. Overall, the municipality cannot be classified as sustainable mainly on account of the poor education system, high levels of unemployed and unskilled labour, and the social, and economic dependence that the municipality has on government spending.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A sustainable franchise venture framework for new franchises in South Africa
- Authors: George, Karen Jean
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Franchises (Retail trade) -- South Africa New business enterprises -- South Africa , New business enterprises -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47948 , vital:40455
- Description: This paper proposes a franchise framework to gain better insight into identifying sustainable future franchise business ventures in South Africa. Many studies have confirmed that worldwide franchises offer more sustainable business growth for entrepreneurs and a higher success rate for start-up businesses, yet the problem persists of franchise failures and there are inconclusive reasons for these failures. By developing a franchise framework, the study aimed to contribute to possible solutions of South Africa’s high unemployment, as well as its poor performance in terms of entrepreneurial activity and economic development. The study proposed methods for improving the chances of success with franchise selection for franchisees through developing a franchise framework with specific emphasis on the sustainability of the business. By applying the proposed framework, the prospective franchisee could apply this framework in determining whether a particular franchise would provide a sound investment. Design/Methodology/Approach – A literature study was followed up with a case study research approach. The context was singular, namely the franchise restaurant industry in South Africa. Semi-structured interview questionnaires and recorded interviews were undertaken with embedded multiple units of analyses based on feedback from franchise industry experts, franchisees and a franchisor who owns restaurant franchises. The case study research explored the factors that contributed to the successful franchising business model of selected Spur Corporation Ltd. restaurant franchises, located in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Key success factors, which were necessary to maintain and establish a sustainable franchise that has competitive edge over its competitors, were explored in this research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: George, Karen Jean
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Franchises (Retail trade) -- South Africa New business enterprises -- South Africa , New business enterprises -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47948 , vital:40455
- Description: This paper proposes a franchise framework to gain better insight into identifying sustainable future franchise business ventures in South Africa. Many studies have confirmed that worldwide franchises offer more sustainable business growth for entrepreneurs and a higher success rate for start-up businesses, yet the problem persists of franchise failures and there are inconclusive reasons for these failures. By developing a franchise framework, the study aimed to contribute to possible solutions of South Africa’s high unemployment, as well as its poor performance in terms of entrepreneurial activity and economic development. The study proposed methods for improving the chances of success with franchise selection for franchisees through developing a franchise framework with specific emphasis on the sustainability of the business. By applying the proposed framework, the prospective franchisee could apply this framework in determining whether a particular franchise would provide a sound investment. Design/Methodology/Approach – A literature study was followed up with a case study research approach. The context was singular, namely the franchise restaurant industry in South Africa. Semi-structured interview questionnaires and recorded interviews were undertaken with embedded multiple units of analyses based on feedback from franchise industry experts, franchisees and a franchisor who owns restaurant franchises. The case study research explored the factors that contributed to the successful franchising business model of selected Spur Corporation Ltd. restaurant franchises, located in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Key success factors, which were necessary to maintain and establish a sustainable franchise that has competitive edge over its competitors, were explored in this research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A symmoriiform chondrichthyan braincase and the origin of chimaeroid fishes
- Coates, Michael I, Gess, Robert W, Finarelli, John A, Surname, Name - one for each creator, Criswell, Katharine E, Tietjen, Kristen
- Authors: Coates, Michael I , Gess, Robert W , Finarelli, John A , Surname, Name - one for each creator , Criswell, Katharine E , Tietjen, Kristen
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/72246 , vital:30021 , https://doi.org/10.1038/nature20806
- Description: Chimaeroid fishes (Holocephali) are one of the four principal divisions of modern gnathostomes (jawed vertebrates). Despite only 47 described living species1, chimaeroids are the focus of resurgent interest as potential archives of genomic data2 and for the unique perspective they provide on chondrichthyan and gnathostome ancestral conditions. Chimaeroids are also noteworthy for their highly derived body plan1,3,4. However, like other living groups with distinctive anatomies5, fossils have been of limited use in unravelling their evolutionary origin, as the earliest recognized examples already exhibit many of the specializations present in modern forms6,7. Here we report the results of a computed tomography analysis of Dwykaselachus, an enigmatic chondrichthyan braincase from the ~280 million year old Karoo sediments of South Africa8. Externally, the braincase is that of a symmoriid shark9,10,11,12,13and is by far the most complete uncrushed example yet discovered. Internally, the morphology exhibits otherwise characteristically chimaeroid specializations, including the otic labyrinth arrangement and the brain space configuration relative to exceptionally large orbits. These results have important implications for our view of modern chondrichthyan origins, add robust structure to the phylogeny of early crown group gnathostomes, reveal preconditions that suggest an initial morpho-functional basis for the derived chimaeroid cranium, and shed new light on the chondrichthyan response to the extinction at the end of the Devonian period.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Coates, Michael I , Gess, Robert W , Finarelli, John A , Surname, Name - one for each creator , Criswell, Katharine E , Tietjen, Kristen
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/72246 , vital:30021 , https://doi.org/10.1038/nature20806
- Description: Chimaeroid fishes (Holocephali) are one of the four principal divisions of modern gnathostomes (jawed vertebrates). Despite only 47 described living species1, chimaeroids are the focus of resurgent interest as potential archives of genomic data2 and for the unique perspective they provide on chondrichthyan and gnathostome ancestral conditions. Chimaeroids are also noteworthy for their highly derived body plan1,3,4. However, like other living groups with distinctive anatomies5, fossils have been of limited use in unravelling their evolutionary origin, as the earliest recognized examples already exhibit many of the specializations present in modern forms6,7. Here we report the results of a computed tomography analysis of Dwykaselachus, an enigmatic chondrichthyan braincase from the ~280 million year old Karoo sediments of South Africa8. Externally, the braincase is that of a symmoriid shark9,10,11,12,13and is by far the most complete uncrushed example yet discovered. Internally, the morphology exhibits otherwise characteristically chimaeroid specializations, including the otic labyrinth arrangement and the brain space configuration relative to exceptionally large orbits. These results have important implications for our view of modern chondrichthyan origins, add robust structure to the phylogeny of early crown group gnathostomes, reveal preconditions that suggest an initial morpho-functional basis for the derived chimaeroid cranium, and shed new light on the chondrichthyan response to the extinction at the end of the Devonian period.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A systematic review and document analysis on the prevention of mother-to-child programmes to prevent vertical transmission of human immuno-deficiency virus
- Authors: Sobetwa, Nwabisa Nokuzola
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy , Maternal health services , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/7957 , vital:31282
