Isolation, purification and kinetic characterization of prolyl endopeptidase from Titicum aestivum
- Authors: Abrahams, Adriam Mark
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Endopeptidases , Wheat , Chemical kinetics , Pharmacokinetics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Biochemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11269 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1004356 , Endopeptidases , Wheat , Chemical kinetics , Pharmacokinetics
- Description: PEP activity has been described in several locations and has mostly been linked to a variety of neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, amnaesia, depression as well as other disease states such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and blood pressure regulation. The enzyme has also been previously isolated from a variety of archae, microorganisms and several eukaryotic species but no prolyl endopeptidases have been isolated from plants. Plants have high levels of proline and glutamine rich peptides in seeds. We therefore hypothesize plants must express PEPs during germination. Bioinformatics tools were used to identify known PEPs and putative plant PEPs. A global sequence alignment of putative plant PEPs and other known PEPs indicated that the active site amino acids Ser, His and Asp are conserved in putative plant PEP sequences. Furthermore, putative plant PEPs showed similar secondary structures to known PEPs and when a rice PEP was modelled onto porcine brain PEP structure, a high degree of similarity was found. Germination studies of wheat seed showed an increase of PEP activity over time with maximum PEP activity reached after 4 days of germination, which remained at this level until 9 days of germination, implying a function for PEP in plant seed germination. Wheat PEP was purified using ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography with a final yield of less than 1 percent and a relative purity (only 2 bands detected by SDS-PAGE). The purified wheat PEP had a molecular weight of approximately 55kDa, substrate specificity for chymotrypsin-like substrates (N-Suc-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-pNa, Km value of 0.58 mM, Kcat of 29.37 s–1; Kcat /Km 50813.14s–1 M–1); a pH optimum of 7.9; temperature optima of 37oC and a high sensitivity to temperature as indicated by loss of activity at temperatures above 40oC. Inhibition studies using E64, Leupeptin and PMSF confirmed that the wheat PEP is from the Serine protease family and is most likely a trypsin-like protease.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Abrahams, Adriam Mark
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Endopeptidases , Wheat , Chemical kinetics , Pharmacokinetics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Biochemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11269 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1004356 , Endopeptidases , Wheat , Chemical kinetics , Pharmacokinetics
- Description: PEP activity has been described in several locations and has mostly been linked to a variety of neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, amnaesia, depression as well as other disease states such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and blood pressure regulation. The enzyme has also been previously isolated from a variety of archae, microorganisms and several eukaryotic species but no prolyl endopeptidases have been isolated from plants. Plants have high levels of proline and glutamine rich peptides in seeds. We therefore hypothesize plants must express PEPs during germination. Bioinformatics tools were used to identify known PEPs and putative plant PEPs. A global sequence alignment of putative plant PEPs and other known PEPs indicated that the active site amino acids Ser, His and Asp are conserved in putative plant PEP sequences. Furthermore, putative plant PEPs showed similar secondary structures to known PEPs and when a rice PEP was modelled onto porcine brain PEP structure, a high degree of similarity was found. Germination studies of wheat seed showed an increase of PEP activity over time with maximum PEP activity reached after 4 days of germination, which remained at this level until 9 days of germination, implying a function for PEP in plant seed germination. Wheat PEP was purified using ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography with a final yield of less than 1 percent and a relative purity (only 2 bands detected by SDS-PAGE). The purified wheat PEP had a molecular weight of approximately 55kDa, substrate specificity for chymotrypsin-like substrates (N-Suc-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-pNa, Km value of 0.58 mM, Kcat of 29.37 s–1; Kcat /Km 50813.14s–1 M–1); a pH optimum of 7.9; temperature optima of 37oC and a high sensitivity to temperature as indicated by loss of activity at temperatures above 40oC. Inhibition studies using E64, Leupeptin and PMSF confirmed that the wheat PEP is from the Serine protease family and is most likely a trypsin-like protease.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Possibilities for multilingualism: a critical case study with selected financial information systems (FIS) students
- Authors: Adams, Natalie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Bilingual method , Education, Bilingual
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8367 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011052 , Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Bilingual method , Education, Bilingual
- Description: This study aims at eliciting what shifts in term of multilingual possibilities can be detected in the language attitudes of first year National Diploma in Financial Information Systems students and their lectures. Qualitative methods are used: data is gathered using a questionnaire, 3 focus group discussions with students, interviews with 2 lecturers as well as an interview with language development practitioner. The questionnaire is modelled on attitudinal studies conducted at University of the Western Cape (Dyers 2001), University of Ford Hare (Dalwit 2001) and at Rhodes University (Aziakpono 2008). The questionnaire data, however, is only used a precursor to the study. The focuses of the study are the 3 focus group discussion and the semi structured interview with two lecturers and language development practitioner. The results of the snap shot questionnaire and first focus group discussion are similar to the three studies on language choices at Fort Hare, Rhodes and the University of the Western Cape respectively whereby students prefer English as the language of learning and teaching. The second focus group discussion is based on an article which students had to read. The article, Here, mother tongue clashes with her mother‟s tongue, focuses on the price that South African black children will pay for the constant erosion of African languages. The article‟s provocative focus challenges commonplace acceptance of English and so resonated with the students‟ exploration of multilingual possibilities. Focus group three revealed that students had experienced an attitudinal shift and realized the significance of mother tongue education as well as the importance of multilingual strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Adams, Natalie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Bilingual method , Education, Bilingual
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8367 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011052 , Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Bilingual method , Education, Bilingual
- Description: This study aims at eliciting what shifts in term of multilingual possibilities can be detected in the language attitudes of first year National Diploma in Financial Information Systems students and their lectures. Qualitative methods are used: data is gathered using a questionnaire, 3 focus group discussions with students, interviews with 2 lecturers as well as an interview with language development practitioner. The questionnaire is modelled on attitudinal studies conducted at University of the Western Cape (Dyers 2001), University of Ford Hare (Dalwit 2001) and at Rhodes University (Aziakpono 2008). The questionnaire data, however, is only used a precursor to the study. The focuses of the study are the 3 focus group discussion and the semi structured interview with two lecturers and language development practitioner. The results of the snap shot questionnaire and first focus group discussion are similar to the three studies on language choices at Fort Hare, Rhodes and the University of the Western Cape respectively whereby students prefer English as the language of learning and teaching. The second focus group discussion is based on an article which students had to read. The article, Here, mother tongue clashes with her mother‟s tongue, focuses on the price that South African black children will pay for the constant erosion of African languages. The article‟s provocative focus challenges commonplace acceptance of English and so resonated with the students‟ exploration of multilingual possibilities. Focus group three revealed that students had experienced an attitudinal shift and realized the significance of mother tongue education as well as the importance of multilingual strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Comparative phytochemical analyses of Aloe Ferox Mill. found in Eastern and Western Cape provinces in South Africa
- Authors: Adams, Zanele
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Phytochemicals -- South Africa , Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Botanical chemistry -- South Africa , Aloe -- Analysis , Aloe -- Research -- South Africa , Aloin
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Botany)
- Identifier: vital:11308 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013114 , Phytochemicals -- South Africa , Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Botanical chemistry -- South Africa , Aloe -- Analysis , Aloe -- Research -- South Africa , Aloin
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Adams, Zanele
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Phytochemicals -- South Africa , Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Botanical chemistry -- South Africa , Aloe -- Analysis , Aloe -- Research -- South Africa , Aloin
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Botany)
- Identifier: vital:11308 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013114 , Phytochemicals -- South Africa , Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Botanical chemistry -- South Africa , Aloe -- Analysis , Aloe -- Research -- South Africa , Aloin
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An exploration of leadership practices: a case study in a public high school in Nigeria
- Authors: Adediji, John Oluwole
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- Nigeria -- Case studies Teacher participation in administration -- Nigeria -- Case studies School management and organization -- Nigeria -- Case studies Education, Secondary -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1405 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001955
- Description: The management of Nigeria high schools are noted for administrative practices in the management of their schools; hence the term administration is commonly used in their daily operations. This fact on ‘administration’ was emphasised by the Nigerian government in the National Policy on Education (Nigeria, 1981, p. 21). Therefor as a researcher from Nigeria, my rationale for embarking on this research study was to find out to what extent a public high school in Nigeria was still operating in a hierarchical, individualistic, authoritarian style of leadership or whether it has started embracing contemporary approaches such as distributed leadership. The main goal of this study was to explore leadership practices in the case study school with the main focus on how different people relate to each other in the various leadership practices of the school, such as staff and briefing meetings of the school. In addition, my research questions aimed at exploring the respondents’ perceptions of leadership and factors enabling or constraining the distribution of leadership in the school. The study is located within the interpretive paradigm. As a researcher in a wheelchair studying in South Africa I needed to find alternative ways of accessing the research site and gathering data. I was able to use electronic communication for the collection of my data. I used four different tools of data collection methods namely document analysis, observation, questionnaire and stimulated recall interviews. Findings from the study indicated that there was limited evidence of contemporary leadership approaches in the case study school. The school was still operating traditional leadership, while school activities were dominated by a hierarchical chain of command. What emerged from the leadership practices of the school could be termed authorised distributed leadership which was under the command of the school principal. Data also indicated that there were some forms of restricted teacher leadership in the management and administration of the school. In addition, findings revealed that the case study school was very good at the management and administrative functions. The school was very effective and efficient in the controlling and management of both human and material resources. Lastly, findings from the case study school indicated some enabling factors to the distribution of leadership in the case study school which include a culture of respect and cordial relations among the SMT and the teachers, Prominent among constraining factors to the distribution of leadership in the case study school were: cultural orientation of the people where the case school was located, exclusionary religious practices by the principal of the school and the inhibiting role played by the Ministry of Education. Finally, based on these findings, recommendations were made both for practice and for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Adediji, John Oluwole
