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A strange counterpoint : classical music performance and identities in Grahamstown, South Africa

  • Authors: Marais, Terence Wilmot Eugene
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Music -- Western influences Music -- Performance -- Psychological aspects Music appreciation -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Music -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
  • Identifier: vital:2677 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007491
  • Description: This study investigates the perceptions of South African practitioners of Western European Art Music (WEAM), specifically as they relate to the value of WEAM in contemporary South African society. In exploring some of the connections between musical identity and national identity, it sets out to discover what value WEAM holds for a certain group of student pianists. Qualitative empirical data was collected in the form of in-depth, semi-structured interviews and questionnaire responses, and the findings point to numerous, nuanced expressions of self and varied intersections of the nation with musical identity in the life of the individual. Further, WEAM appears to represent a crucial point of identification for these individuals, in each case generating positive affirmations of the self.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

A study of a class of invariant optimal control problems on the Euclidean group SE(2)

  • Authors: Adams, Ross Montague
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Matrix groups Lie groups Extremal problems (Mathematics) Maximum principles (Mathematics) Hamilton-Jacobi equations Lyapunov stability
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5420 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006060
  • Description: The aim of this thesis is to study a class of left-invariant optimal control problems on the matrix Lie group SE(2). We classify, under detached feedback equivalence, all controllable (left-invariant) control affine systems on SE(2). This result produces six types of control affine systems on SE(2). Hence, we study six associated left-invariant optimal control problems on SE(2). A left-invariant optimal control problem consists of minimizing a cost functional over the trajectory-control pairs of a left-invariant control system subject to appropriate boundary conditions. Each control problem is lifted from SE(2) to T*SE(2) ≅ SE(2) x se (2)*and then reduced to a problem on se (2)*. The maximum principle is used to obtain the optimal control and Hamiltonian corresponding to the normal extremals. Then we derive the (reduced) extremal equations on se (2)*. These equations are explicitly integrated by trigonometric and Jacobi elliptic functions. Finally, we fully classify, under Lyapunov stability, the equilibrium states of the normal extremal equations for each of the six types under consideration.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

A study of the implementation and management of workforce diversity among teachers at secondary schools in the Mthatha Education District

  • Authors: Mohammed, Issah
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Workplace management -- Teachers -- Education (Secondary)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
  • Identifier: vital:18463 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1008259
  • Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the implementation and management of workforce diversity among teachers at secondary schools in the Mthatha Education District with reference to national and international teachers. The literature reflects issues and theories concerning the implementation and management of workforce diversity in secondary schools. The study also shows the benefits of managing teacher diversity and the challenges in the implementation and management of workforce diversity among teachers in secondary schools. The population of the study comprised of all teachers in the fifty- six public secondary schools in the Mthatha Education District and the sample comprised of five principals, five deputy principals, five heads of departments and five international teachers on whom the case study was base to examine their views about the awareness, implementation and management of teacher diversity in the education system. This sample was drawn from five public senior secondary schools. The selection of the sample was done through the use of a purposive sampling technique. The sampling technique was used because it is not all public secondary schools in the Mthatha Education District where international teachers are found. This, therefore, allowed the researcher to select only those secondary schools at which international teachers were found. The researcher developed an open- ended interview schedule for the face-to-face in-depth interviews on the implementation and management of workforce diversity among teachers at secondary schools in the Mthatha Education District. Themes were drawn from the responses of the participants and analysed. The findings revealed that Principals, deputy principals, school management teams and teachers at all levels lacked the skills and knowledge in designing, implementing and managing teacher diversity policies in secondary schools. The findings revealed that local teachers were resistant and took a xenophobic stance towards the employment and promotions of International teachers in secondary schools. Lastly, Affirmative Action and Employment Equity Acts favour the local teachers and discriminate against the international teachers. Recommendations are made concerning the lack of awareness, skills and knowledge in designing and implementation of teacher diversity policies in secondary schools. Recommendations are also made concerning the Affirmative Action and Employment Equity Acts that influence the non recruitment and selection of international teachers.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

A study on the cultural adjustment of the domestic partners of German expatriates in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive industry

