An analysis of how visualisation capabilities in dynamic geometric software develop meaning-making of mathematical concepts in selected Grade 11 learners
- Authors: Mavani, Deepack Pravin
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa , Mathematics -- Computer programs , Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Case studies , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- Activity programs , Educational technology , Visualization
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143213 , vital:38211
- Description: Visualisation plays a central role in developing mathematical ideas because it can be used to make these ideas explicit and visible, and thus has the potential to advance understanding. This study centred around the GeoGebra Literacy Initiative Project (GLIP), a teacher development initiative in Mthatha that aimed to grow and develop appropriate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills in teachers, to harness the teaching and learning potential of GeoGebra. GeoGebra is a dynamic geometric software package that is very interactive and makes use of powerful features to create images which can be moved around the computer screen for mathematical exploration. This research project was located within GLIP and analysed how GeoGebra applets develop conceptual and procedural understanding in selected Grade 11 learners. One aspect of GLIP was for teachers to use GeoGebra applets that they had developed themselves and implemented in their classrooms in pre-determined cycles that were aligned to the curriculum. My study specifically focused on how the selected learners made use of these applets and explored how learning had taken place in terms of developing mathematical meaning-making. This interpretive research study was designed as a case study. The case was a cohort of selected Grade 11 learners who had been taught by GLIP teachers, and my unit of analysis was the learners’ interaction with the applets. A screen capturing software package was used to capture learners’ interactions with the GeoGebra. My data consisted mainly of recorded observations and interviews. An analytical framework derived from the works of Kilpatrick, Swafford, and Findell (2001) and Carter et al. (2009) guided and informed the data analysis of the learners’ activities with the GeoGebra. The theoretical orientation of this study was constructivist learning. An in-depth analysis and detailed descriptions of the participants’ interactions enabled me to gain a comprehensive understanding of their meaning-making processes in a technological classroom context. An analysis across the participants identified distinguishable patterns or differences in the development of the learners’ mathematical proficiency and making sense of mathematical ideas. The research argued that technology enabled visualisation was a powerful tool to not only enrich mathematically activities, but to also enrich conceptual and procedural understanding. The findings recognised that exploration of, or manipulation on mathematical objects in GeoGebra was a key activity in the participants’ meaning-making process. It also enabled learners to offer self-proclaimed theories
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mavani, Deepack Pravin
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa , Mathematics -- Computer programs , Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Case studies , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- Activity programs , Educational technology , Visualization
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143213 , vital:38211
- Description: Visualisation plays a central role in developing mathematical ideas because it can be used to make these ideas explicit and visible, and thus has the potential to advance understanding. This study centred around the GeoGebra Literacy Initiative Project (GLIP), a teacher development initiative in Mthatha that aimed to grow and develop appropriate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills in teachers, to harness the teaching and learning potential of GeoGebra. GeoGebra is a dynamic geometric software package that is very interactive and makes use of powerful features to create images which can be moved around the computer screen for mathematical exploration. This research project was located within GLIP and analysed how GeoGebra applets develop conceptual and procedural understanding in selected Grade 11 learners. One aspect of GLIP was for teachers to use GeoGebra applets that they had developed themselves and implemented in their classrooms in pre-determined cycles that were aligned to the curriculum. My study specifically focused on how the selected learners made use of these applets and explored how learning had taken place in terms of developing mathematical meaning-making. This interpretive research study was designed as a case study. The case was a cohort of selected Grade 11 learners who had been taught by GLIP teachers, and my unit of analysis was the learners’ interaction with the applets. A screen capturing software package was used to capture learners’ interactions with the GeoGebra. My data consisted mainly of recorded observations and interviews. An analytical framework derived from the works of Kilpatrick, Swafford, and Findell (2001) and Carter et al. (2009) guided and informed the data analysis of the learners’ activities with the GeoGebra. The theoretical orientation of this study was constructivist learning. An in-depth analysis and detailed descriptions of the participants’ interactions enabled me to gain a comprehensive understanding of their meaning-making processes in a technological classroom context. An analysis across the participants identified distinguishable patterns or differences in the development of the learners’ mathematical proficiency and making sense of mathematical ideas. The research argued that technology enabled visualisation was a powerful tool to not only enrich mathematically activities, but to also enrich conceptual and procedural understanding. The findings recognised that exploration of, or manipulation on mathematical objects in GeoGebra was a key activity in the participants’ meaning-making process. It also enabled learners to offer self-proclaimed theories
- Full Text:
An analysis of indicators disclosed in the integrated annual reports of selected South African retailers
- Authors: Blignaut, Anna Cornelia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Financial statements -- South Africa -- Case studies , Retail trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140859 , vital:37924
- Description: This study aimed to analyse the indicators disclosed in the Integrated Annual Reports (IARs) of selected South African retailers. This was firstly done by identifying the six capital and governance indicators retailers report on in order to analyse the commonalities and differences between them, secondly by identifying and assessing evidence of integrated thinking and lastly by making recommendations for optimal retail sector reporting. IARs from Pick n Pay Stores Ltd, Shoprite Holdings Ltd, Spar Group Ltd and Woolworths Holdings Ltd were analysed using content analysis. The results found noteworthy differences in IAR composition in terms of report length and the sections retailers devoted more or less of their report to. Governance and Remuneration indicator disclosure did not allow for broad comparison among all four retailers. In terms of indicator disclosure few indicators were disclosed by all retailers, whilst many were only disclosed by one retailer. Disclosures related to all six capitals were found, yet some indicators were disclosed excessively. Paradoxically, insufficient disclosure of indicators that are easily measurable and low levels of negative or unfavourable indicator disclosure was also apparent in this study. The comparability of indicators was influenced by the aggregation and disaggregation of indicators as well as the lack of consistency in the terminology used in IARs. Indicator disclosure also revealed several trends in the South African retail industry. This research identified the following six themes related to integrated thinking in the sample IARs. Retailers understand the connection between capitals, express consideration for multiple stakeholders and appreciate the context in which they operate, to some extent. Retailers were also found to have different interpretations of sustainability as part of their strategy and risk management whilst the completeness and consistency of information disclosed and retailers’ conceptualisation of value-added in IAR has not yet developed to the same extent across the retail industry. This study finally makes recommendations that may be used for optimal retail sector reporting with regards to the integrated reporting process as well as the integrated report itself. Addressing the former it is recommended that: integrated reporting be viewed as a means to build an internal understanding of their sustainability practices; integrated thinking be included as part of their strategic planning process; all capitals be considered in decision making; communication be established with others in the retail industry and that retailers engage with the IIRC on integrated reporting issues. In terms of the IAR itself, it is recommended that retailers ensure consistency in the terminology used and that the disaggregation of indicators is done in a consistent way. Retailers should include a balance of positive and negative disclosures as well as context-based indicators and seek assurance of the social, environmental and ethical information in their IARs. Finally, retailers need to set measurable sustainability performance targets and link them to specific performance indicators. The results of this study are not without limitations. The identification and categorisation of an indicator was largely based on the researcher’s own judgement in the content analysis process and can be highlighted as the main limitation of this research.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Blignaut, Anna Cornelia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Financial statements -- South Africa -- Case studies , Retail trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140859 , vital:37924
- Description: This study aimed to analyse the indicators disclosed in the Integrated Annual Reports (IARs) of selected South African retailers. This was firstly done by identifying the six capital and governance indicators retailers report on in order to analyse the commonalities and differences between them, secondly by identifying and assessing evidence of integrated thinking and lastly by making recommendations for optimal retail sector reporting. IARs from Pick n Pay Stores Ltd, Shoprite Holdings Ltd, Spar Group Ltd and Woolworths Holdings Ltd were analysed using content analysis. The results found noteworthy differences in IAR composition in terms of report length and the sections retailers devoted more or less of their report to. Governance and Remuneration indicator disclosure did not allow for broad comparison among all four retailers. In terms of indicator disclosure few indicators were disclosed by all retailers, whilst many were only disclosed by one retailer. Disclosures related to all six capitals were found, yet some indicators were disclosed excessively. Paradoxically, insufficient disclosure of indicators that are easily measurable and low levels of negative or unfavourable indicator disclosure was also apparent in this study. The comparability of indicators was influenced by the aggregation and disaggregation of indicators as well as the lack of consistency in the terminology used in IARs. Indicator disclosure also revealed several trends in the South African retail industry. This research identified the following six themes related to integrated thinking in the sample IARs. Retailers understand the connection between capitals, express consideration for multiple stakeholders and appreciate the context in which they operate, to some extent. Retailers were also found to have different interpretations of sustainability as part of their strategy and risk management whilst the completeness and consistency of information disclosed and retailers’ conceptualisation of value-added in IAR has not yet developed to the same extent across the retail industry. This study finally makes recommendations that may be used for optimal retail sector reporting with regards to the integrated reporting process as well as the integrated report itself. Addressing the former it is recommended that: integrated reporting be viewed as a means to build an internal understanding of their sustainability practices; integrated thinking be included as part of their strategic planning process; all capitals be considered in decision making; communication be established with others in the retail industry and that retailers engage with the IIRC on integrated reporting issues. In terms of the IAR itself, it is recommended that retailers ensure consistency in the terminology used and that the disaggregation of indicators is done in a consistent way. Retailers should include a balance of positive and negative disclosures as well as context-based indicators and seek assurance of the social, environmental and ethical information in their IARs. Finally, retailers need to set measurable sustainability performance targets and link them to specific performance indicators. The results of this study are not without limitations. The identification and categorisation of an indicator was largely based on the researcher’s own judgement in the content analysis process and can be highlighted as the main limitation of this research.
