An exploration of leadership attributes for good governance in selected public community learning centres in the Eastern Cape province
- Madikiza-Sambane, Ndiliwe Christabell
- Authors: Madikiza-Sambane, Ndiliwe Christabell
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Political leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13403 , vital:39658
- Description: The success of any government depends on its leadership’s efficiency and effectiveness in ensuring that government’s vision is realized. It therefore becomes important that all public administration activities are in line with the elements of good governance as reflected on the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. These elements include, among others, responsiveness to the needs of the public, accountability, public participation, equity, effectiveness and efficiency. Leadership attributes play a pivotal role in this regard, as all leaders are expected to be able to give guidance and direction towards the vision of government, good communicators, have humble confidence and display exemplary behavior to be successful in their leadership responsibilities. This includes leaders who are assigned responsibilities at all levels and sectors, both in public and private institutions. The purpose of this study therefore, was to explore leadership attributes for good governance in selected Public Community Learning Centres (PCLCs) in the Eastern Cape Province and its focus was in Libode District. It sought to answer a number of questions relating to community participation, policy formulation and implementation, problem solving and the envisaged solutions to address the problems that enhance good governance in the PCLCs. The study is viewed as significant in assisting the process of putting new systems in place for the implementation of new approaches in adult education. The extensive literature review that was conducted before the study resumed contributed tremendously in the success of the study as it provided more insight to the study. The qualitative approach was mainly used and the data was collected through self- administered questionnaires, interviews and observation. The findings of the study revealed challenges that exist with regards to leadership attributes and the enhancement of good governance in Public Community Learning Centres. All participating Ward Councillors (the community leaders) expressed their ignorance about what is happening in the PCLCs. However, they expressed their willingness to work together with the centres for the benefit of all community members within their wards. The recommendations of the study are based on the problems revealed in the findings and provide solutions and answers to the research questions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Madikiza-Sambane, Ndiliwe Christabell
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Political leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13403 , vital:39658
- Description: The success of any government depends on its leadership’s efficiency and effectiveness in ensuring that government’s vision is realized. It therefore becomes important that all public administration activities are in line with the elements of good governance as reflected on the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. These elements include, among others, responsiveness to the needs of the public, accountability, public participation, equity, effectiveness and efficiency. Leadership attributes play a pivotal role in this regard, as all leaders are expected to be able to give guidance and direction towards the vision of government, good communicators, have humble confidence and display exemplary behavior to be successful in their leadership responsibilities. This includes leaders who are assigned responsibilities at all levels and sectors, both in public and private institutions. The purpose of this study therefore, was to explore leadership attributes for good governance in selected Public Community Learning Centres (PCLCs) in the Eastern Cape Province and its focus was in Libode District. It sought to answer a number of questions relating to community participation, policy formulation and implementation, problem solving and the envisaged solutions to address the problems that enhance good governance in the PCLCs. The study is viewed as significant in assisting the process of putting new systems in place for the implementation of new approaches in adult education. The extensive literature review that was conducted before the study resumed contributed tremendously in the success of the study as it provided more insight to the study. The qualitative approach was mainly used and the data was collected through self- administered questionnaires, interviews and observation. The findings of the study revealed challenges that exist with regards to leadership attributes and the enhancement of good governance in Public Community Learning Centres. All participating Ward Councillors (the community leaders) expressed their ignorance about what is happening in the PCLCs. However, they expressed their willingness to work together with the centres for the benefit of all community members within their wards. The recommendations of the study are based on the problems revealed in the findings and provide solutions and answers to the research questions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An exploration of the effectiveness of social work interventions in assisting children living with HIV/AIDS : the case of Nobuhle Unit 8 Community Clinic, Mdantsane, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mdlankomo, Andiswa Pamella
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social case work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social work with children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV infections
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8574 , vital:33137
- Description: Social work practice in South African societies is of paramount importance because of high levels of poverty and various vulnerabilities. Despite the fact that there is much research on social work and children living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa, the link between social work approaches and vulnerable children has remained silent. Therefore, it was necessary to explore the quality of service delivery and understand how effective are social work interventions towards specific vulnerable children with the aim of enhancing their wellbeing. Thus, the study explored social work interventions towards assisting children living with HIV/AIDS. The study adopted qualitative research approach method for the purposes of collecting data. In-depth interviews were used as methods of data collection to find out the effectiveness and relevancy of social work interventions towards assisting children living with HIV/AIDS. The data was thematically analysed. The main findings indicated a lack of commitment in social work practice and that mirrors a lack of adequate Continuous Professional Development Training (CPDT); Social work practice in Mdantsane is overwhelmed by statutory work; and social work practice as associated with monotonous duties or an inescapable boring work routine. Moreover, the study unearthed that social workers‟ interventions towards assisting children living with HIV/AIDS are ineffective in Mdantsane Nobuhle Unit 8 community due to service delivery constraints faced by social workers, such as lack of specific HIV/AIDS proper care work training of social workers, lack of resources, high caseloads, misconceptions, and poor implementation of governmental policies. Hence, the study recommends the need for more social workers to fill up this shortage. Thus, the study recommended that there should be an indigenous social welfare and social work practice of assisting children infected and affected by HIV/AIDs. Furthermore, the study recommended that social workers should be equipped with local based skills and knowledge so as to be able to practice professionally. The study concluded that, there should be practical interventions looking into the socio-economic and political contexts and challenging the theorization of the practice, but adopting a more pragmatic approach through influencing and lobbying the government to respondent to the children needs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mdlankomo, Andiswa Pamella
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social case work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social work with children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV infections
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8574 , vital:33137
- Description: Social work practice in South African societies is of paramount importance because of high levels of poverty and various vulnerabilities. Despite the fact that there is much research on social work and children living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa, the link between social work approaches and vulnerable children has remained silent. Therefore, it was necessary to explore the quality of service delivery and understand how effective are social work interventions towards specific vulnerable children with the aim of enhancing their wellbeing. Thus, the study explored social work interventions towards assisting children living with HIV/AIDS. The study adopted qualitative research approach method for the purposes of collecting data. In-depth interviews were used as methods of data collection to find out the effectiveness and relevancy of social work interventions towards assisting children living with HIV/AIDS. The data was thematically analysed. The main findings indicated a lack of commitment in social work practice and that mirrors a lack of adequate Continuous Professional Development Training (CPDT); Social work practice in Mdantsane is overwhelmed by statutory work; and social work practice as associated with monotonous duties or an inescapable boring work routine. Moreover, the study unearthed that social workers‟ interventions towards assisting children living with HIV/AIDS are ineffective in Mdantsane Nobuhle Unit 8 community due to service delivery constraints faced by social workers, such as lack of specific HIV/AIDS proper care work training of social workers, lack of resources, high caseloads, misconceptions, and poor implementation of governmental policies. Hence, the study recommends the need for more social workers to fill up this shortage. Thus, the study recommended that there should be an indigenous social welfare and social work practice of assisting children infected and affected by HIV/AIDs. Furthermore, the study recommended that social workers should be equipped with local based skills and knowledge so as to be able to practice professionally. The study concluded that, there should be practical interventions looking into the socio-economic and political contexts and challenging the theorization of the practice, but adopting a more pragmatic approach through influencing and lobbying the government to respondent to the children needs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An exploration of the prior conceptual understanding of measurement of first year national certificate (vocational) Engineering students
- Authors: Vale, Pamela
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/8033 , vital:21337
- Description: Measurement is acknowledged to be a critical component in mathematics education and is particularly important for vocational Engineering students, for whom this is a key skill required in the workplace. The goal of this research was to explore the existing measurement conceptualisations of vocational Engineering students at the outset of their course, as evident in their engagement with mediated measurement tasks. The focus on students’ prior knowledge in measurement, was for the value that this awareness holds in understanding the learning needs of the students. Students participated in five measurement tasks. Four took the form of dynamically assessed task-based interviews, and the fifth was a written test assessing what they had learned during their Mathematics classes. Domains of measurement that were assessed in these tasks included length, area, surface area, volume and flow rate. The interviewer took the role of mediator and students were assessed according to the number of moments of mediation and the degree of mediation required to successfully complete the task. Students’ responsiveness to this mediation provided insight as to their conceptualisations of the measurements relevant to the task. This research was exploratory in nature and adopted an open and flexible approach to the data analysis. Critical incidents were identified and coded according to the mediation offered and the actions of the students during the measuring activity. This allowed patterns to emerge that revealed stable and emerging conceptualisations that related to embodied and symbolic aspects of measurement. Evidence was found that for many of these students the link between the embodied and symbolic aspects of the concept was broken. This insight allowed suggestions to be formulated about how better to facilitate these students’ learning of measurement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Vale, Pamela
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/8033 , vital:21337
- Description: Measurement is acknowledged to be a critical component in mathematics education and is particularly important for vocational Engineering students, for whom this is a key skill required in the workplace. The goal of this research was to explore the existing measurement conceptualisations of vocational Engineering students at the outset of their course, as evident in their engagement with mediated measurement tasks. The focus on students’ prior knowledge in measurement, was for the value that this awareness holds in understanding the learning needs of the students. Students participated in five measurement tasks. Four took the form of dynamically assessed task-based interviews, and the fifth was a written test assessing what they had learned during their Mathematics classes. Domains of measurement that were assessed in these tasks included length, area, surface area, volume and flow rate. The interviewer took the role of mediator and students were assessed according to the number of moments of mediation and the degree of mediation required to successfully complete the task. Students’ responsiveness to this mediation provided insight as to their conceptualisations of the measurements relevant to the task. This research was exploratory in nature and adopted an open and flexible approach to the data analysis. Critical incidents were identified and coded according to the mediation offered and the actions of the students during the measuring activity. This allowed patterns to emerge that revealed stable and emerging conceptualisations that related to embodied and symbolic aspects of measurement. Evidence was found that for many of these students the link between the embodied and symbolic aspects of the concept was broken. This insight allowed suggestions to be formulated about how better to facilitate these students’ learning of measurement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An exploration of the processes that encourage HIV and AIDS affected Basotho female adolescent resilience in Sedibeng West in the Vaal Triangle area of the Gauteng Province