  • Authors: Gouws, Stephanie
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: International business enterprises -- Management , International business enterprises -- Personnel management , International business enterprises -- Management -- Cross-cultural studies , International business enterprises -- Management -- Social aspects , Employment in foreign countries , Intercultural communication , Corporations, Foreign
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:16134 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1540 , International business enterprises -- Management , International business enterprises -- Personnel management , International business enterprises -- Management -- Cross-cultural studies , International business enterprises -- Management -- Social aspects , Employment in foreign countries , Intercultural communication , Corporations, Foreign
  • Description: This study explores the cultural adjustment of the domestic partners of German expatriates working in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive industry of South Africa. The data was collected by distributing pre-interview questionnaires to the participants and conducting in-depth interviews with them. Grounded theory was used in the data collection and analysis and an auto-ethnographic approach was employed, allowing for reflexivity. The findings suggest that the expatriated domestic partners did not necessarily experience much difficulty in adjusting to South African culture as they did, for example, adjusting to not being able to work for the duration of their stay. The research has also shown that the unmarried domestic partners of expatriate employees are at a disadvantage compared to their married counterparts; receiving less assistance from the companies of their partners. Based on the findings, it has been recommended that companies refine and streamline the assistance they offer to the domestic partners of their expatriate employees, providing all domestic partners with the same pre-departure training and entitling them to the same benefits.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

A theoretical study on the Alexander technique for the organ

  • Authors: Boonzaaier, Devandre
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Musicians -- Health and hygiene , Alexander technique , Organ (Musical instrument) -- Instruction and study , Organists -- Training of -- South Africa , Music -- Performance -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:8520 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015727
  • Description: The aim of this research is to provide a theoretical framework of the Alexander Technique for organists. Frederick Matthias Alexander was an Australian actor who developed a technique to enable and enhance his own performance. This innovative technique is now used across the world, including South Africa. In this study the researcher provides a Literature Study of the Alexander Technique. Furthermore, he investigates and reports on the practises of a number of organists. A multiple case study approach was adapted and data was collected by means of questionnaires, personal observations and informal interviews. The data gathered in this study is described and analysed. The study culminates with a description of a theoretical framework for the application of the Alexander Technique for organists.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

Abortion as disruption: discourses surrounding abortion in the talk of men

  • Authors: Hansjee, Jateen
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Abortion -- Psychological aspects Abortion -- Social aspects Men -- South Africa -- Language Men -- South Africa -- Attitudes Health attitudes -- South Africa Discourse analysis -- Psychological aspects Discourse analysis -- Social aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:2984 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002493
  • Description: This research examines men’s talk around abortion using critical discourse analysis. Current literature indicates a dearth of studies addressing the topic of men and abortion in various domains. An understanding of men’s relationship to abortion, however, is crucial to understanding abortion as a social phenomenon. This study utilises the work of Foucault around discourse and power, as well as Butler’s work on gender to create a theoretical framework to approach data. Data were collected in the form of interview groups made up of men, as well as newspaper articles and on-line forum discussions that featured men as the author. What emerged from theses texts was a ‘Familial Discourse’ which posits the nuclear, heterosexual family as a long term relationship between a mother and father, which forms the ideal site to raise children. Discourses that support the family are a discourse of ‘Equal Partnership’ which establishes the man and the woman as being in a heterosexual relationship where each partner is seen to have equal power, and a discourse of ‘Foetal Personhood’ which constructs the foetus as a child in need of a family. Related to the heterosexual matrix, the formation of a family unit comes to be constructed as ‘natural’. Abortion acts as a disruptor to these discourses. By disrupting the formation of the family unit, abortion negatively affects the individuals involved. A relationship where a formation of a family unit was disrupted cannot survive. If the female partner has an abortion without her partner, it is seen as disrupting the equal partnership between the man and the woman. Men in this case see themselves as ‘powerless’ compared to women. From this point a ‘New Man’ discourse emerges, where men position themselves as loving and responsible in the context of a nuclear, heterosexual family unit. Abortion disrupts ‘Foetal Personhood’ and is constructed as murder. In the case of rape the ‘Familial Discourse’ can be invoked either to justify abortion or resist abortion, based on whether or not a family unit can be formed. These discourses reproduce patriarchy.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

Action competence and waste management: a case study of learner agency in two Grahamstown eco-schools