- Description: Background: The National Strategic Plan 2012-2016 is advocating for zero new infections due to vertical transmission. This goal has not yet been achieved. This study evaluated whether the prevention of mother-to-child vertical transmission (PMTCT) of Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) programmes in South Africa are based on evidence. Aim: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the available literature comparing PMTCT antiretroviral regimens published between the years 2000 to 2015 and to do a document analysis of the current implemented PMTCT programme to evaluate if it is based on best evidence. Rational: The rational of the systematic review and the document analysis were to assess whether the latest PMTCT policy was based on evidence and to critically analyse published articles that addressed aspects related to efficacy and efficiency of PMTCT programmes to reduce transmission of HIV from mothers to their infants. Methods: Overall 25 randomised controlled trials and primary studies that assessed efficacy of ARV regimens to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the HIV during pregnancy, labour and the postnatal periods were systematically reviewed. In 1997 the first trial began and the last one ended in 2012. Twelve guidelines referring to PMTCT were sampled and they were published by WHO and Department of Health South Africa from 2001 to 2015. The document analysis was only based on National consolidated guidelines for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) and the management of HIV in children, adolescents and adults April, 2015. Findings: The systematic review illustrated that significantly fewer infants tested HIV-positive when exposed to a longer ARV regime although there was no significant difference once the infants reached six months of age. Different ARVs have a similar Preamble effect on maternal deaths; however, a double or triple combination of ARVs is superior to monotherapy to decrease infant deaths. Common maternal adverse reactions to ARVs include anaemia, bronchopneumonia, and maculopapular rash. Infant adverse events included septicaemia, pneumonia, gastroenteritis, fever and maculopapular rash. The document analysis has shown that the PMTCT policy is mainly based on evidence from randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews. Occasionally some statements are still based on lower categories of evidence such as non-experimental descriptive studies. Conclusion: The systematic review showed that double and triple ARV therapy is superior to monotherapy and that the longer the mother and her infant are exposed to ARV therapy the better the results are to prevent MTCT. Adverse events are always posing a challenge and as with any other medication, caregivers must be aware of potential adverse reactions. The National consolidated guidelines for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) and the management of HIV in children, adolescents and adults April 2015 is based on evidence, but the policy itself does not include any reference to evidence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Sobetwa, Nwabisa Nokuzola
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy , Maternal health services , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/7957 , vital:31282
- Description: Background: The National Strategic Plan 2012-2016 is advocating for zero new infections due to vertical transmission. This goal has not yet been achieved. This study evaluated whether the prevention of mother-to-child vertical transmission (PMTCT) of Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) programmes in South Africa are based on evidence. Aim: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the available literature comparing PMTCT antiretroviral regimens published between the years 2000 to 2015 and to do a document analysis of the current implemented PMTCT programme to evaluate if it is based on best evidence. Rational: The rational of the systematic review and the document analysis were to assess whether the latest PMTCT policy was based on evidence and to critically analyse published articles that addressed aspects related to efficacy and efficiency of PMTCT programmes to reduce transmission of HIV from mothers to their infants. Methods: Overall 25 randomised controlled trials and primary studies that assessed efficacy of ARV regimens to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the HIV during pregnancy, labour and the postnatal periods were systematically reviewed. In 1997 the first trial began and the last one ended in 2012. Twelve guidelines referring to PMTCT were sampled and they were published by WHO and Department of Health South Africa from 2001 to 2015. The document analysis was only based on National consolidated guidelines for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) and the management of HIV in children, adolescents and adults April, 2015. Findings: The systematic review illustrated that significantly fewer infants tested HIV-positive when exposed to a longer ARV regime although there was no significant difference once the infants reached six months of age. Different ARVs have a similar Preamble effect on maternal deaths; however, a double or triple combination of ARVs is superior to monotherapy to decrease infant deaths. Common maternal adverse reactions to ARVs include anaemia, bronchopneumonia, and maculopapular rash. Infant adverse events included septicaemia, pneumonia, gastroenteritis, fever and maculopapular rash. The document analysis has shown that the PMTCT policy is mainly based on evidence from randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews. Occasionally some statements are still based on lower categories of evidence such as non-experimental descriptive studies. Conclusion: The systematic review showed that double and triple ARV therapy is superior to monotherapy and that the longer the mother and her infant are exposed to ARV therapy the better the results are to prevent MTCT. Adverse events are always posing a challenge and as with any other medication, caregivers must be aware of potential adverse reactions. The National consolidated guidelines for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) and the management of HIV in children, adolescents and adults April 2015 is based on evidence, but the policy itself does not include any reference to evidence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A systematic review of online child sexual abuse: victim risk and offender profile and methodologies
- Authors: Sleeman, Ananda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Child sexual abuse , Child pornography , Sexually abused children , Online sexual predators
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10761 , vital:26821
- Description: The purpose of this treatise was to synthesize the current research, nationally and internationally, both qualitative and quantitative, concerning online child sexual abuse. The study focused on crimes of a sexual nature perpetrated against children, with or without consent, in an online environment. The aim was to clearly articulate the characteristics of victims, including both their vulnerabilities and their protective factors and to provide offender profiles, including their methodologies. Method: A systematic search for peer reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2006 was conducted. The final sample included 73 articles, which were arranged in order of publication, and the top and bottom interquartile range was selected for review and coding. Results: 36 articles were thematically coded in order to identify the most prominent themes in the articles. The result of this review was a typology of victims and offenders, as well as offender methodologies that reflects an aggregation of the most prominent research on the subject of online child sexual abuse. Conclusion: Much of the common knowledge concerning online child sexual offenders and their victims is incorrect. The typologies identified in this review show a much more diverse picture of both offenders and victims than is held in popular knowledge. This research has identified the damage that misinformation can do, and has highlighted the need for accurate, empirically sound information to be made available to parents, teachers, health care professionals and youth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A systematic review of online child sexual abuse: victim risk and offender profile and methodologies
- Authors: Sleeman, Ananda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Child sexual abuse , Child pornography , Sexually abused children , Online sexual predators
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10761 , vital:26821
- Description: The purpose of this treatise was to synthesize the current research, nationally and internationally, both qualitative and quantitative, concerning online child sexual abuse. The study focused on crimes of a sexual nature perpetrated against children, with or without consent, in an online environment. The aim was to clearly articulate the characteristics of victims, including both their vulnerabilities and their protective factors and to provide offender profiles, including their methodologies. Method: A systematic search for peer reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2006 was conducted. The final sample included 73 articles, which were arranged in order of publication, and the top and bottom interquartile range was selected for review and coding. Results: 36 articles were thematically coded in order to identify the most prominent themes in the articles. The result of this review was a typology of victims and offenders, as well as offender methodologies that reflects an aggregation of the most prominent research on the subject of online child sexual abuse. Conclusion: Much of the common knowledge concerning online child sexual offenders and their victims is incorrect. The typologies identified in this review show a much more diverse picture of both offenders and victims than is held in popular knowledge. This research has identified the damage that misinformation can do, and has highlighted the need for accurate, empirically sound information to be made available to parents, teachers, health care professionals and youth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A systems thinking approach to e-government strategy formulation for water service delivery in South African local municipalities
