Impact of internet marketing on the profitability of the hospitality sector in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Matikiti, Rosemary
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Internet marketing , Internet advertising , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investment analysis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Advertising -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/570 , Internet marketing , Internet advertising , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investment analysis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Advertising -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The application of internet marketing techniques has been widespread in the hospitality sector worldwide, with many hotels crafting websites for marketing purposes. However, there is still a debate and speculation on the impact of internet marketing on business performance and profitability. Given the well-recognised value of internet marketing in the hospitality and tourism industry, this study sought to examine the impact of internet marketing on the profitability of the hospitality sector in South Africa and to establish factors which influence internet marketing usage. In order to achieve these objectives, a perceptual survey was conducted in graded hotels and lodges in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Multiple linear regression analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were used to determine the relationship between internet marketing and business profitability as well as the relationship between organisational and environmental factors and internet marketing usage. Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that the use of internet marketing can positively influence business profitability. It is also concluded that internet marketing experience moderates the relationship between internet marketing usage and business profitability. The results also indicate that factors such as technological competence, managerial support, level of star grading and alliances significantly influence internet marketing usage. Thus, from the findings of this study, it was concluded that hotels and lodges can enhance their profitability through internet marketing usage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Matikiti, Rosemary
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Internet marketing , Internet advertising , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investment analysis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Advertising -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/570 , Internet marketing , Internet advertising , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investment analysis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Advertising -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The application of internet marketing techniques has been widespread in the hospitality sector worldwide, with many hotels crafting websites for marketing purposes. However, there is still a debate and speculation on the impact of internet marketing on business performance and profitability. Given the well-recognised value of internet marketing in the hospitality and tourism industry, this study sought to examine the impact of internet marketing on the profitability of the hospitality sector in South Africa and to establish factors which influence internet marketing usage. In order to achieve these objectives, a perceptual survey was conducted in graded hotels and lodges in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Multiple linear regression analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were used to determine the relationship between internet marketing and business profitability as well as the relationship between organisational and environmental factors and internet marketing usage. Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that the use of internet marketing can positively influence business profitability. It is also concluded that internet marketing experience moderates the relationship between internet marketing usage and business profitability. The results also indicate that factors such as technological competence, managerial support, level of star grading and alliances significantly influence internet marketing usage. Thus, from the findings of this study, it was concluded that hotels and lodges can enhance their profitability through internet marketing usage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Impact of social entrepreneur's education and business skills training on the success of non-profit organisation
- Authors: Scholtz, Laurie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Social entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Nonprofit organizations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9284 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1337 , Social entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Nonprofit organizations -- South Africa
- Description: The social problems that exist within South Africa cannot be ignored. The magnitude of poverty, unemployment and crime that exist are ever increasing while HIV/Aids has left 10 percent of the children within this country orphaned. Discrepancies in the access to proper healthcare and education between the private sector and the public sector is evident, mainly due to the failure of the public sector (government) to effectively implement and manage the healthcare and education systems in South Africa. In the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the number of registered non-profit organisations which can be attributed to a greater awareness of the social problems that exist, as well as the inability of the government and the public sector to address the social problems on their own. Social entrepreneurs are attempting to find innovative solutions to these problems by starting non-profit organisations and then implementing projects and programmes that will help alleviate these social problems. Social entrepreneurship is a fairly new concept, particularly within the realm of academic research. Previous studies on social entrepreneurship have highlighted the need for social entrepreneurs and have also emphasised the many challenges these social entrepreneurs face, one of which is the lack of education and business skills training. Research indicates that a non-profit organisation should be run like a small business in order to be successful, which highlights the importance for social entrepreneurs to be equipped with the appropriate business skills. The impact that a social entrepreneur’s education and business skills training has on the success of a non-profit organisation is however still largely unknown. The purpose of this study was three-fold: firstly, to study the relationship between the education and business skills training of a social entrepreneur and the successful functioning of their non-profit organisations; secondly, to develop recommendations for social entrepreneurs on how to more effectively manage their non-profit organisations and guide them in what business training will benefit them as a social entrepreneur; and lastly, to add to the already existing knowledge on social entrepreneurs, particularly within a South African context. The main research methodology used to conduct the empirical investigation in this study was qualitative in nature. Elements of quantitative data collection were adopted in the instruments in order to ensure standardisation when measuring a social entrepreneur’s education and business skills training, as well as the success of their respective non-profit organisation. In-depth interviews were conducted with fourteen social entrepreneurs who work in a variety of social developmental sectors within South Africa. An interview guide was developed to record the formal levels of education and business skills training received by the respondents and to discuss the impact of other types of education and business skills training on their capabilities as managers of non-profit organisations. A tool was developed to measure the success of the respective non-profit organisations and the results were compared to the social entrepreneur’s levels of education and business skills training. Global analysis was the data analysis technique adopted in this study and was used to identify common themes among the transcripts as well as possible relationships between different variables. There were two main findings with regard to the impact a social entrepreneur’s education and business skills training has on the successful functioning of his/her respective non-profit organisation. Firstly, the formal types of education and business skills training of a social entrepreneur have a direct impact on the success of a nonprofit organisation. Secondly, once a social entrepreneur has completed school level education, informal types of education and business skills training play a bigger role than formal types in the effective management and success of his/her respective non-profit organisation. The findings of the empirical investigation showed that the most valuable three types of informal education and business skills training include workshops and conferences, business experience and networks. The most important recommendation for social entrepreneurs is that their school level education should be completed, in order to access further education and business skills training opportunities. The social entrepreneurs must equip themselves with certain skills and knowledge, namely: financial management, legal knowledge, human resource management, strategic management, monitoring and evaluation skills, technical skills and research skills, in order to ensure the successful functioning of their respective non-profit organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Scholtz, Laurie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Social entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Nonprofit organizations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9284 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1337 , Social entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Nonprofit organizations -- South Africa
- Description: The social problems that exist within South Africa cannot be ignored. The magnitude of poverty, unemployment and crime that exist are ever increasing while HIV/Aids has left 10 percent of the children within this country orphaned. Discrepancies in the access to proper healthcare and education between the private sector and the public sector is evident, mainly due to the failure of the public sector (government) to effectively implement and manage the healthcare and education systems in South Africa. In the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the number of registered non-profit organisations which can be attributed to a greater awareness of the social problems that exist, as well as the inability of the government and the public sector to address the social problems on their own. Social entrepreneurs are attempting to find innovative solutions to these problems by starting non-profit organisations and then implementing projects and programmes that will help alleviate these social problems. Social entrepreneurship is a fairly new concept, particularly within the realm of academic research. Previous studies on social entrepreneurship have highlighted the need for social entrepreneurs and have also emphasised the many challenges these social entrepreneurs face, one of which is the lack of education and business skills training. Research indicates that a non-profit organisation should be run like a small business in order to be successful, which highlights the importance for social entrepreneurs to be equipped with the appropriate business skills. The impact that a social entrepreneur’s education and business skills training has on the success of a non-profit organisation is however still largely unknown. The purpose of this study was three-fold: firstly, to study the relationship between the education and business skills training of a social entrepreneur and the successful functioning of their non-profit organisations; secondly, to develop recommendations for social entrepreneurs on how to more effectively manage their non-profit organisations and guide them in what business training will benefit them as a social entrepreneur; and lastly, to add to the already existing knowledge on social entrepreneurs, particularly within a South African context. The main research methodology used to conduct the empirical investigation in this study was qualitative in nature. Elements of quantitative data collection were adopted in the instruments in order to ensure standardisation when measuring a social entrepreneur’s education and business skills training, as well as the success of their respective non-profit organisation. In-depth interviews were conducted with fourteen social entrepreneurs who work in a variety of social developmental sectors within South Africa. An interview guide was developed to record the formal levels of education and business skills training received by the respondents and to discuss the impact of other types of education and business skills training on their capabilities as managers of non-profit organisations. A tool was developed to measure the success of the respective non-profit organisations and the results were compared to the social entrepreneur’s levels of education and business skills training. Global analysis was the data analysis technique adopted in this study and was used to identify common themes among the transcripts as well as possible relationships between different variables. There were two main findings with regard to the impact a social entrepreneur’s education and business skills training has on the successful functioning of his/her respective non-profit organisation. Firstly, the formal types of education and business skills training of a social entrepreneur have a direct impact on the success of a nonprofit organisation. Secondly, once a social entrepreneur has completed school level education, informal types of education and business skills training play a bigger role than formal types in the effective management and success of his/her respective non-profit organisation. The findings of the empirical investigation showed that the most valuable three types of informal education and business skills training include workshops and conferences, business experience and networks. The most important recommendation for social entrepreneurs is that their school level education should be completed, in order to access further education and business skills training opportunities. The social entrepreneurs must equip themselves with certain skills and knowledge, namely: financial management, legal knowledge, human resource management, strategic management, monitoring and evaluation skills, technical skills and research skills, in order to ensure the successful functioning of their respective non-profit organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Improved tree species discrimination at leaf level with hyperspectral data combining binary classifiers
