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A pilot wide-field VLBI survey of the GOODS-North field

  • Authors: Akoto-Danso, Alexander
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Radio astronomy , Very long baseline interferometry , Radio interometers , Imaging systems in astronomy , Hubble Space Telescope (Spacecraft) -- Observations
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/72296 , vital:30027
  • Description: Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) has significant advantages in disentangling active galactic nuclei (AGN) from star formation, particularly at intermediate to high-redshift due to its high angular resolution and insensitivity to dust. Surveys using VLBI arrays are only just becoming practical over wide areas with numerous developments and innovations (such as multi-phase centre techniques) in observation and data analysis techniques. However, fully automated pipelines for VLBI data analysis are based on old software packages and are unable to incorporate new calibration and imaging algorithms. In this work, the researcher developed a pipeline for VLBI data analysis which integrates a recent wide-field imaging algorithm, RFI excision, and a purpose-built source finding algorithm specifically developed for the 64kx64k wide-field VLBI images. The researcher used this novel pipeline to process 6% (~ 9 arcmin2 of the total 160 arcmin2) of the data from the CANDELS GOODS- North extragalactic field at 1.6 GHz. The milli-arcsec scale images have an average rms of a ~ 10 uJy/beam. Forty four (44) candidate sources were detected, most of which are at sub-mJy flux densities, having brightness temperatures and luminosities of >5x105 K and >6x1021 W Hz-1 respectively. This work demonstrates that automated post-processing pipelines for wide-field, uniform sensitivity VLBI surveys are feasible and indeed made more efficient with new software, wide-field imaging algorithms and more purpose-built source- finders. This broadens the discovery space for future wide-field surveys with upcoming arrays such as the African VLBI Network (AVN), MeerKAT and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA).
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  • Date Issued: 2019

A platform for women’s experiences? a case of the hip hop scene in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Kabwato, Sasha Nyasha
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Hip-hop -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Popular culture -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rap musicians -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Musicians, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Women musicians, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Women, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda -- Psychology
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96503 , vital:31287
  • Description: The main aim of this research is to examine the hip hop scene in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape and whether hip hop can serve as a significant platform to discuss women’s lived experiences. This study also places focus on how female rappers construct their rap personas, as well as how they are perceived by their male counterparts. In order to understand the multifaceted viewpoints, it was necessary to interview both male and female hip hop artists. Eight interviews were conducted with eight young black rappers who are actively involved in the Grahamstown hip hop scene. It was found that hip hop, like any other art form, is a significant platform for women to express themselves, however gender constraints limit who is willing to listen to and promote their music. Male rappers advocate for women to talk about their stories, yet are more unlikely to listen because it does not relate to their struggles. In addition, there seem to be four specific tropes that female rappers choose to construct their identities from. Female rappers tend to create their personas around: Queen Mother, Fly Sista, Bitch with Attitude, and Lesbian. However, these categories are fluid and it was found that women navigate these categories depending on their audience and message they want to convey at a particular moment. Lastly, there is a split between Grahamstown West (Rhodes University) and Grahamstown East (township). University students are unlikely to perform in the township, and township residents rarely perform at organised events in Grahamstown West. In addition, Rhodes University students are more likely to feature on the university run radio station, rather than Radio Grahamstown, the local community radio.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

A proposed baseline South African antimicrobial stewardship curriculum for the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme

  • Authors: Khan, Yasmine
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Pharmacy -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Pharmacy -- Practice -- South Africa Drug utilization -- Dissertations Drug utilization -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35752 , vital:33805
  • Description: Antimicrobial stewardship refers to the healthcare practice which ensures the judicious and appropriate prescribing of antimicrobial agents. The primary purpose of antimicrobial stewardship entails minimising the progression of antimicrobial resistance; the rise of which is recognised as a threat to global health and safety. The pharmacist is recognised nationally and internationally as a key role player in the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship. Education of healthcare practitioners in antimicrobial stewardship is a recognised strategic enabler for the containment of antimicrobial resistance in South Africa. The primary aim of the study was to develop a proposed baseline antimicrobial stewardship curriculum which is suitable for implementation into the Bachelor of Pharmacy programmes offered by South African schools of pharmacy. The aims and objectives of the study were achieved through the conduction of four study phases: the content analysis, academic review, expert consultation and curriculum development. The content analysis investigated the structure and content of international antimicrobial stewardship curricula, and the national policy governing antimicrobial stewardship implementation in South Africa. Frequency distributions of trends from the reviewed literature informed the development of the initial draft antimicrobial stewardship curriculum for pharmacy students. In terms of content, the principles which emerges with high frequency, which were thus emphasised in the initial draft curriculum, included: the strategic objectives (governance, surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention); strategic enablers (education, communication, legislation and research); dose optimisation; audit and feedback; formulary restriction; collaboration; pre-authorisation; and de-escalation. Available literature did not provide extensive detail regarding the curriculum structure utilised internationally, particularly with regards to the number of contact hours dedicated to the curriculum content and the year level at which antimicrobial stewardship was incorporated in the degree programme (variable between studies). From the content analysis it was evident that a mixed methods pedagogy and use of multiple assessment techniques were recommended. The academic review phase allowed for further insight to be obtained into the content and structure of antimicrobial stewardship curriculum content which was presented in the pre-existing Bachelor of Pharmacy degree programmes. Furthermore, the academic review required that nominated participants from each school of pharmacy indicate which antimicrobial prescribing principles should be incorporated in the proposed baseline antimicrobial stewardship curriculum. The results of the academic review phase were collated with the content analysis in order to develop the updated draft antimicrobial stewardship curriculum. It was interesting to note that large variation in content and structure related to antimicrobial stewardship which was presented by the various schools of pharmacy in South Africa. In terms of curriculum content, recommendations made by academic professionals informed the development of relative importance groupings, which allowed for the various antimicrobial stewardship principles to be tiered according to importance for inclusion in the proposed baseline antimicrobial stewardship curriculum. The large variation in antimicrobial stewardship curriculum structure posed as a challenge for the development of the proposed baseline curriculum, requiring that the structure remain flexible in order for feasible incorporation into the pre-existing Bachelor of Pharmacy degree programmes offered by the various schools of pharmacy in South Africa. The expert consultation phase explored the perceptions of multiple key health disciplines who serve as part of antimicrobial stewardship teams in South Africa with regards to the role of the pharmacist in antimicrobial stewardship; and the minimum level of antimicrobial stewardship knowledge and skills which pharmacy students should possess prior to entry into practice. The results of the expert consultation phase were collated with the results of the content analysis and academic review phase in order to develop the final proposed baseline antimicrobial stewardship curriculum. The findings of the expert consultation phase indicated great variability regarding the perceived role of the pharmacist in antimicrobial stewardship within and between health disciplines. Furthermore, the relative perceived importance of various antimicrobial stewardship strategies and antimicrobial prescribing principles were explored, which informed the tiering of content in the final proposed antimicrobial stewardship curriculum.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

A psychobiographical study of Joseph Stalin

  • Authors: Matsolo, Vuyiswa
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Stalin, Joseph -- 1878-1953 , Developmental psychology Self-actualization (Psychology) Psychology -- Biographical methods
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41570 , vital:36530
  • Description: Joseph Stalin was the dictator of the Soviet Union from 1929 to 1953. Stalin ruled by terror and millions of people died during his term as leader. Stalin was known as an evil man, however, he was also hailed as a hero who was able to transform Russia into a major super power. Stalin died in 1953 at the age of 74, after suffering a massive stroke. The aim of the current study was to explore and describe the personality development of Stalin, by applying Alfred Adler’s theory of Individual Psychology and Theodore Millon’s Biopsychosocial Model of Personality to the context of his life experiences. The research design is a psychobiography, which is a single case study, and non-probability purposive sampling was used to select Stalin. The data consisted of primary and secondary data sources that described Stalin’s life experiences, and Yin’s (1994) guidelines for data collection were followed for data collection, which include using multiple sources of evidence, creating a case study database, and keeping and maintaining a reliable chain of evidence. The data was analysed in accordance to Miles and Huberman’s (1994a) model of data analysis. The findings of the study indicated that Stalin’s striving for significance was largely influenced by the social environment and cultural context in which he lived. These factors influenced his need for perfection and superiority, which became prevalent in his behaviour within his childhood years and throughout his quest for power in the Soviet Union. Stalin presented with Adler’s active-destructive lifestyle, which aligns with Millon’s antisocial personality pattern which focuses more on meeting the needs of the self at the expense of others.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

