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An investigation into the representation of women in South African Cosmopolitan Magazine advertisements of 2004

  • Authors: Ranchod, Amisha
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Women in mass media , Women in advertising -- Africa, Southern , Sex in advertising -- Africa, Southern
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:8405 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/784 , Women in mass media , Women in advertising -- Africa, Southern , Sex in advertising -- Africa, Southern
  • Description: This study investigates the representations of women in advertisements featured in South African Cosmopolitan magazine published in 2004 so as to critically analyse the stereotypes of women it presents, the institutional mechanisms behind this and its implications for gender ‘constructions’. By using a random cluster sample, 60 advertisements found in Cosmopolitan were analysed to examine the stereotypical portrayals of women within its imagery. In addition, survey questionnaires were distributed amongst female students to determine whether exposure to advertisements featured in Cosmopolitan magazines moulds their thoughts with regard to South African women today, as well as to analyse their attitudinal change before and after exposure to a number of advertisements. It was found that even though the majority of respondents claimed to be aware of the stereotypical representations of women found in the advertisements, and did not believe that these portrayals were a true reflection of South African women, various aspects of their lives continue to be affected by these representations in a number of ways. The findings of this study indicate that the trend found in previous studies – that stereotypical images of women prevail in the media – is evident in South Africa too. It was established that the ideologies of both patriarchy and capitalism work together in supporting the pervasiveness of negative, disempowering portrayals of women in Cosmopolitan advertisements. Stereotypical imagery of women serve as the site at which the ideologies of capitalism and patriarchy fuse, drawing on a common, shared notion of the objectified female to further their goals of maximisation of profits and male dominance respectively.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

An investigation of how environmental learning and teaching support materials (LTSM) can influence team planning and teaching and learning activities in the Foundation Phase

  • Authors: Mdlungu, Nozuko Gloria
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Education, Elementary -- South Africa Environmental education -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa Teaching -- Aids and devices -- South Africa Curriculum change -- South Africa Competency-based education -- South Africa Curriculum-based assessment -- South Africa Curriculum planning -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1630 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003512
  • Description: South Africa has experienced significant curriculum transformation over the past ten years. Environment was introduced into C2005 as a phase organiser. Following the streamlining and strengthening of the curriculum, the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) has a more explicit environmental focus in all of the Learning Areas. This has created opportunities for teachers to address environmental health issues in a community context. I work in a rural school and the community around the school experience a number of environmental health issues. In my previous observations I noticed that teachers were not using Learning Teaching Support Materials (LTSM) effectively. In this study I wanted to investigate how LTSM can be used to address environmental health issues in the Foundation Phase. As Life Orientation Learning Outcome1 is a ‘backbone’ of the Life Skills Learning Programme in the Foundation Phase, I decided to focus on this Learning Outcome as it is the Health Promotion outcome in the NCS (R-9). It was my interest to investigate how LTSM are used in team planning and how this planning influences the use of LTSM in classrooms. In the research I observed the link between the activities and LTSM that were discussed in the planning session and those that were done in the classroom. To do this I documented the planning workshop, and I also observed three lessons undertaken in two classrooms, a grade 2 and a grade 3 classroom in my school, where I serve as a principal. I conducted this research as an interpretive case study, and I used workshop, interviews, focus group interviews and classroom observation as methods in the study. The study found that LTSM used in planning influences activities done in the classroom. It also found that use of LTSM helps to achieve the Learning Outcomes and Assessment Standards, and to improve the participation of learners in the learning process. Use of LTSM in planning also improves teachers’ Learning Area knowledge and their knowledge of curriculum development issues. Planning sessions also assisted teachers to address problems such as language used in LTSM and availability of LTSM. The study also found that teachers did not address formal assessment in the planning or in the way they used LTSM. The study concluded that use of LTSM in planning can strengthen classroom practice, and recommendations were made to take this work forward in the context of our school, as it addresses the gap between policy and practice.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

An investigation of how members of a school board perceive and experience their roles in a secondary school in the Rundu Education Region of Namibia