- Authors: Dastile, Xolani Collen
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mathematical statistics , Analysis of variance , Nearest neighbor analysis (Statistics) , Trees--Classification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5567 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002807 , Mathematical statistics , Analysis of variance , Nearest neighbor analysis (Statistics) , Trees--Classification
- Description: The purpose of the present thesis is to show that hyperspectral data can be used for discrimination between different tree species. The data set used in this study contains the hyperspectral measurements of leaves of seven savannah tree species. The data is high-dimensional and shows large within-class variability combined with small between-class variability which makes discrimination between the classes challenging. We employ two classification methods: G-nearest neighbour and feed-forward neural networks. For both methods, direct 7-class prediction results in high misclassification rates. However, binary classification works better. We constructed binary classifiers for all possible binary classification problems and combine them with Error Correcting Output Codes. We show especially that the use of 1-nearest neighbour binary classifiers results in no improvement compared to a direct 1-nearest neighbour 7-class predictor. In contrast to this negative result, the use of neural networks binary classifiers improves accuracy by 10% compared to a direct neural networks 7-class predictor, and error rates become acceptable. This can be further improved by choosing only suitable binary classifiers for combination.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Dastile, Xolani Collen
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mathematical statistics , Analysis of variance , Nearest neighbor analysis (Statistics) , Trees--Classification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5567 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002807 , Mathematical statistics , Analysis of variance , Nearest neighbor analysis (Statistics) , Trees--Classification
- Description: The purpose of the present thesis is to show that hyperspectral data can be used for discrimination between different tree species. The data set used in this study contains the hyperspectral measurements of leaves of seven savannah tree species. The data is high-dimensional and shows large within-class variability combined with small between-class variability which makes discrimination between the classes challenging. We employ two classification methods: G-nearest neighbour and feed-forward neural networks. For both methods, direct 7-class prediction results in high misclassification rates. However, binary classification works better. We constructed binary classifiers for all possible binary classification problems and combine them with Error Correcting Output Codes. We show especially that the use of 1-nearest neighbour binary classifiers results in no improvement compared to a direct 1-nearest neighbour 7-class predictor. In contrast to this negative result, the use of neural networks binary classifiers improves accuracy by 10% compared to a direct neural networks 7-class predictor, and error rates become acceptable. This can be further improved by choosing only suitable binary classifiers for combination.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Improving governance to foster economic development: a case study of Nairobi City
- Authors: Makena, Njeru Sharon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Decentralization in government -- Kenya -- Nairobi , Public administration -- Kenya -- Nairobi , Economic development -- Kenya -- Nairobi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015679
- Description: Good governance is a critical element to economic development both at the local and national level. Devolution, which is a form of decentralization, is a means of achieving good governance if implemented appropriately. Government plays a pivotal role in the governance framework of a country. This study aimed at exploring how governance of Nairobi City can be improved under a devolved system of government to foster economic development. The study specifically looked at government effectiveness which is one of the Worldwide Governance Indicators. Through a literature review, the study looks at how devolution can improve governance, and what government effectiveness entails, not only from the World Bank perspective but also from other related literature. The major assumption of this study is that improved governance consequently leads to enhanced economic development, as argued by numerous scholars and practitioners in previous studies (Todaro and Smith, (2009) Mcneil and Malena, (2010) and UNDESA 2007). Furthermore, this study assumed that despite only focusing on one of the six indicators, an idea of good governance as a whole will be obtained. The study used a mix of qualitative and quantitative approach of a case study of Nairobi City. Nairobi City is not only a unit of devolution under the new constitution, but will also host the national government. Furthermore, it is also the financial stronghold of the country. Data was collected from two sets of respondents using two different instruments. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the citizenry, and face to face interviews were used to collect data from government officials. The questionnaire focused on capturing citizen perceptions on government effectiveness. Respondents were selected through convenient sampling at pre-determined service delivery points within Nairobi City. The face-to-face semi-structured interview gauged the level of government effectiveness of selected government institutions within Nairobi City. For the former instrument, the data was analyzed through SPSS and Microsoft Excel; and presented in tables, charts and graphs. For the latter, a descriptive discussion has been used to illustrate findings. The study found that government institutions within Nairobi to an extent have established mechanisms and systems to improve service delivery, and consequently promote government effectiveness. It is observable from the study that, the systems in place do not respond to the citizen needs and expectations as illustrated by a satisfaction index of 54 percent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Makena, Njeru Sharon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Decentralization in government -- Kenya -- Nairobi , Public administration -- Kenya -- Nairobi , Economic development -- Kenya -- Nairobi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015679
- Description: Good governance is a critical element to economic development both at the local and national level. Devolution, which is a form of decentralization, is a means of achieving good governance if implemented appropriately. Government plays a pivotal role in the governance framework of a country. This study aimed at exploring how governance of Nairobi City can be improved under a devolved system of government to foster economic development. The study specifically looked at government effectiveness which is one of the Worldwide Governance Indicators. Through a literature review, the study looks at how devolution can improve governance, and what government effectiveness entails, not only from the World Bank perspective but also from other related literature. The major assumption of this study is that improved governance consequently leads to enhanced economic development, as argued by numerous scholars and practitioners in previous studies (Todaro and Smith, (2009) Mcneil and Malena, (2010) and UNDESA 2007). Furthermore, this study assumed that despite only focusing on one of the six indicators, an idea of good governance as a whole will be obtained. The study used a mix of qualitative and quantitative approach of a case study of Nairobi City. Nairobi City is not only a unit of devolution under the new constitution, but will also host the national government. Furthermore, it is also the financial stronghold of the country. Data was collected from two sets of respondents using two different instruments. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the citizenry, and face to face interviews were used to collect data from government officials. The questionnaire focused on capturing citizen perceptions on government effectiveness. Respondents were selected through convenient sampling at pre-determined service delivery points within Nairobi City. The face-to-face semi-structured interview gauged the level of government effectiveness of selected government institutions within Nairobi City. For the former instrument, the data was analyzed through SPSS and Microsoft Excel; and presented in tables, charts and graphs. For the latter, a descriptive discussion has been used to illustrate findings. The study found that government institutions within Nairobi to an extent have established mechanisms and systems to improve service delivery, and consequently promote government effectiveness. It is observable from the study that, the systems in place do not respond to the citizen needs and expectations as illustrated by a satisfaction index of 54 percent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Improving indirect purchasing competitiveness in manufacturing firms through strategic purchasing
- Authors: Makubalo, Gcobisa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Industrial procurement -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Purchasing -- Management , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Organization -- Strategic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8535 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1653 , Industrial procurement -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Purchasing -- Management , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Organization -- Strategic aspects
- Description: The advent of the global financial recession, its impact on the economy with respect to market turbulence and the increase in customer demands have put organisations under intense pressure to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations. By virtue of it not being business as usual in the business arena, organisations are forced to constantly devise strategies that are geared towards growth, transformation and continuous improvement. This cuts across all spheres of organisational structures, which means that every division has a role to play.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Makubalo, Gcobisa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Industrial procurement -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Purchasing -- Management , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Organization -- Strategic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8535 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1653 , Industrial procurement -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Purchasing -- Management , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Organization -- Strategic aspects
- Description: The advent of the global financial recession, its impact on the economy with respect to market turbulence and the increase in customer demands have put organisations under intense pressure to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations. By virtue of it not being business as usual in the business arena, organisations are forced to constantly devise strategies that are geared towards growth, transformation and continuous improvement. This cuts across all spheres of organisational structures, which means that every division has a role to play.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Improving leadership development in a selected manufacturing company
- Authors: Kalashe, Lunga
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Leadership , Manufacturing industries -- Management , Executives -- Training of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8586 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1629 , Leadership , Manufacturing industries -- Management , Executives -- Training of