- Authors: De Lange, Une
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Resilience (Personality trait) in adolescence -- South Africa -- Gauteng Teenage girls -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22220 , vital:29875
- Description: This study aimed to explore processes encouraging resilience in HIV and AIDS affected Basotho female adolescents in Sedibeng West in the Vaal Triangle area of the Gauteng province; and to identify guidelines to help these individuals to get through their adversities in constructive ways. By using purposive sampling (a non-probability sampling method), 61 high risk, high resilient HIV and AIDS affected Basotho female adolescents in Sedibeng West were identified to participate in the research An extensive literature review revealed the following gaps with regard to the topic of this study: • Shortage of literature regarding the effects that HIV and AIDS have on Basotho female adolescents and how these adolescents cope with these challenges; • Lack of focus on resilience of specific cultural adolescent groups; • Lack of focus on processes that encourage resilience in adolescents; • Need for qualitative studies of resilience and visual qualitative studies in particular. Consequently, a qualitative, visual phenomenological study was done where data was collected by a multi-dimensional data gathering method consisting of open-ended questionnaires, drawings and semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that HIV and AIDS affected all participants in a substantial way. The following three main processes encourage resilience in Basotho female adolescents: Benefitting from constructive bonds; Making meaning; and Acting constructively. Furthermore, Spiritual beings and Mothers were primarily identified as figures of strength and support during adolescents’ adversity. Based on the findings, the researcher recommends that: • The Department of Education include all aspects concerning HIV and AIDS, as well as aspects concerning Religion and Spirituality in the Life Skills curriculum without making any preference of religion; • a mother figure should be established in every child’s life at a very young age, preferably as early as birth; • young people be taught skills and strategies to build interpersonal relationships and attachment bonds to significant others; • families and schools empower individuals with skills to find meaning in adversity • parents and family members model constructive regulation of behaviour to adolescents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: De Lange, Une
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Resilience (Personality trait) in adolescence -- South Africa -- Gauteng Teenage girls -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22220 , vital:29875
- Description: This study aimed to explore processes encouraging resilience in HIV and AIDS affected Basotho female adolescents in Sedibeng West in the Vaal Triangle area of the Gauteng province; and to identify guidelines to help these individuals to get through their adversities in constructive ways. By using purposive sampling (a non-probability sampling method), 61 high risk, high resilient HIV and AIDS affected Basotho female adolescents in Sedibeng West were identified to participate in the research An extensive literature review revealed the following gaps with regard to the topic of this study: • Shortage of literature regarding the effects that HIV and AIDS have on Basotho female adolescents and how these adolescents cope with these challenges; • Lack of focus on resilience of specific cultural adolescent groups; • Lack of focus on processes that encourage resilience in adolescents; • Need for qualitative studies of resilience and visual qualitative studies in particular. Consequently, a qualitative, visual phenomenological study was done where data was collected by a multi-dimensional data gathering method consisting of open-ended questionnaires, drawings and semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that HIV and AIDS affected all participants in a substantial way. The following three main processes encourage resilience in Basotho female adolescents: Benefitting from constructive bonds; Making meaning; and Acting constructively. Furthermore, Spiritual beings and Mothers were primarily identified as figures of strength and support during adolescents’ adversity. Based on the findings, the researcher recommends that: • The Department of Education include all aspects concerning HIV and AIDS, as well as aspects concerning Religion and Spirituality in the Life Skills curriculum without making any preference of religion; • a mother figure should be established in every child’s life at a very young age, preferably as early as birth; • young people be taught skills and strategies to build interpersonal relationships and attachment bonds to significant others; • families and schools empower individuals with skills to find meaning in adversity • parents and family members model constructive regulation of behaviour to adolescents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An exploration study on the effectiveness of internal offender communication at Mdantsane correctional centre
- Authors: Matanga, Sivuyisiwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa. -- Department of Correctional Services -- Communication Communication in organizations -- South Africa -- East London , Prisoners -- South Africa -- East London -- Communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20209 , vital:29158
- Description: Contributing to a just, peaceful and safer South Africa through effective and humane incarceration of inmates, rehabilitation and social reintegration of offenders is the Department’s mission statement. Correctional Service’s chapter 3 of the white paper on corrections, promotes the spirit and practise of goodwill and sincere interaction between offenders and their communities and families. Furthermore, rehabilitation is the responsibility of all social institutions and individuals, (starting within the family, educational, religious, sporting and cultural institutions), and a range of government departments. The main aim of this research was to explore the effectiveness of internal offender communication at Mdantsane Correctional Centre. The following research objectives were followed: (a). to examine the effectiveness of internal offenders’ communication at the Mdantsane Correctional Centre, (b)to assess challenges in the accessibility and flow of information between the department and offenders in the Mdantsane Correctional Centre and (c)to determine offenders’ preferred mode of communication in the Mdantsane Correctional Centre. A qualitative research design using in-depth interviews with Mdantsane Correctional Centre staff was utilised. A type of non-probability sampling known as purposeful sampling, was used. A total of twenty-five (25) participants were interviewed, using thematic content analysis for the findings and recommendations revealed in chapter 5.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Matanga, Sivuyisiwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa. -- Department of Correctional Services -- Communication Communication in organizations -- South Africa -- East London , Prisoners -- South Africa -- East London -- Communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20209 , vital:29158
- Description: Contributing to a just, peaceful and safer South Africa through effective and humane incarceration of inmates, rehabilitation and social reintegration of offenders is the Department’s mission statement. Correctional Service’s chapter 3 of the white paper on corrections, promotes the spirit and practise of goodwill and sincere interaction between offenders and their communities and families. Furthermore, rehabilitation is the responsibility of all social institutions and individuals, (starting within the family, educational, religious, sporting and cultural institutions), and a range of government departments. The main aim of this research was to explore the effectiveness of internal offender communication at Mdantsane Correctional Centre. The following research objectives were followed: (a). to examine the effectiveness of internal offenders’ communication at the Mdantsane Correctional Centre, (b)to assess challenges in the accessibility and flow of information between the department and offenders in the Mdantsane Correctional Centre and (c)to determine offenders’ preferred mode of communication in the Mdantsane Correctional Centre. A qualitative research design using in-depth interviews with Mdantsane Correctional Centre staff was utilised. A type of non-probability sampling known as purposeful sampling, was used. A total of twenty-five (25) participants were interviewed, using thematic content analysis for the findings and recommendations revealed in chapter 5.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An explorative study of the current practises of greenwashing in social media
- Authors: Struwig, Zaskia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social media -- Marketing , Green marketing Social networks -- Computer network resources Consumer behavior -- environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13658 , vital:27262
- Description: The first section of this paper looks specifically at the concept of greenwashing from a theoretical perspective. It aims to establish exactly what greenwashing is, what it involves and how it has been used. The second section incorporates both the first section of this paper, and delves deeper into how greenwashing has been present in social media. The third section of this paper is a case study. This section has been broken down into three categories of industries in consideration of greenwashing practises. The first is ‘The Obvious’ - this looks at the obvious examples of industries that use greenwashing practises. ‘The Overlooked’ looks at the industries which are often disregarded in terms of greenwashing practises. The last is ‘The Unexpected’ which looks into the industries that focus on supporting the environment and would not commonly be associated with any form of greenwashing practises at all. This case study aims to identify how the selected companies chosen for the study have been associated with greenwashing in the past, and how their current social presence may still be contributing to greenwashed advertising. As the concept of greenwashing is based on a theory developed around two decades ago and mostly consisted of very direct claims and statements using traditional advertising mediums such as billboards and magazine adverts, and considering the amount of well-known corporations who were proven guilty of such greenwashing practises, it would be ignorant to consider that such practises have simply subsided and ceased to occur. Corporations are aware of being called-out with negative press, especially with regards to issues such as false environmental practises, therefore as the advertising industry has changed with time, wouldn’t such greenwashing practises have adapted as well? Corporations in the past have learnt that direct greenwash statements have backfired negatively, therefore in collaboration with the use of social media, the prospect of using subtle, or even subconscious greenwash strategies seem to create an issue which requires investigation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Struwig, Zaskia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social media -- Marketing , Green marketing Social networks -- Computer network resources Consumer behavior -- environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13658 , vital:27262
- Description: The first section of this paper looks specifically at the concept of greenwashing from a theoretical perspective. It aims to establish exactly what greenwashing is, what it involves and how it has been used. The second section incorporates both the first section of this paper, and delves deeper into how greenwashing has been present in social media. The third section of this paper is a case study. This section has been broken down into three categories of industries in consideration of greenwashing practises. The first is ‘The Obvious’ - this looks at the obvious examples of industries that use greenwashing practises. ‘The Overlooked’ looks at the industries which are often disregarded in terms of greenwashing practises. The last is ‘The Unexpected’ which looks into the industries that focus on supporting the environment and would not commonly be associated with any form of greenwashing practises at all. This case study aims to identify how the selected companies chosen for the study have been associated with greenwashing in the past, and how their current social presence may still be contributing to greenwashed advertising. As the concept of greenwashing is based on a theory developed around two decades ago and mostly consisted of very direct claims and statements using traditional advertising mediums such as billboards and magazine adverts, and considering the amount of well-known corporations who were proven guilty of such greenwashing practises, it would be ignorant to consider that such practises have simply subsided and ceased to occur. Corporations are aware of being called-out with negative press, especially with regards to issues such as false environmental practises, therefore as the advertising industry has changed with time, wouldn’t such greenwashing practises have adapted as well? Corporations in the past have learnt that direct greenwash statements have backfired negatively, therefore in collaboration with the use of social media, the prospect of using subtle, or even subconscious greenwash strategies seem to create an issue which requires investigation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An exploratory study of female South African university students’ knowledge and perceptions of subdermal contraceptive implants
- Kalla, Sikander Abdul Razaak
- Authors: Kalla, Sikander Abdul Razaak
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Contraceptives -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Birth control -- South Africa -- Students Contraception -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17691 , vital:28437