  • Authors: Chiphwanya, Nellie Chimwemwe
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Environmental education -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies Environmental education -- Study and teaching (Primary) -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies Student-centered learning -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies Refuse and refuse disposal -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies Recycling (Waste, etc) -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies Active learning -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies Competency based education -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1956 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008308
  • Description: There has been a growing need in environmental education to develop students' ability and will to take part in democratic processes that enable them take environmental action in their local environment. This study examined learner action competence in waste management practices in two primary school contexts in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. An interpretive case study design is used to probe how learner participation in Eco-School waste management practices enabled the acquisition of knowledge in purposeful learning and action experiences that developed the vision and agency of informed action. The research was centred on two guiding questions: 1. How informed, purposeful and action-orientated is learner participation in Eco-School waste management activities? 2. What Eco-School waste management activities are fostering active participation towards a learner-led agency? Educators in the two schools were interviewed and Eco-School portfolios were examined for evidence of the learning activities and learner achievement. This provided the contextual data for reviewing focus group interviews to probe what was significant to learners, what they came to know and how they had contributed to the process of developing better waste management in the Eco-School context. The evidence generated in the study was used to identify the roles of the various players, the significant activities and processes that enabled and constrained the emergence of learner-led agency. The main findings in the study were that teacher intentionality and school management ethos were significant in engaging learners in meaningful waste management activities in both cases. The study also revealed that although most of the waste management activities in both cases were teacher-initiated, there were spaces open for learner initiatives. However, it appeared that the activity based waste management practices mostly allowed learners to learn how to do waste management more than allowing them to find out more about the scope and nature of ii the problem of waste. This then resulted in learners talking more about what they were doing with waste than talking about what they knew about waste. There were differences in the way in which learners approached waste in the two cases. In the one case, Kingswood Junior School learners used waste artistically and carried out activities that allowed for better use of waste resources like paper while in the other School, Grahamstown SDA School, learners approached waste as a resource for making money. However, in both cases, learners appeared to enjoy the positive experiences of doing things that contributed to a cleaner environment and were of benefit to others and this gave them a sense of pride to share their experiences with others. This study was significant as it allowed me to probe learner participation and examine the development of their action competence through listening to the voices of the learners themselves and understanding what was important to them about the knowledge they gained and their vision of better waste management.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

Adherence to pre-selected infant feeding practices among mothers on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS programme in the Amathole region, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Yako, Elizabeth Matseliso
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001091 , Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: Infant feeding in the context of HIV/AIDS poses a challenge among mothers. The implementation of UNICEF guidelines on infant feeding, which state that “when replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, avoidance of all breastfeeding by HIV-infected mothers is recommended” (WHO, 2003:12) are not easy to meet. In more developed countries, where these criteria are met, almost all HIV-infected mothers have ceased to breast feed. Consequently, infants of mothers in these countries are less likely to be infected with HIV postnatally. In South Africa, more specifically in the Eastern Cape, infant feeding is a challenge as a number of UNICEF criteria cannot be met. The Eastern Cape is one of the poorest Provinces in South Africa, with a number of rural communities. Earlier studies have shown that, if mothers select either exclusive breast feeding or exclusive formula feeding, this reduces mother-to-child transmission of HIV. A limited number of studies on adherence to the method of infant feeding selected before delivery were found in the literature, hence the need for the current study. The purpose of the study was to explore adherence to exclusive breast feeding and exclusive formula feeding among mothers with HIV infection and to determine the problems that mothers may be facing in implementing their pre-selected methods.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

Adjustment of commercial banks' interest rates and the effectiveness of monetary policy: evidence from Anglophone West Africa