- Full Text:
An Analysis of Internet Background Radiation within an African IPv4 netblock
- Authors: Hendricks, Wadeegh
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Monitoring –- South Africa , Dark Web , Computer networks -- Security measures –- South Africa , Universities and Colleges -- Computer networks -- Security measures , Malware (Computer software) , TCP/IP (Computer network protocol)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/103791 , vital:32298
- Description: The use of passive network sensors has in the past proven to be quite effective in monitoring and analysing the current state of traffic on a network. Internet traffic destined to a routable, yet unused address block is often referred to as Internet Background Radiation (IBR) and characterised as unsolicited. This unsolicited traffic is however quite valuable to researchers in that it allows them to study the traffic patterns in a covert manner. IBR is largely composed of network and port scanning traffic, backscatter packets from virus and malware activity and to a lesser extent, misconfiguration of network devices. This research answers the following two questions: (1) What is the current state of IBR within the context of a South African IP address space and (2) Can any anomalies be detected in the traffic, with specific reference to current global malware attacks such as Mirai and similar. Rhodes University operates five IPv4 passive network sensors, commonly known as network telescopes, each monitoring its own /24 IP address block. The oldest of these network telescopes has been collecting traffic for over a decade, with the newest being established in 2011. This research focuses on the in-depth analysis of the traffic captured by one telescope in the 155/8 range over a 12 month period, from January to December 2017. The traffic was analysed and classified according the protocol, TCP flag, source IP address, destination port, packet count and payload size. Apart from the normal network traffic graphs and tables, a geographic heatmap of source traffic was also created, based on the source IP address. Spikes and noticeable variances in traffic patterns were further investigated and evidence of Mirai like malware activity was observed. Network and port scanning were found to comprise the largest amount of traffic, accounting for over 90% of the total IBR. Various scanning techniques were identified, including low level passive scanning and much higher level active scanning.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hendricks, Wadeegh
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Monitoring –- South Africa , Dark Web , Computer networks -- Security measures –- South Africa , Universities and Colleges -- Computer networks -- Security measures , Malware (Computer software) , TCP/IP (Computer network protocol)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/103791 , vital:32298
- Description: The use of passive network sensors has in the past proven to be quite effective in monitoring and analysing the current state of traffic on a network. Internet traffic destined to a routable, yet unused address block is often referred to as Internet Background Radiation (IBR) and characterised as unsolicited. This unsolicited traffic is however quite valuable to researchers in that it allows them to study the traffic patterns in a covert manner. IBR is largely composed of network and port scanning traffic, backscatter packets from virus and malware activity and to a lesser extent, misconfiguration of network devices. This research answers the following two questions: (1) What is the current state of IBR within the context of a South African IP address space and (2) Can any anomalies be detected in the traffic, with specific reference to current global malware attacks such as Mirai and similar. Rhodes University operates five IPv4 passive network sensors, commonly known as network telescopes, each monitoring its own /24 IP address block. The oldest of these network telescopes has been collecting traffic for over a decade, with the newest being established in 2011. This research focuses on the in-depth analysis of the traffic captured by one telescope in the 155/8 range over a 12 month period, from January to December 2017. The traffic was analysed and classified according the protocol, TCP flag, source IP address, destination port, packet count and payload size. Apart from the normal network traffic graphs and tables, a geographic heatmap of source traffic was also created, based on the source IP address. Spikes and noticeable variances in traffic patterns were further investigated and evidence of Mirai like malware activity was observed. Network and port scanning were found to comprise the largest amount of traffic, accounting for over 90% of the total IBR. Various scanning techniques were identified, including low level passive scanning and much higher level active scanning.
- Full Text:
An analysis of purple truths: an alternative history of the school of journalism and media studies at Rhodes University. Exploring the possibilities of digital media for telling history through multiple voices
- Authors: Geldenhuys, Jesamé
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Citizen journalism -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Social media and history -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Public history -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Digital media -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Digital humanities , User-generated content -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Social media -- Authorship , Rhodes University. School of Journalism and Media Studies -- History , Purple Truths
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142293 , vital:38066
- Description: In theory, notions of public history and participatory journalism signal the ability of users to become active collaborators in the journalistic process with a degree of agency and authority over media content. Similarities in public history and participatory journalism are manifested in audience participation where the traditional and hegemonic boundaries between readers and journalists/historians are challenged. In this thesis, I present Purple Truths, a digital public history website about the School of Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University, that highlights multivocality and plurality. It allowed for democratisation of the historical narrative by inviting audience participation to historical inquiry on a digital platform. It was constructed as a case study for the thesis to investigate participatory processes. Using a five-dimensional model developed by Netzer et al. (2014) for the construction of participation on news websites, I identified five major participation features that revealed how and where participation was happening on the website. The features were mapped and tabulated according to Carpentier’s (2011) maximalist/minimalist dimensions of participation (access, interaction and ‘real’) to determine the degrees of participation in this study towards the aim of using the Purple Truths website to democratise the historical narrative. My findings suggest that despite a diversity of strategies, the study did have to rely on existing norms and practices of editorial decision-making, even in the context of digital media, and significant stages of the news-production process (selection/filtering) remained in the hands of researcher/editor. Maximalist participation, demonstrated as equalised power relations in decision-making, has a utopian dimension and is difficult to translate into practice. However, participation research requires further investigation in the digital humanities in South Africa to explore notions of democratisation of the narrative in academic and social praxis as sites of interdisciplinary democratic renewal
- Full Text:
- Authors: Geldenhuys, Jesamé
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Citizen journalism -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Social media and history -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Public history -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Digital media -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Digital humanities , User-generated content -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Social media -- Authorship , Rhodes University. School of Journalism and Media Studies -- History , Purple Truths
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142293 , vital:38066
- Description: In theory, notions of public history and participatory journalism signal the ability of users to become active collaborators in the journalistic process with a degree of agency and authority over media content. Similarities in public history and participatory journalism are manifested in audience participation where the traditional and hegemonic boundaries between readers and journalists/historians are challenged. In this thesis, I present Purple Truths, a digital public history website about the School of Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University, that highlights multivocality and plurality. It allowed for democratisation of the historical narrative by inviting audience participation to historical inquiry on a digital platform. It was constructed as a case study for the thesis to investigate participatory processes. Using a five-dimensional model developed by Netzer et al. (2014) for the construction of participation on news websites, I identified five major participation features that revealed how and where participation was happening on the website. The features were mapped and tabulated according to Carpentier’s (2011) maximalist/minimalist dimensions of participation (access, interaction and ‘real’) to determine the degrees of participation in this study towards the aim of using the Purple Truths website to democratise the historical narrative. My findings suggest that despite a diversity of strategies, the study did have to rely on existing norms and practices of editorial decision-making, even in the context of digital media, and significant stages of the news-production process (selection/filtering) remained in the hands of researcher/editor. Maximalist participation, demonstrated as equalised power relations in decision-making, has a utopian dimension and is difficult to translate into practice. However, participation research requires further investigation in the digital humanities in South Africa to explore notions of democratisation of the narrative in academic and social praxis as sites of interdisciplinary democratic renewal
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An Analysis of Self-Help Agricultural Projects in Rothe Village, Lesotho
- Authors: Phiri, Bokang
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Community development -- Lesotho , Rural development -- Lesotho , Rural development projects - Lesotho -- Case studies , Agricultural development projects - Lesotho -- Case studies , Agricultural development projects - Lesotho -- Evaluation , Rural Self-Help Development Association
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144242 , vital:38324
- Description: The study analysed self-help agricultural projects in Rothe, Lesotho to ascertain whether they improve the quality lives of Rothe villagers. As much as government driven self-help projects in Lesotho contribute to growing the rural economy, there is limited research that looks the sustainability of these interventions. Much of the literature in Lesotho reveal that self-help agricultural projects have focused on people being provided with food-for-work, or cash-for-work, these offered little benefits and temporary relief for hunger for beneficiaries. This study seeks to understand how self-help agricultural projects can sustainable improve the lives of Rothe community in Lesotho. The study drew from Sustainable Livelihoods Approach to understand self-help agricultural projects in Rothe, Lesotho. The study employed a qualitative case study approach, supplemented by purposive and snowball sampling methods and semi-structured interviews to select and interview self-help project beneficiaries and Field Officers of RSDA in Rothe Village. The findings revealed that self-help agricultural projects are alternative development interventions for improving the quality lives of poor rural villagers. These development interventions enable people to access livelihoods resources, assets, and social capitals that are important to improve, and sustain livelihoods. Additionally, they improve capabilities of the poor, and contribute to their overall development. The thesis concludes that these development interventions have a role to play in alleviating rural poverty lives as a way to ensure equitable distribution of resources. The study recommends that the government, people on the ground and RSDA should work together to strengthen people’s capabilities through self-help agricultural projects to promote welfare and well-being of rural people.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Phiri, Bokang
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Community development -- Lesotho , Rural development -- Lesotho , Rural development projects - Lesotho -- Case studies , Agricultural development projects - Lesotho -- Case studies , Agricultural development projects - Lesotho -- Evaluation , Rural Self-Help Development Association
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144242 , vital:38324
- Description: The study analysed self-help agricultural projects in Rothe, Lesotho to ascertain whether they improve the quality lives of Rothe villagers. As much as government driven self-help projects in Lesotho contribute to growing the rural economy, there is limited research that looks the sustainability of these interventions. Much of the literature in Lesotho reveal that self-help agricultural projects have focused on people being provided with food-for-work, or cash-for-work, these offered little benefits and temporary relief for hunger for beneficiaries. This study seeks to understand how self-help agricultural projects can sustainable improve the lives of Rothe community in Lesotho. The study drew from Sustainable Livelihoods Approach to understand self-help agricultural projects in Rothe, Lesotho. The study employed a qualitative case study approach, supplemented by purposive and snowball sampling methods and semi-structured interviews to select and interview self-help project beneficiaries and Field Officers of RSDA in Rothe Village. The findings revealed that self-help agricultural projects are alternative development interventions for improving the quality lives of poor rural villagers. These development interventions enable people to access livelihoods resources, assets, and social capitals that are important to improve, and sustain livelihoods. Additionally, they improve capabilities of the poor, and contribute to their overall development. The thesis concludes that these development interventions have a role to play in alleviating rural poverty lives as a way to ensure equitable distribution of resources. The study recommends that the government, people on the ground and RSDA should work together to strengthen people’s capabilities through self-help agricultural projects to promote welfare and well-being of rural people.