- Authors: Osah, Umeoniso Joshua
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Internet in public administration South Africa , Electronic government information South Africa , Communication in public administration South Africa , Municipal services South Africa , Municipal services Information technology , System theory
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64471 , vital:28547 , DOI 10.21504/10962/64471
- Description: E-Government deployments by stakeholders within the South African water service sector, provide certain benefits for the sector. While deemed beneficial and of considerable value, e-Government deployments and implementations in the water sector of local governments of South Africa have not always been successful. One important reason for e-Government failures, among several others, is the lack of coherent strategies, informed by key representing stakeholder views, to guide implementation and deployment of e-Government tools. Without strategies, it is highly likely that ICT integration will be conducted haphazardly. As a point of note, more than the deliverable (strategy document) that represents the output of the strategy development process, it serves more purpose to understand the process that results in the strategy. Importantly, understanding the process helps to account for the formed relationships between the various stakeholders that need to buy into the strategy. The research study develops an e-Government strategy formulation framework based on a systems thinking approach, intended to support the strategy formulation process of e-Government strategies – to underpin the effective integration, deployment and sustained use of ICT solutions for water service delivery at the local government level. A systems thinking approach is considered due to its emphasis on the strategy being informed by a holistic assessment. Where there is some knowledge about the processes by which a strategy is formulated – over time ideas may be derived on the types of processes that may produce efficient e-Government strategies. The research is conducted using the Design Science research paradigm. The Design Science paradigm is comprised of two processes – build and evaluate (Hevner et al., 2004). The build process, as related to this research concentrates on the progression through which the theoretical e-Government strategy formulation framework is derived. Weick’s (1989) theorizing approach is ascribed, supporting the design of the theoretical framework. In applying Weick’s theorizing approach, firstly, the lack of knowledge on how e-Government strategies should be formulated in South African local municipalities – is explicated in an intelligible manner. Once the problem is properly articulated, a trial and error selection process is undertaken of existing approaches on strategy formulation – thought to possess the potential to contribute to the development of an e-Government strategy formulation framework, suited to local governments in South Africa. With good reason, 10 (ten) strategy approaches are selected from, e-Government programmes in developed countries, Non-Governmental organizational strategy approaches, and business related strategy formulation approaches. Lastly, as all possible approaches that may contribute to the framework development process cannot be selected, criteria is specified to limit the number of possible selections. Furthermore, in deriving the framework, foundations for systematically dealing with unstructured problems, such as, strategy formulation are consulted. This foundation along with the research goals, informs the development of a template used to comparatively analyse the 10 selected approaches on strategy formulation. This analysis aids in revealing the components of an e-Government strategy formulation process. With the developed framework, the evaluation process of the design science research commences, seeking to determine the utility of the framework (suitability and shortcomings). The framework is applied to the procedural formulation of a strategy for a tentative e-Government project called MobiSAM, which aims to enhance citizen engagement with local government through the use of mobile phones. The strategy formulation application process in the project environment and local government reveals lessons that inform revisions to the framework. The e-Government strategy formulation framework, therefore represents a fundamental tool for e-Government strategy development in local municipalities, and may be customized to fit the requirements of varying local municipalities. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Information Systems, 2017
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Osah, Umeoniso Joshua
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Internet in public administration South Africa , Electronic government information South Africa , Communication in public administration South Africa , Municipal services South Africa , Municipal services Information technology , System theory
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64471 , vital:28547 , DOI 10.21504/10962/64471
- Description: E-Government deployments by stakeholders within the South African water service sector, provide certain benefits for the sector. While deemed beneficial and of considerable value, e-Government deployments and implementations in the water sector of local governments of South Africa have not always been successful. One important reason for e-Government failures, among several others, is the lack of coherent strategies, informed by key representing stakeholder views, to guide implementation and deployment of e-Government tools. Without strategies, it is highly likely that ICT integration will be conducted haphazardly. As a point of note, more than the deliverable (strategy document) that represents the output of the strategy development process, it serves more purpose to understand the process that results in the strategy. Importantly, understanding the process helps to account for the formed relationships between the various stakeholders that need to buy into the strategy. The research study develops an e-Government strategy formulation framework based on a systems thinking approach, intended to support the strategy formulation process of e-Government strategies – to underpin the effective integration, deployment and sustained use of ICT solutions for water service delivery at the local government level. A systems thinking approach is considered due to its emphasis on the strategy being informed by a holistic assessment. Where there is some knowledge about the processes by which a strategy is formulated – over time ideas may be derived on the types of processes that may produce efficient e-Government strategies. The research is conducted using the Design Science research paradigm. The Design Science paradigm is comprised of two processes – build and evaluate (Hevner et al., 2004). The build process, as related to this research concentrates on the progression through which the theoretical e-Government strategy formulation framework is derived. Weick’s (1989) theorizing approach is ascribed, supporting the design of the theoretical framework. In applying Weick’s theorizing approach, firstly, the lack of knowledge on how e-Government strategies should be formulated in South African local municipalities – is explicated in an intelligible manner. Once the problem is properly articulated, a trial and error selection process is undertaken of existing approaches on strategy formulation – thought to possess the potential to contribute to the development of an e-Government strategy formulation framework, suited to local governments in South Africa. With good reason, 10 (ten) strategy approaches are selected from, e-Government programmes in developed countries, Non-Governmental organizational strategy approaches, and business related strategy formulation approaches. Lastly, as all possible approaches that may contribute to the framework development process cannot be selected, criteria is specified to limit the number of possible selections. Furthermore, in deriving the framework, foundations for systematically dealing with unstructured problems, such as, strategy formulation are consulted. This foundation along with the research goals, informs the development of a template used to comparatively analyse the 10 selected approaches on strategy formulation. This analysis aids in revealing the components of an e-Government strategy formulation process. With the developed framework, the evaluation process of the design science research commences, seeking to determine the utility of the framework (suitability and shortcomings). The framework is applied to the procedural formulation of a strategy for a tentative e-Government project called MobiSAM, which aims to enhance citizen engagement with local government through the use of mobile phones. The strategy formulation application process in the project environment and local government reveals lessons that inform revisions to the framework. The e-Government strategy formulation framework, therefore represents a fundamental tool for e-Government strategy development in local municipalities, and may be customized to fit the requirements of varying local municipalities. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Information Systems, 2017
