The current role of palm species Hyphaene Coriacea and Phoenix Reclanata in local livelihoods in the Zitundo area, southern Mozambique
- Authors: Martins, Angelina R O
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Ilala palm -- Economic aspects -- Mozambique , Palms -- Economic aspects -- Mozambique , Non-timber forest products industry -- Mozambique , Sustainable development -- Mozambique , Conservation of natural resources -- Mozambique
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150613 , vital:38989
- Description: The majority of rural households in developing countries are heavily dependent on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to fulfill much of their basic daily needs. In Mozambique more than 64% of the population lives in rural areas and depends heavily in the extraction of NTFPs to complement agricultural production. One substantial source of NTFPs are palm species. Palms are sources of food, building materials, cloth, ornaments, medicines, and are also used for cultural purposes. In southern Mozambique two important palms species used as NTFPs are Hyphaene coriacea and Phoenix reclinata. These two species provide an array of subsistence and commercial products. The sap, leaves and stems of these two palms are harvested by local people as sources of traditional beverages, weaving, roofing, fencing and furniture material as well as other household utensils. The effects (if any) of harvesting of these palm products on palm distribution, population structure, dynamics and viability have never been examined, and thus the sustainability of the practices and benefits flows to local livelihoods are unknow-n. Any effects harvesting effects may also be exacerbated by predicted climate change for the area. The present study aims to investigate the role of the palm species Hyphaene coriacea and Phoenix reclinata in the livelihoods of households in the Zitundo area, Matutuine district, southern Mozambique and under future climate scenarios. Specifically, this study: i) evaluates the abundance, population structure and harvesting selection of these species; ii) characterizes the ethnobotanical knowledge and use of the two species; iii) examines the local production and trade of palm wine in the area; iv) examines the contribution of palm income to livelihoods and income diversification in area; v) describes the local management practices and perceptions on palm productivity and abundance; and vi) models the current and future distribution of the these palm species in the area. To evaluate the abundance, population structure and stability of these two palm species a population census was carried out, and the size class distribution, Simpson index of dominance, permutation index and the quotient between successive size classes were calculated. I further calculated the preference ratio for specific size classes. Additionally a questionnaire survey was conducted with 179 randomly selected households from the 16 villages in the study area to characterize the ethnobotanical knowledge and use of these two species, as well as to examine the contribution of palm income to livelihoods and diversification. Standard ethnobotanical indices were used as measures of each palm species use and knowledge while principal component analysis and cluster analysis were applied to highlight the livelihood patterns and the role of diversification and of palm income in local livelihoods. Structured interviews with 37 palm tappers were additionally used to examine the local production and trade of palm wine in the area, while both the household survey and palm tappers interviews, were employed to investigate the local management practices and perceptions on palms productivity and abundance. Maxent Software was used to model the current and future under climate change distribution of the two palm species. Hyphaene coriacea was more abundant than Phoenix reclinata. Both species exhibited steep negative slopes in the regression analyses of size class distribution, indicating the presence of more individuals in shorter size classes. Although there was a dominance of shorter over taller size classes, limited recruitment was observed through low stem densities of seedlings and juveniles compared to the 1-50 cm size class The Simpson index of dominance, the permutation index, and the fluctuating quotients between the consecutive size classes showed a level of instability in both populations. Hyphaene coriacea appeared to be more resilient to tapping than Phoenix reclinata as showed by the higher rate of stem survival after tapping. Hyphaene coriacea was favored for tapping compared to Phoenix reclinata. The most preferred size class to tap for both species was between 101cm and 150 cm. Currently the distribution of Hyphaene coriacea and Phoenix reclinata was mostly confined to the eastern side of the study area. Most of the area was predicted as unsuitable for both palm species, with less than six percent predicted to be suitable or higher. The occurrence of both species appeared to be influenced mostly by water related variables, such as precipitation, and distance to rivers and distance to water bodies. The habitat suitability for Hyphaene coriacea was predicted to increase under future climate conditions scenarios, while little variation was predicted for Phoenix reclinata distribution. The knowledge about the uses of these two palm species was widespread in the area, although only 32% of respondents were engaged in palm exploitation. Thirteen palm products were exploited, with palm wine production from the sap of both palms being the dominant activity, followed by broom production from Phoenix reclinata stems and basket production from Hyphaene coriacea leaves. The cultural importance of these species included the production of anklets and skirts used during traditional dances and the use of palm wine in the traditional ritual of libation. Palm tapping was practiced year round in five of the sixteen villages in the area. Palm tapping was an important livelihood activity, contributing over 80% of tappers’ total annual income, and tappers earned up to three times more than the national minimum wage for the agricultural and forestry sector. Palm wine was also a highly commercial commodity in Zitundo area, with an average commercialization index above 60%. The income from palm wine sales showed an important role in mitigating the level of poverty in the area. Palm income accounted for over 60% reduction on poverty incidence among palm tappers. Households in Zitundo further engaged in some level of livelihood diversification. The majority of households adopted a wage-based strategy, although this strategy was among the less remunerative in terms of per capita cash income. A palm-based livelihood strategy, although adopted only by 11% of households, was one of the most remunerative strategies. Palm income played a vital role in enhancing household livelihoods and mitigating poverty in the area as shown by the lower poverty incidences among households engaged in the palm-based livelihood strategy than alternatives strategies. The village of household residency, along with household demographic and socio-economic characteristics appeared to determine the knowledge and exploitation level of palms as well as a households’ choice of livelihood strategy, level of palm wine returns, commercialization index and palm income dependency. The importance of palms in local livelihoods and poverty alleviation needs greater acknowledgement by government and development agencies in the area. Palm wine, broom and basket production have a high potential for income generation, and therefore should be included in future local development policies and poverty reduction strategies. Although palms are an open access resource in Zitundo area, the perception is that they are abundant and that tapping does not have many detrimental effects. However, this study found some negative impacts of tapping on the recruitment of both palms species. The inclusion of palm products in future development programs and poverty reduction strategies will require the design of participatory conservation and management strategies that involve all palm users groups and others stakeholders and include long-term participatory monitoring of the effect of palm use on the populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Martins, Angelina R O
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Ilala palm -- Economic aspects -- Mozambique , Palms -- Economic aspects -- Mozambique , Non-timber forest products industry -- Mozambique , Sustainable development -- Mozambique , Conservation of natural resources -- Mozambique
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150613 , vital:38989
- Description: The majority of rural households in developing countries are heavily dependent on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to fulfill much of their basic daily needs. In Mozambique more than 64% of the population lives in rural areas and depends heavily in the extraction of NTFPs to complement agricultural production. One substantial source of NTFPs are palm species. Palms are sources of food, building materials, cloth, ornaments, medicines, and are also used for cultural purposes. In southern Mozambique two important palms species used as NTFPs are Hyphaene coriacea and Phoenix reclinata. These two species provide an array of subsistence and commercial products. The sap, leaves and stems of these two palms are harvested by local people as sources of traditional beverages, weaving, roofing, fencing and furniture material as well as other household utensils. The effects (if any) of harvesting of these palm products on palm distribution, population structure, dynamics and viability have never been examined, and thus the sustainability of the practices and benefits flows to local livelihoods are unknow-n. Any effects harvesting effects may also be exacerbated by predicted climate change for the area. The present study aims to investigate the role of the palm species Hyphaene coriacea and Phoenix reclinata in the livelihoods of households in the Zitundo area, Matutuine district, southern Mozambique and under future climate scenarios. Specifically, this study: i) evaluates the abundance, population structure and harvesting selection of these species; ii) characterizes the ethnobotanical knowledge and use of the two species; iii) examines the local production and trade of palm wine in the area; iv) examines the contribution of palm income to livelihoods and income diversification in area; v) describes the local management practices and perceptions on palm productivity and abundance; and vi) models the current and future distribution of the these palm species in the area. To evaluate the abundance, population structure and stability of these two palm species a population census was carried out, and the size class distribution, Simpson index of dominance, permutation index and the quotient between successive size classes were calculated. I further calculated the preference ratio for specific size classes. Additionally a questionnaire survey was conducted with 179 randomly selected households from the 16 villages in the study area to characterize the ethnobotanical knowledge and use of these two species, as well as to examine the contribution of palm income to livelihoods and diversification. Standard ethnobotanical indices were used as measures of each palm species use and knowledge while principal component analysis and cluster analysis were applied to highlight the livelihood patterns and the role of diversification and of palm income in local livelihoods. Structured interviews with 37 palm tappers were additionally used to examine the local production and trade of palm wine in the area, while both the household survey and palm tappers interviews, were employed to investigate the local management practices and perceptions on palms productivity and abundance. Maxent Software was used to model the current and future under climate change distribution of the two palm species. Hyphaene coriacea was more abundant than Phoenix reclinata. Both species exhibited steep negative slopes in the regression analyses of size class distribution, indicating the presence of more individuals in shorter size classes. Although there was a dominance of shorter over taller size classes, limited recruitment was observed through low stem densities of seedlings and juveniles compared to the 1-50 cm size class The Simpson index of dominance, the permutation index, and the fluctuating quotients between the consecutive size classes showed a level of instability in both populations. Hyphaene coriacea appeared to be more resilient to tapping than Phoenix reclinata as showed by the higher rate of stem survival after tapping. Hyphaene coriacea was favored for tapping compared to Phoenix reclinata. The most preferred size class to tap for both species was between 101cm and 150 cm. Currently the distribution of Hyphaene coriacea and Phoenix reclinata was mostly confined to the eastern side of the study area. Most of the area was predicted as unsuitable for both palm species, with less than six percent predicted to be suitable or higher. The occurrence of both species appeared to be influenced mostly by water related variables, such as precipitation, and distance to rivers and distance to water bodies. The habitat suitability for Hyphaene coriacea was predicted to increase under future climate conditions scenarios, while little variation was predicted for Phoenix reclinata distribution. The knowledge about the uses of these two palm species was widespread in the area, although only 32% of respondents were engaged in palm exploitation. Thirteen palm products were exploited, with palm wine production from the sap of both palms being the dominant activity, followed by broom production from Phoenix reclinata stems and basket production from Hyphaene coriacea leaves. The cultural importance of these species included the production of anklets and skirts used during traditional dances and the use of palm wine in the traditional ritual of libation. Palm tapping was practiced year round in five of the sixteen villages in the area. Palm tapping was an important livelihood activity, contributing over 80% of tappers’ total annual income, and tappers earned up to three times more than the national minimum wage for the agricultural and forestry sector. Palm wine was also a highly commercial commodity in Zitundo area, with an average commercialization index above 60%. The income from palm wine sales showed an important role in mitigating the level of poverty in the area. Palm income accounted for over 60% reduction on poverty incidence among palm tappers. Households in Zitundo further engaged in some level of livelihood diversification. The majority of households adopted a wage-based strategy, although this strategy was among the less remunerative in terms of per capita cash income. A palm-based livelihood strategy, although adopted only by 11% of households, was one of the most remunerative strategies. Palm income played a vital role in enhancing household livelihoods and mitigating poverty in the area as shown by the lower poverty incidences among households engaged in the palm-based livelihood strategy than alternatives strategies. The village of household residency, along with household demographic and socio-economic characteristics appeared to determine the knowledge and exploitation level of palms as well as a households’ choice of livelihood strategy, level of palm wine returns, commercialization index and palm income dependency. The importance of palms in local livelihoods and poverty alleviation needs greater acknowledgement by government and development agencies in the area. Palm wine, broom and basket production have a high potential for income generation, and therefore should be included in future local development policies and poverty reduction strategies. Although palms are an open access resource in Zitundo area, the perception is that they are abundant and that tapping does not have many detrimental effects. However, this study found some negative impacts of tapping on the recruitment of both palms species. The inclusion of palm products in future development programs and poverty reduction strategies will require the design of participatory conservation and management strategies that involve all palm users groups and others stakeholders and include long-term participatory monitoring of the effect of palm use on the populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The determination of whether a Unified Communication System can be effective in supporting informal communication and collaboration in virtual teams
- Authors: Hill, Kyle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Telecommuting , Virtual work teams , Telecommunication systems , Computer networks
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146343 , vital:38517
