Diagnosing organizational effectiveness in the tourism sector of Zanzibar
- Authors: Raja, Sanjay Kanji
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness -- Zanzibar Management by objectives -- Zanzibar Tourism -- Zanzibar Tourism -- Management -- Zanzibar Job satisfaction -- Zanzibar Employee motivation -- Zanzibar
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:780 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003901
- Description: The tourism sector in Zanzibar Tanzania has emerged strongly in the past 15 years, helping the development of other Industries that support it. As a result, Industries such as telecommunication, IT, transport and hospitality have also emerged recently. It is, however, speculated that organizations in the tourism sector in Zanzibar generally lack the effective performance that is required of them to compete in the contemporary complex and turbulent market environment. This research thus set out to explore and diagnose the organizational effectiveness of the accommodation units of the tourism sector in Zanzibar. The research had specific objectives of diagnosing and finding the gap between the current and the optimal organizational performance in two particular units of accommodation as well as determining the factors affecting organizational performance in these units. The study furthermore set out to recommend implementation of suitable intervention activities to improve organizational performance in the units analyzed. In order to achieve the above objectives the research deployed an action research strategy with the Weisbord’s six box model as a framework to diagnose two five star grade accommodation units in Zanzibar. A qualitative method was used to collect data. Key findings of the research are briefly presented below: - The service output of the accommodation units analyzed was not very consistent and fell short of the expectation of their customers. This showed a gap in terms of the organizations’ performance. - Factors affecting organizational effectiveness were found to be mainly in the Purpose and Rewards functions of the organizations. - The specific areas in the Purpose function that appeared to have substantial problems were: -- Goals of the organization were not clearly stated -- Employees did not understand the purpose of the organization -- Employees were not involved in deciding their work unit goals -- Employees were not in agreement with the goals of their work units. -- Employees did not understand priorities of the organization The specific areas in the Reward function that appeared to have substantial problems were: -- The pay scale and benefits of the organization did not treat employees equitably. -- Employees felt that the salary they received was not commensurate with the jobs they performed. -- Not all tasks to be accomplished were associated with incentives. Following the diagnostics findings above, the research suggested the following intervention activities that could possibly help to address the above mentioned problems: - A Management by Objectives (MBO) process was suggested to redress the problems indicated in the Purpose function. This would help to set clearly agreed goals at all levels of the organizations. Employees and resources would then be directed towards achieving these goals that would enable the organizations to perform more effectively. - Revision of the current reward system was suggested to redress the problems indicated in the Reward function. The reward system should be implemented in a manner that creates a feeling of both internal as well as external (market) equity among employees. Furthermore, rewards should be linked to performance in order to direct behaviour and motivation among employees. The performance based reward system can also help to achieve the MBO process proposed above since rewards will be designated for achievement of individual, departmental and finally organizational objectives, thus increasing organizational effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Raja, Sanjay Kanji
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness -- Zanzibar Management by objectives -- Zanzibar Tourism -- Zanzibar Tourism -- Management -- Zanzibar Job satisfaction -- Zanzibar Employee motivation -- Zanzibar
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:780 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003901
- Description: The tourism sector in Zanzibar Tanzania has emerged strongly in the past 15 years, helping the development of other Industries that support it. As a result, Industries such as telecommunication, IT, transport and hospitality have also emerged recently. It is, however, speculated that organizations in the tourism sector in Zanzibar generally lack the effective performance that is required of them to compete in the contemporary complex and turbulent market environment. This research thus set out to explore and diagnose the organizational effectiveness of the accommodation units of the tourism sector in Zanzibar. The research had specific objectives of diagnosing and finding the gap between the current and the optimal organizational performance in two particular units of accommodation as well as determining the factors affecting organizational performance in these units. The study furthermore set out to recommend implementation of suitable intervention activities to improve organizational performance in the units analyzed. In order to achieve the above objectives the research deployed an action research strategy with the Weisbord’s six box model as a framework to diagnose two five star grade accommodation units in Zanzibar. A qualitative method was used to collect data. Key findings of the research are briefly presented below: - The service output of the accommodation units analyzed was not very consistent and fell short of the expectation of their customers. This showed a gap in terms of the organizations’ performance. - Factors affecting organizational effectiveness were found to be mainly in the Purpose and Rewards functions of the organizations. - The specific areas in the Purpose function that appeared to have substantial problems were: -- Goals of the organization were not clearly stated -- Employees did not understand the purpose of the organization -- Employees were not involved in deciding their work unit goals -- Employees were not in agreement with the goals of their work units. -- Employees did not understand priorities of the organization The specific areas in the Reward function that appeared to have substantial problems were: -- The pay scale and benefits of the organization did not treat employees equitably. -- Employees felt that the salary they received was not commensurate with the jobs they performed. -- Not all tasks to be accomplished were associated with incentives. Following the diagnostics findings above, the research suggested the following intervention activities that could possibly help to address the above mentioned problems: - A Management by Objectives (MBO) process was suggested to redress the problems indicated in the Purpose function. This would help to set clearly agreed goals at all levels of the organizations. Employees and resources would then be directed towards achieving these goals that would enable the organizations to perform more effectively. - Revision of the current reward system was suggested to redress the problems indicated in the Reward function. The reward system should be implemented in a manner that creates a feeling of both internal as well as external (market) equity among employees. Furthermore, rewards should be linked to performance in order to direct behaviour and motivation among employees. The performance based reward system can also help to achieve the MBO process proposed above since rewards will be designated for achievement of individual, departmental and finally organizational objectives, thus increasing organizational effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Electrochemical sensing and immunosensing using metallophthalocyanines and biomolecular modified surfaces
- Authors: Mashazi, Philani Nkosinathi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Electrodes, Enzyme , Measles -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5580 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018248
- Description: The synthesis of cobalt and manganese phthalocyanine complexes bearing eight hexylthio and four amino substituents was carried out. The formation of thin films of these complexes using different modification methods was also studied. Hexylthio functionalized metallophthalocyanine complexes were immobilized onto gold electrode surfaces using the self-assembly techniques. Surface modifications using cobalt and manganese tetraamino phthalocyanine as polymers, monolayers (onto electrografted surfaces) and as carbon nanotube – metallophthalocyanine conjugates was also carried out. The new method of modifying gold electrodes with metal tetraamino phthalocyanine complexes was investigated. The modified electrode surfaces were studied for their electrocatalytic properties and as potential electrochemical sensors for the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The limits of detection for the H₂O₂ were of the orders of ~10⁻⁷ M for all the modified electrodes. The modified electrodes gave very good analytical parameters; such as good sensitivity, linearity at studied concentration range and well-defined analytical peaks with increased current densities. The modification methods were reproducible, highly conducting thin films were formed and the modified electrodes were very stable. The design of electrochemical immunosensors for the detection of measles-specific antibodies was also carried out. The modified surface with measles-antigen as sensing element was accomplished using covalent immobilization for an intimate connection of the measles-antigen as a sensing layer onto an electrode surface. Two methods of detecting measles-specific antibodies were investigated and these methods were based on electrochemical impedance, i.e. label-free detection, and voltammetric method using horse-radish peroxidase (HRP) labeled antibody as a reporter. The detection of measles-specific antibodies was accomplished using both these methods. The potential applications of the designed immunosensor were evaluated in real samples (human and newborn calf serum) and the electrodes could detect the antibodies in the complex sample matrix with ease.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mashazi, Philani Nkosinathi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Electrodes, Enzyme , Measles -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5580 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018248
- Description: The synthesis of cobalt and manganese phthalocyanine complexes bearing eight hexylthio and four amino substituents was carried out. The formation of thin films of these complexes using different modification methods was also studied. Hexylthio functionalized metallophthalocyanine complexes were immobilized onto gold electrode surfaces using the self-assembly techniques. Surface modifications using cobalt and manganese tetraamino phthalocyanine as polymers, monolayers (onto electrografted surfaces) and as carbon nanotube – metallophthalocyanine conjugates was also carried out. The new method of modifying gold electrodes with metal tetraamino phthalocyanine complexes was investigated. The modified electrode surfaces were studied for their electrocatalytic properties and as potential electrochemical sensors for the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The limits of detection for the H₂O₂ were of the orders of ~10⁻⁷ M for all the modified electrodes. The modified electrodes gave very good analytical parameters; such as good sensitivity, linearity at studied concentration range and well-defined analytical peaks with increased current densities. The modification methods were reproducible, highly conducting thin films were formed and the modified electrodes were very stable. The design of electrochemical immunosensors for the detection of measles-specific antibodies was also carried out. The modified surface with measles-antigen as sensing element was accomplished using covalent immobilization for an intimate connection of the measles-antigen as a sensing layer onto an electrode surface. Two methods of detecting measles-specific antibodies were investigated and these methods were based on electrochemical impedance, i.e. label-free detection, and voltammetric method using horse-radish peroxidase (HRP) labeled antibody as a reporter. The detection of measles-specific antibodies was accomplished using both these methods. The potential applications of the designed immunosensor were evaluated in real samples (human and newborn calf serum) and the electrodes could detect the antibodies in the complex sample matrix with ease.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Electrochemistry and photophysicochemical studies of titanium, tantalum and vanadium phthalocyanines in the presence of nanomaterials
- Authors: Chauke, Vongani Portia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines -- Synthesis Electrochemistry Titanium Tantalum Vanadium
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4313 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004971
- Description: The syntheses of tetra- and octa-substituted phthalocyanine complexes of titanium (IV) oxide vanadium (IV) oxide and tantalum (V) hydroxide and their electrochemical characterisation are presented in this work. The structures and purity of these complexes were confirmed by NMR, infrared and mass spectroscopies and elemental analysis. They show good solubility in most common solvents especially non-viscous solvents such as dichloromethane and chloroform. The cyclic voltammograms (CV) showed reversible to quasi reversible behavior for all the reduction couples and the oxidation peaks were irreversible. Spectroelectrochemistry of the complexes confirmed metal and ring redox processes for TaPc and TiPc derivatives and ring based processes only for VPc complexes. The synthesis of gold nanoparticles and their conjugation with the new phthalocyanines was carried out. Similarly, single walled carbon nanotubes were conjugated to selected tantalum complexes and the characterization of all the nanomaterials and their conjugates using different techniques that include TEM, XRD and AFM is also presented in this work. The photophysical and photochemical properties and photocatalytic oxidation of cyclohexene properties of the newly synthesised in the presence of gold nanoparticles were investigated. The compounds were stable, well within the stability range for phthalocyanines. The singlet oxygen quantum yield values increased drastically in the presence of gold nanoparticles. The photocatalytic products obtained from the reaction were cyclohexene oxide, 2-cyclohexen-1-ol, 2-cyclohexene-1-one and 1,4-cyclohexanediol. The percentage conversion values, yields and selectivity values improved significantly in the presence of AuNPs. Singlet oxygen was determined to be the main agent involved in the photocatalytic oxidation of cyclohexene. The electrocatalytic oxidation of bisphenol A and p-nitrophenol was carried out using nickel tetraamino phthalocyanine and all the newly synthesised metallophthalocyanine in the presence of gold nanoparticles and single walled carbon nanotubes. The charge transfer behaviour of AuNPs was enhanced in the presence of TaPc, TiPc and VPc complexes. The presence of single walled carbon nanotubes further improved electron transfer and minimised electrode passivation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Chauke, Vongani Portia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines -- Synthesis Electrochemistry Titanium Tantalum Vanadium