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- Nigeria -- Case studies Teacher participation in administration -- Nigeria -- Case studies School management and organization -- Nigeria -- Case studies Education, Secondary -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1405 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001955
- Description: The management of Nigeria high schools are noted for administrative practices in the management of their schools; hence the term administration is commonly used in their daily operations. This fact on ‘administration’ was emphasised by the Nigerian government in the National Policy on Education (Nigeria, 1981, p. 21). Therefor as a researcher from Nigeria, my rationale for embarking on this research study was to find out to what extent a public high school in Nigeria was still operating in a hierarchical, individualistic, authoritarian style of leadership or whether it has started embracing contemporary approaches such as distributed leadership. The main goal of this study was to explore leadership practices in the case study school with the main focus on how different people relate to each other in the various leadership practices of the school, such as staff and briefing meetings of the school. In addition, my research questions aimed at exploring the respondents’ perceptions of leadership and factors enabling or constraining the distribution of leadership in the school. The study is located within the interpretive paradigm. As a researcher in a wheelchair studying in South Africa I needed to find alternative ways of accessing the research site and gathering data. I was able to use electronic communication for the collection of my data. I used four different tools of data collection methods namely document analysis, observation, questionnaire and stimulated recall interviews. Findings from the study indicated that there was limited evidence of contemporary leadership approaches in the case study school. The school was still operating traditional leadership, while school activities were dominated by a hierarchical chain of command. What emerged from the leadership practices of the school could be termed authorised distributed leadership which was under the command of the school principal. Data also indicated that there were some forms of restricted teacher leadership in the management and administration of the school. In addition, findings revealed that the case study school was very good at the management and administrative functions. The school was very effective and efficient in the controlling and management of both human and material resources. Lastly, findings from the case study school indicated some enabling factors to the distribution of leadership in the case study school which include a culture of respect and cordial relations among the SMT and the teachers, Prominent among constraining factors to the distribution of leadership in the case study school were: cultural orientation of the people where the case school was located, exclusionary religious practices by the principal of the school and the inhibiting role played by the Ministry of Education. Finally, based on these findings, recommendations were made both for practice and for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Biochemical characterisation of Pfj2, a Plasmodium falciparum heat shock protein 40 chaperone potentially involved in protein quality control in the endoplasmic reticulum
- Authors: Afolayan, Omolola Folasade
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Plasmodium falciparum Endoplasmic reticulum Heat shock proteins Malaria , Mosquito-borne infectious disease
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001617
- Description: Plasmodium falciparum is a protozoan parasite that causes a severe form of malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease in humans. P. falciparum encodes a number of proteins to facilitate its life-cycle, including a type II heat shock protein 40 (Hsp40), Pfj2. Pfj2 shows a degree of homology to human ERdj5, a resident protein of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that promotes protein quality control by facilitating the degradation of misfolded proteins. The overall aim of this study was to further understand the function of Pfj2 in the P. falciparum cell by characterising it biochemically. A bioinformatic analysis of Pfj2 was carried out to enable the identification of a potential ER signal sequence and cleavage site. Furthermore, an analysis of Pfj2 protein sequence was performed to compare domain similarities and identities with typical type II Hsp40s namely, human ERdj5, S. cerevisiae Sis1, human Hsj1a and human DnaJB4. The method used included the insertion of the codon-optimised coding sequence for the processed ER form of Pfj2 into the prokaryotic expression vector, pQE30, to enable overproduction of a histidine-tagged protein. A 62 kDa His₆-Pfj2 was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli and purified using denaturing nickel affinity chromatography. ATPase assays were performed to determine the ability of His₆- Pfj2 to stimulate the chaperone activity of the ER Hsp70, also called immunoglobulin binding protein (BiP). Initial studies were conducted on readily available mammalian His₆-BiP as a control, which was shown to have an intrinsic activity of 12.07±3.92 nmolPi/min/mg. His₆- Pfj2 did not stimulate the ATPase activity of mammalian His₆-BiP, suggesting that it either could not act as a co-chaperone of mammalian His₆-BiP (specificity), or it required a misfolded substrate in the system. Therefore, ongoing studies are addressing the interaction of Pfj2 and misfolded substrates with P. falciparum BiP. The results of these studies will further our understanding of a poorly-studied parasite chaperone that represents a potential drug target for development of novel strategies for the control of a serious human disease
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Afolayan, Omolola Folasade
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Plasmodium falciparum Endoplasmic reticulum Heat shock proteins Malaria , Mosquito-borne infectious disease
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001617
- Description: Plasmodium falciparum is a protozoan parasite that causes a severe form of malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease in humans. P. falciparum encodes a number of proteins to facilitate its life-cycle, including a type II heat shock protein 40 (Hsp40), Pfj2. Pfj2 shows a degree of homology to human ERdj5, a resident protein of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that promotes protein quality control by facilitating the degradation of misfolded proteins. The overall aim of this study was to further understand the function of Pfj2 in the P. falciparum cell by characterising it biochemically. A bioinformatic analysis of Pfj2 was carried out to enable the identification of a potential ER signal sequence and cleavage site. Furthermore, an analysis of Pfj2 protein sequence was performed to compare domain similarities and identities with typical type II Hsp40s namely, human ERdj5, S. cerevisiae Sis1, human Hsj1a and human DnaJB4. The method used included the insertion of the codon-optimised coding sequence for the processed ER form of Pfj2 into the prokaryotic expression vector, pQE30, to enable overproduction of a histidine-tagged protein. A 62 kDa His₆-Pfj2 was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli and purified using denaturing nickel affinity chromatography. ATPase assays were performed to determine the ability of His₆- Pfj2 to stimulate the chaperone activity of the ER Hsp70, also called immunoglobulin binding protein (BiP). Initial studies were conducted on readily available mammalian His₆-BiP as a control, which was shown to have an intrinsic activity of 12.07±3.92 nmolPi/min/mg. His₆- Pfj2 did not stimulate the ATPase activity of mammalian His₆-BiP, suggesting that it either could not act as a co-chaperone of mammalian His₆-BiP (specificity), or it required a misfolded substrate in the system. Therefore, ongoing studies are addressing the interaction of Pfj2 and misfolded substrates with P. falciparum BiP. The results of these studies will further our understanding of a poorly-studied parasite chaperone that represents a potential drug target for development of novel strategies for the control of a serious human disease
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An investigation into factors that shape secondary school female retention in two rural public schools, Alimosho Region, Lagos State, Nigeria
- Agbomeji, Ayinda Mojeed Oladele
- Authors: Agbomeji, Ayinda Mojeed Oladele
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Dropouts -- Prevention -- Nigeria -- Alimosho Local Government Area High school dropouts -- Nigeria -- Alimosho Local Government Area Education, Secondary -- Nigeria -- Alimosho Local Government Area Sex differences in education -- Nigeria -- Alimosho Local Government Area High school girls -- Education -- Nigeria -- Alimosho Local Government Area Student aspirations -- Nigeria -- Alimosho Local Government Area Vocational interests -- Nigeria -- Alimosho Local Government Area Sex discrimination in education -- Nigeria -- Alimosho Local Government Area Vocational guidance -- Nigeria -- Alimosho Local Government Area
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1835 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004331
- Description: Challenges of access to education in the developing world and elsewhere appear to be widespread. Many declarations and conventions have been developed to assist countries to respond to the issue. While challenges of access are universal, Africa in general and sub-Saharan Africa in particular are presented with additional concerns about gender equality and gender parity. While learner numbers seem to be on the decline globally, dropout amongst girls is disproportionately greater than amongst boys. Even though school retention presents a challenge at all levels of the schooling system, it is more acute for girls at the secondary school level. This study was conducted to examine and understand factors that shape retention of secondary school female learners in two rural public schools in Alimosho Region of Lagos State, Nigeria. The study design was qualitative and interpretive in nature. Data collection strategies included administered questionnaires in two schools, focus group discussion with twenty female learners in two schools, case studies, individual interviews with four participants from two schools, and observation in English and Biology classes where the two teachers from the two schools participated in the interviews. Ethical clearance from Alimosho Educational Region office and the two schools was obtained before undertaking the study. Participants’ school principals also signed written consent forms before interviews. The female learners were briefed about the study interview activities and advised that their participation was voluntary and that they were free to withdraw at any point. This study drew on Sen’s (1989, 2000) capabilities theory to understand the phenomenon beyond dominant discourses on education that view education as a basic human right or that focus on economic and development gains. The key finding of this study is that in-school and out- of- school factors interact in complex ways to support female learner retention. Key among these are value placed on education by female learners and significant others, particularly parents; family support; and individual aspirations. Extra-curricular participation, government policy, role models, and peer support were also found to be important factors that mediate progression and retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Agbomeji, Ayinda Mojeed Oladele
