Service quality importance-performance analysis as a strategic tool for management : the exploration of key customer satisfaction drivers in a South African electricity utility
- Authors: MacColl, Barry
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) Electric power distribution -- Customer services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Electric power distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Quality control Customer services -- Quality control Customer services -- Rating of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:806 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006972
- Description: This research was initiated due to declining customer satisfaction indices in the Southern region of Eskom, an electricity utility in South Africa. Given the link between customer satisfaction and purchase intentions, the sustainability of the business is at stake. The validity of the current MaxiCare survey tool is questioned and explored, as is the congruence of management and customers' perceptions regarding the key service quality constructs in the industry. The study's objective was to provide management with a reliable and valid customer satisfaction survey instrument as an alternate to the existing tool and to use the knowledge gained through the research process to recommend improvement strategies aimed at closing specific satisfaction gaps identified. The research was performed in two stages; firstly, semistructured interviews with customers and management to gain an understanding of the most important satisfaction dimensions. These influenced the design of a survey instrument based largely on the SERVPERF tool with the inclusion of importance ratings per item in the second stage. The quantitative survey results were used to assess the reliability and validity of the research and to suggest areas for future work. The results show that communication, quality of supply, assurance and price are uppermost in the consumer's mind. Tangibles are not significant and the inclusion of empathy is inconclusive. Management and customer perceptions at a macro level are closely aligned, however the two populations are not in agreement as to the underlying micro considerations. Similarly, the MaxiCare instrument is found to be valid as a macro indicator but lacks sufficient detail to be useful as a strategic tool and needs to be supplemented with additional sources of market information. The survey instrument used in the second phase is both descriptive and reliable but the number of factors it measures, the mix of items and the inclusion of the 'importance' dimension need further refinement to improve its validity. Future revisions of the tool will provide management with specific information that allows them to focus improvement strategies on disgruntled customers and their key service issues.
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- Date Issued: 2004
Small town South Africa: the historical geography of selected Eastern Cape towns and current development initiatives within them
- Authors: White, Richard Charles Crookes
- Date: 2004 , 2013-06-03
- Subjects: Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Growth , Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Population -- Statistics , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- History , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:4805 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003288 , Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Growth , Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Population -- Statistics , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- History , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Social conditions
- Description: Small towns can be seen as the fundamental building blocks of tbe urban system. Through time, some of these towns have lost the primary reason for their existence. Some towns that have been declining or stagnating include old mining and industrial towns, such as Indwe in the Eastern Cape or Welkom in the Free State. Some towns have also changed the main focus of tbeir economy, for example, from that of mining to that of tourism, as in the case of Utrecht in Kwa-Zulu Natal (Nel, 2002). In light of the above, this thesis seeks to critically evaluate what has happened in selected small towns in the Eastern Cape. The research investigated a number of towns in the Eastern Cape, looking at the history and influence of colonisation, population dynamics, education levels, employment opportunities, migration and the influence of capitalism on the economic and social structure of the town, as well as tbe evolution of its economy. The research sample consisted of interviews witb local historians, community leaders, development agencies and individuals who were benefiting from tbe various development initiatives/project in the towns. These interviews, in conjunction with the literature identified, were conducted in the selected small towns, assessing whether development was succeeding and, in conclusion, identifying witb reference to the study sites, what was learnt. The research process generated a number of lessons that need to be taken into consideration when attempting social and economic upliftment in small towns. These include: the need for leadership, support from the local population and the need for financial assistance to support and uplift the community. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
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- Date Issued: 2004
Sobriety of crisp and fuzzy topological spaces
- Authors: Jacot-Guillarmod, Paul
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Topological spaces , Fuzzy sets
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5414 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005228 , Topological spaces , Fuzzy sets
- Description: The objective of this thesis is a survey of crisp and fuzzy sober topological spaces. We begin by examining sobriety of crisp topological spaces. We then extend this to the L- topological case and obtain analogous results and characterizations to those of the crisp case. We then brie y examine semi-sobriety of (L;M)-topological spaces.