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A talent management framework for the South African renewable energy sector
- Authors: Hare, Brent
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Renewable energy sources -- South Africa -- Personnel management Personnel management -- South Africa , Manpower planning -- South Africa Employee selection -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15912 , vital:28290
- Description: Since the publication of the White Paper on energy Policy of 1998, South Africa has taken off on a new trajectory of sustainability. The South African government have identified that the renewable energy sector will play a critical role in advancing and improving the energy sector. They envisage that the sector will contribute to the development of a green economy and the creation of meaningful employment for all South Africans. With the renewable energy sector of South Africa being dependent on skills, many of which are pertinent for the success of the sector, sufficient skilled workers are required to provide a service to the growing sector. Upon engaging with individuals employed in the sector and embarking on the research it became apparent that there was a lack of a talent management framework for the sector. Talent management represents a means for companies to develop and sustain talent pipelines thereby creating a competitive advantage. Globally executives across the employment spectrum admit that they have challenges in building a strong talent pipeline. The South African Renewable Energy Sector (SARES) is not exempt from this reality, where it has been well documented that South Africa is struggling with a skills shortage. This makes it difficult to grow and develop a fledgling sector. The purpose of this treatise was to evaluate the need for a talent management framework for the South African Renewable Energy Sector. To evaluate this, a literature review was performed on concepts relating to the development of a talent management framework specifically for the sector. These concepts or independent variables were, engineering skills, competence, knowledge worker, policies supporting RE development as well as training and development. The talent management framework relied on ring fencing the study around the knowledge worker, by correlating the definition of an engineer to that of a knowledge worker. The results show that despite the proclamation made by the South African government that South Africa is geared to supply the skills required for SARES. The research found a need for educational institutes to produce more knowledge workers. The results of this research study showed that despite the low positive correlation between the five independent variables, being, engineering skills, competence, knowledge worker, policies supporting RE development they would still provide those responsible for recruitment and talent management with a platform to be able to develop a working talent management strategy. There is a need for the development of a suitable talent management framework, which would allow the sector to manage elements of talent management such as recruitment and retention of knowledge workers. The proposed talent management framework can be used to assist in consolidating the present recruitment practises as well as being used to develop a talent management strategy for the sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Hare, Brent
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Renewable energy sources -- South Africa -- Personnel management Personnel management -- South Africa , Manpower planning -- South Africa Employee selection -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15912 , vital:28290
- Description: Since the publication of the White Paper on energy Policy of 1998, South Africa has taken off on a new trajectory of sustainability. The South African government have identified that the renewable energy sector will play a critical role in advancing and improving the energy sector. They envisage that the sector will contribute to the development of a green economy and the creation of meaningful employment for all South Africans. With the renewable energy sector of South Africa being dependent on skills, many of which are pertinent for the success of the sector, sufficient skilled workers are required to provide a service to the growing sector. Upon engaging with individuals employed in the sector and embarking on the research it became apparent that there was a lack of a talent management framework for the sector. Talent management represents a means for companies to develop and sustain talent pipelines thereby creating a competitive advantage. Globally executives across the employment spectrum admit that they have challenges in building a strong talent pipeline. The South African Renewable Energy Sector (SARES) is not exempt from this reality, where it has been well documented that South Africa is struggling with a skills shortage. This makes it difficult to grow and develop a fledgling sector. The purpose of this treatise was to evaluate the need for a talent management framework for the South African Renewable Energy Sector. To evaluate this, a literature review was performed on concepts relating to the development of a talent management framework specifically for the sector. These concepts or independent variables were, engineering skills, competence, knowledge worker, policies supporting RE development as well as training and development. The talent management framework relied on ring fencing the study around the knowledge worker, by correlating the definition of an engineer to that of a knowledge worker. The results show that despite the proclamation made by the South African government that South Africa is geared to supply the skills required for SARES. The research found a need for educational institutes to produce more knowledge workers. The results of this research study showed that despite the low positive correlation between the five independent variables, being, engineering skills, competence, knowledge worker, policies supporting RE development they would still provide those responsible for recruitment and talent management with a platform to be able to develop a working talent management strategy. There is a need for the development of a suitable talent management framework, which would allow the sector to manage elements of talent management such as recruitment and retention of knowledge workers. The proposed talent management framework can be used to assist in consolidating the present recruitment practises as well as being used to develop a talent management strategy for the sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A teacher collective as a professional development approach to promote foundation phase mathematics teaching
- Authors: Hlam, Thandiwe Lillian
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa Teachers -- Development -- South Africa , Teachers -- Education (Primary) -- South Africa Early childhood education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15071 , vital:28119
- Description: This qualitative study is a response to a request for help from a group of Grade 3 (year 3) teachers who were disheartened with the poor performance of their learners in Mathematics. In an attempt to address their challenge, they resolved to form a Teacher Collective (TC) amongst themselves. Their main objective was to support each other in their development of Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching (MKT). The participants, being frustrated by what they perceived as an inefficient and unhelpful cluster approach to professional development used by the Department of Basic Education initiated their own teacher collective strategy. I was approached by this TC to assist them in developing a strategy to make this TC suit the needs of the participants. A Lesson Study (LS) approach was used as an alternative Teacher Professional Development strategy within the TC. In studies conducted by Ono and Ferreira (2010) and Jita and Mokhele (2014), a LS approach is regarded as an essential tool desirable for enhancement of teacher collaboration and participant’s MKT. However, both studies reported on challenges related to contextual issues. Those contextual issues revealed themselves as similar to the challenges that threatened to weaken the collaborative structure initiated by the participants in this current study. To overcome these challenges, participants felt a need for some sort of adaptation for a LS approach to work in their context. In the application of the revised adapted version of a LS approach, participants experienced a Teacher Collective (TC) in action using real and useful experiences (Ono & Ferreira, 2010). