An exploration of the effect of market-driven journalism on The Monitor newspaper's editorial content
- Authors: Agaba, Grace Rwomushana
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Monitor (Uganda) , Journalism -- Political aspects -- Uganda , Journalism, Commercial -- Uganda , Mass media and public opinion -- Uganda , Mass media -- Political aspects -- Uganda , Freedom of the press -- Uganda , Press and politics -- Uganda , Journalism -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3416 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002869 , Monitor (Uganda) , Journalism -- Political aspects -- Uganda , Journalism, Commercial -- Uganda , Mass media and public opinion -- Uganda , Mass media -- Political aspects -- Uganda , Freedom of the press -- Uganda , Press and politics -- Uganda , Journalism -- Social aspects
- Description: The media today are under pressure from various fronts including governments, businesses as well as cultural interests. In the developed world, this pressure that led to the emergence of a new form of journalism that puts the demands of the market at the forefront. This commercial oriented journalism gives priority to articles that attract mass audiences like entertainment while it downplays information that promotes debates that is necessary for citizens to be able to have a voice on the issues that affect them. And since participation and discussion are cornerstones of a democratic process, market-driven journalism undermines democracy because it narrows down the forum for debate. As a result, active citizens are turned into passive observers in society. Although several studies about this phenomenon have been done in the western world, the same is happening in Africa because the media face similar challenges as in the West; challenges of globalisation and media conglomeration facilitated by the rapid advancing technology. This study, which is informed by political economy and market-driven journalism theories, notes that the media in Uganda are also faced with these challenges. The study is focused on Uganda’s only independent newspaper, The Monitor. The findings indicate that market-driven journalism is taking root at the expense of journalism that promotes citizenship and debate such as political reporting and opinions. For example, there has been an increase of entertainment, sports and supplement articles in The Monitor as compared to declining political reporting and opinions. More so, investigative reporting has dwindled over the years at the expense of increasing use of press releases. This is because entertainment and sports articles can attract big audiences that the newspaper needs to sell to advertisers. Advertisers are important because they provide financial support to the newspaper. However, in a country where democracy is in its formative stages, public information is necessary not only for citizens to make informed decisions but also to spur economic as well as social development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Agaba, Grace Rwomushana
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Monitor (Uganda) , Journalism -- Political aspects -- Uganda , Journalism, Commercial -- Uganda , Mass media and public opinion -- Uganda , Mass media -- Political aspects -- Uganda , Freedom of the press -- Uganda , Press and politics -- Uganda , Journalism -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3416 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002869 , Monitor (Uganda) , Journalism -- Political aspects -- Uganda , Journalism, Commercial -- Uganda , Mass media and public opinion -- Uganda , Mass media -- Political aspects -- Uganda , Freedom of the press -- Uganda , Press and politics -- Uganda , Journalism -- Social aspects
- Description: The media today are under pressure from various fronts including governments, businesses as well as cultural interests. In the developed world, this pressure that led to the emergence of a new form of journalism that puts the demands of the market at the forefront. This commercial oriented journalism gives priority to articles that attract mass audiences like entertainment while it downplays information that promotes debates that is necessary for citizens to be able to have a voice on the issues that affect them. And since participation and discussion are cornerstones of a democratic process, market-driven journalism undermines democracy because it narrows down the forum for debate. As a result, active citizens are turned into passive observers in society. Although several studies about this phenomenon have been done in the western world, the same is happening in Africa because the media face similar challenges as in the West; challenges of globalisation and media conglomeration facilitated by the rapid advancing technology. This study, which is informed by political economy and market-driven journalism theories, notes that the media in Uganda are also faced with these challenges. The study is focused on Uganda’s only independent newspaper, The Monitor. The findings indicate that market-driven journalism is taking root at the expense of journalism that promotes citizenship and