  • Authors: Kasokonya, Sinvula Martin
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: School boards -- Namibia School management and organization -- Namibia Educational leadership School personnel management Education -- Political aspects -- Namibia
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004558
  • Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate School Board members' perceptions and expenences of their roles in a secondary school in the Rundu Education Region of Namibia. A case study was conducted within the interpretive paradigm. Six School Board members from the selected school were interviewed. The data were analysed using qualitative data analysis practices. The findings of the study indicate that there are numerous constraints that interfere with the Board members' ability to effectively carry out their role as a school governing body. These constraints include a lack of knowledge and understanding of the Education Act, a lack of skill in conducting basic management and organization processes and a lack of support from the circuit inspector and Regional Education officers. This study provides some understanding of the circumstances of the School Board in trying to execute its role in implementing the Education Act, especially the section dealing with School Boards. As such, this research provides an agenda for the support and improvement of the work of School Boards in Namibian secondary schools.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

An investigation of ICT project management techniques for sustainable ICT projects in rural development

  • Authors: Pade, Caroline Ileje
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Educational technology -- South Africa , Information technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Project management -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Case studies , Rhodes University Mathematics Education Project , Dwesa ICT Project
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:1140 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002769 , Educational technology -- South Africa , Information technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Project management -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Case studies , Rhodes University Mathematics Education Project , Dwesa ICT Project
  • Description: Poverty alleviation by means of rural development has become a priority among developing countries. In turn, rural development may be significantly enhanced and supported by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), the use of which is highlighted by the emerging importance of information and knowledge as key strategic resources for social and economic development. An analysis of rural case studies where ICTs have been introduced, suggests that there are a number of barriers and constraints that are faced when taking advantage of these technologies. These include access to infrastructure, limited formal education, insufficient training and capacity building, financial and political constraints, and social and cultural challenges. These challenges threaten the success and sustainability of rural ICT projects. Sustainability is key to the effectiveness of a rural ICT project; therefore it is important to understand the concept and categories associated with ICT project sustainability in rural areas. The categories of sustainability which include social and cultural, institutional, economic, political, and technological, reveal critical success factors that need to be considered in the implementation and management of rural ICT projects. The project management discipline acknowledges the importance of understanding the project’s environment, particularly environmental factors associated with rural communities. The complexity of the environment therefore implies the need for a project to be undertaken in phases comprising the project life cycle. Project management practice for rural ICT project sustainability can therefore be examined, adapting the traditional project life cycle to a rural ICT project. A Rural ICT Project Life Cycle (RICT-PLC) that is sensitive to the critical success factors of sustainability is therefore proposed. In order to further investigate the phases of the life cycle of a rural ICT project, two case study investigations are explored: the Dwesa ICT community project, and the Rhodes University Mathematics Education Project (RUMEP) (MathsNet). A multiple case study analysis confirms the practices associated with the RICT-PLC model, and identifies additional characteristics, phases and practices associated with rural ICT projects. Finally, an enhanced RICT-PLC model is developed, that sets sustainability guidelines for ICT project management in rural areas and identifies the people, environments, technologies, systems, and requirements for ICTs to support rural development activities.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

An investigation of indoor air quality assessment in office buildings

  • Authors: Janse van Rensburg, Francois
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Indoor air pollution , Air quality management , Air quality -- Measurement
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:10824 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32 , Indoor air pollution , Air quality management , Air quality -- Measurement
  • Description: Over the last several years studies have shown that the quality of indoor air may be worse than outdoor air. People spend as much as 90% of their time indoors, therefor, the associated health risk due to indoor air pollution may be greater than the risk due to outdoor air pollution. Building designs have altered dramatically over the last two decades resulted in "tighter" buildings that rely on sophisticated mechanical systems to provide for the quantity of air required throughout the building. These changes over the years could result in an increased number of complaints received regarding Sick Building Syndrome symptoms. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 30% of office buildings world-wide may have significant problems regarding poor indoor air quality (IAQ). This study involves a literature study of the major indoor air pollutants regarding the source of the pollutant, the associated health effects, the measuring techniques available and the results of previous studies conducted on the specific pollutant. Measurements will be taken in two sealed buildings, one an old and the other a new building to identify the major pollutants. A questionnaire was compiled specifically for building occupants and completed by the occupants of both buildings. From the results obtained a step-by-step method for solving indoor air quality (IAQ) problems was proposed. The method was applied and evaluated in a case study of a problem building where indoor air quality related problems were experienced. The results of the study revealed that the major indoor air pollutants are present in old as well as new buildings. The study also revealed that some office workers might be more susceptible than others to the medical reactions cause to human beings by these pollutants. Some concentrations are higher in new buildings than in old buildings. The responses from the questionnaire was evaluated against the results obtained from the measurement study. The step-by-step method in the case study provided a more systematic approach at solving IAQ problems at buildings. Solving indoor air quality problems is a very practical issue and does not necessarily require an investment of expensive high technology equipment, but might merely require a practical approach. Environmental Health Officers can play a major role in providing expert advice when scrutinizing building plans. Environmental Health Officers should empower themselves with the knowledge to do inspections or investigations in office buildings by using the step-by-step method for investigating indoor air quality problems. By addressing indoor air quality problems in buildings, the workers in healthy buildings can increase their productivity with lasting effects on a company’s bottom line.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