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a Teacher Collective for improving participating teachers’ pedagogical and disciplinary content knowledge in Foundation Phase (FP) Mathematics. As this study targeted a small group of teachers, it adopted a case-study methodology. The participants were five Grade 3 teachers purposefully self-selected from two Port Elizabeth township schools. Semi-structured interviews were used to determine participating teachers’ perceptions of a Teacher Collective as a Teacher Professional Development strategy necessary to promote Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching. Descriptive methodologies which concern inter alia practices that prevail, relationships that exists, point of views that were held, processes that are going on and effects that are felt by participants were used (Creswell, 2013). The following major findings emerged from the data analysis: For the TC to be a successful alternative TPD, it requires that: (1) Teachers must regard themselves as being responsible for the own professional growth and own the TPD programme. (2) Participants of the TC must adopt flexible strategies to allow for active participation of the participants in building meaning for themselves. (4) A TPD strategy should be sensitive to contextual issues and be addressed accordingly. (5) A TPD programme should seek to improve classroom instruction but this must be based on the needs of the participants. It is primarily the following structural features that affected teacher learning within the TC: (a) the form of the activity (joint lesson planning, observed lesson presentation, post lesson feedback, etc.), (b) collective participation of teachers within and across the schools and (c) the duration of the activity. In this study the LS approach worked well as it sought to address the needs of the participants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Hlam, Thandiwe Lillian
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa Teachers -- Development -- South Africa , Teachers -- Education (Primary) -- South Africa Early childhood education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15071 , vital:28119
- Description: This qualitative study is a response to a request for help from a group of Grade 3 (year 3) teachers who were disheartened with the poor performance of their learners in Mathematics. In an attempt to address their challenge, they resolved to form a Teacher Collective (TC) amongst themselves. Their main objective was to support each other in their development of Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching (MKT). The participants, being frustrated by what they perceived as an inefficient and unhelpful cluster approach to professional development used by the Department of Basic Education initiated their own teacher collective strategy. I was approached by this TC to assist them in developing a strategy to make this TC suit the needs of the participants. A Lesson Study (LS) approach was used as an alternative Teacher Professional Development strategy within the TC. In studies conducted by Ono and Ferreira (2010) and Jita and Mokhele (2014), a LS approach is regarded as an essential tool desirable for enhancement of teacher collaboration and participant’s MKT. However, both studies reported on challenges related to contextual issues. Those contextual issues revealed themselves as similar to the challenges that threatened to weaken the collaborative structure initiated by the participants in this current study. To overcome these challenges, participants felt a need for some sort of adaptation for a LS approach to work in their context. In the application of the revised adapted version of a LS approach, participants experienced a Teacher Collective (TC) in action using real and useful experiences (Ono & Ferreira, 2010). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a Teacher Collective for improving participating teachers’ pedagogical and disciplinary content knowledge in Foundation Phase (FP) Mathematics. As this study targeted a small group of teachers, it adopted a case-study methodology. The participants were five Grade 3 teachers purposefully self-selected from two Port Elizabeth township schools. Semi-structured interviews were used to determine participating teachers’ perceptions of a Teacher Collective as a Teacher Professional Development strategy necessary to promote Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching. Descriptive methodologies which concern inter alia practices that prevail, relationships that exists, point of views that were held, processes that are going on and effects that are felt by participants were used (Creswell, 2013). The following major findings emerged from the data analysis: For the TC to be a successful alternative TPD, it requires that: (1) Teachers must regard themselves as being responsible for the own professional growth and own the TPD programme. (2) Participants of the TC must adopt flexible strategies to allow for active participation of the participants in building meaning for themselves. (4) A TPD strategy should be sensitive to contextual issues and be addressed accordingly. (5) A TPD programme should seek to improve classroom instruction but this must be based on the needs of the participants. It is primarily the following structural features that affected teacher learning within the TC: (a) the form of the activity (joint lesson planning, observed lesson presentation, post lesson feedback, etc.), (b) collective participation of teachers within and across the schools and (c) the duration of the activity. In this study the LS approach worked well as it sought to address the needs of the participants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A technical and economic evaluation of a passive underground mine-water purification system (PUMPS): a geothermally powered geo-engineering system designed for in-situ bio-remediation of acid mine water
- Ntholi, Thakane Thato Prudence
- Authors: Ntholi, Thakane Thato Prudence
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water -- Purification -- South Africa Water -- Purification -- Biological treatment , Mine water -- South Africa -- Evaluation Acid mine drainage -- South Africa Environmental geochemistry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19586 , vital:28900
- Description: PUMPS mimics natural geothermal vents as a conceptual model designed for the remediation of acid mine water (AMW) in voids of abandoned gold mines of the Witwatersrand Basin in South Africa. In this system, a reaction chamber containing Desulfotomaculum kuznetsovii sulfate reducing bacteria will be set at the bottom of a 3-4 km deep mine that will be flooded. A geothermal system with at least one (1) doublet will be drilled from the bottom of the mine to the depth of 8km, where the temperatures are sufficient for geothermal energy harvesting. AMW, used as a geothermal fluid, will be pumped down the injection well and circulate through hot rock. The hot water is then used to generate electricity and then channelled into the reaction chamber to undergo bio-remediation. Following treatment, the water flows back into the mine voids where it will improve the quality of untreated AMW through dilution. Eventually, the mine will be flooded with clean water that can be stored underground and/or pumped up to surface for social and ecosystem services. Following an introduction and proof of concept for the PUMPS, the research builds further on the technical and economic evaluation of the PUMPS in order to assert its viability and sustainability. The technical viability includes testing the ability for Desulfotomaculum kuznetsovii to survive in high pressure condition; quantifying the amount of energy that can be drawn from the geothermal reservoir; determining the placement and scheme of the geothermal wells; and, finally, developing a robust economic model of the system. Experiments show that Desulfotomaculum Kuznetsovii can tolerate high pressure conditions in of at least 100bar at their ideal sulfate reducing temperature of 63°C. Geochemical modelling shows that AMW can be used effectively as a geothermal fluid for PUMPS. To achieve highest efficiency and minimal fluid loss, the geothermal wells should be placed along the SSE-NNW direction, based on the known stress field across the Witwatersrand Basin. With a flow rate of 30l/s the energy drawn from the geothermal reservoir is sufficient to drive PUMPS and the surplus energy is determined by the volume of AMW treated per day. All results indicate that the PUMPS is technically and economically viable. The economic model shows that the value and viability of the PUMPS is best reflected with a comprehensive inclusion of potential revenue (for example from chemical solution mining of deep seated gold) and financial/environmental incentives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ntholi, Thakane Thato Prudence
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water -- Purification -- South Africa Water -- Purification -- Biological treatment , Mine water -- South Africa -- Evaluation Acid mine drainage -- South Africa Environmental geochemistry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19586 , vital:28900
