The relationship between Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) and Corporate Financial Performance (CFP)
- Authors: Bendeman, Justin John
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434701 , vital:73097
- Description: Restricted access. Expected release date 2025. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
The relationship between leadership and employee engagement in an automotive original equipment manufacturer in South Africa
- Authors: Slater, Bronwyn Lereen
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434756 , vital:73102
- Description: The manufacturing industry is one of the greatest contributors to the South African economy. Owing to a competitive and complex automotive climate, it is suggested that only a few automotive manufacturing organisations will remain viable in the coming years, without the optimal reliance on human capital resources to navigate an unpredictable and unfolding landscape. In securing a sustainable future, the engagement of these human capital resources is necessitated. This competitive landscape has resulted in the call for adaptive and flexible leadership. Leadership behaviour is categorised into three streams, namely, transformational leadership, transactional leadership, and non-leadership, which is referred to as laissez-faire leadership. Employee engagement is defined as the extent to which an employee is committed to, and involved in, their operational function and the organisation, whilst portraying a willingness to perform and contribute beyond that which is expected of them. The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between leadership and employee engagement in an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in South Africa. This OEM operates in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng Provinces of South Africa. Globally, the OEM launched a leadership journey to facilitate a shared value system that supported a vision towards organisational success, by focusing on transformed ways of working and acting, as a global collective team. The outcome of this desired journey yielded eight Leadership Principles. These Leadership Principles are referred to, and included in the research study, to gain a more robust internal perspective of the leadership behaviours that are most advocated within the OEM, in relation to employee engagement. The objective of this research therefore was to establish the relationship between leadership and employee engagement in the respective OEM, by investigating the impact of transformational leadership and transactional leadership on employee engagement. A triangulation approach was adopted to analyse the data, using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The result when testing the reliability coefficient scores of the leadership instrument described a poor measure for transactional leadership, and a good measure for transformational leadership. Therefore, the results that stemmed from the statistical analysis in relation to transactional leadership could not be trusted. However, in the context of this research, it was found that there is a statistically significant relationship between transformational leadership and employee engagement. Whilst utilising the qualitative research methodology, it was found that there is a limited definition-based relationship between transactional leadership and the eight Leadership Principles. However, there is a definition-based relationship between the Leadership Principles and transformational leadership, owing to similarities found in the definition descriptions between at least six of the eight Leadership Principles. In the investigation of whether there is a definition-based relationship between the Leadership Principles and employee engagement, it was found that a limited definition-based relationship between the eight Leadership Principles and engagement existed. The research therefore met its objectives in determining a relationship between leadership and employee engagement in an Original Equipment Manufacturer in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
The Zimbabwe National Gender Policy (NGP) 2013–2017 and Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE): a study of small-scale gold miners in the Bubi and Gwanda rural districts, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Moyo, Phoebe Michelle Zibusiso Sandi
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434638 , vital:73092 , DOI 10.21504/10962/434638
- Description: The study examines the impact of Zimbabwe’s second National Gender Policy (NGP) 2013-2017 under the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development on women’s access to and control over productive resources in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector in Bubi and Gwanda rural districts of Zimbabwe. Despite the implementation of the NGP over the past fourteen years, its effect on the economic empowerment of women has not been investigated adequately. Women’s economic empowerment (WEE) is recognized as a crucial development strategy. However, it faces challenges related to the tensions between structure and agency. Some perceive WEE as an entrepreneurial concept focusing on equal access and control over productive resources like credit, equipment, skills, and business training. Others argue that WEE should encompass more than just resource access and control by addressing structural factors that hinder women’s agency e.g. unequal social relations between men and women, patriarchy, unpaid care work, and sociocultural norms. The study employed a hybrid lens, combining structure and agency to analyse the implementation of the NGP’s empowerment programs. Drawing on Kabeer’s (1994) Social Relations Approach (SRA), the study utilized two key concepts from the SRA, namely social relations and institutional analysis, to examine the interaction between the NGP and various institutions (market, community, and family) where women are located. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which the NGP has supported or impeded WEE among the female small-scale gold miners in Bubi and Gwanda, a qualitative approach was employed as an investigative method. The findings indicated that the NGP adopts a liberal or agency centred approach to WEE. This approach emphasizes women’s agency and their ability to fulfil their potential in the public sphere. The NGP has facilitated access to credit, equipment, skills, and business training. However, the evidence also highlighted the uneven implementation of the NGP’s empowerment programs between the Bubi and Gwanda districts. Overall, the evidence revealed that, while the NGP has addressed gender inequalities to a limited degree, it has also reinforced class inequalities. The NGP’s empowerment programs have overlooked the structural factors that keep women in subordinate positions, such as the unequal social relations that exist between men and women, patriarchy, unpaid care work and sociocultural norms. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Tradition and change in the Imfene dance of the amaMpondo in the Ntabankulu district of the Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Mtsini, Nontuthuzelo
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434791 , vital:73105
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release 2025. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Yield curve and business cycle dynamics in South Africa: new evidence from a Markov switching model
- Authors: Rotich, Mercyline Chepkemoi
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434739 , vital:73101