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4313 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004971
- Description: The syntheses of tetra- and octa-substituted phthalocyanine complexes of titanium (IV) oxide vanadium (IV) oxide and tantalum (V) hydroxide and their electrochemical characterisation are presented in this work. The structures and purity of these complexes were confirmed by NMR, infrared and mass spectroscopies and elemental analysis. They show good solubility in most common solvents especially non-viscous solvents such as dichloromethane and chloroform. The cyclic voltammograms (CV) showed reversible to quasi reversible behavior for all the reduction couples and the oxidation peaks were irreversible. Spectroelectrochemistry of the complexes confirmed metal and ring redox processes for TaPc and TiPc derivatives and ring based processes only for VPc complexes. The synthesis of gold nanoparticles and their conjugation with the new phthalocyanines was carried out. Similarly, single walled carbon nanotubes were conjugated to selected tantalum complexes and the characterization of all the nanomaterials and their conjugates using different techniques that include TEM, XRD and AFM is also presented in this work. The photophysical and photochemical properties and photocatalytic oxidation of cyclohexene properties of the newly synthesised in the presence of gold nanoparticles were investigated. The compounds were stable, well within the stability range for phthalocyanines. The singlet oxygen quantum yield values increased drastically in the presence of gold nanoparticles. The photocatalytic products obtained from the reaction were cyclohexene oxide, 2-cyclohexen-1-ol, 2-cyclohexene-1-one and 1,4-cyclohexanediol. The percentage conversion values, yields and selectivity values improved significantly in the presence of AuNPs. Singlet oxygen was determined to be the main agent involved in the photocatalytic oxidation of cyclohexene. The electrocatalytic oxidation of bisphenol A and p-nitrophenol was carried out using nickel tetraamino phthalocyanine and all the newly synthesised metallophthalocyanine in the presence of gold nanoparticles and single walled carbon nanotubes. The charge transfer behaviour of AuNPs was enhanced in the presence of TaPc, TiPc and VPc complexes. The presence of single walled carbon nanotubes further improved electron transfer and minimised electrode passivation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Electrospun nanofibers : an alternative sorbent material for solid phase extraction
- Chigome, Samuel, Samuel Chigome
- Authors: Chigome, Samuel , Samuel Chigome
- Date: 2012 , 2012-03-26
- Subjects: Nanofibers -- Research Electrospinning -- Research Sorbents -- Research Extraction (Chemistry) -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004972
- Description: The work described in the thesis seeks to lay a foundation for a better understanding of the use of electrospun nanofibers as a sorbent material. Three miniaturised electrospun nanofiber based solid phase extraction devices were fabricated. For the first two, 10 mg of electrospun polystyrene fibers were used as a sorbent bed for a micro column SPE device (8 mm bed height in a 200 μl pipette tip) and a disk (I) SPE device (5 mm 1 mm sorbent bed in a 1000 μl SPE barrel). While for the third, 4.6 mg of electrospun nylon nanofibers were used as a sorbent bed for a disk (II) SPE device, (sorbent bed consisting of 5 5 mm 350 μm stacked disks in a 500 μl SPE barrel). Corticosteroids were employed as model analytes for performance evaluation of the fabricated SPE devices. Quantitative recoveries (45.5-124.29 percent) were achieved for all SPE devices at a loading volume of 100 μl and analyte concentration of 500 ng ml-1. Three mathematical models; the Boltzmann, Weibull five parameter and the Sigmoid three parameter were employed to describe the break through profiles of each of the sorbent beds. The micro column SPE device exhibited a breakthrough volume of 1400 μl, and theoretical plates (7.98-9.1) while disk (I) SPE device exhibited 400-500 μl and 1.39-2.82 respectively. Disk (II) SPE device exhibited a breakthrough volume of 200 μl and theoretical plates 0.38-1.15. It was proposed that the formats of future electrospun nanofiber sorbent based SPE devices will be guided by mechanical strength of the polymer. The study classified electrospun polymer fibers into two as polystyrene type (relatively low mechanical strength) and nylon type (relatively high mechanical strength).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Chigome, Samuel , Samuel Chigome
- Date: 2012 , 2012-03-26
- Subjects: Nanofibers -- Research Electrospinning -- Research Sorbents -- Research Extraction (Chemistry) -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004972
- Description: The work described in the thesis seeks to lay a foundation for a better understanding of the use of electrospun nanofibers as a sorbent material. Three miniaturised electrospun nanofiber based solid phase extraction devices were fabricated. For the first two, 10 mg of electrospun polystyrene fibers were used as a sorbent bed for a micro column SPE device (8 mm bed height in a 200 μl pipette tip) and a disk (I) SPE device (5 mm 1 mm sorbent bed in a 1000 μl SPE barrel). While for the third, 4.6 mg of electrospun nylon nanofibers were used as a sorbent bed for a disk (II) SPE device, (sorbent bed consisting of 5 5 mm 350 μm stacked disks in a 500 μl SPE barrel). Corticosteroids were employed as model analytes for performance evaluation of the fabricated SPE devices. Quantitative recoveries (45.5-124.29 percent) were achieved for all SPE devices at a loading volume of 100 μl and analyte concentration of 500 ng ml-1. Three mathematical models; the Boltzmann, Weibull five parameter and the Sigmoid three parameter were employed to describe the break through profiles of each of the sorbent beds. The micro column SPE device exhibited a breakthrough volume of 1400 μl, and theoretical plates (7.98-9.1) while disk (I) SPE device exhibited 400-500 μl and 1.39-2.82 respectively. Disk (II) SPE device exhibited a breakthrough volume of 200 μl and theoretical plates 0.38-1.15. It was proposed that the formats of future electrospun nanofiber sorbent based SPE devices will be guided by mechanical strength of the polymer. The study classified electrospun polymer fibers into two as polystyrene type (relatively low mechanical strength) and nylon type (relatively high mechanical strength).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Emancipatory spaces in the post-colony : South Africa and the case for AbM and UPM
- Authors: Tselapedi, Thapelo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Postcolonialism -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Apartheid -- South Africa Civil society -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Social movements -- South Africa -- Grahamstown South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991- South Africa -- Economic policy South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2839 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004451
- Description: This thesis is about the relationship between local government, grassroots organisations and the organisation of power resulting from the interaction of the two. Exploring this relationship this thesis investigates whether the actions of grassroots movements can bring local government in line with their developmental role as accorded to them by the Constitution. The assumption embedded in this question is that the current balance of power at the local level exists outside of the service of the historically disadvantaged. Following on from that, the thesis explores, through different modes of analysis, theoretical and historical, the policy and constitutional framework for local government, and then it unravels the context set by the political economy of South Africa. The aim is to make a significant attempt at understanding the possible implications of the interventions grassroots movements make in the public space. The thesis does this also by looking at the strengths and weaknesses of the strategies of the UDF to makes an assessment of the possible endurance of post-apartheid grassroots movements. Since civil society ‘suffers’ from nationalist politics, with its own corporatist institutions, the thesis searches deep within or arguably 'outside of civil society', subjecting AbM and UPM to academic critique, to see how movements embedded among the poor and carrying the political instrument of anger and marginalisation, can dislodge the power of capital. More importantly, the thesis situates the post-apartheid moment within postcolonial politics; navigating through the legacy of Colonialism of a Special Type (CSP), the thesis explores the limits and opportunities at the disposal of grassroots movements. From a different perspective, the thesis is an examination of the organisation and movement of power and the spaces within which power and ideas are contested. Drawing on the political and economic engagements, dubbed the Dar Es Salaam debates, in the 1970’s and 1980’s spurred on by Issa Shivji, the late Prof Dani Wadada Nabudere and Mahmood Mandani, the conclusions of this thesis develops these engagements, essentially making a case for the continued centrality of the post-apartheid state. However, the thesis also asserts the indubitable role that both grassroots movements and civil society need to play, not necessarily in the democratisation of the state, though that goes without saying, but in taking the post-colonial state on its own terms. Consequently, the thesis puts forward the idea that issue-based mobilisation does exactly this, and in the manner that acknowledges the state’s centrality and makes paramount the self-organisation (popular assemblies) of ordinary people in public affairs. The thesis categorically concludes that the centrality of the post-apartheid state and its progressive outlook (constitutional values) is contingent on organs of popular assemblies which need to take the state on its (progressive) terms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Tselapedi, Thapelo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Postcolonialism -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Apartheid -- South Africa Civil society -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Social movements -- South Africa -- Grahamstown South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991- South Africa -- Economic policy South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2839 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004451
- Description: This thesis is about the relationship between local government, grassroots organisations and the organisation of power resulting from the interaction of the two. Exploring this relationship this thesis investigates whether the actions of grassroots movements can bring local government in line with their developmental role as accorded to them by the Constitution. The assumption embedded in this question is that the current balance of power at the local level exists outside of the service of the historically disadvantaged. Following on from that, the thesis explores, through different modes of analysis, theoretical and historical, the policy and constitutional framework for local government, and then it unravels the context set by the political economy of South Africa. The aim is to make a significant attempt at understanding the possible implications of the interventions grassroots movements make in the public space. The thesis does this also by looking at the strengths and weaknesses of the strategies of the UDF to makes an assessment of the possible endurance of post-apartheid grassroots movements. Since civil society ‘suffers’ from nationalist politics, with its own corporatist institutions, the thesis searches deep within or arguably 'outside of civil society', subjecting AbM and UPM to academic critique, to see how movements embedded among the poor and carrying the political instrument of anger and marginalisation, can dislodge the power of capital. More importantly, the thesis situates the post-apartheid moment within postcolonial politics; navigating through the legacy of Colonialism of a Special Type (CSP), the thesis explores the limits and opportunities at the disposal of grassroots movements. From a different perspective, the thesis is an examination of the organisation and movement of power and the spaces within which power and ideas are contested. Drawing on the political and economic engagements, dubbed the Dar Es Salaam debates, in the 1970’s and 1980’s spurred on by Issa Shivji, the late Prof Dani Wadada Nabudere and Mahmood Mandani, the conclusions of this thesis develops these engagements, essentially making a case for the continued centrality of the post-apartheid state. However, the thesis also asserts the indubitable role that both grassroots movements and civil society need to play, not necessarily in the democratisation of the state, though that goes without saying, but in taking the post-colonial state on its own terms. Consequently, the thesis puts forward the idea that issue-based mobilisation does exactly this, and in the manner that acknowledges the state’s centrality and makes paramount the self-organisation (popular assemblies) of ordinary people in public affairs. The thesis categorically concludes that the centrality of the post-apartheid state and its progressive outlook (constitutional values) is contingent on organs of popular assemblies which need to take the state on its (progressive) terms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Empirical modelling of the solar wind influence on Pc3 pulsation activity
- Authors: Lotz, Stefanus Ignatius
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Solar wind -- Research Solar activity -- Research Stellar oscillations -- Research , Magnetospheric radio wave propagation , Interplanetary magnetic fields
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5464 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005249