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An analysis of South Africa’s food security policy frameworks from a food sovereignty perspective: challenges and implications for genuine long-term food security
- Authors: Hoepfl, Jason
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Food sovereignty -- South Africa , Food security -- South Africa , Food security -- Government policy -- South Africa , Food security -- Climatic factors -- South Africa , Food policy -- Government policy -- South Africa , Agriculture and state -- South Africa , Food industry and trade -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/162851 , vital:40990
- Description: Food price volatility, ecological shocks and unprecedented levels of hunger and obesity are increasing concerns within food security governance, as is the emergence of food sovereignty in broadening critical discussions around food, water, energy and environmental crises. This thesis analyses this changing terrain in the context of South African policy. It analyses shifts in policymaking and the capability of South Africa’s food security policy frameworks to include food sovereignty principles and in so doing support genuine long-term food security. A shift in policy priorities from household production, trade and income opportunities towards social safety nets and nutritional interventions is identified. This focus is constrained by an inability to affect structural changes within a deeply inequitable food landscape. An emphasis on commercial farming and unwillingness to challenge large agribusiness, value chains and corporate retail has enabled social differentiation in access to food and the country’s colonial land dispensation to continue. Consequently, markets have continued to be antipathetic to the needs of poor producers and consumers in South Africa. To overcome these structural constraints, food security policy needs to be framed within a more radical normative agenda. This is important for challenging inequitable power relations and asserting the social and ecological imperatives of healthy food systems. Food sovereignty has significant potential to support a normative agenda by supporting the multiple farming practices, enterprises and livelihood strategies pursued by poor farmers, the unemployed and working poor whilst preserving sensitive environments for future generations. Determining the future of food security is not the privilege of the few with economic clout or power to govern but the right of all. The incorporation of food sovereignty principles in policymaking is therefore paramount for achieving genuine long-term food security.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hoepfl, Jason
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Food sovereignty -- South Africa , Food security -- South Africa , Food security -- Government policy -- South Africa , Food security -- Climatic factors -- South Africa , Food policy -- Government policy -- South Africa , Agriculture and state -- South Africa , Food industry and trade -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/162851 , vital:40990
- Description: Food price volatility, ecological shocks and unprecedented levels of hunger and obesity are increasing concerns within food security governance, as is the emergence of food sovereignty in broadening critical discussions around food, water, energy and environmental crises. This thesis analyses this changing terrain in the context of South African policy. It analyses shifts in policymaking and the capability of South Africa’s food security policy frameworks to include food sovereignty principles and in so doing support genuine long-term food security. A shift in policy priorities from household production, trade and income opportunities towards social safety nets and nutritional interventions is identified. This focus is constrained by an inability to affect structural changes within a deeply inequitable food landscape. An emphasis on commercial farming and unwillingness to challenge large agribusiness, value chains and corporate retail has enabled social differentiation in access to food and the country’s colonial land dispensation to continue. Consequently, markets have continued to be antipathetic to the needs of poor producers and consumers in South Africa. To overcome these structural constraints, food security policy needs to be framed within a more radical normative agenda. This is important for challenging inequitable power relations and asserting the social and ecological imperatives of healthy food systems. Food sovereignty has significant potential to support a normative agenda by supporting the multiple farming practices, enterprises and livelihood strategies pursued by poor farmers, the unemployed and working poor whilst preserving sensitive environments for future generations. Determining the future of food security is not the privilege of the few with economic clout or power to govern but the right of all. The incorporation of food sovereignty principles in policymaking is therefore paramount for achieving genuine long-term food security.
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An analysis of the professional identity and experiences of clinical psychologists in South Africa
- Authors: Shnier, Tarryn Kaela
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology -- South Africa , Clinical psychologists -- South Africa , Critical incident technique , Psychology -- Practice -- South Africa , Identity (Psychology) , Empirical
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BSocSc(Honours)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185373 , vital:44381
- Description: The discipline of psychology, and the profession of clinical psychology in South Africa has made marked strides over the nearly 30 years since the end of the apartheid era. However, there is little known about the professional identity and experiences of clinical psychologists in South Africa. This study involved conducting a critical incident analysis of the experiences of 410 clinical psychologists in South Africa, in order to identify possible commonality in experiences and what meaning these experiences have for the professional identity of clinical psychologists in South Africa. Findings suggest that professional identity is greatly influenced by experiences involving interactions with mental health care users, and experiences working within multidisciplinary teams. These findings are discussed in connection with existing literature that details concepts of professional identity and South African psychology, in order to establish clarity on the professional identity of clinical psychologists in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Shnier, Tarryn Kaela
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology -- South Africa , Clinical psychologists -- South Africa , Critical incident technique , Psychology -- Practice -- South Africa , Identity (Psychology) , Empirical
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BSocSc(Honours)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185373 , vital:44381
- Description: The discipline of psychology, and the profession of clinical psychology in South Africa has made marked strides over the nearly 30 years since the end of the apartheid era. However, there is little known about the professional identity and experiences of clinical psychologists in South Africa. This study involved conducting a critical incident analysis of the experiences of 410 clinical psychologists in South Africa, in order to identify possible commonality in experiences and what meaning these experiences have for the professional identity of clinical psychologists in South Africa. Findings suggest that professional identity is greatly influenced by experiences involving interactions with mental health care users, and experiences working within multidisciplinary teams. These findings are discussed in connection with existing literature that details concepts of professional identity and South African psychology, in order to establish clarity on the professional identity of clinical psychologists in South Africa.
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An analysis of the public reporting of organisational resilience found within the integrated reports of a large state-owned enterprise
- Authors: Fleming, Linda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) , Organizational resilience , Eskom (Firm) -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141276 , vital:37958
- Description: This research explored whether there is any evidence of reporting of organisational resilience within the integrated reports of a large state-owned enterprise. The organisation chosen for the research was Eskom. The integrated annual reports of Eskom for 2016, 2017 and 2018 were examined. Direct and indirect evidence of organisational resilience was sought within the organisations integrated reports. The direct reporting of organisational resilience was located by using a PDF word search. A thematic content analysis was used to perform the search for indirect reporting of organisational resilience. Three main themes to represent organisational resilience that were identified beforehand were used to identify the indirect reporting of organisational resilience. Namely, transformability, adaptability and persistence. Sub themes of general and specified resilience were also identified during the research process. The literature review discusses the themes in detail, and also introduces communication and integrated reporting. Evidence of both direct and indirect organisational resilience was identified in all three years studied. Evidence of all the main themes and sub themes was found within the indirect reporting of organisational resilience. The main limitation of the study is that although evidence of reporting of organisational resilience was found, this evidence does not provide any indications of the level of organisational resilience within Eskom. A number of recommendations to Eskom management are made at the end of the research. What is interesting is that integrated reports are not designed to report on organisational resilience. However, the research showed clear evidence of reporting of organisational resilience within all three years researched. Potentially indicating that the integrated annual reports are a useful method of sharing information regarding organisational resilience with stakeholders. An additional benefit is that communication with stakeholders is simultaneously contributing to the enhancement of the organisations resilience.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Fleming, Linda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) , Organizational resilience , Eskom (Firm) -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141276 , vital:37958
- Description: This research explored whether there is any evidence of reporting of organisational resilience within the integrated reports of a large state-owned enterprise. The organisation chosen for the research was Eskom. The integrated annual reports of Eskom for 2016, 2017 and 2018 were examined. Direct and indirect evidence of organisational resilience was sought within the organisations integrated reports. The direct reporting of organisational resilience was located by using a PDF word search. A thematic content analysis was used to perform the search for indirect reporting of organisational resilience. Three main themes to represent organisational resilience that were identified beforehand were used to identify the indirect reporting of organisational resilience. Namely, transformability, adaptability and persistence. Sub themes of general and specified resilience were also identified during the research process. The literature review discusses the themes in detail, and also introduces communication and integrated reporting. Evidence of both direct and indirect organisational resilience was identified in all three years studied. Evidence of all the main themes and sub themes was found within the indirect reporting of organisational resilience. The main limitation of the study is that although evidence of reporting of organisational resilience was found, this evidence does not provide any indications of the level of organisational resilience within Eskom. A number of recommendations to Eskom management are made at the end of the research. What is interesting is that integrated reports are not designed to report on organisational resilience. However, the research showed clear evidence of reporting of organisational resilience within all three years researched. Potentially indicating that the integrated annual reports are a useful method of sharing information regarding organisational resilience with stakeholders. An additional benefit is that communication with stakeholders is simultaneously contributing to the enhancement of the organisations resilience.
- Full Text:
An appraisal and critique of land redistribution approaches in South Africa
- Authors: Phiri, M C S
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: University of the Western Cape. Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies , Land reform -- South Africa , Land reform -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Agriculture and state -- South Africa , Reconstruction and Development Programme (South Africa) , Land reform beneficiaries -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991- , South Africa -- Social conditions -- 1994- , South Africa -- Economic policy , Land tenure -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Black people -- South Africa -- Economic conditions , Black people -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149161 , vital:38810
- Description: This paper is in response to the PLAAS Land Conference held in February 2019 which aimed at discovering an alternative to how to solve the land question. The conference came at a time where land and agrarian reform re-emerged in South African socio-policy discussion. After twenty-five years of democracy the three land reform programmes have failed to restructure apartheid’s economic segregation, exclusionary land ownership patterns and to restore dignity to poor black South Africans. This study offers a detailed examination of the discourse of South African land reform, specifically the redistribution component with a focus on the land redistribution approaches presented at the PLAAS conference. Ultimately, the study puts forward a synthesized land redistribution approach as a hybrid solution to the land and agrarian crisis.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Phiri, M C S
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: University of the Western Cape. Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies , Land reform -- South Africa , Land reform -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Agriculture and state -- South Africa , Reconstruction and Development Programme (South Africa) , Land reform beneficiaries -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991- , South Africa -- Social conditions -- 1994- , South Africa -- Economic policy , Land tenure -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Black people -- South Africa -- Economic conditions , Black people -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149161 , vital:38810
- Description: This paper is in response to the PLAAS Land Conference held in February 2019 which aimed at discovering an alternative to how to solve the land question. The conference came at a time where land and agrarian reform re-emerged in South African socio-policy discussion. After twenty-five years of democracy the three land reform programmes have failed to restructure apartheid’s economic segregation, exclusionary land ownership patterns and to restore dignity to poor black South Africans. This study offers a detailed examination of the discourse of South African land reform, specifically the redistribution component with a focus on the land redistribution approaches presented at the PLAAS conference. Ultimately, the study puts forward a synthesized land redistribution approach as a hybrid solution to the land and agrarian crisis.