- Description: Globally, several empirical studies have demonstrated the ability of the yield spread to predict a recession in a country. In South Africa, previous studies have not only shown the yield curve's predictive power but have further demonstrated that it outperforms other commonly used variables, such as the growth rate of real money supply, changes in stock prices, and the index of leading economic indicators. However, some recent studies have shown that the yield spread (the spread between 10-year bonds and 3-month Treasury bills) gave false signals of recession. In this study, we explore the possible reasons for the false signals of the yield spread by addressing the following questions. Does the yield spread used matter? Does the measure of the business cycle used matter? And do the estimation techniques used matter? To address the first question, unlike the previous studies, this paper uses four different yield spreads- depicting short-term, medium-term, and long-term government bonds against the backdrop of a changing structure of bond holding, which reflects the increasing risk eversion of investors in South Africa. Second, the paper used different measures of business cycles, namely industrial production index, lagging, coincident, and leading economic indicators. The empirical models were estimated using both univariate and multivariate Markov switching models. As economic theory suggests, the univariate Markov switching model was used to determine if each variable exhibits a significant regime switching. The multivariate Markov switching model was estimated for each business cycle and yield spread variable, with each of the other variables serving as a non-switching explanatory variable, thereby addressing potential endogeneity concerns and the predictive power of the explanatory variable. Finally, the multivariate Markov switching model was estimated for three monthly sample periods, a full sample for 1986 to 2022, and two sub-samples – 1986 to 2009 and 2010 to 2022. This analysis consistently reveals significant regime-switching behavior across all the series thus, affirming the superiority of the regime switching model over the standard model used in previous studies. By analyzing the transition probabilities and the expected durations between these regimes, we find that including the spreads in the business cycle model improves the models’ predictability, with the medium-term bonds spread performing better than the usual long-term spread. The smoothed regime probability of the best-performing models is compared with the SARB recession dates; the two closely resemble each other, proving that the Markov switching model can help predict the turning points in the business cycle in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
A community school model to reconceptualise basic school functionality for quality education in low-income South African communities
- Authors: Malangeni, Silindile Portia
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Education -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Community and school , Educational sociology
- Language: English
- Type: Doctral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64000 , vital:73636
- Description: Despite efforts to improve educational outcomes, systemic issues such as poverty, social inequality, and limited resources continue to hinder providing an equitable and inclusive learning environment (Taylor, 2018). It is, therefore, unsurprising that, in recent years, the discourse surrounding education in low-income South African communities has increasingly focused on the need for innovative models that not only redefine the functionality of schools but also prioritise the delivery of quality education (Janks and McKinney, 2021). Therefore, the aims of this study were twofold: The primary aim was to explore and understand, with multi-stakeholders in education, the reconceptualisation of basic school functionality for quality education in low-income South African communities. The study's second aim was to develop a conceptual framework that can serve as a guide for promoting basic functionality and quality education in community schools and other schools operating in similar contexts that wish to implement a community school model to enhance their basic functionality for improved quality education. Through a collaborative process, the participants in this study attempted to address a significant gap in the literature, namely how these aims could be achieved in a way that would benefit communities and schools. My interest in this topic was piqued while serving as a social work intern and Manyano Network schools’ project coordinator under the Centre for the Community School (CCS) at Nelson Mandela University; hence, the focus of this thesis on whether schools would benefit in terms functionality if they partnered with their communities and other external stakeholders in the vicinity. However, communities are seldom actively involved in schools and school activities on an ongoing daily basis. To address the country's current educational challenges, stakeholders within and outside schools must work together to redefine and reassess their roles and responsibilities within community schools. This involves exploring how they can best serve these communities and schools to create opportunities for an improved future for everyone. Using the critical participatory action research (CPAR) design and methodology in this study ensured that all participants' voices were heard. Two theoretical lenses, complementary learning systems framework (CLSF) and social constructionism theory in education, were employed in the study, providing insights into the multi-faceted nature of South African community schools. Furthermore, a critical transformative philosophical paradigm and its assumptions, epistemology, ontology, and axiology, were implemented as a lens to interpret and understand the data. The iterative design of the research process ensured that the participants also engaged in a critical discourse analysis of the data that emerged, of which the trustworthiness was enhanced using dialogic and process, catalytic, rhetoric, democratic and outcome validity. The emergence of the data through this collaborative engagement was underpinned by the ethical values of mutual respect, equality, inclusion, democratic participation, active learning, making a difference, collective action, and personal integrity. Data generation occurred with the action learning set through three data generation cycles, according to the CPAR, and comprised principals, teachers, school governing body, school volunteers, parents, afterschool programme member, and a member from the CCS, using dialogues, collage-making, drawings, personal reflective journals, personal communication, and document analysis. Thematic data analysis resulted in the following co-generated themes: the key requirements for basic school functioning, multi-stakeholders' conceptualisation of what constitutes a community school, the key role players and the contextual factors in community schools that affect the achievement of basic school functioning and quality education, the successes that can be achieved in a community school, and the benefits and key strategies required for this process. The participants’ voices allowed for rich, in-depth collaboration and engagement that led to critical reflection within the study. Furthermore, through iterative processes, collaborative engagement and participation, a proposition for a community school model to reconceptualise basic school functionality was co-constructed in response to the fourth sub-question of the study. The findings of this study further reveal the building blocks of the conceptual framework, including revisiting who constitutes the stakeholder community school, foregrounding relationship building, and assessing the complexity and values of a contextually relevant community school. Moreover, the findings reveal that this process model must have structure, principles, and an inclusive methodology. This study has made valuable theoretical and methodological contributions through the participants’ voices, with the research study embedded within CPAR principles.This study is unique; I am unaware of any similar study having been conducted in a community school in South Africa. Furthermore, the collaborative approach used in the study helped ensure that its methodology could be of value to principals and other school stakeholders in addressing various complex challenges confronting community schools in these contexts. Most notably, the findings add to the theoretical body of knowledge around basic community school functionality, especially those in low-income communities. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Education, School of Postgraduate Education, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04