- Description: Geomagnetic pulsations are ultra-low frequency (ULF) oscillations of the geomagnetic field that have been observed in the magnetosphere and on the Earth since the 1800’s. In the 1960’s in situ observations of the solar wind suggested that the source of pulsation activity must lie beyond the magnetosphere. In this work the influence of several solar wind plasma and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) parameters on Pc3 pulsations are studied. Pc3 pulsations are a class of geomagnetic pulsations with frequency ranging between 22 and 100 mHz. A large dataset of solar wind and pulsation measurements is employed to develop two empirical models capable of predicting the Pc3 index (an indication of Pc3 intensity) at one hour and five minute time resolution, respectively. The models are based on artificial neural networks, due to their ability to model highly non-linear interactions between dependent and independent variables. A robust, iterative process is followed to find and rank the set of solar wind input parameters that optimally predict Pc3 activity. According to the parameter selection process the input parameters to the low resolution model (1 hour data) are, in order of importance, solar wind speed, a pair of time-based parameters, dynamic solar wind pressure, and the IMF orientation with respect to the Sun-Earth line (i.e. the cone angle). Input parameters to the high resolution model (5 minute data) are solar wind speed, cone angle, solar wind density and a pair of time-based parameters. Both models accurately predict Pc3 intensity from unseen solar wind data. It is observed that Pc3 activity ceases when the density in the solar wind is very low, even while other conditions are favourable for the generation and propagation of ULF waves. The influence that solar wind density has on Pc3 activity is studied by analysing six years of solar wind and Pc3 measurements at one minute resolution. It is suggested that the pause in Pc3 activity occurs due to two reasons: Firstly, the ULF waves that are generated in the region upstream of the bow shock does not grow efficiently if the solar wind density is very low; and secondly, waves that are generated cannot be convected into the magnetosphere because of the low Mach number of the solar wind plasma due to the decreased density.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Lotz, Stefanus Ignatius
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Solar wind -- Research Solar activity -- Research Stellar oscillations -- Research , Magnetospheric radio wave propagation , Interplanetary magnetic fields
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5464 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005249
- Description: Geomagnetic pulsations are ultra-low frequency (ULF) oscillations of the geomagnetic field that have been observed in the magnetosphere and on the Earth since the 1800’s. In the 1960’s in situ observations of the solar wind suggested that the source of pulsation activity must lie beyond the magnetosphere. In this work the influence of several solar wind plasma and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) parameters on Pc3 pulsations are studied. Pc3 pulsations are a class of geomagnetic pulsations with frequency ranging between 22 and 100 mHz. A large dataset of solar wind and pulsation measurements is employed to develop two empirical models capable of predicting the Pc3 index (an indication of Pc3 intensity) at one hour and five minute time resolution, respectively. The models are based on artificial neural networks, due to their ability to model highly non-linear interactions between dependent and independent variables. A robust, iterative process is followed to find and rank the set of solar wind input parameters that optimally predict Pc3 activity. According to the parameter selection process the input parameters to the low resolution model (1 hour data) are, in order of importance, solar wind speed, a pair of time-based parameters, dynamic solar wind pressure, and the IMF orientation with respect to the Sun-Earth line (i.e. the cone angle). Input parameters to the high resolution model (5 minute data) are solar wind speed, cone angle, solar wind density and a pair of time-based parameters. Both models accurately predict Pc3 intensity from unseen solar wind data. It is observed that Pc3 activity ceases when the density in the solar wind is very low, even while other conditions are favourable for the generation and propagation of ULF waves. The influence that solar wind density has on Pc3 activity is studied by analysing six years of solar wind and Pc3 measurements at one minute resolution. It is suggested that the pause in Pc3 activity occurs due to two reasons: Firstly, the ULF waves that are generated in the region upstream of the bow shock does not grow efficiently if the solar wind density is very low; and secondly, waves that are generated cannot be convected into the magnetosphere because of the low Mach number of the solar wind plasma due to the decreased density.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Enabling social learning as a response to environmental issues through teaching of localised curriculum in Zambian schools
- Authors: Sinyama, Imakando
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Social learning -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Environmental education -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Environmental education -- Study and teaching -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Sustainable development -- Study and teaching -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Curriculum change -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Educational evaluation -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1508 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003390
- Description: Schools are traditionally established as the main meeting platforms for awareness, education, training and capacity building in the local communities, and as such, are highly regarded and respected. They are situated and integrated in nearly all local communities. They are thus perfectly suited to reach, draw on and provide capacity building to the communities. Zambia recently introduced a new curriculum aspect named localised curriculum, which makes up 20% of the curriculum. This curriculum area encourages schools to address issues of sustainable development that are locally relevant through this curriculum component, but it is not clear what kind of learning emerges from this curriculum aspect. The study looked at the shift in pedagogical discourse since the introduction of the localised curriculum. Using case study methodology and observation of a number of classroom activities in the Keemba District near Monze in Zambia, I observed social learning interactions taking place in the implementation of the localised curriculum. In particular, I was interested in how the different aspects of the localised curriculum enabled social learning, at different levels. What is important in this research is that it focused not so much on what people should know, or be able to do, but rather, drawing on some of the questions raised by Wals (2007), I considered questions of how people learn, and how social learning emerges in school-community interactions in the localised curriculum. The main research question was to investigate: How does localised curriculum enable social learning in response to environmental issues in Zambian schools? This research drew on a number of associated research projects that were carried out in southern Africa and beyond. In his research, Namafe (2008) states that he saw a great need to institutionalise increased participation of Zambian Basic Schools and their local communities in sustainable development of the country in order to alleviate poverty and achieve equitable development. Hogan (2008, p. 122 ) researching in a different context, argues that contextualisation of the curriculum allowed for indigenous knowledge to come in to the classroom, stating that ‘Weakening of the frames provided the opportunity of closer relationships to give space for knowledge other than teacher selected knowledge or book knowledge to enter the classroom.’ In this study I found that: - Teaching localised curriculum allowed for contextualisation and integration of environment and natural resource management issues - Localising the curriculum contributed to curriculum relevancy: teaching localised curriculum helped learners, teachers and community to develop concern for quality of life and contributed to an understanding of sustainable development - Localised curriculum allowed for frame awareness, frame deconstruction and reframing to take place: this allowed teachers to use methods which promoted active pupil participation and interaction, encouraging learners to be reflexive thinkers rather than just using rote memory - Participation of teachers, community and learners in the implementation of the localised curriculum: The involvement of community members to teach topics of the localised curriculum was useful and articulated processes of inter–epistemological dialogue between traditional or every day and scientific or institutional knowledge - The localised curriculum implementation involved various roles and was influenced by various factors. Of key interest to this study was the fact that neither parents, learners nor teachers saw the localised curriculum as an opportunity for problem solving, but rather emphasised the learning of practical life skills relevant to the community. This differed from the curriculum manuals, and reduced the environmental education potential and also social learning opportunities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Sinyama, Imakando
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Social learning -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Environmental education -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Environmental education -- Study and teaching -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Sustainable development -- Study and teaching -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Curriculum change -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province) Educational evaluation -- Zambia -- Keembe (Central Province)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1508 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003390
- Description: Schools are traditionally established as the main meeting platforms for awareness, education, training and capacity building in the local communities, and as such, are highly regarded and respected. They are situated and integrated in nearly all local communities. They are thus perfectly suited to reach, draw on and provide capacity building to the communities. Zambia recently introduced a new curriculum aspect named localised curriculum, which makes up 20% of the curriculum. This curriculum area encourages schools to address issues of sustainable development that are locally relevant through this curriculum component, but it is not clear what kind of learning emerges from this curriculum aspect. The study looked at the shift in pedagogical discourse since the introduction of the localised curriculum. Using case study methodology and observation of a number of classroom activities in the Keemba District near Monze in Zambia, I observed social learning interactions taking place in the implementation of the localised curriculum. In particular, I was interested in how the different aspects of the localised curriculum enabled social learning, at different levels. What is important in this research is that it focused not so much on what people should know, or be able to do, but rather, drawing on some of the questions raised by Wals (2007), I considered questions of how people learn, and how social learning emerges in school-community interactions in the localised curriculum. The main research question was to investigate: How does localised curriculum enable social learning in response to environmental issues in Zambian schools? This research drew on a number of associated research projects that were carried out in southern Africa and beyond. In his research, Namafe (2008) states that he saw a great need to institutionalise increased participation of Zambian Basic Schools and their local communities in sustainable development of the country in order to alleviate poverty and achieve equitable development. Hogan (2008, p. 122 ) researching in a different context, argues that contextualisation of the curriculum allowed for indigenous knowledge to come in to the classroom, stating that ‘Weakening of the frames provided the opportunity of closer relationships to give space for knowledge other than teacher selected knowledge or book knowledge to enter the classroom.’ In this study I found that: - Teaching localised curriculum allowed for contextualisation and integration of environment and natural resource management issues - Localising the curriculum contributed to curriculum relevancy: teaching localised curriculum helped learners, teachers and community to develop concern for quality of life and contributed to an understanding of sustainable development - Localised curriculum allowed for frame awareness, frame deconstruction and reframing to take place: this allowed teachers to use methods which promoted active pupil participation and interaction, encouraging learners to be reflexive thinkers rather than just using rote memory - Participation of teachers, community and learners in the implementation of the localised curriculum: The involvement of community members to teach topics of the localised curriculum was useful and articulated processes of inter–epistemological dialogue between traditional or every day and scientific or institutional knowledge - The localised curriculum implementation involved various roles and was influenced by various factors. Of key interest to this study was the fact that neither parents, learners nor teachers saw the localised curriculum as an opportunity for problem solving, but rather emphasised the learning of practical life skills relevant to the community. This differed from the curriculum manuals, and reduced the environmental education potential and also social learning opportunities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Enhancing the critical reading skills of student teachers in Namibia : An action research project
- Authors: Dikuwa, Alexander
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Reading (Higher education) Critical thinking , Teachers -- Training of -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1912 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007162