- Description: South Africa‟s recent efforts to improve contraceptive uptake include the public launch of the subdermal contraceptive implant (branded Implanon NXT®). The launch of this modern contraceptive was welcomed as an initiative that holds promise in addressing elevated unintended pregnancy rates in the country. However, a paucity of research regarding the uptake of this contraceptive exists. This study sought to narrow this research gap by exploring the knowledge and perceptions that young female South African university students have of contraceptive implants, as well as investigate how these views may shape the willingness for these females to incorporate contraceptive implants into their birth control regimen. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with young female students enrolled at Nelson Mandela University and data from these interviews was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings were examined through a lens of social constructionism and critical psychology. Analysis revealed the following key findings: the function, suitability, and negative perceptions, of a particular contraceptive are notable considerations taken into account by young female university students when investigating contraceptives; psychosocial challenges are prominent in the arena of contraception; contraceptive implants possess the potential to reduce stigmatisation and empower women; however, participants asserted that there are significant psychosocial and structural barriers to the uptake of this contraceptive. These findings highlighted that contraceptive knowledge and perceptions are influenced by an interplay of psychosocial and structural factors. These factors were ultimately noted to influence young female South African university students‟ willingness to incorporate contraceptive implants into their birth control regimen.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Kalla, Sikander Abdul Razaak
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Contraceptives -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Birth control -- South Africa -- Students Contraception -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17691 , vital:28437
- Description: South Africa‟s recent efforts to improve contraceptive uptake include the public launch of the subdermal contraceptive implant (branded Implanon NXT®). The launch of this modern contraceptive was welcomed as an initiative that holds promise in addressing elevated unintended pregnancy rates in the country. However, a paucity of research regarding the uptake of this contraceptive exists. This study sought to narrow this research gap by exploring the knowledge and perceptions that young female South African university students have of contraceptive implants, as well as investigate how these views may shape the willingness for these females to incorporate contraceptive implants into their birth control regimen. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with young female students enrolled at Nelson Mandela University and data from these interviews was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings were examined through a lens of social constructionism and critical psychology. Analysis revealed the following key findings: the function, suitability, and negative perceptions, of a particular contraceptive are notable considerations taken into account by young female university students when investigating contraceptives; psychosocial challenges are prominent in the arena of contraception; contraceptive implants possess the potential to reduce stigmatisation and empower women; however, participants asserted that there are significant psychosocial and structural barriers to the uptake of this contraceptive. These findings highlighted that contraceptive knowledge and perceptions are influenced by an interplay of psychosocial and structural factors. These factors were ultimately noted to influence young female South African university students‟ willingness to incorporate contraceptive implants into their birth control regimen.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An historical perspective on the evolution of the United States internal revenue code from 1981-2001
- Authors: Johnson, Ryan A
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: United States -- Economic conditions -- 1981-2001 , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- United States , Internal revenue law -- United States , Taxtion -- Law and legislation -- United States , United States. Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 , United States. Tax Reform Act of 1986 , United States. Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 , United States. Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7384 , vital:21251
- Description: The purpose of this study was to identify and analyse in an historical context the major changes to the United States’ Internal Revenue Code during the period 1981-2001. This qualitative study relied on historical and legal interpretative approaches to better understand the political forces, personalities, and interactions that helped shape the legislative changes during this time period. The study focused on deep analysis of primary sources that best illuminated the latent narrative of four major tax actions: The Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981, the Tax Reform Act of 1986, The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, and The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. Archives, periodicals, and political rhetoric were examined in order to help shape the historical narrative. In addition, this study sought to identify major trends and paradigm shifts in the way United States tax policy was formed during the time period examined. The study identified several key trends that emerged in United States’ tax policy during this period: the use of budget deficits as political tools; factors associated with accomplishing tax reform; gaps between political rhetoric of individual politicians and their political action; and the virtual disappearance of a political middle ground in United States budget politics. The study concluded by noting the economic and political significance of budget deficits and stressing the need for fundamental changes in voter responsibility in helping achieve lasting, broad-based tax reform and budgetary responsibility in the United States.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An historical perspective on the evolution of the United States internal revenue code from 1981-2001
- Authors: Johnson, Ryan A
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: United States -- Economic conditions -- 1981-2001 , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- United States , Internal revenue law -- United States , Taxtion -- Law and legislation -- United States , United States. Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 , United States. Tax Reform Act of 1986 , United States. Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 , United States. Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7384 , vital:21251
- Description: The purpose of this study was to identify and analyse in an historical context the major changes to the United States’ Internal Revenue Code during the period 1981-2001. This qualitative study relied on historical and legal interpretative approaches to better understand the political forces, personalities, and interactions that helped shape the legislative changes during this time period. The study focused on deep analysis of primary sources that best illuminated the latent narrative of four major tax actions: The Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981, the Tax Reform Act of 1986, The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, and The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. Archives, periodicals, and political rhetoric were examined in order to help shape the historical narrative. In addition, this study sought to identify major trends and paradigm shifts in the way United States tax policy was formed during the time period examined. The study identified several key trends that emerged in United States’ tax policy during this period: the use of budget deficits as political tools; factors associated with accomplishing tax reform; gaps between political rhetoric of individual politicians and their political action; and the virtual disappearance of a political middle ground in United States budget politics. The study concluded by noting the economic and political significance of budget deficits and stressing the need for fundamental changes in voter responsibility in helping achieve lasting, broad-based tax reform and budgetary responsibility in the United States.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An HRM model for enhancing psychological capital in South African organisations during a psychological recession
- Theron, Anthonie Van Straaten
- Authors: Theron, Anthonie Van Straaten
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Industrial psychology Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20823 , vital:29404
- Description: The rationale behind this study was to identify various positive Human Resource Management (HRM) practices that contribute to the development and enhancement of psychological capital (PsyCap) during a psychological recession. A psychological recession, which is defined as a negative cognitive and emotional condition perpetuated by prolonged socio-economic hardships and amplified by the media, (Bardwick, 2008) could negatively affect employees’ PsyCap. While there has been no systematic study of the impact of various HRM practices on PsyCap (Gupta, 2013), a need existed to investigate and formulate best HRM practices for the development of employees’ PsyCap during a psychological recession. Furthermore, this study also aimed to investigate the potential buffering effect of HRM practices on the negative experiences and perceptions associated with a psychological recession. This research study took the form of a quantitative, cross-sectional design, using a composite questionnaire to measure personal vulnerability and exposure to the negative experiences associated with a psychological recession, the organisation’s application of various positive HRM practices, and employees’ levels of PsyCap. The target population consisted of all permanent and contract clinical and support staff employed at 43 fixed Primary Health Care (PHC) clinics situated in the West Rand District Municipality (WRDM) (n = 318). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was employed to determine the factor loadings on the overall scales and based on these factor loadings, main factors were extracted. Reliability analysis indicated that the newly structured measurement instruments would produce consistent results with continued application. The hypotheses were tested through the application of Pearson’s product moment correlation analysis, structural equation modelling (SEM), multiple regression analysis and a one-sample t-test. The empirical results indicated that all respondents included in the study experienced some degree of a psychological recession. Although significant correlations were uncovered between psychological recession and PsyCap, personal exposure and vulnerability with regards to organisational change and psychological uncertainty was identified as a major factor that negatively affected employees’ PsyCap. The inferential results identified competence development practices as a crucial intervention for the enhancement of PsyCap during a psychological recession. Lastly, the inferential results revealed that employee recognition and empowerment are fundamental practices in order to negate the negative impact of a psychological recession. Based on the results of this study, organisations have to proactively respond to a psychological recession by re-evaluating the effectiveness of their HRM actions and practices, in order to effectively enhance and maintain the PsyCap of their employees during a psychological recession.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Theron, Anthonie Van Straaten
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Industrial psychology Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20823 , vital:29404
- Description: The rationale behind this study was to identify various positive Human Resource Management (HRM) practices that contribute to the development and enhancement of psychological capital (PsyCap) during a psychological recession. A psychological recession, which is defined as a negative cognitive and emotional condition perpetuated by prolonged socio-economic hardships and amplified by the media, (Bardwick, 2008) could negatively affect employees’ PsyCap. While there has been no systematic study of the impact of various HRM practices on PsyCap (Gupta, 2013), a need existed to investigate and formulate best HRM practices for the development of employees’ PsyCap during a psychological recession. Furthermore, this study also aimed to investigate the potential buffering effect of HRM practices on the negative experiences and perceptions associated with a psychological recession. This research study took the form of a quantitative, cross-sectional design, using a composite questionnaire to measure personal vulnerability and exposure to the negative experiences associated with a psychological recession, the organisation’s application of various positive HRM practices, and employees’ levels of PsyCap. The target population consisted of all permanent and contract clinical and support staff employed at 43 fixed Primary Health Care (PHC) clinics situated in the West Rand District Municipality (WRDM) (n = 318). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was employed to determine the factor loadings on the overall scales and based on these factor loadings, main factors were extracted. Reliability analysis indicated that the newly structured measurement instruments would produce consistent results with continued application. The hypotheses were tested through the application of Pearson’s product moment correlation analysis, structural equation modelling (SEM), multiple regression analysis and a one-sample t-test. The empirical results indicated that all respondents included in the study experienced some degree of a psychological recession. Although significant correlations were uncovered between psychological recession and PsyCap, personal exposure and vulnerability with regards to organisational change and psychological uncertainty was identified as a major factor that negatively affected employees’ PsyCap. The inferential results identified competence development practices as a crucial intervention for the enhancement of PsyCap during a psychological recession. Lastly, the inferential results revealed that employee recognition and empowerment are fundamental practices in order to negate the negative impact of a psychological recession. Based on the results of this study, organisations have to proactively respond to a psychological recession by re-evaluating the effectiveness of their HRM actions and practices, in order to effectively enhance and maintain the PsyCap of their employees during a psychological recession.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An ICT strategy for sustainable tourism in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Tsokota, Theo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology -- Zimbabwe , Technological innovations -- Zimbabwe Tourism -- Zimbabwe -- Computer network resources Tourism -- Zimbabwe -- Data processing Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- Zimbabwe Sustainable tourism -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21340 , vital:29479