A comparison of implementation platforms for the visualisation of animal family trees
- Authors: Kanotangudza, Priviledge
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Business intelligence -- Computer programs , Human-computer interaction , Computer science
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64105 , vital:73653
- Description: Genealogy is the study of family history. Family trees are used to show ancestry and visualise family history. Animal family trees are different from human family trees as animals have more offspring to represent in a family tree visualisation. Auctioneering organisations, such as Boere Korporasie Beperk (BKB), provide livestock auction catalogues containing pictures of the animal on sale, the animal’s family tree and its breeding and selection data. Modern-day farming has become data-driven and livestock farmers use various online devices and platforms to obtain information, such as real-time milk production, animal health monitoring and to manage farming operations. This study investigated and compared two Business Intelligence (BI) platforms namely Microsoft Power BI and Tableau (Salesforce) and the Python programming language used in the implementation of cattle family tree charts. Animal family tree visualisation requirements were identified from analysing data collected from 23 agriculture users and auction attendees who responded to an online questionnaire. The results of an online survey showed that agriculture users preferred an animal family tree that resembled a human one, which is not currently used in livestock auction catalogues. A conference paper was published based on the survey results. The Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) was used to aid in creating animal family tree charts using Power BI, Tableau and Python. The author compared the visualisation tools against selected criteria, such as learnability, portability interoperability and security. Usability evaluations using eye tracking were conducted with agriculture users in a usability lab to compare the artefacts developed using Power BI and Python. Tableau was discarded during the implementation process as it did not produce the required family tree visualisation The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theory, which seeks to predict the acceptance and use of technology based on users' perception of its usefulness and ease of use, was used to guide the research study in evaluating the artefacts. According to TAM, the adoption of the proposed technology to solve the problem of a static animal family tree in livestock auction catalogues was dependent on the agriculture user’s beliefs. This was based upon that the technology would help them make better buying decisions at livestock auctions effortlessly. The other theory used in this study was the Task Technology Fit (TTF). This theory was used mainly to create the task list to be used in the usability test. The results showed that the author of this work and the agriculture users preferred the artefact produced by Power BI. The learnability and development time was shorter and the User Interface (UI) created was more intuitive. The findings of this study indicated that the present auction catalogue could be supplemented using interactive online animal family tree visualisations created using Power BI. This study recommended that livestock auctioneering organisations should, in addition to providing paper catalogues, provide farmers with an online platform to view the family trees of cattle on auction to enhance purchasing decisions. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04
A critical analysis of the interpretation of a permanent establishment created where a subsidiary acts as a dependent agent for its parent company
- Authors: Potgieter, Gizelle Kara
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Double taxation , Taxation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65389 , vital:74112
- Description: In recent years, the need arose to amend the DAPE provisions in the OECD MTC due to the ever-evolving nature of the tax avoidance strategies employed globally. This research study analysed the amendments that were made to the DAPE provisions of Article 5(5) of the 2014 OECD MTC, including the related OECD Commentary thereto and the extent to which the Commentary can be relied on. The relevance of the amended DAPE provisions were discussed by analysing the PE definition in SA’s domestic tax law, SA’s position on the MLI and consequently its position on Article 12 of the MLI which incorporates the amended DAPE provisions into existing DTAs. The scope of the research was limited to the DAPE provisions, and the research did not focus on the PE provisions in general. The focal point of the study was specifically on SA subsidiaries acting as dependent agents for its parent companies located in foreign jurisdictions, thereby creating deemed PEs for the foreign parent companies in SA based on the relevant criteria set out in Article 5(5) of the OECD MTC. The research study further explored specific French court cases that focussed on the interpretation of the DAPE provisions in the relevant DTAs and commented on the appropriateness of the decisions reached in these cases. The primary objective of the research was to determine how the DAPE provisions should be interpreted for purposes of SA’s domestic law, as well as its DTAs concluded with both France and Ireland. The research study therefore concluded with an interpretation of a case study based on a similar set of facts to the foreign court cases explored, where an SA subsidiary acted as a dependent agent on behalf of its foreign parent company. The conclusion reached on the appropriate interpretation for domestic law purposes differed significantly to the interpretation for purposes of the DTAs as a result of the significant amendments that were made to the DAPE provisions in the 2017 MTC. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Accounting, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04
A critical evaluation of the state of capital asset management in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and its impact on service delivery
- Authors: Ndleleni, Neziwe
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) , Asset-liability management , Asset management accounts -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65285 , vital:74088
- Description: Over the past decades, municipalities have emerged as a significant sphere of government that provides essential services to the general population, thereby improving their standard of living. While the communities have been vocal in their demand for improved service delivery, some municipalities are finding it difficult to provide sustainable services because of their deteriorating infrastructure. As a result,this exhibits a negative impact on the citizens' standard of living. Good capital asset management and efficient use of resources, including suitable amenities to offer services as needed by communities, are required to improve the quality of services. Municipalities must comply with this directive, adhere to the governance requirement, alongside their consequent obligations to follow laws and regulations, execute their duties and deliver promises set within the communities that they serve. The objective of this research was to critically examine the state of capital asset management in NMBM and its influence on service delivery.The research adopted a qualitative method of enquiry. The researcher employed a qualitative methodology to acquire data using an interview schedule. Some basic findings suggest that aspects of capital asset management, including leadership, planning and budgetary concerns, a scarcity of technical staff, managerial dedication and engagement, political support, insufficient or absent capital asset conditions, present a challenge in NMBM. The study recommends that management take steps to enhance the implementation of an asset management policy, at the same time developing strategies and interventions to assist related service delivery directorates and personnel in the application, controlling andmonitoring of capital assets. It is necessary to improve the competence and efficiency of assets as well prioritise the required services and sustainability. The argument reflects that the techniques suggested in conjunction with the findings provide novel perspectives on the problems associated with capital assetmanagement. In the end, putting these recommendations into practice might greatly enhance asset management and service delivery in NMBM. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04