- Description: The overall objective of the research is to determine whether a Unified Communication System intervention can be effective in supporting informal communication and collaboration in virtual teams. In so doing, this research is aimed at developing a current framework of critical success factors for facilitating informal collaboration and communication. As teams have evolved to the point where there is no longer a need for team members to be co-located, with a greater importance now being placed on how they collaborate, this framework will also highlight how it can support virtual teams due to the huge potential advantage they can provide to the organisation. A virtual communication and collaboration system will be selected based on the outputs of the current framework and interactions which occur through the system will be observed to provide quantitative and qualitative results. In conclusion, the research will suggest recommendations for the successful implementation of informal communication and collaboration technologies within the organisation. The research will also indicate to a limited degree, the impact of the implementation of these technologies, and the outcome for the organisation, whether positive or negative. Whilst conducting the research, it became apparent that while the UCS was capable of performing the processes and functions required, the individuals and teams engaging with the technology did not always make use of the full scope of the technology provided. Regardless, a UCS was observed to provide direct benefits to an organisation in increasing communication and collaboration in the organisation. These increases can be observed in both the physical and virtual sense. However, the converse is true for generating social capital which lead to the observation that there are a smaller number of interactions happening in the smaller teams, but these are of higher value when compared to the larger teams of this study. It is also clear that the larger a team becomes, the more the trend is to focus on adopting new technologies to make their roles more efficient. This adoption is not however translated into outputs such as social capital but is translated into stronger networks and the formation of new networks. It is also clear that most negative factors around the UCS are related to the respondent’s hardware rather than the solution itself. Cost reductions because of virtuality will also be observed and using the Developed Framework as a blue print, an organisation should be able to observe direct benefits for an organisation by being able to confirm the thesis of this research in that having a UCS intervention is effective in supporting informal communication and collaboration in virtual teams.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Hill, Kyle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Telecommuting , Virtual work teams , Telecommunication systems , Computer networks
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146343 , vital:38517
- Description: The overall objective of the research is to determine whether a Unified Communication System intervention can be effective in supporting informal communication and collaboration in virtual teams. In so doing, this research is aimed at developing a current framework of critical success factors for facilitating informal collaboration and communication. As teams have evolved to the point where there is no longer a need for team members to be co-located, with a greater importance now being placed on how they collaborate, this framework will also highlight how it can support virtual teams due to the huge potential advantage they can provide to the organisation. A virtual communication and collaboration system will be selected based on the outputs of the current framework and interactions which occur through the system will be observed to provide quantitative and qualitative results. In conclusion, the research will suggest recommendations for the successful implementation of informal communication and collaboration technologies within the organisation. The research will also indicate to a limited degree, the impact of the implementation of these technologies, and the outcome for the organisation, whether positive or negative. Whilst conducting the research, it became apparent that while the UCS was capable of performing the processes and functions required, the individuals and teams engaging with the technology did not always make use of the full scope of the technology provided. Regardless, a UCS was observed to provide direct benefits to an organisation in increasing communication and collaboration in the organisation. These increases can be observed in both the physical and virtual sense. However, the converse is true for generating social capital which lead to the observation that there are a smaller number of interactions happening in the smaller teams, but these are of higher value when compared to the larger teams of this study. It is also clear that the larger a team becomes, the more the trend is to focus on adopting new technologies to make their roles more efficient. This adoption is not however translated into outputs such as social capital but is translated into stronger networks and the formation of new networks. It is also clear that most negative factors around the UCS are related to the respondent’s hardware rather than the solution itself. Cost reductions because of virtuality will also be observed and using the Developed Framework as a blue print, an organisation should be able to observe direct benefits for an organisation by being able to confirm the thesis of this research in that having a UCS intervention is effective in supporting informal communication and collaboration in virtual teams.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The development of teacher leadership: a formative interventionist study in a semi-urban secondary school of Khomas region in Namibia
- Authors: Shilongo, Justina
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- Namibia , Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Case studies , Education -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144923 , vital:38392
- Description: Historically the education system in Namibia was shaped by the policies of the apartheid ideology (Amukugo, 1993). During that time, authority and responsibility were centralised and teachers were not part of the decision making process. By then, most people expected to be told what to do and would not initiate something on their own, a culture inherited that even exists today. In addition, opportunities were not given to teachers to develop as leaders. While Namibians have this history on record, the fact remains that the way in which apartheid laws were put in place, the ideological basis of the policy of apartheid and its impact, was not supportive of the ideas of democracy that Namibia is advocating for today. Despite a number of series of policy guidelines and directives issued to guide the development of a democratic culture in the education sector, less is happening about the leadership of teachers in schools. This stimulated me to conduct an activity theoretical interventionist research, aimed at exploring what opportunities there are for teachers to develop as leaders. This study is a case study, operating from a generative standpoint. The study was conducted in a semi-urban secondary school in Windhoek, Khomas Region, Namibia. The study took a formative intervention approach as it sought to bring about change to practice in the case study school and also to contribute to a body of knowledge in the field of study. This qualitative study employed interviews, observations, document analysis and WhatsApp messaging as data generation tools. Crystallised data revealed multiple realities that demonstrated meaningful and trustworthy data. To analyse data the study employed inductive and abductive analysis to make data meaningful to the reader. Thus, to explore teacher leadership development in a semi-urban secondary school, Change Laboratories Workshops was used as a method to gather and analyse data, as underpinned by 2nd generation CHAT. Grant’s (2017) model of teacher leadership was also used to analyse the data and indicate where teacher leadership roles were mostly visible from all four zones. The findings revealed that there were different understandings of the notion of teacher leadership. It was understood as the possession of certain qualities, a managerial role, an involvement in the decision-making process and a form of social responsibility. It was also revealed that teachers led in all four zones (Grant, 2017b), however participants were not active in all the roles. High participation was noticed in zone one, within the classroom; zone two, leading in curricular and extra-curricular activities and zone four, leading beyond the school into the community. This study explored teacher leadership development and at length identified the conditions that constrained and enabled teachers to develop as leaders in a secondary school. The factors that constrained teacher leadership in the case study school were: lack of time, demanding workloads and other commitments, lack of interest in extramural activities and SMT support for initiatives. Fear and unwillingness to take on leadership roles, narrow views on leadership and ingrained traditional leadership structures, limited leadership capacity building initiatives and the absence of clear educational policies on teacher leadership were also identified. The high involvement in zone one, two and four were attributed to some mechanisms the school put in place to promote teacher leadership, such as through various committees set-up, as well as a culture of mutual care and love. During the change laboratory workshops, teachers opted to be trained in leadership-related matters and to revive the CPD committee.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Shilongo, Justina
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- Namibia , Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Case studies , Education -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144923 , vital:38392
- Description: Historically the education system in Namibia was shaped by the policies of the apartheid ideology (Amukugo, 1993). During that time, authority and responsibility were centralised and teachers were not part of the decision making process. By then, most people expected to be told what to do and would not initiate something on their own, a culture inherited that even exists today. In addition, opportunities were not given to teachers to develop as leaders. While Namibians have this history on record, the fact remains that the way in which apartheid laws were put in place, the ideological basis of the policy of apartheid and its impact, was not supportive of the ideas of democracy that Namibia is advocating for today. Despite a number of series of policy guidelines and directives issued to guide the development of a democratic culture in the education sector, less is happening about the leadership of teachers in schools. This stimulated me to conduct an activity theoretical interventionist research, aimed at exploring what opportunities there are for teachers to develop as leaders. This study is a case study, operating from a generative standpoint. The study was conducted in a semi-urban secondary school in Windhoek, Khomas Region, Namibia. The study took a formative intervention approach as it sought to bring about change to practice in the case study school and also to contribute to a body of knowledge in the field of study. This qualitative study employed interviews, observations, document analysis and WhatsApp messaging as data generation tools. Crystallised data revealed multiple realities that demonstrated meaningful and trustworthy data. To analyse data the study employed inductive and abductive analysis to make data meaningful to the reader. Thus, to explore teacher leadership development in a semi-urban secondary school, Change Laboratories Workshops was used as a method to gather and analyse data, as underpinned by 2nd generation CHAT. Grant’s (2017) model of teacher leadership was also used to analyse the data and indicate where teacher leadership roles were mostly visible from all four zones. The findings revealed that there were different understandings of the notion of teacher leadership. It was understood as the possession of certain qualities, a managerial role, an involvement in the decision-making process and a form of social responsibility. It was also revealed that teachers led in all four zones (Grant, 2017b), however participants were not active in all the roles. High participation was noticed in zone one, within the classroom; zone two, leading in curricular and extra-curricular activities and zone four, leading beyond the school into the community. This study explored teacher leadership development and at length identified the conditions that constrained and enabled teachers to develop as leaders in a secondary school. The factors that constrained teacher leadership in the case study school were: lack of time, demanding workloads and other commitments, lack of interest in extramural activities and SMT support for initiatives. Fear and unwillingness to take on leadership roles, narrow views on leadership and ingrained traditional leadership structures, limited leadership capacity building initiatives and the absence of clear educational policies on teacher leadership were also identified. The high involvement in zone one, two and four were attributed to some mechanisms the school put in place to promote teacher leadership, such as through various committees set-up, as well as a culture of mutual care and love. During the change laboratory workshops, teachers opted to be trained in leadership-related matters and to revive the CPD committee.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The digital and the hyperreal, with reference to artwork by Signe Pierce and Lauren King
- Authors: King, Lauren Pascal
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Women in art , Femininity in art , Figurative art , Cyberspace -- Social aspects , Feminine beauty (Aesthetics) , Online identities , Photo-realism , Computer art , Virtual reality in art , Reality in art , Art, Modern -- 21st century , Feminist art criticism , Pierce, Signe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147939 , vital:38688
- Description: This MFA is a visual art critical investigation of digital representations, manipulations, and exploitations of feminine figures in cyberspace. The particular focus of this study is centred on the work of self-titled reality artist Signe Pierce, as well as my own practical body of work: The Digital Feminine. Case studies of Pierce’s practice include Big Sister (2016), Halo (2018), American Reflexxx (2013) and Reality Hack (2016). Through these case studies I examine the nature of identity formation online as underscored by notions of performativity as well as arguments for the use of feminine aesthetics as feminist critique, specifically through the use of the ‘Venus Flytrapping’ method. Jean Baudrillard famously theorised the hyperreal and the simulacra, claiming that human experience is a simulation of reality1. My MFA thesis addresses contemporary concerns relating to issues of reality, perception, the gaze, and identity in an increasingly virtual world. The 20th century witnessed massive changes in technology, and its subsequent commercialisation marked new territories for mass media, politics, entertainment, social life, and the art world. Avant-garde modern art movements shattered previously held standards of traditional artistic production, thus ideas surrounding the ‘art object’ and the role of artists themselves were fundamentally changed. In a postmodern world where nothing is sacred and life is experienced through the simulacra of the screen, the hyperreal takes over. I investigate how real-world socio-political issues, particularly those related to gender, transcend into the digital realm of cyberspace through discussions of Donna Harraway’s ‘cyborg feminism’ and Judith Butler’s ideas of gender performativity, as well as Erving Goffman’s ideas of everyday performativity. My final body of work for the professional art practice component of this MFA is realised in the form of an immersive installation that straddles the virtual and the real. Influenced by digital and hyperreal aesthetics (such as VapourWave), this installation also explores various expressions of femininity that an individual can express both online and in real life.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: King, Lauren Pascal
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Women in art , Femininity in art , Figurative art , Cyberspace -- Social aspects , Feminine beauty (Aesthetics) , Online identities , Photo-realism , Computer art , Virtual reality in art , Reality in art , Art, Modern -- 21st century , Feminist art criticism , Pierce, Signe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147939 , vital:38688
- Description: This MFA is a visual art critical investigation of digital representations, manipulations, and exploitations of feminine figures in cyberspace. The particular focus of this study is centred on the work of self-titled reality artist Signe Pierce, as well as my own practical body of work: The Digital Feminine. Case studies of Pierce’s practice include Big Sister (2016), Halo (2018), American Reflexxx (2013) and Reality Hack (2016). Through these case studies I examine the nature of identity formation online as underscored by notions of performativity as well as arguments for the use of feminine aesthetics as feminist critique, specifically through the use of the ‘Venus Flytrapping’ method. Jean Baudrillard famously theorised the hyperreal and the simulacra, claiming that human experience is a simulation of reality1. My MFA thesis addresses contemporary concerns relating to issues of reality, perception, the gaze, and identity in an increasingly virtual world. The 20th century witnessed massive changes in technology, and its subsequent commercialisation marked new territories for mass media, politics, entertainment, social life, and the art world. Avant-garde modern art movements shattered previously held standards of traditional artistic production, thus ideas surrounding the ‘art object’ and the role of artists themselves were fundamentally changed. In a postmodern world where nothing is sacred and life is experienced through the simulacra of the screen, the hyperreal takes over. I investigate how real-world socio-political issues, particularly those related to gender, transcend into the digital realm of cyberspace through discussions of Donna Harraway’s ‘cyborg feminism’ and Judith Butler’s ideas of gender performativity, as well as Erving Goffman’s ideas of everyday performativity. My final body of work for the professional art practice component of this MFA is realised in the form of an immersive installation that straddles the virtual and the real. Influenced by digital and hyperreal aesthetics (such as VapourWave), this installation also explores various expressions of femininity that an individual can express both online and in real life.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The digital rhetoric of addressing rape culture: “official” and “unofficial” arguments at Rhodes University