  • Authors: Bangura, Lamin
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Monetary policy -- Africa, West , Banks and banking -- Africa, West , Interest rates -- Africa, West
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:951 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002685 , Monetary policy -- Africa, West , Banks and banking -- Africa, West , Interest rates -- Africa, West
  • Description: Most central banks use short-term interest rates as their main instrument of monetary policy. It is assumed that a change in policy rate will influence interest rates set by commercial banks, but this is not usually the case. Commercial banks adjust their interest rates in response to changes in policy rate with lags, which make their interest rates sticky. Stickiness in commercial banks interest rates have been seen as an obstacle to the smooth transmission of monetary policy decisions. Despite the importance of the transmission process, little attention has been given to a systematic measurement of the degree of response of commercial banks‟ interest rates to changes in monetary policy stance in the Anglophone West African countries, specifically within the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) economies. Against this backdrop, this study explores the interest rate adjustment dynamics using monthly interest rate series on discount rate, treasury bill rate, commercial banks‟ deposit and lending rates from 1989 to 2009 (for Gambia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone) and from 2000 to 2009 (for Ghana). Specifically, the study set out to examine how lending and deposit rates respond to changes in the official rates and to see whether there is a convergence among the rates over time. Also, to examine the relative adjustment of commercial bank lending rates to changes in the official rate when there is disequilibrium. The analyses were twofold: a full sample period and a rolling window analysis. Following Cottarelli and Kourelis (1994), the study employed cointegration technique and an asymmetric error correction model to obtain the short-run and long-run parameters from which the error correction coefficients, mean adjustment lags and asymmetric mean adjustment lags were estimated. The results for the entire sample period revealed that the long-run pass-through in Nigeria was 81% and 67% for lending rates and deposit rates respectively. In Ghana, it was 66% and 69% for lending and deposit rates respectively. While in Sierra Leone, long-run pass-through was 62% and 72% for lending and deposit rates respectively. In Gambia, it was 50% and 40% for lending and deposit rates respectively. On the other hand, the short-run pass-through was found to be lower compared to the long-run pass-through: in Nigeria it was 66% and 47%; in Gambia, 26% and 29%; in Sierra Leone, 30% and 13%; and in Ghana, -6% and 35% for lending and deposit rates respectively in each country. The pass-through estimates for the rolling windows were mixed for short-run and long-run pass-through. The mean adjustment lags suggest that the speed of adjustment of Lending rates for full sample period were two, two, seven and twelve months in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Gambia respectively. While for deposit rates they were five, six, seven and eighteen for Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia and Sierra Leone respectively. The average speeds of adjustment for the rolling windows were four and five months for lending and deposit rates respectively. Weak evidence of convergence was found in lending and deposit rates in the short-run and long-run pass-through among the countries. However, the results suggest that the magnitude and speed of the pass-through amongst the countries on average were high compared to emerging Asian countries. Significant asymmetric adjustments were found in the lending rates for Gambia and Sierra Leone, while in Gambia and Nigeria there were asymmetries in deposit rates. Based on the evidence provided, interest rate pass-through is high in Nigeria and Ghana compared to Gambia and Sierra Leone and this calls for the harmonization of financial policies on the part of the financial authorities in the WAMZ. Viewed solely from an interest rate pass-through, the lack of convergence among the countries suggests that WAMZ is far from ready for a monetary union. The relatively low pass-through in some of the countries suggests rigidity in the banking system which may be due to underdevelopment of the system. Thus efforts geared toward strengthening the banking system and the financial system as whole would further enhance the prospect of a monetary union among them.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

Adoption and sustained use of M-Commerce to improve efficacy of construction SMMEs

  • Authors: Williams, Zenande
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Construction industry , Mobile commerce , Small business , Computer-assisted instruction , Interactive videos
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
  • Identifier: vital:11125 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/528 , Construction industry , Mobile commerce , Small business , Computer-assisted instruction , Interactive videos
  • Description: E-commerce has been said to bring value to businesses by improving business efficiency and effectiveness and thus providing business with a competitive advantage through the potential benefits that it offers (Cloete, Courtney & Fintz, 2002). However, despite the potential benefits that e-commerce can offer, the adoption of B2C e-commerce in South African construction SMMEs is low and this is due to the challenges associated with e-commerce (Vaithanathan, 2010; Uzoka, Shemi & Seleka, 2007; Love & Irani, 2004; Anumba & Ruikar, 2002). These e-commerce challenges include: high implementation costs, lack or poor infrastructure, inadequate resources, low use of e-commerce by suppliers and consumers, lack of access to e-commerce, computer illiteracy, deficiency in understanding the potential benefits of e-commerce and security concerns (Vaithanathan, 2010; Uzoka, Shemi, & Seleka, 2007; Mensah, Bahta, & Mhlanga, 2005; Cloete, Courtney, & Fintz, 2002). Therefore, due to these e-commerce challenges, construction SMMEs do not exploit the business advantages that e-commerce offers. In order to assist South African construction SMMEs in their efforts to improve their business effectiveness and efficiency through commercial technologies.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