A cyber security strategy to mitigate cloud computing risks within the investment management sector in Cape Town
- Authors: Monareng, Glacier Jamela
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Cloud computing , Computer security , Computer science
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64717 , vital:73866
- Description: Adoption of cloud computing has become a transformative force in modern information technology, revolutionizing how organisations procure, manage, and deliver IT resources as well as IT services. This treatise explores the implementation of cloud computing in the investment management sector. It focuses on potential cloud security risks, broader implications for businesses and IT ecosystems, and subsequently the treatise conceptualises a strategy that may help in responding to these security risks. The study began by surveying the motivations behind cloud adoption in the investment sector, emphasising the potential cost savings, scalability, and flexibility cloud services offer. It then delves into the challenges faced during implementation, including security concerns, data privacy, compliance issues, and the intricacies of transitioning legacy systems to cloud environments. In response to these challenges, the treatise outlines strategies for successful cloud implementation within the investment sector, in Cape Town, South Africa. It highlights the significance of selecting appropriate cloud service models (for example, IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS) and deployment options (for example, public, private, hybrid, or multi-cloud) to align with organisational needs and objectives. The study followed a qualitative research study. In collecting data an open-ended online survey was sent to participants. The participants were from an investment company in Cape Town. The study employed the design science research paradigm with the aim of developing an artefact. The methodology used was the Nelson Mandela University-Design Science Strategy Methodology (NMU-DSSM) In conclusion, this treatise conceptualises a strategy that may help companies investing in cloud computing technologies to mitigate cyber security and cloud risks. It recommends practices that underscore cloud computing's transformative potential while acknowledging its complexity and challenges. The strategy may serve as a valuable resource for IT professionals, decision-makers, and organisations embarking on the cloud journey, offering guidance and perspectives to navigate the complexities and to realise the potential benefits of cloud technology. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04
A discourse analysis study of traditional health practitioners’ role in the treatment of female sexual violence and its mental health sequelae in KwaZulu-Natal
- Authors: Muthwa, Nqobile
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Women -- Violence against -- South Africa , Sex discrimination against women -- South Africa , Physicians -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63904 , vital:73625
- Description: South Africa is considered the epicentre of rape, leading to its reputation as the ‘rape capital of the world’. As a way of mitigating the risk of re-victimisation to individuals who have experienced rape, hospital-based post-rape centres were developed to offer services and support to rape victims. The uptake of these services remains scant as issues such as rape stigma, limited knowledge on their availability and alternative health systems limits their usage. In South Africa, there exists medical pluralism, which refers to multiple ways of making sense of illness and treatment seeking methods. It is estimated that around 80% of South Africans utilise the services of traditional health practitioners in conjunction with biomedical health practices or as a standalone service to get alternative solutions for their health needs. Victims of rape need to access a wide range of services such as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), medical examinations, and emergency contraception. There has been a paucity in research looking into the alternative treatments accessed by rape victims who do not access services in the formal healthcare system. It is against this backdrop that this study explored the construction and treatment formulation of rape by traditional health practitioners. The study focused on the use of language and how it becomes action that influences the services rendered to rape victims. Thematic analysis, discourse and conversational analytical approaches were used to analyse data that emerges from the one-on-one interviews. 15 traditional healers who identified as abathandazi, Izangoma and izinyanga were selected to participate in the present study. The healthworlds framework and social constructionism were used to make sense of how traditional health practitioners construct rape and how the dominant discourses surrounding rape influence how they understand their position as healthcare providers. The main findings of the study illustrated that in the healthworld of traditional healers’ understanding of rape was constructed as ukungcola nobumnyama / impurity and darkness. These discourses spoke to the perception of rape as an aberration as one’s ancestors should prevent traumas and catastrophes from befalling on the individual. When rape occurs, it signalled spiritual problems resulting into a phenomenon where ancestors cannot safeguard the living. Under these discourse rape was also constructed as something that taints, impurifies and contaminates not just the raped individual but their entire bloodline and ancestors. As a result of the discourse surrounding rape, cleansing and purification rituals played a huge role in post-rape care. In addition, traditional health practitioners viewed their role as facilitators in reestablishing the relationship between the raped individual and their ancestors. The study observed that rape victims who share the same healthworld are likely to experience spiritual transgressions following rape which will have long-lasting effects on the psychological health outcomes of victims. The present study recommends a post-rape care model that advocates for collaborative opportunities between biomedical and traditional healthcare practitioners. This model can be integrated into existing post-rape care systems to provide holistic and comprehensive healthcare that addresses biopsychosocial as well as the spiritual and cultural influences of rape. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Health Science, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04
A framework for a cybersecurity policy in South African schools
- Authors: Mhlaba, Surety Aleta
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Computer security -- Government policy -- South Africa , Computer security -- South Africa , Cyber intelligence (Computer security) , Computer security -- South Africa Educational technology -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64651 , vital:73835