- Description: Leadership development is very important in business and often much lip service is given to “growing” leaders in business organisations. Leadership development takes place at the individual, group or organisational level and aims for greater effectiveness of an organisation’s human, social and systems capital. One of the biggest motor manufacturers in the Eastern Cape which employs more than 6 500 workers in the local plant and thousands of allied jobs at suppliers was selected to conduct this study on leadership development. The reason for choosing this company is that, over the years, the company established strong training and development programmes to help employees achieve their full potential and to grow the company. This study assesses the success of leadership development in the selected company as well as the factors that could lead to the improvement of its leadership development programme. The primary objective of the study is therefore to improve leadership development in the selected company by investigating the influence of selected factors on leadership development in that company. The sample was drawn from the employees of the company who were enrolled for leadership development at the company’s training institute as at October 2010. They were 55 engineers, 15 supervisors, 20 buyers and 12 managers. A census of these employees was conducted, in other words, 102 questionnaires were distributed to them. Only forty (40) respondents (response rate = 39.2%) however participated in the final study. The empirical results showed that three variables were key ingredients for achieving and increasing leadership development success: organisational culture, participative leadership and senior-management support. Implementing the recommendations that emanated from these results will go a long way in securing success in the company’s leadership development programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Kalashe, Lunga
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Leadership , Manufacturing industries -- Management , Executives -- Training of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8586 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1629 , Leadership , Manufacturing industries -- Management , Executives -- Training of
- Description: Leadership development is very important in business and often much lip service is given to “growing” leaders in business organisations. Leadership development takes place at the individual, group or organisational level and aims for greater effectiveness of an organisation’s human, social and systems capital. One of the biggest motor manufacturers in the Eastern Cape which employs more than 6 500 workers in the local plant and thousands of allied jobs at suppliers was selected to conduct this study on leadership development. The reason for choosing this company is that, over the years, the company established strong training and development programmes to help employees achieve their full potential and to grow the company. This study assesses the success of leadership development in the selected company as well as the factors that could lead to the improvement of its leadership development programme. The primary objective of the study is therefore to improve leadership development in the selected company by investigating the influence of selected factors on leadership development in that company. The sample was drawn from the employees of the company who were enrolled for leadership development at the company’s training institute as at October 2010. They were 55 engineers, 15 supervisors, 20 buyers and 12 managers. A census of these employees was conducted, in other words, 102 questionnaires were distributed to them. Only forty (40) respondents (response rate = 39.2%) however participated in the final study. The empirical results showed that three variables were key ingredients for achieving and increasing leadership development success: organisational culture, participative leadership and senior-management support. Implementing the recommendations that emanated from these results will go a long way in securing success in the company’s leadership development programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Improving school management systems of low pass rate of high schools in the PE school district
- Authors: August, Thozama Ncediwe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School failure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Secondary -- Eastern Cape -- Port Elizabeth Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12571 , vital:27095
- Description: The DoE is structured in such a way that in all the provinces there are Districts which are formed by clusters. The performance of each province is measured according to that of the different Districts. This District performance reflects back to the schools in the clusters where they are found. Everyone is keen to know which District will be the top performer in the Grade 12 results in the Eastern Cape; because this is where performance of each school is measured. In the past years it was sad to notice that the Eastern Cape schools have had a very low pass rate. The DoE (PE) District has a challenge to change the situation in which the province finds itself. This research seeks to address the challenges encountered by the schools which are not able to improve their pass rate. It focuses on the school management systems of low pass rate schools; and how can they be modified. It is vitally important to manage the organisation or institution in a way which will optimize performance. That is the reason for discussing and debating the way school management is operated in the high pass rate schools, so that differences between the two categories of schools are noted and good strategies are utilised in low pass rate schools. For the PE District to improve; the schools in the circuits must improve in their performance. Each circuit is allocated an Educational Development Officer (EDO). It is the duty of the EDO to monitor and evaluate the schools in their circuits. These departmental officials have to ensure that schools are managed well; that is, that the school management systems are functioning properly. They need to assist the schools in any way they can, in order to improve the performance of the schools. This research study seeks to bring forward the challenges faced by the low performing schools so that every stakeholder in the schools and in the DoE is on board to improve the situation. Improvement in the circuit will help the province to enhance its overall performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: August, Thozama Ncediwe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School failure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Secondary -- Eastern Cape -- Port Elizabeth Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12571 , vital:27095
- Description: The DoE is structured in such a way that in all the provinces there are Districts which are formed by clusters. The performance of each province is measured according to that of the different Districts. This District performance reflects back to the schools in the clusters where they are found. Everyone is keen to know which District will be the top performer in the Grade 12 results in the Eastern Cape; because this is where performance of each school is measured. In the past years it was sad to notice that the Eastern Cape schools have had a very low pass rate. The DoE (PE) District has a challenge to change the situation in which the province finds itself. This research seeks to address the challenges encountered by the schools which are not able to improve their pass rate. It focuses on the school management systems of low pass rate schools; and how can they be modified. It is vitally important to manage the organisation or institution in a way which will optimize performance. That is the reason for discussing and debating the way school management is operated in the high pass rate schools, so that differences between the two categories of schools are noted and good strategies are utilised in low pass rate schools. For the PE District to improve; the schools in the circuits must improve in their performance. Each circuit is allocated an Educational Development Officer (EDO). It is the duty of the EDO to monitor and evaluate the schools in their circuits. These departmental officials have to ensure that schools are managed well; that is, that the school management systems are functioning properly. They need to assist the schools in any way they can, in order to improve the performance of the schools. This research study seeks to bring forward the challenges faced by the low performing schools so that every stakeholder in the schools and in the DoE is on board to improve the situation. Improvement in the circuit will help the province to enhance its overall performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Improving service quality and operations at a South African private healthcare clinic through the implimentation of lean principles
- Theunissen, Dirkie Petra Stephanie
- Authors: Theunissen, Dirkie Petra Stephanie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Hospital care -- South Africa -- Quality control , Hospital care -- South Africa -- Cost effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9313 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019943
- Description: Although open to debate, it is something of an undisputed fact and has been since the days of Florence Nightingale, that hospital management is frustrated with recurring problems - many of them due to broken processes. Hospitals are places of phenomenal healing and heroic care. However, as with any human-led endeavour, there are problems. (Grunden (2009)). A first time use of the word ‘lean’ generally begs some explaination as it is not a commonly used word. The simplest way to explain the word is by way of the introduction of the concept known as ‘lean management’. Lean management is a methodology which allows hospitals to advance the quality of patient care by reducing errors and waiting times. Lean is a system of reinforcement of hospital business for the long term thereby reducing costs and risk. Kanban (2009) states that lean is a toolset; a management system and a viewpoint that can change the way hospitals are structured and managed. Lean helps managers to comprehend and identify broken systems and to improve these in small parts, while employees aid in finding solutions for broken systems. This proposal analyses the effect lean tools have had within Arwyp Medical Centre in Kempton Park, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Theunissen, Dirkie Petra Stephanie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Hospital care -- South Africa -- Quality control , Hospital care -- South Africa -- Cost effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9313 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019943
- Description: Although open to debate, it is something of an undisputed fact and has been since the days of Florence Nightingale, that hospital management is frustrated with recurring problems - many of them due to broken processes. Hospitals are places of phenomenal healing and heroic care. However, as with any human-led endeavour, there are problems. (Grunden (2009)). A first time use of the word ‘lean’ generally begs some explaination as it is not a commonly used word. The simplest way to explain the word is by way of the introduction of the concept known as ‘lean management’. Lean management is a methodology which allows hospitals to advance the quality of patient care by reducing errors and waiting times. Lean is a system of reinforcement of hospital business for the long term thereby reducing costs and risk. Kanban (2009) states that lean is a toolset; a management system and a viewpoint that can change the way hospitals are structured and managed. Lean helps managers to comprehend and identify broken systems and to improve these in small parts, while employees aid in finding solutions for broken systems. This proposal analyses the effect lean tools have had within Arwyp Medical Centre in Kempton Park, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Improving socio-ecological resilience strategies of climate change in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole
- Authors: Nzante, Ekiyie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Forest resilience -- Climatic factors -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Global warming -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9145 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018823
- Description: The Kyoto Protocol of UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) postulated that anthropogenic causes are the main drivers of global climate change. This Kyoto Protocol was ratified by South Africa, with South Africa accepting all the binding commitments. Since then South Africa has promulgated legislations which cater for the environment and the reduction of the greenhouse gases respectively, with the aim of promoting sustainable development. The South African constitution has recognised the environment in Section 24. This is the birth place of the “Environmental Clauses” which do not only speak to the national government but are also broken down to the provincial and local government. This study was grounded within the field of Development studies and undertook a case study of improving the socio-ecological resilience strategies of climate changes in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole (NMBM). The study employed the use of semi-structure interviews whereby a questionnaire was used to guide the researcher in the interview process. A total of 23 officials were interviewed, ranging from governmental departments (municipality) through civil societies to private consultants, in order to avoid the generation of biases. The data obtained from respondents were presented, analysed, and discussed. From the data collected, it was possible to single out certain barriers to climate change resilience initiative in NMBM. Some of these barriers include the lack of awareness of climate change resilience issues, lack of political will, lack of funding, and the poor concern given to climate change issues since the municipality does not consider it a core issue. Based on the study findings, the main recommendation offered to NMBM was the creation of a Sustainable Development Framework, which will provide a perfect platform for development, acknowledge the threat posed by the negative effects of climate change, and enhance opportunities to execute climate change projects in NMBM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Nzante, Ekiyie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Forest resilience -- Climatic factors -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Global warming -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9145 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018823