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Dropouts -- Prevention -- Nigeria -- Alimosho Local Government Area High school dropouts -- Nigeria -- Alimosho Local Government Area Education, Secondary -- Nigeria -- Alimosho Local Government Area Sex differences in education -- Nigeria -- Alimosho Local Government Area High school girls -- Education -- Nigeria -- Alimosho Local Government Area Student aspirations -- Nigeria -- Alimosho Local Government Area Vocational interests -- Nigeria -- Alimosho Local Government Area Sex discrimination in education -- Nigeria -- Alimosho Local Government Area Vocational guidance -- Nigeria -- Alimosho Local Government Area
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1835 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004331
- Description: Challenges of access to education in the developing world and elsewhere appear to be widespread. Many declarations and conventions have been developed to assist countries to respond to the issue. While challenges of access are universal, Africa in general and sub-Saharan Africa in particular are presented with additional concerns about gender equality and gender parity. While learner numbers seem to be on the decline globally, dropout amongst girls is disproportionately greater than amongst boys. Even though school retention presents a challenge at all levels of the schooling system, it is more acute for girls at the secondary school level. This study was conducted to examine and understand factors that shape retention of secondary school female learners in two rural public schools in Alimosho Region of Lagos State, Nigeria. The study design was qualitative and interpretive in nature. Data collection strategies included administered questionnaires in two schools, focus group discussion with twenty female learners in two schools, case studies, individual interviews with four participants from two schools, and observation in English and Biology classes where the two teachers from the two schools participated in the interviews. Ethical clearance from Alimosho Educational Region office and the two schools was obtained before undertaking the study. Participants’ school principals also signed written consent forms before interviews. The female learners were briefed about the study interview activities and advised that their participation was voluntary and that they were free to withdraw at any point. This study drew on Sen’s (1989, 2000) capabilities theory to understand the phenomenon beyond dominant discourses on education that view education as a basic human right or that focus on economic and development gains. The key finding of this study is that in-school and out- of- school factors interact in complex ways to support female learner retention. Key among these are value placed on education by female learners and significant others, particularly parents; family support; and individual aspirations. Extra-curricular participation, government policy, role models, and peer support were also found to be important factors that mediate progression and retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Statistical model for risk diversification in renewable energy
- Authors: Ahame, Edmund
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Renewable energy sources -- Statistics , Diversification in industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10564 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008399 , Renewable energy sources -- Statistics , Diversification in industry
- Description: The growth of the industry and population of South Africa urges to seek new sources of electric power, hence the need to look at alternative power sources. Power output from some renewable energy sources is highly volatile. For instance power output from wind turbines or photovoltaic solar panels fluctuates between zero and the maximum rated power out. To optimize the overall power output a model was designed to determine the best trade-off between production from two or more renewable energy sources putting emphasis on wind and solar. Different measures of risk, such as coefficient of variation (CV) and value at risk (VAR), were used to determine the best hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) configuration. Depending on the investors’ expected returns (demand) and risk averseness, they will be able to use the model to choose the best configuration that suites their needs. In general it was found that investing in a diversified HRES is better than investing in individual power sources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Ahame, Edmund
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Renewable energy sources -- Statistics , Diversification in industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10564 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008399 , Renewable energy sources -- Statistics , Diversification in industry
- Description: The growth of the industry and population of South Africa urges to seek new sources of electric power, hence the need to look at alternative power sources. Power output from some renewable energy sources is highly volatile. For instance power output from wind turbines or photovoltaic solar panels fluctuates between zero and the maximum rated power out. To optimize the overall power output a model was designed to determine the best trade-off between production from two or more renewable energy sources putting emphasis on wind and solar. Different measures of risk, such as coefficient of variation (CV) and value at risk (VAR), were used to determine the best hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) configuration. Depending on the investors’ expected returns (demand) and risk averseness, they will be able to use the model to choose the best configuration that suites their needs. In general it was found that investing in a diversified HRES is better than investing in individual power sources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Barriers to public participation in developmental projects : a Nigerian community perspective (case study of the Gbaran-Ubie oil and gas project)
- Authors: Akoh, Emmanuel Inalegwu
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Gbaran-Ubie oil and gas project -- Public opinion Community development -- Nigeria Economic development -- Nigeria -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:715 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001869
- Description: This research paper is broken up into three sections, namely an evaluation report, a literature review and research methodology. The evaluation report section is the assessment of the current state of change readiness within the Eskom Contact Centre’s based upon what the literature on change readiness prescribes. The timing of the change readiness assessment is just prior to significant organisational change. The organisational change that was about to be initiated by the organisation was initiated from the boardroom of the most senior echelons of the organisation, and was directed in a top down approach, being a strategic organisational change. The change is deemed to be critical to the organisation being able to meet its long term strategic and sustainability objectives. A critical examination of the literature explored the meaning of change readiness, the importance of it and explained the consequences for organisations that commit to transformational agendas without being ready. Key concepts such as such resistance to change and organisational inertia are described and differentiated from change readiness. The ADKAR change model and its change readiness assessment instrument were used due to the organisations preference for the model. The ADKAR model formed the framework for the analyses of the data, the discussion of the results and the recommendations to the organisation. The research conducted was quantitative in nature; a questionnaire was distributed to the employees of the seven Eskom Contact centre sites around the country through an email. A slightly modified version of the ADKAR change readiness questionnaire was sent via email with an on-line questionnaire link on it; and questions on individual readiness for change were used to assess the level of readiness of the employees. Most of the descriptive and inferential statistics were analysed with the use of Excel (version, 2010), with Factor Analysis being done in Statistica. The results of the research showed that: [iii] - The factors as proposed by the ADKAR change readiness assessment questionnaire (i.e. Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability and Reinforcement) are not different enough to be considered as independent factors for this data set. Based on factor analysis, the factors were subsequently amended from five to three, namely Readiness, Opportunity Realisation and Uncertainty. - The Contact Centre employees were somewhat ready for change. - The Contact Centres needed to focus on all amended ADKAR factors in order to improve the readiness of the department. - The readiness levels in response to the roll out were more or less uniform. The study shows that given Eskom’s preference for the ADKAR model, future research within Eskom should therefore be conducted more circumspectly with respect to ascertaining the validity of the ADKAR factors. The study also makes mention that future work and/or research will need to be conducted, specifically on the readiness of the organisation itself, in order to improve the probability of transformational success. The ADKAR assessment is a people focused assessment and therefore focuses only on the readiness of the individual. Factors such as the adequacy of the current state of resources within the organisation, which incorporate aspects such as infrastructure, technology and staffing, will also need to be assessed to make a more holistic statement of change readiness. A concise review of the literature is incorporated into the Evaluation Report of Section 1 to underpin the study. In Section 2 a more extensive review of the literature is presented. Similarly, the design of the research is discussed in more detail in Section 3 to both describe and justify the appropriateness of the research methodology, and to give a detailed account of the way in which the research was carried out.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Akoh, Emmanuel Inalegwu
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Gbaran-Ubie oil and gas project -- Public opinion Community development -- Nigeria Economic development -- Nigeria -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:715 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001869