A psychobiographical study of Theodore Robert Bundy: an object relations approach

  • Authors: Landsberg, Melissa
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Developmental psychology , Object relations (Psychoanalysis) Psychology -- Biographical methods Psychology -- United States -- Biographical methods Serial murderers -- United States -- Biography Criminals -- United States -- Biography
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40456 , vital:36167
  • Description: The following research study aimed to explore and describe the life and personality development of Theodore Robert Bundy (1946-1989), a serial murderer who confessed to committing more than 30 homicides across different states of America between 1974 and 1978. By examining his distinctive set of cognitions and behaviours through a psychobiographical lens, Bundy’s use of primitive defense mechanisms and level of personality pathology could moreover be identified. In doing so, insights into the psychological motivations behind his aberrant actions could be acquired. This was attained through the application of Kernberg’s (1966) Object Relations Theory to Bundy’s lived experiences. Bundy was chosen as the research subject, based on his infamous reputation and interest value through employing a purposive sampling technique, and subsequently took the form of a qualitative, single case study. Data was collected through the triangulation of multiple primary and secondary sources available in the public domain. This data collection was furthermore processed and analysed through the use of Alexander’s (1988) textual indicators of psychological saliency, and the employment of Miles and Huberman’s (1994) three-step approach to qualitative data analysis (that is, data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification). The research findings confirmed Bundy’s pathological use of primitive defense mechanisms linked to Kernberg’s description of lower-level pathologies. It additionally emphasised the significance and utility of psychobiographical studies, and highlighted the value of Kernberg’s theory in understanding personality development. Recommendations were then made for future research endeavors to guide individuals that are interested in conducting similar studies that fall within the same genre of study.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

A Psychobiography of Martin Luther King, jr.

  • Authors: Perils, Carlyn Meredith
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: King, Martin Luther, -- Jr., -- 1929-1968 , Psychology -- Biographical methods Politicians -- Psychology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43160 , vital:36753
  • Description: This psychobiography focuses on the leadership style of Martin Luther King, Jr., a leader in the United States civil rights movement. King fought against racism, imperialism, poverty and political disenfranchisement, preached a philosophy of non-violence, and aimed to bring about reconciliation among classes, races, and nations. Transformational leaders stimulate and inspire followers to both achieve remarkable outcomes and, in the process, develop their own leadership capacity. This study makes use of a qualitative research method and is a longitudinal psychobiographical case study. The study aimed to explore, describe, and interpret the leadership style demonstrated by King according to the four leadership dimensions in transformational leadership theory. This psychobiographical study is exploratory-descriptive in nature. King was chosen as a research subject via purposive non- random sampling based on the interest value and significance of his life. Data on King’s leadership style was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Data was analysed according to Alexander’s (1988) method and Miles and Huberman’s (1994) approach. To ensure a trustworthy study, the four criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability were considered. The research did not cause any “distress or harm” to the subject. The subject is long deceased, and a large amount of psychobiographical research was based on “archival” information which was publicly available. Thus reporting such information posed minimal risk of criminal or civil liability being brought against the subject. King was found to demonstrate leadership style associated with idealized influence and inspirational motivation to a much higher extent than individualized consideration or intellectual stimulation. This finding contributes to a more specific understanding of the style of leadership King displayed. The insights gained from this study can be used to guide improvements in leadership practice, in terms of the development of leaders in industry.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