- Description: The Kyoto Protocol of UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) postulated that anthropogenic causes are the main drivers of global climate change. This Kyoto Protocol was ratified by South Africa, with South Africa accepting all the binding commitments. Since then South Africa has promulgated legislations which cater for the environment and the reduction of the greenhouse gases respectively, with the aim of promoting sustainable development. The South African constitution has recognised the environment in Section 24. This is the birth place of the “Environmental Clauses” which do not only speak to the national government but are also broken down to the provincial and local government. This study was grounded within the field of Development studies and undertook a case study of improving the socio-ecological resilience strategies of climate changes in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole (NMBM). The study employed the use of semi-structure interviews whereby a questionnaire was used to guide the researcher in the interview process. A total of 23 officials were interviewed, ranging from governmental departments (municipality) through civil societies to private consultants, in order to avoid the generation of biases. The data obtained from respondents were presented, analysed, and discussed. From the data collected, it was possible to single out certain barriers to climate change resilience initiative in NMBM. Some of these barriers include the lack of awareness of climate change resilience issues, lack of political will, lack of funding, and the poor concern given to climate change issues since the municipality does not consider it a core issue. Based on the study findings, the main recommendation offered to NMBM was the creation of a Sustainable Development Framework, which will provide a perfect platform for development, acknowledge the threat posed by the negative effects of climate change, and enhance opportunities to execute climate change projects in NMBM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Improving the organisational perfomance of school by increasing the effectiveness of school management teams
- Authors: Balie, Isaac Ronald
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School management teams -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School boards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8584 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1612 , School management teams -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School boards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The principal together with the school management team (SMT) of a public school is responsible for ensuring that all areas in the school function effectively. Effective school-based management is no longer a choice in South Africa but, rather, a must. Seventeen years into democracy, the Grade 12 pass rates in the Eastern Cape for the past three years were 50.6% in 2008, 51.0% in 2009 and 58.3% in 2010. Although there has been an improvement over the last three years, the Eastern Cape was still number seven out of the nine provinces in 2010. Against this background the question arose as to whether the schools in the Eastern Cape were effectively managed. The primary objective of the study is therefore to improve the organisational performance of public schools in the Uitenhage education district by investigating the relationship between the perceived effective implementation of basic managerial tasks (planning, organising, leading and controlling), on the one hand, and organisational performance of schools, on the other hand. Convenience sampling was used to select 100 out of a possible 139 senior management team members from 26 public schools in the Uitenhage education district. The sample was stratified to include principals, deputy principals and heads of departments. The empirical results revealed that the management tasks, leading and controlling, were the main determinants of the organisational performance of participating schools. The empirical results showed that planning and organising do not have a significant influence on the organisational performance of these schools. The managerial implications of the results are discussed and recommendations are made on the basis of these discussions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Balie, Isaac Ronald
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School management teams -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School boards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8584 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1612 , School management teams -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School boards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The principal together with the school management team (SMT) of a public school is responsible for ensuring that all areas in the school function effectively. Effective school-based management is no longer a choice in South Africa but, rather, a must. Seventeen years into democracy, the Grade 12 pass rates in the Eastern Cape for the past three years were 50.6% in 2008, 51.0% in 2009 and 58.3% in 2010. Although there has been an improvement over the last three years, the Eastern Cape was still number seven out of the nine provinces in 2010. Against this background the question arose as to whether the schools in the Eastern Cape were effectively managed. The primary objective of the study is therefore to improve the organisational performance of public schools in the Uitenhage education district by investigating the relationship between the perceived effective implementation of basic managerial tasks (planning, organising, leading and controlling), on the one hand, and organisational performance of schools, on the other hand. Convenience sampling was used to select 100 out of a possible 139 senior management team members from 26 public schools in the Uitenhage education district. The sample was stratified to include principals, deputy principals and heads of departments. The empirical results revealed that the management tasks, leading and controlling, were the main determinants of the organisational performance of participating schools. The empirical results showed that planning and organising do not have a significant influence on the organisational performance of these schools. The managerial implications of the results are discussed and recommendations are made on the basis of these discussions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Improving the robustness and effectiveness of rural telecommunication infrastructures in Dwesa South Africa
- Authors: Ranga, Memory Munashe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Computer networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11382 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001113 , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Computer networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In recent years, immense effort has been channelled towards the Information and Technological development of rural areas. To support this development, telecommunication networks have been deployed. The availability of these telecommunication networks is expected to improve the way people share ideas and communicate locally and globally, reducing limiting factors like distance through the use of the Internet. The major problem for these networks is that very few of them have managed to stay in operation over long periods of time. One of the major causes of this failure is the lack of proper monitoring and management as, in some cases, administrators are located far away from the network site. Other factors that contribute to the frequent failure of these networks are lack of proper infrastructure, lack of a constant power supply and other environmental issues. A telecommunication network was deployed for the people of Dwesa by the Siyakhula Living Lab project. During this research project, frequent visits were made to the site and network users were informally interviewed in order to gain insight into the network challenges. Based on the challenges, different network monitoring systems and other solutions were deployed on the network. This thesis analyses the problems encountered and presents possible and affordable solutions that were implemented on the network. This was done to improve the network‟s reliability, availability and manageability whilst exploring possible and practical ways in which the connectivity of the deployed telecommunication network can be maintained. As part of these solutions, a GPRS redundant link, Nagios and Cacti monitoring systems as well as Simple backup systems were deployed. v Acronyms AC Access Concentrators AMANDA Automatic Marylyn Network Disk Archiver CDMA Code Divison Multiple Access CGI Common Gateway Interface.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ranga, Memory Munashe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Computer networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11382 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001113 , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Computer networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In recent years, immense effort has been channelled towards the Information and Technological development of rural areas. To support this development, telecommunication networks have been deployed. The availability of these telecommunication networks is expected to improve the way people share ideas and communicate locally and globally, reducing limiting factors like distance through the use of the Internet. The major problem for these networks is that very few of them have managed to stay in operation over long periods of time. One of the major causes of this failure is the lack of proper monitoring and management as, in some cases, administrators are located far away from the network site. Other factors that contribute to the frequent failure of these networks are lack of proper infrastructure, lack of a constant power supply and other environmental issues. A telecommunication network was deployed for the people of Dwesa by the Siyakhula Living Lab project. During this research project, frequent visits were made to the site and network users were informally interviewed in order to gain insight into the network challenges. Based on the challenges, different network monitoring systems and other solutions were deployed on the network. This thesis analyses the problems encountered and presents possible and affordable solutions that were implemented on the network. This was done to improve the network‟s reliability, availability and manageability whilst exploring possible and practical ways in which the connectivity of the deployed telecommunication network can be maintained. As part of these solutions, a GPRS redundant link, Nagios and Cacti monitoring systems as well as Simple backup systems were deployed. v Acronyms AC Access Concentrators AMANDA Automatic Marylyn Network Disk Archiver CDMA Code Divison Multiple Access CGI Common Gateway Interface.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
In vitro activity of bioactive compounds of selected South African medicinal plants on clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori
- Authors: Okeleye, Benjamin Ifeoluwa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Helicobacter pylori , Microbial sensitivity tests , Traditional medicine -- South Africa , Gram-negative bacterial infections
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11255 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/310 , Helicobacter pylori , Microbial sensitivity tests , Traditional medicine -- South Africa , Gram-negative bacterial infections
- Description: The stem bark of Peltophorum africanum and Bridelia micrantha are used in South Africa traditional medicine for treatment of intestinal parasites, relieve problems and human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). The growing problem of antibiotic resistance by Helicobacter pylori the major etiological agent in gastritis, gastric cancer, peptic and gastric ulcer demands the search for novel compounds from plant based sources. This study was aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity of five solvent (ethylacetate, acetone, ethanol, methanol and water) extracts of the stem bark of P. africanum and B. micrantha on clinical strains of H. pylori in a bid to identify potential sources of cheap starting materials for the synthesis of new drugs. H. pylori strains were isolated from patients presenting with gastric related morbidities at the Livingstone Hospital, Port Elizabeth for endoscopy and confirmed following standard microbiology procedures. The plant extracts including clarithromycin were tested against 31 clinical strains of H. pylori by the agar well diffusion method. The most potent extract was evaluated by the microdilution method to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC50&90), followed by the rate of kill. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was carried out. The one way ANOVA test was used to statistically analyse the results. All the extracts demonstrated anti-H. pylori activity with zone diameters of inhibition that ranged from 0 to 23 mm for the extracts and 0 to 35 mm for clarithromycin. Marked susceptibility (100%) was recorded for the ethyl acetate extract of P. africanum (P. afr. EA) and the acetone extract of B. micrantha (B. mic. A), which were statistically significant (P < 0.05) compared to all other extracts and clarithromycin. For B. micrantha ethyl acetate extract, 93.5 percent susceptibility was observed while for the control iv antibiotic, clarithromycin it was 58.1 percent. The MIC50 ranged from 0.0048 to 0.313 mg/mL for P. afr. EA, and from 0.0048 to 0.156 mg/mL for B. mic. EA; MIC90 ranged from 0.156 mg/mL to 0.625 mg/mL and 0.0048 to 2.5 mg/mL for P. afr. EA and B. mic. EA respectively. There was a significant statistical difference observed in potency of both P. afr. EA and B. mic. A compared to the two antibiotics (P < 0.05). One hundred percent killing by P. afr EA was observed at 0.05 mg/mL (½ x MIC) and 0.2 mg/mL (2 x MIC) in 66 h for strain PE466C and PE252C respectively. For B. mic. EA, 100 percent killing effect of both strains (PE430C and PE369C) was observed at 0.1 mg/mL (2 x MIC) in 66 h. Qualitative phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins and saponins in the ethyl acetate extracts of both plants, which could be a potential template of lead molecule for the design of new anti- Helicobacter pylori therapies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Okeleye, Benjamin Ifeoluwa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Helicobacter pylori , Microbial sensitivity tests , Traditional medicine -- South Africa , Gram-negative bacterial infections