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- Date Issued: 2004
Studies on parasitoids of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), in South Africa
- Authors: Nofemela, Sicelo Robert
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Plutellidae -- South Africa , Plutellidae -- Biological control , Plutellidae -- Parasites , Parasitoids
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5780 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005468 , Plutellidae -- South Africa , Plutellidae -- Biological control , Plutellidae -- Parasites , Parasitoids
- Description: The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is a major pest of Brassica crops in many parts of the world. Because of its ability to develop resistance to virtually all major groups of insecticides, including Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt), much attention has therefore been given to biological control using parasitoids. South Africa has an abundance of parasitoids attacking this pest. Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is the most abundant larval parasitoid of P. xylostella in South Africa. In East Africa, its role in biological control of P. xylostella is insignificant, and the most abundant parasitoid there is Diadegma mollipla (Holmgren) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), a larvalpupal parasitoid. In South Africa, however, D. mollipla is out-competed by C. plutellae. Total parasitism of P. xylostella in East Africa rarely exceeds 15%, therefore there is a need to introduce more effective and heat-tolerant parasitoids of P. xylostella to that region. This study was therefore initiated to examine the potential of C. plutellae and D. mollipla as biological control agents by studying certain aspects of their biology in the laboratory, as well as the suitability of C. plutellae for introduction into East Africa. Biological aspects studied were: (i) host instar preference, fecundity, and searching efficiency of C. plutellae and D. mollipla at different host and parasitoid densities; (ii) effects of temperature on parasitism of P. xylostella by C. plutellae and D. mollipla, and on their rates of development and emergence. In addition, the role of parasitoids in controlling P. xylostella on unsprayed cabbage plots was investigated. Both C. plutellae and D. mollipla preferred to attack second and third instar hosts than fourth instars in choice and no-choice tests. However, D. mollipla attacked more fourth instar hosts than C. plutellae. Cotesia plutellae laid mainly female eggs in second and third instar hosts than in fourth instars, whereas D. mollipla laid more female eggs in fourth instar hosts than in second and third instar hosts. Diadegma mollipla was more fecund [82.57 ± 32.87, (mean ± s.d.) than C. plutellae (42.13 ± 12.2), and was long lived (7.13 ± 3.69 days) compared to the latter (5.23 ± 2.7 days). An increase in host density resulted in the reduction in the area of discovery (a) and the killing power (K) for both parasitoids. No significant differences were detected between the searching efficiency (t = -1.42NS, d.f. = 48, P < 0.001) of the two parasitoids. An increase in parasitoid density also resulted in a decline in searching efficiency, but not the killing power, of both parasitoids. Cotesia plutellae completed development at all temperatures tested (21-33°C), whereas D. mollipla completed development at temperatures from 18-30°C, and C. plutellae had a lower threshold for development (8.14°C) compared to D. mollipla (10.23°C). At all tested temperatures, the generation time for C. plutellae was shorter compared to D. mollipla. The possible reasons for the dominance of C. plutellae over D. mollipla in the field are: shorter generation time, high production of female progeny in younger hosts, low interference among searching females, and relatively wide thermal tolerance. The role of parasitoids in regulating diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), populations was studied for two years (February 2000-January 2002) on unsprayed cabbage fields at Brits, North West Province, South Africa. Cabbage seedlings were transplanted in three consecutive times each year. Cabbage infestations by P. xylostella larvae and pupae, and their parasitoids, were monitored at weekly intervals. The flight activity of P. xylostella male moths was monitored using sex-pheromone traps. Trap catches indicated that the moths were active throughout the year. The flight activity of the moths corresponded with infestations on the crop. Trap catches and infestation levels were generally low from December to August and high from September to November. Eight hymenopteran parasitoids were reared: the larval parasitoids Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov) (Braconidae) and Apanteles halfordi (Ullyett) (Braconidae); the larval-pupal parasitoids Oomyzus sokolowskii (Kurdjumov) (Eulophidae) and Diadegma mollipla (Holmgren)(Ichneumonidae); the pupal parasitoid Diadromus collaris (Gravenhorst) (Ichneumonidae); and the hyperparasitoids Eurytoma sp. (Eurytomidae), Mesochorus sp. (Ichneumonidae), and Pteromalus sp. (Pteromalidae). Cotesia plutellae was the most abundant parasitoid of P. xylostella followed by O. sokolowskii, D. collaris, A. halfordi and D. mollipla. Parasitism of P. xylostella larvae was high reaching 100% on several occasions during late spring to end of autumn (November-May) each year. Parasitism was lower (<50%) in winter and early spring (June-September). Apanteles halfordi was absent in winter but re-appeared in spring. Parasitism of P. xylostella pupae by D. collaris was high only during spring (September-October). Hyperparasitism was generally low except when primary parasitoids were abundant in spring (September-November) and summer (December-February) when up to 25% of P. xylostella larvae and C. plutellae cocoons yielded hyperparasitoids. The role of other biotic and abiotic mortality factors on the population dynamics of P. xylostella is discussed.
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- Date Issued: 2004
The adaptive development and use of learning support materials in response to the 1st principle of the revised national curriculum statement : the case of Hadeda Island
- Authors: Olvitt, Lausanne Laura
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Environmental education -- South Africa -- Case studies Environmental education -- Curricula -- South Africa Teaching -- Aids and devices -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1938 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007719
- Description: This case study describes the development and trial use of the Hadeda Island Big Book. Developed within a transforming South African curriculum framework, the study recognises that current educational practices are shaped and steered by historical, cultural, political and economic realities. This perspective guides the research design, which considers each of the three participating schools as contextually unique. The Hadeda Island Big Book was developed in response to the 1st Principle of the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS). This calls for all curriculum activities to develop learners' understandings of the relationship between social justice, a healthy environment, human rights and inclusivity. The study probes ways in which learning support materials might respond in line with the vision of the RNCS 1st Principle. Associated challenges, tensions and opportunities are discussed in relation to schools' interactions with the Hadeda Island Big Book. The diverse and creative responses to the book lead this study to foreground generative approaches to curriculum work. Emphasis is thus redirected from hierarchical, stipulative views of curriculum to more dynamic, responsive views of curriculum as a guiding framework. This is regarded as a valuable orientation to the development of future learning support materials. The study comments on the challenge of supporting teachers to develop curriculum activities that reflect a view of 'environment' as socially shaped and multi-dimensional. Tendencies to focus on either the 'ecological' or the 'social' dimensions of environmental issues rather than on the interacting socio-ecological dimensions are recognised as limiting the material's potential to strengthen environmental learning in schools. The study recommends that greater attention be paid to the environmentally-oriented Learning Outcomes and Assessment Standards of all Learning Areas in the RNCS. In so doing, socio-ecological learning processes may be strengthened through curriculum work.