An investigation of interpersonal relationships between management and lecturers in a College of Education in Namibia

  • Authors: Amushigamo, Angelina Popyeni
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Communication in education -- Namibia Teacher morale -- Namibia Employee motivation -- Namibia Teacher-administrator relationships -- Namibia College teachers -- Job satisfaction -- Namibia
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1850 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004458
  • Description: Relationships are regarded as an important aspect of any organization's life. The purpose of this study was to investigate staff perceptions and experiences of interpersonal relationships between management and lecturers in a Namibian College of Education. I conducted a case study at the College where I teach. Two methods were used to collect data. Firstly, semi-structured interviews with two management members, two senior lecturers and two lecturers. Secondly, observation where practical aspects of interpersonal relationships in the College were observed. I used the interpretational data analysis technique to analyse my data. Themes and patterns were identified in the data, coded and sorted into categories. The study revealed staff unhappiness about the current situation in the College as far as communication is concerned. The College's hierarchical structure was described as top-down. As such, it does not allow for face to face communication. There is an absence of any social cohesion or sense of community. Relationships at a College level are characterized by personal conflict and difference. However, the study revealed a satisfaction with communication and relationships at a dl'partmentallevel. Five key features of interpersonal communication that are lacking in the College and that contribute to the unhealthy relationships in the College were identified. These are trust, respect, openness, feedback and the sharing of ideas and knowledge. Due to their absence, the College is divided into cliques. A strong desire for the establishment of interpersonal norms of openness, respect, honesty and trust was expressed. Participants expressed the need to establish an organization structure that allows for interaction with others in the College, flatter structures, teamwork and a collaborative cultu re. The study also emphasized participative democracy in building relationships. Participation in decision making is seen as satisfying the personal need to experience a sense of influence and achievement. There is evidence of a desire for distributed leadership where the College staff as a group of professionals lead the College collectively and collaboratively. There is a strong desire for a College where people are liked , valued, accepted by others and recognized for their efforts. Finally, Organization Development is recommended as an approach to enhance College staff relationships.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

An investigation of issues adversely affecting black education, with special relation to poverty, vandalism and school fee payments : a study of some Eastern Cape primary schools

  • Authors: Tyala, Sindiswa
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Blacks -- Education (Primary) -- South Africa , Poor children -- South Africa , Education -- Costs , Children -- South Africa -- Social conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:9547 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/625 , Blacks -- Education (Primary) -- South Africa , Poor children -- South Africa , Education -- Costs , Children -- South Africa -- Social conditions
  • Description: The focus of this research was to establish how black primary school principals in some Port Elizabeth schools manage the problems of poverty, vandalism and non-payment of school fees. The aim of this research was to improve these burning issues at my own school, but also to assist other schools which are encountering similar problems with regard to these three issues. Qualitative research methods were used. Data was collected by studying relevant literature and conducting semi-structured interviews and participant observation. Composite case studies of the schools were compiled. Content analysis was used to analyse the data and recommendations for improvement were made. The results of the research indicate that since 1994, when democracy and equal human rights were declared, primary schools have actually been experiencing escalating problems in terms of poverty, vandalism and school fee payment. As the school system is closely intertwined with the socio-economic and political dimensions of society, these challenges can only be effectively addressed if all stakeholders in education collectively take up ownership of these problems and commit themselves to finding unique and effective solutions in the Port Elizabeth urban and rural areas.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

An investigation of parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in a rural Namibian school