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11255 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/310 , Helicobacter pylori , Microbial sensitivity tests , Traditional medicine -- South Africa , Gram-negative bacterial infections
- Description: The stem bark of Peltophorum africanum and Bridelia micrantha are used in South Africa traditional medicine for treatment of intestinal parasites, relieve problems and human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). The growing problem of antibiotic resistance by Helicobacter pylori the major etiological agent in gastritis, gastric cancer, peptic and gastric ulcer demands the search for novel compounds from plant based sources. This study was aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity of five solvent (ethylacetate, acetone, ethanol, methanol and water) extracts of the stem bark of P. africanum and B. micrantha on clinical strains of H. pylori in a bid to identify potential sources of cheap starting materials for the synthesis of new drugs. H. pylori strains were isolated from patients presenting with gastric related morbidities at the Livingstone Hospital, Port Elizabeth for endoscopy and confirmed following standard microbiology procedures. The plant extracts including clarithromycin were tested against 31 clinical strains of H. pylori by the agar well diffusion method. The most potent extract was evaluated by the microdilution method to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC50&90), followed by the rate of kill. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was carried out. The one way ANOVA test was used to statistically analyse the results. All the extracts demonstrated anti-H. pylori activity with zone diameters of inhibition that ranged from 0 to 23 mm for the extracts and 0 to 35 mm for clarithromycin. Marked susceptibility (100%) was recorded for the ethyl acetate extract of P. africanum (P. afr. EA) and the acetone extract of B. micrantha (B. mic. A), which were statistically significant (P < 0.05) compared to all other extracts and clarithromycin. For B. micrantha ethyl acetate extract, 93.5 percent susceptibility was observed while for the control iv antibiotic, clarithromycin it was 58.1 percent. The MIC50 ranged from 0.0048 to 0.313 mg/mL for P. afr. EA, and from 0.0048 to 0.156 mg/mL for B. mic. EA; MIC90 ranged from 0.156 mg/mL to 0.625 mg/mL and 0.0048 to 2.5 mg/mL for P. afr. EA and B. mic. EA respectively. There was a significant statistical difference observed in potency of both P. afr. EA and B. mic. A compared to the two antibiotics (P < 0.05). One hundred percent killing by P. afr EA was observed at 0.05 mg/mL (½ x MIC) and 0.2 mg/mL (2 x MIC) in 66 h for strain PE466C and PE252C respectively. For B. mic. EA, 100 percent killing effect of both strains (PE430C and PE369C) was observed at 0.1 mg/mL (2 x MIC) in 66 h. Qualitative phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins and saponins in the ethyl acetate extracts of both plants, which could be a potential template of lead molecule for the design of new anti- Helicobacter pylori therapies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
In vitro drug-herb interaction potential of African medicinal plant products used by Type II diabetics
- Authors: Fang, Yuan Yuan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa , Drugs -- Therapeutic use , Drug-herb interactions -- South Africa , Non-insulin-dependent diabetes -- South Africa , Non-insulin-dependent diabetes -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10317 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1341 , Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa , Drugs -- Therapeutic use , Drug-herb interactions -- South Africa , Non-insulin-dependent diabetes -- South Africa , Non-insulin-dependent diabetes -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Description: In Africa, use of medicinal plants for the treatment of diabetes is very common. However, efficacy on co-administering of medicinal plants with therapeutic drugs hasn't been fully determined, especially for African medicinal plants. The current study focused on assessing the in vitro modulation effects of three popular African medicinal plants, namely: Aloe ferox, Sutherlandia frutescens and Prunus africana (including five commercial preparations containing these medicinal plants) on two of the most important anti-diabetic drug metabolising enzymes, Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) 2C9 and CYP3A4 and a key drug efflux transporter, P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Vivid® microsome-based screening kits were used to assess inhibitory potency of plants preparations on CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 enzymes activities. The study showed that P. africana was a more potent inhibitor of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 activity than the corresponding positive controls Ginkgo biloba and St. John's wort, which are known to cause clinically significant drug-herb interactions. S. frutescens leaf extract demonstrated potent to moderate inhibition on both the tested CYP activities, while its commercial products (Promune® and Probetix®) possessed moderate to mild inhibitory effects on the activities of both CYPs. Potent inhibitory effect on CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 was seen with Aloe Ferox®. Prosit® and Aloes powder® showed potent to moderate inhibition on CYP2C9 activity and moderate to mild inhibition on CYP3A4 activity. In addition to CYP450 activity, the present study also investigated the effects of the selected medicinal plant products on the activity of the main drug efflux protein, P-gp. A screening assay was specifically developed to assess the potential for herbal remedies to interact with P-gp mediated drug absorption. The assay is based on the principle of the reversal of drug resistance in modified Caco-2 cells specifically altered to express high iv efflux protein activity. These cells display a multidrug resistance phenotype and the addition of a plant extract containing a P-gp inhibitor or substrate will inhibit or compete with any cytotoxic drug and consequently reverse the drug resistance. The suitability of the assay was confirmed using a known P-gp inhibitor. The study observed that the anti-proliferation effect of vinblastine was significantly enhanced in vinblastine-resistant Caco-2 cells, which have high P-gp expression, when they were exposed to the selected African herbal preparations. This observation indicates that the studied plant preparations may alter P-gp functionality and therefore lead to interference with the absorption of co-administered drugs. The outcomes of this study provide useful information on whether there are any potential drug-herb interactions between the commonly used African medicinal plants and oral anti-diabetic drugs, at the level of CYP and P-gp drug metabolism and could contribute to better therapeutic management of Type II diabetics. However these predicted interactions will need to be verified in a clinical setting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Fang, Yuan Yuan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa , Drugs -- Therapeutic use , Drug-herb interactions -- South Africa , Non-insulin-dependent diabetes -- South Africa , Non-insulin-dependent diabetes -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10317 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1341 , Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa , Drugs -- Therapeutic use , Drug-herb interactions -- South Africa , Non-insulin-dependent diabetes -- South Africa , Non-insulin-dependent diabetes -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Description: In Africa, use of medicinal plants for the treatment of diabetes is very common. However, efficacy on co-administering of medicinal plants with therapeutic drugs hasn't been fully determined, especially for African medicinal plants. The current study focused on assessing the in vitro modulation effects of three popular African medicinal plants, namely: Aloe ferox, Sutherlandia frutescens and Prunus africana (including five commercial preparations containing these medicinal plants) on two of the most important anti-diabetic drug metabolising enzymes, Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) 2C9 and CYP3A4 and a key drug efflux transporter, P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Vivid® microsome-based screening kits were used to assess inhibitory potency of plants preparations on CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 enzymes activities. The study showed that P. africana was a more potent inhibitor of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 activity than the corresponding positive controls Ginkgo biloba and St. John's wort, which are known to cause clinically significant drug-herb interactions. S. frutescens leaf extract demonstrated potent to moderate inhibition on both the tested CYP activities, while its commercial products (Promune® and Probetix®) possessed moderate to mild inhibitory effects on the activities of both CYPs. Potent inhibitory effect on CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 was seen with Aloe Ferox®. Prosit® and Aloes powder® showed potent to moderate inhibition on CYP2C9 activity and moderate to mild inhibition on CYP3A4 activity. In addition to CYP450 activity, the present study also investigated the effects of the selected medicinal plant products on the activity of the main drug efflux protein, P-gp. A screening assay was specifically developed to assess the potential for herbal remedies to interact with P-gp mediated drug absorption. The assay is based on the principle of the reversal of drug resistance in modified Caco-2 cells specifically altered to express high iv efflux protein activity. These cells display a multidrug resistance phenotype and the addition of a plant extract containing a P-gp inhibitor or substrate will inhibit or compete with any cytotoxic drug and consequently reverse the drug resistance. The suitability of the assay was confirmed using a known P-gp inhibitor. The study observed that the anti-proliferation effect of vinblastine was significantly enhanced in vinblastine-resistant Caco-2 cells, which have high P-gp expression, when they were exposed to the selected African herbal preparations. This observation indicates that the studied plant preparations may alter P-gp functionality and therefore lead to interference with the absorption of co-administered drugs. The outcomes of this study provide useful information on whether there are any potential drug-herb interactions between the commonly used African medicinal plants and oral anti-diabetic drugs, at the level of CYP and P-gp drug metabolism and could contribute to better therapeutic management of Type II diabetics. However these predicted interactions will need to be verified in a clinical setting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
In-vitro anti-vibrio activities of crude extracts of Garcinia Kola seeds
- Authors: Penduka, Dambudzo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Microbial sensitivity tests , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Antibiotics , Garcinia , Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11256 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/405 , Microbial sensitivity tests , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Antibiotics , Garcinia , Medicinal plants
- Description: The n-Hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and aqueous crude extracts of Garcinia kola (Heckel) seeds were screened for their anti-Vibrio activities against 50 Vibrio bacteria isolated from wastewater final effluents. The 50 isolates consisted of different Vibrio species namely V. fluvialis (14), V. vulnificus (12), V. parahaemolyticus (12), V. metschnikovii (3) and 9 others unidentified to the specie level. The n-Hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extracts had activities against 16 (32 percent) of the Vibrio isolates, while the aqueous extracts had activities against 12 (24 percent) all at a screening concentration of 10 mg/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were 0.313-0.625 mg/ml, 0.313-0.625 mg/ml, 0.313-2.5 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml for n-Hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and aqueous extracts respectively. Rate of kill studies were carried out against three different Vibrio species namely V. vulnificus (AL042), V. parahaemolyticus (AL049) and V. fluvialis ( AL040) using the n-Hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extracts at 1× to 4 × MICs and 2 hour exposure. About 96.3 percent, 82.2 percent, and 78.1 percent (V. fluvialis AL040); 92.6 percent, 87.8 percent and 68.9 percent (V. parahaemolyticus AL049); and 91.6 percent, 64.4 percent, 60 percent (V. vulnificus AL042) of the bacteria were killed by the crude n-Hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extracts respectively after 2 hour exposure time at 4× MIC. The patterns of activity were bacteriostatic, with the n-Hexane extracts being most effective in activity. We conclude that the Garcinia kola seeds have promise in the treatment and management of infections caused by Vibrio species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Penduka, Dambudzo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Microbial sensitivity tests , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Antibiotics , Garcinia , Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11256 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/405 , Microbial sensitivity tests , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Antibiotics , Garcinia , Medicinal plants