- Authors: Jones, Megaera
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Rape in universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Universities and colleges -- Administration -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Communication in higher education - South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142621 , vital:38096
- Description: South Africa is overwhelmed with high levels of sexual violence and institutions of higher education in South Africa are not exempt from this. How higher education stakeholders have responded to the call to address rape culture on campuses has been at the centre of much attention, especially publicly on online communicative spaces. Drawing on contemporary rhetorical theories, informed by a feminist poststructuralist perspective, this study sought to explore how constituents at Rhodes University were discussing how rape culture should (and should not be) addressed on campus. Using a rhetorical analysis, this study collected and analysed online public data from ‘official’ (institutionally sanctioned) and ‘unofficial’ (institutionally independent) communication platforms, following the 2016 rape culture student-led protest at Rhodes University. In analysing and interpreting the data from the ‘official’ sites, four major themes of discussion were evident. These rhetors argued that rape culture is a societal issue, requiring collective responsibility and effort in countering it, and that any approach to do so must abide by the bounds of the law. The University’s commitment, and continued investment to address rape culture on campus were repeatedly stated; as well as, the use of external ‘supportive’ messages that bolstered the reputation, efforts, and actions of the institution. On the ‘unofficial’ sites six broad patterns of discussion were evident. These ‘unofficial’ rhetors embodied the rape culture on campus, perceiving its effects as threatening to the physical body, which led to the adoption of the argument that rape culture needs to be ‘fought’ through physical action and support. Narrow law and order approaches were contested, and the need for a victim-centred approaches were prioritised. Additionally, doubt and suspicion were cast onto the institutional management/leadership, and the University (management/leadership body) were perceived as having ‘failed’ to address rape culture adequality. Considering this ‘failure’, a divisive rhetoric argued that the ‘fight’ against rape culture should continue, despite, and separate from, the institutional body. These findings revealed how the divisive positions these various stakeholders took created a volatile climate between University management/leadership, staff, and student. I argue that such division will continue to undermine any meaningful efforts to counter rape culture on the University campus; underscoring the difficulty, and ambiguity, that comes with attempting to address rape culture on higher education campuses. This necessitates how important it will be for scholars to research, and continue researching, the ways in which a rape culture, and the various approaches which attempt to counter it, are understood.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Jones, Megaera
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Rape in universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Universities and colleges -- Administration -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Communication in higher education - South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142621 , vital:38096
- Description: South Africa is overwhelmed with high levels of sexual violence and institutions of higher education in South Africa are not exempt from this. How higher education stakeholders have responded to the call to address rape culture on campuses has been at the centre of much attention, especially publicly on online communicative spaces. Drawing on contemporary rhetorical theories, informed by a feminist poststructuralist perspective, this study sought to explore how constituents at Rhodes University were discussing how rape culture should (and should not be) addressed on campus. Using a rhetorical analysis, this study collected and analysed online public data from ‘official’ (institutionally sanctioned) and ‘unofficial’ (institutionally independent) communication platforms, following the 2016 rape culture student-led protest at Rhodes University. In analysing and interpreting the data from the ‘official’ sites, four major themes of discussion were evident. These rhetors argued that rape culture is a societal issue, requiring collective responsibility and effort in countering it, and that any approach to do so must abide by the bounds of the law. The University’s commitment, and continued investment to address rape culture on campus were repeatedly stated; as well as, the use of external ‘supportive’ messages that bolstered the reputation, efforts, and actions of the institution. On the ‘unofficial’ sites six broad patterns of discussion were evident. These ‘unofficial’ rhetors embodied the rape culture on campus, perceiving its effects as threatening to the physical body, which led to the adoption of the argument that rape culture needs to be ‘fought’ through physical action and support. Narrow law and order approaches were contested, and the need for a victim-centred approaches were prioritised. Additionally, doubt and suspicion were cast onto the institutional management/leadership, and the University (management/leadership body) were perceived as having ‘failed’ to address rape culture adequality. Considering this ‘failure’, a divisive rhetoric argued that the ‘fight’ against rape culture should continue, despite, and separate from, the institutional body. These findings revealed how the divisive positions these various stakeholders took created a volatile climate between University management/leadership, staff, and student. I argue that such division will continue to undermine any meaningful efforts to counter rape culture on the University campus; underscoring the difficulty, and ambiguity, that comes with attempting to address rape culture on higher education campuses. This necessitates how important it will be for scholars to research, and continue researching, the ways in which a rape culture, and the various approaches which attempt to counter it, are understood.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effect of age and maturation on anthropometric characteristics and physical abilities of youth South African footballers
- Authors: De Beer, Ashley
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Soccer -- Physiologial aspects , Soccer players -- South Africa -- Makhanda -- Physiology , Soccer players -- South Africa -- Makhanda -- Psychophysiology , Makana Local Football Association (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141222 , vital:37954
- Description: Currently there is limited research investigating the football related abilities of youth South African individuals. Populations from North and South America, Europe and Asia have been extensively covered in terms of their anthropometric characteristics, physical abilities, technical competency, tactical understanding as well as various personality traits. In describing these details, and especially how each is affected during the ageing and pubertal process, a more informed understanding of the talent development systems is created. A holistic approach to talent development is required to effectively and efficiently produce elite level footballers. An important consideration is the unique socio-economic environment many youth footballers experience which may impact on the talent development process. The present study therefore sought to quantify the anthropometric characteristics and the physical ability level of youth South African footballers from Local Football Association in Makhanda in the Sarah Baartman Region of the Eastern Cape province. In order to achieve this a two-factorial design was used with age and maturity status as independent variables. Anthropometric characteristics were tested by finding the height, weight, body mass index and total fat percentage of participants. Physical ability was determined by results for aerobic capacity, power, acceleration, speed and agility. All tests were football specific and had been widely used in a variety of footballing studies. Additional demographic and socio-economic information was also recorded. A total of 136 participants were placed in their respective Under 11, 13, 15 or Under 19 age groups, while the maturity status of 96 participants were stratified into five distinct categories. Statistical analyses was conducted using p-value significance, with appropriate Tukey post-hoc tests administered when necessary, while effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s d. Significant changes and practical effect sizes were present for nearly all dependent variables when either stratified by age or by maturity. Total fat percentage was the only dependent variable which was not influenced by either age or maturity. Age and maturity effect sizes for total body fat percentage indicated practical changes present which did not occur during statistical analysis. The present results indicate poor values when compared to normative data or that of other football playing study populations. Further longitudinal research is required to better understand individual growth rates for youth South African footballers, particularly from the Makana region. Implications of the thesis may determine long term development pathways, while the delayed maturity rate is a critical finding which needs to be further researched.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: De Beer, Ashley
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Soccer -- Physiologial aspects , Soccer players -- South Africa -- Makhanda -- Physiology , Soccer players -- South Africa -- Makhanda -- Psychophysiology , Makana Local Football Association (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141222 , vital:37954
- Description: Currently there is limited research investigating the football related abilities of youth South African individuals. Populations from North and South America, Europe and Asia have been extensively covered in terms of their anthropometric characteristics, physical abilities, technical competency, tactical understanding as well as various personality traits. In describing these details, and especially how each is affected during the ageing and pubertal process, a more informed understanding of the talent development systems is created. A holistic approach to talent development is required to effectively and efficiently produce elite level footballers. An important consideration is the unique socio-economic environment many youth footballers experience which may impact on the talent development process. The present study therefore sought to quantify the anthropometric characteristics and the physical ability level of youth South African footballers from Local Football Association in Makhanda in the Sarah Baartman Region of the Eastern Cape province. In order to achieve this a two-factorial design was used with age and maturity status as independent variables. Anthropometric characteristics were tested by finding the height, weight, body mass index and total fat percentage of participants. Physical ability was determined by results for aerobic capacity, power, acceleration, speed and agility. All tests were football specific and had been widely used in a variety of footballing studies. Additional demographic and socio-economic information was also recorded. A total of 136 participants were placed in their respective Under 11, 13, 15 or Under 19 age groups, while the maturity status of 96 participants were stratified into five distinct categories. Statistical analyses was conducted using p-value significance, with appropriate Tukey post-hoc tests administered when necessary, while effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s d. Significant changes and practical effect sizes were present for nearly all dependent variables when either stratified by age or by maturity. Total fat percentage was the only dependent variable which was not influenced by either age or maturity. Age and maturity effect sizes for total body fat percentage indicated practical changes present which did not occur during statistical analysis. The present results indicate poor values when compared to normative data or that of other football playing study populations. Further longitudinal research is required to better understand individual growth rates for youth South African footballers, particularly from the Makana region. Implications of the thesis may determine long term development pathways, while the delayed maturity rate is a critical finding which needs to be further researched.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effect of alginate supplementation on the growth, feed utilization, digestive enzyme activity levels, and intestinal morphology of juvenile South African abalone (Haliotis midae) fed formulated feeds
- Authors: Tlakedi, Thato
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Abalones -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa , Haliotis midae , Abalones -- Digestive organs , Abalones -- Morphology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145279 , vital:38424
- Description: Alginate occurs abundantly in kelp and while a few studies have quantified the effect of kelp inclusion in formulated Haliotis midae feeds, none have researched the effect of alginate inclusion on the growth of abalone fed this feed. Feeding kelp to cultured abalone affects gut structure and modulates gut bacteria, aiding digestion by upregulating enzyme activity. This farm-based experiment compared the growth, feed utilization, digestive enzyme activity levels and intestinal villi structure between abalone (1-year-old, 10 - 20 mm shell length) fed kelp-supplemented (BK) or alginate-supplemented (BA) diets and abalone fed basal (B) and fresh kelp (K) diets for a period of eight months from June 2017 to February 2018. Growth and enzyme activities were also compared between abalone that experienced dietary changes and abalone that remained on their initial diets. The tested diets were: base diet (B, 34% protein), the same base diet supplemented with fresh minced kelp (0.90% kelp [dry mass, equivalent to 0.20% alginate]; BK), base diet supplemented with sodium alginate (0.20% alginate; BA) and a fresh kelp diet (K). Alginate or kelp inclusion in a formulated feed had no significant effect on the specific growth rates (SGR), linear shell growth rates (LGR), daily percentage feeding rates (PFR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), percentage mass gain (MG) and condition factor (CF) over the eight month trial period, compared to abalone fed the base diet. In October 2017, four months since the start of the trial in June, all the groups fed formulated feeds showed significantly higher average weight gain (8.42 ± 0.72 g to 8.86 ± 0.63 g) compared to the kelp-fed group (6.68 ± 0.43 g). However, no significant differences in the average weight gain were observed between abalone fed kelp and formulated feeds at the end of this study. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the FCR and PFR between abalone fed the base or alginate diets and abalone fed the fresh kelp diet. However, the SW diet produced significantly lower FCR (1.00 ± 0.13) and PFR (0.78 ± 0.10%) compared to the kelp diet (10.6 ± 1.40% and 8.12 ± 1.01%, respectively). All formulated diets produced non-significant LGR, MG and CF compared to the kelp diet at the end of this study. Enzyme activity levels were compared between abalone fed the test diets in July and August 2017 and February 2018. There were no significant differences in the average alginate lyase specific activity levels between abalone fed formulated diets in July and August 2017. At the end of the trial, however, the alginate diet induced significantly higher alginate lyase specific activity levels (4.89 ± 1.64 mg.mg-1 protein) compared to the base diet (1.57 ± 0.98 mg.mg-1 protein), but showed no significant differences compared to the SW (3.78 ± 0.41 mg.mg-1 protein) and fresh kelp-only diets (4.00 ± 0.62 mg.mg-1 protein). The SW diet showed no significant differences in the alginate lyase specific activity levels compared to the base diet. There were no significant differences in the chymotrypsin activity levels between the test diets throughout this study. Alginate or kelp inclusion also had no significant effect on the intestinal structure compared to the base or fresh kelp diets. This was despite a higher degree of variability in microvilli height and width being observed in abalone fed the kelp-only diet, with microvilli visibly wider and longer than in abalone fed formulated feeds. Switching abalone between some diets significantly affected the average weight gain, MG, FCR and PFR, alginate lyase, chymotrypsin and cellulase activity levels compared to abalone kept on their initial diets. The inclusion levels of kelp and alginate used in this study were likely too low to affect abalone growth as higher inclusion levels, particularly of alginate, have been found to improve fish growth. This study concluded that minced kelp and alginate inclusion in a formulated H. midae diet did not affect the SGR, FCR and intestinal morphology, but significantly affected alginate lyase and chymotrypsin activity levels. Furthermore, changes in growth and digestive enzyme activity levels coincided with dietary changes. Consequently, higher inclusion levels, particularly of sodium alginate, and the effect of dietary changes on abalone growth and digestive enzymes must be investigated in future studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Tlakedi, Thato