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- Date Issued: 2004
The development of a geographic information system (GIS) as a mariculture sector planning tool in South Africa
- Authors: Shiran-Klotz, Imran
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Geographic information systems -- South Africa , Fishery management -- Geographic information systems -- South Africa , Mariculture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5337 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005870 , Geographic information systems -- South Africa , Fishery management -- Geographic information systems -- South Africa , Mariculture -- South Africa
- Description: The South African coastline has a high potential for mariculture development, particularly in land-based systems, due to excellent water quality, good infrastructure, and relatively cheap land in certain areas. Development of mariculture however, has been slow primarily due to the absence of a national sector development plan to coordinate contribution to development by government, industry and academia. Recent mariculture development plans however, supported by government commitment to stimulate coastal development, offers new opportunity for the sector's growth. These new sector development plans require a multi-disciplinary intensive information base with a strong regional and national spatial component. Geographic Information System (GIS) is a spatial analytical tool, which is capable of handling such large coastal databases and analysing them. Nevertheless, many mariculture GIS planning applications, often developed in isolation and with limited practical use for decision makers, highlighted the need to develop GIS in relation to the mariculture sector development plan. Hence, the aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a GIS for the national and regional mariculture sector planning process in South Africa, in order to identify potentially suitable areas along the South African coastline for mariculture operations. The GIS development in this study was based on the mariculture planning approach developed by PAP/RAe (1996), which recognizes the variations of scales in mariculture planning. Three case studies, representing the diversity of the South African sector plan, were selected to develop the GIS. They included: a national suitability analysis for all land-based culture systems, a specific national analysis on abalone ranching, and a detailed regional analysis of land-based culture and abalone ranching along the Namaqualand coastline. The GIS was developed separately for each case study based on a strategy consisting of six main phases, including: identification of project requirements, developing analytical framework, selection and location of data sources, organization and manipulation of data, analysing data and verifying and evaluation of the outputs. Biophysical, coastal use, and infrastructure criteria were collected, sorted and analysed to identify development constraints. Based on a set of conditions, and Boolean logic and arithmetic operations, unsuitable areas were identified and eliminated. Main constraints for national land-based development included competition over space along KwaZuluNatal Province coastline and restricted access to the coast along the south region of the Northern Cape Province, Wild Coast along the Eastern Cape Province, and Maputaland along KwaZulu-Natal Province. Ten areas along the country coastline were therefore identified as potentially suitable for land-based mariculture. Furthermore, South African abalone ranching potential was found to be limited mostly along the Western and Northern Cape Province's coastline due to the high risk of Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) occurrences, alternative resource use and activities such as commercial fishery, poaching, and conservation. Hence, a total of nine areas along the Northern Cape, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape coastlines were identified as premier areas for abalone ranching. The regional study along the Namaqualand coastline revealed potential conflict between mining activity and mariculture development due to security issues and restricted access to the coast. Land-based mariculture development was confined to the four main coastal urban areas. The highest potential for land-based mariculture was along Port Nolloth and Kleinsee coastlines, whereas marine-based (i.e. abalone ranching) potential was poor along the north part of the coast due to intense marine mining activities, restricted access to the coast, and low kelp bed density. High potential abalone ranching areas were identified south to Kleinsee, and around Port Nolloth. Potential conflict with marine mining activity was minimal since it was localised and not related to kelp bed locations. It was concluded that GIS is a relevant and compatible tool for South African mariculture sector planning. However, future development of GIS as integrated planning tool in mariculture and coastal planning, requires updated spatial data (e.g. recreational activity), and continued interaction among project planners, mariculture specialists and GIS analysts.
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- Date Issued: 2004
The effect of commercialisation, privatisation and liberalisation on universal access in South Africa
- Authors: Gardner, Sean Patrick Newell
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Telkom (Firm : South Africa) , Telecommunication , Telecommunication -- South Africa , Privatization -- South Africa , Trade regulation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3431 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002885 , Telkom (Firm : South Africa) , Telecommunication , Telecommunication -- South Africa , Privatization -- South Africa , Trade regulation -- South Africa
- Description: From the 1990s onwards, significant developments have occurred in the international telecommunications sector that have affected the South African telecommunications industry and peoples’ access to the network. Rapid developments in Information and Communication Technologies and the reorganisation of telecommunications operators through commercialisation, privatisation and the effects of market liberalisation have resulted in monopoly operators moving away from their public service mandates. Globalisation and adherence to World Trade Organisation rules are causing operators to rebalance their tariffs closer to cost. Long-distance rates are decreasing while the cost of local calls is increasing. High-end users of telecommunications services are benefiting while low-end, largely residential users are being priced off the network. The end result is a negative effect on universal access to telecommunications services. This study examines the extent to which commercialisation, privatisation and liberalization are affecting the provision of telecommunications services and the government’s goal of achieving universal access in South Africa. Qualitative research methods were utilised to establish that the state owned operator, Telkom, has transformed itself from a public service operator to one that is fully commercialised and prepared for an Initial Public Offering and competition. Telkom no longer attempts to ensure that its tariffs are affordable for all people. However, positive developments presented themselves in the form of an increasingly competent regulator, a reorganised and dedicated Universal Service Agency, and the popularity of cellular telephony. The primary discovery of this study is that the liberalisation of the South African telecommunications sector cannot be assumed to have a negative effect on the provision of service. This study finds that liberalisation will most likely benefit the country through the role out of new infrastructure, the provision of new services and ultimately the reduction of those services themselves. In order for universal access to be achieved in this country the study recommends that the resources of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa be enhanced to enable the regulator oversee the industry effectively. Secondly, the Universal Service Agency must provide clear definitions of universal access and universal service as well as manage the Universal Service Fund with greater efficiency. Lastly, the two bodies mentioned above must ensure that services are affordable for all people of this country.
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- Date Issued: 2004
The effect of diet type and feeding rate on growth, morphological development and behaviour of larval and juvenile goldfish Carassius auratus (L.)