- Description: This research sought to develop an ICT strategy for sustainable tourism in Zimbabwe. The Government of Zimbabwe has identified ICT and tourism both as strategic industries and pillars for economic revival. The tourism sector was identified as an essential source of foreign exchange earnings and as a means to drive the economy to greater heights and reduce poverty through direct employment in down-stream and up-stream industries. Despite being endowed with rich natural resources that include five World Natural Heritage sites, exquisite flora and fauna. Zimbabwe is not performing well in the world tourism sector. The Southern African country continues to be ranked low on World Economic Forum Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index. Despite the country‘s strengths, in terms of endowments, the low Tourism and Travel Competitiveness Index suggests weaknesses in related areas. There is currently no clear strategy for the sustainable use of ICT in the tourism sector in Zimbabwe. Despite huge investments and advances in ICT, services in the tourism sector in Zimbabwe continue to be delivered manually and in traditional ways. Therefore, this research sought to propose a strategy for the sustainable use of ICT in the tourism sector in Zimbabwe. However, this strategy had to be informed and supported by an empirical study of the shortcomings in the existing situation in the tourism sector. In order to achieve this objective, this research, which is a comprehensive case study on the tourism sector in Zimbabwe, deployed semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, observations and netnography to collect data. The case study was carried out in accordance with the steps for conducting a case as outlined by Yin guided by an interpretive paradigm. The entities and organisations that formed part of the case study were purposefully chosen to provide a representative sample of the tourism role-players in Zimbabwe. The samples were based on sample variation and feasibility (taking into consideration factors such as geographical location, organisational thrust and size). Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with various role-players in the tourism sector. The role-players interviewed included officials from the government, the regulator and from the service providers. The interviews were held in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Chinhoyi, Matopos, Hwange and Victoria Falls. A Zimbabwe annual premier tourism expo, Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel and Tourism Africa Fair, was also attended in order to interact with various players and to conduct formal and informal interviews. The questionnaires, which were completed by tourists, were administered in Harare, Hwange, Victoria Falls, Matopos, and the Beitbridge and Kazungula border posts. An online version of the questionnaire was also administered. The questionnaire link was e-mailed to tourists, as some of them did not have enough time to complete them during their stay in Zimbabwe and agreed to do so via email. The data was analysed in two phases - structured coding and thematic analysis. . Key factors were identified through structural coding and thematic analysis. Country-specific, sector-specific and organisationalspecific factors were identified for tourists, the government, the regulator and service providers. After a further analysis of the results, those that pointed to the same factors were grouped together and a deduction was made as a diagnosis of the problem was identified. The identified problems were synthesised into seven diagnostics: (i) lack of infrastructure and enabling services; (ii) e-customer relationship management; (iii) lack of collaboration and poor systems integration, (iv) policy and regulation; (v) lack of financial resources; (vi) poor ICT governance and (vii) poor human resource development. A guiding policy was then identified for each of the diagnostics, leading to a set of coherent actions. The research also showed the implementation of this set of actions that consisting of three layers, namely, government, regulator and service providers. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a clear strategy formulation model and showing how the implementation will be rolled out. The ICT-related challenges were diagnosed, guiding policies formulated to address the situation and required coherent actions suggested. This research is deemed to be significant for understanding the future of ICT use in developing countries like Zimbabwe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Tsokota, Theo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology -- Zimbabwe , Technological innovations -- Zimbabwe Tourism -- Zimbabwe -- Computer network resources Tourism -- Zimbabwe -- Data processing Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- Zimbabwe Sustainable tourism -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21340 , vital:29479
- Description: This research sought to develop an ICT strategy for sustainable tourism in Zimbabwe. The Government of Zimbabwe has identified ICT and tourism both as strategic industries and pillars for economic revival. The tourism sector was identified as an essential source of foreign exchange earnings and as a means to drive the economy to greater heights and reduce poverty through direct employment in down-stream and up-stream industries. Despite being endowed with rich natural resources that include five World Natural Heritage sites, exquisite flora and fauna. Zimbabwe is not performing well in the world tourism sector. The Southern African country continues to be ranked low on World Economic Forum Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index. Despite the country‘s strengths, in terms of endowments, the low Tourism and Travel Competitiveness Index suggests weaknesses in related areas. There is currently no clear strategy for the sustainable use of ICT in the tourism sector in Zimbabwe. Despite huge investments and advances in ICT, services in the tourism sector in Zimbabwe continue to be delivered manually and in traditional ways. Therefore, this research sought to propose a strategy for the sustainable use of ICT in the tourism sector in Zimbabwe. However, this strategy had to be informed and supported by an empirical study of the shortcomings in the existing situation in the tourism sector. In order to achieve this objective, this research, which is a comprehensive case study on the tourism sector in Zimbabwe, deployed semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, observations and netnography to collect data. The case study was carried out in accordance with the steps for conducting a case as outlined by Yin guided by an interpretive paradigm. The entities and organisations that formed part of the case study were purposefully chosen to provide a representative sample of the tourism role-players in Zimbabwe. The samples were based on sample variation and feasibility (taking into consideration factors such as geographical location, organisational thrust and size). Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with various role-players in the tourism sector. The role-players interviewed included officials from the government, the regulator and from the service providers. The interviews were held in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Chinhoyi, Matopos, Hwange and Victoria Falls. A Zimbabwe annual premier tourism expo, Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel and Tourism Africa Fair, was also attended in order to interact with various players and to conduct formal and informal interviews. The questionnaires, which were completed by tourists, were administered in Harare, Hwange, Victoria Falls, Matopos, and the Beitbridge and Kazungula border posts. An online version of the questionnaire was also administered. The questionnaire link was e-mailed to tourists, as some of them did not have enough time to complete them during their stay in Zimbabwe and agreed to do so via email. The data was analysed in two phases - structured coding and thematic analysis. . Key factors were identified through structural coding and thematic analysis. Country-specific, sector-specific and organisationalspecific factors were identified for tourists, the government, the regulator and service providers. After a further analysis of the results, those that pointed to the same factors were grouped together and a deduction was made as a diagnosis of the problem was identified. The identified problems were synthesised into seven diagnostics: (i) lack of infrastructure and enabling services; (ii) e-customer relationship management; (iii) lack of collaboration and poor systems integration, (iv) policy and regulation; (v) lack of financial resources; (vi) poor ICT governance and (vii) poor human resource development. A guiding policy was then identified for each of the diagnostics, leading to a set of coherent actions. The research also showed the implementation of this set of actions that consisting of three layers, namely, government, regulator and service providers. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a clear strategy formulation model and showing how the implementation will be rolled out. The ICT-related challenges were diagnosed, guiding policies formulated to address the situation and required coherent actions suggested. This research is deemed to be significant for understanding the future of ICT use in developing countries like Zimbabwe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An ICT strategy to support a patient-centred approach to diabetes care
- Authors: Petratos, Anastasia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medical care -- Technological innovations -- Developing countries Health services administration -- Developing countries -- Data processing , Telecommunication in medicine Diabetes -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14466 , vital:27650
- Description: Factors such as poverty, ethnicity, socio-economic status, poor infrastructure and governance, etc., are some of the reasons that effective and proven prevention and treatment interventions for most of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in the developing world continue to fail. Chronic diseases require complex interventions that these countries simply cannot maintain. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that is on the rise worldwide. This disease is a lifestyle disease, which means, that it is brought on by poor health habits. Statistics show that 285 million (6.4%) people aged between 20 and 79 years will be affected by Diabetes in 2010 and a staggering 439 million (7.7%) by 2030. This is a projected growth of 69% in developing countries and 20% in developed countries. The findings from studies conducted from 1993 to 2003 in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in South Africa, around the health care services for diabetes highlights many challenges. Sadly, the challenges 10 years after that study, are very similar. The conditions of people with Diabetes can be improved through regular monitoring of patients, improvement and monitoring of health care provided, education on healthy lifestyle, as well as education on the importance of adherence to treatment plans for the successful management of the condition. The diabetes endemic in South Africa is exacerbated by the manual functions that are performed in all aspects of monitoring and management of the disease. With the advancements that have been made in ICT and the many apps that already exist for healthcare, it is sensible to state that ICT can assist in the monitoring and management of diabetes. Another factor that is considered is that of patient-centred care. The huge number of people who need acute care and treatment in hospitals and clinics have forced a previously caring environment, to turn into a cold, almost production line affair. The sick wait in long queues and are ushered in and out of the consulting rooms as fast as possible without even as much as a “hallo”. This has left a void in the healthcare delivery to South Africans which should never have been removed in the first place, namely patient-centred care. This means that the patient is at the centre of the treatment and fully involved in the decisions about his/her health. Every patient deserves to be recognised as a human-being and treated with dignity and respect. Treatment plans for long term chronic care patients such as diabetics, should be thoroughly discussed with the patient and they should believe and comit themselves to the treatment plan. These plans are life-long and require dedication and as it is vital that patients are part of decision making and understand fully what they are expected to do. Bearing this in mind, this study has investigated the needs and care plans for people with diabetes. Specialist in the field of diabetes were interviewed and recognised care plans for diabetes such as those from WHO, IDF and SEMSDA were studied. This study also established, that by practising a patient-centred approach the adherence to a treatment plan is likely to be higher. The strategy developed involves the person with diabetes, the healthcare worker and the support structure in the care plan of the diabetic. The use of ICT as part of the solution must consider the patient-centred requirements for using IT so that the people using the strategy are comfortable and not intimidated by the technology. The need to incorporate e-health into governments’ healthcare plans has been growing over the last decade. The GSMA conducted research into mobile health opportunities in South Africa and found that SA now has a penetration of 98% and that this is the ideal medium to address the inaccessibility and inequality of healthcare in SA. The causes identified as playing a major role in the rise in diabetes were identified and it was determined that through the implementation of an ICT strategy for diabetes care, many of these can be addressed. These include the use of technology for, improved monitoring and management, increased diabetes awareness and education, and promotion of healthy lifestyle. The study focuses on the self-management aspect of diabetes and produces a strategy that incorporates various ICT solutions that would assist in the daily aspects of diabetes care, as well as follow a patient-centred approach to diabetes care. This strategy developed in this study does not need any intervention from government as it is driven by the people who have diabetes and their healthcare workers, with the aid of the technology that they currently have on hand.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Petratos, Anastasia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medical care -- Technological innovations -- Developing countries Health services administration -- Developing countries -- Data processing , Telecommunication in medicine Diabetes -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14466 , vital:27650