- Description: This thesis reports on a responsive action research case study undertaken to teach student teachers to read critically. I undertook this research to gain a basic knowledge about critical reading as well as to form a knowledge base that would enable me to teach it effectively. First, I gave students a diagnostic assessment activity, analyzed the result and established the students’ ability to read a text critically. After I had established the students’ strengths, weaknesses, and the requirements to move students from their existing critical reading competency to an improved one, I reviewed the literature to provide me with a theory of teaching critical reading. The lessons were then planned and taught. The lessons; focus group interviews; researcher’s diary; students’ reflections and non-participant observer comments formed the data of the study. The data were analyzed using the framework of “what went well”, “what did not go well” and “what needs to be improved if the lessons were to be repeated”. The main purpose was to address the goals of the research, which were to find effective ways of teaching critical reading, appropriate critical reading materials, and to identify any pedagogic shortcomings. The 30 students who took part in this research were third-year students studying English Second language and Mother tongue pedagogies to become specialists in the teaching of both at Junior Secondary level (grades 8 – 10). The study was guided by constructivist theory, which underpins learner-centred education, which continues to inform and shape the development of curricula in Namibia.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Dikuwa, Alexander
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Reading (Higher education) Critical thinking , Teachers -- Training of -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1912 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007162
- Description: This thesis reports on a responsive action research case study undertaken to teach student teachers to read critically. I undertook this research to gain a basic knowledge about critical reading as well as to form a knowledge base that would enable me to teach it effectively. First, I gave students a diagnostic assessment activity, analyzed the result and established the students’ ability to read a text critically. After I had established the students’ strengths, weaknesses, and the requirements to move students from their existing critical reading competency to an improved one, I reviewed the literature to provide me with a theory of teaching critical reading. The lessons were then planned and taught. The lessons; focus group interviews; researcher’s diary; students’ reflections and non-participant observer comments formed the data of the study. The data were analyzed using the framework of “what went well”, “what did not go well” and “what needs to be improved if the lessons were to be repeated”. The main purpose was to address the goals of the research, which were to find effective ways of teaching critical reading, appropriate critical reading materials, and to identify any pedagogic shortcomings. The 30 students who took part in this research were third-year students studying English Second language and Mother tongue pedagogies to become specialists in the teaching of both at Junior Secondary level (grades 8 – 10). The study was guided by constructivist theory, which underpins learner-centred education, which continues to inform and shape the development of curricula in Namibia.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Environmental factors influencing learner absenteeism in six schools in the Kavango Region, Namibia
- Authors: Sanzila, Keith Mumba
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: School attendance -- Namibia -- Kavango Education -- Namibia -- Kavango Education and state -- Namibia -- Kavango Education -- Social aspects -- Namibia -- Kavango High school students -- Namibia -- Kavango -- Attitudes High school students -- Namibia -- Kavango -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1516 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003398
- Description: This study on learner absenteeism takes place in the Namibian context with a focus on the Kavango region, located in Northern Namibia, where absenteeism has been identified as a problem. The intention of the study is to find out the relationship between learner absenteeism and environmental factors. The research question was framed as: How do environmental factors influence learner absenteeism in schools, conceptualised as human activity systems in the Kavango Region (Namibia)? The wider intention of this study is to inform processes that can be put in place to reduce the impact of environmental factors on learner absenteeism, with the ultimate view of improving the quality of education. The literature review provides insight into learner absenteeism in developing and developed nations. It outlines the Namibian policies developed for improving learner attendance and retention of learners in schools, with the view of improving access to school. The study is located within the broader goals of education of Namibia. The research adopts a qualitative interpretive approach, and focuses on environmental factors influencing learner absenteeism in six case studies, which are selected schools in the Kavango province. The study uses a variety of tools such as questionnaires, focus group interviews, observations and interviews as well as document analysis. It uses a combination of inductive and abductive modes of inference in the data analysis. It draws on systems thinking to develop a model that theorises the interrelated roles of different stakeholders, namely, learners, teachers, parents, educational officials (including the regional office and the Ministry of Education). It proposes possible strategies for reduction of learner absenteeism that could contribute towards the improvement of the quality of education. It also mentions the benefits of reducing learner absenteeism in the schools involved in the case study. The findings clearly show that poverty is the main environmental factor that influences learner attendance. The impact of poverty does not, however, occur in isolation; it interacts and has influence over other environmental factors such as alcohol abuse, sickness, lack of parental involvement, lack of motivation from stakeholders and household work. The study also found certain educational factors influenced learner absenteeism, such as teacher attitude, pedagogical styles, and lack of security. The study ends with recommendations to reduce learner absenteeism and recommendations for further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Sanzila, Keith Mumba
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: School attendance -- Namibia -- Kavango Education -- Namibia -- Kavango Education and state -- Namibia -- Kavango Education -- Social aspects -- Namibia -- Kavango High school students -- Namibia -- Kavango -- Attitudes High school students -- Namibia -- Kavango -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1516 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003398
- Description: This study on learner absenteeism takes place in the Namibian context with a focus on the Kavango region, located in Northern Namibia, where absenteeism has been identified as a problem. The intention of the study is to find out the relationship between learner absenteeism and environmental factors. The research question was framed as: How do environmental factors influence learner absenteeism in schools, conceptualised as human activity systems in the Kavango Region (Namibia)? The wider intention of this study is to inform processes that can be put in place to reduce the impact of environmental factors on learner absenteeism, with the ultimate view of improving the quality of education. The literature review provides insight into learner absenteeism in developing and developed nations. It outlines the Namibian policies developed for improving learner attendance and retention of learners in schools, with the view of improving access to school. The study is located within the broader goals of education of Namibia. The research adopts a qualitative interpretive approach, and focuses on environmental factors influencing learner absenteeism in six case studies, which are selected schools in the Kavango province. The study uses a variety of tools such as questionnaires, focus group interviews, observations and interviews as well as document analysis. It uses a combination of inductive and abductive modes of inference in the data analysis. It draws on systems thinking to develop a model that theorises the interrelated roles of different stakeholders, namely, learners, teachers, parents, educational officials (including the regional office and the Ministry of Education). It proposes possible strategies for reduction of learner absenteeism that could contribute towards the improvement of the quality of education. It also mentions the benefits of reducing learner absenteeism in the schools involved in the case study. The findings clearly show that poverty is the main environmental factor that influences learner attendance. The impact of poverty does not, however, occur in isolation; it interacts and has influence over other environmental factors such as alcohol abuse, sickness, lack of parental involvement, lack of motivation from stakeholders and household work. The study also found certain educational factors influenced learner absenteeism, such as teacher attitude, pedagogical styles, and lack of security. The study ends with recommendations to reduce learner absenteeism and recommendations for further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Evaluating the sustainable management of the State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Quvile, Nkosipendule
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Forests and forestry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable forestry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003896
- Description: This research assesses the state of sustainability of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape and provides recommendations to improve their sustainability. The Eastern Cape Indigenous Forest Management Audit (ECIFMA) report of 2009 provided the primary data for this assessment (DAFF, 2009). The research was inspired by the fact that the global challenge of forestry destruction and degradation where the extent of forests is being reduced at an alarming rate of 6% annually. It became essential for global leaders to develop policies and strategies that sought to promote sustainable forest management. The monitoring of sustainability of forests was only possible through use of globally and nationally developed sets of criteria and indicators. Eleven forest estates responsible for the management of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape were selected for this research. The choice was influenced by the availability of audit data from the ECIFMA report of 2009. This report contained performance information of 41 indicators under 18 criteria for monitoring sustainable forest management as extracted from the PCI&S assessment checklist developed for monitoring the sustainability of indigenous forests in South Africa (DWAF, 2005). The data was refined using the MCA methods (ranking and scoring) as described by Mendoza and Prabhu (2000). These methods yielded to the determination of the performance of indicators of forest sustainability. It was thus important to conclude the research by responding to the following questions: • What is the state of sustainability of the State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape? • What recommendations could be made to improve the sustainability of State indigenous forests? It was found that the State indigenous forests were not managed in a sustainable manner. The research report is concluded by providing concrete recommendations to improve forest sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Quvile, Nkosipendule
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Forests and forestry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable forestry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003896
- Description: This research assesses the state of sustainability of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape and provides recommendations to improve their sustainability. The Eastern Cape Indigenous Forest Management Audit (ECIFMA) report of 2009 provided the primary data for this assessment (DAFF, 2009). The research was inspired by the fact that the global challenge of forestry destruction and degradation where the extent of forests is being reduced at an alarming rate of 6% annually. It became essential for global leaders to develop policies and strategies that sought to promote sustainable forest management. The monitoring of sustainability of forests was only possible through use of globally and nationally developed sets of criteria and indicators. Eleven forest estates responsible for the management of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape were selected for this research. The choice was influenced by the availability of audit data from the ECIFMA report of 2009. This report contained performance information of 41 indicators under 18 criteria for monitoring sustainable forest management as extracted from the PCI&S assessment checklist developed for monitoring the sustainability of indigenous forests in South Africa (DWAF, 2005). The data was refined using the MCA methods (ranking and scoring) as described by Mendoza and Prabhu (2000). These methods yielded to the determination of the performance of indicators of forest sustainability. It was thus important to conclude the research by responding to the following questions: • What is the state of sustainability of the State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape? • What recommendations could be made to improve the sustainability of State indigenous forests? It was found that the State indigenous forests were not managed in a sustainable manner. The research report is concluded by providing concrete recommendations to improve forest sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Exploring staff involvement in an organization development intervention in a school in the Kavango region, Namibia: a case study
- Authors: Rengura, Demetrius Kativa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia -- Kavango Educational change -- Namibia -- Kavango Organizational change -- Namibia -- Kavango School management and organization -- Namibia -- Kavango School improvement programs -- Namibia -- Kavango Management -- Employee participation -- Namibia -- Kavango Action research in education -- Namibia -- Kavango
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1542 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003424