After Baines

  • Authors: Walters, John Attwood Vereker
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Baines, Thomas, 1820-1875 Baines, Thomas, 1820-1875 -- Biography Painting, South African -- Exhibitions Painters -- South Africa -- Biography
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
  • Identifier: vital:2432 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004368
  • Description: By researching the life and work of Thomas Baines (1820 - 1875) in relation to a broader discourse of painting and the lived experience of being a 'white' male in a post-apartheid South Africa, I explore the ways in which this figure from the past has provoked the three series of artworks I have produced for my Master of Fine Art exhibition. This study has been divided into two parts, represented by the two chapters contained herein. Chapter One includes a critical retelling of Baines' biography and a discussion of the primary ways in which I have engaged with both the life and the working practice of this artist. I also address my own personal complicity in the constructions of 'the figure of Baines' as I have framed him both visually and textually during my work for this degree. Chapter Two describes some of the practicalities of my working process as a visual artist, including how I understand the theoretical and conceptual concerns which I raise in Chapter One to be visually manifest in my work. In this chapter, I also discuss my work in relation to the work of the contemporary South African artists William Kentridge and Johannes Phokela. The artistic practice of one artist imitating another artist's work is also explored as a central conceptual thread which could be seen to weave my verbal and visual production together.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

Alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable livelihoods through implementing skills development programmes

  • Authors: Mandavha, Ndovhatshinyani
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa , Poor -- Services for
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9046 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1620 , Poverty -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa , Poor -- Services for
  • Description: Poverty alleviation projects are interventions designed to assist the socio-economic conditions of poor communities. This is a case study on a skills development project that has been implemented with the aim of alleviating poverty through equipping people with productive skills. The study was conducted in Lephalale, Limpopo province. It was conducted during July and August 2011. The study focuses on skills development as a poverty alleviation strategy because developing skills is essential for building human capacity. The study evaluates the effectiveness of skills development within a community that is characterised by lack of education and skills. Many rural communities fail to apprehend education and skills as a result of their location and poverty. They are isolated from cities and towns and this has an impact on their surrounding conditions including the level of skills and education. The study found that the skills development project in Lephalale played a vital role of developing skills through training community members with the skills necessary to obtain jobs and be able to create self-employment. Creating self-employment is one way to address the challenges of unemployment and the lack of income. There research found that there are various job opportunities being created in the area, however the local community cannot participate due to lack of skills required in the labour market. The study revealed the majority of the people who joined the skills development project did not complete grade 12 and have never worked.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

An analysis of business skills and training needs in the plastic manufacturing industry in the Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Macheke, Richard
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Plastics industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Success in business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Vocational guidance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Skilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Unskilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
  • Identifier: vital:11322 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007118 , Plastics industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Success in business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Vocational guidance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Skilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Unskilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: Skills development is one of the major challenges faced by South Africans, with more than 60 percent of the labour force being unskilled. This affects many industries around the country as are they forced to employ unskilled employees a development which has a negative bearing on the quality of products having a negative bearing on the quality of products. The Plastic Manufacturing Industry in the Eastern Cape Province is a prime example of firms that are affected by the short supply of skilled personnel on the labour market. Required skills range from business skills that are essential for the operating of a business, to technical skills that are essential for the employees who are involved in the production of goods and services. Training in skills has been proven to be a key to success. The primary objective of this study was to undertake an analysis concerning the significance of business skills and training needs for business success. Secondary objectives were to determine whether training in business skills as well as technical skills for the employees, could bring on success to the business. The study further went on to investigate the importance of training programmes for businesses. Research methodology included literature review and an empirical study, making use of the survey method through self-administered questionnaires. The statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, frequencies, Chi-square tests and linear regression and ANOVA. The Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure reliability of the research results. The research findings established that training in business skills and related types of skills was essential for the success of a business. The findings further showed that, due to training, there was improvement in sales, annual turnover, and product quality and employee skills. Recommendations included advice to invest in human capital through training which then should improve the quality of products. Further studies in other regions other than the Eastern Cape Province were recommended.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