- Authors: Paulet, Timothy Guy
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Goldfish -- Growth , Goldfish -- Nutrition , Goldfish -- Development , Goldfish -- Larvae
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5271 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005115 , Goldfish -- Growth , Goldfish -- Nutrition , Goldfish -- Development , Goldfish -- Larvae
- Description: Intensive grow-out of goldfish, Carassius auratus (L.), larvae and juveniles in closed recirculating systems requires the control of environmental conditions and feeding. This study investigated the effect of different diets, environmental condition and feeding level on growth, development and survival of goldfish larvae and juveniles. Prey preference for Artemia nauplii or decapsulated Artemia cysts as well as agonistic behaviour was recorded. The micrometer device used to measure mouth-gape was shown to produce accurate measurements which could be used to estimate the maximal particle size that can be ingested by goldfish larvae of a particular age. Goldfish completed metamorphosis earlier with an increased feeding level of Artemia cysts and by making the cysts more accessible to the fish using up-welling water movement. Morphometric plasticity in goldfish larvae was exhibited within two weeks of growth and it may be possible to induce changes in morphology by manipulating diet and rearing environment. Fish that fed on moving prey items had a significantly larger mouth-gape than those that browsed cysts from the tank bottom or dry food items. The development of mouth-gape was not affected by the feeding level of cysts. Condition factor increased with an increase in the number of cysts fed per fish per day. Goldfish larvae and juveniles grew faster and had a higher survival when fed on decapsulated Artemia cysts than on instar I Artemia nauplii or a mixed live/dry diet of Artemia nauplii and dry food. Feeding at least 155 cysts per fish per day, in tanks with upwelling water movement, gave the best growth and survival and the smallest size variation. In addition, cysts remained available to the fish for longer periods, and were easier to prepare and feed. Goldfish larvae preferred decapsulated Artemia cysts to nauplii and rejected fewer prey items as they grew older. The frequency of agonistic behaviour increased as fish grew but no cannibalism was recorded for cyst-fed fish. This study showed that decapsulated Artemia cysts are a good alternative to Artemia nauplii as a diet for larval goldfish. Good growth and high survival was achieved for cyst-fed goldfish larvae and juveniles at 23 ± 1.5°C and at an initial stocking density of 12 fish per litre. This research also contributes to an understanding of feeding behaviour and attempts to minimise under- or over-feeding of Artemia cysts in order to reduce grow-out costs due to the high value of the feed type.
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- Date Issued: 2004
The enzymology of sludge solubilisation under biosulphidogenic conditions : isolation, characterisation and partial purification of endoglucanases
- Authors: Oyekola, Oluwaseun Oyekanmi
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Sewage -- Purification -- Anaerobic treatment , Anaerobic bacteria , Sewage sludge , Hydrolysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3921 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003980 , Sewage -- Purification -- Anaerobic treatment , Anaerobic bacteria , Sewage sludge , Hydrolysis
- Description: Endoglucanases play an important function in cellulose hydrolysis and catalyse the initial attack on the polymer by randomly hydrolysing the β-1,4 glucosidic bonds within the amorphous regions of cellulose chains. Cellulolytic bacteria have been isolated and characterised from the sewage sludge and the activation of several hydrolytic enzymes under biosulphidogenic conditions of sewage hydrolysis has been reported. The aims of this study were to: identify, induce production, locate and isolate, characterise (physicochemical and kinetic) and purify endoglucanases from anaerobic biosulphidogenic sludge. The endoglucanase activities were shown to be associated with the pellet particulate matter and exhibited a pH optimum of 6 and temperature optimum of 50 °C. The enzymes were thermally more stable when immobilised to the floc matrix of the sludge than when they were released into the aqueous solution via sonication. For both immobilised and released enzymes, sulphate was slightly inhibitory; activity was reduced to 84 % and 77.5 % of the initial activity at sulphate concentrations between 200 and 1000 mg/l, respectively. Sulphite was stimulatory to the immobilised enzymes between 200 and 1000 mg/l. Sulphide stimulated the activities of the immobilised endoglucanases, but inhibited activities of the soluble enzymes above 200 mg/l. The enzyme fraction did not hydrolyse avicel (a crystalline substrate), indicating the absence of any exocellulase activity. For CMC (carboxymethylcellulose) and HEC (hydroxylethylcellulose) the enzyme had K_m,app_ values of 4 and 5.1 mg/ml respectively and V_max,app_ values of 0.297 and 0.185 μmol/min/ml respectively. Divalent ions (Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺) proved to be inhibitory while Fe²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ stimulated the enzyme at concentrations between 200 and 1000 mg/l. All the volatile fatty acids studied (acetic acid, butyric acid, propionic acid and valeric acid) inhibited the enzymes, with acetic acid eliciting the highest degree of inhibition. Sonication released ~74.9 % of the total enzyme activities into solution and this was partially purified by PEG 20 000 concentration followed by DEAE-Cellulose ion exchange chromatography, which resulted in an appreciable purity as measured by the purification factor, 25.4 fold.