- Description: Today, learners at school grow up within an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) environment and have become technology users. A growing number of learners have access to ICT devices, such as mobile phones, tablets and desktop computers owing to their affordability. Access to ICT devices enables learners to interact in cyberspace which offers them numerous advantages and benefits. Cyberspace enables learners to improve their learning by providing ease of access to information and other learning material. Additionally, it allows them to socialise and to communicate with each without having to be in the same place. Furthermore, it allows them to participate in games, including educational games, to help with their learning. Despite these benefits, learners are prone to falling victim to a range of cyber risks and attacks. These cyber risks and attacks include cyberbullying, accessing inappropriate content and being exposed to sexual grooming. This is due to the fact that cyberspace is an unregulated platform and its complex nature does not make it easy to govern. Thus, there is a need to implement a policy that can govern and educate school learners on how to protect and conduct themselves when accessing cyberspace to avoid and reduce exposure to cyber risks. Countries like the United Kingdom (UK), Australia (AU) and Rwanda (RW) have developed cybersecurity policies to assist schools to develop and implement a cybersecurity policy to create a cybersecurity environment for learners with the support and commitment of the government. These countries continue to implement cybersecurity strategies and advocate for a cybersecurity policy to be implemented in schools to foster a cybersecurity culture. However, this does not seem to be the case for South Africa. The South African education system does not have a standard national cybersecurity policy to be implemented in all schools to handle cyber risks and incidents. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) drafted guidelines to assist schools to implement cybersecurity strategies such as a cybersecurity-related policy; however, these guidelines do not include guidance on how to implement them and they have not been enacted. Because of the lack of commitment from the government to implement a cybersecurity policy at school level, learners continue to be exposed to cyber risks. Hence, it is up to each school to create and implement a cybersecurity policy that is unique to that school to help keep their learners safe. In terms of South African law, schools are ultimately responsible for the safety and well-being of school learners. School Governing Bodies (SGBs) have a legal obligation to ensure that cybersecurity measures are in place to protect learners from cyber risks, especially when schools provide access or expect learners to have and use ICT devices during school hours. However, schools (including SGBs) are ill-equipped to implement cybersecurity initiatives by themselves. They lack knowledge about ICT and are hampered by severe time and financial constraints. This study proposes a framework to assist SGBs in implementing a cybersecurity policy in South African schools. To address this need, the study first performed a literature review to identify the problem area, that schools in South Africa have no cybersecurity policy to guide them and protect school learners from cyber risks. There is a need for cybersecurity policies in schools and the SGBs entrusted with such a responsibility lack the resources and capacity to develop them. Moreover, many schools do not have cybersecurity policies in place to protect school learners if cyber risk incidents occur. This led to identifying research objectives together with research methods to address the problem area. The primary objective is to develop a framework to assist SGBs in implementing a basic cybersecurity policy in South African schools. In order to achieve the primary objective, the study determined cybersecurity policy implementation components and characteristics of cybersecurity policies using the literature review method to obtain the framework design components. Thereafter, cybersecurity-related policies, guidelines and best practices in South Africa and globally were identified and analysed for the school environment through the use of a literature review and qualitative content analysis to obtain cybersecurity policy content suitable for the school environment. Once these actions were performed, the formulation and design of the framework for implementing a basic cybersecurity policy using the relevant policy components and characteristics took place, which resulted in the proposed framework solution. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04
A framework for the integration of 4IR-related topics into IT undergraduate curricula in South Africa
- Authors: Mjoli, Siliziwe
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Educational technology -- Curricula , Computers -- Study and teaching , Industry 4.0 -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64662 , vital:73836
- Description: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has been increasing in relevance since the start of its evolution in 2016. Society has shifted in many ways across different industries and sectors as a result of the digitisation that came with 4IR. This has led to a shortage of skilled individuals since there is a gap in the available and needed 4IR skills demand, causing job displacement. Low-skilled individuals are either left unemployed or must upskill to keep up with the new technologies that come with 4IR. In an effort to mitigate this issue, students can be taught the relevant 4IR-related skills at tertiary level before they enter the industry. However, curricular documents, such as IT2017, and national strategies are often not comprehensive in addressing many 4IR-related topics, nor in recommending which topics are most relevant for integration into IT undergraduate curricula. Therefore, the problem identified in this study is that South African universities offering IT undergraduate qualifications are not prepared adequately to address 4IR-related knowledge and skills demands. To address the gap in the available and needed 4IR skills demand, this research proposes a framework to assist with the integration of 4IR-related topics into IT undergraduate curricula in South Africa. To develop the IT Undergraduate Curricula Framework for 4IR-related Topics, it was important to identify the gap between the 4IR-related skills that are currently integrated in higher education institutions (HEIs) and those that are most relevant in the IT industry. A literature review was conducted to provide an in-depth discussion on 4IR and its impact in different sectors; a content analysis was conducted to determine which 4IR-related topics are currently integrated in South African HEIs that offer an IT diploma qualification; semi-structured interviews were conducted to determine which 4IR-related skills are most relevant in the IT industry in South Africa and globally; modelling was used in the development of the proposed 4IR-related IT undergraduate curricula; and finally, argumentation was used in discussing the relevance of the proposed framework within the School of IT at Nelson Mandela University. The IT Undergraduate Curricula Framework for 4IR-related Topics will assist in the integration of 4IR-related topics in higher education computing departments. This could ensure that computing graduates are equipped with the necessary 4IR-related knowledge and skills, giving them a competitive advantage when they enter the industry. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04
A framework for the strategic alignment of internal auditing in the public sector
- Authors: Nyenyiso, Sizwe
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Auditing, Internal , Auditing , Accounting
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65368 , vital:74095