- Description: This research paper is broken up into three sections, namely an evaluation report, a literature review and research methodology. The evaluation report section is the assessment of the current state of change readiness within the Eskom Contact Centre’s based upon what the literature on change readiness prescribes. The timing of the change readiness assessment is just prior to significant organisational change. The organisational change that was about to be initiated by the organisation was initiated from the boardroom of the most senior echelons of the organisation, and was directed in a top down approach, being a strategic organisational change. The change is deemed to be critical to the organisation being able to meet its long term strategic and sustainability objectives. A critical examination of the literature explored the meaning of change readiness, the importance of it and explained the consequences for organisations that commit to transformational agendas without being ready. Key concepts such as such resistance to change and organisational inertia are described and differentiated from change readiness. The ADKAR change model and its change readiness assessment instrument were used due to the organisations preference for the model. The ADKAR model formed the framework for the analyses of the data, the discussion of the results and the recommendations to the organisation. The research conducted was quantitative in nature; a questionnaire was distributed to the employees of the seven Eskom Contact centre sites around the country through an email. A slightly modified version of the ADKAR change readiness questionnaire was sent via email with an on-line questionnaire link on it; and questions on individual readiness for change were used to assess the level of readiness of the employees. Most of the descriptive and inferential statistics were analysed with the use of Excel (version, 2010), with Factor Analysis being done in Statistica. The results of the research showed that: [iii] - The factors as proposed by the ADKAR change readiness assessment questionnaire (i.e. Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability and Reinforcement) are not different enough to be considered as independent factors for this data set. Based on factor analysis, the factors were subsequently amended from five to three, namely Readiness, Opportunity Realisation and Uncertainty. - The Contact Centre employees were somewhat ready for change. - The Contact Centres needed to focus on all amended ADKAR factors in order to improve the readiness of the department. - The readiness levels in response to the roll out were more or less uniform. The study shows that given Eskom’s preference for the ADKAR model, future research within Eskom should therefore be conducted more circumspectly with respect to ascertaining the validity of the ADKAR factors. The study also makes mention that future work and/or research will need to be conducted, specifically on the readiness of the organisation itself, in order to improve the probability of transformational success. The ADKAR assessment is a people focused assessment and therefore focuses only on the readiness of the individual. Factors such as the adequacy of the current state of resources within the organisation, which incorporate aspects such as infrastructure, technology and staffing, will also need to be assessed to make a more holistic statement of change readiness. A concise review of the literature is incorporated into the Evaluation Report of Section 1 to underpin the study. In Section 2 a more extensive review of the literature is presented. Similarly, the design of the research is discussed in more detail in Section 3 to both describe and justify the appropriateness of the research methodology, and to give a detailed account of the way in which the research was carried out.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The Mandela Bay Development Agency's role in promoting community participation in the Helenvale Urban Renewal Project, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Andrews, Christopher Lee
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , City planning -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- Citizen participation , South Africa -- Social policy -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8315 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020095
- Description: Community participation in urban renewal projects has become important in the South African government’s efforts to address past imbalances and improving the livelihoods of socially excluded and marginalised communities. In order for the Helenvale Urban Renewal Project to be successful and bring about sustainable change, it is vital that the community be allowed and encouraged to play an active role in consultation and participation initiatives. This study outlines the importance of community participation, the types, the incentives and disincentives as well as the possible barriers to effective community participation. Findings from the analysis of the collected data indicates that a community project can only be successful if the implementing agent employs democratic principles whereby all residents are given a voice and are allowed to participate in the decision-making and implementation process. This study explores the concept of community participation in the Helenvale Urban Renewal Projects with particular reference to the role played by the Mandela Bay Development Agency in promoting community participation in the Helenvale Urban Renewal Projects (HURP), in Port Elizabeth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Andrews, Christopher Lee
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , City planning -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- Citizen participation , South Africa -- Social policy -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8315 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020095
- Description: Community participation in urban renewal projects has become important in the South African government’s efforts to address past imbalances and improving the livelihoods of socially excluded and marginalised communities. In order for the Helenvale Urban Renewal Project to be successful and bring about sustainable change, it is vital that the community be allowed and encouraged to play an active role in consultation and participation initiatives. This study outlines the importance of community participation, the types, the incentives and disincentives as well as the possible barriers to effective community participation. Findings from the analysis of the collected data indicates that a community project can only be successful if the implementing agent employs democratic principles whereby all residents are given a voice and are allowed to participate in the decision-making and implementation process. This study explores the concept of community participation in the Helenvale Urban Renewal Projects with particular reference to the role played by the Mandela Bay Development Agency in promoting community participation in the Helenvale Urban Renewal Projects (HURP), in Port Elizabeth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An investigation into the potential for implementing lean Grindrod Container Depot in Stanbridge Road
- Authors: Andrews, Ferderico Recardo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management , Container industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Just-in-time systems -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8781 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012967
- Description: On a daily basis organizations strive to achieve maximum output with minimum input for greater levels of efficiency and profitability. However, in our dynamic modern world and economy the variables have changed dramatically and the time when business was simply about the ‘bottom line’ and all else was subordinate to the objective of profit, has come and gone. In the contemporary world of business today the variables are much broader and more dynamic, as people are no longer just employees, and suppliers are no longer people whose payment should be delayed for as long as possible. In addition, the environment is no longer to be plundered at all costs. Today Lean as an all-encompassing management philosophy with its emphasis on adding value, is more relevant in business than at any other point in business history. At a time when the global economy is facing some of its greatest challenges, it is ultimately business and its networks that, through effective management, can restore the global economy and provide livelihoods to millions of people. The Lean management philosophy is about constantly searching for the best possible way of doing things and eliminating waste in pursuit of value. If Lean is in pursuit of eliminating waste and turning it into value, and the customer, irrespective of required product, is in constant pursuit of finding value, then Lean is surely the management philosophy that can deliver the greatest level of customer satisfaction. This means satisfied customers returning to an organization for repeat sales as long as they perceive that the value they derive meets their expectations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Andrews, Ferderico Recardo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management , Container industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Just-in-time systems -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8781 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012967
- Description: On a daily basis organizations strive to achieve maximum output with minimum input for greater levels of efficiency and profitability. However, in our dynamic modern world and economy the variables have changed dramatically and the time when business was simply about the ‘bottom line’ and all else was subordinate to the objective of profit, has come and gone. In the contemporary world of business today the variables are much broader and more dynamic, as people are no longer just employees, and suppliers are no longer people whose payment should be delayed for as long as possible. In addition, the environment is no longer to be plundered at all costs. Today Lean as an all-encompassing management philosophy with its emphasis on adding value, is more relevant in business than at any other point in business history. At a time when the global economy is facing some of its greatest challenges, it is ultimately business and its networks that, through effective management, can restore the global economy and provide livelihoods to millions of people. The Lean management philosophy is about constantly searching for the best possible way of doing things and eliminating waste in pursuit of value. If Lean is in pursuit of eliminating waste and turning it into value, and the customer, irrespective of required product, is in constant pursuit of finding value, then Lean is surely the management philosophy that can deliver the greatest level of customer satisfaction. This means satisfied customers returning to an organization for repeat sales as long as they perceive that the value they derive meets their expectations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The reforms in the ministry of immigration and registration of persons in Kenya
- Authors: Angaine, Emily Karwitha
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Public administration -- Kenya , Civil service -- Kenya , Organizational change -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9237 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021099
- Description: Public service delivery is a major challenge to governments in both the developing and developed worlds. Governments have used various strategies to enhance service delivery. These strategies have resulted in varying outcomes and levels of service delivery. In the Kenyan government, the strategies to enhance service delivery include: Results Based Management strategies, service charters, Information Communication Technology (ICT), performance contracting, and strategic plans. This study is an investigation of reforms in the Ministry of Immigration and Registration of Persons (MIRP), Kenya. The study sought to investigate the effects of Results Based Management on service delivery; to investigate the effect of strategic planning on service delivery in Kenya; to investigate the effect of ICT on service delivery in Kenya; and to investigate the effect of Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) in service delivery. This study utilized a descriptive research design where the researcher investigated and collected factual data to describe the situation or problem. Secondary data was sourced from document reviews. Data was analyzed as it was collected. The researcher classified the data in terms of the topic, themes and content. The broad topic and themes of the data collected was based on the research objectives of this study and included: use of Information Communication Technology, Business Process Re-engineering, Results Based Management, and strategic planning. The findings revealed that the department has utilized Results Based Management, strategic planning, Information Communication Technology, as well as Business Process Re-engineering tools in reforming public service delivery towards effectiveness and efficiency. Furthermore, this study also revealed that the department has accrued various benefits as a consequence of these tools despite the challenges facing their implementation. According to the report, the reform programs have enhanced greater transparency in service delivery, improved accountability, responsibility in employees, enhanced policy coherence and strengthened capacity. these advantages are evident to the Department of Immigration. the study recommends that the use of Results Based Management, ICT and Business Process Re-engineering policies and changes should be implemented to improve service delivery in the Ministry of Immigration and Registration of Persons. In addition, the study recommends the following further studies: the study should be replicated to other public organizations (agencies) to allow for comparison of the findings of this study; the study recommends research on the success of public organizations in achieving objectives of their strategic planning (this is based on the challenges identified facing strategic planning in the Department of Immigration); and, finally, this study recommends future research on the relationship between Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) and efficient service delivery. This study will provide insight to what extent BPR affects service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Angaine, Emily Karwitha