- Full Text:
An archetypical analysis of chief executive officers in the mining sector according to their remuneration and company performance: a resource based view
- Authors: King, Matthew Sebastian
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Executives -- Salaries, etc. -- South Africa , Directors of corporations -- Salaries, etc. -- South Africa , Mining corporations -- Salaries, etc. -- South Africa , Mines and mineral resources -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/168503 , vital:41589
- Description: The growth in the mining sector post 1994 saw many CEO s enjoy exorbitant levels of financial prosperity particularly in relation to th e mining workforce . The pay disparity between the remuneration of CEO s and the average worker contributed to instability and labour unrest. While there has been extensive research conducted on the relationship between CEO remuneration and company performance, questions around the justification of exorbitant CEO remuneration levels have persisted. One of the shortcomings of these studies have been understanding company performance as limited to financial indicators. For this reason, Resource - Based theory was used in this study to focus on CEOs as tangible, heterogeneous and immobile assets, who could influence company performance by creating a firm’s competitive advantage. In order to investigate this, a mixed - method research design was utilised to ascertain the relationship between CEO remune ration and company performance. The data for the quantitative study was collected using an archival method by sourcing secondary data obtained from the sampled companie s’ annual integrated reports. Statistical tests were performed to test the relationsh ip between CEO remuneration and company performance of mining companies listed on the JSE over the period of 2014 to 2018. This was followed by the qualitative thematic analysis which utilised online information published about four CEOs sampled according to their pay/performance relationships (namely high earning/high performing; high earning/low performing; low earning/high performing and low earning/low performing). The VRIO framework was utilised in conjunction with the thematic analysis to assess the extent to which each of the selected CEOs could be identified as valuable, rare, inimitable and organised. Finally, t he demographic characteristics and leadership attributes of these CEOs were collectiv ely aligned to particular l eadership archetype s. This study found that despite company performance levels experiencing negative growth and volatility, CEO remuneration remained stable and experienced positive growth throughout the period . The qualitative analysis and the application of the VRIO framework wa s conducted in order to explor e reasons why this disparity may continue to exist. The analysis of the differences in demographic characteristics and leadership attributes between these four CEOs provided a possible j ustification for the disparity in t he levels of remuneration. It was found that some CEOs high levels of remuneration could be justified by virtue of their well - developed leadership skills. In particular CEOs need softer skills (such as communication, openness, relationship - building and stakeholder engagement) and to draw on the communicator, builder and coach archetypes in order to create a sustained competitive advantage within companies.
- Full Text:
- Authors: King, Matthew Sebastian
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Executives -- Salaries, etc. -- South Africa , Directors of corporations -- Salaries, etc. -- South Africa , Mining corporations -- Salaries, etc. -- South Africa , Mines and mineral resources -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/168503 , vital:41589
- Description: The growth in the mining sector post 1994 saw many CEO s enjoy exorbitant levels of financial prosperity particularly in relation to th e mining workforce . The pay disparity between the remuneration of CEO s and the average worker contributed to instability and labour unrest. While there has been extensive research conducted on the relationship between CEO remuneration and company performance, questions around the justification of exorbitant CEO remuneration levels have persisted. One of the shortcomings of these studies have been understanding company performance as limited to financial indicators. For this reason, Resource - Based theory was used in this study to focus on CEOs as tangible, heterogeneous and immobile assets, who could influence company performance by creating a firm’s competitive advantage. In order to investigate this, a mixed - method research design was utilised to ascertain the relationship between CEO remune ration and company performance. The data for the quantitative study was collected using an archival method by sourcing secondary data obtained from the sampled companie s’ annual integrated reports. Statistical tests were performed to test the relationsh ip between CEO remuneration and company performance of mining companies listed on the JSE over the period of 2014 to 2018. This was followed by the qualitative thematic analysis which utilised online information published about four CEOs sampled according to their pay/performance relationships (namely high earning/high performing; high earning/low performing; low earning/high performing and low earning/low performing). The VRIO framework was utilised in conjunction with the thematic analysis to assess the extent to which each of the selected CEOs could be identified as valuable, rare, inimitable and organised. Finally, t he demographic characteristics and leadership attributes of these CEOs were collectiv ely aligned to particular l eadership archetype s. This study found that despite company performance levels experiencing negative growth and volatility, CEO remuneration remained stable and experienced positive growth throughout the period . The qualitative analysis and the application of the VRIO framework wa s conducted in order to explor e reasons why this disparity may continue to exist. The analysis of the differences in demographic characteristics and leadership attributes between these four CEOs provided a possible j ustification for the disparity in t he levels of remuneration. It was found that some CEOs high levels of remuneration could be justified by virtue of their well - developed leadership skills. In particular CEOs need softer skills (such as communication, openness, relationship - building and stakeholder engagement) and to draw on the communicator, builder and coach archetypes in order to create a sustained competitive advantage within companies.
- Full Text:
An assessment of temporal changes in selective biological characteristics of chokka squid (Loligo reynaudii d’Órbigny, 1845)
- Authors: Mmethi, Mpho Audrey
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Loligo reynaudii , Squids -- Morphology , Squids -- South Africa , Squid fisheries -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143516 , vital:38253
- Description: The biological characteristics of chokka squid, Loligo reynaudii, sampled off the south coast of South Africa, were compared between 1994 and 2017 to ascertain any temporal changes using analysis of length frequency (LF) data over 15 years (1996–2017), and mantle length (ML) and total weight (TW) relationships over 9 years (1994–2016). To investigate feeding, two caecum colours were chosen for analysis (white: no food ingested, and yellow: six to seven hours after food ingestion). Other factors were kept constant throughout: similar sampling period of 60 days in spring-summer, similar depths and areas sampled, and identical maturity stage. Anecdotal evidence from fishers suggested that the length frequency and ML_TW relationship of chokka have changed over years, with possibilities to be linked to fishing activities and environmental conditions. Also, there is evidence in the published literature that both fisheries and environment may influence length distributions in populations of fish and cephalopods over time. The results from this study showed no significant differences between length frequencies over the time series. However, a significant decrease in length frequencies between 2014 and 2016 was noted when paired data was analysed by Anova (2014:2015, 2014:2016 and 2015:2016), which was initially noted in kernel density, Figure 2, hence an additional analysis was done. These changes were not linked to sea temperature (at 9 m, 14 m, 18 m, and 21 m depth strata), with not significant (P>0.05) results when temperature was analysed by t-test between 2002 and 2015. There was also a weak correlation between length frequency and the total squid catch in a given year (F Statistic (df = 1; 13) is 3.686 and 5.394 for males and females respectively, R² is 0.221 for males and 0.293 for females), but too weak to interpret, given the lack of other supporting data and the short time series. The ML_TW relationship showed no significant trends between the years for either sex. There was also no correlation between the ML_TW and total squid catch or temperature. A white caecum occurred significantly more often in males than in females (dof = 1; p < 0.05) from General Linear Model (GLM), indicating that the presence of non-feeding males in the spawning grounds may be linked to the behaviour of spawning squid.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mmethi, Mpho Audrey
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Loligo reynaudii , Squids -- Morphology , Squids -- South Africa , Squid fisheries -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143516 , vital:38253
- Description: The biological characteristics of chokka squid, Loligo reynaudii, sampled off the south coast of South Africa, were compared between 1994 and 2017 to ascertain any temporal changes using analysis of length frequency (LF) data over 15 years (1996–2017), and mantle length (ML) and total weight (TW) relationships over 9 years (1994–2016). To investigate feeding, two caecum colours were chosen for analysis (white: no food ingested, and yellow: six to seven hours after food ingestion). Other factors were kept constant throughout: similar sampling period of 60 days in spring-summer, similar depths and areas sampled, and identical maturity stage. Anecdotal evidence from fishers suggested that the length frequency and ML_TW relationship of chokka have changed over years, with possibilities to be linked to fishing activities and environmental conditions. Also, there is evidence in the published literature that both fisheries and environment may influence length distributions in populations of fish and cephalopods over time. The results from this study showed no significant differences between length frequencies over the time series. However, a significant decrease in length frequencies between 2014 and 2016 was noted when paired data was analysed by Anova (2014:2015, 2014:2016 and 2015:2016), which was initially noted in kernel density, Figure 2, hence an additional analysis was done. These changes were not linked to sea temperature (at 9 m, 14 m, 18 m, and 21 m depth strata), with not significant (P>0.05) results when temperature was analysed by t-test between 2002 and 2015. There was also a weak correlation between length frequency and the total squid catch in a given year (F Statistic (df = 1; 13) is 3.686 and 5.394 for males and females respectively, R² is 0.221 for males and 0.293 for females), but too weak to interpret, given the lack of other supporting data and the short time series. The ML_TW relationship showed no significant trends between the years for either sex. There was also no correlation between the ML_TW and total squid catch or temperature. A white caecum occurred significantly more often in males than in females (dof = 1; p < 0.05) from General Linear Model (GLM), indicating that the presence of non-feeding males in the spawning grounds may be linked to the behaviour of spawning squid.