- Description: The role of internal auditing has evolved from a control-based function to a strategic partner of strategy formulation and execution. In today’s fast paced business environment, the demand for internal audit (IA) services has increased enormously as management struggles to respond to disruptions. To maximise the IA value and effectively respond to the expectations of stakeholders, the internal audit functions (IAFs) must be properly aligned with the strategic direction of their organisations. Public sector IAFs must align their work with the strategies, objectives and risks of the public sector organisations and promote organisational improvement. Failure to strategically align the IAFs may lead to the non-delivery of their mandate, and thus be unable to assure, advise and provide the insights that inform strategic decision making. It is concerning that the public sector IAFs may not be adequately aligned to the strategic direction of their organisations, and that no mechanism is in place to enable this alignment. Hence the primary objective of this study to develop a framework for aligning public sector IAFs with the strategic direction of the South African public sector organisations. The secondary objectives were to investigate factors that impact on IA alignment with the strategies of the public sector organisations; and how these can be integrated into the IA strategic alignment framework. This qualitative Delphi study used a combination of the Agency Theory and Strategic Alignment Theory (SAT) to better understand the phenomenon of IA strategic alignment. An iterative process of three Delphi rounds was followed to facilitate consensus among participants, who were selected using a purposive sampling method. This culminated in the development of IA strategic alignment framework, encompassing five components: organisational context; IA governance; IA planning approach; IA processes and IA resourcing, as well as 48 factors (35 positive and 13 negative) of IA strategic alignment. The study also found 15 benefits of IA strategic alignment (eight benefits to the organisation and seven to the IAF). , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Accounting, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04
A leadership model for South Africa’s infrastructure-related State-owned Enterprises
- Authors: Notununu, Fezile
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Government business enterprises -- South Africa , Construction industry , Leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64750 , vital:73885
- Description: The objective of this research was to create a leadership model designed specifically to address the challenges faced by South Africa's infrastructure-related, state-owned enterprises. Both Eskom and Transnet are currently experiencing leadership crises, which might be further exacerbated by the global economic difficulties. Through an initial literature review it became evident that there was a knowledge gap regarding leadership within South Africa's state-owned enterprises. Consequently, it was crucial to conduct an extensive analysis of leadership styles to ensure effective infrastructure management for these state-owned enterprises. The primary aim of this study was to propose a leadership model that would be suitable for South Africa's infrastructure-related, state-owned enterprises. To achieve this objective, the relationship between effective leadership and perceived success in infrastructure development was explored, as well as the relationship between effective planning and perceived success in infrastructure development within these enterprises. Additionally, the connection between leadership training and perceived success in infrastructure development was investigated in the study. Quantitative research methods were employed to address these research objectives. The data for this study were collected through an online survey, with a total of 335 respondents from South Africa. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used for analysis, using SPSS AMOS 29 Software. The findings of the study indicated a significant positive relationship between effective management and perceived success in infrastructure development for state-owned enterprises. However, the results regarding the relationship between effective planning and perceived success were not statistically significant, as the p-value exceeded 0.05. Based on the outcomes of the study, appropriate and meaningful recommendations have been provided regarding the leadership model necessary for effective infrastructure management in South Africa's infrastructure-related, state-owned enterprises. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04
A methodology for modernising legacy web applications: subtitle if needed. If no subtitle follow instructions in manual
- Authors: Malgraff, Maxine
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Management information systems , Information technology , Application software -- Development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64148 , vital:73657
- Description: One problem faced in the Information Systems domain is that of poorly maintained, poorly documented, and/or unmanageable systems, known as Legacy Information Systems (LISs). As a result of the everchanging web development landscape, web applications have also become susceptible to the challenges faced in keeping up with technological advances, and older applications are starting to display the characteristics of becoming Legacy Web Applications (LWAs). As retaining business process support and meeting business requirements is often necessary, one method of recovering vital LWAs is to modernise them. System modernisation aims to recover business knowledge and provide an enhanced system that overcomes the problems plagued by LISs. When planning to modernise an LWA, guidance and support are essential to ensure that the modernisation exercise is performed efficiently and effectively. Modernisation methodologies can provide this required guidance and support as they provide models, tools and techniques that serve as guiding principles for the modernisation process. Although many modernisation methodologies exist, very few offer a comprehensive approach to modernisation that provides guidelines for each modernisation phase, tools to assist in the modernisation and techniques that can be used throughout. Existing methodologies also do not cater for cases that include both the LWA and migration to modernised web-specific environments. This research study aimed to investigate modernisation methodologies and identify which methodologies, or parts thereof, could be adapted for modernising LWAs. Existing methodologies were analysed and compared using the definition of a methodology, as well as other factors that improve the modernisation process. Modernisation case studies were reviewed to identify lessons learned from these studies so that these could be considered when planning an LWA modernisation. The ARTIST methodology was the most comprehensive modernisation methodology identified from those researched and was selected as the most appropriate methodology for modernising an LWA. ARTIST was modified to the mARTIST methodology to cater for web-based environments.mARTIST was used to modernise an existing LWA, called OldMax, at an automotive manufacturer, anonymously referred to as AutoCo, to determine its ability to support the modernisation of LWAs. Additional tools and evaluation methods were also investigated and used in place of those recommended by ARTIST, where deemed appropriate for the modernisation of OldMax. Limitations set by AutoCo on the hosting and technical environments for the modernised application also required ARTIST to be adapted to better suit the use case. The steps taken during this modernisation were documented and reported on to highlight the effectiveness of mARTIST and the tools used. The result of this modernisation was that the modernised web application, ModMax, was evaluated to determine the success of the modernisation. The modernisation of OldMax to ModMax, using the mARTIST methodology, was found to be successful based on the criteria set by the ARTIST methodology. Based on this, mARTIST can successfully be used for the modernisation of LWAs. To support future modernisations, an evaluation method for determining technical feasibility was developed for LWA, and alternate tools that could be used throughout modernisation exercises were recommended. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04