- Description: PUMPS mimics natural geothermal vents as a conceptual model designed for the remediation of acid mine water (AMW) in voids of abandoned gold mines of the Witwatersrand Basin in South Africa. In this system, a reaction chamber containing Desulfotomaculum kuznetsovii sulfate reducing bacteria will be set at the bottom of a 3-4 km deep mine that will be flooded. A geothermal system with at least one (1) doublet will be drilled from the bottom of the mine to the depth of 8km, where the temperatures are sufficient for geothermal energy harvesting. AMW, used as a geothermal fluid, will be pumped down the injection well and circulate through hot rock. The hot water is then used to generate electricity and then channelled into the reaction chamber to undergo bio-remediation. Following treatment, the water flows back into the mine voids where it will improve the quality of untreated AMW through dilution. Eventually, the mine will be flooded with clean water that can be stored underground and/or pumped up to surface for social and ecosystem services. Following an introduction and proof of concept for the PUMPS, the research builds further on the technical and economic evaluation of the PUMPS in order to assert its viability and sustainability. The technical viability includes testing the ability for Desulfotomaculum kuznetsovii to survive in high pressure condition; quantifying the amount of energy that can be drawn from the geothermal reservoir; determining the placement and scheme of the geothermal wells; and, finally, developing a robust economic model of the system. Experiments show that Desulfotomaculum Kuznetsovii can tolerate high pressure conditions in of at least 100bar at their ideal sulfate reducing temperature of 63°C. Geochemical modelling shows that AMW can be used effectively as a geothermal fluid for PUMPS. To achieve highest efficiency and minimal fluid loss, the geothermal wells should be placed along the SSE-NNW direction, based on the known stress field across the Witwatersrand Basin. With a flow rate of 30l/s the energy drawn from the geothermal reservoir is sufficient to drive PUMPS and the surplus energy is determined by the volume of AMW treated per day. All results indicate that the PUMPS is technically and economically viable. The economic model shows that the value and viability of the PUMPS is best reflected with a comprehensive inclusion of potential revenue (for example from chemical solution mining of deep seated gold) and financial/environmental incentives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A theoretical model for successful management of revenue for beneficiary communities of renewable energy companies in South Africa
- Authors: Amansure, Ricardo Julian
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Strategic planning -- South Africa , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , Renewable energy sources -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7408 , vital:21351
- Description: The Renewable Energy (RE) sector is one of the fastest growing new industries in the Republic of South Africa (RSA). The Bloomberg New Energy Finance Climate Scope Report recently ranked RSA third globally, behind China and Brazil, and first among African countries for investment in clean energy (Glickman, 2014). However, one of the main benefits to be derived from the industry, that of socio-economic and enterprise development, is not being achieved owing to unsuccessful management of revenue for beneficiary communities in the renewable energy sector in RSA. Challenges relating to good governance and long-term planning are causing significant harm to communities that are already vulnerable, and are threatening to have a negative effect on the industry’s ability to fulfil its obligation to alleviate and, ultimately, eradicate poverty in some of the poorest communities in RSA.The primary objective of this study is to develop a model for the successful management of revenue for beneficiary communities in the renewable energy sector in South Africa. The model will provide guidance for enterprises, stakeholders, industry experts and community development practitioners within the renewable energy sector towards a pro-active, effective, and relevant decision-making process to achieve success in managing revenue for beneficiary communities. To address the primary objective, a number of secondary objectives were established by developing a conceptual model comprising variables identified in a comprehensive survey of the related literature. A path diagram, based on the formulation of appropriate hypotheses, was constructed between the independent variable and subsequent intervening and dependent variables. Primary data sourced from the identified national and international population of project management practitioners were collected by means of an electronic measuring instrument. The data were analysed and tested empirically by means of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The determinants that were identified through a review of the literature as influencing the success of managing revenue for beneficiary communities of renewable energy companies in South Africa included: the use of outside advice, strategic financial services, strategic planning, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development and project management. In order to achieve the objective, the following research questions were formulated: What is the influence of external factors such as outside advisers and support services on the perceived success of managing revenue for beneficiary communities of renewable energy companies in South Africa? The purpose of this research, therefore, was to evaluate and recommend new methodologies to the renewable energy sector by introducing a model of perceived success in managing revenue for beneficiary communities of renewable energy companies in South Africa. The study provided new insight into managing revenue for beneficiary communities in RSA. With the renewable energy sector being one of the fastest growing sectors in the RSA, and the RSA Government being determined to link the location of renewable energy facilities to economic development, this research has given new insight into managing revenue for SED and ED. The objectives of multi-sector participation, transformational change and sustainable initiatives for beneficiary communities could ensure greater consideration and care when managing beneficiary revenue. Thereby, the opportunity presented by the RE industry for beneficiary communities can change these communities dramatically for the better. The study makes a valuable contribution to the body of knowledge about managing revenue for beneficiary communities. The proposed model has led to a better understanding of the determinants that influence the success of managing revenue for beneficiary communities, namely: distinctive benefits (a combination of two variables: outside advice and support services), financial management, developmental benefits (a combination of two variables: infrastructure development and education), human development, project management and strategic planning. The study has also opened up new avenues of research into this subject.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Amansure, Ricardo Julian
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Strategic planning -- South Africa , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , Renewable energy sources -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7408 , vital:21351
- Description: The Renewable Energy (RE) sector is one of the fastest growing new industries in the Republic of South Africa (RSA). The Bloomberg New Energy Finance Climate Scope Report recently ranked RSA third globally, behind China and Brazil, and first among African countries for investment in clean energy (Glickman, 2014). However, one of the main benefits to be derived from the industry, that of socio-economic and enterprise development, is not being achieved owing to unsuccessful management of revenue for beneficiary communities in the renewable energy sector in RSA. Challenges relating to good governance and long-term planning are causing significant harm to communities that are already vulnerable, and are threatening to have a negative effect on the industry’s ability to fulfil its obligation to alleviate and, ultimately, eradicate poverty in some of the poorest communities in RSA.The primary objective of this study is to develop a model for the successful management of revenue for beneficiary communities in the renewable energy sector in South Africa. The model will provide guidance for enterprises, stakeholders, industry experts and community development practitioners within the renewable energy sector towards a pro-active, effective, and relevant decision-making process to achieve success in managing revenue for beneficiary communities. To address the primary objective, a number of secondary objectives were established by developing a conceptual model comprising variables identified in a comprehensive survey of the related literature. A path diagram, based on the formulation of appropriate hypotheses, was constructed between the independent variable and subsequent intervening and dependent variables. Primary data sourced from the identified national and international population of project management practitioners were collected by means of an electronic measuring instrument. The data were analysed and tested