- Full Text:
An assessment of the effectiveness of the Crossways Farm Village constructed wetland in the treatment of domestic wastewater
- Authors: Silbernagl, Ryan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Crossways Farm Village FWS wetland (South Africa)-- Management , Sewage -- Purification -- South Africa , Wetland management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145011 , vital:38400
- Description: A mass balance study was conducted comparing inflowing and outflowing solute loads in order to calculate the treatment efficiency of a free water surface (FWS) constructed wetland used to treat domestic wastewater following primary treatment in an anaerobic reactor and oxidation in a rotating biological contractor. Water samples were taken at six locations down the length of the treatment system and analysed for nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), nitrite nitrogen (NO2-N), ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N) and phosphorus as phosphate (PO4-P). Flow was determined using two V notch weirs combined with pressure transducers based on an empirically derived stage-discharge relationship. The concentration of each solute (g.m-3) multiplied by flow (m3.day-1) provides a measurement of the mass of each solute entering and leaving the treatment wetland such that the difference (inflow – outflow) indicates the nett storage in, or loss from, the wetland. In order to determine the water balance, apart from measuring surface inflows and outflows, rainfall was measured using an onsite rain gauge. Evapotranspirational losses were determined using the Penman-Monteith equation based on weather data collected at an onsite weather station. Other than water that entered the wetland via the primary water treatment works, surface inflows could be ignored as the wetland was sealed with a plastic liner, which also prevented groundwater inflow and outflow. Wetland outputs via surface outflow and evapotranspiration were then subtracted from wetland inputs to determine the water balance over the study period. Approximately 10.5% of water inputs into the hydrological mass balance calculation was not accounted for, which is considered to be accounted for by inaccuracy associated with the estimation of evapotranspiration and possibly by differences in water levels in the wetland at the start and end of the experiment. Total input, output and storage of NO3-N, NO2-N, NH4-N and PO4-P was calculated from April 2016 to September 2016 to give the treatment efficiency of the FWS wetland system. Results showed a 91.5% reduction in NO3-N, 76.6% reduction in NH4-N, and 88.8% reduction in PO4P between the inflow and outflow. Wetland sediment and vegetation (Typha capensis) samples were also analysed for nitrogen and phosphorus content to give an estimate of nutrient stocks/storage accumulated in plant tissues and sediments over the lifespan of the wetland. Standing stock calculations showed that a total of 450.1kg of nitrogen is stored in the wetlands, of which 69.3kg is stored in wetland sediments. Wetland phosphorus retention was found to be significantly lower with a total of 57.1kg of phosphorus, of which 77.4% was stored in sediments, indicating that wetland sediments comprise the largest store and therefore removal pathway of nutrients in the Crossways Farm Village FWS wetland.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Silbernagl, Ryan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Crossways Farm Village FWS wetland (South Africa)-- Management , Sewage -- Purification -- South Africa , Wetland management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145011 , vital:38400
- Description: A mass balance study was conducted comparing inflowing and outflowing solute loads in order to calculate the treatment efficiency of a free water surface (FWS) constructed wetland used to treat domestic wastewater following primary treatment in an anaerobic reactor and oxidation in a rotating biological contractor. Water samples were taken at six locations down the length of the treatment system and analysed for nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), nitrite nitrogen (NO2-N), ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N) and phosphorus as phosphate (PO4-P). Flow was determined using two V notch weirs combined with pressure transducers based on an empirically derived stage-discharge relationship. The concentration of each solute (g.m-3) multiplied by flow (m3.day-1) provides a measurement of the mass of each solute entering and leaving the treatment wetland such that the difference (inflow – outflow) indicates the nett storage in, or loss from, the wetland. In order to determine the water balance, apart from measuring surface inflows and outflows, rainfall was measured using an onsite rain gauge. Evapotranspirational losses were determined using the Penman-Monteith equation based on weather data collected at an onsite weather station. Other than water that entered the wetland via the primary water treatment works, surface inflows could be ignored as the wetland was sealed with a plastic liner, which also prevented groundwater inflow and outflow. Wetland outputs via surface outflow and evapotranspiration were then subtracted from wetland inputs to determine the water balance over the study period. Approximately 10.5% of water inputs into the hydrological mass balance calculation was not accounted for, which is considered to be accounted for by inaccuracy associated with the estimation of evapotranspiration and possibly by differences in water levels in the wetland at the start and end of the experiment. Total input, output and storage of NO3-N, NO2-N, NH4-N and PO4-P was calculated from April 2016 to September 2016 to give the treatment efficiency of the FWS wetland system. Results showed a 91.5% reduction in NO3-N, 76.6% reduction in NH4-N, and 88.8% reduction in PO4P between the inflow and outflow. Wetland sediment and vegetation (Typha capensis) samples were also analysed for nitrogen and phosphorus content to give an estimate of nutrient stocks/storage accumulated in plant tissues and sediments over the lifespan of the wetland. Standing stock calculations showed that a total of 450.1kg of nitrogen is stored in the wetlands, of which 69.3kg is stored in wetland sediments. Wetland phosphorus retention was found to be significantly lower with a total of 57.1kg of phosphorus, of which 77.4% was stored in sediments, indicating that wetland sediments comprise the largest store and therefore removal pathway of nutrients in the Crossways Farm Village FWS wetland.
- Full Text:
An effort to study the influence of tides on the longitudinal variation of vertical E× B drift over the African sector:
- Habyarimana, Valence, Habarulema, John B, Mungufeni, Patrick, Uwamahoro, Jean C
- Authors: Habyarimana, Valence , Habarulema, John B , Mungufeni, Patrick , Uwamahoro, Jean C
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149026 , vital:38797 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jastp.2020.105338
- Description: Meteorological processes such as tides influence ionospheric variability through vertical coupling. For the first time, we have used data from Communication Navigation Outage and Forecasting System (C/NOFS) satellite from 2008–2015 to develop a Neural Network (NN) vertical E×B drift model over the African region, with inclusion of a proxy of tides as one of the inputs together with other physical and geophysical inputs. Two models (with and without tidal proxy input) were developed for both East and West African sectors. To derive the tidal proxy, we first calculate the 60-day running means per year which were subtracted from the actual vertical E×B drift measurements to obtain a set of residuals. The purpose of the subtraction was to remove long-term trends in vertical E×B drift that could potentially alias into tides.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Habyarimana, Valence , Habarulema, John B , Mungufeni, Patrick , Uwamahoro, Jean C
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149026 , vital:38797 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jastp.2020.105338
- Description: Meteorological processes such as tides influence ionospheric variability through vertical coupling. For the first time, we have used data from Communication Navigation Outage and Forecasting System (C/NOFS) satellite from 2008–2015 to develop a Neural Network (NN) vertical E×B drift model over the African region, with inclusion of a proxy of tides as one of the inputs together with other physical and geophysical inputs. Two models (with and without tidal proxy input) were developed for both East and West African sectors. To derive the tidal proxy, we first calculate the 60-day running means per year which were subtracted from the actual vertical E×B drift measurements to obtain a set of residuals. The purpose of the subtraction was to remove long-term trends in vertical E×B drift that could potentially alias into tides.
- Full Text:
An ergonomics approach to understanding perceived barriers to the provision of high-quality healthcare: a Sarah Baartman District clinics case study
- Authors: Card, Jason
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Medical care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170536 , vital:41933
- Description: Background:The complex nature of healthcare systemsoftenresultsinthe emergence of context-specific barriers that limit the ability for healthcare stakeholders to ensure safe and effective care delivery. In low-to middle-income (LMIC) countries, such as South Africa (SA), limited financial, material and human resources coupled withpoor infrastructure and poor public health determinants, includingpoverty andpoor education, affectthe ability to maintain andimprove on quality care outcomes.Understanding what different stakeholders perceive as barriers, and if these barriers are understood at different levels, is therefore important when attempting to mitigate the risk for unsafe or inefficient care delivery. Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) adoptssystems and participatory approaches for the exploration, analysis, and design of socio-technical systems to optimize both human wellbeing and system performance.The barriers to safe and effective healthcare delivery, from an HFE perspective, are not known in the South African context, particularly in parts of the Eastern Cape Province. Elucidatingthesebarriers, even if self-reported,may guidefuture efforts aimed at mitigating risks.The purpose of this study, therefore,wasto explore and highlight the perceived systemic barriers to local and national healthcare delivery, within the Sarah Baartman District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.Methods: Ashort discussion aimed at introducing HFE and components of the Work Systems Model, followed by a survey that captured participant demographics, job characteristics, the perceived national and local systemic barriers, and proposed solutions, was administered withhealthcare stakeholders from 14 primary healthcare facilities and 1 department office within the Sarah Baartman District.Participants (n=120) included management, pharmacy, administration, maintenance, community-and home-based care and nursing staff.Data from the surveys were thematically analysed and categorised according to components of the work system model (Carayon, 2009) and respective workgroup.Results: The findings revealed many overlapping,systemic barriersthat includedshortages of staff, poor management and leadership, a lack of equipmentand basic necessities, poor infrastructure, patient complexity,and high workloads. The results further indicate that the way in which the reported barriers affect worksystem interactionsand performance are unique to different workgroups. Stakeholders iiproposedthat,among others, the absorption of contract workers, the provision of training and adequate human and medical resources and the maintenance of facilities may mitigate the barriers and improve healthcare delivery.Conclusion: The findings highlight a myriad of perceived systemic barriers perceived in the Sarah Baartman district, some of which were fundamental for the effective function of any healthcare system. These barriers may have wide-spread implications for stakeholders at all levels, ultimately affecting the performance, satisfaction and safety and the quality of care. It is especially important to consider these barriers in light of the COVID-19 epidemic, which emerged throughout this study and the major threat it presents to South African healthcare systems. Future research should aim to explore how these barriers interact to contribute to processes and outcomes, as well as explore the perceptions at provincial and national levels in order to better identify areas and strategies for improvement.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Card, Jason
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Medical care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170536 , vital:41933
- Description: Background:The complex nature of healthcare systemsoftenresultsinthe emergence of context-specific barriers that limit the ability for healthcare stakeholders to ensure safe and effective care delivery. In low-to middle-income (LMIC) countries, such as South Africa (SA), limited financial, material and human resources coupled withpoor infrastructure and poor public health determinants, includingpoverty andpoor education, affectthe ability to maintain andimprove on quality care outcomes.Understanding what different stakeholders perceive as barriers, and if these barriers are understood at different levels, is therefore important when attempting to mitigate the risk for unsafe or inefficient care delivery. Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) adoptssystems and participatory approaches for the exploration, analysis, and design of socio-technical systems to optimize both human wellbeing and system performance.The barriers to safe and effective healthcare delivery, from an HFE perspective, are not known in the South African context, particularly in parts of the Eastern Cape Province. Elucidatingthesebarriers, even if self-reported,may guidefuture efforts aimed at mitigating risks.The purpose of this study, therefore,wasto explore and highlight the perceived systemic barriers to local and national healthcare delivery, within the Sarah Baartman District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.Methods: Ashort discussion aimed at introducing HFE and components of the Work Systems Model, followed by a survey that captured participant demographics, job characteristics, the perceived national and local systemic barriers, and proposed solutions, was administered withhealthcare stakeholders from 14 primary healthcare facilities and 1 department office within the Sarah Baartman District.Participants (n=120) included management, pharmacy, administration, maintenance, community-and home-based care and nursing staff.Data from the surveys were thematically analysed and categorised according to components of the work system model (Carayon, 2009) and respective workgroup.Results: The findings revealed many overlapping,systemic barriersthat includedshortages of staff, poor management and leadership, a lack of equipmentand basic necessities, poor infrastructure, patient complexity,and high workloads. The results further indicate that the way in which the reported barriers affect worksystem interactionsand performance are unique to different workgroups. Stakeholders iiproposedthat,among others, the absorption of contract workers, the provision of training and adequate human and medical resources and the maintenance of facilities may mitigate the barriers and improve healthcare delivery.Conclusion: The findings highlight a myriad of perceived systemic barriers perceived in the Sarah Baartman district, some of which were fundamental for the effective function of any healthcare system. These barriers may have wide-spread implications for stakeholders at all levels, ultimately affecting the performance, satisfaction and safety and the quality of care. It is especially important to consider these barriers in light of the COVID-19 epidemic, which emerged throughout this study and the major threat it presents to South African healthcare systems. Future research should aim to explore how these barriers interact to contribute to processes and outcomes, as well as explore the perceptions at provincial and national levels in order to better identify areas and strategies for improvement.