A model for measuring and predicting stress for software developers using vital signs and activities
- Authors: Hibbers, Ilze
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Machine learning , Neural networks (Computer science) , Computer software developers
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63799 , vital:73614
- Description: Occupational stress is a well-recognised issue that affects individuals in various professions and industries. Reducing occupational stress has multiple benefits, such as improving employee's health and performance. This study proposes a model to measure and predict occupational stress using data collected in a real IT office environment. Different data sources, such as questionnaires, application software (RescueTime) and Fitbit smartwatches were used for collecting heart rate (HR), facial emotions, computer interactions, and application usage. The results of the Demand Control Support and Effort and Reward questionnaires indicated that the participants experienced high social support and an average level of workload. Participants also reported their daily perceived stress and workload level using a 5- point score. The perceived stress of the participants was overall neutral. There was no correlation found between HR, interactions, fear, and meetings. K-means and Bernoulli algorithms were applied to the dataset and two well-separated clusters were formed. The centroids indicated that higher heart rates were grouped either with meetings or had a higher difference in the center point values for interactions. Silhouette scores and 5-fold-validation were used to measure the accuracy of the clusters. However, these clusters were unable to predict the daily reported stress levels. Calculations were done on the computer usage data to measure interaction speeds and time spent working, in meetings, or away from the computer. These calculations were used as input into a decision tree with the reported daily stress levels. The results of the tree helped to identify which patterns lead to stressful days. The results indicated that days with high time pressure led to more reported stress. A new, more general tree was developed, which was able to predict 82 per cent of the daily stress reported. The main discovery of the research was that stress does not have a straightforward connection with computer interactions, facial emotions, or meetings. High interactions sometimes lead to stress and other times do not. So, predicting stress involves finding patterns and how data from different data sources interact with each other. Future work will revolve around validating the model in more office environments around South Africa. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04
A model for speech-driven lesson summary generation in a noisy educational environment
- Authors: Blunt, Phillip John
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Automatic speech recognition , Speech processing systems , Educational technology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64500 , vital:73741
- Description: The application of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology for generating lesson transcripts and closed captions in the classroom has shown to improve the learning experience of people in disadvantaged student groups. This dissertation proposes a concept model for applying ASR technology in the educational environment for lesson transcription or closed captioning. The model aims further to bolster students’ secondary contact with the lesson content using keyword identification and subsequent association to generate a summary of the educator’s key points with reference to known course content material. To reinforce this concept, three core theoretical areas are discussed in this work, namely the existing applications of ASR technology in the classroom, the prominent machine-learning solutions that are capable of performing ASR, either for keyword spotting or for continuous speech recognition, and finally, the speech enhancement techniques used to mitigate the negative effects of environmental noise in the educational space. After a groundwork investigation into these three core theoretical areas, an initial model was created for incorporating an ASR system into the educational environment using the speech of the educator to drive the process of generating the lesson summary. After analysis for prototype development, the feasibility of developing a keyword-spotting system using South African speech data to train a machine-learning model revealed a number of challenges. Hence, it was decided that it would be more appropriate to implement a cloud-based ASR solution to establish proof of concept in a prototype system. In addition, the advent of a cloud-based ASR solution meant that a more reliable lesson transcript could be generated and, as a result, the direction of this work could move towards exploiting the utility provided by lesson transcription to generate a meaningful lesson summary. An initial prototype implementation was then developed based on the initial model using a cloud-based ASR approach. The final model presented in this work makes use of keyword identification in the transcription process, in collaboration with a course content database to identify known, educator-defined keyword terms during a lesson that are tied to relevant course content items for the specified lesson. As the model or prototype was improved and adapted, its counterpart was modified appropriately, ensuring that each reflected both the theoretical and practical aspects of the other. After a series of improvement cycles, a final version of the model was ascertained, supported by a performance evaluation of an acceptable prototype system. Ultimately, the prototype proved capable of generating a lesson summary, presented to students to bolster secondary contact with lesson content. This lesson summary provides students with a lesson transcript, but also helps them to monitor educator-defined keyword terms, their prevalence as communicated in the lesson by the educator, and their associations with educator-defined sections of course content. The prototype was developed with a modular approach so that its speech recognition component was interchangeable between CMU’s Sphinx and Google Cloud’ Speech-to-Text speech recognition systems, both accessed via a cloud-based programming library. In addition to the ASR module, noise injection, cancellation and reduction were also introduced to the prototype as a speech enhancement module to demonstrate the effects of noise on the prototype. The prototype was tested using different configurations of speech recognition- and speech enhancement techniques to demonstrate the change in accuracy of lesson summary generation. Proof of concept was established using the Google Cloud Continuous Speech Recognition System, which prevailed over CMU’s Sphinx and enabled the prototype to achieve 100,00% accuracy in keyword identification and subsequent association on noise-free speech, contrasted with a 96,93% accuracy in keyword identification and subsequent association on noise-polluted speech when applying noise cancellation. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04
A model to measure the digital competence of South African citizens
- Authors: Du Preez, Creswell Martin
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Communication of technical information , Digital divide , Information technology -- Social aspects , Information society
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64522 , vital:73746