A regulatory framework for investment promotion by WESGRO in the Western Cape province, 2014 – 2017

  • Authors: Nodada, Lubabalo Yandisa
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Infrastructure (Economics)-- South Africa -- Western Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Western Cape Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Western Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42847 , vital:36699
  • Description: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) was impeded by an underperforming economy in the Western Cape Province between 2014 and 2017. In order to stimulate economic growth during the period under review, Wesgro, the organization invested with the mandate of attracting FDI to the Western Cape Province, was required to market and attract high volumes of FDI. As the Western Cape economy was not growing at the required rate, Wesgro set its FDI target ranges to within achievable levels. In order to create a foundation for understanding laws and economic policies relevant to marketing to attract FDI, this study reviewed regulatory frameworks for FDI in South Africa and the Western Cape Province. In addition, the National Development Plan (economic growth policy of South Africa) and the Western Cape Provincial Strategic Plan 2014-2019 (economic growth policy of the Province) were discussed. The research methodology of this study followed a descriptive research approach, analysing existing secondary data extracted from books, academic journals, research reports, Acts of Parliament, economic growth policies and annual reports from the 2013/14 to 2016/17 financial years. Relevant data emanating from reviewed regulatory frameworks, economic growth policies, official FDI and its various forms, academic debates on FDI and the strategic roles and approaches employed by IPAs when marketing to attract FDI to home destinations was withdrawn, analysed and the findings presented. The findings revealed that a weak growing Western Cape economy impeded the potential of Wesgro to attract FDI beyond its targeted ranges between 2014 and 2017. The findings also indicated that the Western Cape economy experienced lack of investment, low economic activity, low economic growth and high unemployment because Wesgro did not attract sufficient FDI to stimulate economic growth. High volumes of FDI are needed to stimulate the Western Cape Province’s economic growth. Based on the findings of this study, various recommendations were made on ways in which the Western Cape economy could grow.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

A social capital analysis of citizen participation and service delivery in metropolitan government in Zimbabwe: the case of Glenview, Harare since 2013

  • Authors: Sachikonye, Tafadzwa I
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Social capital (Sociology) -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Municipal services -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Local government -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Public administration -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Citizen particpation -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Local government --Citizen participation -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Harare (Zimbabwe). City Council
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96236 , vital:31253
  • Description: Significant challenges exist in contemporary Zimbabwe with regard to urban government, including with specific reference to citizenship participation and service delivery capacities. One of the crucial factors considered in the existing literature when examining urban government is the extent to which the central government intrudes in the affairs of urban government. This is particularly important given that, in recent years, many urban governments have been controlled by the main opposition party in the country. In this context, the thesis offers a critical examination of urban government in contemporary Zimbabwe by focusing on urban government in Harare (the capital) and, even more specifically, on the high-density, low-income area of Glenview. Harare is one of two metropolitan urban areas in Zimbabwe, along with Bulawayo, and is governed by the Harare City Council. While the central state’s relationship with urban governments (including Harare) in Zimbabwe is important, and is examined in this thesis, the primary concern is how this and other factors affect citizenship participation and service delivery in Harare. In pursuing this, the thesis draws upon social capital theory (including questions around trust and networks) to facilitate a critical analysis of urban government, citizenship participation and service delivery in Harare and Glenview specifically. The fieldwork for this thesis involved a qualitative research methodology, including informal interviews with relevant local stakeholders in Harare and associated documents. The thesis concludes that localised political, social and other contextual factors in Harare undercut the prospects for meaningful citizenship participation (with forms of social exclusion existing) and that this has negative implications for effective and efficient service delivery mechanisms.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

A sociological analysis of Rhodes University students’ understanding of depression