- Full Text:
An evaluation of social sustainability practices in an agri-based private company in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ferreira, Anton William
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Private plot agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee attitude surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication in personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/122920 , vital:35371
- Description: The concept of sustainability has received considerable attention over the last few decades (Scoones, 2007). International awareness and demands for sustainable development have pushed the sustainable narrative into the forefront of developmental goals. The Brundtland Report of 1987, released by the United Nations entitled “Our Common Future” resulted in the classic modern definition of sustainable development. Agriculture is the primary source of food, shelter and fibre for the world and therefore has a leading role to play in the realisation of a sustainable future (Van Calker, Berentsen, Giesen and Huirne, 2005). Most sustainability research in agriculture has adopted a particular scale and dimension, leading to a host of definitions and methodologies for its assessment (Hayati, 2017, Janker and Mann, 2018, Latruffe, Diazabakana, Bockstaller, Desjeux and Finn, 2016, Smith and McDonald, 1998). Different approaches to assessing sustainable agriculture have developed in hand with various conceptual methods resulting in a lack of a common understanding of what sustainable agriculture means (Janker and Mann, 2018, Smith and McDonald, 1998). Agriculture has a leading role to play in sustainable development in the South African context; however, commercial agriculture in South Africa has been associated with human rights violations as well as unsustainable social practices and exploitation of employees (Mather, 2007, Muller, Vermeulen and Glasbergen, 2012b). This research was conducted in an agri-processing company that had expanded rapidly and been experiencing high absenteeism and increased conflict in the work environment in an attempt to identify how many of the chosen indicators of on-farm internal social sustainability were present in the company. The literature review helped to contextualise the subject of sustainability, agricultural sustainability, agricultural social sustainability and various methods for assessing agricultural sustainability. The subject of agriculture social sustainability within the South African context was expanded upon, and a framework was selected from the literature to develop the aims of this research. The Barrientos and Visser (2013) framework had been utilised in evaluating social sustainability in the South African agricultural context before, and when compared with relevant literature was deemed appropriate for this research. Through the use of a case study approach, thirty employees were interviewed on a one on one basis with close ended questions. Data was collected through the use of an odd-numbered Likert scale and simple descriptive statistics were used to answer questions regarding which socially sustainable on-farm internal indicators, identified in the literature and in the chosen framework, occurred in the company in question. The research looked to further critically evaluate the aspects of social sustainability that were implemented by the company and discuss the challenges relating to those identified indicators that were not implemented. Finally, the research made recommendations to improve the on-farm internal social sustainability of the company in question. The results of this research showed that out of the ten indicators of on-farm internal social sustainability that were relevant in the framework, five were present in the company in question and five were absent. Those indicators that were present were: contracts, wages, benefits, communication with management and adequate representation. Indicators that were not present included health and safety, employee wellbeing, the level of discrimination, the level of harsh treatment and employee decision making. It was apparent from the results that there are many challenges to implementing on-farm internal socially sustainable policies and practices in the company. Chief amongst these challenges was communication with employees concerning policies that have been implemented and the information that is available to the employees regarding these policies. The company at the centre of this research should ensure that policies are put in place that helps to convey information to employees and ensure that the policies are implemented efficiently and effectively. It was recommended that the company initiate a Human Resources division that would be responsible for communication and the implementation of policies to increase on-farm internal social sustainability. By increasing social sustainability in the workplace, the company should be able to increase its efficiencies and effectiveness in a competitive global market. The researcher is aware that the findings of this research are not generalizable and are specific to the company in question both in terms of scale and location. Further research is needed to determine the impact of individual indicators and the weighting of each indicator in a specific environment. Further research should be conducted in a company that is in a similar industry and has similar staff demographics to the company at the centre of this research, as the scale of measure will influence the results.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ferreira, Anton William
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Private plot agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee attitude surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication in personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/122920 , vital:35371
- Description: The concept of sustainability has received considerable attention over the last few decades (Scoones, 2007). International awareness and demands for sustainable development have pushed the sustainable narrative into the forefront of developmental goals. The Brundtland Report of 1987, released by the United Nations entitled “Our Common Future” resulted in the classic modern definition of sustainable development. Agriculture is the primary source of food, shelter and fibre for the world and therefore has a leading role to play in the realisation of a sustainable future (Van Calker, Berentsen, Giesen and Huirne, 2005). Most sustainability research in agriculture has adopted a particular scale and dimension, leading to a host of definitions and methodologies for its assessment (Hayati, 2017, Janker and Mann, 2018, Latruffe, Diazabakana, Bockstaller, Desjeux and Finn, 2016, Smith and McDonald, 1998). Different approaches to assessing sustainable agriculture have developed in hand with various conceptual methods resulting in a lack of a common understanding of what sustainable agriculture means (Janker and Mann, 2018, Smith and McDonald, 1998). Agriculture has a leading role to play in sustainable development in the South African context; however, commercial agriculture in South Africa has been associated with human rights violations as well as unsustainable social practices and exploitation of employees (Mather, 2007, Muller, Vermeulen and Glasbergen, 2012b). This research was conducted in an agri-processing company that had expanded rapidly and been experiencing high absenteeism and increased conflict in the work environment in an attempt to identify how many of the chosen indicators of on-farm internal social sustainability were present in the company. The literature review helped to contextualise the subject of sustainability, agricultural sustainability, agricultural social sustainability and various methods for assessing agricultural sustainability. The subject of agriculture social sustainability within the South African context was expanded upon, and a framework was selected from the literature to develop the aims of this research. The Barrientos and Visser (2013) framework had been utilised in evaluating social sustainability in the South African agricultural context before, and when compared with relevant literature was deemed appropriate for this research. Through the use of a case study approach, thirty employees were interviewed on a one on one basis with close ended questions. Data was collected through the use of an odd-numbered Likert scale and simple descriptive statistics were used to answer questions regarding which socially sustainable on-farm internal indicators, identified in the literature and in the chosen framework, occurred in the company in question. The research looked to further critically evaluate the aspects of social sustainability that were implemented by the company and discuss the challenges relating to those identified indicators that were not implemented. Finally, the research made recommendations to improve the on-farm internal social sustainability of the company in question. The results of this research showed that out of the ten indicators of on-farm internal social sustainability that were relevant in the framework, five were present in the company in question and five were absent. Those indicators that were present were: contracts, wages, benefits, communication with management and adequate representation. Indicators that were not present included health and safety, employee wellbeing, the level of discrimination, the level of harsh treatment and employee decision making. It was apparent from the results that there are many challenges to implementing on-farm internal socially sustainable policies and practices in the company. Chief amongst these challenges was communication with employees concerning policies that have been implemented and the information that is available to the employees regarding these policies. The company at the centre of this research should ensure that policies are put in place that helps to convey information to employees and ensure that the policies are implemented efficiently and effectively. It was recommended that the company initiate a Human Resources division that would be responsible for communication and the implementation of policies to increase on-farm internal social sustainability. By increasing social sustainability in the workplace, the company should be able to increase its efficiencies and effectiveness in a competitive global market. The researcher is aware that the findings of this research are not generalizable and are specific to the company in question both in terms of scale and location. Further research is needed to determine the impact of individual indicators and the weighting of each indicator in a specific environment. Further research should be conducted in a company that is in a similar industry and has similar staff demographics to the company at the centre of this research, as the scale of measure will influence the results.
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An evaluation of the cytotoxic activities of novel artemisinin derivatives: towards targeted therapies for triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC)
- Authors: Kajewole, Deborah Ifeoluwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163329 , vital:41029 , doi:10.21504/10962/163329
- Description: Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2020.
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- Authors: Kajewole, Deborah Ifeoluwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163329 , vital:41029 , doi:10.21504/10962/163329
- Description: Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2020.