- Description: The n-Hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and aqueous crude extracts of Garcinia kola (Heckel) seeds were screened for their anti-Vibrio activities against 50 Vibrio bacteria isolated from wastewater final effluents. The 50 isolates consisted of different Vibrio species namely V. fluvialis (14), V. vulnificus (12), V. parahaemolyticus (12), V. metschnikovii (3) and 9 others unidentified to the specie level. The n-Hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extracts had activities against 16 (32 percent) of the Vibrio isolates, while the aqueous extracts had activities against 12 (24 percent) all at a screening concentration of 10 mg/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were 0.313-0.625 mg/ml, 0.313-0.625 mg/ml, 0.313-2.5 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml for n-Hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and aqueous extracts respectively. Rate of kill studies were carried out against three different Vibrio species namely V. vulnificus (AL042), V. parahaemolyticus (AL049) and V. fluvialis ( AL040) using the n-Hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extracts at 1× to 4 × MICs and 2 hour exposure. About 96.3 percent, 82.2 percent, and 78.1 percent (V. fluvialis AL040); 92.6 percent, 87.8 percent and 68.9 percent (V. parahaemolyticus AL049); and 91.6 percent, 64.4 percent, 60 percent (V. vulnificus AL042) of the bacteria were killed by the crude n-Hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extracts respectively after 2 hour exposure time at 4× MIC. The patterns of activity were bacteriostatic, with the n-Hexane extracts being most effective in activity. We conclude that the Garcinia kola seeds have promise in the treatment and management of infections caused by Vibrio species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Incidence and mechanism of injuries occurring over season among premier and president league hockey teams of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- Authors: Walker, Rostin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Field hockey injuries -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10091 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1577 , Field hockey injuries -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of the study was twofold namely (1) to describe and compare the incidence and mechanism of injuries that occurred in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University hockey teams that play in the Premier and President Leagues; and (2) to determine the relationships between the level of physical preparation of the relevant players and injury occurrence. The study utilised an exploratory-descriptive epidemiological approach, implementing a cohort study design and was conducted over a period of six months. Data collection was done by means of two physical tests, one to assess the players’ endurance and the other to assess their anaerobic fitness. This was performed twice on the participants during the study. Data collection also utilised four questionnaires to determine the following: the players’ personal information and medical history, the preparation and training the players did for hockey, the incidence and mechanism of the injury the players have incurred and the follow-up of the injury to describe the type of injury and the rehabilitation process. The study included 42 participants with 25 from the two Premier League Teams and 17 from the President League Team. The results were placed into table and graph format and elucidated by means of descriptive statistics. Furthermore inferential statistics and Cohen’s d were utilised to determine both statistical and practical significances of differences between groups mean values respectively. The statistical significance of differences between the frequency distributions of the two sample groups was determined by means of Chi2 tests of independence. Cramér’s V statistic was used when there were statistically significant Chi2 tests results to determine the practical significance of the two sample group’s differences. The variable of highest level of play showed the only significant difference with regards to screening statistics as the Premier League Participants had a higher number of years participating at a provincial level. The injury statistics revealed that the incidence of injury in the Premier League was 4.08 injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures (A-E), while there was a significantly higher incidence for the President League of 14.71 injuries per 1000 A-E. Matches showed a significantly higher incidence of injuries (8.18 injuries per 1000 A-E) than xiv practices (2.42 injuries per 1000 A-E) which follows previous research. Goalkeepers and halves showed the highest occurrence of injuries (36 percent each) and are supported by 59 percent of the injuries occurring on the defensive side of the 23 metre line. Contact injuries (collision 6 percent, hit by stick 17 percent and hit by ball 33 percent) accounted for 56 percent of all the injuries. No significant differences were found between the two leagues with regards to preparation, the Multi Stage Shuttle Run Test (MSSRT) and the Repeated Sprint Test (RST), except for one period each for technical skills and aerobic training. The relationship between injuries and training showed no significances with regards to preparation, MSSRT and RST, although there was minimal balance and proprioceptive training performed. Thus the lower league showed a significantly higher incidence of injury with preparation not being a mechanism for injuries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Walker, Rostin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Field hockey injuries -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10091 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1577 , Field hockey injuries -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of the study was twofold namely (1) to describe and compare the incidence and mechanism of injuries that occurred in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University hockey teams that play in the Premier and President Leagues; and (2) to determine the relationships between the level of physical preparation of the relevant players and injury occurrence. The study utilised an exploratory-descriptive epidemiological approach, implementing a cohort study design and was conducted over a period of six months. Data collection was done by means of two physical tests, one to assess the players’ endurance and the other to assess their anaerobic fitness. This was performed twice on the participants during the study. Data collection also utilised four questionnaires to determine the following: the players’ personal information and medical history, the preparation and training the players did for hockey, the incidence and mechanism of the injury the players have incurred and the follow-up of the injury to describe the type of injury and the rehabilitation process. The study included 42 participants with 25 from the two Premier League Teams and 17 from the President League Team. The results were placed into table and graph format and elucidated by means of descriptive statistics. Furthermore inferential statistics and Cohen’s d were utilised to determine both statistical and practical significances of differences between groups mean values respectively. The statistical significance of differences between the frequency distributions of the two sample groups was determined by means of Chi2 tests of independence. Cramér’s V statistic was used when there were statistically significant Chi2 tests results to determine the practical significance of the two sample group’s differences. The variable of highest level of play showed the only significant difference with regards to screening statistics as the Premier League Participants had a higher number of years participating at a provincial level. The injury statistics revealed that the incidence of injury in the Premier League was 4.08 injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures (A-E), while there was a significantly higher incidence for the President League of 14.71 injuries per 1000 A-E. Matches showed a significantly higher incidence of injuries (8.18 injuries per 1000 A-E) than xiv practices (2.42 injuries per 1000 A-E) which follows previous research. Goalkeepers and halves showed the highest occurrence of injuries (36 percent each) and are supported by 59 percent of the injuries occurring on the defensive side of the 23 metre line. Contact injuries (collision 6 percent, hit by stick 17 percent and hit by ball 33 percent) accounted for 56 percent of all the injuries. No significant differences were found between the two leagues with regards to preparation, the Multi Stage Shuttle Run Test (MSSRT) and the Repeated Sprint Test (RST), except for one period each for technical skills and aerobic training. The relationship between injuries and training showed no significances with regards to preparation, MSSRT and RST, although there was minimal balance and proprioceptive training performed. Thus the lower league showed a significantly higher incidence of injury with preparation not being a mechanism for injuries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Increasing the competitve advantage of the smaller short-term insurance intermediary
- Authors: Stumke, Francois
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Insurance -- South Africa , Insurance companies -- South Africa -- Finance , Financial services industry -- Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9372 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012447 , Insurance -- South Africa , Insurance companies -- South Africa -- Finance , Financial services industry -- Marketing
- Description: In a fragmented and competitive industry, it is likely for the smaller roleplayer to be challenged in terms of competitiveness and market share. It is, therefore, important for the smaller organisation to etch its position in the market, by increasing its competitive advantage. In a milieu where there is a shift in distribution dynamics and the balance of power, and an increase in consumerism, the need to react is a pressing issue to be addressed by the smaller player. In the context of this study, the small and medium-low-impact intermediary in the South African short-term insurance industry is under pressure from, among others, direct distribution models and the increasing volume of the medium-high and high-impact intermediaries. It is determined in this study that the intermediary is challenged by all five market forces, as postulated by Porter in the model of “the five forces that shape industry competition”. The intermediary organisation must adopt positioning strategies, and differentiate its offering, in order to stay relevant in the industry. The short-term insurance intermediate industry is classified as a service industry; and therefore, it has unique factors to attend to. The positioning and differentiation strategies must be implemented without compromising the service quality levels. Furthermore, in the development of positioning strategies, it is essential to investigate the traditional marketing mix, while amplifying the mix with contemporary views of the subject. These form the basis of the positioning strategy; and from there, differentiation offerings can be shaped. A survey analysis of the product suppliers aims to identify the most important strategies for success. The study relies on the industry knowledge of the executives of these organisations, to steer the positioning strategies of the intermediary to fit in with their own positioning in the marketplace.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Stumke, Francois
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Insurance -- South Africa , Insurance companies -- South Africa -- Finance , Financial services industry -- Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9372 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012447 , Insurance -- South Africa , Insurance companies -- South Africa -- Finance , Financial services industry -- Marketing