  • Authors: Siririka, Gisela
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Education -- Namibia Education -- Parent participation -- Namibia Rural schools -- Namibia Community and school -- Namibia Literacy -- Social aspects -- Namibia Literacy -- Study and teaching -- Namibia Libraries and education -- Namibia
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1638 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003520
  • Description: This study sought to investigate the involvement of parents in the development of their children’s literacy. The study was conducted in a rural school in the Omaheke region of Namibia, a school selected for reasons of representativeness and convenience. The research took the form of an interpretive case study focussing on a study sample of nine parents, their children, and one teacher in the Ngeama community. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and then subjected to comprehensive descriptive analysis. The findings of the study indicate that parents in the Ngeama rural community have not been effectively involved in their children’s acquisition of literacy, for a number of reasons. These include the parents’ not feeling appropriately empowered to influence the development of their children’s literacy, the absence of environmental literacy programmes within the community, and the shortage of literacy materials such as newspapers and magazines. Perhaps the most important factor is that there is no public or school library in the Ngeama community. In view of these findings, the study recognizes a need for parental empowerment in terms of knowledge, skills, understanding and resources allocation regarding the education of their children. It recommends that a relationship of trust and understanding be built between the school and the community to ensure the sound development of literacy skills. The study further recommends the establishment of a library in order to enhance the literacy levels of teachers, parents and children alike.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

An investigation of statistical methodologies for evaluating natural herbicides for the control of yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus)

  • Authors: Asquith, Ilse Bernadette
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Chemometrics , Weeds
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech (Chemistry)
  • Identifier: vital:10376 , Chemometrics , Weeds
  • Description: The present study was undertaken with the view to evaluate methodologies based on traditional Scheffé experimental designs that study mixtures as a tool for discovery research particularly when seeking new and or improved uses of existing mixtures. For the purpose of this study, the topic of controlling the problematic weed known as Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L. var. esculentus) or “Geel Uintjie”, was selected on a rather ad hoc basis. Yellow Nutsedge is a troublesome perennial weed found in most agricultural countries in the world. Herbicidal control is often difficult because of the weeds’ ability to propagate via tubers, which can remain dormant for a number of years and are also resistant to most synthetic herbicide controls. As a first step the study involved the selection of a group of chemical compounds that would be used in suppressing the germination of Yellow Nutsedge tubers. Treatment with various combinations of these chemical compounds as determined by statistical experimental designs was carried out. A review of the literature, particularly literature concerned with the study of the phenomenon of allelopathy, suggested that various phenolic-D-glucopyranosides could show promise in the suppressing the germination of Yellow Nutsedge tubers. This led to the selection of this group of compounds as the target group of “active” substances for the study. Since the group of phenolic-D-glucopyranosides is quite large, and in order to keep the study to a reasonable size, only four phenolic-D-glucopyranosides were selected namely: 4-nitrophenyl-D-glucopyranoside, 4-chlorophenyl--Dglucopyranoside, arbutin and salicin. This selection was based firstly based on a particular phenolic-D-glucopyranoside being a suspected allelochemical, and secondly the ease of technical synthesis using a catalytic process. In addition to the four selected phenolic-D-glucopyranosides, their aglycones (4,nitrophenol, 4,chlorophenol, hydroquinone and salicyl alcohol) were also included as potential “active” substances in order to discern any potential activity between the phenolic-D-glucopyranosides and the aglycones. iii The selected “active substances” were combined in various combinations according to various mixture designs in such a manner that the sum of the proportions of the various actives in any one mixture was always equal to 1. The mixtures of actives were then used in various germination experiments and three experimental responses were measured namely the germination, average dry mass and length of longest shoot. From the results of these germination studies the canonical form of the polynomial equation describing the variation in each of the three germination responses was calculated and evaluated statistically. These equations were then used to estimate the presence of, and the magnitude of synergism between the various active substances. The results from these screening experiments and their detailed statistical analysis indicated that the response surface model for the germination response contains three synergistic blends (4-nitrophenyl--D-glucopyranoside + arbutin; 4-nitrophenyl--Dglucopyranoside + hydroquinone; and 4-chlorophenyl--D-glucopyranoside + salicin) and one antagonistic blend (4-nitrophenyl--D-glucopyranoside + 4- chlorophenol--D-glucopyranoside). The response surface model for the average dry mass response contains two synergistic blends (4-nitrophenyl--Dglucopyranoside + hydroquinone; and 4-chlorophenol--D-glucopyranoside + salicin) and the same antagonistic blend as for germination response. For both germination and average dry mass responses, the most synergistic blend was found to be the combination of 4-chlorophenyl--D-glucopyranoside and salicin. Two additional tests were conducted and both confirmed the results obtained from the screening designs. These tests involved the identification of the two components responsible for the synergistic activity that resulted in the suppression of the germination of the tubers and growth of the seedlings. The experimental response measuring the longest shoot proved to be erroneous and was excluded from the statistical analysis. In summary, this study has clearly shown that statistically designed experiments based on mixture designs can be used as a powerful tool in identifying and quantifying synergistic (or antagonistic) effects of chemicals on the germination ability of plant seeds.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