  • Authors: Kadula, Tadala
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: College students -- South Africa -- Mental health , College students -- South Africa -- Mental health -- Case studies , Depression, Mental , Rhodes University -- Students -- Attitudes
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96258 , vital:31255
  • Description: Using the theoretical framework of symbolic interactionism, this research sought to analyse and explore how Rhodes University students, both depressed and not depressed, understand depression, and how their understanding influences their interaction with people who do suffer from depression. For the purposes of this paper, eight participants were involved in an in-depth interview process. Out of the eight participants, six of them suffered from depression while the other remaining two participants had never suffered from depression, but they were close to someone who had depression. The findings of this research varied, some understood depression as a mental disturbance, others understood it as a condition that affects your emotions, and others understood it as a multifaceted condition that is highly subjective and cannot be understood using standardized measures. The participants’ personal experience and introduction into a new environment, in this context, university, changed their understanding of depression. The change in how they understood depression correlated with the change in how they interacted with depressed people.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

A sociological analysis of the Rhodes University Students and staff members’ perceptions on the use of traditional medicine and biomedicine

A sociological investigation of conflict and its effects on employees performance at the Windhoek training centre

  • Authors: Van Wyk, Deria
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Conflict Management-- Namibia , Employee motivation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45734 , vital:38959
  • Description: Conflicts are an inevitable part of organizational life since the goals of different stakeholders such as managers and staff are often incompatible. Conflict in the workplace can be detrimental to progress, efficiency and performance. In order to create a productive workforce, effective conflict resolution strategies need to be implemented. This has often led to workplace harmony and productivity. If not managed effectively and discreetly, workplace relationships will suffer and consequently will result in disunity and chaos. A cohesive work environment promotes employee performance and organizational effectiveness. Poorly managing conflicts in the workplace can have adverse effects on the level and frequency of future conflicts and can negatively affect productivity, job performance. The purpose of this study is to investigate the causes and effects of conflict at the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre and to find workable solutions to manage the conflict in an effort to improve job satisfaction and employee performance. Performance of Vocational Instructors at the WVTC are not always up to standard due to certain factors. This study aims to identify these factors and find solutions to address these problems. The study has followed a qualitative approach which included individual interviews using an interview guide. Secondary sources which ranges from journal articles and scholarly books were used as per social sciences research requirements
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  • Date Issued: 2019

A sociological investigation on alcohol abuse among the Xhosa youth: the case of Sibangweni village in the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Mancayi, Sibulele
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Alcoholism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Alcoholics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Alcohol use , Youth -- Substance use
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40878 , vital:36250
  • Description: The issue of alcohol abuse appears to be an area of concern across the world and South African communities seem not to be exempt to this issue. Unlike in the past, where alcohol abuse was an issue that affected elderly people in mostly urban settings, the seems to be a growing trend of this phenomenon in rural communities. Furthermore, the youth are the most affected social group by the habit of alcohol abuse. There are numerous causes of alcohol abuse and cultural influence can be identified as one of them. However, what needs to be ascertained is whether culture promotes or discourages drinking patterns that could ultimately cause alcohol abuse. With focus on the rural community of Sibangweni on the outskirts of Umtata in the Eastern Cape; qualitative research interviews were conducted with fifteen participants to investigate the nature of the relationship of the Xhosa culture and alcohol abuse among the youth in the community. Through a thematic analysis of the data that was collected through structured interviews it became clear that the is room for improvement in terms of maintaining consistency in the tenets of cultural practices. It became apparent that when practiced according to the traditional cultural framework, the Xhosa culture does not necessarily lead to alcohol abuse, even though consuming alcohol is a part of the culture. What also became clear is that culture could actually be an intervention mechanism to behavioural related issue in society.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

A Sociological Investigation on the Influence of Gender Inequality in Agricultural Development: A Study of Koloni village, Raymond Mhlaba Municipality.