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Public administration -- Kenya , Civil service -- Kenya , Organizational change -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9237 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021099
- Description: Public service delivery is a major challenge to governments in both the developing and developed worlds. Governments have used various strategies to enhance service delivery. These strategies have resulted in varying outcomes and levels of service delivery. In the Kenyan government, the strategies to enhance service delivery include: Results Based Management strategies, service charters, Information Communication Technology (ICT), performance contracting, and strategic plans. This study is an investigation of reforms in the Ministry of Immigration and Registration of Persons (MIRP), Kenya. The study sought to investigate the effects of Results Based Management on service delivery; to investigate the effect of strategic planning on service delivery in Kenya; to investigate the effect of ICT on service delivery in Kenya; and to investigate the effect of Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) in service delivery. This study utilized a descriptive research design where the researcher investigated and collected factual data to describe the situation or problem. Secondary data was sourced from document reviews. Data was analyzed as it was collected. The researcher classified the data in terms of the topic, themes and content. The broad topic and themes of the data collected was based on the research objectives of this study and included: use of Information Communication Technology, Business Process Re-engineering, Results Based Management, and strategic planning. The findings revealed that the department has utilized Results Based Management, strategic planning, Information Communication Technology, as well as Business Process Re-engineering tools in reforming public service delivery towards effectiveness and efficiency. Furthermore, this study also revealed that the department has accrued various benefits as a consequence of these tools despite the challenges facing their implementation. According to the report, the reform programs have enhanced greater transparency in service delivery, improved accountability, responsibility in employees, enhanced policy coherence and strengthened capacity. these advantages are evident to the Department of Immigration. the study recommends that the use of Results Based Management, ICT and Business Process Re-engineering policies and changes should be implemented to improve service delivery in the Ministry of Immigration and Registration of Persons. In addition, the study recommends the following further studies: the study should be replicated to other public organizations (agencies) to allow for comparison of the findings of this study; the study recommends research on the success of public organizations in achieving objectives of their strategic planning (this is based on the challenges identified facing strategic planning in the Department of Immigration); and, finally, this study recommends future research on the relationship between Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) and efficient service delivery. This study will provide insight to what extent BPR affects service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Information technology audits in South African higher education institutions
- Authors: Angus, Lynne
- Date: 2013 , 2013-09-11
- Subjects: Electronic data processing -- Auditing , Delphi method , Education, Higher -- Computer networks -- Security measures , Information technology -- Security measures , COBIT (Information technology management standard) , IT infrastructure library , International Organization for Standardization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4615 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006023 , Electronic data processing -- Auditing , Delphi method , Education, Higher -- Computer networks -- Security measures , Information technology -- Security measures , COBIT (Information technology management standard) , IT infrastructure library , International Organization for Standardization
- Description: The use of technology for competitive advantage has become a necessity, not only for corporate organisations, but for higher education institutions (HEIs) as well. Consequently, corporate organisations and HEIs alike must be equipped to protect against the pervasive nature of technology. To do this, they implement controls and undergo audits to ensure these controls are implemented correctly. Although HEIs are a different kind of entity to corporate organisations, HEI information technology (IT) audits are based on the same criteria as those for corporate organisations. The primary aim of this research, therefore, was to develop a set of IT control criteria that are relevant to be tested in IT audits for South African HEIs. The research method used was the Delphi technique. Data was collected, analysed, and used as feedback on which to progress to the next round of data collection. Two lists were obtained: a list of the top IT controls relevant to be tested at any organisation, and a list of the top IT controls relevant to be tested at a South African HEI. Comparison of the two lists shows that although there are some differences in the ranking of criteria used to audit corporate organisations as opposed to HEIs, the final two lists of criteria do not differ significantly. Therefore, it was shown that the same broad IT controls are required to be tested in an IT audit for a South African HEI. However, this research suggests that the risk weighting put on particular IT controls should possibly differ for HEIs, as HEIs face differing IT risks. If further studies can be established which cater for more specific controls, then the combined effect of this study and future ones will be a valuable contribution to knowledge for IT audits in a South African higher education context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Angus, Lynne
- Date: 2013 , 2013-09-11
- Subjects: Electronic data processing -- Auditing , Delphi method , Education, Higher -- Computer networks -- Security measures , Information technology -- Security measures , COBIT (Information technology management standard) , IT infrastructure library , International Organization for Standardization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4615 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006023 , Electronic data processing -- Auditing , Delphi method , Education, Higher -- Computer networks -- Security measures , Information technology -- Security measures , COBIT (Information technology management standard) , IT infrastructure library , International Organization for Standardization
- Description: The use of technology for competitive advantage has become a necessity, not only for corporate organisations, but for higher education institutions (HEIs) as well. Consequently, corporate organisations and HEIs alike must be equipped to protect against the pervasive nature of technology. To do this, they implement controls and undergo audits to ensure these controls are implemented correctly. Although HEIs are a different kind of entity to corporate organisations, HEI information technology (IT) audits are based on the same criteria as those for corporate organisations. The primary aim of this research, therefore, was to develop a set of IT control criteria that are relevant to be tested in IT audits for South African HEIs. The research method used was the Delphi technique. Data was collected, analysed, and used as feedback on which to progress to the next round of data collection. Two lists were obtained: a list of the top IT controls relevant to be tested at any organisation, and a list of the top IT controls relevant to be tested at a South African HEI. Comparison of the two lists shows that although there are some differences in the ranking of criteria used to audit corporate organisations as opposed to HEIs, the final two lists of criteria do not differ significantly. Therefore, it was shown that the same broad IT controls are required to be tested in an IT audit for a South African HEI. However, this research suggests that the risk weighting put on particular IT controls should possibly differ for HEIs, as HEIs face differing IT risks. If further studies can be established which cater for more specific controls, then the combined effect of this study and future ones will be a valuable contribution to knowledge for IT audits in a South African higher education context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Evaluating the training and supply of artisans in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Anugwo, Iruka Chijindu
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Skilled labor -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- Training -- South Africa , Artisans -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Employees --Training of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9672 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020042
- Description: The study focused on identifying ways in which to improve and increase the quality of training and supply of skilled artisans in the South African construction industry (especially in Gauteng Province) in terms of short and medium term approach. The construction industry is facing a severe skills crisis and this has made it so difficult to recruit competent artisans. This may be as a result of artisans being regarded as the lowest in the hierarchy of construction worker positions. In addition, these artisans warrant less training than those at executive- and managerial levels. This negative attitude towards artisans training has plunged the industry into crisis. Those involved find it difficult to successfully complete projects on time, within budgeted project costs and within the required quality specification due to lack of competent artisans. However, serious attention is required towards enhancing artisan training in the industry. It is imperative and vital to ensure the survival of the industry. The cardinal aim of this research project was to demonstrate a guiding solution towards the skills crisis. Thus, in order to initiate a tremendous change in the skills profile, certain measures are required, e.g. expanding training institutions to local regions; upgrading and aligning facilities in the training institutions to industrial demands and the dissemination of vital information that will ensure the attractiveness of the industry. This will safeguard the construction organisations operating in Gauteng Province. Although the industry is a major player in the economy, there is need for special attention in order to ensure sustainable growth and economic development. The Government, construction industry stakeholders and training institutions personnel should collaborate to salvage the skills crisis by strategically developing programmes (in accordance with industrial requirements) that will benefit prospective learners. The researcher adopted the descriptive- and analytical survey method, which entailed the use of questionnaires and a review of the related literature for gathering relevant data. The methodology used in the research was the quantitative data analysis. The feature findings of the research concluded that the skilled artisans profile is insufficient to meet industry demands. In addition, training institutions and primary- and secondary educational systems are characterized by ninadequacy and incompetency to produce skilled artisans. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of harmonization between the training institutions and the vindustry’s requirements. Furthermore, the majority of the respondents acknowledged that training of their workers is an important aspect to them, but few of these organisations indicated that they make use of formal training institutions such as FET colleges. The recommendation include that all the stakeholders in the construction industry should form collaborations to strategically develop programmes that would upgrade the existing training institutions. This could be done through provision of adequate funds and resources and the dissemination of vital information that is capable to promote the attractiveness of the industry image.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Anugwo, Iruka Chijindu
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Skilled labor -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- Training -- South Africa , Artisans -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Employees --Training of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9672 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020042