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An exploration of formative assessment in primary school Natural Sciences classrooms
- Authors: Mgoqi, Nomvuyo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Education, Elementary -- South Africa , Science -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa , Competency-based education -- South Africa , Curriculum-based education -- South Africa , Science teachers -- Training of -- South Africa , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/124167 , vital:35572
- Description: This research investigated formative assessment in primary school Natural Sciences classrooms. The intention was to explore how teachers use formative assessment strategies to raise classroom standards and to foster higher order cognitive development of learners. My interest in the study was influenced by constant poor achievement of South African learners in literacy and specifically in scientific literacy reported in various international and national benchmark tests. Vygotskian theory of the zone of proximal development was used to provide critical insight into formative assessment processes. Further theoretical lenses included Wylie and Lyons’ (2013) ‘Ten dimensions of formative assessment’ work for reviewing formative assessment strategies and Dalton’s (2003) ‘New Bloom’s Taxonomy’ for insight into cognitive development in classroom contexts. Influenced by the above mentioned reports, a qualitative case study of seven primary school teachers in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa was conducted. Underpinned by an interpretive paradigm and driven by the desire to achieve an in-depth understanding of the case under study, three techniques for data generation were employed. The first technique was semi-structured interviews. The second technique of data generation was through lesson observations including pre-lesson discussions and stimulated recall interviews. Observations were conducted to record teachers’ formative assessment practices and report how they use the formative assessment strategies to support student learning or ‘shifting’ their zone of proximal development through formative assessment practices. The third technique was document analysis of lesson plans, teaching and learning activities and assessment tasks worksheets of the two teachers observed. Documents were analysed to gain insights and understanding of how teachers prepared teaching and learning activities and assessments to support learner cognitive development. There were four data analysis phases. Phase I was an analysis of the semi-structured interviews. These were analysed to get a sense of teachers’ perspectives, experiences and challenges regarding formative assessment practices. In order to get a better sense of the quality of formative assessment, classroom observations were analysed using the lens of Wylie and Lyon (2013). This was analysis Phase II. Phase III made use of Dalton’s ‘New Bloom’s Taxonomy’ to gain insight into the role of formative assessment in supporting low, medium and higher order cognitive development. This phase was the document analysis and involved a review of the lesson plans, teaching and learning activities and formative assessment tasks. Phase IV further explored teachers’ experiences regarding implementation of formative assessment. Phase IV is different from Phase I in that it was not only looking at what teachers highlighted as challenges but also at challenges experienced during the lesson observations. This analysis was done across data sources, that is, semi-structured interviews, lesson observations and stimulated recall interviews. Findings from the first set of data showed that teachers viewed formative assessment implementation as a useful practice in the teaching and learning process. However, the diverse views showed lack of clarity of the purpose and definition of formative assessment. The results also revealed some effective attributes of formative assessment were observed during lesson observations at the time of the investigation. However, the results showed that clarifying goals, feedback and classroom collaborations were weakly implemented. These seem to be strategic entry points to begin strengthening the effective implementation of formative assessment classrooms. Supporting teachers regarding use of formative assessment techniques could be one of the means of helping teachers in collecting evidence of student learning. The teachers highlighted some challenges they experienced when implementing formative assessments. Hindrances to implementing effective formative assessment practice reflected structural, technical and attitudinal challenges. The study recommends that since formative assessment is a fundamental part of teaching and learning, teachers need more support and time for reflection to improve their implementation of effective formative assessment. The study also revealed that teachers need enough time to be able to implement effective formative assessment practices. This requires curriculum developers and administrators to revisit curriculum coverage in terms of breadth and depth and to give more time for the implementation of effective formative assessment practices.
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- Authors: Mgoqi, Nomvuyo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Education, Elementary -- South Africa , Science -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa , Competency-based education -- South Africa , Curriculum-based education -- South Africa , Science teachers -- Training of -- South Africa , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/124167 , vital:35572
- Description: This research investigated formative assessment in primary school Natural Sciences classrooms. The intention was to explore how teachers use formative assessment strategies to raise classroom standards and to foster higher order cognitive development of learners. My interest in the study was influenced by constant poor achievement of South African learners in literacy and specifically in scientific literacy reported in various international and national benchmark tests. Vygotskian theory of the zone of proximal development was used to provide critical insight into formative assessment processes. Further theoretical lenses included Wylie and Lyons’ (2013) ‘Ten dimensions of formative assessment’ work for reviewing formative assessment strategies and Dalton’s (2003) ‘New Bloom’s Taxonomy’ for insight into cognitive development in classroom contexts. Influenced by the above mentioned reports, a qualitative case study of seven primary school teachers in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa was conducted. Underpinned by an interpretive paradigm and driven by the desire to achieve an in-depth understanding of the case under study, three techniques for data generation were employed. The first technique was semi-structured interviews. The second technique of data generation was through lesson observations including pre-lesson discussions and stimulated recall interviews. Observations were conducted to record teachers’ formative assessment practices and report how they use the formative assessment strategies to support student learning or ‘shifting’ their zone of proximal development through formative assessment practices. The third technique was document analysis of lesson plans, teaching and learning activities and assessment tasks worksheets of the two teachers observed. Documents were analysed to gain insights and understanding of how teachers prepared teaching and learning activities and assessments to support learner cognitive development. There were four data analysis phases. Phase I was an analysis of the semi-structured interviews. These were analysed to get a sense of teachers’ perspectives, experiences and challenges regarding formative assessment practices. In order to get a better sense of the quality of formative assessment, classroom observations were analysed using the lens of Wylie and Lyon (2013). This was analysis Phase II. Phase III made use of Dalton’s ‘New Bloom’s Taxonomy’ to gain insight into the role of formative assessment in supporting low, medium and higher order cognitive development. This phase was the document analysis and involved a review of the lesson plans, teaching and learning activities and formative assessment tasks. Phase IV further explored teachers’ experiences regarding implementation of formative assessment. Phase IV is different from Phase I in that it was not only looking at what teachers highlighted as challenges but also at challenges experienced during the lesson observations. This analysis was done across data sources, that is, semi-structured interviews, lesson observations and stimulated recall interviews. Findings from the first set of data showed that teachers viewed formative assessment implementation as a useful practice in the teaching and learning process. However, the diverse views showed lack of clarity of the purpose and definition of formative assessment. The results also revealed some effective attributes of formative assessment were observed during lesson observations at the time of the investigation. However, the results showed that clarifying goals, feedback and classroom collaborations were weakly implemented. These seem to be strategic entry points to begin strengthening the effective implementation of formative assessment classrooms. Supporting teachers regarding use of formative assessment techniques could be one of the means of helping teachers in collecting evidence of student learning. The teachers highlighted some challenges they experienced when implementing formative assessments. Hindrances to implementing effective formative assessment practice reflected structural, technical and attitudinal challenges. The study recommends that since formative assessment is a fundamental part of teaching and learning, teachers need more support and time for reflection to improve their implementation of effective formative assessment. The study also revealed that teachers need enough time to be able to implement effective formative assessment practices. This requires curriculum developers and administrators to revisit curriculum coverage in terms of breadth and depth and to give more time for the implementation of effective formative assessment practices.
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An exploration of how Grade 3 Foundation Phase teachers develop basic scientific process skills using an inquiry-based approach in their classrooms
- Authors: Nhase, Zukiswa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Elementary school teaching-- South Africa , Elementary school teachers -- South Africa , Elementary school teachers -- In-service training -- South Africa , Science -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa , Learning, Psychology of , Cognition in children , Inquiry-based learning -- South Africa , Active learning -- South Africa , Pedagogical content knowledge -- South Africa , Educational change -- South Africa , Socio-cultural theory
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145181 , vital:38416
- Description: Some studies have looked at Foundation Phase teachers’ perspectives on the teaching of science in this phase. Such studies have highlighted various challenges on the teaching of science in the Foundation Phase. They pointed out issues such as large class numbers, lack of resources and lack of science knowledge from Foundation Phase teachers. However, none of these studies have looked at how Foundation Phase teachers are using an Inquiry-Based Approach in their classrooms instead few studies have looked at the Foundation Phase teachers’ perspectives about scientific inquiry in this phase. Even though many scholars have presented several challenges to the teaching of science both at secondary and primary level, the argument is strongly made that Foundation Phase learners should be exposed to the learning of science. Generally, children at the Foundation Phase level naturally enjoy observing and thinking about nature; exposing learners to science develops positive attitudes towards science; the use of scientifically informed language at an early age influences the eventual development of scientific concepts; children can understand scientific concepts and reason scientifically; and science is an efficient means for developing scientific thinking. It is within these arguments and discussions that this interpretive case study research sought to explore the Pedagogical Content Knowledge of four Foundation Phase teachers in developing the Scientific Process Skills using an Inquiry-Based Approach in their classrooms and subsequently, the significance of this research study. The socio-cultural theory, Topic Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Zaretskii’s six conditions for development during mediation and the principles of an Inquiry-Based Approach were used as analytical lenses in this research. To use an Inquiry-Based Approach, generally teachers have to understand its principles and know how to develop basic Scientific Process Skills while teaching the science content. In the Foundation Phase, the Natural Sciences component or content is embedded in the Beginning Knowledge study area of the Life Skills subject and this can create difficulties for teachers to even recognise the scientific concepts in the Life Skills. The four IsiXhosa female teachers used the home language of learners as the language of instruction to implement an Inquiry-Based Approach in their classrooms. Data were generated in four phases. Phase one was baseline data through document analysis. Three of the phases were directed by the research question asked. Data were generated using questionnaires, interviews (semi-structured and stimulated recall), lesson observations (videotaped) and group reflections and discussions. From the work of Vygotsky, Zaretskii formulated six conditions that can be used to develop learners’ zone of proximal development in learning and these were used as analytical lenses to analyse data to understand how teachers mediated learning and development of Scientific Inquiry in their Grade 3 classrooms. In addition, the principles of an Inquiry-Based Approach were used as analytical lenses as to how teachers implemented the scientific inquiry approach. The categories or components of Topic Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge were used as analytical lenses as to how these teachers dealt with science concepts or content when using an inquiry-based Approach in their classrooms. Using the home language of learners as an instructional tool, data showed that learners were afforded the opportunity to freely engage in activities and as a result, the context of learning was non-threatening for both teachers and learners. Although learning activities could be improved, teachers created social spaces for learners to take part in learning. In addition, the use of learners’ environments in the observed lessons made it comfortable for learners to act as young scientists. The new knowledge in this research was presented by the use of the adapted analytical tool, which combined diverse components of theory and literature that aligned with each other. The reflection space for the participants did not only afford the participants to discuss about each other’s lessons or experiences in this research, it allowed the participants to engage with the research objectives. The reflection space strengthened the research ethics if this study. Hence, the concept that says, ‘Absenting the absences’. In conclusion, the study thus recommends further professional development spaces that promote community of practice in using an Inquiry-Based Approach in the Foundation Phase.