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Abalones -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa , Haliotis midae , Abalones -- Digestive organs , Abalones -- Morphology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145279 , vital:38424
- Description: Alginate occurs abundantly in kelp and while a few studies have quantified the effect of kelp inclusion in formulated Haliotis midae feeds, none have researched the effect of alginate inclusion on the growth of abalone fed this feed. Feeding kelp to cultured abalone affects gut structure and modulates gut bacteria, aiding digestion by upregulating enzyme activity. This farm-based experiment compared the growth, feed utilization, digestive enzyme activity levels and intestinal villi structure between abalone (1-year-old, 10 - 20 mm shell length) fed kelp-supplemented (BK) or alginate-supplemented (BA) diets and abalone fed basal (B) and fresh kelp (K) diets for a period of eight months from June 2017 to February 2018. Growth and enzyme activities were also compared between abalone that experienced dietary changes and abalone that remained on their initial diets. The tested diets were: base diet (B, 34% protein), the same base diet supplemented with fresh minced kelp (0.90% kelp [dry mass, equivalent to 0.20% alginate]; BK), base diet supplemented with sodium alginate (0.20% alginate; BA) and a fresh kelp diet (K). Alginate or kelp inclusion in a formulated feed had no significant effect on the specific growth rates (SGR), linear shell growth rates (LGR), daily percentage feeding rates (PFR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), percentage mass gain (MG) and condition factor (CF) over the eight month trial period, compared to abalone fed the base diet. In October 2017, four months since the start of the trial in June, all the groups fed formulated feeds showed significantly higher average weight gain (8.42 ± 0.72 g to 8.86 ± 0.63 g) compared to the kelp-fed group (6.68 ± 0.43 g). However, no significant differences in the average weight gain were observed between abalone fed kelp and formulated feeds at the end of this study. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the FCR and PFR between abalone fed the base or alginate diets and abalone fed the fresh kelp diet. However, the SW diet produced significantly lower FCR (1.00 ± 0.13) and PFR (0.78 ± 0.10%) compared to the kelp diet (10.6 ± 1.40% and 8.12 ± 1.01%, respectively). All formulated diets produced non-significant LGR, MG and CF compared to the kelp diet at the end of this study. Enzyme activity levels were compared between abalone fed the test diets in July and August 2017 and February 2018. There were no significant differences in the average alginate lyase specific activity levels between abalone fed formulated diets in July and August 2017. At the end of the trial, however, the alginate diet induced significantly higher alginate lyase specific activity levels (4.89 ± 1.64 mg.mg-1 protein) compared to the base diet (1.57 ± 0.98 mg.mg-1 protein), but showed no significant differences compared to the SW (3.78 ± 0.41 mg.mg-1 protein) and fresh kelp-only diets (4.00 ± 0.62 mg.mg-1 protein). The SW diet showed no significant differences in the alginate lyase specific activity levels compared to the base diet. There were no significant differences in the chymotrypsin activity levels between the test diets throughout this study. Alginate or kelp inclusion also had no significant effect on the intestinal structure compared to the base or fresh kelp diets. This was despite a higher degree of variability in microvilli height and width being observed in abalone fed the kelp-only diet, with microvilli visibly wider and longer than in abalone fed formulated feeds. Switching abalone between some diets significantly affected the average weight gain, MG, FCR and PFR, alginate lyase, chymotrypsin and cellulase activity levels compared to abalone kept on their initial diets. The inclusion levels of kelp and alginate used in this study were likely too low to affect abalone growth as higher inclusion levels, particularly of alginate, have been found to improve fish growth. This study concluded that minced kelp and alginate inclusion in a formulated H. midae diet did not affect the SGR, FCR and intestinal morphology, but significantly affected alginate lyase and chymotrypsin activity levels. Furthermore, changes in growth and digestive enzyme activity levels coincided with dietary changes. Consequently, higher inclusion levels, particularly of sodium alginate, and the effect of dietary changes on abalone growth and digestive enzymes must be investigated in future studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effect of company brand on the investment decisions of individual investors as mediated by behavioural finance biases in Nigeria
- Authors: Okeja, Ogechukwu Donatu
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Branding (Marketing) -- Nigeria , Business names -- Nigeria , Brand choice -- Nigeria -- Mathematical models , Consumer behavior -- Nigeria -- Mathematical models , Consumers' preferences -- Nigeria , Nigerian Stock Exchange
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144015 , vital:38303
- Description: Over the years, the financial sphere and its systematic process has transcended from one paradigm to another. Most prominent is the traditional finance paradigm dominating the financial sphere majorly throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The ideology and the foundation of the traditional finance paradigm was centred on the concept of rationality. Within the context of the current research, the traditional finance paradigm postulates that individuals in the process of making investment decisions, acquire and analyse all available information in the stock markets, upon which they make a rational investment decision. In other words, the traditional finance paradigm portrays individuals as perfectly informed, rational decision makers, capable of objectively solving complex problems –Homo economicus. However, research in the field of psychology gave rise to the questions and concerns that started to emerge in the 1980s concerning the realistic nature of the assumptions of the traditional finance paradigm. As opposed to the assumptions of traditional finance, these research show that it is impossible for investors to analyse the shares of all the listed companies in the market in order to make rational investment decisions due to the ambiguous nature of information available. In the behavioural finance paradigm individuals’ decision making are viewed to incorporate factors such as emotions, heuristics, experiences, intuition and perceptions. These factors in turn are seen to induce biases (such as availability bias and overconfidence) which leads to subjective decision making. The concept of behavioural finance is based on realistic outcomes of events in the financial sphere for example, the repeated occurrence of financial crises in an environment where all participants are assumed to be rational. The behavioural finance paradigm challenges the assumption of the traditional finance paradigm which is embedded on the concept of rationality. The purpose of the present research is to investigate whether brands of listed companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange trigger behavioural finance biases in investment decisions of individual investors in Nigeria. More specifically, the aim of the present research was to establish relationships between the independent sub-variables of brand knowledge (brand awareness and brand image) and brand relationship (brand loyalty and brand attachment), the mediating sub-variables of behavioural finance biases (availability bias and overconfidence) and the dependent variable (investment decisions). To this end, objectives and hypotheses were formulated to guide the research. In order to achieve the stated objectives and test the formulated hypotheses, the present research adopted the positivistic paradigm and the methodological process involved quantitative methods. Data was acquired by means of an online questionnaire from members of the Independent shareholders association of Nigeria and individual investors whose contacts were provided by an independent broker (n= 182). The research instrument showed satisfactory levels of validity on all measures (between 0.40 and 0.89) and a relatively highly internal consistency for reliability with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient scores of between 0.81 and 0.93. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. Descriptive statistics involved frequency distribution, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics involved Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, Multiple linear regression analyses, T-test and ANOVA. Using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, results show that all variables were positively correlated. Results of the Multiple linear regression analyses performed, indicated that there are positive relationships between brand awareness and investment decisions; brand awareness and availability bias; brand loyalty and investment decisions; brand loyalty and overconfidence; overconfidence and investment decisions. Furthermore, Multiple linear regression analyses also indicated that availability bias mediates the relationship between brand awareness and investment decisions; and overconfidence mediates the relationship between brand loyalty and investment decisions. Results of the T-test indicated that there is no significant mean difference found in the responses of the different sex group (male and female) on independent, mediating and dependent variables. While ANOVA indicated that there is a significant difference found between the age category of respondents and brand loyalty; age category of respondents and investment decisions. Based on the results of the analyses performed, conclusions, contributions and recommendations were enumerated. Practical recommendations were made to the government, individual investors, companies and brand experts, professional brokers, financial analysts and economy developers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Okeja, Ogechukwu Donatu
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Branding (Marketing) -- Nigeria , Business names -- Nigeria , Brand choice -- Nigeria -- Mathematical models , Consumer behavior -- Nigeria -- Mathematical models , Consumers' preferences -- Nigeria , Nigerian Stock Exchange
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144015 , vital:38303
- Description: Over the years, the financial sphere and its systematic process has transcended from one paradigm to another. Most prominent is the traditional finance paradigm dominating the financial sphere majorly throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The ideology and the foundation of the traditional finance paradigm was centred on the concept of rationality. Within the context of the current research, the traditional finance paradigm postulates that individuals in the process of making investment decisions, acquire and analyse all available information in the stock markets, upon which they make a rational investment decision. In other words, the traditional finance paradigm portrays individuals as perfectly informed, rational decision makers, capable of objectively solving complex problems –Homo economicus. However, research in the field of psychology gave rise to the questions and concerns that started to emerge in the 1980s concerning the realistic nature of the assumptions of the traditional finance paradigm. As opposed to the assumptions of traditional finance, these research show that it is impossible for investors to analyse the shares of all the listed companies in the market in order to make rational investment decisions due to the ambiguous nature of information available. In the behavioural finance paradigm individuals’ decision making are viewed to incorporate factors such as emotions, heuristics, experiences, intuition and perceptions. These factors in turn are seen to induce biases (such as availability bias and overconfidence) which leads to subjective decision making. The concept of behavioural finance is based on realistic outcomes of events in the financial sphere for example, the repeated occurrence of financial crises in an environment where all participants are assumed to be rational. The behavioural finance paradigm challenges the assumption of the traditional finance paradigm which is embedded on the concept of rationality. The purpose of the present research is to investigate whether brands of listed companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange trigger behavioural finance biases in investment decisions of individual investors in Nigeria. More specifically, the aim of the present research was to establish relationships between the independent sub-variables of brand knowledge (brand awareness and brand image) and brand relationship (brand loyalty and brand attachment), the mediating sub-variables of behavioural finance biases (availability bias and overconfidence) and the dependent variable (investment decisions). To this end, objectives and hypotheses were formulated to guide the research. In order to achieve the stated objectives and test the formulated hypotheses, the present research adopted the positivistic paradigm and the methodological process involved quantitative methods. Data was acquired by means of an online questionnaire from members of the Independent shareholders association of Nigeria and individual investors whose contacts were provided by an independent broker (n= 182). The research instrument showed satisfactory levels of validity on all measures (between 0.40 and 0.89) and a relatively highly internal consistency for reliability with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient scores of between 0.81 and 0.93. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. Descriptive statistics involved frequency distribution, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics involved Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, Multiple linear regression analyses, T-test and ANOVA. Using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, results show that all variables were positively correlated. Results of the Multiple linear regression analyses performed, indicated that there are positive relationships between brand awareness and investment decisions; brand awareness and availability bias; brand loyalty and investment decisions; brand loyalty and overconfidence; overconfidence and investment decisions. Furthermore, Multiple linear regression analyses also indicated that availability bias mediates the relationship between brand awareness and investment decisions; and overconfidence mediates the relationship between brand loyalty and investment decisions. Results of the T-test indicated that there is no significant mean difference found in the responses of the different sex group (male and female) on independent, mediating and dependent variables. While ANOVA indicated that there is a significant difference found between the age category of respondents and brand loyalty; age category of respondents and investment decisions. Based on the results of the analyses performed, conclusions, contributions and recommendations were enumerated. Practical recommendations were made to the government, individual investors, companies and brand experts, professional brokers, financial analysts and economy developers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effect of technology acceptance model and trust on online banking in Zambia
- Authors: Hamusone, Collins Moonga
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Internet banking -- Zambia , Banks and banking -- Computer networks -- Zambia , Banks and banking -- Information technology -- Zambia , Banks and banking -- Technological innovations -- Zambia , Consumer behavior -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163637 , vital:41063
- Description: The banking industry has been influenced by the evolution of technology and in the process , reduced the cost of transacting and increased the speed of service delivery. This global change has been driven by the development of alternative banking channels from the traditional brick and mortar walls to a utomated teller machines , phone - banking, and now the most recent phenomenon, online banking . The current study, conducted in Lusaka, Zambia investigated the adoption of online banking technology using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with perceived ea se of use, perceived usefulness and trust. T he two constructs perceived ea se of use, perceived usefulness are known to be the most accurate subjective measurement scales for predicting user acceptance . T echnology Acceptance Model (TAM) is the most widely used model and theorizes that if a user fi nds the technology useful , it will influence the user’s attitude positively, thereby increasing the intention to use and finally allowing for adoption. In a cross - sectional survey of 478 participants, and using logistic regression, this study found that perceived usefulness , perceived ease of use and trust were positively associated with users’ intentions to adopt online banking , and these relationships were statistically significant. The findings from this study provide support for the theoretical model. The study further found no contradicting results, and this provides banks in Zambia with an opportunity to grow online banking as the consumer behaviour indicates a willingness and int ention to adopt the technology. The current study was limited to the urban areas of Lusaka which had a population of 3.2 million . Future research may also investigate the impact of culture on the adopti on of online banking technology .