  • Authors: Mxoli, Aviwe
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Agricultural productivity
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Sociology)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16373 , vital:40713
  • Description: This study investigates the influence of gender inequality in agricultural development in Koloni village, Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study explored the views of the agricultural active individual on the influence of gender inequality in agricultural development. Likewise, the study investigated the causes of gender inequality in agricultural productivity in the study area. Moreover, this study examined how gender inequality affect sale of agricultural production in Koloni Village. The study used theory triangulation and was guided by three theories namely: Women’s Empowerment Theory, Feminist Agrifood Systems Theory and the Agrarian Feminist Theory. The study used both quantitative and qualitative research methods embedded in pragmatic ontological and epistemological inquiry. Data collection process included the use of survey questionnaires, semi structured in-depth interviews and focus groups. The targeted participants of the study were obtained using non-probability sampling procedure. The quantitative data gathered were analysed using descriptive statistics, while the qualitative data were processed with the use of content analysis and the research findings are presented using sided by side comparison. The key findings of the study indicate that women do not reach their full potential in agriculture, owing to women’s lack of skill crucial in agriculture. Furthermore, gender inequality jeopardizes women’s chances of benefiting from workshops and trainings and that consequently affects women’s skills essential for agricultural production. The study concluded that gender inequality hinders agricultural development in Koloni village, Raymond Mhlaba municipality, South Africa. The findings of this study indicated that more women engage in agricultural activities than men nonetheless ii patriarchal systems within the agricultural sector that marginalises women is still dominant in Koloni village.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

A sociological study to explore the knowledge of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis at Rhodes University

A Statistical assessment of available solar resource across multiple sites in South Africa

  • Authors: Eastwood, Kirstie
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Mathematical statistics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39907 , vital:35505
  • Description: Around the globe, fossil fuels remain the primary source of energy at around 78% of the world’s total energy consumption. However, the associated carbon emissions, environmental impact, the depletion of fossil fuels and price and cost volatility are factors influencing the growing popularity of research into renewable energy. Solar power is acknowledged as the fastest-growing renewable energy, but the uncertainty surrounding the long-term projections of solar irradiance available for energy conversion is a hindrance when discussing the financial risk with potential investors. This study investigates the quality of freely available solar resource data in South Africa as well as proposes techniques for potential solar farm site comparisons. Tolerance intervals derived within a Bayesian framework provide information on the future available solar resource across multiple sites. These techniques capture the inherent variability in the available solar resource which equips investors with statistical methods that lead to the better understanding of the solar resource and thus aids in better decision-making.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

A strategy for adopting cloud computing services in small, medium and micro enterprises (SME) in the Nelson Mandela Metropole

  • Authors: Sarpong, George
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Cloud computing , Technological innovations -- Management Information technology -- Management Management information systems New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Small business -- South Africa -- Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43567 , vital:36920
  • Description: Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa continue to form the foundation for growing the economy. Thus, these enterprises have a significant role in to play in helping the country to eliminate poverty and unemployment. In order for these businesses to continue to grow and stay abreast with the changing business landscape, these businesses need to adopt some or other form of technology. One such technology is cloud computing, which is at times referred to as external hosting. Cloud computing is a type of technology that allows any business to operate as if it had a team of dedicated professional information technology (IT) personnel continually checking and monitoring its IT systems. As a result, cloud computing often allows a business to save on costs, improve communication with clients and speed up the transfer of information across the business. Thus, as SMEs often have small or non-existent IT departments, cloud computing offers these business an opportunity to compete with larger corporations without having to compromise on the quality of their service. However, in spite of these benefits, cloud computing still remains something of a novelty to many small businesses that operate in Nelson Mandela Metropole, as these businesses tend to either adopt a small portion of the technology or not to adopt the technology at all. The reasons for not significantly investing in the technology are usually far ranging but are often linked to these businesses not understanding how the service can be best used to help their business to grow. This study includes a description of a strategy that SMEs can follow when adopting cloud computing services as part of their business models. In addition to this, this study includes a discussion on the various benefits and disadvantages that await SMEs that make the decision to invest in the service.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

A strategy for improving the maturity levels of IT service management in higher education institutions in South Africa