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- Authors: Nhase, Zukiswa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Elementary school teaching-- South Africa , Elementary school teachers -- South Africa , Elementary school teachers -- In-service training -- South Africa , Science -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa , Learning, Psychology of , Cognition in children , Inquiry-based learning -- South Africa , Active learning -- South Africa , Pedagogical content knowledge -- South Africa , Educational change -- South Africa , Socio-cultural theory
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145181 , vital:38416
- Description: Some studies have looked at Foundation Phase teachers’ perspectives on the teaching of science in this phase. Such studies have highlighted various challenges on the teaching of science in the Foundation Phase. They pointed out issues such as large class numbers, lack of resources and lack of science knowledge from Foundation Phase teachers. However, none of these studies have looked at how Foundation Phase teachers are using an Inquiry-Based Approach in their classrooms instead few studies have looked at the Foundation Phase teachers’ perspectives about scientific inquiry in this phase. Even though many scholars have presented several challenges to the teaching of science both at secondary and primary level, the argument is strongly made that Foundation Phase learners should be exposed to the learning of science. Generally, children at the Foundation Phase level naturally enjoy observing and thinking about nature; exposing learners to science develops positive attitudes towards science; the use of scientifically informed language at an early age influences the eventual development of scientific concepts; children can understand scientific concepts and reason scientifically; and science is an efficient means for developing scientific thinking. It is within these arguments and discussions that this interpretive case study research sought to explore the Pedagogical Content Knowledge of four Foundation Phase teachers in developing the Scientific Process Skills using an Inquiry-Based Approach in their classrooms and subsequently, the significance of this research study. The socio-cultural theory, Topic Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Zaretskii’s six conditions for development during mediation and the principles of an Inquiry-Based Approach were used as analytical lenses in this research. To use an Inquiry-Based Approach, generally teachers have to understand its principles and know how to develop basic Scientific Process Skills while teaching the science content. In the Foundation Phase, the Natural Sciences component or content is embedded in the Beginning Knowledge study area of the Life Skills subject and this can create difficulties for teachers to even recognise the scientific concepts in the Life Skills. The four IsiXhosa female teachers used the home language of learners as the language of instruction to implement an Inquiry-Based Approach in their classrooms. Data were generated in four phases. Phase one was baseline data through document analysis. Three of the phases were directed by the research question asked. Data were generated using questionnaires, interviews (semi-structured and stimulated recall), lesson observations (videotaped) and group reflections and discussions. From the work of Vygotsky, Zaretskii formulated six conditions that can be used to develop learners’ zone of proximal development in learning and these were used as analytical lenses to analyse data to understand how teachers mediated learning and development of Scientific Inquiry in their Grade 3 classrooms. In addition, the principles of an Inquiry-Based Approach were used as analytical lenses as to how teachers implemented the scientific inquiry approach. The categories or components of Topic Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge were used as analytical lenses as to how these teachers dealt with science concepts or content when using an inquiry-based Approach in their classrooms. Using the home language of learners as an instructional tool, data showed that learners were afforded the opportunity to freely engage in activities and as a result, the context of learning was non-threatening for both teachers and learners. Although learning activities could be improved, teachers created social spaces for learners to take part in learning. In addition, the use of learners’ environments in the observed lessons made it comfortable for learners to act as young scientists. The new knowledge in this research was presented by the use of the adapted analytical tool, which combined diverse components of theory and literature that aligned with each other. The reflection space for the participants did not only afford the participants to discuss about each other’s lessons or experiences in this research, it allowed the participants to engage with the research objectives. The reflection space strengthened the research ethics if this study. Hence, the concept that says, ‘Absenting the absences’. In conclusion, the study thus recommends further professional development spaces that promote community of practice in using an Inquiry-Based Approach in the Foundation Phase.
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An exploration of organizational expectations of different generations of employees during change
- Authors: Kawana, Susan Mulemwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Psychological aspects , Organizational behavior -- Namibia -- Case studies , Employees -- Psychology -- Namibia , Organizational change -- Namibia -- Case studies , Intergenerational relations -- Namibia , Namibia. Inland Revenue Directorate , Namibia. Customs and Excise
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142398 , vital:38076
- Description: The aim of this study is to investigate the organizational expectations of different generations of employees at the Ministry of Finance’s Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise Departments of the Republic of Namibia, which are undergoing organizational change processes. The different generations that were included in this study are Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y. The study explores the different expectations that the generations have in relation to the changes, in terms of leadership style and communication preferences. This study followed a qualitative approach. Quota sampling was used to select twelve participants for the study. The case study was carried out within a postpositivism paradigm. Data was collected by administering semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. The findings of the study indicate that there are generational differences in respect of preferred leadership styles and communication methods during organizational change. Baby Boomers and Generation X preferred a relationshiporiented leadership style, while generation Y preferred a visionary leadership style. Task-oriented leadership style was not the preferred style of any generation. Rather, in the midst of change, it seems there is a preference for relational leadership across all the Generations. In respect of communication, Baby Boomers preferred face-toface methods, Generation X preferred face-to-face and e-mail methods as sources of change communication, while Generation Y preferred a combination of communication methods. In the midst of change, it seems there is a common preference for face-to-face communication across all the Generations. Furthermore, employees generally did not feel ready for the changes. In the light of these findings, recommendations were made to guide change initiatives amongst employees of various generations. The limitations of the study were its sample size and focus on the public sector. For future research, a larger sample could be selected from all regional offices. Similar research can also be done in the private sector. The findings of the study provide an understanding of the experiences and expectations of different generations of employees during organizational change, and contribute to the body of knowledge on generational differences, readiness for change and the management of different generations as different stakeholders.
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- Authors: Kawana, Susan Mulemwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Psychological aspects , Organizational behavior -- Namibia -- Case studies , Employees -- Psychology -- Namibia , Organizational change -- Namibia -- Case studies , Intergenerational relations -- Namibia , Namibia. Inland Revenue Directorate , Namibia. Customs and Excise
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142398 , vital:38076
- Description: The aim of this study is to investigate the organizational expectations of different generations of employees at the Ministry of Finance’s Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise Departments of the Republic of Namibia, which are undergoing organizational change processes. The different generations that were included in this study are Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y. The study explores the different expectations that the generations have in relation to the changes, in terms of leadership style and communication preferences. This study followed a qualitative approach. Quota sampling was used to select twelve participants for the study. The case study was carried out within a postpositivism paradigm. Data was collected by administering semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. The findings of the study indicate that there are generational differences in respect of preferred leadership styles and communication methods during organizational change. Baby Boomers and Generation X preferred a relationshiporiented leadership style, while generation Y preferred a visionary leadership style. Task-oriented leadership style was not the preferred style of any generation. Rather, in the midst of change, it seems there is a preference for relational leadership across all the Generations. In respect of communication, Baby Boomers preferred face-toface methods, Generation X preferred face-to-face and e-mail methods as sources of change communication, while Generation Y preferred a combination of communication methods. In the midst of change, it seems there is a common preference for face-to-face communication across all the Generations. Furthermore, employees generally did not feel ready for the changes. In the light of these findings, recommendations were made to guide change initiatives amongst employees of various generations. The limitations of the study were its sample size and focus on the public sector. For future research, a larger sample could be selected from all regional offices. Similar research can also be done in the private sector. The findings of the study provide an understanding of the experiences and expectations of different generations of employees during organizational change, and contribute to the body of knowledge on generational differences, readiness for change and the management of different generations as different stakeholders.
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An exploration of the overlap between open source threat intelligence and active internet background radiation
- Authors: Pearson, Deon Turner
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer networks -- Monitoring , Malware (Computer software) , TCP/IP (Computer network protocol) , Open source intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/103802 , vital:32299
- Description: Organisations and individuals are facing increasing persistent threats on the Internet from worms, port scanners, and malicious software (malware). These threats are constantly evolving as attack techniques are discovered. To aid in the detection and prevention of such threats, and to stay ahead of the adversaries conducting the attacks, security specialists are utilising Threat Intelligence (TI) data in their defense strategies. TI data can be obtained from a variety of different sources such as private routers, firewall logs, public archives, and public or private network telescopes. However, at the rate and ease at which TI is produced and published, specifically Open Source Threat Intelligence (OSINT), the quality is dropping, resulting in fragmented, context-less and variable data. This research utilised two sets of TI data, a collection of OSINT and active Internet Background Radiation (IBR). The data was collected over a period of 12 months, from 37 publicly available OSINT datasets and five IBR datasets. Through the identification and analysis of common data between the OSINT and IBR datasets, this research was able to gain insight into how effective OSINT is at detecting and potentially reducing ongoing malicious Internet traffic. As part of this research, a minimal framework for the collection, processing/analysis, and distribution of OSINT was developed and tested. The research focused on exploring areas in common between the two datasets, with the intention of creating an enriched, contextualised, and reduced set of malicious source IP addresses that could be published for consumers to use in their own environment. The findings of this research pointed towards a persistent group of IP addresses observed on both datasets, over the period under research. Using these persistent IP addresses, the research was able to identify specific services being targeted. Amongst these persistent IP addresses were significant packets from Mirai like IoT Malware on port 23/tcp and 2323/tcp as well as general scanning activity on port 445/TCP.
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- Authors: Pearson, Deon Turner
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer networks -- Monitoring , Malware (Computer software) , TCP/IP (Computer network protocol) , Open source intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/103802 , vital:32299
- Description: Organisations and individuals are facing increasing persistent threats on the Internet from worms, port scanners, and malicious software (malware). These threats are constantly evolving as attack techniques are discovered. To aid in the detection and prevention of such threats, and to stay ahead of the adversaries conducting the attacks, security specialists are utilising Threat Intelligence (TI) data in their defense strategies. TI data can be obtained from a variety of different sources such as private routers, firewall logs, public archives, and public or private network telescopes. However, at the rate and ease at which TI is produced and published, specifically Open Source Threat Intelligence (OSINT), the quality is dropping, resulting in fragmented, context-less and variable data. This research utilised two sets of TI data, a collection of OSINT and active Internet Background Radiation (IBR). The data was collected over a period of 12 months, from 37 publicly available OSINT datasets and five IBR datasets. Through the identification and analysis of common data between the OSINT and IBR datasets, this research was able to gain insight into how effective OSINT is at detecting and potentially reducing ongoing malicious Internet traffic. As part of this research, a minimal framework for the collection, processing/analysis, and distribution of OSINT was developed and tested. The research focused on exploring areas in common between the two datasets, with the intention of creating an enriched, contextualised, and reduced set of malicious source IP addresses that could be published for consumers to use in their own environment. The findings of this research pointed towards a persistent group of IP addresses observed on both datasets, over the period under research. Using these persistent IP addresses, the research was able to identify specific services being targeted. Amongst these persistent IP addresses were significant packets from Mirai like IoT Malware on port 23/tcp and 2323/tcp as well as general scanning activity on port 445/TCP.
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