- Description: The study focused on identifying ways in which to improve and increase the quality of training and supply of skilled artisans in the South African construction industry (especially in Gauteng Province) in terms of short and medium term approach. The construction industry is facing a severe skills crisis and this has made it so difficult to recruit competent artisans. This may be as a result of artisans being regarded as the lowest in the hierarchy of construction worker positions. In addition, these artisans warrant less training than those at executive- and managerial levels. This negative attitude towards artisans training has plunged the industry into crisis. Those involved find it difficult to successfully complete projects on time, within budgeted project costs and within the required quality specification due to lack of competent artisans. However, serious attention is required towards enhancing artisan training in the industry. It is imperative and vital to ensure the survival of the industry. The cardinal aim of this research project was to demonstrate a guiding solution towards the skills crisis. Thus, in order to initiate a tremendous change in the skills profile, certain measures are required, e.g. expanding training institutions to local regions; upgrading and aligning facilities in the training institutions to industrial demands and the dissemination of vital information that will ensure the attractiveness of the industry. This will safeguard the construction organisations operating in Gauteng Province. Although the industry is a major player in the economy, there is need for special attention in order to ensure sustainable growth and economic development. The Government, construction industry stakeholders and training institutions personnel should collaborate to salvage the skills crisis by strategically developing programmes (in accordance with industrial requirements) that will benefit prospective learners. The researcher adopted the descriptive- and analytical survey method, which entailed the use of questionnaires and a review of the related literature for gathering relevant data. The methodology used in the research was the quantitative data analysis. The feature findings of the research concluded that the skilled artisans profile is insufficient to meet industry demands. In addition, training institutions and primary- and secondary educational systems are characterized by ninadequacy and incompetency to produce skilled artisans. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of harmonization between the training institutions and the vindustry’s requirements. Furthermore, the majority of the respondents acknowledged that training of their workers is an important aspect to them, but few of these organisations indicated that they make use of formal training institutions such as FET colleges. The recommendation include that all the stakeholders in the construction industry should form collaborations to strategically develop programmes that would upgrade the existing training institutions. This could be done through provision of adequate funds and resources and the dissemination of vital information that is capable to promote the attractiveness of the industry image.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Gasification characteristics of sugarcane bagasse
- Authors: Anukam, Anthony Ike
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Bagasse -- Bagasse industry , Sugarcane -- Biotechnology , Computer simulation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11343 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016170 , Bagasse -- Bagasse industry , Sugarcane -- Biotechnology , Computer simulation
- Description: Sugarcane is a major crop in many countries. It is the most abundant lignocellulosic material in tropical countries such as South Africa. It is one of the plants with the highest bioconversion efficiency. The sugarcane crop is able to efficiently fix solar energy, yielding some 55 tons of dry matter per hectare of land annually. After harvest, the crop produces sugar juice and bagasse. Sugarcane bagasse is a residue that results from the crushing of sugarcane in the sugar industry. It is a renewable feedstock that can be used for power generation and manufacturing cellulosic ethanol. As biomass, sugarcane bagasse holds promise as a fuel source since it can produce more than enough electricity and heat energy to supply the needs of a common sugar factory. However, in the sugarcane industry the bagasse is currently burnt inefficiently in boilers that provide the heating for the industry. This project seeks to investigate the possibility of gasifying sugarcane bagasse as an efficient conversion technology. The investigation is necessary because fuel properties govern the gasifier design and ultimately, the gasification efficiency. Proximate and ultimate analysis of sugarcane bagasse was conducted after which the results were used to conduct a computer simulation of the mass and energy balance during gasification. The kinetic investigation undertaken through the TGA and DTG analyses revealed the activation energy and pre – exponential factor which were obtained by the model – free Kissinger method of kinetic analysis and were found to be 181.51 kJ/mol and 3.1 × 103/min respectively. The heating value of sugarcane bagasse was also measured and found to be 17.8 MJ/kg, which was used in the calculation of the conversion efficiency of the gasification process. Fuel properties, including moisture content and gasifier operating parameters were varied in order to determine optimum gasifier operating conditions that results in maximum conversion efficiency. The highest conversion efficiency was achieved at low moisture content after computer simulation of the gasification process. Moisture content also affected the volume of CO and H2 as the former decreases with increasing moisture content while the latter increases with increasing moisture content, accelerating the water – gas reaction. Scanning electron microscope fitted to an Energy dispersive X – ray spectroscopy was also used in order to view the shape and size distribution as well as determine the elemental composition of sugarcane bagasse. The results obtained established that the fuel properties and gasification conditions affect the conversion efficiency. During computer simulation, it was established that smaller particle size resulted in higher conversion efficiency. The smaller throat diameter also resulted in higher conversion efficiency. The throat angle of 25° also resulted in higher conversion efficiency. The temperature of input air was also found to be one of the major determining factors in terms of conversion efficiency. The dissertation presents the proximate and ultimate analysis results as well as the kinetic analysis results. The SEM/EDX analysis as well as the computer simulation results of the gasification process is also presented. The major contribution of this project was on the investigation of the gasification characteristics of sugarcane bagasse and the utilization of these in the design of a laboratory scale sugarcane bagasse gasifier with enhanced conversion efficiency through computer simulation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Anukam, Anthony Ike
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Bagasse -- Bagasse industry , Sugarcane -- Biotechnology , Computer simulation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11343 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016170 , Bagasse -- Bagasse industry , Sugarcane -- Biotechnology , Computer simulation
- Description: Sugarcane is a major crop in many countries. It is the most abundant lignocellulosic material in tropical countries such as South Africa. It is one of the plants with the highest bioconversion efficiency. The sugarcane crop is able to efficiently fix solar energy, yielding some 55 tons of dry matter per hectare of land annually. After harvest, the crop produces sugar juice and bagasse. Sugarcane bagasse is a residue that results from the crushing of sugarcane in the sugar industry. It is a renewable feedstock that can be used for power generation and manufacturing cellulosic ethanol. As biomass, sugarcane bagasse holds promise as a fuel source since it can produce more than enough electricity and heat energy to supply the needs of a common sugar factory. However, in the sugarcane industry the bagasse is currently burnt inefficiently in boilers that provide the heating for the industry. This project seeks to investigate the possibility of gasifying sugarcane bagasse as an efficient conversion technology. The investigation is necessary because fuel properties govern the gasifier design and ultimately, the gasification efficiency. Proximate and ultimate analysis of sugarcane bagasse was conducted after which the results were used to conduct a computer simulation of the mass and energy balance during gasification. The kinetic investigation undertaken through the TGA and DTG analyses revealed the activation energy and pre – exponential factor which were obtained by the model – free Kissinger method of kinetic analysis and were found to be 181.51 kJ/mol and 3.1 × 103/min respectively. The heating value of sugarcane bagasse was also measured and found to be 17.8 MJ/kg, which was used in the calculation of the conversion efficiency of the gasification process. Fuel properties, including moisture content and gasifier operating parameters were varied in order to determine optimum gasifier operating conditions that results in maximum conversion efficiency. The highest conversion efficiency was achieved at low moisture content after computer simulation of the gasification process. Moisture content also affected the volume of CO and H2 as the former decreases with increasing moisture content while the latter increases with increasing moisture content, accelerating the water – gas reaction. Scanning electron microscope fitted to an Energy dispersive X – ray spectroscopy was also used in order to view the shape and size distribution as well as determine the elemental composition of sugarcane bagasse. The results obtained established that the fuel properties and gasification conditions affect the conversion efficiency. During computer simulation, it was established that smaller particle size resulted in higher conversion efficiency. The smaller throat diameter also resulted in higher conversion efficiency. The throat angle of 25° also resulted in higher conversion efficiency. The temperature of input air was also found to be one of the major determining factors in terms of conversion efficiency. The dissertation presents the proximate and ultimate analysis results as well as the kinetic analysis results. The SEM/EDX analysis as well as the computer simulation results of the gasification process is also presented. The major contribution of this project was on the investigation of the gasification characteristics of sugarcane bagasse and the utilization of these in the design of a laboratory scale sugarcane bagasse gasifier with enhanced conversion efficiency through computer simulation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The power of investor sentiment: an analysis of the impact of investor confidence on South African financial markets
- Authors: Argyros, Robert
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange Stockholders Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa Stock Exchanges Investments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1032 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004169
- Description: Whether investor sentiment has any authority over financial markets has long been a topic of discussion in the field of finance. This study investigates the relationship between investor sentiment and share returns in South Africa. Determining this relationship will add to the existing work which has documented important determinants of share returns on the stock exchange in South Africa, as well adding to the inconclusive link between sentiment and the South African financial markets. Does sentiment influence share returns or do share returns influence sentiment? Using quarterly data for the period 1996-2010, the study makes use of the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index as a proxy for investor sentiment, and the FTSE/JSE All Share Index to represent the South African financial markets. A regression analysis was conducted along with granger-causality tests, impulse response functions and variance decompositions in order to determine the nature of this relationship. The results showed that investor sentiment has a statistically significant relationship with share returns in South Africa. However, sentiment is only able to account for a very small portion of the variation in returns, with returns able to account for a larger portion of the variation in sentiment. Therefore investor sentiment is not a suitable predictor of share returns in South Africa. In addition, granger-causality tests indicate that returns are actually the leading indicator, suggesting that changes in South African investors’ confidence levels occur following changes in the state of the JSE. The limitations of the study include the infrequent nature of the sentiment measure used, thereby failing to capture important changes in sentiment and their immediate impact on financial markets. In addition, the sentiment of foreign investors must be taken into account due to the large foreign investment in the JSE.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Argyros, Robert