An analysis of Samuel P. Huntington's theories

  • Authors: Kirkby, Daniela M
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Liberalism , Politics and literature , Political science -- History
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:8271 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015964
  • Description: The traditional notion of Western liberal democracy has in recent years been met with a barrage of negative criticism. Liberal democracy from both a minimalist and substantive position appears to be backsliding, and once more falling into what Samuel P. Huntington (1991) termed a reverse wave. The analysis which Huntington (1991) presented ended in an era in which liberal democracy once more dominated the political landscape for a third consecutive wave, without any indication that it was going to relapse. In light of Huntington’s (1991) closure, this study has attempted to continue with his analysis and point to the possible existence of a third wave reversal. In order to do so, this study has meticulously used the same methodological approach as Huntington (1991) did to highlight previous wave reversals. This has been done by critically discussing, with examples, the existence of those factors that lead to a global decline in liberal democratic practice as prescribed by Huntington (1991). This study attempts not only to point to the possible existence of a third wave reversal, but also to explain the contextual reasons behind such an increase in anti-democratic rhetoric. The application of Huntington’s (1991) wave theory does not explain the subjective reasoning behind the contemporary deterioration of liberal democracy, as his factors leading to wave reversals may be too pragmatic for this study. It is in this light that a second argument as brought forward by Huntington in 1996, serves as the contextual layer for the decrease in democratic support as it provides the basis for the application of a critical discourse analysis. Therefore, this study serves not only as an investigation of the possible existence of a current third wave reversal, but also as an analysis into the discursive nature of liberal democracy’s historical and future trajectory.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

An analysis of selected cartoons published during Zimbabwe's 2008 elections

  • Authors: Mushohwe, Knowledge
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Zimbabwe. Parliament -- Elections, 2008 , World politics Caricatures and cartoons , Editorial cartoons -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 20th century , Mass media -- Law and legislation -- Zimbabwe , Freedom of speech -- Zimbabwe
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:8493 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1609 , Zimbabwe. Parliament -- Elections, 2008 , World politics Caricatures and cartoons , Editorial cartoons -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 20th century , Mass media -- Law and legislation -- Zimbabwe , Freedom of speech -- Zimbabwe
  • Description: During Zimbabwe’s 2008 harmonised elections the country’s media laws had a direct impact on the way editorial cartoonists expressed themselves. Although the online newspapers were unregulated and the print media published under Zimbabwe’s media laws, Public Order and Security Act and Access to Information and Protection of Privacy act - the editorial cartoons from both sources show deliberate bias towards one candidate and contempt towards the main rival. The study contextualises the understanding of the editorial cartoon, as practised in an environment of freedom of speech and defined by the four categories identified by Press (1981) and Manning and Phiddian (2004), and delineates the effect of media laws on the newspaper industry in Zimbabwe. The four categories of editorial cartoons identified are descriptive editorial cartoons, laughing satirical editorial cartoons, destructive satirical editorial cartoons, and savage indignation editorial cartoons. The study reviews eight editorial cartoons, read using a semiotic framework investigating non-verbal communication, as defined and suggested by Du Plooy (1996), and a text and language grid, as suggested by Leech (1974), according to the criteria of symbols/metaphors, exaggeration/distortion, stereotypes, caricature, irony, captions, and background knowledge, as developed by Fetsko (2001). A comparative analysis of the cartoons reveals that objectives and functions of the unregulated zimonline.co.za and the regulated the Herald newspapers are the same. They constitute propagandistic representations of Zimbabwean politics that are more an extension of political ideology than they are a reflection of the country’s sociopolitical landscape.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

An analysis of the elements of genocide with reference to the South African farmer's case