- Description: Factors such as poverty, ethnicity, socio-economic status, poor infrastructure and governance, etc., are some of the reasons that effective and proven prevention and treatment interventions for most of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in the developing world continue to fail. Chronic diseases require complex interventions that these countries simply cannot maintain. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that is on the rise worldwide. This disease is a lifestyle disease, which means, that it is brought on by poor health habits. Statistics show that 285 million (6.4%) people aged between 20 and 79 years will be affected by Diabetes in 2010 and a staggering 439 million (7.7%) by 2030. This is a projected growth of 69% in developing countries and 20% in developed countries. The findings from studies conducted from 1993 to 2003 in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in South Africa, around the health care services for diabetes highlights many challenges. Sadly, the challenges 10 years after that study, are very similar. The conditions of people with Diabetes can be improved through regular monitoring of patients, improvement and monitoring of health care provided, education on healthy lifestyle, as well as education on the importance of adherence to treatment plans for the successful management of the condition. The diabetes endemic in South Africa is exacerbated by the manual functions that are performed in all aspects of monitoring and management of the disease. With the advancements that have been made in ICT and the many apps that already exist for healthcare, it is sensible to state that ICT can assist in the monitoring and management of diabetes. Another factor that is considered is that of patient-centred care. The huge number of people who need acute care and treatment in hospitals and clinics have forced a previously caring environment, to turn into a cold, almost production line affair. The sick wait in long queues and are ushered in and out of the consulting rooms as fast as possible without even as much as a “hallo”. This has left a void in the healthcare delivery to South Africans which should never have been removed in the first place, namely patient-centred care. This means that the patient is at the centre of the treatment and fully involved in the decisions about his/her health. Every patient deserves to be recognised as a human-being and treated with dignity and respect. Treatment plans for long term chronic care patients such as diabetics, should be thoroughly discussed with the patient and they should believe and comit themselves to the treatment plan. These plans are life-long and require dedication and as it is vital that patients are part of decision making and understand fully what they are expected to do. Bearing this in mind, this study has investigated the needs and care plans for people with diabetes. Specialist in the field of diabetes were interviewed and recognised care plans for diabetes such as those from WHO, IDF and SEMSDA were studied. This study also established, that by practising a patient-centred approach the adherence to a treatment plan is likely to be higher. The strategy developed involves the person with diabetes, the healthcare worker and the support structure in the care plan of the diabetic. The use of ICT as part of the solution must consider the patient-centred requirements for using IT so that the people using the strategy are comfortable and not intimidated by the technology. The need to incorporate e-health into governments’ healthcare plans has been growing over the last decade. The GSMA conducted research into mobile health opportunities in South Africa and found that SA now has a penetration of 98% and that this is the ideal medium to address the inaccessibility and inequality of healthcare in SA. The causes identified as playing a major role in the rise in diabetes were identified and it was determined that through the implementation of an ICT strategy for diabetes care, many of these can be addressed. These include the use of technology for, improved monitoring and management, increased diabetes awareness and education, and promotion of healthy lifestyle. The study focuses on the self-management aspect of diabetes and produces a strategy that incorporates various ICT solutions that would assist in the daily aspects of diabetes care, as well as follow a patient-centred approach to diabetes care. This strategy developed in this study does not need any intervention from government as it is driven by the people who have diabetes and their healthcare workers, with the aid of the technology that they currently have on hand.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An IMS subscriber location function for OpenBaton—A standards based MANO environment
- Tsietsi, Mosiuoa, Chindeka, Tapiwa, Terzoli, Alfredo
- Authors: Tsietsi, Mosiuoa , Chindeka, Tapiwa , Terzoli, Alfredo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430567 , vital:72700 , 10.1109/AFRCON.2017.8095600
- Description: In the past, virtualisation, and with it the move toward the cloud, has had a strong influence on the ICT (Information Communication Technology) sector, and now seems set to revolutionise the telecommunications sector as well. The virtualisation into software artefacts of functions that would usually be deployed as hardware has come to be known as Net-work Function Virtualisation (NFV), and the European Telecommunica-tions Standards Institute (ETSI) through its MANO (Management and Orchestration) framework has outlined comprehensively how such functions could be orchestrated and managed over infrastructure such as the cloud. A set of functions of particular interest are the call session control functions (CSCFs) and HSS (Home Subscriber Server) of the IP Multimedia System (IMS) which perform signalling and authentication functions for multimedia calls in contexts such as Voice over LTE (VoLTE). IMS has enjoyed significant focus in the past from the re-search community, as such an implementation of an IMS service pack-age has been provided in an open source MANO-compliant implemen-tation called OpenBaton. While the service package provides the IMS CSCFs and HSS, it does not include a Subscriber Location Function (SLF) which provides a mapping function to map a subscriber identity to a hosting HSS. The SLF is an important element for building distributed networks that partition user data into multiple databases, and as such represents a useful inclusion to the developer community. This paper describes an extension to the OpenBaton service package that in-cludes an SLF for partitioning large user populations across multiple HSSes and resolving individual addresses in real-time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Tsietsi, Mosiuoa , Chindeka, Tapiwa , Terzoli, Alfredo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430567 , vital:72700 , 10.1109/AFRCON.2017.8095600
- Description: In the past, virtualisation, and with it the move toward the cloud, has had a strong influence on the ICT (Information Communication Technology) sector, and now seems set to revolutionise the telecommunications sector as well. The virtualisation into software artefacts of functions that would usually be deployed as hardware has come to be known as Net-work Function Virtualisation (NFV), and the European Telecommunica-tions Standards Institute (ETSI) through its MANO (Management and Orchestration) framework has outlined comprehensively how such functions could be orchestrated and managed over infrastructure such as the cloud. A set of functions of particular interest are the call session control functions (CSCFs) and HSS (Home Subscriber Server) of the IP Multimedia System (IMS) which perform signalling and authentication functions for multimedia calls in contexts such as Voice over LTE (VoLTE). IMS has enjoyed significant focus in the past from the re-search community, as such an implementation of an IMS service pack-age has been provided in an open source MANO-compliant implemen-tation called OpenBaton. While the service package provides the IMS CSCFs and HSS, it does not include a Subscriber Location Function (SLF) which provides a mapping function to map a subscriber identity to a hosting HSS. The SLF is an important element for building distributed networks that partition user data into multiple databases, and as such represents a useful inclusion to the developer community. This paper describes an extension to the OpenBaton service package that in-cludes an SLF for partitioning large user populations across multiple HSSes and resolving individual addresses in real-time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An in vitro evaluation of anti-breast cancer activity of novel, heterocyclic aromatic compounds in combination with curcumin
- Authors: Pereira, Melanie Claire
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Breast -- Cancer Heterocyclic compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20416 , vital:29284
- Description: Nearly two thirds of breast cancers are classified as estrogen receptor positive. Estrogen receptor (+) breast cancer is usually treated with anti-estrogen therapy, using Tamoxifen as the primary standard of treatment. Unfortunately, resistance to Tamoxifen is known to occur after 1 to 3 years of Tamoxifen therapy. For this reason, improved treatment strategies for ER (+) breast cancer are urgently needed. The general toxicity exerted by most anti-cancer drugs on proliferating cells, as well as some normal cells, restricts their therapeutic use. Novel cytotoxic agents developed with unique mechanisms of action have not been therapeutically suitable, since many of these compounds lack tumour selectivity. The adverse effects and the inefficacies of most chemotherapeutic therapies have motivated extensive investigations of alternatives. Numerous studies have demonstrated the advantages of using combination therapy with naturally-derived agents as an alternative, due to the higher therapeutic efficacy; with the added benefit of lower drug usage and reduction in drug-resistance development. An excellent example of a naturally derived and common dietary agent is curcumin, the active constituent of turmeric. Curcumin is known to modulate several signalling pathways in addition to displaying a diverse range of anti-tumour activities against a number of cancer cells. Several reports point to curcumin being beneficial if used in addition to chemotherapeutic drugs. In this study, synthetic aminonaphthoquinone derivatives (coded Rau 008, Rau 010, Rau 015 and Rau 018) were tested individually and in combination with curcumin for the potential as anti-breast cancer agents in different tumour cell lines. Notably, the aminonaphthoquinone class of compounds have shown potential as anti-cancer agents in various tumour cell lines. This study was thus aimed at screening the Rau compounds (and selected combinations with curcumin) for anti-cancer activity using a range of in vitro biological assays, and was not mechanistic in nature. The IC50 values of the individual and combined drugs were determined from dose-response curves using non-linear regression analyses. Synergistic, additive and antagonistic drug interactions were assessed using combination index and isobologram approaches. Based on these interactions, selected drug combinations were then further analysed for their potential anti-estrogenic, cytotoxic, anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic effects against the ER(-) MDA-MB-231 and ER(+) MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. The potential anti-cancer effects of the selected drug combinations on other estrogen-responsive models, such as the osteosarcoma (MG-63) and endometrial cancer (HEC-1A) cell lines, were also investigated. Overall, the findings of this study indicated that the sensitivity of the tumour cells to the various test compounds was significantly enhanced when combined with curcumin. For instance, in the presence of curcumin, Rau 008 or Rau 010 reduced the metastatic capability of ER(-) breast cancer cells significantly. The anti-proliferative effect of the Rau 015+curcumin combination was enhanced in ER(+) and ER(-) breast cancer, including oteosarcoma cells, while a combination of Rau 015 and curcumin induced a significant cytotoxic effect in ER(-) breast cancer and endometrial cancer-derived cells. A combination of Rau 018 and curcumin inhibited the proliferation of ER(+) breast cancer, and the combined effect was significantly more enhanced compared to individual treatment. A similar effect was noted in osteosarcoma-derived cells. Further, the Rau 018+curcumin combination exerted a marked cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic effect in ER(-) breast cancer, osteosarcoma and endometrial cancer in addition to inhibiting the attachment of ER(-) breast cancer cells to collagen. Notably, curcumin enhanced the anti-proliferative effect of Tamoxifen in breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231), osteosarcoma and endometrial cancer, and also induced a significant cytotoxic effect against ER(+) breast cancer and osteosarcoma, whilst also reducing the invasive potential of ER(-) breast cancer. A combination of 17β-estradiol and curcumin induced a marked anti-proliferative effect in ER(+) and ER(-) breast cancer, reduced the adhesion of ER(-) breast cancer to laminin, and elicited a significant cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic effect against endometrial cancer. Notably all the selected combinations (except Rau 018 and curcumin) inhibited bone mineralization. These findings point to the vital influence of curcumin in the responsiveness of ER(+) and ER(-) tumours towards the relative test agents. Further, among the Rau+curcumin combinations tested in this study, the anti-cancer activity of Rau 015+curcumin and Rau 018+curcumin appeared to be the most effective in the different cell lines tested. Nonetheless, it appears that a combination of 30 μM Rau 018 with 100 μM curcumin may be more promising as an anti-breast cancer agent against ER(+) and perhaps triple negative breast cancer, and warrants further investigation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Pereira, Melanie Claire