- Description: Since independence, the Namibian education system has experienced a process of transformation from authoritarianism to democratisation. The philosophy underpinning this process is spelt out in the policy, Toward Education for All, with its four major goals being: Access, Equity, Quality and Democracy. Democratisation of education would mean that people would be equally involved in decision‐making processes both at the system and organizational level, so as to contribute collectively to shaping the destiny of education in Namibia. This would mean at the school level of an organization, that teachers are the facilitators of democracy and agents of change in the learning organization environment. To strengthen democracy and empower people’s participation in the decision‐making process, Namibia further adopted a decentralization policy which involved the devolution of power and administrative functions from central government to regional authorities. In the context of this policy framework, schools should take responsibility to introduce and manage change in their organizations. However, evidence suggests that schools have been slow to take up the challenge and that change is largely still initiated by regional officials. This study looks at how organisation development (OD) may play a role in encouraging a mindset where change may be initiated by the organisation itself. OD is a planned change strategy based on normative re‐educative and empirical rational strategies implemented systematically. OD is participant driven, involving a series of activities that move the organization to a preferred future. It focuses on human behaviour and organizational change through staff participation practising a bottom‐up rather than top‐down approach. This study reports on an OD intervention in a rural school east of Rundu, in the Kavango Educational region of Namibia. The study aimed at exploring staff involvement in an OD intervention and probed participants’ perceptions and experiences of the process. The study is an action research case study located within the interpretive and critical paradigms. Observation and semi‐structured interviews were the main data‐collection tools used in the study. In its preliminary investigation the study found that a lack of staff involvement in decisionmaking processes and participation in meetings were the major factors that were perceived to retard the effectiveness of the organization. The study further found that the authoritative style of leadership in the school contributed to the lack of cooperation and participation of staff members. In contrast, the staff responded positively to the OD intervention. Participants embraced OD as a democratic approach to change as it made a meaningful impact on their understanding and conception of organization change. The intervention further empowered participants with new skills and knowledge of initiating change and problem‐solving. Apart from that, the intervention provided a possible short‐term outcome that encouraged participants to adopt and apply OD in the future, without underestimating the difficulties associated with the process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Rengura, Demetrius Kativa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia -- Kavango Educational change -- Namibia -- Kavango Organizational change -- Namibia -- Kavango School management and organization -- Namibia -- Kavango School improvement programs -- Namibia -- Kavango Management -- Employee participation -- Namibia -- Kavango Action research in education -- Namibia -- Kavango
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1542 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003424
- Description: Since independence, the Namibian education system has experienced a process of transformation from authoritarianism to democratisation. The philosophy underpinning this process is spelt out in the policy, Toward Education for All, with its four major goals being: Access, Equity, Quality and Democracy. Democratisation of education would mean that people would be equally involved in decision‐making processes both at the system and organizational level, so as to contribute collectively to shaping the destiny of education in Namibia. This would mean at the school level of an organization, that teachers are the facilitators of democracy and agents of change in the learning organization environment. To strengthen democracy and empower people’s participation in the decision‐making process, Namibia further adopted a decentralization policy which involved the devolution of power and administrative functions from central government to regional authorities. In the context of this policy framework, schools should take responsibility to introduce and manage change in their organizations. However, evidence suggests that schools have been slow to take up the challenge and that change is largely still initiated by regional officials. This study looks at how organisation development (OD) may play a role in encouraging a mindset where change may be initiated by the organisation itself. OD is a planned change strategy based on normative re‐educative and empirical rational strategies implemented systematically. OD is participant driven, involving a series of activities that move the organization to a preferred future. It focuses on human behaviour and organizational change through staff participation practising a bottom‐up rather than top‐down approach. This study reports on an OD intervention in a rural school east of Rundu, in the Kavango Educational region of Namibia. The study aimed at exploring staff involvement in an OD intervention and probed participants’ perceptions and experiences of the process. The study is an action research case study located within the interpretive and critical paradigms. Observation and semi‐structured interviews were the main data‐collection tools used in the study. In its preliminary investigation the study found that a lack of staff involvement in decisionmaking processes and participation in meetings were the major factors that were perceived to retard the effectiveness of the organization. The study further found that the authoritative style of leadership in the school contributed to the lack of cooperation and participation of staff members. In contrast, the staff responded positively to the OD intervention. Participants embraced OD as a democratic approach to change as it made a meaningful impact on their understanding and conception of organization change. The intervention further empowered participants with new skills and knowledge of initiating change and problem‐solving. Apart from that, the intervention provided a possible short‐term outcome that encouraged participants to adopt and apply OD in the future, without underestimating the difficulties associated with the process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Farm level institutions in emergent communities in post fast track Zimbabwe: case of Mazowe district
- Authors: Chiweshe, Manase Kudzai
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Land reform -- Zimbabwe -- History -- 21st century Land settlement -- Social aspects -- Zimbabwe Zimbabwe -- Social conditions -- 1980- Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1980-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3308 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003096
- Description: The thesis seeks to understand how emerging communities borne out of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme in Zimbabwe have been able to ensure social cohesion and social service provision using farm level institutions. The Fast Track Programme brought together people from diverse backgrounds into new communities in the former commercial farming areas. The formation of new communities meant that, often, there were 'stranger households'living next to each other. Since 2000, these people have been involved in various processes aimed at turning clusters of homesteads into functioning communities through farm level institutions. Fast track land reform precipitated economic and political crisis in Zimbabwe characterised by a rapidly devaluating Zimbabwean dollar, enormous inflation and high unemployment figures. This economic crisis has impacted heavily on new farmers who find it increasingly difficult to afford inputs and access loans. They have formed social networks in response to these challenges, taking the form of farm level institutions such as farm committees, irrigation committees and health committees. The study uses case studies from small-scale 'A1 farmers‘ in Mazowe district which is in Mashonaland Central Province. It employs qualitative methodologies to enable a nuanced understanding of associational life in the new communities. Through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, narratives, key informant interviews and institutional mapping the study outlines the formation, taxonomy, activities, roles, internal dynamics and social organisation of farm level institutions. The study also uses secondary data collected in 2007-08 by the Centre for Rural Development in the newly resettled areas in Mazowe. The major finding of the study is that farmers are organising in novel ways at grassroots levels to meet everyday challenges. These institutional forms however are internally weak, lacking leadership with a clear vision and they appear as if they are transitory in nature. They remain marginalised from national and global processes and isolated from critical connections to policy makers at all levels; thus A1 farmers remain voiceless and unable to have their interests addressed. Farm level institutions are at the forefront of the microeconomics of survival among these rural farmers. They are survivalist in nature and form, and this requires a major shift in focus if they are to be involved in developmental work. The institutions remain fragmented and compete amongst themselves for services from government without uniting as A1 farmers with similar interests and challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Farm level institutions in emergent communities in post fast track Zimbabwe: case of Mazowe district
- Authors: Chiweshe, Manase Kudzai
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Land reform -- Zimbabwe -- History -- 21st century Land settlement -- Social aspects -- Zimbabwe Zimbabwe -- Social conditions -- 1980- Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1980-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3308 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003096
- Description: The thesis seeks to understand how emerging communities borne out of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme in Zimbabwe have been able to ensure social cohesion and social service provision using farm level institutions. The Fast Track Programme brought together people from diverse backgrounds into new communities in the former commercial farming areas. The formation of new communities meant that, often, there were 'stranger households'living next to each other. Since 2000, these people have been involved in various processes aimed at turning clusters of homesteads into functioning communities through farm level institutions. Fast track land reform precipitated economic and political crisis in Zimbabwe characterised by a rapidly devaluating Zimbabwean dollar, enormous inflation and high unemployment figures. This economic crisis has impacted heavily on new farmers who find it increasingly difficult to afford inputs and access loans. They have formed social networks in response to these challenges, taking the form of farm level institutions such as farm committees, irrigation committees and health committees. The study uses case studies from small-scale 'A1 farmers‘ in Mazowe district which is in Mashonaland Central Province. It employs qualitative methodologies to enable a nuanced understanding of associational life in the new communities. Through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, narratives, key informant interviews and institutional mapping the study outlines the formation, taxonomy, activities, roles, internal dynamics and social organisation of farm level institutions. The study also uses secondary data collected in 2007-08 by the Centre for Rural Development in the newly resettled areas in Mazowe. The major finding of the study is that farmers are organising in novel ways at grassroots levels to meet everyday challenges. These institutional forms however are internally weak, lacking leadership with a clear vision and they appear as if they are transitory in nature. They remain marginalised from national and global processes and isolated from critical connections to policy makers at all levels; thus A1 farmers remain voiceless and unable to have their interests addressed. Farm level institutions are at the forefront of the microeconomics of survival among these rural farmers. They are survivalist in nature and form, and this requires a major shift in focus if they are to be involved in developmental work. The institutions remain fragmented and compete amongst themselves for services from government without uniting as A1 farmers with similar interests and challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Fast track land reform programme and women in Goromonzi district, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chakona, Loveness
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Land reform -- Research -- Zimbabwe Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe Land reform beneficiaries -- Zimbabwe Sex discrimination against women -- Zimbabwe Women's rights -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3317 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003105
- Description: From the year 2000, land became the key signifier for tackling the unfinished business of the decolonisation process in Zimbabwe, notably by rectifying the racially-based land injustices of the past through land redistribution. This took the form of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP). However, the racialised character and focus of the FTLRP tended to mask or at least downplay important gender dimensions to land in Zimbabwe. Colonial and post-colonial Zimbabwe (up to 2000) had instigated, propagated and reproduced land ownership, control and access along a distinctively patriarchal basis which left women either totally excluded or incorporated in an oppressive manner. This patriarchal structuring of the land question was rooted in institutions, practices and discourses. Although a burgeoning number of studies have been undertaken on the FTLRP, few have had a distinctively gender focus in seeking to identify, examine and assess the effect of the programme on patriarchal relations and the socio-economic livelihoods of rural women. This thesis makes a contribution to filling this lacuna by offering an empirically-rich study of land redistribution in one particular district in Zimbabwe, namely, Goromonzi District. This entails a focus on women on A1 resettlement farms in the district (and specifically women who came from nearby customary areas) and on women who continue to live in customary areas in the district. My thesis concludes that the FTLRP is seriously flawed in terms of addressing and tackling the patriarchal structures that underpin the Zimbabwean land question.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Chakona, Loveness
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Land reform -- Research -- Zimbabwe Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe Land reform beneficiaries -- Zimbabwe Sex discrimination against women -- Zimbabwe Women's rights -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3317 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003105