An investigation of the challenges facing the ward committee system with specific reference to selected municipalities in the province of the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Ntlemeza, Albert Mncedisi
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:8162 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/584 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: Local government in South Africa has undergone radical changes since the first democratic local government elections were held in 1995 and 1996. It is generally known that local government in South Africa was based on racial fragmentation. The new South Africa therefore has to go beyond purely representative democracy to address the inequalities of the apartheid era. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996), envisages a complete transformation of the local government system. Subsequently, a policy framework has been developed to give effect to a new vision of local government. The White Paper on Local Government was passed in March 1998. It spells out the framework and programme in terms of which the existing local government system will be radically transformed. This culminated in the birth of the concept of developmental local government. Developmental local government establishes the basis of a system of local government which is centrally concerned with working with local citizens and ward communities in particular to find sustainable ways to meet their needs and improve the quality of their lives. Developmental local government encourages public participation at the local level. One of the most powerful instruments by which the communities and groups become involved in local government affairs is through the ward committee structures and ward planning forums. The Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000), makes provision for community participation. Ward committees are established in terms of section 17 (1) of the Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act 117 of 1998). Ward committees play an important role in creating a democratic culture of local participation and accountability. They are the main mechanisms available to municipalities and communities to enhance public participation in ix the local sphere of government. Their major obstacle is that their powers are limited to advising the communities and the relevant council. The White Paper on Local Government provides for three approaches which can assist municipalities to be more developmental, namely integrated development planning and budgeting, performance management and working together with local citizens. Ward committees provide a link between the council and these processes. The new system of local government also provides for the consideration of gender issues at the ward committee level. The local government policy framework requires that at least fifty percent of representation on ward committees should be women. The involvement of youth is also greatly encouraged. The system also provides for and clarifies the role/relationship with traditional leaders at the ward committee level. The local government legislative framework accepts and acknowledges the existence of traditional leaders. Their involvement in ward community activities and functions is well documented. Lastly, the capacity building of ward committees is posing a major challenge. In order for ward committee members to perform their functions effectively training must be provided. The respective local councils should be responsible for providing the necessary training to ward committees through the office of the speaker under which they fall. In the national sphere efforts are made to ensure that training for ward committees is provided.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

An investigation of the efficacy of the Office of the Auditor-General in ensuring public financial accountability in the Gauteng Province

  • Authors: Khumalo, Mildred Tariro
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Finance, Public -- South Africa , Budget -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Liability (Law)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11645 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/283 , Finance, Public -- South Africa , Budget -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Liability (Law)
  • Description: Increasing accountability is a key element in a wide variety of governance reforms, from national level, public sector restructuring, to anti corruption campaigns and to centralise service delivery at local levels. (Van Wyk, 2002:311). Financial accountability has a major effect on performance issues, and these two combined have implications on democratic accountability. It is obviously a fact that when public officials become accountable, this will have a positive effect on service delivery. The introduction of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) 1999 (Act 1 of 1999) as amended by Act 29 of 1999 adopts an approach to financial management, which emphasises the need for accountability of results by focusing on output and responsibility rather than the rule driven approach of the previous Exchequer Acts. One quickly realises that the PFMA aims to regulate financial management at both National and Provincial levels of government. It directs attention at revenue, expenditure, assets and liabilities and aims to see that these are managed efficiently and effectively. Public finance accountability is increasingly becoming important in the public sector. One means of effecting accountability is through auditing. For this reason the Office of the Auditor -General through the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996 (Act 108 of 1996 section 216 (1)) was established to facilitate effective accountability through auditing. The Office of the Auditor -General’s role is by no means minor, for it plays a major role in curbing corruption and acts as a ‘watchdog’ of the nation over public funds. Amidst high mismanagement and misuse of public resources, as well as corruption, especially in developing countries, the major question one asks is how effective the Auditor -General can be in ensuring effective public financial management and accountability within state departments so as to improve service delivery.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