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Breast -- Cancer Heterocyclic compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20416 , vital:29284
- Description: Nearly two thirds of breast cancers are classified as estrogen receptor positive. Estrogen receptor (+) breast cancer is usually treated with anti-estrogen therapy, using Tamoxifen as the primary standard of treatment. Unfortunately, resistance to Tamoxifen is known to occur after 1 to 3 years of Tamoxifen therapy. For this reason, improved treatment strategies for ER (+) breast cancer are urgently needed. The general toxicity exerted by most anti-cancer drugs on proliferating cells, as well as some normal cells, restricts their therapeutic use. Novel cytotoxic agents developed with unique mechanisms of action have not been therapeutically suitable, since many of these compounds lack tumour selectivity. The adverse effects and the inefficacies of most chemotherapeutic therapies have motivated extensive investigations of alternatives. Numerous studies have demonstrated the advantages of using combination therapy with naturally-derived agents as an alternative, due to the higher therapeutic efficacy; with the added benefit of lower drug usage and reduction in drug-resistance development. An excellent example of a naturally derived and common dietary agent is curcumin, the active constituent of turmeric. Curcumin is known to modulate several signalling pathways in addition to displaying a diverse range of anti-tumour activities against a number of cancer cells. Several reports point to curcumin being beneficial if used in addition to chemotherapeutic drugs. In this study, synthetic aminonaphthoquinone derivatives (coded Rau 008, Rau 010, Rau 015 and Rau 018) were tested individually and in combination with curcumin for the potential as anti-breast cancer agents in different tumour cell lines. Notably, the aminonaphthoquinone class of compounds have shown potential as anti-cancer agents in various tumour cell lines. This study was thus aimed at screening the Rau compounds (and selected combinations with curcumin) for anti-cancer activity using a range of in vitro biological assays, and was not mechanistic in nature. The IC50 values of the individual and combined drugs were determined from dose-response curves using non-linear regression analyses. Synergistic, additive and antagonistic drug interactions were assessed using combination index and isobologram approaches. Based on these interactions, selected drug combinations were then further analysed for their potential anti-estrogenic, cytotoxic, anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic effects against the ER(-) MDA-MB-231 and ER(+) MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. The potential anti-cancer effects of the selected drug combinations on other estrogen-responsive models, such as the osteosarcoma (MG-63) and endometrial cancer (HEC-1A) cell lines, were also investigated. Overall, the findings of this study indicated that the sensitivity of the tumour cells to the various test compounds was significantly enhanced when combined with curcumin. For instance, in the presence of curcumin, Rau 008 or Rau 010 reduced the metastatic capability of ER(-) breast cancer cells significantly. The anti-proliferative effect of the Rau 015+curcumin combination was enhanced in ER(+) and ER(-) breast cancer, including oteosarcoma cells, while a combination of Rau 015 and curcumin induced a significant cytotoxic effect in ER(-) breast cancer and endometrial cancer-derived cells. A combination of Rau 018 and curcumin inhibited the proliferation of ER(+) breast cancer, and the combined effect was significantly more enhanced compared to individual treatment. A similar effect was noted in osteosarcoma-derived cells. Further, the Rau 018+curcumin combination exerted a marked cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic effect in ER(-) breast cancer, osteosarcoma and endometrial cancer in addition to inhibiting the attachment of ER(-) breast cancer cells to collagen. Notably, curcumin enhanced the anti-proliferative effect of Tamoxifen in breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231), osteosarcoma and endometrial cancer, and also induced a significant cytotoxic effect against ER(+) breast cancer and osteosarcoma, whilst also reducing the invasive potential of ER(-) breast cancer. A combination of 17β-estradiol and curcumin induced a marked anti-proliferative effect in ER(+) and ER(-) breast cancer, reduced the adhesion of ER(-) breast cancer to laminin, and elicited a significant cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic effect against endometrial cancer. Notably all the selected combinations (except Rau 018 and curcumin) inhibited bone mineralization. These findings point to the vital influence of curcumin in the responsiveness of ER(+) and ER(-) tumours towards the relative test agents. Further, among the Rau+curcumin combinations tested in this study, the anti-cancer activity of Rau 015+curcumin and Rau 018+curcumin appeared to be the most effective in the different cell lines tested. Nonetheless, it appears that a combination of 30 μM Rau 018 with 100 μM curcumin may be more promising as an anti-breast cancer agent against ER(+) and perhaps triple negative breast cancer, and warrants further investigation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An Information Security Policy Compliance Reinforcement and Assessment Framework
- Authors: Gundu, Tapiwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Computer security Information technology -- Security measures Business -- Data processing -- Security measures Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9556 , vital:34445
- Description: The majority of SMEs have adopted the use of information communication and technology (ICT) services. However, this has exposed their systems to new internal and external security vulnerabilities. These SMEs seem more concerned with external threat related vulnerabilities rather than those from internal threats, although researchers and industry are suggesting a substantial proportion of security incidents to be originating from insiders. Internal threat is often addressed by, firstly, a security policy in order to direct activities and, secondly, organisational information security training and awareness programmes. These two approaches aim to ensure that employees are proficient in their roles and that they know how to carry out their responsibilities securely. There has been a significant amount of research conducted to ensure that information security programmes communicate the information security policy effectively and reinforce sound security practice. However, an assessment of the genuine effectiveness of such programmes is seldom carried out. The purposes of this research study were, firstly, to highlight the flaws in assessing behavioural intentions and equating such behavioural intentions with actual behaviours in information security; secondly, to present an information security policy compliance reinforcement and assessment framework which assists in promoting the conversion of intentions into actual behaviours and in assessing the behavioural change. The approach used was based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, knowledge, attitude and behaviour theory and Deterrence Theory. Expert review and action research methods were used to validate and refine the framework. The action research was rigorously conducted in four iterations at an SME in South Africa and involved 30 participating employees. The main findings of the study revealed that even though employees may have been well trained and are aware of information security good practice, they may be either unable or unwilling to comply with such practice. The findings of the study also revealed that awareness drives which lead to secure behavioural intents are merely a first step in information security compliance. The study found that not all behavioural intentions converted to actual secure behaviours and only 64% converted. However, deterrence using rewards for good behaviour and punishment for undesirable behaviour was able to increase the conversion by 21%.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gundu, Tapiwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Computer security Information technology -- Security measures Business -- Data processing -- Security measures Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9556 , vital:34445
- Description: The majority of SMEs have adopted the use of information communication and technology (ICT) services. However, this has exposed their systems to new internal and external security vulnerabilities. These SMEs seem more concerned with external threat related vulnerabilities rather than those from internal threats, although researchers and industry are suggesting a substantial proportion of security incidents to be originating from insiders. Internal threat is often addressed by, firstly, a security policy in order to direct activities and, secondly, organisational information security training and awareness programmes. These two approaches aim to ensure that employees are proficient in their roles and that they know how to carry out their responsibilities securely. There has been a significant amount of research conducted to ensure that information security programmes communicate the information security policy effectively and reinforce sound security practice. However, an assessment of the genuine effectiveness of such programmes is seldom carried out. The purposes of this research study were, firstly, to highlight the flaws in assessing behavioural intentions and equating such behavioural intentions with actual behaviours in information security; secondly, to present an information security policy compliance reinforcement and assessment framework which assists in promoting the conversion of intentions into actual behaviours and in assessing the behavioural change. The approach used was based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, knowledge, attitude and behaviour theory and Deterrence Theory. Expert review and action research methods were used to validate and refine the framework. The action research was rigorously conducted in four iterations at an SME in South Africa and involved 30 participating employees. The main findings of the study revealed that even though employees may have been well trained and are aware of information security good practice, they may be either unable or unwilling to comply with such practice. The findings of the study also revealed that awareness drives which lead to secure behavioural intents are merely a first step in information security compliance. The study found that not all behavioural intentions converted to actual secure behaviours and only 64% converted. However, deterrence using rewards for good behaviour and punishment for undesirable behaviour was able to increase the conversion by 21%.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An information security policy compliance reinforcement and assessment framework
- Authors: Gundu, Tapiwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Computer security Information technology--Security measures Information resources management--Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Information Systems
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11554 , vital:39084
- Description: The majority of SMEs have adopted the use of information communication and technology (ICT) services. However, this has exposed their systems to new internal and external security vulnerabilities. These SMEs seem more concerned with external threat related vulnerabilities rather than those from internal threats, although researchers and industry are suggesting a substantial proportion of security incidents to be originating from insiders. Internal threat is often addressed by, firstly, a security policy in order to direct activities and, secondly, organisational information security training and awareness programmes. These two approaches aim to ensure that employees are proficient in their roles and that they know how to carry out their responsibilities securely. There has been a significant amount of research conducted to ensure that information security programmes communicate the information security policy effectively and reinforce sound security practice. However, an assessment of the genuine effectiveness of such programmes is seldom carried out. The purposes of this research study were, firstly, to highlight the flaws in assessing behavioural intentions and equating such behavioural intentions with actual behaviours in information security; secondly, to present an information security policy compliance reinforcement and assessment framework which assists in promoting the conversion of intentions into actual behaviours and in assessing the behavioural change. The approach used was based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, knowledge, attitude and behaviour theory and Deterrence Theory. Expert review and action research methods were used to validate and refine the framework. The action research was rigorously conducted in four iterations at an SME in South Africa and involved 30 participating employees. The main findings of the study revealed that even though employees may have been well trained and are aware of information security good practice, they may be either unable or unwilling to comply with such practice. The findings of the study also revealed that awareness drives which lead to secure behavioural intents are merely a first step in information security compliance. The study found that not all behavioural intentions converted to actual secure behaviours and only 64percent converted. However, deterrence using rewards for good behaviour and punishment for undesirable behaviour was able to increase the conversion by 21percent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gundu, Tapiwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Computer security Information technology--Security measures Information resources management--Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Information Systems
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11554 , vital:39084