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- Date Issued: 2004
The experiences and needs of HIV/AIDS counsellors at Settlers Hospital, Grahamstown
- Authors: Nulty, Maria
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Counselors -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Counselors -- Supervision of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Counselors -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3032 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002541
- Description: Cognisant of the fact that counselling has become an essential aspect of dealing with HIV/AIDS in South Africa, the researcher aimed to explore the stressors experienced by HIV/AIDS counsellors. It was envisioned that the results obtained would both help to improve the counselling services provided at Settlers Hospital, and assist other organisations to do so. The research focused on how the participants dealt with the dual roles of non-directive listening and the more prescriptive advice-giving, the stressors they experienced and the support structures they had, or needed, to assist them in being more effective HIV/AIDS counsellors. The sample consisted of four HIV/AIDS counsellors working at Settlers Hospital, Grahamstown. The co-ordinator of HIV/AIDS at the hospital was interviewed for collateral information. A qualitative, multiple case study was undertaken. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data which were recorded and transcribed and then constructed into coherently organised personal narratives of each participant’s experiences. A composite description of all the results was arrived at through the use of a reading guide which reduced the data into a thematic content analysis. The analysed data served to present an understanding of the counsellors’ experiences and to enable recommendations to be made which could assist them in pursuing their work more effectively. The findings of this study indicate that HIV/AIDS counselling is an emotionally stressful occupation. Contributory factors include the twofold role of promoting prevention and serving as empathic listeners. Other stressors derive from issues of confidentiality and stigma concerning HIV/AIDS, counsellors’ identification with clients’ experiences and the demographics of HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Situational stressors which arise from working as both nurses and counsellors in a public health institution were also identified. Recommendations are made to alleviate the counsellors’ stress in the form of facilitated emotional support groups, professional supervision, managerial support to improve the working environment, and ongoing in-service training.
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- Date Issued: 2004
The feeding biology and potential impact of introduced giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Parker, Daniel Matthew
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Giraffe -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Animal-plant relationships -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Giraffe -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5694 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005380
- Description: Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) are extralimital (non-native) to the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa yet they have and continue to be introduced to the region. Financial gain has arguably been the driving force behind these introductions as foreign tourists associate giraffe with Africa and the African wildlife experience. This raises a number of ethical, ecological and philosophical questions especially when it is considered that the impact of these browsers on the indigenous vegetation has remained largely unquantified. In this study I assessed the diet and potential impact of three populations of giraffe in the Eastern Cape Province between January 2002 and October 2003. The diet was assessed by both direct observations and faecal analysis. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the results of the two methods of analysis, although direct observations appeared to be a superior method for assessing the diet of giraffe. The diet of giraffe in the Eastern Cape Province was similar to that within their native range with a deciduous species from the genus Acacia (Acacia karroo) being the most important component of the diet. However, giraffe in the Eastern Cape Province consumed more evergreen plant species than those within their native range. The relative lack of deciduous species in the Eastern Cape Province provides a likely explanation for such a result. Seasonal variation in the consumption of the most important species in the diet was evident and this was attributed to the deciduous nature of A. karroo and the seasonal growth of new shoots which were more palatable. The vegetation of the areas most commonly utilised by giraffe at each site was sampled using the point-centred-quarter method and the results related to the frequency of each species in the diet to calculate preference indices. Giraffe preference was strongest for A. karroo and this was attributed to the highly favourable chemical composition of the species. The browse utilisation of giraffe at each site was determined using the twig-length method and intake rates for the three most important species in the diet calculated using a pre-existing regression equation. Male giraffe fed at a higher rate than females. This was probably due to males adopting a “time-minimising” strategy to their feeding in order to allow more time for reproductive pursuits. Giraffe browse utilisation was highest where giraffe density was highest. However, several species were more heavily browsed than others even when giraffe density was low, suggesting that giraffe are capable of negatively affecting the indigenous flora of the province. I conclude that giraffe numbers should be reduced relative to property size in the Eastern Cape Province and that research into the impact of not only giraffe but the combined effects of giraffe and other extralimital herbivores on the indigenous flora and fauna be continued.
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- Date Issued: 2004
The Harry Potter phenomenon literary production, generic traditions, and the question of values
- Authors: Glover, Jayne Ashleigh
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Rowling, J. K. Criticism and interpretation , Potter, Harry (Fictitious character) , Children's literature -- History and criticism , Fantasy fiction, English -- History and criticism , Wizards in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2201 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002243 , Rowling, J. K. Criticism and interpretation , Potter, Harry (Fictitious character) , Children's literature -- History and criticism , Fantasy fiction, English -- History and criticism , Wizards in literature
- Description: This thesis is a study of the first four books of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. It accounts for the widespread success of the novels by examining their publication and marketing histories, and their literary achievement as narratives including a sophisticated mix of generic traditions. Chapter One looks at the popularity of the novels, comparing their material production and marketing by Rowling’s English language publishers: Bloomsbury in Britain and Scholastic in the United States of America. The publisher’s influence on the public perception of each book is demonstrated by comparative study of its mode of illustration and layout. Further, the design of the books is linked to their strategic marketing and branding within the literary world. The second chapter considers Rowling’s debt to the school story. It concentrates first on the history of this relatively short-lived genre, briefly discussing its stereotypical features and values. Traditional elements of setting and characterisation are then examined to show how the Harry Potter novels present a value system which, though apparently old-fashioned, still has an ethical standpoint designed to appeal to the modern reader. Chapter Three focuses on the characterisation of Harry as a hero-figure, especially on how the influence of classical and medieval texts infuses Rowling’s portrayal of Harry as a hero in the chivalric mode. The episodes of “quest” and “test” in each book illustrate specifically how he learns the values of selflessness, loyalty, mercy and fairness. Chapter Four surveys the contribution of modern fantasy writing to the series. It shows how Rowling creates a secondary world that allows us to perceive magic as a metaphorical representation of power. This focus on the relationship between magic and power in turn has a bearing on our assessment of the author’s moral stance. The thesis concludes by suggesting that Rowling’s unusual mix of genres is justified by the values they share, and which are inscribed in her work: the generic combination forms a workable, new and exciting mode of writing that helps to account for the phenomenal popularity of the series.