An investigation of the key mechanisms that promote whole school development in a secondary school pilot project context

  • Authors: Westraad, Susan Fiona
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Education -- South Africa Education, Secondary -- South Africa Education and state -- South Africa School improvement programs -- South Africa Educational change -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:1414 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003291
  • Description: Providing relevant and quality schooling for all South African learners is the paramount goal of the South African National Department of Education. South Africa 's historical and current socio-economic contexts provide many challenges for both the Department of Education and schools in this endeavour to provide quality teaching and learning. These challenges impact directly and indirectly on what happens in the classroom. Since 1994 a plethora of education and training policy has been introduced in South Africa to redress historical imbalances; to introduce a new education and training framework and approach; and to provide guidelines, principles and procedures for addressing some of the challenges that impact on schools. The National Whole School Evaluation Policy provides the legislative framework for the establishment of a quality assurance process in South African schools based on accountability and support. The subsequent Integrated Quality Management System attempts to provide a framework for integrating school evaluation and performance measurement. Policy frameworks are in place to guide quality assurance and school improvement, however, the reality of implementing this at a grass roots level is particularly challenging. The General Motors (GM) South Africa Foundation, a non-governmental development organisation, established by General Motors (GM) South Africa, commenced with the piloting the Learning Schools Initiative to investigate some of the challenges of whole school development and evaluation. This research documents the Learning Schools Initiative's intervention with the initial two pilot secondary schools situated in Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Bay) over a four-year period. It reviews the relevant school reform and school development literature and adopts a critical realist evaluative research approach to investigate the key mechanisms that promote whole school development and change in this context. In keeping with this approach, the results of the research are analysed and discussed within a context-menchanism-outcome configuration that involves the identification of the key mechanisms that bring about desired outcome/s in a specific context. Seven key generative mechanisms are identified as critical at a school and classroom level (i) school culture, (ii) school structures, (iii) effective leadership and management, (iv) personal growth and meaning, (v) restoration of relationships, (vi) professional development of educators, and development of capacity to work together, and (vii) support and accountability. The need to structure school development interventions around the triggering of identified key mechanisms is also identified as an important overarching mechanism. Suggestions are made for further research required to facilitate a deeper understanding of how to bring about meaningful change that results in quality teaching and learning in South African schools.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

An investigation of the principal's leadership role in a successful rural school in Namibia

  • Authors: Tjivikua, Uerivangera Chris
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Rural schools -- Namibia School principals -- Namibia School management and organization -- Namibia Educational leadership -- Namibia
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1656 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003539
  • Description: Rural schools are faced with numerous challenges and are often perceived to be academically unsuccessful. However, in spite of this perception there are some which manage to beat the odds by being academically successful year after year. This peculiar phenomenon of ‘unequal performance’ among rural schools struck my interest; hence my decision to investigate what it is that successful rural schools do to keep afloat in a turbulent environment where others around them collapsed. As the literature suggests that leadership play a key role in the success of an organisation, I focused my study on how the leadership role of the principal makes a rural school thrive. The study is situated in the interpretive paradigm and attempts to reveal participants’ perceptions and experiences of the principal’s leadership. My participants were the principal, circuit inspector, the School Board Chairperson, a Head of Department and the LRC president. These people were purposefully selected; the principal was selected because he is the one executing the roles hence he would be better informed about them while the others due to the positions they occupy, work closely with the principal. The research is a case study as it focused on a single case, and for data generation I employed semi-structured interviews, observation and document analysis. The study revealed various characteristics that describe the leadership role of the principal. An overarching characteristic that emerged is that the principal is a balanced leader - he focuses on both task completion and consideration for people. Different characteristics that emerged from this balance leadership portrayed the principal of Ruacana Senior Secondary School to be a transformational and an instructional leader who believes that teaching and learning are the central activities of a school. Moreover he has been painted to be a team player and a servant leader who holds and practices the principle of ubuntu. The principal has also been described as a strategic and exemplary leader. It emerged that his exemplary leadership has moulded the practices of teachers and learners into a shared culture that supports academic excellence. The findings also depicted a paradoxical picture of the principal in that while he exhibits democratic procedures he is also perceived to be autocratic.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