  • Authors: Du Toit, Johanna Helena
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Genocide -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Farmers -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
  • Identifier: vital:10168 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1568 , Genocide -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Farmers -- South Africa
  • Description: The definition of genocide encompasses not only the killing of a protected group as is so often erroneously believed, but also inter alia the causing of serious bodily and mental harm to a group and deliberately inflicting conditions of life on a group calculated to bring about its destruction in whole or in part. Eight stages have been identified through which conventional genocide goes. There is a closed list of four groups named in the Genocide Convention in respect of which genocide can be perpetrated. Problems have been experienced with the classification and the determination whether a group should qualify or not. In answer to this problem, the definition of the groups should be seen cohesively and attempts should preferably not be made to compartmentalise any group suspected of being targeted for genocide. The special intent required for genocide sets it apart from other crimes against humanity. The intention that needs to be proven is the desire to exterminate a group as such in whole or in part. The mention of “in part” opens the door for genocide to be perpetrated against a small sub-group which conforms to the definition of a group. The white Afrikaner farmer forms part of the larger white Afrikaner group residing in South Africa. Incitement to genocide is an inchoate crime and is regarded as a lesser crime reflected in lower sentences being passed for incitement than for genocide itself. The requirements are that the incitement must be direct and public. The required intention to incite must also be proven for a conviction to follow. The farmer who laid the complaint with the International Criminal Court, did so in the hope that the Prosecutor would utilise his or her proprio motu powers to instigate an investigation in South Africa regarding white Afrikaner farmers. The complaint and petition as well as the statistics used by the farmer paint the picture of incitement to genocide and possible genocide. The allegations are not specific and will have to be proven in a court of law for any such finding to follow. , Abstract
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  • Date Issued: 2011

An analysis of the factors influencing the provision of water in the Buffalo City Municipality, province of the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Zwelibanzi, Mantombi Elizabeth
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Water-supply -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:8260 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013011
  • Description: Factors affecting the provision of water constitute a great challenge to water officials not only in Buffalo City Municipality but also globally. Interviews form the basic data collection instrument used to provide empirical evidence to the objectives of the study. The objectives of the study are: To evaluate the underlying challenges encountered by water sector Engineers; To evaluate the role of municipal water sector officials in the provision of clean water; To analyse the factors influencing the provision of water in Buffllo City Municipality. Recommendations are provided which could assist Buffalo City Municipality in addressing the challenges affecting the provision of water as follows: The involvement of national and provincial governments in order to improve the Buffalo City Municipal infrastructure and capacity building is highly recommended. Power failure and water interruptions caused by mechanical problems and natural disasters, are further municipal challenges that need to be addressed irrespective of financial constraints. Public and private sector sponsors can be approached to join the initiative. Informal settlements should be formalised and limited to a certain number of people per site or household, depending on the infrastructure. If the infrastructure is not conducive they should be relocated elsewhere. Public and private sector sponsors should offer assistance to Buffalo City Municipality to develop the required water skills, by financing water officials who are interested in furthering their education at tertiary level. Public consultation, through meetings and public forums, and public participation, by the street committees and police forums, are recommended. Coupon systems for basic services like water and electricity for all residents is highly recommended. A generator for the municipal water sector is needed. This will overcome the power failure problem. The provision of water is affected by power outages as water equipment needs electricity to be able to operate. Installation of a water plant in Buffalo City Municipality‟s main dam, the Maden dam, that is supposed to supply King Williams town and the surrounding areas directly.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

An analysis of the influence of domestic macroeconomic variables on the performance of the South African stock market sectoral indices

  • Authors: Hancocks, Ryan Lee
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Stock price indexes -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Macroeconomics -- Econometric models
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:954
  • Description: An econometric study was undertaken to determine the extent to which selected macroeconomic variables influenced stock market prices on the All-Share, Financial, Mining and Retail Indices of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in South Africa from 1996:7 to 2008:12. The Johansen cointegration method was used to determine whether cointegrating relationships existed between the macroeconomic variables and the stock market indices. A Vector Error Correction model was estimated and found significant results that money supply, inflation, long and short- run interest rates, and the exchange rate all had an influence on stock market prices. Further, the VECM results for each sector indicated that certain macroeconomic variables had differing influences on each sector of the stock market. Impulse Response tests indicated that the selected macroeconomic variables caused shock to the sectoral indices in the short-run but that the effect was lagged. The Variance Decomposition tests conducted supported earlier evidence that the macroeconomic variables had a strong level of sectoral index determinacy in the long run. The results found that the All-Share and Financial Indices were negatively influenced by inflation and short term interest rates in the long run, while the Financial Index also had a negative relationship with long-run interest rates. Money supply was found to have a positive effect on all the indices. A weakening of the exchange rate was found to have a positive influence on both the Retail and Mining Indices, while it negatively affected the All-Share and Financial Indices. The long-run interest rate had a positive influence on both the Retail and Mining Indices. Overall the study finds that macroeconomic variables are important determinants of stock market prices in South Africa and that it is important to examine each sector of the stock market separately to capture what are different effects. The limitations of the study are that a different measure for exchange rates from the nominal rand/dollar exchange rate used here may yield more decisive results and provide insight into the link between exchange rate behaviour and performance of especially the retail sector.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