- Description: From the year 2000, land became the key signifier for tackling the unfinished business of the decolonisation process in Zimbabwe, notably by rectifying the racially-based land injustices of the past through land redistribution. This took the form of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP). However, the racialised character and focus of the FTLRP tended to mask or at least downplay important gender dimensions to land in Zimbabwe. Colonial and post-colonial Zimbabwe (up to 2000) had instigated, propagated and reproduced land ownership, control and access along a distinctively patriarchal basis which left women either totally excluded or incorporated in an oppressive manner. This patriarchal structuring of the land question was rooted in institutions, practices and discourses. Although a burgeoning number of studies have been undertaken on the FTLRP, few have had a distinctively gender focus in seeking to identify, examine and assess the effect of the programme on patriarchal relations and the socio-economic livelihoods of rural women. This thesis makes a contribution to filling this lacuna by offering an empirically-rich study of land redistribution in one particular district in Zimbabwe, namely, Goromonzi District. This entails a focus on women on A1 resettlement farms in the district (and specifically women who came from nearby customary areas) and on women who continue to live in customary areas in the district. My thesis concludes that the FTLRP is seriously flawed in terms of addressing and tackling the patriarchal structures that underpin the Zimbabwean land question.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Feeding dynamics of suspension-feeders in the nearshore marine environment adjacent to two contrasting estuaries in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Vermeulen, Ilke
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Suspension feeders -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Suspension feeders -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Coastal organisms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Streamflow -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tetraclitidae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mexilhao mussel -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Polychaeta -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Estuarine health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Estuaries -- Freshwater inflow -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016242
- Description: Coastal transition zones form important interlinking regions where marine ecosystems, rivers and estuarine environments significantly influence each other. Coastal rocky shores are key habitats that sustain a variety of primary producers and invertebrates and due to the dynamic nature of coastal ecosystems, suspension-feeders on rocky shores can be influenced by an array of autochthonous and allochthonous food sources. Fatty acid and stable isotope trophic markers were employed to distinguish between regional and temporal changes in the potential food sources to rocky shore suspension-feeders in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The primary aim was to assess the spatial and temporal influences of contrasting river flows on the available food sources to three indigenous coastal suspensionfeeders, namely the volcano barnacle Tetraclita serrata, brown mussel Perna perna and tubebuilding polychaete Gunnarea capensis. This was done by examining the intra- and interspecific changes in the fatty acid and stable isotope signatures of the barnacles, mussels and polychaetes in the adjacent marine environment of a freshwater-restricted (Kariega) and freshwater-dominated (Great Fish) estuary during austral summer and winter. Multivariate and Kruskal-Wallis analyses of variance on the fatty acid and isotopic signatures, respectively, identified significant regional changes in the barnacles and mussels, while only stable isotopes distinguished between the Kariega and Great Fish polychaetes (P < 0.05). In addition, significant temporal changes were observed in consumer fatty acids and isotope values in both regions (P < 0.05). Bacterial sources, detritus and phytoplankton assemblages, which are influenced by hydrology and vegetation, differed between regions and were mainly responsible for the regional and temporal separations. Principal component analyses on the consumer fatty acid signatures distinguished between animals situated upstream (i.e. north) and downstream (i.e. south) of the Kariega Estuary mouth in summer. The north/south separation was mainly due to greater contributions of diatoms to northernlocated animals and dinoflagellates and detritus to southern-located consumers. In addition, the south-flowing Agulhas Current on the eastern shores of southern Africa appeared to influence the north/south separation in the Kariega region, as water leaving the estuary was probably entrained into the south-easterly flowing currents, thereby depositing estuarinederived detritus to southern populations. In general, diatoms and detritus were essential food sources to the filter-feeders in summer, and flagellates, diatoms, zooplankton and detritus were important in winter. Coastal macroalgae was a key food source in the Kariega and Great Fish regions during both seasons. Consistently large levels of diatom markers (16:1n-7 and 20:5n-3) and dinoflagellate markers (22:6n-3) in consumer tissues in the Kariega and Great Fish regions identified that phytoplankton was their dominant food source. The barnacles, mussels and polychaetes had similar fatty acid markers and a fairly narrow δ¹³C range (-16.5 to -14.4 ‰), suggesting that they probably consumed similar food. Carbon isotope analyses, however, separated the suspension-feeders into slightly depleted (barnacles; -16.5 to -16.1 ‰), intermediate (mussels; -15.8 to -15.0 ‰) and enriched (polychaetes; -15.0 to -14.4 ‰) consumers, but did not provide conclusive evidence of their preferences for specific phytoplankton. Conversely, fatty acid analyses highlighted that barnacles and mussels had greater proportions of dinoflagellate markers (22:6n-3; 7.0-15.3 % TFA), while polychaetes had larger diatom levels (20:5n-3; 15.1-22.2 % TFA). In addition, all three species had consistently large contributions from bacterial fatty acids (15:0, i-16:0, 17:0 and i-18:0; 4.2-13.6 % TFA) in summer and winter, and large proportions of saturated fatty acids (33.3-53.1 % TFA) including those with 14 to 18 carbons, indicating that bacterial and detritus food sources played an important role in their diets. Barnacles had small levels of terrestrial markers (18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3; <2.5 % TFA) and demonstrated increased omnivorous feeding compared with the other suspension-feeders [increased levels of 20:1n-11 and 20:1n-9, higher 18:1n-9/18:1n-7 ratios at ~2.1, enriched δ¹⁵N values at ~10.6 ‰; zooplankton (potentially including microzooplankton, larvae and protists) contribution of up to 61 % of the diet]. Mussels contained significant proportions of the terrestrial markers (18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3; >2.5 % TFA) and exhibited intermediate omnivory (intermediate levels of 20:1n-11 and 20:1n-9, intermediate 18:1n-9/18:1n-7 ratios at ~1.3, less enriched δ¹⁵N values at ~7.9 ‰; zooplankton contribution of 10-15 % of the diet). The more depleted nitrogen signatures in the mussels relative to the barnacles and polychaetes possibly illustrated a stronger preference for autotrophic food. Polychaetes mainly consumed plant food sources (i.e. microalgae, macroalgae and detritus; high levels of i-18:0, 18:1n-9, 18:4n-3 and 20:5n-3) and displayed little omnivory (low levels of 20:1n-11 and 20:1n-9, low 18:1n-9/18:1n-7 ratios at ~0.4, intermediate δ¹⁵N values at ~9.1 ‰; zooplankton contribution of <10 % of the diet). The barnacles, mussels and polychaetes are all suspension-feeders, originally presumed to consume the same food sources. The variations observed among the species, therefore, may result from differences in the proportional contributions of the various food sources to their diets as well as distinctions in metabolism. The distinct changes in the fatty acid and stable isotope signatures in all three filter-feeders in the Kariega and Great Fish regions are likely influenced by the diversity in regional vegetation and hydrology in the different systems, combined with interspecific differences in resource partitioning among the species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Vermeulen, Ilke
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Suspension feeders -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Suspension feeders -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Coastal organisms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Streamflow -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tetraclitidae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mexilhao mussel -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Polychaeta -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Estuarine health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Estuaries -- Freshwater inflow -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016242
- Description: Coastal transition zones form important interlinking regions where marine ecosystems, rivers and estuarine environments significantly influence each other. Coastal rocky shores are key habitats that sustain a variety of primary producers and invertebrates and due to the dynamic nature of coastal ecosystems, suspension-feeders on rocky shores can be influenced by an array of autochthonous and allochthonous food sources. Fatty acid and stable isotope trophic markers were employed to distinguish between regional and temporal changes in the potential food sources to rocky shore suspension-feeders in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The primary aim was to assess the spatial and temporal influences of contrasting river flows on the available food sources to three indigenous coastal suspensionfeeders, namely the volcano barnacle Tetraclita serrata, brown mussel Perna perna and tubebuilding polychaete Gunnarea capensis. This was done by examining the intra- and interspecific changes in the fatty acid and stable isotope signatures of the barnacles, mussels and polychaetes in the adjacent marine environment of a freshwater-restricted (Kariega) and freshwater-dominated (Great Fish) estuary during austral summer and winter. Multivariate and Kruskal-Wallis analyses of variance on the fatty acid and isotopic signatures, respectively, identified significant regional changes in the barnacles and mussels, while only stable isotopes distinguished between the Kariega and Great Fish polychaetes (P < 0.05). In addition, significant temporal changes were observed in consumer fatty acids and isotope values in both regions (P < 0.05). Bacterial sources, detritus and phytoplankton assemblages, which are influenced by hydrology and vegetation, differed between regions and were mainly responsible for the regional and temporal separations. Principal component analyses on the consumer fatty acid signatures distinguished between animals situated upstream (i.e. north) and downstream (i.e. south) of the Kariega Estuary mouth in summer. The north/south separation was mainly due to greater contributions of diatoms to northernlocated animals and dinoflagellates and detritus to southern-located consumers. In addition, the south-flowing Agulhas Current on the eastern shores of southern Africa appeared to influence the north/south separation in the Kariega region, as water leaving the estuary was probably entrained into the south-easterly flowing currents, thereby depositing estuarinederived detritus to southern populations. In general, diatoms and detritus were essential food sources to the filter-feeders in summer, and flagellates, diatoms, zooplankton and detritus were important in winter. Coastal macroalgae was a key food source in the Kariega and Great Fish regions during both seasons. Consistently large levels of diatom markers (16:1n-7 and 20:5n-3) and dinoflagellate markers (22:6n-3) in consumer tissues in the Kariega and Great Fish regions identified that phytoplankton was their dominant food source. The barnacles, mussels and polychaetes had similar fatty acid markers and a fairly narrow δ¹³C range (-16.5 to -14.4 ‰), suggesting that they probably consumed similar food. Carbon isotope analyses, however, separated the suspension-feeders into slightly depleted (barnacles; -16.5 to -16.1 ‰), intermediate (mussels; -15.8 to -15.0 ‰) and enriched (polychaetes; -15.0 to -14.4 ‰) consumers, but did not provide conclusive evidence of their preferences for specific phytoplankton. Conversely, fatty acid analyses highlighted that barnacles and mussels had greater proportions of dinoflagellate markers (22:6n-3; 7.0-15.3 % TFA), while polychaetes had larger diatom levels (20:5n-3; 15.1-22.2 % TFA). In addition, all three species had consistently large contributions from bacterial fatty acids (15:0, i-16:0, 17:0 and i-18:0; 4.2-13.6 % TFA) in summer and winter, and large proportions of saturated fatty acids (33.3-53.1 % TFA) including those with 14 to 18 carbons, indicating that bacterial and detritus food sources played an important role in their diets. Barnacles had small levels of terrestrial markers (18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3; <2.5 % TFA) and demonstrated increased omnivorous feeding compared with the other suspension-feeders [increased levels of 20:1n-11 and 20:1n-9, higher 18:1n-9/18:1n-7 ratios at ~2.1, enriched δ¹⁵N values at ~10.6 ‰; zooplankton (potentially including microzooplankton, larvae and protists) contribution of up to 61 % of the diet]. Mussels contained significant proportions of the terrestrial markers (18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3; >2.5 % TFA) and exhibited intermediate omnivory (intermediate levels of 20:1n-11 and 20:1n-9, intermediate 18:1n-9/18:1n-7 ratios at ~1.3, less enriched δ¹⁵N values at ~7.9 ‰; zooplankton contribution of 10-15 % of the diet). The more depleted nitrogen signatures in the mussels relative to the barnacles and polychaetes possibly illustrated a stronger preference for autotrophic food. Polychaetes mainly consumed plant food sources (i.e. microalgae, macroalgae and detritus; high levels of i-18:0, 18:1n-9, 18:4n-3 and 20:5n-3) and displayed little omnivory (low levels of 20:1n-11 and 20:1n-9, low 18:1n-9/18:1n-7 ratios at ~0.4, intermediate δ¹⁵N values at ~9.1 ‰; zooplankton contribution of <10 % of the diet). The barnacles, mussels and polychaetes are all suspension-feeders, originally presumed to consume the same food sources. The variations observed among the species, therefore, may result from differences in the proportional contributions of the various food sources to their diets as well as distinctions in metabolism. The distinct changes in the fatty acid and stable isotope signatures in all three filter-feeders in the Kariega and Great Fish regions are likely influenced by the diversity in regional vegetation and hydrology in the different systems, combined with interspecific differences in resource partitioning among the species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Financial liberalization, financial development and economic growth: the case for South Africa