  • Authors: Hilmer, Thomas
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Information technology -- Management , Information technology Education, Higher -- South Africa Education -- Effect of technological innovations on -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40161 , vital:35824
  • Description: IT Service Management (ITSM) refers to a set of activities that an organisation can perform to develop, supply, operate, manage and improve information technology related services in order to meet the needs of the business. The interest in ITSM is based on the expectation that applying best practice ITSM processes will result in lower expenses, fewer incidents and improved customer satisfaction. Various standards, frameworks, methodologies and processes have evolved to support this move to a value-driven, service-orientated approach to managing an organisation’s information systems. Between 2007 and 2009, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in South Africa benefited from a national project to improve the quality of their IT services through training in ITIL, a best practice ITSM framework. An assessment at the time, however, found that the maturity levels of the ITIL processes implemented after the intervention remained low, and this observation is common in other industries as well. The implementation of industry best practice ITSM frameworks does not always proceed smoothly; they can be costly, have long implementation times, and can be seen as excessively complicated and suited mainly for large organisations. Therefore, it is often challenging for organisations such as HEIs to improve their ITSM process maturity levels. The aim of this study is to develop a strategy that may assist South African HEIs in taking steps to improve their IT Service Management maturity levels. This primary research objective is addressed through a number of secondary research objectives, namely, to understand the challenges that HEIs often encounter when implementing ITSM; to determine the ITSM implementation status at a number of South African HEIs; to determine the various elements and components required to formulate the ITSM strategy; to determine whether alternatives to ITIL are feasible options for HEIs in South Africa; and to validate the proposed strategy by verifying its quality, utility and efficacy. A comprehensive literature review provides information on various ITSM standards, frameworks and methodologies. It also investigates ITSM adoption and implementation by organisations in general, and HEIs in particular, and how modern practices such as DevOps, Agile and Lean relate to ITSM. Thereafter, an online survey is used to determine the status of ITSM maturity levels at South African HEIs, and whether alternatives to ITIL are being used. Expert interviews are used to obtain additional information on what is required to formulate the proposed strategy. The findings from the literature review, survey and expert interviews are used to develop a four-step strategy, which was evaluated for its quality, utility and efficacy through an online assessment by the same experts. This strategy can be considered a useful tool for Higher Education Institutions in South Africa if they wish to increase their levels of IT Service Management maturity. The findings of this study make a substantial contribution to the field of ITSM research at South African Higher Education Institutions.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

A strategy to effectively manage the disaster recovery plan (DRP) at the city of Johannesburg: roads sector

  • Authors: Maphutha, Selina Masai
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Management information systems , Data recovery (Computer science) Computer security Emergency management Local government -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40944 , vital:36274
  • Description: Electronic information is critical to Municipalities, the City of Johannesburg (Road sector) rely on computerised systems to perform their operations and deliver services to its inhabitants. Disaster recovery planning for the City of Johannesburg is crucial and urgent, as it will ensure that the organisation is able to recover the core business functionality of its software, data, and systems after the occurrence of a natural or man-made disaster. Municipalities should have adequate recovery strategies in place in case of disasters. Planning for recovery from a disaster is quickly becoming recognized as a necessity, however organisational leaders are not putting recovery strategies as a priority and thus result in challenges when implementing the recovery processes i.e. Lack of resources, overlooking risk management, lack of leadership commitment to continuity processes and lack of understanding the concept of DRP and BCP. Disruption can happen when not anticipated, It is impossible to foresee what may hit an organisation. It is thus necessary and compulsory for organisation to plan for disasters most especially with ever-increasing dependence of business processes on technology services. The purpose of this research was to assess the adequacy of the Disaster recovery plan at the City of Johannesburg (Road sector) and to develop a strategy to effectively manage the DRP. The research revealed that the DRP at the City of Johannesburg (Road sector) is not comprehensive and that there are other processes that are not effectively implemented. There is a lack of resources for implementing the DRP. The dedicated staff is not adequately technically skilled to implement the disaster recovery processes. This study has revealed that the challenges noted were common to other institutions. An adequate DRP is crucial; capacity management and seamless procurement processes are also crucial for the success of the disaster recovery processes. Theoretically, this research adds to the literature on disaster recovery management and highlights the challenges and complexities involved. Practically, the research provides several lessons and guiding principles that the organisation may consider around disaster recovery management.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