- Description: In a fragmented and competitive industry, it is likely for the smaller roleplayer to be challenged in terms of competitiveness and market share. It is, therefore, important for the smaller organisation to etch its position in the market, by increasing its competitive advantage. In a milieu where there is a shift in distribution dynamics and the balance of power, and an increase in consumerism, the need to react is a pressing issue to be addressed by the smaller player. In the context of this study, the small and medium-low-impact intermediary in the South African short-term insurance industry is under pressure from, among others, direct distribution models and the increasing volume of the medium-high and high-impact intermediaries. It is determined in this study that the intermediary is challenged by all five market forces, as postulated by Porter in the model of “the five forces that shape industry competition”. The intermediary organisation must adopt positioning strategies, and differentiate its offering, in order to stay relevant in the industry. The short-term insurance intermediate industry is classified as a service industry; and therefore, it has unique factors to attend to. The positioning and differentiation strategies must be implemented without compromising the service quality levels. Furthermore, in the development of positioning strategies, it is essential to investigate the traditional marketing mix, while amplifying the mix with contemporary views of the subject. These form the basis of the positioning strategy; and from there, differentiation offerings can be shaped. A survey analysis of the product suppliers aims to identify the most important strategies for success. The study relies on the industry knowledge of the executives of these organisations, to steer the positioning strategies of the intermediary to fit in with their own positioning in the marketplace.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Inflation threshold and nonlinearity: implications for inflation targeting in South Africa
- Authors: Morar, Derwina
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Inflation targeting -- South Africa Interest rates -- Effect of inflation on -- South Africa Monetary policy -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:984 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002718
- Description: Following many other central banks around the world, the South African Reserve Bank has adopted inflation targeting as its monetary policy framework. The aim of this is to achieve low levels of inflation in order to attain price stability thereby promoting growth. In South Africa, the chosen band to target is 3%–6%. This has been criticised by many trade unions who are calling for the abandonment of inflation targeting. Despite targeting 3%–6%, it is not known whether this is the optimal inflation range for South Africa. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the inflation threshold level for South Africa using quarterly data for the period 1983 to 2010. The first section determines whether or not there is a long-run relationship between inflation and growth using the Johansen cointegration method. Exogeneity tests determine the causality between these variables. Vector error correction models are estimated if cointegration is found. The second part determines the threshold level of inflation using the method of conditional least squares. The inflation level that maximises the R-squared value and minimises the residual sum of squares gives an indication of the threshold level. The third part of the study determines whether or not inflation volatility has a significant impact on growth. The first part established that there is long-run comovement between inflation and growth.The causality is bidirectional with both variables being endogenous.Findings regarding the threshold level show that the current inflation targeting band of 3%–6% may be extended up to 9.5%. In addition, the range of inflation from 5.5% to 6.5% promotes economic growth in South Africa. Finally, the evidence suggests that inflation volatility does not have a significant impact on economic growth and the focus of policy should be directed towards the level of inflation as has been the case.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Morar, Derwina
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Inflation targeting -- South Africa Interest rates -- Effect of inflation on -- South Africa Monetary policy -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:984 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002718
- Description: Following many other central banks around the world, the South African Reserve Bank has adopted inflation targeting as its monetary policy framework. The aim of this is to achieve low levels of inflation in order to attain price stability thereby promoting growth. In South Africa, the chosen band to target is 3%–6%. This has been criticised by many trade unions who are calling for the abandonment of inflation targeting. Despite targeting 3%–6%, it is not known whether this is the optimal inflation range for South Africa. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the inflation threshold level for South Africa using quarterly data for the period 1983 to 2010. The first section determines whether or not there is a long-run relationship between inflation and growth using the Johansen cointegration method. Exogeneity tests determine the causality between these variables. Vector error correction models are estimated if cointegration is found. The second part determines the threshold level of inflation using the method of conditional least squares. The inflation level that maximises the R-squared value and minimises the residual sum of squares gives an indication of the threshold level. The third part of the study determines whether or not inflation volatility has a significant impact on growth. The first part established that there is long-run comovement between inflation and growth.The causality is bidirectional with both variables being endogenous.Findings regarding the threshold level show that the current inflation targeting band of 3%–6% may be extended up to 9.5%. In addition, the range of inflation from 5.5% to 6.5% promotes economic growth in South Africa. Finally, the evidence suggests that inflation volatility does not have a significant impact on economic growth and the focus of policy should be directed towards the level of inflation as has been the case.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Information and communication technology (ICT) and enhanced learning at Pearson High School
- Authors: Mdlongwa, Edward Thabani
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Educational technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Information technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9092 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011595 , Educational technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Information technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The advent of the 21st Century has seen a number of technological developments which affect almost every spectrum or aspect of our lives. Castells (2001) likens the power of ICT to the impact that access to electricity and clean running water in a community have had on human development. In the field of educational, information and communication technology (ICT) has become a core part in helping to improve the efficiency and productivity of both teaching and learning of any particular subject (Fallows and Bhanot, 2002).The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent ICT had enhanced learning at Pearson High School in the Summerstrand area of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). The results of the study were compared with similar studies in other schools in NMBM conducted at the same time. The study was qualitative and methods of data collection used were key informant interviews and focus group discussions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mdlongwa, Edward Thabani
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Educational technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Information technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9092 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011595 , Educational technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Information technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The advent of the 21st Century has seen a number of technological developments which affect almost every spectrum or aspect of our lives. Castells (2001) likens the power of ICT to the impact that access to electricity and clean running water in a community have had on human development. In the field of educational, information and communication technology (ICT) has become a core part in helping to improve the efficiency and productivity of both teaching and learning of any particular subject (Fallows and Bhanot, 2002).The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent ICT had enhanced learning at Pearson High School in the Summerstrand area of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). The results of the study were compared with similar studies in other schools in NMBM conducted at the same time. The study was qualitative and methods of data collection used were key informant interviews and focus group discussions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Initial investigations into dynamics of mesozooplankton community structure in Algoa Bay, South Africa
- Authors: Dali, Luzuko O'Brian
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Zooplankton -- Research -- Indian Ocean -- South Africa , Phytoplankton -- Research -- Indian Ocean -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5715 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005401 , Zooplankton -- Research -- Indian Ocean -- South Africa , Phytoplankton -- Research -- Indian Ocean -- South Africa
- Description: As part of a long-term monitoring programme initiated by the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) Elwandle Node, the spatio-temporal dynamics of mesozooplankton (200–2000 μm) community structure in Algoa Bay, on the Eastern Cape coastline of southern Africa, was investigated in summer and winter of 2008. Physical-chemical and biological variables were measured at selected sites in the eastern and western sectors of the Bay. During summer, nutrient rich waters upwelling into the eastern sector of the Bay contributed to significant spatial variation in selected physical-chemical variables. During winter, virtually no significant spatial patterns in the physical-chemical variables were observed (P>0.05 in all cases). For the majority of physical-chemical variables, no significant seasonal patterns in values were detected (P>0.05 in all cases). Notable exceptions were water column stability and water temperatures which were highest during summer, and seston, turbidity and ammonium concentrations which attained the highest values in winter. The striking seasonal pattern observed in the water column stability, coupled with the upwelling event, coincided with a strong seasonal pattern in the total surface and integrated chlorophyll-a concentrations within the Bay. During summer, the total surface phytoplankton biomass ranged from 1.87–3.11 μg.L⁻¹ and the integrated biomass values between 44.6 and 89.1 mg chl-a m⁻². In winter, surface chl-a concentrations ranged from 0.49 to 0.55 μg.L⁻¹ and integrated biomass from 13.5 to 13.8 mg chl-a m⁻². During both seasons, the large microphytoplankton (>20 μm) fraction contributed the most (>80%) to the total phytoplankton biomass suggesting that phytoplankton growth is not nutrient limited within the Bay. The total mesozooplankton abundance and biomass values during summer varied between 10088.92 and 28283.21 ind.m⁻³ and between 76.59 and 161.94 mg.m⁻³, respectively. During winter, total abundance and biomass of mesozooplankton within the Bay were significantly lower, ranging from 2392.49 to 11145.29 ind.m⁻³, and from 34.49 to 42.49 mg.m⁻³, respectively (P<0.05). During both seasons, cosmopolitan copepod species 200–500μm in size dominated the total mesozooplankton counts, numerically and in biomass. Hierarchical cluster analyses identified distinct zooplankton groupings within the Bay during both the summer (three groupings) and winter (four groupings) surveys. The different groupings identified during the two seasons were not associated with any specific geographic region or hydrological feature. Nonetheless, a distinct seasonal pattern in the mesozooplankton community was evident, largely reflecting the increased abundance of mesozooplankton during the summer survey. Canonical Correspondence Analyses (CCA) indicated that the zooplankton community structure within Algoa Bay reflected a complex interaction between physical-chemical (e.g. temperature, water column stability, turbidity, and nitrate, dissolved oxygen and nitrite concentrations) and biological factors (e.g. microphytoplankton and picophytoplankton concentrations). These data provide baseline information towards long-term monitoring programs that will be conducted in Algoa Bay, as part of the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), in the near future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Dali, Luzuko O'Brian
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Zooplankton -- Research -- Indian Ocean -- South Africa , Phytoplankton -- Research -- Indian Ocean -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5715 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005401 , Zooplankton -- Research -- Indian Ocean -- South Africa , Phytoplankton -- Research -- Indian Ocean -- South Africa