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Hamusone, Collins Moonga
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Internet banking -- Zambia , Banks and banking -- Computer networks -- Zambia , Banks and banking -- Information technology -- Zambia , Banks and banking -- Technological innovations -- Zambia , Consumer behavior -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163637 , vital:41063
- Description: The banking industry has been influenced by the evolution of technology and in the process , reduced the cost of transacting and increased the speed of service delivery. This global change has been driven by the development of alternative banking channels from the traditional brick and mortar walls to a utomated teller machines , phone - banking, and now the most recent phenomenon, online banking . The current study, conducted in Lusaka, Zambia investigated the adoption of online banking technology using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with perceived ea se of use, perceived usefulness and trust. T he two constructs perceived ea se of use, perceived usefulness are known to be the most accurate subjective measurement scales for predicting user acceptance . T echnology Acceptance Model (TAM) is the most widely used model and theorizes that if a user fi nds the technology useful , it will influence the user’s attitude positively, thereby increasing the intention to use and finally allowing for adoption. In a cross - sectional survey of 478 participants, and using logistic regression, this study found that perceived usefulness , perceived ease of use and trust were positively associated with users’ intentions to adopt online banking , and these relationships were statistically significant. The findings from this study provide support for the theoretical model. The study further found no contradicting results, and this provides banks in Zambia with an opportunity to grow online banking as the consumer behaviour indicates a willingness and int ention to adopt the technology. The current study was limited to the urban areas of Lusaka which had a population of 3.2 million . Future research may also investigate the impact of culture on the adopti on of online banking technology .
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effects of economic and political instability on decentralised secondary schools in Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe: a case study
- Authors: Katsinde, Tapfuiwa James
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Education, Secondary -- Political aspects -- Zimbabwe , Political violence -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conitions -- 1980- , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1980-
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/165610 , vital:41263
- Description: The purpose of the study was to analyse the effects of economic and political instability on decentralised secondary schools in Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe between 2000 and 2017. Previous studies in Zimbabwe and elsewhere have shown that schools were negatively affected by economic and political instability. This study adds to this literature by using habitus as a conceptual framework. This was a qualitative study which made use of a multi-case research design. Data was collected using focus group discussions, interviews and document analysis. Eight research sites in the form of secondary schools in four districts were used. Data analysis was done using theoretical prepositions guided by research objectives and research questions. Data presentations was characterised by quotes of participants. Trustworthiness based on dependability, credibility, transferability and conformability formed the basis of quality assurance measures. The study revealed that economic and political instability had similar negative results in the field of secondary schools in the province. Economic instability negatively affected school activities which included teaching and learning, administration and development work. In addition economic instability affected individual secondary school actors psychologically. Economic instability affected relations among the secondary school actors by aggravating already existing contestations amongst actors. Similarly, political instability affected secondary school activities such as teaching and learning, school administration, development, donations and social benefits. Secondary school actors were individually affected psychologically and through physical abuse and the way they responded to political instability. The study has shown that decentralised secondary schools found it difficult to solve the problems introduced by economic and political instability especially when the instabilities occurred within the difficulties of the broader Zimbabwean context. It is therefore recommended that decentralised secondary schools should be assisted financially and with resources to withstand economic challenges. There is a need to protect secondary schools from political activities and activists as these have devastating effects on education if allowed to have a free reign. Further similar research is recommended for other provinces in the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Katsinde, Tapfuiwa James
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Education, Secondary -- Political aspects -- Zimbabwe , Political violence -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conitions -- 1980- , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1980-
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/165610 , vital:41263
- Description: The purpose of the study was to analyse the effects of economic and political instability on decentralised secondary schools in Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe between 2000 and 2017. Previous studies in Zimbabwe and elsewhere have shown that schools were negatively affected by economic and political instability. This study adds to this literature by using habitus as a conceptual framework. This was a qualitative study which made use of a multi-case research design. Data was collected using focus group discussions, interviews and document analysis. Eight research sites in the form of secondary schools in four districts were used. Data analysis was done using theoretical prepositions guided by research objectives and research questions. Data presentations was characterised by quotes of participants. Trustworthiness based on dependability, credibility, transferability and conformability formed the basis of quality assurance measures. The study revealed that economic and political instability had similar negative results in the field of secondary schools in the province. Economic instability negatively affected school activities which included teaching and learning, administration and development work. In addition economic instability affected individual secondary school actors psychologically. Economic instability affected relations among the secondary school actors by aggravating already existing contestations amongst actors. Similarly, political instability affected secondary school activities such as teaching and learning, school administration, development, donations and social benefits. Secondary school actors were individually affected psychologically and through physical abuse and the way they responded to political instability. The study has shown that decentralised secondary schools found it difficult to solve the problems introduced by economic and political instability especially when the instabilities occurred within the difficulties of the broader Zimbabwean context. It is therefore recommended that decentralised secondary schools should be assisted financially and with resources to withstand economic challenges. There is a need to protect secondary schools from political activities and activists as these have devastating effects on education if allowed to have a free reign. Further similar research is recommended for other provinces in the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effects of education on economic growth and global competitiveness: a statistical approach
- Mbatha, Erica Isabel Tavares Da Silva
- Authors: Mbatha, Erica Isabel Tavares Da Silva
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Economic development -- Effect of education on -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Educational attainment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147558 , vital:38649
- Description: This thesis investigates whether there is a relationship between education, economic growth and global competitiveness and whether there is a relationship between South Africa’s current throughput rates in institutions of higher education, and its economic growth and global competitiveness. Economic growth is defined as a country’s ability to improve the life of its average citizen based on the strength of its economy. As such, it is increasingly important for a country to assess the factors that contribute to the improvement of their economy, which will ultimately result in its economic growth. Global competitiveness is an indication of how countries are able to provide for their people internally, as well as participate in the international market. To this end, economic growth and global competitiveness are two proxies that can be used to demonstrate the economic wellbeing of a country. Considering that prosperity under economic growth and global competitiveness of a country are driven by its people, one of the aims of this thesis was to investigate whether there is a relationship between education and economic growth and global competitiveness. Considering the recent demand in free education in South Africa, it is also important to understand whether there is a relationship between South Africa’s current throughput rates at higher education institutions and its economic growth and global competitiveness. Bearing in mind the political past which has led to inequality in the country, it is important to understand which types of education contribute to the economy and which types need to be further supported in order to increase the country’s economic productivity. Therefore, an additional aim of the thesis was to determine the relationship between South Africa’s current throughput rates in institutions of higher education, and its economic growth and global competitiveness. To address the aforementioned aims, data were collected from various open access online repositories. All the data were collated and numerous general linear models were constructed and tested to determine the different relationships as per the two aims. The results reveal that secondary school education had the highest impact on economic growth and global competitiveness on a global scale. This could be attributed to the fact that secondary school graduates tend to make up the largest part of the general workforce and as such, would make up a substantial proportion of the economy. Regarding South Africa, the only significant relationships were between green cluster universities (universities that focus on both research and technical training) and global competitiveness. Overall average throughput rates in all academic institutions were low; this could indicate that perhaps there are issues within the higher education system itself that need to be addressed in order to increase the throughput rate. From a managerial perspective, the results of this research stress the importance for the government to further investigate this area of study, as the call for free education becomes more prominent. The low throughput rates seem to suggest that the government is spending substantial amounts of money on students who do not always complete their studies. More research needs to be done to assess the root of the problem in South Africa’s tertiary education system, in order to ensure that this aspect increases its positive contribution towards the country’s economic growth and global competitiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mbatha, Erica Isabel Tavares Da Silva
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Economic development -- Effect of education on -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Educational attainment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147558 , vital:38649
- Description: This thesis investigates whether there is a relationship between education, economic growth and global competitiveness and whether there is a relationship between South Africa’s current throughput rates in institutions of higher education, and its economic growth and global competitiveness. Economic growth is defined as a country’s ability to improve the life of its average citizen based on the strength of its economy. As such, it is increasingly important for a country to assess the factors that contribute to the improvement of their economy, which will ultimately result in its economic growth. Global competitiveness is an indication of how countries are able to provide for their people internally, as well as participate in the international market. To this end, economic growth and global competitiveness are two proxies that can be used to demonstrate the economic wellbeing of a country. Considering that prosperity under economic growth and global competitiveness of a country are driven by its people, one of the aims of this thesis was to investigate whether there is a relationship between education and economic growth and global competitiveness. Considering the recent demand in free education in South Africa, it is also important to understand whether there is a relationship between South Africa’s current throughput rates at higher education institutions and its economic growth and global competitiveness. Bearing in mind the political past which has led to inequality in the country, it is important to understand which types of education contribute to the economy and which types need to be further supported in order to increase the country’s economic productivity. Therefore, an additional aim of the thesis was to determine the relationship between South Africa’s current throughput rates in institutions of higher education, and its economic growth and global competitiveness. To address the aforementioned aims, data were collected from various open access online repositories. All the data were collated and numerous general linear models were constructed and tested to determine the different relationships as per the two aims. The results reveal that secondary school education had the highest impact on economic growth and global competitiveness on a global scale. This could be attributed to the fact that secondary school graduates tend to make up the largest part of the general workforce and as such, would make up a substantial proportion of the economy. Regarding South Africa, the only significant relationships were between green cluster universities (universities that focus on both research and technical training) and global competitiveness. Overall average throughput rates in all academic institutions were low; this could indicate that perhaps there are issues within the higher education system itself that need to be addressed in order to increase the throughput rate. From a managerial perspective, the results of this research stress the importance for the government to further investigate this area of study, as the call for free education becomes more prominent. The low throughput rates seem to suggest that the government is spending substantial amounts of money on students who do not always complete their studies. More research needs to be done to assess the root of the problem in South Africa’s tertiary education system, in order to ensure that this aspect increases its positive contribution towards the country’s economic growth and global competitiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on the biological control of invasive aquatic weeds in South Africa
- Authors: Baso, Nompumelelo Catherine
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Aquatic weeds -- Biological control -- South Africa , Plants -- Effect of atmospheric carbon dioxide on , Atmospheric carbon dioxide -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140772 , vital:37917