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange Stockholders Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa Stock Exchanges Investments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1032 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004169
- Description: Whether investor sentiment has any authority over financial markets has long been a topic of discussion in the field of finance. This study investigates the relationship between investor sentiment and share returns in South Africa. Determining this relationship will add to the existing work which has documented important determinants of share returns on the stock exchange in South Africa, as well adding to the inconclusive link between sentiment and the South African financial markets. Does sentiment influence share returns or do share returns influence sentiment? Using quarterly data for the period 1996-2010, the study makes use of the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index as a proxy for investor sentiment, and the FTSE/JSE All Share Index to represent the South African financial markets. A regression analysis was conducted along with granger-causality tests, impulse response functions and variance decompositions in order to determine the nature of this relationship. The results showed that investor sentiment has a statistically significant relationship with share returns in South Africa. However, sentiment is only able to account for a very small portion of the variation in returns, with returns able to account for a larger portion of the variation in sentiment. Therefore investor sentiment is not a suitable predictor of share returns in South Africa. In addition, granger-causality tests indicate that returns are actually the leading indicator, suggesting that changes in South African investors’ confidence levels occur following changes in the state of the JSE. The limitations of the study include the infrequent nature of the sentiment measure used, thereby failing to capture important changes in sentiment and their immediate impact on financial markets. In addition, the sentiment of foreign investors must be taken into account due to the large foreign investment in the JSE.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An exploration of the potential for destructive conflict between locals and foreign nationals living in Summerstrand
- Authors: Arkilic, Baris
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Emigration and immigration , Ethnic neighborhoods -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Xenophobia -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8211 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008708 , Conflict management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Emigration and immigration , Ethnic neighborhoods -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Xenophobia -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This treatise explores the potential for destructive conflict between locals and foreign nationals in Summerstrand. In the context of this study, foreign nationals have been defined as people who are from other African countries. This specification was made because it is this particular group that has been victim to violent attacks in South Africa. Those attacks have taken place throughout the country, especially in 2008, in areas that are regarded as ‘townships’ in the South African context. This treatise could be regarded as an unusual product, as it does not explore the dynamics of a township; instead, the focus area is a ‘suburb’. The suburb in question is called ‘Summerstrand’ and it is located in Port Elizabeth. Before the research was conducted, it was assumed that due to the differing dynamics of a suburban area, where people would be wealthier and more educated, the potential of a violent conflict taking place between the two groups (locals and foreign nationals) would be lower. In this treatise, firstly, the topic will be explained more in detail together with an overview of the background to the topic. The background will be discussed in further detail as literature relevant to the field of study will be reviewed and presented in Chapters 2 and 3. The ensuing chapters will elaborate upon how the research has been conducted, after which the findings of the study will be presented to the reader. The last chapter of the treatise offers an analysis of the findings of the study, draws conclusions from the study and offers recommendations in light of the findings of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Arkilic, Baris
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Emigration and immigration , Ethnic neighborhoods -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Xenophobia -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8211 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008708 , Conflict management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Emigration and immigration , Ethnic neighborhoods -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Xenophobia -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This treatise explores the potential for destructive conflict between locals and foreign nationals in Summerstrand. In the context of this study, foreign nationals have been defined as people who are from other African countries. This specification was made because it is this particular group that has been victim to violent attacks in South Africa. Those attacks have taken place throughout the country, especially in 2008, in areas that are regarded as ‘townships’ in the South African context. This treatise could be regarded as an unusual product, as it does not explore the dynamics of a township; instead, the focus area is a ‘suburb’. The suburb in question is called ‘Summerstrand’ and it is located in Port Elizabeth. Before the research was conducted, it was assumed that due to the differing dynamics of a suburban area, where people would be wealthier and more educated, the potential of a violent conflict taking place between the two groups (locals and foreign nationals) would be lower. In this treatise, firstly, the topic will be explained more in detail together with an overview of the background to the topic. The background will be discussed in further detail as literature relevant to the field of study will be reviewed and presented in Chapters 2 and 3. The ensuing chapters will elaborate upon how the research has been conducted, after which the findings of the study will be presented to the reader. The last chapter of the treatise offers an analysis of the findings of the study, draws conclusions from the study and offers recommendations in light of the findings of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Accessing learner support services in a distance education context at UNISA Adult Basic Education Department
- Authors: Arko-Achemfuor, Akwasi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Distance education -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Adult education -- South Africa , Educational innovations -- South Africa , Educational technology -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16199 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013382 , Distance education -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Adult education -- South Africa , Educational innovations -- South Africa , Educational technology -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Description: This study investigated the access to learner support services by Unisa‟s ABET students in the Department of Adult Education in one of the rural provinces in South Africa. Specifically, a survey using questionnaire and focus group interview was carried out to determine the access gaps in to the learner support services by Unisa‟s adult students. A literature study preceded the empirical study to fully comprehend the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of the role of learner support in bridging the transactional distance between students on the one hand and the institution on the other hand. In the empirical study phase, a questionnaire was administered to 150 ABET Students in one province in South Africa through the stratified sampling technique and one focus group interview comprising 10 students who access support services at one of the regional offices to assess the importance they attach to the support services that are offered at the regional centres and the extent to which they are able to access them. The focus group interview comprised questions on the students‟ understanding of learner support services and their experiences in accessing them. Moore‟s theory of transactional distance was used as the theoretical base for the study. Out of a total of the 150 questionnaires that were distributed, 117 were the usable representing 78.0% response rate. One of the conclusions drawn from this study is that, although Unisa has most of the learner support services in place but for various reasons, a lot of the students are not able to access the support services as expected as the needs gap for almost all the support services were high. The chi-square tests found significant differences (p is less than 0.05) between the students on the extent to which they are able to access the support services. An integrated learner support framework was suggested for Unisa and other distance providing institutions to address the access gaps adult students‟ encounter in their studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Arko-Achemfuor, Akwasi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Distance education -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Adult education -- South Africa , Educational innovations -- South Africa , Educational technology -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16199 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013382 , Distance education -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Adult education -- South Africa , Educational innovations -- South Africa , Educational technology -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Description: This study investigated the access to learner support services by Unisa‟s ABET students in the Department of Adult Education in one of the rural provinces in South Africa. Specifically, a survey using questionnaire and focus group interview was carried out to determine the access gaps in to the learner support services by Unisa‟s adult students. A literature study preceded the empirical study to fully comprehend the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of the role of learner support in bridging the transactional distance between students on the one hand and the institution on the other hand. In the empirical study phase, a questionnaire was administered to 150 ABET Students in one province in South Africa through the stratified sampling technique and one focus group interview comprising 10 students who access support services at one of the regional offices to assess the importance they attach to the support services that are offered at the regional centres and the extent to which they are able to access them. The focus group interview comprised questions on the students‟ understanding of learner support services and their experiences in accessing them. Moore‟s theory of transactional distance was used as the theoretical base for the study. Out of a total of the 150 questionnaires that were distributed, 117 were the usable representing 78.0% response rate. One of the conclusions drawn from this study is that, although Unisa has most of the learner support services in place but for various reasons, a lot of the students are not able to access the support services as expected as the needs gap for almost all the support services were high. The chi-square tests found significant differences (p is less than 0.05) between the students on the extent to which they are able to access the support services. An integrated learner support framework was suggested for Unisa and other distance providing institutions to address the access gaps adult students‟ encounter in their studies.