- Description: The rapid proliferation of disruptive technologies is a paradigm shift fundamentally changing how humanity lives, works, communicates, and relates to each other. Many governments are implementing digital transformation strategies to improve service delivery, citizen participation, and information-sharing mechanisms. South Africa has identified digital skills as a key challenge to becoming a professional and globally competitive knowledge society. However, the 2016 Global IT Report of the World Economic Forum highlights the skills problem in South Africa, ranking it 95th out of 139 countries on the skills pillar. This is due to poor quality of education, particularly in math and science. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly underscored the importance of digital competence in South Africa, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. As the pandemic forced a shift to remote work, education, and digital service delivery, the disparities in digital access and skills became more apparent, especially in under-resourced communities. This situation revealed the urgent need to enhance digital competence across the population to bridge the digital divide. On the other hand, the pandemic also acted as a catalyst for digital transformation in the country. There was an accelerated adoption of digital technologies in various sectors, from education using online platforms to businesses embracing e-commerce. This rapid shift showcased the potential of digital technology to foster resilience against such disruptions. It highlighted citizens’ critical need for comprehensive digital competence to navigate this new digital landscape effectively. A gap exists between current online digital skills training programmes and the ability of citizens to participate in the same. While mega-vendors like Microsoft, Google, and Oracle offer virtual training on specific technologies, it is argued that users need digital competence training before participating in these opportunities. In other words, be able to access online training platforms, create a user account, use secure passwords, and navigate online training systems. This critical component is not holistically addressed across the education system in South Africa. Furthermore, digital competence is a new concept in the South African context and has not been holistically assessed until now. This study sets out to develop a digital competence assessment model to measure the digital competence of South African citizens. Research was conducted to understand digital competence, its characteristics and assessment models and frameworks. A suitable framework was then selected and adapted for the South African context. The adapted framework was used to develop a South African Digital Competence Assessment Model. The model consists of a Digital Competence Assessment Grid, which forms the core of the Digital Competence Assessment Model, as well as an example of how the model can be used to develop an assessment questionnaire. The South African Digital Competence Assessment Grid and the Digital Competence Assessment Example were reviewed by experts as part of an expert review process. The recommendations from the experts were used to refine the Digital Competence Assessment Grid. As the concept of digital competence is new to South Africa, implementation strategies and considerations were discussed for the model. As a starting point, implementation resources were developed on how to use the model in the form of a Digital Competence Assessment Model Guide. The study thus makes an important contribution to advancing digital competence assessment in South Africa, which will inform the nature of the development programs needed and from which the competence profiles for various jobs and job families can be generated. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04
A process for integrated fitness and menstrual cycle data visualisations
- Authors: Taljaard, Isabelle
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Human-computer interaction , Personal information management , Medical informatics -- Standards
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64379 , vital:73689
- Description: The increase in female participation in sport has led to an increase in research reporting on the relationship between fitness and menstrual cycle (F&M) data. Fitness variables such as VO2 max and heart rate are influenced by menstrual hormones and change with the different phases of a cycle. People frequently track both their F&M data, to understand their long-term activity and their body’s changes during the different cycle phases. Both these data sets are tracked and visualised separately to help people understand their data, however little work has been done to visualise the relationship between the two data sets. A process that guides the creation of an integrated F&M visualisation does not exist. This research aimed to develop and adopt a process that could be used to successfully guide the creation of an integrated F&M visualisation. The study followed the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) to create a primary and secondary artefact – the process and instantiation thereof. The DSRM was applied in iterative cycles where the process was developed, instantiations created and evaluated by participants. To develop the process, existing data processing and visualisation processes were reviewed from literature, to assess their successes and shortcomings. The review of existing processes revealed what steps, and factors related to those steps, would need to be considered. The process review highlighted the importance of five process steps: planning, collection, access, integration, and visualisation. Once the conceptual process was designed, it was adapted for the goal of creating an integrated F&M data visualisation. Prior to implementation, the process was first tested in a pilot study to ensure its validity before involving participants in data collection. After the process pilot study, the final implementation of the process took place and participants were recruited. In the first step of the process, the different fitness data types that are influenced by the menstrual cycle, and vice versa, were identified through a literature review. In the second step, devices to be used for data collection were evaluated and tested through exploratory testing and review of user manuals available online. The third and fourth steps, access, and integration were informed by further exploratory testing and review of relevant literature. The fifth step, data visualisation, was guided by relevant studies, Hick’s law, and the Schema Theory. Two Iterations of DSR were conducted in two phases. Phase 1 (P1) was the instantiation of the planning, collection, access, and processing steps. Participants wore smartwatches while going about their daily lives and working out and tracked their menstrual cycle to collect data. P1data was used to create several instantiations of the process. The second phase (P2) was the instantiation the visualisation step. The final visualisations, resulting from the instantiations, were evaluated by participants in P2. The review notes were used to improve both the process and the final visualisations. Both P1 and P2 were repeated (iterated) twice. The recommended process can be used by anyone who wants to create an integrated F&M visualisation and was designed to be modular so that users could choose to follow the whole process or only specific steps. The findings of this research can provide guidance to users, developers and smartwatch manufacturers of what people’s preferences are for these integrated visualisations. It also provides guidance for those who wish to create their own visualisations without needing prior programming experience or knowledge, since easy to use, online visualisation tools are recommended. The process instantiations will assist people, especially women, to better understand their menstrual cycle and how it affects their physical well-being. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-04