An investigation of the response of entities in the South African JSE ICT sector in 2005 to environmental sustainability reporting

  • Authors: Rafferty, Kevin Lee
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Information technology -- South Africa Communication in organizations -- South Africa Sustainable development -- South Africa Social responsibility of business -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:753 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003874
  • Description: Pressure is on organisations the world over to report to their stakeholders, not only on their economic performance, but also on their environmental and social performance. In South Africa the King II code of corporate governance provides the guidance and impetus for this integrated “triple bottom line” sustainability reporting. The ICT sector in South Africa has been cited as lagging behind other sectors with regards to sustainability reporting, particularly in environmental sustainability reporting. Many ICT organisations would appear to be using their office and service based existence as reasons for having little or no impact on the environment. The study of the impacts of ICT on environmental sustainability in this research suggests that this is not necessarily the case. An assessment tool based on the internationally recognised Global Reporting Initiative Guidelines was developed in this research to investigate the level of environmental sustainability reporting in the South African ICT sector. The investigation showed the level of environmental sustainability reporting in the sector’s 2005 annual reports to be low. To get an indication of the level of reporting in more developed countries, a small sample of international ICT and service organisations was assessed using the tool, which showed significantly higher levels of environmental sustainability reporting. A set of ICT specific environmental sustainability performance indicators are proposed to enhance and encourage more significant levels of environmental sustainability reporting in South Africa.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

An investigation of the role of leadership in strategic planning

  • Authors: Devenish, Sean
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Leadership , Strategic planning , Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:8744 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/746 , Leadership , Strategic planning , Management
  • Description: Leadership and planning requires more strategic thinkers on all management levels in an organization. Historically, senior management does not effectively identify those leaders that posses the core traits and competencies to adequately influence the corporate culture by way of transformational and visionary leadership styles, so that it is aligned to the long-term strategy. In this research the author first embarked on a theoretical study into leadership and the associated contingency models, which have lead to the emergence of new styles of leadership, such as transformational, situational and visionary leadership. Thereafter, successful strategy planning and implementation was investigated to determine which leadership styles did the literature reveal are more conducive to successfully executing strategy in adaptive and culturally diverse corporate cultures. Thirdly, an empirical study was conducted to ascertain to what extent transformational and transactional leadership practices by South African firms are being adopted, and the amount of emphasis placed on the strategic thinking process between the leadership styles. Lastly, the data was analysed to explain the relationship between transformational and transactional leadership and strategic planning, and to make recommendations based on the research.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

An investigation of the sustainability of the Imbewu Project at Phiwe Primary School

  • Authors: Maselana, Thobeka
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Project method in teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School improvement programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Educational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1924 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007509
  • Description: Sustainable development and projects are relatively new terms In the South African context. This study explores these concepts as they relate to a school that is piloting a project in the Eastern Cape. A number of projects have been introduced in disadvantaged schools to redress imbalances of the past. Funders invest a lot of money, but when they leave, schools struggle to sustain these initiatives. This study aims to investigate whether the Imbewu Project, an educational development pilot project meant to improve schools in the Eastern Cape, made provision for long-term sustainability and whether the school sustained the project. Very little research seems to have been conducted on sustainability, especially in South Africa (SA). The study is conducted in the interpretive paradigm. A single case study involving a number of stakeholders at Phiwe Primary School (PPS) was conducted through observations, interviews, focus groups and document analysis. The study found that the action research strategy intended for the project was constrained by the limited time allowed. In addition, the approach did not address processes which are important for sustainability. Also, the cascade approach to learning is not successful in organisations that have not reached the status of being learning organisations. PPS is still struggling to change its culture and therefore one can say that they cannot sustain the changes that are brought by the project. Firstly, they did not involve the parents in most modules as the project suggested. Secondly, some facilitators did not understand the project. Thirdly, although the project provided for monitoring and support, the study found that there was inadequate support from the project team and district officials. There was a shortage of district officials because the Eastern Cape Department of Education did not invest in appointing people that could sustain the project. However, there are areas where the school is doing an outstanding job despite the fact that there was very little support. The school performed well in implementing and sustaining the project in the following areas: learner welfare, community involvement and involvement of staff members in committees.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

An ontology-based, multi-modal platform for the inclusion of marginalized rural communities into the knowledge society