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- Date Issued: 2004
The impact of smart cards on South African rural pensioners' lives
- Authors: Nyoka, Zanele
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Old age pensioners -- South Africa -- Management Smart cards South African Post Office
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:818 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008052
- Description: E-commerce technologies have many possible applications both in commercial and non-commercial operations. The development and implementation of these applications is on the increase especially by government and its agencies, for the delivery of services. Specific to this study is the distribution of old age pension benefits to recipients that reside in the rural areas of South Africa. Of importance to this study are the factors that promote and impinge on the development, implementation and acceptance of these applications. A specific project, the Pension Biometric Project was implemented by the South African Post Office in line with the government's initiatives of improving service delivery, and in response to the encroaching digital economy. The research problem is to investigate the pensioners' perception and their experience of three areas of this project, its implementation, its acceptance and its uses and impact. The research was conducted in the constructivist paradigm, using the case study research method. Three data collection methods were used, i.e. a document study of SAPO project documentation, on-site observations and interviews with pensioners. It was found that despite problems in implementation, the pensioners were accepting of the new system, although they were ignorant of the functionalities of the smart card. Consequently, few pensioners were making use of the banking facilities of the card, or had changed their economic behaviour. The study has also found that two themes are overriding all findings of the study. These two themes are ignorance and dignity. Ignorance has had a causal effect on adoption of the smart cards and dignity has been found to be a result of the project. The overriding implication of this study is that pensioners' ignorance around issues of service delivery by government and its agencies needs to be eradicated, otherwise there is no reliable way of measuring efforts against actual delivery. Also, the fact that dignity has emerged as an overriding theme needs to be deliberately strengthened, and maybe even driven as a specified objective of the Pension Biometric Project. Recommendations in this regard are provided as well as ideas for further research.
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- Date Issued: 2004
The implementation of multigrade teaching in rural schools in the Keetmanshoop education region: leadership and management challenges
- Authors: Titus, David Petrus
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia Education, Rural -- Namibia Education and state -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia School management and organization -- Namibia Rural schools -- Namibia Educational leadership -- Namibia School principals -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1566 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003448
- Description: Leadership has received much attention in both the business world and education. My thesis explores effective educational leadership through examining the management and leadership challenges that face principals in a multi-grade school. Schools in sparsely populated rural areas in Namibia have had to resort to multi-grade teaching to be able to be economically viable. Hard economic realities force people to move to bigger towns and cities. The constant demand for better schools, effective principals, qualified teachers and an improved service to the communities coupled with the demand for better working conditions and salaries for teachers drained the education budget even further. To keep in line with the four major policies of education namely equity, access, quality and democracy, the operation of smaller, rural multi-grade schools has become a necessity. The alternative – which is to close smaller schools and operate fewer, bigger schools at an affordable and reasonable cost - would deny rural communities access to schooling. This thesis is a case study of the leadership and management challenges of multigrade schooling in a single school. The goal was to understand how education managers and leaders perceived their role in making it possible for teachers and learners to cope with multi-grade teaching. I worked in the interpretive paradigm to be able to interpret the social and cultural context of a rural, multi-grade school in the Karas region. The methods included questionnaires, interviews and observation. One of the leadership models universally considered to be available to principals of multi-grade schools is instructional leadership. My study revealed that the concept was unknown to teaching staff, although there were indications that the model had been encountered. My findings also revealed that the communication between colleges of education and the regional education department staff was very limited. One of the major issues that arose was that principals were so occupied with teaching that important issues about training/evaluation and supervision of teachers, the ‘visibility’ of the principal, setting and implementation of the aims and goals of the school and regular communication with parents and community leaders were neglected. Probably the most significant finding was that head teachers are not trained in the management of a multi-grade school, hence most if not all of the head teachers run multi-grade schools like a single-graded school. The single most important problem was that the importance of multi-grade teaching had never been highlighted, particularly in light of new staffing norms, in spite of the fact that it was a phenomenon that was likely to be a permanent arrangement.
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- Date Issued: 2004
The location of meaning in the postmodernist literary text: a reading of Mark Z. Danielewski's House of Leaves and related material
- Authors: Jeffery, Thomas Carnegie
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Danielewski, Mark Z. House of leaves , Danielewski, Mark Z. Criticism and interpretation , Horror tales , English literature -- Criticism, Textual , Literature, Modern -- History and criticism , Postmodernism (Literature)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2196 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002238
- Description: In House of Leaves, Mark Z. Danielewski has produced a text which epitomises the traits and concerns of postmodernist literature. Through his attention to aspects such as metafiction, intertextuality and parody, Danielewski develops a narrative structure which is best understood as a literary labyrinth. It is a structure intended to reflect the social conditions of the twenty-first century and comment on the experience of people living at this time. Some of the meaning-making strategies within the book’s labyrinthine structure are thus discussed in detail in order to demonstrate the relevance and importance of House of Leaves as social commentary. House of Leaves is an exemplary postmodernist text, but it is also one that seeks to guide the reader beyond the intellectual impasse of the postmodernist paradigm toward a renewed ethical and political engagement with the world. One of the most important goals of both Danielewski’s novel and this thesis is to attempt to redefine the postmodernist perspective in such a way as to insist on the necessity of what I call a new realism. This is founded upon an awareness of the pervasiveness of the self-perpetuating ideology of capitalism, even in the perspective of postmodernism (which purports to subvert all authoritative ideologies). Playing a crucial role in perpetuating the status quo of capitalism is the growth of entertainment culture, which works to sideline crucial political issues by replacing information with infotainment. The result is an intensification of the processes of commodification. Such an intensification, it is argued, may be countered by a radical scepticism which draws upon the methods and insights of contemporary science.