- Description: The majority of SMEs have adopted the use of information communication and technology (ICT) services. However, this has exposed their systems to new internal and external security vulnerabilities. These SMEs seem more concerned with external threat related vulnerabilities rather than those from internal threats, although researchers and industry are suggesting a substantial proportion of security incidents to be originating from insiders. Internal threat is often addressed by, firstly, a security policy in order to direct activities and, secondly, organisational information security training and awareness programmes. These two approaches aim to ensure that employees are proficient in their roles and that they know how to carry out their responsibilities securely. There has been a significant amount of research conducted to ensure that information security programmes communicate the information security policy effectively and reinforce sound security practice. However, an assessment of the genuine effectiveness of such programmes is seldom carried out. The purposes of this research study were, firstly, to highlight the flaws in assessing behavioural intentions and equating such behavioural intentions with actual behaviours in information security; secondly, to present an information security policy compliance reinforcement and assessment framework which assists in promoting the conversion of intentions into actual behaviours and in assessing the behavioural change. The approach used was based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, knowledge, attitude and behaviour theory and Deterrence Theory. Expert review and action research methods were used to validate and refine the framework. The action research was rigorously conducted in four iterations at an SME in South Africa and involved 30 participating employees. The main findings of the study revealed that even though employees may have been well trained and are aware of information security good practice, they may be either unable or unwilling to comply with such practice. The findings of the study also revealed that awareness drives which lead to secure behavioural intents are merely a first step in information security compliance. The study found that not all behavioural intentions converted to actual secure behaviours and only 64percent converted. However, deterrence using rewards for good behaviour and punishment for undesirable behaviour was able to increase the conversion by 21percent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An intergrated continuous flow system for the manufacture of biodiesel from waste cooking oil using a heterogeneous acid catalyst and homogeneous base catalyst
- Authors: Mathe,Francis Matota
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Biodiesel fuels industry , Catalysis , Vegetable oils as fuel
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44460 , vital:37837
- Description: The continuous flow production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil (WCO) was investigated in this study. Two different methods of biodiesel production were investigated. The first method involved the acid esterification of free fatty acids (FFAs). In the biodiesel community, the esterification of FFAs in WCO is usually regarded as the pre-treatment stage of biodiesel production using low-quality feedstock.The second method involved the transesterification of triglycerides in WCO. Homogeneous catalysts (NaOH or H2SO4) and heterogeneous catalysts (NaOH/ZnO, Sn/ZnO, Amberlyst-15, Amberlite-IRA 904, Fe/Bentonite and Amberlite IRN 78) were evaluated in the transesterification reaction. Catalyst screening was done using a batch reactor. NaOH gave a high úME content of 96.7% and was chosen as the optimum catalyst for the reaction.The main aim of the project was to make an integrated system that incorporates the esterification and transesterification reaction in the flow production of biodiesel using WCO. The system was developed using the conditions obtained from optimum studies of the separate reactions. Slight adjustments based on further experimental work were made to create an efficient system. The effect of excess methanol from the first step on the concentration of NaOH in the second phase was investigated. It was shown that the excess methanol decreases the concentration of the NaOH and this decreases the úMEs in the final mixture of biodiesel.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mathe,Francis Matota
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Biodiesel fuels industry , Catalysis , Vegetable oils as fuel
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44460 , vital:37837
- Description: The continuous flow production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil (WCO) was investigated in this study. Two different methods of biodiesel production were investigated. The first method involved the acid esterification of free fatty acids (FFAs). In the biodiesel community, the esterification of FFAs in WCO is usually regarded as the pre-treatment stage of biodiesel production using low-quality feedstock.The second method involved the transesterification of triglycerides in WCO. Homogeneous catalysts (NaOH or H2SO4) and heterogeneous catalysts (NaOH/ZnO, Sn/ZnO, Amberlyst-15, Amberlite-IRA 904, Fe/Bentonite and Amberlite IRN 78) were evaluated in the transesterification reaction. Catalyst screening was done using a batch reactor. NaOH gave a high úME content of 96.7% and was chosen as the optimum catalyst for the reaction.The main aim of the project was to make an integrated system that incorporates the esterification and transesterification reaction in the flow production of biodiesel using WCO. The system was developed using the conditions obtained from optimum studies of the separate reactions. Slight adjustments based on further experimental work were made to create an efficient system. The effect of excess methanol from the first step on the concentration of NaOH in the second phase was investigated. It was shown that the excess methanol decreases the concentration of the NaOH and this decreases the úMEs in the final mixture of biodiesel.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An Internet of things model for field service automation
- Authors: Kapeso, Mando Mulabita
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Internet of things Manufacturing processes -- Automation , Automation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18641 , vital:28698
- Description: Due to the competitive nature of the global economy, organisations are continuously seeking ways of cutting costs and increasing efficiency to gain a competitive advantage. Field service organisations that offer after sales support seek to gain a competitive advantage through downtime minimisation. Downtime is the time between service requests made by a customer or triggered by equipment failure and the completion of the service to rectify the problem by the field service team. Researchers have identified downtime as one of the key performance indicators for field service organisations. The lack of real-time access to information and inaccuracy of information are factors which contribute to the poor management of downtime. Various technology advancements have been adopted to address some of the challenges faced by field service organisations through automation. The emergence of an Internet of Things (IoT), has brought new enhancement possibilities to various industries, for instance, the manufacturing industry. The main research question that this study aims to address is “How can an Internet of Things be used to optimise field service automation?” The main research objective was to develop and evaluate a model for the optimisation of field services using an IoT’s features and technologies. The model aims at addressing challenges associated with the inaccuracy or/and lack of real-time access to information during downtime. The model developed is the theoretical artefact of the research methodology used in this study which is the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM). The DSRM activities were adopted to fulfil the research objectives of this research. A literature review in the field services domain was conducted to establish the problems faced by field service organisations. Several interviews were held to verify the problems of FSM identified in literature and some potential solutions. During the design and development activity of the DSRM methodology, an IoT model for FSA was designed. The model consists of:The Four Layered Architecture; The Three Phase Data Flow Process; and Definition and descriptions of IoT-based elements and functions. The model was then used to drive the design, development, and evaluation of “proof of concept” prototype, the KapCha prototype. KapCha enables the optimisation of FSA using IoT techniques and features. The implementation of a sub-component of the KapCha system, in fulfilment of the research. The implementation of KapCha was applied to the context of a smart lighting environment in the case study. A two-phase evaluation was conducted to review both the theoretical model and the KapCha prototype. The model and KapCha prototype were evaluated using the Technical and Risk efficacy evaluation strategy from the Framework for Evaluation of Design Science (FEDS). The Technical Risk and Efficacy strategy made use of formative, artificial-summative and summative-naturalistic methods of evaluation. An artificial-summative evaluation was used to evaluate the design of the model. Iterative formative evaluations were conducted during the development of the KapCha. KapCha was then placed in a real-environment conditions and a summative-naturalistic evaluation was conducted. The summative-naturalistic evaluation was used to determine the performance of KapCha under real-world conditions to evaluate the extent it addresses FSA problems identified such as real-time communication and automated fault detection.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Kapeso, Mando Mulabita
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Internet of things Manufacturing processes -- Automation , Automation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18641 , vital:28698
- Description: Due to the competitive nature of the global economy, organisations are continuously seeking ways of cutting costs and increasing efficiency to gain a competitive advantage. Field service organisations that offer after sales support seek to gain a competitive advantage through downtime minimisation. Downtime is the time between service requests made by a customer or triggered by equipment failure and the completion of the service to rectify the problem by the field service team. Researchers have identified downtime as one of the key performance indicators for field service organisations. The lack of real-time access to information and inaccuracy of information are factors which contribute to the poor management of downtime. Various technology advancements have been adopted to address some of the challenges faced by field service organisations through automation. The emergence of an Internet of Things (IoT), has brought new enhancement possibilities to various industries, for instance, the manufacturing industry. The main research question that this study aims to address is “How can an Internet of Things be used to optimise field service automation?” The main research objective was to develop and evaluate a model for the optimisation of field services using an IoT’s features and technologies. The model aims at addressing challenges associated with the inaccuracy or/and lack of real-time access to information during downtime. The model developed is the theoretical artefact of the research methodology used in this study which is the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM). The DSRM activities were adopted to fulfil the research objectives of this research. A literature review in the field services domain was conducted to establish the problems faced by field service organisations. Several interviews were held to verify the problems of FSM identified in literature and some potential solutions. During the design and development activity of the DSRM methodology, an IoT model for FSA was designed. The model consists of:The Four Layered Architecture; The Three Phase Data Flow Process; and Definition and descriptions of IoT-based elements and functions. The model was then used to drive the design, development, and evaluation of “proof of concept” prototype, the KapCha prototype. KapCha enables the optimisation of FSA using IoT techniques and features. The implementation of a sub-component of the KapCha system, in fulfilment of the research. The implementation of KapCha was applied to the context of a smart lighting environment in the case study. A two-phase evaluation was conducted to review both the theoretical model and the KapCha prototype. The model and KapCha prototype were evaluated using the Technical and Risk efficacy evaluation strategy from the Framework for Evaluation of Design Science (FEDS). The Technical Risk and Efficacy strategy made use of formative, artificial-summative and summative-naturalistic methods of evaluation. An artificial-summative evaluation was used to evaluate the design of the model. Iterative formative evaluations were conducted during the development of the KapCha. KapCha was then placed in a real-environment conditions and a summative-naturalistic evaluation was conducted. The summative-naturalistic evaluation was used to determine the performance of KapCha under real-world conditions to evaluate the extent it addresses FSA problems identified such as real-time communication and automated fault detection.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An intervention on how using easily accessible resources to carry out hands-on practical activities in science influences science teachers’ conceptual development and dispositions
- Authors: Asheela, Eva Ndagwedha
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Science teachers -- In-service training -- Namibia , Science teachers -- Namibia -- Case studies , Science -- Study and teaching -- Activity programs -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/8330 , vital:21385