- Description: There has been a rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration, from pre-industrial values of 280 ppm to more than 400 ppm currently, and this is expected to more than double by the end of the 21st century. Studies have shown that plants grown above 600 ppm tend to have an increased growth rate and invest more in carbon-based defences. This has important implications for the management of invasive alien plants, especially for the field of biological control which is mostly dependent on herbivorous insects. This is because insects reared on such plants have been shown to have reduced overall fitness. Nevertheless, most of the studies on potential changes in plant-insect interactions under elevated CO2 are based on agricultural systems, with only a limited number of these types of studies conducted on alien invasive weeds. However, climate change and invasive species are two of the most prevalent features of global environmental change. Therefore, this also warrants active research and experimental studies to better understand how these systems will be affected by future climates. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on the biological control of four invasive aquatic weeds (Azolla filiculoides, Salvinia molesta, Pistia stratiotes, and Myriophyllum aquaticum). These species are a threat to natural resources in South Africa but are currently under successful control by their biological control agents (Stenopelmus rufinasus, Cyrtobagous salviniae, Neohydronomus affinis, and Lysathia n. sp.). To achieve this, the selected plant species were grown in a three-factor experimental design in winter (CO2 X nutrients X herbivory), and another two-factorial design in summer (CO2 X herbivory). Atmospheric CO2 concentrations were set at ambient (400 ppm) or elevated (800 ppm), as per the predictions of the IPCC. As per my hypothesis, the results suggest that these species will become more challenging in future due to increased biomass production, asexual reproduction and a higher C: N ratio which is evident under high CO2 concentrations. Although the biological control agents were in some instances able to reduce this CO2 fertilisation effect, their efficacy was significantly reduced compared with the levels of control observed at ambient CO2. These results suggest that additional biological control agents and other management methods may be needed for continued control of these invasive macrophytes, both in South Africa and further afield where they are problematic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Baso, Nompumelelo Catherine
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Aquatic weeds -- Biological control -- South Africa , Plants -- Effect of atmospheric carbon dioxide on , Atmospheric carbon dioxide -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140772 , vital:37917
- Description: There has been a rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration, from pre-industrial values of 280 ppm to more than 400 ppm currently, and this is expected to more than double by the end of the 21st century. Studies have shown that plants grown above 600 ppm tend to have an increased growth rate and invest more in carbon-based defences. This has important implications for the management of invasive alien plants, especially for the field of biological control which is mostly dependent on herbivorous insects. This is because insects reared on such plants have been shown to have reduced overall fitness. Nevertheless, most of the studies on potential changes in plant-insect interactions under elevated CO2 are based on agricultural systems, with only a limited number of these types of studies conducted on alien invasive weeds. However, climate change and invasive species are two of the most prevalent features of global environmental change. Therefore, this also warrants active research and experimental studies to better understand how these systems will be affected by future climates. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on the biological control of four invasive aquatic weeds (Azolla filiculoides, Salvinia molesta, Pistia stratiotes, and Myriophyllum aquaticum). These species are a threat to natural resources in South Africa but are currently under successful control by their biological control agents (Stenopelmus rufinasus, Cyrtobagous salviniae, Neohydronomus affinis, and Lysathia n. sp.). To achieve this, the selected plant species were grown in a three-factor experimental design in winter (CO2 X nutrients X herbivory), and another two-factorial design in summer (CO2 X herbivory). Atmospheric CO2 concentrations were set at ambient (400 ppm) or elevated (800 ppm), as per the predictions of the IPCC. As per my hypothesis, the results suggest that these species will become more challenging in future due to increased biomass production, asexual reproduction and a higher C: N ratio which is evident under high CO2 concentrations. Although the biological control agents were in some instances able to reduce this CO2 fertilisation effect, their efficacy was significantly reduced compared with the levels of control observed at ambient CO2. These results suggest that additional biological control agents and other management methods may be needed for continued control of these invasive macrophytes, both in South Africa and further afield where they are problematic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The exploration of ARF1 screening assays to determine the drug status of ARF1 in cancer and malaria
- Authors: Ntlantsana, Apelele
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: ADP ribosylation , Golgi apparatus , Guanosine triphosphatase , G proteins , Malariotherapy , Malaria -- Research , Cancer -- Chemotherapy , Malaria -- Chemotherpay
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167232 , vital:41458
- Description: ARF GTPases are key regulators of the secretory and endocytic pathways. ARF1 is involved in the secretory pathway. ARF1 has been implicated in the endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi transport, function of the Golgi apparatus and transport from the trans-Golgi network to endosomes. ARFs cycle between active GTP-bound and inactive GDP-bound conformations. GDP/GTP cycling is regulated by large families of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase activating proteins (GAPs). ARF GEFs facilitate the activation of ARFs by mediating the exchange of GDP for GTP, while ARF GAPs terminate ARF function by stimulating the hydrolysis of the terminal phosphate group of GTP. Based on existing evidence gained from gene manipulation and cell biological investigations, ARF1 has been shown to be fundamentally important for cancer cell proliferation and metastasis and may be a promising target for the development of anti-cancer drugs. Additionally, the conservation of ARFs in eukaryotic organisms leads to an interesting question of whether a single drug target can be used to target multiple diseases. In this case, can a human cancer drug employed for cancer therapy be used in anti-malarial drug therapies? To confirm the drug target status of ARFs using chemical validation experiments, novel inhibitory compounds are needed. This requires the development of complex in vitro protein- protein interaction assays that can be used to screen chemical libraries for ARF GTPase inhibitors. In this study, we developed a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay and a novel in vitro colorimetric plate-based assay to detect the activation status of truncated human and Plasmodium falciparum ARF1. In the case of the FRET assay, active (GTP-bound) and inactive (GDP-bound) ARF1 could be distinguished with Z-factor values >0.5, suggesting that further development of the assay format to identify GEF and GAP inhibitors may be feasible. In the case of the colorimetric assay, robust signals could be detected and the assay was useful for detecting the activation status of ARF1. However, although the activation of ARF1 by the Sec7 domains of the BIG1 and ARNO was detectable, signals were not robust enough to employ in screening campaigns.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ntlantsana, Apelele
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: ADP ribosylation , Golgi apparatus , Guanosine triphosphatase , G proteins , Malariotherapy , Malaria -- Research , Cancer -- Chemotherapy , Malaria -- Chemotherpay
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167232 , vital:41458
- Description: ARF GTPases are key regulators of the secretory and endocytic pathways. ARF1 is involved in the secretory pathway. ARF1 has been implicated in the endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi transport, function of the Golgi apparatus and transport from the trans-Golgi network to endosomes. ARFs cycle between active GTP-bound and inactive GDP-bound conformations. GDP/GTP cycling is regulated by large families of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase activating proteins (GAPs). ARF GEFs facilitate the activation of ARFs by mediating the exchange of GDP for GTP, while ARF GAPs terminate ARF function by stimulating the hydrolysis of the terminal phosphate group of GTP. Based on existing evidence gained from gene manipulation and cell biological investigations, ARF1 has been shown to be fundamentally important for cancer cell proliferation and metastasis and may be a promising target for the development of anti-cancer drugs. Additionally, the conservation of ARFs in eukaryotic organisms leads to an interesting question of whether a single drug target can be used to target multiple diseases. In this case, can a human cancer drug employed for cancer therapy be used in anti-malarial drug therapies? To confirm the drug target status of ARFs using chemical validation experiments, novel inhibitory compounds are needed. This requires the development of complex in vitro protein- protein interaction assays that can be used to screen chemical libraries for ARF GTPase inhibitors. In this study, we developed a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay and a novel in vitro colorimetric plate-based assay to detect the activation status of truncated human and Plasmodium falciparum ARF1. In the case of the FRET assay, active (GTP-bound) and inactive (GDP-bound) ARF1 could be distinguished with Z-factor values >0.5, suggesting that further development of the assay format to identify GEF and GAP inhibitors may be feasible. In the case of the colorimetric assay, robust signals could be detected and the assay was useful for detecting the activation status of ARF1. However, although the activation of ARF1 by the Sec7 domains of the BIG1 and ARNO was detectable, signals were not robust enough to employ in screening campaigns.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The forensic mental health profile of women offenders in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Nagdee, Mohammed
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Female offenders -- Mental health , Female offenders -- South Africa -- Psychology , Female offenders -- South Africa -- Mental health , People with mental disabilities and crime , Women murderers -- South Africa , Forensic psychology -- South Africa , Fort England Psychiatric Hospital
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167109 , vital:41438
- Description: Introduction There is a dearth of research on mental health issues in women offenders in South Africa, especially regarding their socio-demographic backgrounds, offence characteristics, and forensic mental health profiles. Objectives This study examined the psychosocial and forensic mental health profile of women offenders referred by eastern Cape courts for forensic evaluation. A range of socio-demographic, criminological, clinical and forensic mental health variables were systematically explored. Methods A bi-phasic, mixed methods study design was adopted. The clinical and forensic records of all women referred for forensic evaluation to Fort England forensic psychiatric hospital in the Eastern Cape, South Africa were retrospectively reviewed, comprising 173 individual cases in the study period of 1993-2017. Inferential statistical analyses (chi-squared and multivariate logistic regression) were applied to explore relationships between variables and offending outcomes of nterest. Detailed semi-structured interviews were subsequently conducted with a sub-sample of 8 women with mental disorder and violent offending ackgrounds. Interview transcripts thematically analysed. Results Most women came from impoverished and disadvantaged backgrounds. Whilst the majority were first offenders, a high proportion had violent index offences, with murder, attempted murder and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm accounting for over half of cases. The majority of victims of violence were well known to the perpetrator, especially as biological children, intimate male partners or close family members. Biological children in their first year of life were particularly vulnerable to being victims of homicidal violence. Disproportionately high rates of pre-offence mental illness, alcohol misuse, HIV infection and prior abuse of the offender (especially by intimate male partners) were present. High rates of severe mental disorders (especially psychiatric comorbidity and psychotic-spectrum disorders), and relatively low rates of personality disorders and substance disorders were diagnosed. The majority of women were declared to lack trial competence and criminal capacity, respectively, following forensic evaluation. Women who had backgrounds of prior abuse themselves had over three mes the odds of subsequent violent offending in general, and almost six times the odds of homicidal offending in particular. Homicidal offences were significantly more commonly committed by women with no prior psychiatric history and no psychiatric comorbidity. Women who committed homicide had over eleven times of killing children as opposed to adults. Women over the age of 30 years, and those without psychiatric comorbidity, were significantly less likely to have killed children. Thematic analysis of interviews emphasized the important roles played by gender, self-image, and mental health in violent offending pathways. Conclusions A complex array of socio-demographic, criminological, clinical and forensic variables interact in women offenders of the Eastern Cape referred by courts for forensic evaluation. Exploration of these factors improves understanding of the broader psychosocial context of female offending, and of the personal experiences of the women themselves. This in turn provides an enhanced gender-focus to guide the progressive changes required in policy, legislative, clinical and research endeavours in this field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Nagdee, Mohammed
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Female offenders -- Mental health , Female offenders -- South Africa -- Psychology , Female offenders -- South Africa -- Mental health , People with mental disabilities and crime , Women murderers -- South Africa , Forensic psychology -- South Africa , Fort England Psychiatric Hospital
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167109 , vital:41438
- Description: Introduction There is a dearth of research on mental health issues in women offenders in South Africa, especially regarding their socio-demographic backgrounds, offence characteristics, and forensic mental health profiles. Objectives This study examined the psychosocial and forensic mental health profile of women offenders referred by eastern Cape courts for forensic evaluation. A range of socio-demographic, criminological, clinical and forensic mental health variables were systematically explored. Methods A bi-phasic, mixed methods study design was adopted. The clinical and forensic records of all women referred for forensic evaluation to Fort England forensic psychiatric hospital in the Eastern Cape, South Africa were retrospectively reviewed, comprising 173 individual cases in the study period of 1993-2017. Inferential statistical analyses (chi-squared and multivariate logistic regression) were applied to explore relationships between variables and offending outcomes of nterest. Detailed semi-structured interviews were subsequently conducted with a sub-sample of 8 women with mental disorder and violent offending ackgrounds. Interview transcripts thematically analysed. Results Most women came from impoverished and disadvantaged backgrounds. Whilst the majority were first offenders, a high proportion had violent index offences, with murder, attempted murder and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm accounting for over half of cases. The majority of victims of violence were well known to the perpetrator, especially as biological children, intimate male partners or close family members. Biological children in their first year of life were particularly vulnerable to being victims of homicidal violence. Disproportionately high rates of pre-offence mental illness, alcohol misuse, HIV infection and prior abuse of the offender (especially by intimate male partners) were present. High rates of severe mental disorders (especially psychiatric comorbidity and psychotic-spectrum disorders), and relatively low rates of personality disorders and substance disorders were diagnosed. The majority of women were declared to lack trial competence and criminal capacity, respectively, following forensic evaluation. Women who had backgrounds of prior abuse themselves had over three mes the odds of subsequent violent offending in general, and almost six times the odds of homicidal offending in particular. Homicidal offences were significantly more commonly committed by women with no prior psychiatric history and no psychiatric comorbidity. Women who committed homicide had over eleven times of killing children as opposed to adults. Women over the age of 30 years, and those without psychiatric comorbidity, were significantly less likely to have killed children. Thematic analysis of interviews emphasized the important roles played by gender, self-image, and mental health in violent offending pathways. Conclusions A complex array of socio-demographic, criminological, clinical and forensic variables interact in women offenders of the Eastern Cape referred by courts for forensic evaluation. Exploration of these factors improves understanding of the broader psychosocial context of female offending, and of the personal experiences of the women themselves. This in turn provides an enhanced gender-focus to guide the progressive changes required in policy, legislative, clinical and research endeavours in this field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The frightened