empirically by means of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The determinants that were identified through a review of the literature as influencing the success of managing revenue for beneficiary communities of renewable energy companies in South Africa included: the use of outside advice, strategic financial services, strategic planning, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development and project management. In order to achieve the objective, the following research questions were formulated: What is the influence of external factors such as outside advisers and support services on the perceived success of managing revenue for beneficiary communities of renewable energy companies in South Africa? The purpose of this research, therefore, was to evaluate and recommend new methodologies to the renewable energy sector by introducing a model of perceived success in managing revenue for beneficiary communities of renewable energy companies in South Africa. The study provided new insight into managing revenue for beneficiary communities in RSA. With the renewable energy sector being one of the fastest growing sectors in the RSA, and the RSA Government being determined to link the location of renewable energy facilities to economic development, this research has given new insight into managing revenue for SED and ED. The objectives of multi-sector participation, transformational change and sustainable initiatives for beneficiary communities could ensure greater consideration and care when managing beneficiary revenue. Thereby, the opportunity presented by the RE industry for beneficiary communities can change these communities dramatically for the better. The study makes a valuable contribution to the body of knowledge about managing revenue for beneficiary communities. The proposed model has led to a better understanding of the determinants that influence the success of managing revenue for beneficiary communities, namely: distinctive benefits (a combination of two variables: outside advice and support services), financial management, developmental benefits (a combination of two variables: infrastructure development and education), human development, project management and strategic planning. The study has also opened up new avenues of research into this subject.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A unified data repository for rich communication services
- Authors: Sogunle, Oluwasegun Francis
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5777 , vital:20974
- Description: Rich Communication Services (RCS) is a framework that defines a set of IP-based services for the delivery of multimedia communications to mobile network subscribers. The framework unifies a set of pre-existing communication services under a single name, and permits network operators to re-use investments in existing network infrastructure, especially the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), which is a core part of a mobile network and also acts as a docking station for RCS services. RCS generates and utilises disparate subscriber data sets during execution, however, it lacks a harmonised repository for the management of such data sets, thus making it difficult to obtain a unified view of heterogeneous subscriber data. This thesis proposes the creation of a unified data repository for RCS which is based on the User Data Convergence (UDC) standard. The standard was proposed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a major telecommunications standardisation group. UDC provides an approach for consolidating subscriber data into a single logical repository without adversely affecting existing network infrastructure, such as the IMS. Thus, this thesis details the design and development of a prototypical implementation of a unified repository, named Converged Subscriber Data Repository (CSDR). It adopts a polyglot persistence model for the underlying data store and exposes heterogeneous data through the Open Data Protocol (OData), which is a candidate implementation of the Ud interface defined in the UDC architecture. With the introduction of polyglot persistence, multiple data stores can be used within the CSDR and disparate network data sources can access heterogeneous data sets using OData as a standard communications protocol. As the CSDR persistence model becomes more complex due to the inclusion of more storage technologies, polyglot persistence ensures a consistent conceptual view of these data sets through OData. Importantly, the CSDR prototype was integrated into a popular open-source implementation of the core part of an IMS network known as the Open IMS Core. The successful integration of the prototype demonstrates its ability to manage and expose a consolidated view of heterogeneous subscriber data, which are generated and used by different RCS services deployed within IMS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Sogunle, Oluwasegun Francis
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5777 , vital:20974
- Description: Rich Communication Services (RCS) is a framework that defines a set of IP-based services for the delivery of multimedia communications to mobile network subscribers. The framework unifies a set of pre-existing communication services under a single name, and permits network operators to re-use investments in existing network infrastructure, especially the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), which is a core part of a mobile network and also acts as a docking station for RCS services. RCS generates and utilises disparate subscriber data sets during execution, however, it lacks a harmonised repository for the management of such data sets, thus making it difficult to obtain a unified view of heterogeneous subscriber data. This thesis proposes the creation of a unified data repository for RCS which is based on the User Data Convergence (UDC) standard. The standard was proposed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a major telecommunications standardisation group. UDC provides an approach for consolidating subscriber data into a single logical repository without adversely affecting existing network infrastructure, such as the IMS. Thus, this thesis details the design and development of a prototypical implementation of a unified repository, named Converged Subscriber Data Repository (CSDR). It adopts a polyglot persistence model for the underlying data store and exposes heterogeneous data through the Open Data Protocol (OData), which is a candidate implementation of the Ud interface defined in the UDC architecture. With the introduction of polyglot persistence, multiple data stores can be used within the CSDR and disparate network data sources can access heterogeneous data sets using OData as a standard communications protocol. As the CSDR persistence model becomes more complex due to the inclusion of more storage technologies, polyglot persistence ensures a consistent conceptual view of these data sets through OData. Importantly, the CSDR prototype was integrated into a popular open-source implementation of the core part of an IMS network known as the Open IMS Core. The successful integration of the prototype demonstrates its ability to manage and expose a consolidated view of heterogeneous subscriber data, which are generated and used by different RCS services deployed within IMS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A water footprint assessment of dryland pasture based dairy enterprise in the Eastern Cape: a case study
- Authors: Jenje, Paige
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water supply, Agricultural -- South Africa , Water supply, Agricultural -- Government policy -- South Africa , Water consumption -- Measurement -- South Africa , Water demand management -- South Africa , Water-supply -- Accounting -- South Africa , Cattle -- Water requirements -- South Africa -- Cast studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5362 , vital:20917
- Description: Water scarcity continues to pose a threat to South Africa, with severe water scarcity predicted within the next fifty years. As a result, national interest has been sparked over the development of market based water resource allocation strategies to alleviate pressures on South Africa's freshwater resources, and ensure compliance with the National Water Act. Agriculture is the largest water user internationally and within South Africa, highlighting the importance of improving the water use efficiency within the industry. This study performed a full water footprint assessment (WFA) of a dryland pasture based dairy enterprise in the Eastern Cape. Following the guidelines of the WFA, this study calculated the blue, green and grey water footprints of dryland pasture based dairy production from crop- to-farm gate by assessing the water footprints of pasture production, bought in feed and concentrates, drinking water and servicing water processes over a period of five years. Following the accounting the of the water footprint, economic and environmental sustainability indicators were used along with the incorporation of the Water Risk Filter tool. This revealed that the case study farm was operating efficiently with the enterprise's highest water related risk being governmental regulation. Water footprint accounting results highlighted that green water was largest contributor to the overall