- Description: As part of a long-term monitoring programme initiated by the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) Elwandle Node, the spatio-temporal dynamics of mesozooplankton (200–2000 μm) community structure in Algoa Bay, on the Eastern Cape coastline of southern Africa, was investigated in summer and winter of 2008. Physical-chemical and biological variables were measured at selected sites in the eastern and western sectors of the Bay. During summer, nutrient rich waters upwelling into the eastern sector of the Bay contributed to significant spatial variation in selected physical-chemical variables. During winter, virtually no significant spatial patterns in the physical-chemical variables were observed (P>0.05 in all cases). For the majority of physical-chemical variables, no significant seasonal patterns in values were detected (P>0.05 in all cases). Notable exceptions were water column stability and water temperatures which were highest during summer, and seston, turbidity and ammonium concentrations which attained the highest values in winter. The striking seasonal pattern observed in the water column stability, coupled with the upwelling event, coincided with a strong seasonal pattern in the total surface and integrated chlorophyll-a concentrations within the Bay. During summer, the total surface phytoplankton biomass ranged from 1.87–3.11 μg.L⁻¹ and the integrated biomass values between 44.6 and 89.1 mg chl-a m⁻². In winter, surface chl-a concentrations ranged from 0.49 to 0.55 μg.L⁻¹ and integrated biomass from 13.5 to 13.8 mg chl-a m⁻². During both seasons, the large microphytoplankton (>20 μm) fraction contributed the most (>80%) to the total phytoplankton biomass suggesting that phytoplankton growth is not nutrient limited within the Bay. The total mesozooplankton abundance and biomass values during summer varied between 10088.92 and 28283.21 ind.m⁻³ and between 76.59 and 161.94 mg.m⁻³, respectively. During winter, total abundance and biomass of mesozooplankton within the Bay were significantly lower, ranging from 2392.49 to 11145.29 ind.m⁻³, and from 34.49 to 42.49 mg.m⁻³, respectively (P<0.05). During both seasons, cosmopolitan copepod species 200–500μm in size dominated the total mesozooplankton counts, numerically and in biomass. Hierarchical cluster analyses identified distinct zooplankton groupings within the Bay during both the summer (three groupings) and winter (four groupings) surveys. The different groupings identified during the two seasons were not associated with any specific geographic region or hydrological feature. Nonetheless, a distinct seasonal pattern in the mesozooplankton community was evident, largely reflecting the increased abundance of mesozooplankton during the summer survey. Canonical Correspondence Analyses (CCA) indicated that the zooplankton community structure within Algoa Bay reflected a complex interaction between physical-chemical (e.g. temperature, water column stability, turbidity, and nitrate, dissolved oxygen and nitrite concentrations) and biological factors (e.g. microphytoplankton and picophytoplankton concentrations). These data provide baseline information towards long-term monitoring programs that will be conducted in Algoa Bay, as part of the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), in the near future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Innovations introduced into the South African criminal justice by the child justice Act 75 of 2008
- Jokani, Mkhuseli Christopher
- Authors: Jokani, Mkhuseli Christopher
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Children -- Legal status, laws etc. -- South Africa , Juvenile justice, Administration of -- South Africa , Criminal law -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10176 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1571 , Children -- Legal status, laws etc. -- South Africa , Juvenile justice, Administration of -- South Africa , Criminal law -- South Africa
- Description: The Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 has brought about some new elements in the South African Criminal Justice system in cases involving children in conflict with the law. The changes require that children in conflict with the law should be treated differently from adult accused persons. The Act is now regarded as a Criminal Procedure for children in conflict with the law. In other words the emphasis is on ensuring that children are diverted away from the formal Criminal Justice provided that children acknowledge responsibility. One of the elements that is introduced by the Act is the Preliminary Inquiry that is an informal, pre- trial procedure that must be held in respect of every child that is alleged to have committed an offence. The role of the Presiding Judicial Officer is very active during this stage because he is the one that takes charge of the proceedings and the role of the Prosecutor and the Legal Representative is very minimal. The purpose of the Preliminary Inquiry is in the main to determine whether a child in conflict with the law could be diverted if the provisions of section 52 (1) of the Act are complied with. Preliminary Inquiry if properly used will have possible benefits for the South African Criminal Justice system in that cases involving children will be timeously be finalised and the turn around time for criminal cases in general will possibly improve. Same will translate in the confidence of the citizens being improved in the Justice system. The second element that is introduced by the Act is formalised diversion into the Criminal Justice System. Diversion had for a number of years before the coming into operation of the Child Justice Act been used in South Africa but it was informal. The diversion that is envisaged by the Act is restorative in nature in that the Act seeks to involve the child offender, the victim, the community members to collectively identify and address harms, needs and obligations through accepting responsibility, making restitution, taking measures to prevent recurrence of the incident and promoting reconciliation. Restorative Justice is not a new invention in the South African legal system it is a return to traditional patterns of dealing with conflict and crime that had been present in different cultures throughout human history. Restorative Justice has been understood as Ubuntu in the African context. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission demonstrated the benefits of restorative justice in dealing with conflicts that had a potential of setting the country alight. Restorative Justice has evolved in South Africa throughout different historical epochs up to the current legal conjuncture. It has now been endorsed with success in precedent setting cases in the High Courts of the Republic and the Child Justice Act has now fully institutionalised it into the Criminal Justice system. One hopes that it will be extended beyond cases involving children in conflict with the law but to adult accused persons. Various pieces of legislation attempt to endorse the principles of restorative justice but are not as comprehensive as the Child Justice Act. There are 4 instances where a matter may be diverted in terms of the Act: (i) By a Prosecutor in terms of section 41; (ii) Diversion at Preliminary inquiry; (iii) Diversion before the closure of state case at trial; (iv) At any time during trial but before judgement. There are 2 diversion options that are provided by the Act that is level one diversion option in respect of schedule 1 offences and level 2 diversion options in respect of schedule 2 and 3 which are much more serious. The Act further entrenches Family Group Conference as well as Victim Offender Mediation which are restorative justice mechanisms. The legal consequences of diversion are that when the child has successfully complied is equivalent to an acquittal. The last element is the multi sectoral approach to crime fighting in that all role players should work together in dispensing justice to children in conflict with the law. The days of working in silos are now over because everybody has a role to play and there has to be collaboration at all levels. The Act entrenches the public private partnerships particularly in helping to rehabilitate and reintegrate children to society. The Act provides for the establishment of One Stop Child Justice Centres. The purpose is to promote cooperation between government departments, non governmental organisations and civil society to ensure integrated and holistic approach in the implementation of the Act. The Act further provides for the development of the National Policy Framework by the Departments of Justice and Constitutional Development, Social Development, Correctional Services, South African Police Services, Education and Health within 2 months of the commencement of the Act. The purpose is to ensure uniform, coordinated and cooperative approach by all government departments, organs of state and institutions in dealing with matters of child justice and enhance service delivery. This study seeks to examine the innovations brought about by the Child Justice Act into the South African Criminal Justice System. The study further explores the possible benefits that may accrue to the Criminal Justice System because of Preliminary Inquiry, Restorative Justice and the Multi Sectoral Approach to crime.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Jokani, Mkhuseli Christopher
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Children -- Legal status, laws etc. -- South Africa , Juvenile justice, Administration of -- South Africa , Criminal law -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10176 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1571 , Children -- Legal status, laws etc. -- South Africa , Juvenile justice, Administration of -- South Africa , Criminal law -- South Africa
- Description: The Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 has brought about some new elements in the South African Criminal Justice system in cases involving children in conflict with the law. The changes require that children in conflict with the law should be treated differently from adult accused persons. The Act is now regarded as a Criminal Procedure for children in conflict with the law. In other words the emphasis is on ensuring that children are diverted away from the formal Criminal Justice provided that children acknowledge responsibility. One of the elements that is introduced by the Act is the Preliminary Inquiry that is an informal, pre- trial procedure that must be held in respect of every child that is alleged to have committed an offence. The role of the Presiding Judicial Officer is very active during this stage because he is the one that takes charge of the proceedings and the role of the Prosecutor and the Legal Representative is very minimal. The purpose of the Preliminary Inquiry is in the main to determine whether a child in conflict with the law could be diverted if the provisions of section 52 (1) of the Act are complied with. Preliminary Inquiry if properly used will have possible benefits for the South African Criminal Justice system in that cases involving children will be timeously be finalised and the turn around time for criminal cases in general will possibly improve. Same will translate in the confidence of the citizens being improved in the Justice system. The second element that is introduced by the Act is formalised diversion into the Criminal Justice System. Diversion had for a number of years before the coming into operation of the Child Justice Act been used in South Africa but it was informal. The diversion that is envisaged by the Act is restorative in nature in that the Act seeks to involve the child offender, the victim, the community members to collectively identify and address harms, needs and obligations through accepting responsibility, making restitution, taking measures to prevent recurrence of the incident and promoting reconciliation. Restorative Justice is not a new invention in the South African legal system it is a return to traditional patterns of dealing with conflict and crime that had been present in different cultures throughout human history. Restorative Justice has been understood as Ubuntu in the African context. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission demonstrated the benefits of restorative justice in dealing with conflicts that had a potential of setting the country alight. Restorative Justice has evolved in South Africa throughout different historical epochs up to the current legal conjuncture. It has now been endorsed with success in precedent setting cases in the High Courts of the Republic and the Child Justice Act has now fully institutionalised it into the Criminal Justice system. One hopes that it will be extended beyond cases involving children in conflict with the law but to adult accused persons. Various pieces of legislation attempt to endorse the principles of restorative justice but are not as comprehensive as the Child Justice Act. There are 4 instances where a matter may be diverted in terms of the Act: (i) By a Prosecutor in terms of section 41; (ii) Diversion at Preliminary inquiry; (iii) Diversion before the closure of state case at trial; (iv) At any time during trial but before judgement. There are 2 diversion options that are provided by the Act that is level one diversion option in respect of schedule 1 offences and level 2 diversion options in respect of schedule 2 and 3 which are much more serious. The Act further entrenches Family Group Conference as well as Victim Offender Mediation which are restorative justice mechanisms. The legal consequences of diversion are that when the child has successfully complied is equivalent to an acquittal. The last element is the multi sectoral approach to crime fighting in that all role players should work together in dispensing justice to children in conflict with the law. The days of working in silos are now over because everybody has a role to play and there has to be collaboration at all levels. The Act entrenches the public private partnerships particularly in helping to rehabilitate and reintegrate children to society. The Act provides for the establishment of One Stop Child Justice Centres. The purpose is to promote cooperation between government departments, non governmental organisations and civil society to ensure integrated and holistic approach in the implementation of the Act. The Act further provides for the development of the National Policy Framework by the Departments of Justice and Constitutional Development, Social Development, Correctional Services, South African Police Services, Education and Health within 2 months of the commencement of the Act. The purpose is to ensure uniform, coordinated and cooperative approach by all government departments, organs of state and institutions in dealing with matters of child justice and enhance service delivery. This study seeks to examine the innovations brought about by the Child Justice Act into the South African Criminal Justice System. The study further explores the possible benefits that may accrue to the Criminal Justice System because of Preliminary Inquiry, Restorative Justice and the Multi Sectoral Approach to crime.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011