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- Date Issued: 2004
The market efficiency hypothesis and the behaviour of stock returns on the JSE securities exchange
- Authors: Mabhunu, Mind
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa , Stock exchanges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1027 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002762 , Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa , Stock exchanges -- South Africa
- Description: While the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EHM) has been widely accepted as robust by many researchers in the field of capital markets, the hypothesis’ robustness has been under increased scrutiny and question lately. In the light of the concerns over the robustness of the EMH, the weak form efficiency of the JSE is tested. Stock returns used in the analysis were controlled for thin trading and it was discovered that once returns are controlled for thin trading, they are independent of each other across time. Some of the previous studies found the JSE to be inefficient in the weak form but this research found that the JSE is efficient in the weak form. A comparison is also made between the JSE and four other African stock markets and the JSE is found to be more efficient than the other markets. The developments on the JSE, which have improved information dissemination as well as the efficiency of trading, contributed to the improvement of the JSE’s efficiency. The improvement in operational efficiency and turnover from the late 1990s has also made a major contribution to the improvement in the weak form efficiency of the JSE. Theory proposes that if markets are efficient then professional investment management is of little value if any; hence the position of professional investment managers in efficient markets is investigated. Although the JSE is found to be efficient, at least in the weak form, it is argued that achieving efficiency does not necessarily make the investment manager’s role obsolete. Investment managers are needed even when the market can be proved to be efficient.
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- Date Issued: 2004
The mentally retarded offender in a forensic setting: a South African study
- Authors: Solomons, Warren Stanley
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Mentally ill offenders -- South Africa , Forensic psychology , People with mental disabilities and crime -- South Africa , People with mental disabilities -- Rehabilitation , Mental health laws -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3063 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002572 , Mentally ill offenders -- South Africa , Forensic psychology , People with mental disabilities and crime -- South Africa , People with mental disabilities -- Rehabilitation , Mental health laws -- South Africa
- Description: This study examined, within the South African context, the prevalence of mental retardation in a forensic observation setting, and the impediments of and successes to forensic rehabilitation. The results of the study indicated that a significant amount of forensic observation patients (25.16%) are ultimately diagnosed as being mentally retarded, with 39.24 percent of such offenders being found unfit to plead. Further 32.91 percent of the same sample was found to be not responsible for their actions. A link was also drawn between the mentally retarded offender and violent offenses. The advantages and disadvantages of a current rehabilitative process are discussed in light of alternate community-based forms of rehabilitation that are being implemented in other countries, for example the United States of America, with a view towards investigated their usefulness and adaptability to South African circumstances. The findings of the study have implications for mental health professionals working within forensic settings concerning the future management of mentally retarded offenders, particularly within the rehabilitative process .
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- Date Issued: 2004
The new economic geography of SADC free trade area
- Authors: Hess, Simon Peter
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community Free trade -- Africa, Southern Economic geography Industries -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEcon
- Identifier: vital:932 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001648
- Description: The current implementation of a free trade area in SADC has given rise to concerns that the present location of industry in the region will be adversely affected. Specifically, many of the smaller and less-developed countries fear that this change will result in a loss of their industry towards the more developed members, and particularly towards South Africa. This study uses the framework of the new economic geography to address these concerns. The new economic geography is a body of theory that has arisen in the last decade and allows for a dynamic analysis of the process of regional integration. Studies of such dynamic effects in the developing country context are exceedingly scarce, and particularly so in southern Africa. Another area of little research is in the comparison of the evolving industrial structure of different regional blocs. Thus, in response to this gap in the literature and in order to address the concerns of polarisation of industry within the SADC region, a two-pronged empirical approach is taken. The study first conducts a review of the spatial distribution of industry within SADC from 1970 to 1999. This is achieved through the calculation and examination of industrial locational Gini coefficients, measuring the relative degree of concentration of 28 ISIC (rev 2) industries for the years 1970, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995 and 1999. Secondly, an empirical comparison is conducted with other blocs that are in the process of deepening regional integration, namely the European Union and Mercosur. Again, this is done through the calculation of locational Gini coefficients for individual industries for all three blocs at five year intervals from 1980 to 1995, and then for 1999. The average level of concentration within SADC is found to increase steadily from 1970 to 1990. Between 1990 and 1995, the level of concentration increases further, but at a lower rate, and, by 1999 industry begins to disperse. The Gini coefficient is a relative measure, and thus does not measure the absolute level of concentration. Thus, much of the increase in concentration seen is towards peripheral countries. To further interpret the Gini, the changes in concentration are compared to the absolute changes in manufacturing employment in South Africa. From this analysis, eight of the 28 industries analysed show particular tendencies to concentrate in the periphery. These are beverages, textiles, wearing apparel, paper and products, rubber products, other non-metallic mineral products, transport equipment, and professional and scientific equipment. Likewise, another six industries become more concentrated in South Africa over this time, namely food products, printing and publishing, industrial chemicals, petroleum refineries, miscellaneous petroleum and coal products, and electrical machinery. According to the Gini coefficient, the tobacco industry is by far the most concentrated, while the wood products industry is the most dispersed. It is also found that scale-intensive industries tend to be among the most concentrated. In the cross-bloc comparison, Mercosur has the lowest level of aggregate concentration with an average Gini