- Description: The reform and transformation of education systems in terms of enhancing Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in the schooling systems is gaining momentum in different parts of the world. It is argued that there is a need to enhance science education, particularly in Africa, because science education is considered to be the main vehicle through which the greater objectives such as national development and improvement in the quality of life can be realised. Namibia as a country is no exception. A key way through which science education can be enhanced is through carrying out practical activities during teaching and learning. Despite the crucial role that practical activities play in science subjects, it appears that they are not carried out in most of the Namibian science classrooms. It is against this background that this study explored an intervention on how easily accessible resources to carry out hands-on practical activities in science, influenced science teachers’ conceptual development and dispositions towards the use of practical activities in science. In this study, a mixed methods case study approach underpinned by an interpretive paradigm was adopted. The research was conducted with 21 in-service science teachers from schools in Namibia who were all on a two year part-time BEd (Honours) program delivered in Namibia by a South African university from the Eastern Cape. To generate data, document analysis, questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, an intervention in the form of workshops on practical activities, lesson observations, which were videotaped, as well as teacher reflections were used. Conceptual development, disposition and professional development served as the conceptual lenses. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory in conjunction with Shulman’s pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) were the theoretical frameworks adopted in the study.The findings showed that there was a general perception among the participants before the intervention that in order to carry out practical activities, well-equipped laboratories, conventional chemicals and equipment are needed. Some teachers had never used practical activities in their science classes with a range of constraints or hindrances provided as reasons. The findings additionally showed that for teachers to use easily accessible resources to carry out practical activities in their science classrooms, they need the knowledge and exposure on how to use these resources. The findings thus showed that this professional development approach raised motivation, knowledge and the skills of the science teacher participants to include practical activities in their science lessons using easily accessible resources. A recommendation is that if teachers are given opportunities, through professional development platforms to engage in hands- on practical activities using easily accessible resources, they can be enabled and motivated to implement these in their science classrooms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Asheela, Eva Ndagwedha
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Science teachers -- In-service training -- Namibia , Science teachers -- Namibia -- Case studies , Science -- Study and teaching -- Activity programs -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/8330 , vital:21385
- Description: The reform and transformation of education systems in terms of enhancing Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in the schooling systems is gaining momentum in different parts of the world. It is argued that there is a need to enhance science education, particularly in Africa, because science education is considered to be the main vehicle through which the greater objectives such as national development and improvement in the quality of life can be realised. Namibia as a country is no exception. A key way through which science education can be enhanced is through carrying out practical activities during teaching and learning. Despite the crucial role that practical activities play in science subjects, it appears that they are not carried out in most of the Namibian science classrooms. It is against this background that this study explored an intervention on how easily accessible resources to carry out hands-on practical activities in science, influenced science teachers’ conceptual development and dispositions towards the use of practical activities in science. In this study, a mixed methods case study approach underpinned by an interpretive paradigm was adopted. The research was conducted with 21 in-service science teachers from schools in Namibia who were all on a two year part-time BEd (Honours) program delivered in Namibia by a South African university from the Eastern Cape. To generate data, document analysis, questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, an intervention in the form of workshops on practical activities, lesson observations, which were videotaped, as well as teacher reflections were used. Conceptual development, disposition and professional development served as the conceptual lenses. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory in conjunction with Shulman’s pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) were the theoretical frameworks adopted in the study.The findings showed that there was a general perception among the participants before the intervention that in order to carry out practical activities, well-equipped laboratories, conventional chemicals and equipment are needed. Some teachers had never used practical activities in their science classes with a range of constraints or hindrances provided as reasons. The findings additionally showed that for teachers to use easily accessible resources to carry out practical activities in their science classrooms, they need the knowledge and exposure on how to use these resources. The findings thus showed that this professional development approach raised motivation, knowledge and the skills of the science teacher participants to include practical activities in their science lessons using easily accessible resources. A recommendation is that if teachers are given opportunities, through professional development platforms to engage in hands- on practical activities using easily accessible resources, they can be enabled and motivated to implement these in their science classrooms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An investigation into academic dishonesty at the University of Fort Hare
- Authors: Mapetere, Gabriel Talent
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cheating (Education) Education, Higher -- Moral and ethical aspects Cheating (Education) -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M. Soc. Sc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9588 , vital:34795
- Description: This study investigated the phenomenon of academic dishonesty among university students using a case study of the University of Fort Hare in South Africa. Objectives of this study were to find out the incidence of academic dishonesty, factors associated with academic dishonesty, the frequency of academic dishonesty and mitigation measures placed to curb academic dishonesty at the University of Fort Hare. A mixed methods approach was used to collect data, which was then interpreted using the social learning theory. The study argues that, academic dishonesty at the University of Fort Hare is mainly entrenched in the dynamic transformations brought about by technological advancement, which has given rise to new forms of academic dishonesty and as well facilitated the existent forms of academic dishonesty. The social learning theory offers an explanation of the acquisition of new behaviour and its maintenance thereof hence it has been adopted as the theoretical framework in this study. Findings of the current study indicated that the institution, like many other institutions globally is affected by academic dishonesty. Apart from that, academic dishonesty in its various forms is significantly high and it continues to soar. Moreover, the study revealed that the institution has adopted a diverse array of measures to curb academic dishonesty. Nevertheless, students continue to engage in academic dishonesty regardless of efforts made by institutions to reduce this epidemic. There is therefore a need to revisit the policies and measures implemented by institutions to curb academic dishonesty in a bid to come up with effective solutions to this problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mapetere, Gabriel Talent
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cheating (Education) Education, Higher -- Moral and ethical aspects Cheating (Education) -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M. Soc. Sc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9588 , vital:34795
- Description: This study investigated the phenomenon of academic dishonesty among university students using a case study of the University of Fort Hare in South Africa. Objectives of this study were to find out the incidence of academic dishonesty, factors associated with academic dishonesty, the frequency of academic dishonesty and mitigation measures placed to curb academic dishonesty at the University of Fort Hare. A mixed methods approach was used to collect data, which was then interpreted using the social learning theory. The study argues that, academic dishonesty at the University of Fort Hare is mainly entrenched in the dynamic transformations brought about by technological advancement, which has given rise to new forms of academic dishonesty and as well facilitated the existent forms of academic dishonesty. The social learning theory offers an explanation of the acquisition of new behaviour and its maintenance thereof hence it has been adopted as the theoretical framework in this study. Findings of the current study indicated that the institution, like many other institutions globally is affected by academic dishonesty. Apart from that, academic dishonesty in its various forms is significantly high and it continues to soar. Moreover, the study revealed that the institution has adopted a diverse array of measures to curb academic dishonesty. Nevertheless, students continue to engage in academic dishonesty regardless of efforts made by institutions to reduce this epidemic. There is therefore a need to revisit the policies and measures implemented by institutions to curb academic dishonesty in a bid to come up with effective solutions to this problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An Investigation into learner drop-out and sustainable community development in Kwazakhele Township, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Lupondwana, Masiza Howard
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: High school dropouts -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Community education -- Development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Democracy and education -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Community development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18310 , vital:28617
- Description: The objective of the study was to investigate learner drop-out and sustainable community development. The study was conducted in Kwazakhele Township in Nelson Mandela Bay. This study used qualitative research approach- interviews and structured questionnaires were used to collect data from the participants. The sample consisted of 40 respondents both Females and Males between the age 15 and 35 years. In Kwazakhele Township most of the youth are learner drop-outs who exited educational system before attaining National Certificate (Matric). This had an effect on the acquisition of skills for sustainable development. United Nations report on Sustainable Development requires members of the community to be able to handle matters concerning their own development. This means community members should possess skills that would enable them to cope with constant demands of development. In the same Kwazakhele Township the consequences of the learner drop-out phenomenon is that lot of girls get pregnant at an adolescence stage. In most cases the boys who impregnate these girls are not working, they themselves depend on their parents for living. Because of the poor socio-economic status and high rate of unemployment of households in the area, this result in a situation where both girl child and their babies depends on the old age social grant for basic needs such as food etc. These dropouts are political risks in a sense that they are sometimes being used in community protesting marches which are unnecessarily hindering community development projects aimed at enhancing and promoting general welfare including better life for all. So the study will investigate and examine effect of learner drop-out in the community and recommends on what to be done in order to address shortfalls and challenges faced by the Kwazakhele community members. This will enable local authorities to be proactive in establishing programs that brings directive and solutions to the existing problems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Lupondwana, Masiza Howard
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: High school dropouts -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Community education -- Development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Democracy and education -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Community development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18310 , vital:28617
- Description: The objective of the study was to investigate learner drop-out and sustainable community development. The study was conducted in Kwazakhele Township in Nelson Mandela Bay. This study used qualitative research approach- interviews and structured questionnaires were used to collect data from the participants. The sample consisted of 40 respondents both Females and Males between the age 15 and 35 years. In Kwazakhele Township most of the youth are learner drop-outs who exited educational system before attaining National Certificate (Matric). This had an effect on the acquisition of skills for sustainable development. United Nations report on Sustainable Development requires members of the community to be able to handle matters concerning their own development. This means community members should possess skills that would enable them to cope with constant demands of development. In the same Kwazakhele Township the consequences of the learner drop-out phenomenon is that lot of girls get pregnant at an adolescence stage. In most cases the boys who impregnate these girls are not working, they themselves depend on their parents for living. Because of the poor socio-economic status and high rate of unemployment of households in the area, this result in a situation where both girl child and their babies depends on the old age social grant for basic needs such as food etc. These dropouts are political risks in a sense that they are sometimes being used in community protesting marches which are unnecessarily hindering community development projects aimed at enhancing and promoting general welfare including better life for all. So the study will investigate and examine effect of learner drop-out in the community and recommends on what to be done in order to address shortfalls and challenges faced by the Kwazakhele community members. This will enable local authorities to be proactive in establishing programs that brings directive and solutions to the existing problems.
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- Date Issued: 2017