  • Authors: Thinyane, Mamello , Dalvit, Lorenzo , Slay, Hannah , Mapi, Thandeka , Terzoli, Alfredo
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431218 , vital:72755 , https://doi.org/10.1145/1292491.1292508
  • Description: With the information revolution that promises to shape the 21st century, knowledge has become the prime commodity, very much like land, means of production and capital have been at different times in the past. Access to information, made instantly available by the growth of the Internet, determines access to economic resources, social participa-tion and better quality of life. For this reason, the knowledge stored on the Web and the advantages offered by the spread of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are equally important for rich socie-ties to prosper and for poor ones to develop. The only difference is that marginalised communities do not have access to the tools and have little control over the content found in the domain of ICTs. In this paper we describe an intervention to develop the potential of a typical rural community in South Africa through ICTs. This involves providing Inter-net connectivity and deploying a platform to support e-commerce, e-learning, e-government and e-health. The core of the platform is an on-tology-based model designed to integrate and respond to Indigenous Knowledge Systems. This has been achieved by combining a deep understanding of local knowledge and social networks with the use of authoring, communication and ontology-management tools. The prima-ry goal of this new approach is to find a way to make ICT solutions more sensitive to the local context, and therefore more effective. Sec-ondly, we hope to foster a sense of ownership of the project among the community, by capitalising on local knowledge and resources.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

An XML-Based Approach to Audio Connection Management

  • Authors: Foss, Richard , Klinkradt, Bradley
  • Date: 2007
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/427253 , vital:72425 , https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=14115
  • Description: An XML-based approach to firewire audio connection management has been developed that allows for the creation of connection management applications using a range of implementation tools. The XML connection management requests flow between a client and server, where the client and server can reside on the same or separate workstations. The server maintains the state of the firewire audio device configuration as well as information about potential users. XML is also used to control user access and booking of devices.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

Anaerobic digestion of fungally pre-treated wine distillery wastewater

  • Authors: Melamane, Xolisa L , Tandlich, Roman , Burgess, Jo E
  • Date: 2007
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71740 , vital:29932 , https://doi.org/10.5897/AJB2007.000-2305
  • Description: The combination of fungal pre-treatment with Trametes pubescens and anaerobic digestion were tested for the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and phenolic compounds from wine distillery wastewater. The COD removal efficiency after fungal pre-treatment reached 53.3%. During digestion, pH buffering was achieved using CaCO3 and K2HPO4. This provided a stable environment inside digester for efficient and time-independent COD removal. The total COD removal efficiency reached 99.5%, and the system proved able to eliminate shock COD loads, as indicated by the concentrations of sludge and volatile fatty acids. Complex changes of phenolic compounds are suspected in anaerobic digestion system, and are investigated further.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

Analysing the effect of FSP on MIG-laser hybrid welded 6082-T6 AA joints

  • Authors: Mjali, Kadephi Vuyolwethu
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Friction stir welding
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:9610 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/563 , Friction stir welding
  • Description: Friction Stir Processing (FSP) of aluminium alloys has been used to modify and improve the microstructure and relevant properties of fusion welded aluminium alloys. The effect of FSP on MIG-Laser Hybrid (MLH) welded aluminium alloy 6082-T6 mechanical and microstructural properties has been studied in this research. The FSP process was used on 6mm thick aluminium alloy plates and a tool was designed specifically for FSP, and the effect of varying speeds was analysed before the final FSP welds were made. The effect of FSP was analysed by optical microscopy, tensile, microhardness and fatigue testing. The aim of the study was to determine whether the FSP process has a beneficial influence on the mechanical properties and metallurgical integrity of MIG-Laser Hybrid welded 6082-T6 aluminium alloy with varying gap tolerances. Three welding processes were compared, namely combined Friction Stir Processing on MIG-Laser hybrid process (FSP-MLH), MLH and Friction Stir Welding (FSW) as part of the analysis. (FSP was carried out on MLH components when it was found that FSP is not an entirely complete welding process but rather a finishing process per se.) The aim of this dissertation is to investigate the effects of the FSP process on the weld quality of MLH welded joints and also to compare this to individual processes like FSW and MLH. This investigation was undertaken in order to gain an understanding of the effect of these processes on fatigue performance and microhardness distribution on aluminium alloy 6082-T6 weld joints.
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  • Date Issued: 2007
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