- Authors: Msimang, Lethokuhle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144004 , vital:38302
- Description: My novella tells the coming of age story of a young woman battling the trauma of objectification. It explores the intimate relationship between a woman and a man, the young and the old, and the camaraderie between women. Having spent the greater part of her youth in various parts of the world, my protagonist faces the stark reality of returning home to her native country. This triggers an angst which causes her to leap between lived experiences and memories. An elegy on how difficult it is to love while dragging the long shadow of shame, it uses short prose and prose poetry to reveal the intimacies and intricacies of self hate and clandestine romances, and to unravel the complexities of memory and forgetting. Built from non linear fragments it seeks to refuse cliches regarding love and to question easy assumptions around gender, family and the innocence of youth. I draw inspiration from Vita Sackville West’s’ All Passion Spent , which eloquently portrays the placid and flickering thoughts of an old woman taking leave from the frivolity of youth. I’m similarly inspired by the sincerity and confessional aspects of Virginia Woolf and French poet and photographer Alix Roubaud ’s journals and Van Gogh’s letters, as well as Lydia Yuknavitch, Max Porter and Elena Ferante’s autobiographical fiction. I also draw from J’Lyn Chapman’s chapbook A Thing of Shreds and Patches and finally Dostoevky’s Notes from Underground , for their blurring of life and writing, and their exploration of grief and death as a lingering thought, together with the oppressive urge to create. In addition I’m inspired by the poetry of a new generation of South African female writers like Vangile Gatsho.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Msimang, Lethokuhle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144004 , vital:38302
- Description: My novella tells the coming of age story of a young woman battling the trauma of objectification. It explores the intimate relationship between a woman and a man, the young and the old, and the camaraderie between women. Having spent the greater part of her youth in various parts of the world, my protagonist faces the stark reality of returning home to her native country. This triggers an angst which causes her to leap between lived experiences and memories. An elegy on how difficult it is to love while dragging the long shadow of shame, it uses short prose and prose poetry to reveal the intimacies and intricacies of self hate and clandestine romances, and to unravel the complexities of memory and forgetting. Built from non linear fragments it seeks to refuse cliches regarding love and to question easy assumptions around gender, family and the innocence of youth. I draw inspiration from Vita Sackville West’s’ All Passion Spent , which eloquently portrays the placid and flickering thoughts of an old woman taking leave from the frivolity of youth. I’m similarly inspired by the sincerity and confessional aspects of Virginia Woolf and French poet and photographer Alix Roubaud ’s journals and Van Gogh’s letters, as well as Lydia Yuknavitch, Max Porter and Elena Ferante’s autobiographical fiction. I also draw from J’Lyn Chapman’s chapbook A Thing of Shreds and Patches and finally Dostoevky’s Notes from Underground , for their blurring of life and writing, and their exploration of grief and death as a lingering thought, together with the oppressive urge to create. In addition I’m inspired by the poetry of a new generation of South African female writers like Vangile Gatsho.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The impact of minimum wages on human resource management practices in the hospitality industry: a case study of selected firms in Polokwane, Limpopo Province
- Authors: Nkoana, Lekgoa Julia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Minimum wage -- South Africa , Minimum wage -- Sociological aspects -- South Africa -- Polokane , Minimum wage -- South Africa -- Polokane -- Case studies , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Polokwane , Hospitality industry -- Sociological aspects -- South Africa -- Polokwane , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Polokwane -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167188 , vital:41445
- Description: This thesis sought to identify and isolate the impact of the minimum wage in the hospitality industry of Polokwane. To achieve this, qualitative research methods were used. These methods enabled an in-depth understanding of minimum wages. Thus in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted as they provided detailed information by enabling the researcher and the participant to have an informal, but expressive conversation about the minimum wage. Contrary to the assumptions of orthodox economics, which claim minimum wages create a ‘shock’ resulting in job losses, this research found that the minimum wage was absorbed causing few disruptions in existing work and employment relations in the selected establishments. This capacity to absorb the minimum wage is largely the outcome of informal labour relations policies and practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Nkoana, Lekgoa Julia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Minimum wage -- South Africa , Minimum wage -- Sociological aspects -- South Africa -- Polokane , Minimum wage -- South Africa -- Polokane -- Case studies , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Polokwane , Hospitality industry -- Sociological aspects -- South Africa -- Polokwane , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Polokwane -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167188 , vital:41445
- Description: This thesis sought to identify and isolate the impact of the minimum wage in the hospitality industry of Polokwane. To achieve this, qualitative research methods were used. These methods enabled an in-depth understanding of minimum wages. Thus in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted as they provided detailed information by enabling the researcher and the participant to have an informal, but expressive conversation about the minimum wage. Contrary to the assumptions of orthodox economics, which claim minimum wages create a ‘shock’ resulting in job losses, this research found that the minimum wage was absorbed causing few disruptions in existing work and employment relations in the selected establishments. This capacity to absorb the minimum wage is largely the outcome of informal labour relations policies and practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The impact of South African monetary policy on output and price stability in Namibia
- William, Anna Martha Tandakos
- Authors: William, Anna Martha Tandakos
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Common Monetary Area (Organization) , Monetary unions -- Africa, Southern , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- Namibia , Repurchase agreements -- South Africa , Repurchase agreements -- Namibia , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- Namibia , Namibia -- Economic conditions , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167709 , vital:41505
- Description: Namibia is a member country of the Common Monetary Area (CMA) with Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa. South Africa is the anchor country to which the smaller member states have surrendered monetary policy authority. This thesis therefore examines the empirical relationship between the South Africa repo rate (SArepo) on the one hand and Namibia’s repo rate (Namrepo), Prime Lending Rate (PLR), Private Sector Credit Extension (PSCE), Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on the other hand. The credit channel of the monetary policy transmission mechanism informs the theoretical foundation of the thesis. Vector Autoregression modelling, variance decomposition and impulse response functions were used to explore the nature and strength of the relationship between the SArepo and said variables in Namibia. This thesis used quarterly data for the period 2003 to 2017. The variation in the Namrepo was predominantly explained by the SArepo, which confirmed that the Namrepo strongly followed the SArepo. The impulse response function results found that the impact of a contractionary monetary policy shock (an increase in the SArepo) lasted for up to six quarters before the effect started to fade. The Namrepo exhibited a positive response to an increase in the SArepo, although the magnitude of the response started to fade after the third quarter. The PLR, as a representative of market rates in Namibia, also exhibited a positive response to an increase in the SArepo. The results were similar for the Namrepo and the PLR because changes to the NamRepo are passed through immediately to the market interest rates. On the real variables, the study found that a contractionary monetary policy shock initiated in South Africa resulted in an increase in inflation in Namibia of less than 0.4 percent, whereas output declined by less than 1.0 percent. Interestingly, a Namibia (domestic) contractionary monetary policy shock resulted in a decline in prices of less than 0.4 percent. GDP, on the other hand, exhibited a positive response to a contractionary monetary shock, with an increase of less than 2.0 percent in the first four quarters of the period observed. The results reflected that a contractionary monetary policy shock from South Africa was more effective with regard to its impact on GDP; however, a domestic monetary policy shock was more effective at impacting on domestic inflation compared to the impact from South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: William, Anna Martha Tandakos
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Common Monetary Area (Organization) , Monetary unions -- Africa, Southern , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- Namibia , Repurchase agreements -- South Africa , Repurchase agreements -- Namibia , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- Namibia , Namibia -- Economic conditions , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167709 , vital:41505
- Description: Namibia is a member country of the Common Monetary Area (CMA) with Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa. South Africa is the anchor country to which the smaller member states have surrendered monetary policy authority. This thesis therefore examines the empirical relationship between the South Africa repo rate (SArepo) on the one hand and Namibia’s repo rate (Namrepo), Prime Lending Rate (PLR), Private Sector Credit Extension (PSCE), Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on the other hand. The credit channel of the monetary policy transmission mechanism informs the theoretical foundation of the thesis. Vector Autoregression modelling, variance decomposition and impulse response functions were used to explore the nature and strength of the relationship between the SArepo and said variables in Namibia. This thesis used quarterly data for the period 2003 to 2017. The variation in the Namrepo was predominantly explained by the SArepo, which confirmed that the Namrepo strongly followed the SArepo. The impulse response function results found that the impact of a contractionary monetary policy shock (an increase in the SArepo) lasted for up to six quarters before the effect started to fade. The Namrepo exhibited a positive response to an increase in the SArepo, although the magnitude of the response started to fade after the third quarter. The PLR, as a representative of market rates in Namibia, also exhibited a positive response to an increase in the SArepo. The results were similar for the Namrepo and the PLR because changes to the NamRepo are passed through immediately to the market interest rates. On the real variables, the study found that a contractionary monetary policy shock initiated in South Africa resulted in an increase in inflation in Namibia of less than 0.4 percent, whereas output declined by less than 1.0 percent. Interestingly, a Namibia (domestic) contractionary monetary policy shock resulted in a decline in prices of less than 0.4 percent. GDP, on the other hand, exhibited a positive response to a contractionary monetary shock, with an increase of less than 2.0 percent in the first four quarters of the period observed. The results reflected that a contractionary monetary policy shock from South Africa was more effective with regard to its impact on GDP; however, a domestic monetary policy shock was more effective at impacting on domestic inflation compared to the impact from South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The impact of the Dieselgate vehicle emmissions scandal on customer equity in the South African automotive industry
- Authors: Pillay, Sylvester Deenan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- Germany , Automobile industry and trade -- Law and legislation -- Germany , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Automobiles -- Motors -- Exhaust gas , Brand choice -- South Africa , Customer preferences -- South Africa , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa , Brand loyalty -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Dieselgate
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149304 , vital:38823
- Description: Prominent German automotive manufacturers had been tampering with emissions for some time before it became public knowledge in September 2015. It is then that that the term ‘Dieselgate’ was coined in reference to the scandal. As the scandal became public knowledge, manufacturers accused of emissions cheating faced challenges on several fronts, including legal, financial and environmental. While the ‘backlash’ as a result of the scandal was apparent in other countries, it was not as apparent in South Africa. This research paper set out to explore the impact that the Dieselgate scandal had in South Africa in terms of customer equity. Data analysis was undertaken using a two-pronged approach. The first of these was analysis of vehicle sales data using a paired t-test. This was to understand whether sales had seen a decline pre-, as well as post-scandal. The results point to a sales decline, this highlights that Dieselgate was a factor even though other, unexamined factors, were not investigated. The second instrument used was a customer equity questionnaire, this provided insight into the real opinions of consumers in South Africa about the affected brands. The analysis revealed that the affected manufacturers operating in South Africa had seen no negative effects in terms of customer equity. Based on the results, it could be said that market factors, which was not part of the research, play a great role in consumers’ preferences or mindsets. Additionally, manufacturers can operate with a degree of latitude in certain markets. This is based on market factors in a specific market as well as the regulations imposed and enforced in that market. Lastly, customer equity is a complex theory that includes a multitude of converging theories. Based on this fact, it is currently difficult to evaluate customer equity in its entirety in a single paper. A comprehensive model is yet to be developed that can effectively measure customer equity in an all-encompassing way.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Pillay, Sylvester Deenan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- Germany , Automobile industry and trade -- Law and legislation -- Germany , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Automobiles -- Motors -- Exhaust gas , Brand choice -- South Africa , Customer preferences -- South Africa , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa , Brand loyalty -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Dieselgate
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149304 , vital:38823