- Authors: Savanhu, Tatenda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Economic development -- Case studies -- South Africa Principal components analysis Econometric models Vector analysis Finance -- Management -- South Africa Economic policy -- South Africa Banks and banking -- South Africa Investments -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1048 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006197
- Description: Financial liberalization in South Africa was a process that took the form of various legal reforms very a long period of time. This study uses quarterly financial data from 1969 quarter one to 2009 quarter four to analyse this process. The data used was pertinent to the financial liberalization theorem by McKinnon (1973) and Shaw (1973). The examination of the relationships between the various macro economic variables has important implications for effective policy formulation. The empirical analysis is carried out in four phases: the preliminary analysis, the principal component analysis (PCA), the cointegration analysis and pair wise Granger causality tests. The preliminary analysis examines trends over the sample period and reports the on the correlation between the selected variables. The PCA analysis was used to create indexes for financial liberalization, taking into account the phase wise nature of legal reforms. The generated index was representative of the process of financial liberalization from 1969 to 2009. A financial development index was also created using the various traditional measures of financial development and through PCA which investigated interrelationships among the variables according to their common sources of movement. Cointegration analysis is carried out using the Johansen cointegration procedure which investigates whether there is long-run comovement between South African economic growth and the selected macroeconomic variables. Where cointegration is found, Vector Error-Correction Models (VECMs) are estimated in order to examine the short-run adjustments. For robustness, many control variables were added into the model. The results showed that there are positive long run relationships between economic growth and financial liberalization, financial development and a negative relationship with interest rates. The Granger results suggested that the MS hypothesis does not manifest accurately in the South African data. The implications of the results were that financial liberalization has had positive effects on economic growth and thus any impediments to full financial liberalization must be removed albeit with considerations towards employment and local productivity. Financial development also possessed positive long run relationships with economic growth, although results differed based on the financial development proxy used. Thus, financial development must be improved primarily through liberalizing the banking sector and spurring savings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Savanhu, Tatenda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Economic development -- Case studies -- South Africa Principal components analysis Econometric models Vector analysis Finance -- Management -- South Africa Economic policy -- South Africa Banks and banking -- South Africa Investments -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1048 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006197
- Description: Financial liberalization in South Africa was a process that took the form of various legal reforms very a long period of time. This study uses quarterly financial data from 1969 quarter one to 2009 quarter four to analyse this process. The data used was pertinent to the financial liberalization theorem by McKinnon (1973) and Shaw (1973). The examination of the relationships between the various macro economic variables has important implications for effective policy formulation. The empirical analysis is carried out in four phases: the preliminary analysis, the principal component analysis (PCA), the cointegration analysis and pair wise Granger causality tests. The preliminary analysis examines trends over the sample period and reports the on the correlation between the selected variables. The PCA analysis was used to create indexes for financial liberalization, taking into account the phase wise nature of legal reforms. The generated index was representative of the process of financial liberalization from 1969 to 2009. A financial development index was also created using the various traditional measures of financial development and through PCA which investigated interrelationships among the variables according to their common sources of movement. Cointegration analysis is carried out using the Johansen cointegration procedure which investigates whether there is long-run comovement between South African economic growth and the selected macroeconomic variables. Where cointegration is found, Vector Error-Correction Models (VECMs) are estimated in order to examine the short-run adjustments. For robustness, many control variables were added into the model. The results showed that there are positive long run relationships between economic growth and financial liberalization, financial development and a negative relationship with interest rates. The Granger results suggested that the MS hypothesis does not manifest accurately in the South African data. The implications of the results were that financial liberalization has had positive effects on economic growth and thus any impediments to full financial liberalization must be removed albeit with considerations towards employment and local productivity. Financial development also possessed positive long run relationships with economic growth, although results differed based on the financial development proxy used. Thus, financial development must be improved primarily through liberalizing the banking sector and spurring savings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Financial sector development and sectoral output growth evidence from South Africa
- Authors: Tongo, Yanga
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Mineral industries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Manufacturing industries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions Autoregression (Statistics) Econometric models Stock exchanges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1004 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002739
- Description: The goal of the study is to examine the relationship between financial sector development and output growth in the agricultural, mining and manufacturing sectors in South Africa. The analysis is based on the hypothesis that financial development is essential for promoting production growth in an economy. To test the hypothesis, in the South African context, the vector autoregressive model (VAR) framework and Granger causality test are applied to a quarterly data set starting from 1970 quarter one to 2009 quarter four. The results suggest that financial intermediary development (bank based measure) and stock market development (market based measure) have a positive impact on output growth in the agriculture, mining and manufacturing sectors in South Africa. There is evidence of a one way causal relationship between financial sector development and sectoral output growth. Particularly, there is evidence that financial intermediary development and stock market development causes output growth in the agriculture, mining and manufacturing sectors in South Africa. However, there is no evidence showing causality running from sectoral output growth to financial sector development. The results provide evidence supporting the theory which states that financial development is essential to promote output growth in a country i.e. in our case South Africa. Thus an efficient financial system which promotes efficient channeling of resources towards the agricultural, mining and manufacturing sectors should be built.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Tongo, Yanga
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Mineral industries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Manufacturing industries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions Autoregression (Statistics) Econometric models Stock exchanges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1004 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002739
- Description: The goal of the study is to examine the relationship between financial sector development and output growth in the agricultural, mining and manufacturing sectors in South Africa. The analysis is based on the hypothesis that financial development is essential for promoting production growth in an economy. To test the hypothesis, in the South African context, the vector autoregressive model (VAR) framework and Granger causality test are applied to a quarterly data set starting from 1970 quarter one to 2009 quarter four. The results suggest that financial intermediary development (bank based measure) and stock market development (market based measure) have a positive impact on output growth in the agriculture, mining and manufacturing sectors in South Africa. There is evidence of a one way causal relationship between financial sector development and sectoral output growth. Particularly, there is evidence that financial intermediary development and stock market development causes output growth in the agriculture, mining and manufacturing sectors in South Africa. However, there is no evidence showing causality running from sectoral output growth to financial sector development. The results provide evidence supporting the theory which states that financial development is essential to promote output growth in a country i.e. in our case South Africa. Thus an efficient financial system which promotes efficient channeling of resources towards the agricultural, mining and manufacturing sectors should be built.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Force of habit the mystical foundations of the narcotic
- Authors: Howell, Simon Peter
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Drug addiction -- Philosophy -- Research Drug addiction -- Political aspects -- Research Cocaine abuse -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2784 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002994
- Description: This thesis aims to investigate and deconstruct the relationship between the narcotic, its narrative, and western modernity. To reveal the relationship, this thesis argues that it is possible to understand the philosophical, political, cultural and ethical dimensions of western modernity through the ulterior lens of the narcotic. As such, this thesis investigates western modernity's relationship to (a) cocaine as a specific narcotic, and (b) the concept of the narcotic with all its attendant connotations of addictions, illegitimacy, transgression, illegality, and so on. Accordingly, the thesis is both interpretive of the historical narrative of the narcotic of cocaine, and generative in its deconstruction of the relationship between western modernity and the concept of the narcotic. The deconstruction of this relationship ultimately reveals both prior narratives not as oppositional, but as supplementary. This has radical consequences for the manner in which we engage with narcotic use and the user - if the narcotic is supplement to the logic of western modernity, at each attempt to expel the use and user of the narcotic, rather then create difference, we self implicate ourselves in that expulsion and distance. To seek a new and more just means of dealing with the concept of the narcotic, and its use, therefore requires a new epistemological framework which can at once contemplate both narratives at the same time. To this end, the thesis suggests the use of critical complexity theory as one such methodological tool, if supplemented by the thoughts and strategies of Derridian deconstruction and Foucauldian discourse analysis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Howell, Simon Peter
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Drug addiction -- Philosophy -- Research Drug addiction -- Political aspects -- Research Cocaine abuse -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2784 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002994
- Description: This thesis aims to investigate and deconstruct the relationship between the narcotic, its narrative, and western modernity. To reveal the relationship, this thesis argues that it is possible to understand the philosophical, political, cultural and ethical dimensions of western modernity through the ulterior lens of the narcotic. As such, this thesis investigates western modernity's relationship to (a) cocaine as a specific narcotic, and (b) the concept of the narcotic with all its attendant connotations of addictions, illegitimacy, transgression, illegality, and so on. Accordingly, the thesis is both interpretive of the historical narrative of the narcotic of cocaine, and generative in its deconstruction of the relationship between western modernity and the concept of the narcotic. The deconstruction of this relationship ultimately reveals both prior narratives not as oppositional, but as supplementary. This has radical consequences for the manner in which we engage with narcotic use and the user - if the narcotic is supplement to the logic of western modernity, at each attempt to expel the use and user of the narcotic, rather then create difference, we self implicate ourselves in that expulsion and distance. To seek a new and more just means of dealing with the concept of the narcotic, and its use, therefore requires a new epistemological framework which can at once contemplate both narratives at the same time. To this end, the thesis suggests the use of critical complexity theory as one such methodological tool, if supplemented by the thoughts and strategies of Derridian deconstruction and Foucauldian discourse analysis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Foreign reference products in the registration of generic medicines in South Africa a case study
- Authors: Hwengwere, Eldinah
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Generic drugs -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Case studies Generic drugs -- South Africa Case studies Drugs -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Case studies Pharmacy -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:3762 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003240