An analysis of the long run comovements between financial system development and mining production in South Africa

  • Authors: Ajagbe, Stephen Mayowa
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Econometric models , Mineral industries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , South Africa -- Economic policy , Principal components analysis , Cointegration , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:955 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002689 , Economic development -- South Africa , Econometric models , Mineral industries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , South Africa -- Economic policy , Principal components analysis , Cointegration , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates
  • Description: This study examines the nature of the relationship which exists between mining sector production and development of the financial systems in South Africa. This is particularly important in that the mining sector is considered to be one of the major contributors to the country’s overall economic growth. South Africa is also considered to have a very well developed financial system, to the point where the dominance of one over the other is difficult to identify. Therefore offering insight into the nature of this relationship will assist policy makers in identifying the most effective policies in order to ensure that the developments within the financial systems impact appropriately on the mining sector, and ultimately on the economy. In addition to using the conventional proxies of financial system development, this study utilises the principal component analysis (PCA) to construct an index for the entire financial system. The multivariate cointegration approach as proposed by Johansen (1988) and Johansen and Juselius (1990) was then used to estimate the relationship between the development of the financial systems and the mining sector production for the period 1988-2008. The study reveals mixed results for different measures of financial system development. Those involving the banking system show that a negative relationship exists between total mining production and total credit extended to the private sector, while liquid liabilities has a positive relationship. Similarly, with the stock market system, mixed results are also obtained which reveal a negative relationship between total mining production and stock market capitalisation, while a positive relationship is found with secondary market turnover. Of all the financial system variables, only that of stock market capitalisation was found to be significant. The result with the financial development index reveals that a significant negative relationship exists between financial system development and total mining sector production. Results on the other variables controlled in the estimation show that positive and significant relationships exist between total mining production and both nominal exchange rate and political stability respectively. Increased mining production therefore takes place in periods of appreciating exchange rates, and similarly in the post-apartheid era. On the other hand, negative relationships were found for both trade openness and inflation control variables. The impulse response and variance decomposition analyses showed that total mining production explains the largest amount of shocks within itself. Overall, the study reveals that the mining sector might not have benefited much from the development in the South African financial system.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

An analysis of the reliability of the 22kV distribution network of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

  • Authors: Lamour, Bernhardt Gustave
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Electrical power distribution -- Reliability -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Electric power system -- Quality control , Electrical apparatus and appliances -- Maintenance and repair
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:9596 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1537 , Electrical power distribution -- Reliability -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Electric power system -- Quality control , Electrical apparatus and appliances -- Maintenance and repair
  • Description: This dissertation is a systematic study of the 22kV Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) electricity power distribution network reliability evaluation and improvements to be applied. Reliability evaluation of electric power systems has traditionally been an integral part of planning and operation. Changes in the electricity utility, coupled with aging electrical apparatus, create a need for more realistic techniques for power system reliability modelling. This work presents a reliability evaluation technique that combines set literature and evaluation criteria. In analysing system reliability, this research takes into account the reasons for many outages and voltage dips and seeks to find mitigating approaches that are financially justified. The study analyses the power system in terms of the methodology developed, using power system reliability techniques, power quality evaluation, protection analyses and evaluating the network against maintenance interventions and programs, manpower availability and weather conditions contributing to the outages. In evaluating the power system various techniques are used to determine if the power network operates within the NRS standards, namely, reliability calculations, testing of protection equipment, interrogation of power quality instruments and modeling the network on Digsilent. This study will look at all the important factors influencing power system reliability, analysing the network in terms of the methodology and recommend improvements.
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  • Date Issued: 2011
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