- Description: Prominent German automotive manufacturers had been tampering with emissions for some time before it became public knowledge in September 2015. It is then that that the term ‘Dieselgate’ was coined in reference to the scandal. As the scandal became public knowledge, manufacturers accused of emissions cheating faced challenges on several fronts, including legal, financial and environmental. While the ‘backlash’ as a result of the scandal was apparent in other countries, it was not as apparent in South Africa. This research paper set out to explore the impact that the Dieselgate scandal had in South Africa in terms of customer equity. Data analysis was undertaken using a two-pronged approach. The first of these was analysis of vehicle sales data using a paired t-test. This was to understand whether sales had seen a decline pre-, as well as post-scandal. The results point to a sales decline, this highlights that Dieselgate was a factor even though other, unexamined factors, were not investigated. The second instrument used was a customer equity questionnaire, this provided insight into the real opinions of consumers in South Africa about the affected brands. The analysis revealed that the affected manufacturers operating in South Africa had seen no negative effects in terms of customer equity. Based on the results, it could be said that market factors, which was not part of the research, play a great role in consumers’ preferences or mindsets. Additionally, manufacturers can operate with a degree of latitude in certain markets. This is based on market factors in a specific market as well as the regulations imposed and enforced in that market. Lastly, customer equity is a complex theory that includes a multitude of converging theories. Based on this fact, it is currently difficult to evaluate customer equity in its entirety in a single paper. A comprehensive model is yet to be developed that can effectively measure customer equity in an all-encompassing way.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The impact of the minimum wage on poverty and industrial relations in the hospitality industry in Grahamstown, South Africa
- Authors: Maqubela, Zikisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Minimum wage -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Poverty -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Wages -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Service industries workers -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/118685 , vital:34658
- Description: This dissertation endeavours to unpack and understand the impact of the minimum wage on the hospitality industry with a specific focus on Grahamstown. The areas of impact that are of immediate interest were the impact on poverty and industrial relations. In operationalising this research, a qualitative research approach was adopted. The overall design of the study was a case study in a bid to ensure deeper insights may be extracted from semi-structured interviews that were then thematically analysed. Theoretically, the study was guided by the understanding of citizenship as articulated by Mamdani as well as Keynesian theory. The central theme when exploring the minimum wage in relation to poverty is that the minimum wage that is currently paid is enough to aid workers and their families in escaping abject poverty, however, it does not go far enough to further ensure that they totally escape poverty as measured by the Upper Bound Poverty Line. The inadequacy of the minimum wage in ensuring that people are pushed out of poverty would then mean that their claims to citizenship are compromised and the quality of life they can access is often below what would be readily accepted of a citizen of South Africa. Lifestyle entrepreneurs offer an alternative approach to doing business that can see higher pay as further entrench claims to citizenship. The central case around industrial relations is that the impact of the minimum wage is indeterminate for two reasons. Broadly speaking, the impact would need to be reviewed at a macro-level and not simply within the impacted sectors. This is the various interconnected value chains that could feel indirect impacts at the initiation of a minimum wage. Further, the impact such changes has to individual firms is also indeterminate as employers have a range of choices that they can adopt in absorbing the impact of a minimum wage, which may include simply increasing the price the end consumer pays or retrenching some staff members. However, the choice that employers would make in this context is not predetermined but rather would vary between firms due to the very specifics of each firm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Maqubela, Zikisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Minimum wage -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Poverty -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Wages -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Service industries workers -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/118685 , vital:34658
- Description: This dissertation endeavours to unpack and understand the impact of the minimum wage on the hospitality industry with a specific focus on Grahamstown. The areas of impact that are of immediate interest were the impact on poverty and industrial relations. In operationalising this research, a qualitative research approach was adopted. The overall design of the study was a case study in a bid to ensure deeper insights may be extracted from semi-structured interviews that were then thematically analysed. Theoretically, the study was guided by the understanding of citizenship as articulated by Mamdani as well as Keynesian theory. The central theme when exploring the minimum wage in relation to poverty is that the minimum wage that is currently paid is enough to aid workers and their families in escaping abject poverty, however, it does not go far enough to further ensure that they totally escape poverty as measured by the Upper Bound Poverty Line. The inadequacy of the minimum wage in ensuring that people are pushed out of poverty would then mean that their claims to citizenship are compromised and the quality of life they can access is often below what would be readily accepted of a citizen of South Africa. Lifestyle entrepreneurs offer an alternative approach to doing business that can see higher pay as further entrench claims to citizenship. The central case around industrial relations is that the impact of the minimum wage is indeterminate for two reasons. Broadly speaking, the impact would need to be reviewed at a macro-level and not simply within the impacted sectors. This is the various interconnected value chains that could feel indirect impacts at the initiation of a minimum wage. Further, the impact such changes has to individual firms is also indeterminate as employers have a range of choices that they can adopt in absorbing the impact of a minimum wage, which may include simply increasing the price the end consumer pays or retrenching some staff members. However, the choice that employers would make in this context is not predetermined but rather would vary between firms due to the very specifics of each firm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The incidence of musculoskeletal disorders and stakeholder perceptions of work challenges in South-Eastern Nigerian quarry mining industry
- Authors: Egwuonwu, Victor Afamerfuna
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Quarries and quarrying -- Health aspects -- Nigeria , Musculoskeletal system -- Diseases -- Nigeria , Miners -- Health and hygiene -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141263 , vital:37957
- Description: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are very common among industrial labourers, leading to sick leave absence, disability and low productivity at work. MSDs have multifactorial causes, thereby making it difficult to pinpoint the extent of the contributions of the various risks regarding the mechanism of its pathophysiology. Previously, attempts were made to study regional pain symptoms in varying occupational groups, disregarding the particularities of the different workplace situations. It is important to highlight, that quantifying physical exposure factors that contribute to MSDs occurrence using quantitative approach alone could be inadequate. It is therefore imperative to incorporate qualitative approach to unmask accompanying psychosocial stressors, which are mostly explanatory variables. The study investigated the following: 12-month retrospective prevalence of MSDs, prospective incidence, risk factors and pattern of MSDs in a 6-month follow-up survey of selected quarry mineworkers, who reported MSDs complaints at the mine clinic. The study also determined the level of psychosocial stress associated with working in the mine by understanding stakeholders’ perception of work challenges, and how it influenced recurrence of MSDs. The study utilised a mixed method design with two phases: phase 1 was an initial baseline retrospective prevalence and a prospective cohort-control incidence survey. The Cultural and Psychosocial Influence on Disability (CUPID) questionnaire was translated into an Igbo-language version, cross-culturally adapted and utilized. The instrument was administered via oral interview and sought information on the following: demographic characteristics; pain in different anatomical sites and associated disability for tasks of daily living; as well as information on any change of job and reason during the study period, recent pain in different anatomical sites and associated disability for tasks of daily living; distress from common somatic symptoms; mental health status, sickness absence in the past 5-months for musculoskeletal pain. Phase 2 was a qualitative focus group discussion that engaged mine stakeholders on their perceptions of work challenges. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation was utilised to analyse sociodemographic characteristics of participants. MSD incidence rates were estimated and the patterns of MSD incidence at different anatomical sites were also determined. The Cox proportional regression analyses were utilised to compare hazard ratios of MSD risks between the exposed cohorts and unexposed cohorts in the phase one incidence survey, alpha level was set at 0.05. Transcription, thematic and content analyses with the aid of Nvivo version 11 for windows was used to interpret stakeholders’ perception of work challenges. The incidence of MSD was 6.2 per 1000, with shoulder pain being the most reported complaint (40% prevalence). This was followed by back pain with the distribution of back pain presented as follows: upper back (20.37%), lower back (45.50%) and both (34.13%). All participants reported previous medical history of back, shoulder and neck pain. The relative risk ratio of mineworkers to MSDs was 4.57, which implies that the mineworkers were approximately 5 times more at risk of developing MSDs compared to the recruited unexposed cohorts. Meanwhile, wrist pain (43.58%) was the highest MSD complaints which lead miners to be absent from work, followed by knee and back with 35.42% and 21% respectively. Physical job risks, such as III working underground and squatting or kneeling at work were all significantly associated with MSDs recurrence in all six body parts (HR: 1.12-1.92, 95%CI). Similarly, time pressure to complete task, low decision latitude, poor job satisfaction, somatisation and mental disorder, job insecurity, poor incentive system (HR: 1.01-1.75, 95%CI) were perceived by stakeholders’ and participants alike in the study to be significantly associated with MSDs incidence. Quarrymen are exposed to high MSD risks associated with elevated psychosocial stress from their difficult work situations. The South Eastern Nigerian mine stakeholders believed that the high incidence of MSDs may have a substantial impact on health and productivity in the near future. Necessitating a clear need for the promotion of stakeholder’s engagement concerning safe work policy implementation initiatives in the sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Egwuonwu, Victor Afamerfuna
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Quarries and quarrying -- Health aspects -- Nigeria , Musculoskeletal system -- Diseases -- Nigeria , Miners -- Health and hygiene -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141263 , vital:37957
- Description: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are very common among industrial labourers, leading to sick leave absence, disability and low productivity at work. MSDs have multifactorial causes, thereby making it difficult to pinpoint the extent of the contributions of the various risks regarding the mechanism of its pathophysiology. Previously, attempts were made to study regional pain symptoms in varying occupational groups, disregarding the particularities of the different workplace situations. It is important to highlight, that quantifying physical exposure factors that contribute to MSDs occurrence using quantitative approach alone could be inadequate. It is therefore imperative to incorporate qualitative approach to unmask accompanying psychosocial stressors, which are mostly explanatory variables. The study investigated the following: 12-month retrospective prevalence of MSDs, prospective incidence, risk factors and pattern of MSDs in a 6-month follow-up survey of selected quarry mineworkers, who reported MSDs complaints at the mine clinic. The study also determined the level of psychosocial stress associated with working in the mine by understanding stakeholders’ perception of work challenges, and how it influenced recurrence of MSDs. The study utilised a mixed method design with two phases: phase 1 was an initial baseline retrospective prevalence and a prospective cohort-control incidence survey. The Cultural and Psychosocial Influence on Disability (CUPID) questionnaire was translated into an Igbo-language version, cross-culturally adapted and utilized. The instrument was administered via oral interview and sought information on the following: demographic characteristics; pain in different anatomical sites and associated disability for tasks of daily living; as well as information on any change of job and reason during the study period, recent pain in different anatomical sites and associated disability for tasks of daily living; distress from common somatic symptoms; mental health status, sickness absence in the past 5-months for musculoskeletal pain. Phase 2 was a qualitative focus group discussion that engaged mine stakeholders on their perceptions of work challenges. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation was utilised to analyse sociodemographic characteristics of participants. MSD incidence rates were estimated and the patterns of MSD incidence at different anatomical sites were also determined. The Cox proportional regression analyses were utilised to compare hazard ratios of MSD risks between the exposed cohorts and unexposed cohorts in the phase one incidence survey, alpha level was set at 0.05. Transcription, thematic and content analyses with the aid of Nvivo version 11 for windows was used to interpret stakeholders’ perception of work challenges. The incidence of MSD was 6.2 per 1000, with shoulder pain being the most reported complaint (40% prevalence). This was followed by back pain with the distribution of back pain presented as follows: upper back (20.37%), lower back (45.50%) and both (34.13%). All participants reported previous medical history of back, shoulder and neck pain. The relative risk ratio of mineworkers to MSDs was 4.57, which implies that the mineworkers were approximately 5 times more at risk of developing MSDs compared to the recruited unexposed cohorts. Meanwhile, wrist pain (43.58%) was the highest MSD complaints which lead miners to be absent from work, followed by knee and back with 35.42% and 21% respectively. Physical job risks, such as III working underground and squatting or kneeling at work were all significantly associated with MSDs recurrence in all six body parts (HR: 1.12-1.92, 95%CI). Similarly, time pressure to complete task, low decision latitude, poor job satisfaction, somatisation and mental disorder, job insecurity, poor incentive system (HR: 1.01-1.75, 95%CI) were perceived by stakeholders’ and participants alike in the study to be significantly associated with MSDs incidence. Quarrymen are exposed to high MSD risks associated with elevated psychosocial stress from their difficult work situations. The South Eastern Nigerian mine stakeholders believed that the high incidence of MSDs may have a substantial impact on health and productivity in the near future. Necessitating a clear need for the promotion of stakeholder’s engagement concerning safe work policy implementation initiatives in the sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020