- Description: Introduction: Due to the increase in healthcare costs, generic medicines have been adopted for used in both developed and developing countries. When a generic or ‘multisource interchangeable medicine’ is to be registered, studies that prove that the generic is equivalent to the Innovator Product (IP) are used. The generic medicine is required to prove that it will mirror the IP in terms of safety, quality and efficacy and, in South Africa, the Medicines Control Council (MCC) ensures that generic medicines meet these requirements. Generic medicines may be registered using bioequivalence data obtained from comparison with a domestic reference product (usually the local innovator product) or in certain cases, a foreign reference product (FRP). The bioequivalence data can either be from in vivo or in vitro studies. The MCC guidelines require that for modified release preparations, in vivo bioequivalence studies are done for approval of registration; the exception being if a proportionally higher dose has already been registered. No information is currently given to prescribers and dispensers or to the public about whether a generic product was registered against a foreign or domestic reference product. Aims and Objectives: 1.) To determine the number of generic medicines in a predetermined sample registered using a FRP as comparator and to document the transparency of pharmaceutical companies when approached to disclose information regarding the registration of these products. 2.) To describe and document the use of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (Act 2 of 2000) [PAIA] from the perspective of a ‘layperson’ in the context of medicines’ regulation, in both private and public bodies. Methods: 20 modified release and Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) class IV products were selected from the ‘generics dictionary’ – a commercial publication – and letters were sent to the manufacturers of the products requesting information about the tests done to prove equivalence and whether they were performed against a domestic or foreign reference product. The same information was also requested from the MCC. The requests were all made using the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA). Results: Nine companies were represented by the 20 products chosen. Information was obtained about thirteen products. Ten of these products were registered using FRPs. Four products were registered based only on comparative dissolution studies. Four companies provided the requested information, two companies responded by refusing the requests and three did not respond at all. The MCC refused the request for information even after an internal appeal was lodged. Conclusions: The Promotion of Access to information Act was unsuccessful in obtaining information from the public body, and partly successful in obtaining it from the private bodies. While the title of the Act seems to indicate that the Act can be used to obtain information as such, it only provides for access to specified records. The MCC and the pharmaceutical companies involved in the study were under no obligation to provide the information as the request had not complied with PAIA requirements. The use of FRPs for registration is a reality in the pharmaceutical industry in South Africa. Neither the public nor healthcare professionals who prescribe medicines or who are involved in dispensing generic medicines as substitutes are aware of whether or not a FRP has been used to register a generic. Interchangeability cannot necessarily be guaranteed if the reference product was not proven equivalent to the local innovator product. It is debatable as to whether or not this information would be of any particular benefit to members of the public. Prescribers may choose to write ‘no substitution’ on their prescriptions if they were unconvinced that an FRP is acceptable. This could have consequences for healthcare costs. Dispensers are the most vulnerable in South Africa as they are obliged by law to substitute generic medicines when innovator medicines have been prescribed. Dispensers’ views on the acceptability of the use of FRPs can be seen as irrelevant. In the end, as this study demonstrates, the only option in the present situation is to rely entirely on the MCC’s rigour in assessing applications for registration of generic medicines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Hwengwere, Eldinah
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Generic drugs -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Case studies Generic drugs -- South Africa Case studies Drugs -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Case studies Pharmacy -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:3762 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003240
- Description: Introduction: Due to the increase in healthcare costs, generic medicines have been adopted for used in both developed and developing countries. When a generic or ‘multisource interchangeable medicine’ is to be registered, studies that prove that the generic is equivalent to the Innovator Product (IP) are used. The generic medicine is required to prove that it will mirror the IP in terms of safety, quality and efficacy and, in South Africa, the Medicines Control Council (MCC) ensures that generic medicines meet these requirements. Generic medicines may be registered using bioequivalence data obtained from comparison with a domestic reference product (usually the local innovator product) or in certain cases, a foreign reference product (FRP). The bioequivalence data can either be from in vivo or in vitro studies. The MCC guidelines require that for modified release preparations, in vivo bioequivalence studies are done for approval of registration; the exception being if a proportionally higher dose has already been registered. No information is currently given to prescribers and dispensers or to the public about whether a generic product was registered against a foreign or domestic reference product. Aims and Objectives: 1.) To determine the number of generic medicines in a predetermined sample registered using a FRP as comparator and to document the transparency of pharmaceutical companies when approached to disclose information regarding the registration of these products. 2.) To describe and document the use of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (Act 2 of 2000) [PAIA] from the perspective of a ‘layperson’ in the context of medicines’ regulation, in both private and public bodies. Methods: 20 modified release and Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) class IV products were selected from the ‘generics dictionary’ – a commercial publication – and letters were sent to the manufacturers of the products requesting information about the tests done to prove equivalence and whether they were performed against a domestic or foreign reference product. The same information was also requested from the MCC. The requests were all made using the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA). Results: Nine companies were represented by the 20 products chosen. Information was obtained about thirteen products. Ten of these products were registered using FRPs. Four products were registered based only on comparative dissolution studies. Four companies provided the requested information, two companies responded by refusing the requests and three did not respond at all. The MCC refused the request for information even after an internal appeal was lodged. Conclusions: The Promotion of Access to information Act was unsuccessful in obtaining information from the public body, and partly successful in obtaining it from the private bodies. While the title of the Act seems to indicate that the Act can be used to obtain information as such, it only provides for access to specified records. The MCC and the pharmaceutical companies involved in the study were under no obligation to provide the information as the request had not complied with PAIA requirements. The use of FRPs for registration is a reality in the pharmaceutical industry in South Africa. Neither the public nor healthcare professionals who prescribe medicines or who are involved in dispensing generic medicines as substitutes are aware of whether or not a FRP has been used to register a generic. Interchangeability cannot necessarily be guaranteed if the reference product was not proven equivalent to the local innovator product. It is debatable as to whether or not this information would be of any particular benefit to members of the public. Prescribers may choose to write ‘no substitution’ on their prescriptions if they were unconvinced that an FRP is acceptable. This could have consequences for healthcare costs. Dispensers are the most vulnerable in South Africa as they are obliged by law to substitute generic medicines when innovator medicines have been prescribed. Dispensers’ views on the acceptability of the use of FRPs can be seen as irrelevant. In the end, as this study demonstrates, the only option in the present situation is to rely entirely on the MCC’s rigour in assessing applications for registration of generic medicines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Forty years of historical research in South Africa: some general trends and personal recollections
- Authors: Maylam, Paul
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:590 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019739
- Description: Vice Chancellor's Distinguished Research Award Lecture, Rhodes University, 15 October 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Maylam, Paul
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:590 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019739
- Description: Vice Chancellor's Distinguished Research Award Lecture, Rhodes University, 15 October 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
GPF : a framework for general packet classification on GPU co-processors
- Authors: Nottingham, Alastair
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Graphics processing units , Coprocessors , Computer network protocols , Computer networks -- Security measures , NVIDIA Corporation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4661 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006662 , Graphics processing units , Coprocessors , Computer network protocols , Computer networks -- Security measures , NVIDIA Corporation
- Description: This thesis explores the design and experimental implementation of GPF, a novel protocol-independent, multi-match packet classification framework. This framework is targeted and optimised for flexible, efficient execution on NVIDIA GPU platforms through the CUDA API, but should not be difficult to port to other platforms, such as OpenCL, in the future. GPF was conceived and developed in order to accelerate classification of large packet capture files, such as those collected by Network Telescopes. It uses a multiphase SIMD classification process which exploits both the parallelism of packet sets and the redundancy in filter programs, in order to classify packet captures against multiple filters at extremely high rates. The resultant framework - comprised of classification, compilation and buffering components - efficiently leverages GPU resources to classify arbitrary protocols, and return multiple filter results for each packet. The classification functions described were verified and evaluated by testing an experimental prototype implementation against several filter programs, of varying complexity, on devices from three GPU platform generations. In addition to the significant speedup achieved in processing results, analysis indicates that the prototype classification functions perform predictably, and scale linearly with respect to both packet count and filter complexity. Furthermore, classification throughput (packets/s) remained essentially constant regardless of the underlying packet data, and thus the effective data rate when classifying a particular filter was heavily influenced by the average size of packets in the processed capture. For example: in the trivial case of classifying all IPv4 packets ranging in size from 70 bytes to 1KB, the observed data rate achieved by the GPU classification kernels ranged from 60Gbps to 900Gbps on a GTX 275, and from 220Gbps to 3.3Tbps on a GTX 480. In the less trivial case of identifying all ARP, TCP, UDP and ICMP packets for both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, the effective data rates ranged from 15Gbps to 220Gbps (GTX 275), and from 50Gbps to 740Gbps (GTX 480), for 70B and 1KB packets respectively. , LaTeX with hyperref package
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Nottingham, Alastair
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Graphics processing units , Coprocessors , Computer network protocols , Computer networks -- Security measures , NVIDIA Corporation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4661 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006662 , Graphics processing units , Coprocessors , Computer network protocols , Computer networks -- Security measures , NVIDIA Corporation
- Description: This thesis explores the design and experimental implementation of GPF, a novel protocol-independent, multi-match packet classification framework. This framework is targeted and optimised for flexible, efficient execution on NVIDIA GPU platforms through the CUDA API, but should not be difficult to port to other platforms, such as OpenCL, in the future. GPF was conceived and developed in order to accelerate classification of large packet capture files, such as those collected by Network Telescopes. It uses a multiphase SIMD classification process which exploits both the parallelism of packet sets and the redundancy in filter programs, in order to classify packet captures against multiple filters at extremely high rates. The resultant framework - comprised of classification, compilation and buffering components - efficiently leverages GPU resources to classify arbitrary protocols, and return multiple filter results for each packet. The classification functions described were verified and evaluated by testing an experimental prototype implementation against several filter programs, of varying complexity, on devices from three GPU platform generations. In addition to the significant speedup achieved in processing results, analysis indicates that the prototype classification functions perform predictably, and scale linearly with respect to both packet count and filter complexity. Furthermore, classification throughput (packets/s) remained essentially constant regardless of the underlying packet data, and thus the effective data rate when classifying a particular filter was heavily influenced by the average size of packets in the processed capture. For example: in the trivial case of classifying all IPv4 packets ranging in size from 70 bytes to 1KB, the observed data rate achieved by the GPU classification kernels ranged from 60Gbps to 900Gbps on a GTX 275, and from 220Gbps to 3.3Tbps on a GTX 480. In the less trivial case of identifying all ARP, TCP, UDP and ICMP packets for both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, the effective data rates ranged from 15Gbps to 220Gbps (GTX 275), and from 50Gbps to 740Gbps (GTX 480), for 70B and 1KB packets respectively. , LaTeX with hyperref package
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012