water footprint of over 80%, and grey water contributed the least to the water footprint of dryland pasture based dairy production. Economic productivity results indicated that milk production is highly correlated with annual rainfall due to the breeding strategy undertaken by the farm. Results also indicated little correlation between the monthly water footprint and milk production, with the majority of the enterprise's milk production occurring in the last quarter regardless of the water footprint. The study demonstrated the relationship between the water footprint and economic land and water productivity, along with the value of milk to costs ratio which indicated that approximately R1.00 worth of costs generates between R1.80 and R2.06 value of milk. The sustainability indicators suggested that the farm's management of its effluent dam requires attention to meet the Department of Water and Sanitations effluent waste quality guidelines. The overall analysis of the water footprint suggested that the highest water related risk to dryland dairy production was regulatory risk. This risk suggests that the government cannot be relied upon for the management of freshwater resources within the study area, leaving the onus on the individual dairy farmers. As such, farmers should utilise the water footprint to formulate water stewardship programmes which have the potential to influence the regulation and protection of freshwater resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Jenje, Paige
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water supply, Agricultural -- South Africa , Water supply, Agricultural -- Government policy -- South Africa , Water consumption -- Measurement -- South Africa , Water demand management -- South Africa , Water-supply -- Accounting -- South Africa , Cattle -- Water requirements -- South Africa -- Cast studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5362 , vital:20917
- Description: Water scarcity continues to pose a threat to South Africa, with severe water scarcity predicted within the next fifty years. As a result, national interest has been sparked over the development of market based water resource allocation strategies to alleviate pressures on South Africa's freshwater resources, and ensure compliance with the National Water Act. Agriculture is the largest water user internationally and within South Africa, highlighting the importance of improving the water use efficiency within the industry. This study performed a full water footprint assessment (WFA) of a dryland pasture based dairy enterprise in the Eastern Cape. Following the guidelines of the WFA, this study calculated the blue, green and grey water footprints of dryland pasture based dairy production from crop- to-farm gate by assessing the water footprints of pasture production, bought in feed and concentrates, drinking water and servicing water processes over a period of five years. Following the accounting the of the water footprint, economic and environmental sustainability indicators were used along with the incorporation of the Water Risk Filter tool. This revealed that the case study farm was operating efficiently with the enterprise's highest water related risk being governmental regulation. Water footprint accounting results highlighted that green water was largest contributor to the overall water footprint of over 80%, and grey water contributed the least to the water footprint of dryland pasture based dairy production. Economic productivity results indicated that milk production is highly correlated with annual rainfall due to the breeding strategy undertaken by the farm. Results also indicated little correlation between the monthly water footprint and milk production, with the majority of the enterprise's milk production occurring in the last quarter regardless of the water footprint. The study demonstrated the relationship between the water footprint and economic land and water productivity, along with the value of milk to costs ratio which indicated that approximately R1.00 worth of costs generates between R1.80 and R2.06 value of milk. The sustainability indicators suggested that the farm's management of its effluent dam requires attention to meet the Department of Water and Sanitations effluent waste quality guidelines. The overall analysis of the water footprint suggested that the highest water related risk to dryland dairy production was regulatory risk. This risk suggests that the government cannot be relied upon for the management of freshwater resources within the study area, leaving the onus on the individual dairy farmers. As such, farmers should utilise the water footprint to formulate water stewardship programmes which have the potential to influence the regulation and protection of freshwater resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A “Horrific Breakdown of Reason": Holmes and the Postcolonial Anti-Detective Novel, Lost Ground
- Authors: Naidu, Samantha
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/157980 , vital:40136 , ISBN 978-1-137-55595-3
- Description: Using the notion of “negative hermeneutics,” this chapter examines how Michiel Heyns’s novel Lost Ground draws on the heritage of the Sherlock Holmes stories. It argues that Heyns’s representation of contemporary South Africa necessitates a shift from the emphasis on the epistemological quests of nineteenth-century detective fiction to the “negative hermeneutics” and ontological concerns of postcolonial anti-detective fiction. An analysis of Lost Ground reveals direct intertextual and metatextual references to “The Silver Blaze,” yet the novel subversively presents a detective figure that is the antithesis of Holmes. Thus the chapter demonstrates how in postcolonial social and cultural contexts the ratiocinative process is hermeneutically inadequate and socio-political analysis comes to replace, or combine with, the feats of reason epitomized by Holmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Naidu, Samantha
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/157980 , vital:40136 , ISBN 978-1-137-55595-3
- Description: Using the notion of “negative hermeneutics,” this chapter examines how Michiel Heyns’s novel Lost Ground draws on the heritage of the Sherlock Holmes stories. It argues that Heyns’s representation of contemporary South Africa necessitates a shift from the emphasis on the epistemological quests of nineteenth-century detective fiction to the “negative hermeneutics” and ontological concerns of postcolonial anti-detective fiction. An analysis of Lost Ground reveals direct intertextual and metatextual references to “The Silver Blaze,” yet the novel subversively presents a detective figure that is the antithesis of Holmes. Thus the chapter demonstrates how in postcolonial social and cultural contexts the ratiocinative process is hermeneutically inadequate and socio-political analysis comes to replace, or combine with, the feats of reason epitomized by Holmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A2B type copper (III) corroles containing zero-to-five fluorine atoms
- Li, Minzhi, Niu, Yingjie, Zhu, Weihua, Mack, John, Fomo, Gertrude, Nyokong, Tebello, Liang, Xu
- Authors: Li, Minzhi , Niu, Yingjie , Zhu, Weihua , Mack, John , Fomo, Gertrude , Nyokong, Tebello , Liang, Xu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/238275 , vital:50604 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2016.10.044"
- Description: Four low symmetric A2B meso-substituted Cu(III)corroles with electron withdrawing meso-aryl rings have been synthesized and characterized. A detailed analysis of the optical and redox properties has been carried out by comparing their optical spectroscopy, electrochemistry and spectroelectrochemistry to a series of DFT and TD-DFT calculations. A series of experiments demonstrate that these Cu(III)corroles can be used as highly effective catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs). Moreover, when the number of fluorine atoms at B meso-position is increased, there is a marked enhancement in the catalytic ability of the corrole complexes, which demonstrates that modification to the structures of low symmetry corroles is a useful strategy for developing new HER catalysts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Li, Minzhi , Niu, Yingjie , Zhu, Weihua , Mack, John , Fomo, Gertrude , Nyokong, Tebello , Liang, Xu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/238275 , vital:50604 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2016.10.044"
- Description: Four low symmetric A2B meso-substituted Cu(III)corroles with electron withdrawing meso-aryl rings have been synthesized and characterized. A detailed analysis of the optical and redox properties has been carried out by comparing their optical spectroscopy, electrochemistry and spectroelectrochemistry to a series of DFT and TD-DFT calculations. A series of experiments demonstrate that these Cu(III)corroles can be used as highly effective catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs). Moreover, when the number of fluorine atoms at B meso-position is increased, there is a marked enhancement in the catalytic ability of the corrole complexes, which demonstrates that modification to the structures of low symmetry corroles is a useful strategy for developing new HER catalysts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017