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- Date Issued: 2013
A psychobiographical study of Ellen Kuzwayo
- Authors: Arosi, Ziyanda
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Kuzwayo, Ellen , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Life cycle, Human , Women, Black -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008658 , Kuzwayo, Ellen , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Life cycle, Human , Women, Black -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Description: The current study is a psychobiography. The subject was chosen through purposive sampling based on the researcher’s personal interest and the remarkable impact this woman had within her society. Ellen Kuzwayo also meets the requirements of a psychobiography in that she is historically well known, inspirational, and her life has been completed. The study applies a qualitative research method in the form of a psychobiography, which aimed to describe Ellen Kuzwayo`s life accordingto Daniel Levinson`s Life Structure Theory of Adult Development. Levinson`s theory divides the lifespan into four developmental eras, each with its own biopsychosocial character. Each era in turn is divided into shorter periods of development. Levinson`s theory was chosenbecause it is specifically relevant to the development of women. The findings of the study indicate that Kuzwayo’s life was consistent with the pattern of development which Levinson (1996) identified. Kuzwayo was relatively successful in resolving the life tasks and transitional periods proposed by Levinson. This research study has given a positive demonstration of the value of development theory to investigate a particular human life. Furthermore, it emphasized the uniqueness of individuals in coping with the challenges of life. As a result it has opened up the possibility of perceiving people and their actions in a different way. Consequently, recommendations are offered in order to extend psychobiographical research on the life of Ellen Kuzwayo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Arosi, Ziyanda
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Kuzwayo, Ellen , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Life cycle, Human , Women, Black -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008658 , Kuzwayo, Ellen , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Life cycle, Human , Women, Black -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Description: The current study is a psychobiography. The subject was chosen through purposive sampling based on the researcher’s personal interest and the remarkable impact this woman had within her society. Ellen Kuzwayo also meets the requirements of a psychobiography in that she is historically well known, inspirational, and her life has been completed. The study applies a qualitative research method in the form of a psychobiography, which aimed to describe Ellen Kuzwayo`s life accordingto Daniel Levinson`s Life Structure Theory of Adult Development. Levinson`s theory divides the lifespan into four developmental eras, each with its own biopsychosocial character. Each era in turn is divided into shorter periods of development. Levinson`s theory was chosenbecause it is specifically relevant to the development of women. The findings of the study indicate that Kuzwayo’s life was consistent with the pattern of development which Levinson (1996) identified. Kuzwayo was relatively successful in resolving the life tasks and transitional periods proposed by Levinson. This research study has given a positive demonstration of the value of development theory to investigate a particular human life. Furthermore, it emphasized the uniqueness of individuals in coping with the challenges of life. As a result it has opened up the possibility of perceiving people and their actions in a different way. Consequently, recommendations are offered in order to extend psychobiographical research on the life of Ellen Kuzwayo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An investigation into how grade 9 learners make sense of prior everyday knowledge and practical learning through exploring tooth decay problems in Onangalo village: a case study
- Authors: Asino, Tomas
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Dental caries -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Omusati -- Case studies Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Omusati -- Case studies Experiential learning -- Namibia -- Omusati -- Case studies Educational change -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia Education, Secondary -- Namibia -- Omusati
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1406 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001986
- Description: The main goal of this study was to investigate how grade 9 learners make sense of prior everyday knowledge and practical learning through exploring tooth decay problems in their local context. The study was conducted at a deep rural Junior Secondary School situated in Onangalo Village, Tsandi constituency in Omusati political region, northern part of Namibia. My research was triggered by the transformation in the Namibian curriculum, which now recognizes a need to contextualize science and make it relevant to the learners’ everyday life experiences. An interpretivist paradigm informed this study. Within this paradigm, a qualitative case study approach was employed. The unit of analysis was the various activities undertaken by my grade 9 learners with a view to make meaning of prior everyday knowledge and practical investigations in chemistry. A variety of data generating techniques were used in this study, namely, brainstorming and discussion sessions, questionnaires, practical activities with worksheets and semi-structured interviews. A video recorder was used to capture events throughout. Analytical categories emerged as a result of a coding system called pawing. From the analytical categories, analytical statements were formulated. The generated data was validated by a critical friend who was a Life Science teacher at the same school at which I did this study. Further validation was done through learners watching the video recordings and through focus group interviews. Methodological triangulation was also used to validate the data. The study revealed that the use of learners’ prior everyday knowledge and experiences in teaching and learning promoted active learners’ participation and enhanced meaning making. Thus, the study recommends the adoption of well-structured science lessons which take into consideration learners’ prior everyday knowledge. The study recommends that these science lessons be used in conjunction with practical activities to promote active learner engagement and conceptual development. Despite the benefits of integrating learners’ prior everyday knowledge during teaching and learning, the study however also revealed some challenges such as limited time and difficulties of English language proficiency amongst learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Asino, Tomas
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Dental caries -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Omusati -- Case studies Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Omusati -- Case studies Experiential learning -- Namibia -- Omusati -- Case studies Educational change -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia Education, Secondary -- Namibia -- Omusati
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1406 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001986
- Description: The main goal of this study was to investigate how grade 9 learners make sense of prior everyday knowledge and practical learning through exploring tooth decay problems in their local context. The study was conducted at a deep rural Junior Secondary School situated in Onangalo Village, Tsandi constituency in Omusati political region, northern part of Namibia. My research was triggered by the transformation in the Namibian curriculum, which now recognizes a need to contextualize science and make it relevant to the learners’ everyday life experiences. An interpretivist paradigm informed this study. Within this paradigm, a qualitative case study approach was employed. The unit of analysis was the various activities undertaken by my grade 9 learners with a view to make meaning of prior everyday knowledge and practical investigations in chemistry. A variety of data generating techniques were used in this study, namely, brainstorming and discussion sessions, questionnaires, practical activities with worksheets and semi-structured interviews. A video recorder was used to capture events throughout. Analytical categories emerged as a result of a coding system called pawing. From the analytical categories, analytical statements were formulated. The generated data was validated by a critical friend who was a Life Science teacher at the same school at which I did this study. Further validation was done through learners watching the video recordings and through focus group interviews. Methodological triangulation was also used to validate the data. The study revealed that the use of learners’ prior everyday knowledge and experiences in teaching and learning promoted active learners’ participation and enhanced meaning making. Thus, the study recommends the adoption of well-structured science lessons which take into consideration learners’ prior everyday knowledge. The study recommends that these science lessons be used in conjunction with practical activities to promote active learner engagement and conceptual development. Despite the benefits of integrating learners’ prior everyday knowledge during teaching and learning, the study however also revealed some challenges such as limited time and difficulties of English language proficiency amongst learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The participation of women entrepreneurs in local economic development in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Awoyemi, Oluwabunmi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Businesswomen -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Economic development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9179 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020145
- Description: The purpose of local economic development (LED) is to build up the economic capacity of a community, to improve its economic future and the quality of life for all. It is a process by which public, business and nongovernmental sector partners work collectively to create better conditions for economic growth and employment generation (World Bank, 2006). In achieving the above definition of LED by the World Bank, the participation of community members in this process cannot be over emphasized. Women entrepreneurs are a driving force in today’s modern world. Most researches on women entrepreneurs in developed countries have showed that there are significant improvements in the economic growth of these countries as a result of the entrepreneurial activities of these women. However, there are limited statistics on the impact of women entrepreneurs in developing countries. The context of this research area is the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). This research makes a contribution to the existing body of knowledge about the promotion of LED through the participation of women entrepreneurs in NMBM. A group of women entrepreneurs in the metro completed a questionnaire. The aim of the questionnaires was to help identify their nature of business, years of being in business and most importantly, challenges each one of them encounter in carrying out their business operations and in developing their entrepreneurial skills. The research methods used in the study are the qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative method approach is used in the literature review. The literature review formed the conceptual basis against which the information gained from questionnaires were analysed. The quantitative method included the use of questionnaires. The data collected in this study revealed that the activities of women entrepreneurs contributed in their own little way to the growth and development of the metro. The study further reveals that finance is one of the major challenges of the women entrepreneurs as supported by the findings in the literature review. Therefore, if access to finance and support system are made readily available for women entrepreneurs, they would be able to make a significant impact in the development of the metro and nation at large. In conclusion, the researcher has been able to identify some of the challenges women entrepreneur face through the experience of the respondents in the study. The researcher has also been able to demonstrate how the aims and the objectives of the study have been met.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Awoyemi, Oluwabunmi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Businesswomen -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Economic development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9179 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020145
- Description: The purpose of local economic development (LED) is to build up the economic capacity of a community, to improve its economic future and the quality of life for all. It is a process by which public, business and nongovernmental sector partners work collectively to create better conditions for economic growth and employment generation (World Bank, 2006). In achieving the above definition of LED by the World Bank, the participation of community members in this process cannot be over emphasized. Women entrepreneurs are a driving force in today’s modern world. Most researches on women entrepreneurs in developed countries have showed that there are significant improvements in the economic growth of these countries as a result of the entrepreneurial activities of these women. However, there are limited statistics on the impact of women entrepreneurs in developing countries. The context of this research area is the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). This research makes a contribution to the existing body of knowledge about the promotion of LED through the participation of women entrepreneurs in NMBM. A group of women entrepreneurs in the metro completed a questionnaire. The aim of the questionnaires was to help identify their nature of business, years of being in business and most importantly, challenges each one of them encounter in carrying out their business operations and in developing their entrepreneurial skills. The research methods used in the study are the qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative method approach is used in the literature review. The literature review formed the conceptual basis against which the information gained from questionnaires were analysed. The quantitative method included the use of questionnaires. The data collected in this study revealed that the activities of women entrepreneurs contributed in their own little way to the growth and development of the metro. The study further reveals that finance is one of the major challenges of the women entrepreneurs as supported by the findings in the literature review. Therefore, if access to finance and support system are made readily available for women entrepreneurs, they would be able to make a significant impact in the development of the metro and nation at large. In conclusion, the researcher has been able to identify some of the challenges women entrepreneur face through the experience of the respondents in the study. The researcher has also been able to demonstrate how the aims and the objectives of the study have been met.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013