A strategy to promote awareness and adherence to information security policy at Capricorn District Municipality

  • Authors: Mamabolo, Mokgadi Hellen
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Computer security -- Management , Data protection -- Management Computer security Computer networks -- Security measures
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40867 , vital:36245
  • Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate the reasons for non-adherence to the ISP and to measure the current level of adherence to the ISP. The research revealed that non adherence to the ISP is caused by lack of training or awareness, and through non-communication of the ISP to employees. The study was conducted at Capricorn District Municipality, Polokwane Local Municipality, Molemole Local Municipality and Blouberg Local Municipality. A web-based questionnaire (QuestionPro) was developed and it was directed to every official who uses or interacts with municipal information, to quantify the level of adherence to ISP by employees. An email with the questionnaire link administered by www.questionpro.com was then sent to the population of 152 employees. Presently ISP adherence is one of the key concerns that are faced by organisations. Employees are perceived as one of the reasons that there are security breaches within organisations; hence, it is of paramount importance that these security breaches are noticed, as well as technical matters. Most researchers have reasoned that non-adherence to ISP is one of the major challenges faced by organisations. The non-adherence to ISP will lead to potential information security threats and unauthorised access to information that might compromise municipal business operations. The Information Security Officer together with the help of management must educate employees regarding the value of IS and why it is crucial to adhere to these policies. The proposed strategy summarises the various concepts required in the promotion of awareness and adherence to an effective ISP. Ultimately, this research study concludes that if management continually trains employees, raising awareness about ISP and monitoring their adherence to ISP, this should increase the adherence level.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

A study of assimilation and alienation in West African fiction and psychic dislocation in South African fiction

  • Authors: Poisat, Ross
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: South African fiction (English) , South African fiction -- History and criticism Assimilation (Sociology) Alienation (Social psychology)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43270 , vital:36776
  • Description: This dissertation will provide a study of Assimilation and Alienation in West African fiction of Ferdinand Oyono’s Houseboy (1956) and Ayi Kwei Armah’s Why Are We So Blest? (1972) and Psychic dislocation in South African fiction of Wulf Sachs’s Black Hamlet (1936/1996). The dissertation plans to examine the specific effects of assimilation, alienation and psychic dislocation by examining them as central lines of argument in the respective texts. In Houseboy, the Catholic mission is depicted as being subordinate to the French Policy of Assimilation in colonial Cameroon. This dissertation examines how Oyono represents the manner in which the French catechists indoctrinated, dehumanized and made ‘other’ the colonized Cameroonian people. The relationship between colonial violence and trauma in Oyono’s text is also explored in relation to how the trauma of the colonized is expressed by them being the subject of and witnessing colonial violence at the hands of French Imperial agents. Oyono’s text was selected because it presents a counter-hegemonic portrayal of the French Policy of Assimilation and the Catholic mission’s complicity in this process. Why Are We So Blest? is analysed in terms of Armah’s depiction of the Modin’s relationship to a Western model of education, which is illustrative of his academic, racial and cultural alienation. The protagonist in Armah’s text can be seen as complicit in the history of colonial oppression due to his intellectual dependency on Western knowledge. Furthermore, this dissertation explores how the Modin is alienated by his relationships with his white academic superiors, who ‘other’, deny him agency, and infantilize him. Furthermore, the Algerian revolution functions as an expression of culture and the African intellectual, by being denied entry to it, is also alienated from the African masses. Armah’s text was selected because of its complex depiction of alienation. The literary analysis of Black Hamlet in this dissertation seeks to address the neglect of the fictional and imaginative aspects of the text in preceding studies. The representation of the psychic dislocation of John as a Shona nganga’s relationship to his ancestors is approached from a cultural and racial perspective in further examining his psychic dislocation in relation to the narrator. Furthermore, this dissertation investigates how Black Hamlet can be seen to suggest that psychic dislocation is tied to the hierarchal nature of colonial relations between John and the white narrator, and to John’s unreal experience of racialized South African and Zulu cultural place.
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  • Date Issued: 2019
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