of 0.08 in 1999. This compares with Ginis of 0.28 for the EU, and 0.22 for SADC. The EU has the largest increase in concentration over the period, while the concentration in Mercosur falls during the 1980s, increases in the mid 1990s and then falls again by 1999. A common theme, however, between all three blocs is a trend towards dispersion in the late 1990s. This is particularly apparent in SADC and Mercosur where the Gini decreases in value, while in the EU, the Gini only increases marginally in this period. Other studies of the EU have indicated that industry was starting to disperse at this time. This finding would be more apparent at a greater level of industrial disaggregation. The following industries are found to be agglomerated above the average level in all three blocs: tobacco, miscellaneous petroleum and coal products, and pottery china and earthenware. Conversely, transport equipment, paper and products, machinery except electrical, plastic products, rubber products, and fabricated metal products tend to be more dispersed across all three. Perhaps more interesting is that there appears to be some commonality between industries that become more agglomerated across all three blocs, while industries that dispersed tend to be region specific. The industries that show universal agglomeration tendencies are the highly sensitive wearing apparel and textiles industries, in addition to industrial chemicals, printing and publishing, iron and steel, and plastic products. In relation to SADC, the first two of these industries show an increased concentration in the periphery, as in the EU, while the remaining industries show tendencies to concentrate in the core. The new economic geography predicts that, as the presently high levels of transport costs begin to fall in SADC, industry will tend to concentrate in the core. However, the results of this study indicate that the effect on manufacturing is, to a large extent, sector specific, with some manufacturing industries concentrating in the core and others in the periphery. The study therefore concludes that the mass polarization of industry from the smaller countries in SADC towards South Africa is unlikely to occur with the further reduction in trade costs. Although certain industries may be attracted towards the core, the high degree of wage disparity in the region and present trade concessions from developed markets overseas towards the peripheral countries, will make these countries an attractive location, particularly for export orientated firms. Two main policy recommendations result from the study. Firstly, individual countries in SADC need to promote those industries that show concentration tendencies in their country. Secondly, in order for the periphery to maximize their gain from the free trade area, transport costs within the region need to be reduced rapidly and effectively.
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- Date Issued: 2004
The occurrence of Nosema apis (Zander), Acarapis woodi (Rennie), and the Cape problem bee in the summer rainfall region of South Africa
- Authors: Swart, Dawid Johannes
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Nosema apis , Bee culture , Honeybee -- South Africa , Honeybee -- Diseases , Honeybee -- Parasites , Mites
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5914 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015980
- Description: The occurrence of Nosema disease, tracheal mites and the “pseudo-parasitic” behaviour of Cape honeybee workers when placed amongst African honeybees – known as the Cape Bee Problem – were studied over a 18 month period. Three surveys, approximately 6 months apart were done. The aims of this study were to establish the distribution and severity of the diseases and compare the disease with the presence of the Cape Bee Problem. Before this survey commenced European Foul Brood disease, Sacbrood (virus), Nosema, Brood nosema, and Tracheal mite have sporadically been reported in the summer rainfall region of South Africa. In the first survey 1005 colonies in 61 apiaries were surveyed, 803 colonies in 57 apiaries in the second, and 458 colonies in 41 apiaries in the third. Samples for disease and parasite analysis were taken at 4 colonies per apiary. Ten colonies per apiary were inspected for Cape Problem Bees, and samples of workers were collected and dissected at each of these colonies. Even with the addition of apiaries to 'fill-up' lost colonies during the second survey, 63% of all colonies were lost by the third survey. There was only a small difference in colony loss between sedentary and migratory beekeepers of 22% compared to 27%. Nosema was more prevalent amongst commercial beekeepers and increased in migratory operations during the survey period. The percentage of colonies infected increased during the survey period from 23% to 32% to 34%. The placement of colonies in Eucalyptus plantations may boost infection. Trachea mites seem to have spread quite rapidly in South Africa since its discovery. This parasitic mite was present in all regions, although in low numbers in three most northern regions. Sedentary colonies had higher levels of infestation than migratory colonies. The number of colonies infested diminished over the survey period, which may be a result of general colony loss. The Cape Problem Bee was less of a problem than anticipated. Colonies succumbed to Cape Problem Bees in all regions. When beekeepers reported high levels of infestation in their bee stocks the colonies would be dead within six months. In apiaries with low infestation the die-out was slower.
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- Date Issued: 2004
The perceptions that mentors and in-service teachers in the basic education teacher diploma have of the nature and role of the mentoring system
- Authors: Mostert, Johan André
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia Teaching -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia Teachers -- Training of -- Namibia Teachers -- In-service training -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1695 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003578
- Description: This contextual analysis is concerned with the study of the Basic Education Teacher's Diploma In-service Curriculum. It is based on the following assumptions: firstly, that the BETD (Inset and Preset) represents the Namibian Educational Reform in the realm of Teacher Education. Secondly, it is assumed that the BETD as a vehicle for reform in Teacher Education should yield teachers who are capable of change and development. Based on the above-mentioned assumptions, this analysis examines this Teacher Education course/programme against some criteria pertinent to its philosophy. A critical analysis of its curriculum in terms of some core subjects, as well as its practical implementation, will form the basis of this scrutiny. Secondary to the above, this analysis also intends to reflect this sociohistoric and economic context in which the BETD has been designed. An underlying motive in this analysis is to study the dynamics between the philosophy, which represents the heart and intention of the Namibian educational reform on the one hand and implementation which in turn delivers the end product or final outcome of the course on the other hand. This analysis should also fit into the current debate between conservatives who claim that the BETD lacks content and is therefore inferior, and those who claim that the course adequately prepares teachers for the needs of Basic Education.
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- Date Issued: 2004