debate such as political reporting and opinions. For example, there has been an increase of entertainment, sports and supplement articles in The Monitor as compared to declining political reporting and opinions. More so, investigative reporting has dwindled over the years at the expense of increasing use of press releases. This is because entertainment and sports articles can attract big audiences that the newspaper needs to sell to advertisers. Advertisers are important because they provide financial support to the newspaper. However, in a country where democracy is in its formative stages, public information is necessary not only for citizens to make informed decisions but also to spur economic as well as social development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Stress-inducible protein 1: a bioinformatic analysis of the human, mouse and yeast STI1 gene structure
- Authors: Aken, Bronwen Louise
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Molecular chaperones , Proteins -- Analysis , Heat shock proteins , Bioinformatics , Genetics -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3990 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004049 , Molecular chaperones , Proteins -- Analysis , Heat shock proteins , Bioinformatics , Genetics -- Data processing
- Description: Stress-inducible protein 1 (Sti1) is a 60 kDa eukaryotic protein that is important under stress and non-stress conditions. Human Sti1 is also known as the Hsp70/Hsp90 organising protein (Hop) that coordinates the functional cooperation of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) during the folding of various transcription factors and kinases, including certain oncogenic proteins and prion proteins. Limited studies have been conducted on the STI1 gene structure. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive description of human STI1 (hSTI1), mouse STI1 (mSTI1), and yeast STI1 (ySTI1) genes, using a bioinformatic approach. Genes encoded near the STI1 loci were identified for the three organisms using National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) MapViewer and the Saccharomyces Genome Database. Exon/intron boundaries were predicted using Hidden Markov model gene prediction software (HMMGene) and Genscan, and by alignment of the mRNA sequence with the genomic DNA sequence. Transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) were predicted by scanning the region 1000 base pairs (bp) upstream of the STI1 orthologues’ transcription start site (TSS) with Alibaba, Transcription element search software (TESS) and Transcription factor search (TFSearch). The promoter region was defined by comparing the number, type and position of TFBS across the orthologous STI1 genes. Additional putative TFBS were identified for ySTI1 by searching with software that aligns nucleic acid conserved elements (AlignACE) for over-represented motifs in the region upstream of the TSS of genes thought to be co-regulated with ySTI1. This study showed that hSTI1 and mSTI1 occur in a region of synteny with a number of genes of related function. Both hSTI1 and mSTI1 comprised 14 putative exons, while ySTI1 was encoded on a single exon. Human and mouse STI1 shared a perfectly conserved 55 bp region spanning their predicted TSS, although their TATA boxes were not conserved. A putative CpG island was identified in the region from -500 to +100 bp relative to the hSTI1 and mSTI1 TSS. This region overlapped with a region of high TFBS density, suggesting that the core promoter region was located in the region approximately 100 to 200 bp upstream of the TSS. Several conserved clusters of TFBS were also identified upstream of this promoter region, including binding sites for stimulatory protein 1 (Sp1), heat shock factor (HSF), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), and the cAMP/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP). Microarray data suggested that ySTI1 was co-regulated with several heat shock proteins and substrates of the Hsp70/Hsp90 heterocomplex, and several putative regulatory elements were identified in the upstream region of these co-regulated genes, including a motif for HSF binding. The results of this research suggest several avenues of future experimental work, including the confirmation of the proposed core promoter, upstream regulatory elements, and CpG island, and the investigation into the co-regulation of mammalian STI1 with its surrounding genes. These results could also be used to inform STI1 gene knockout experiments in mice, to assess the biological importance of mammalian STI1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Aken, Bronwen Louise
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Molecular chaperones , Proteins -- Analysis , Heat shock proteins , Bioinformatics , Genetics -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3990 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004049 , Molecular chaperones , Proteins -- Analysis , Heat shock proteins , Bioinformatics , Genetics -- Data processing
- Description: Stress-inducible protein 1 (Sti1) is a 60 kDa eukaryotic protein that is important under stress and non-stress conditions. Human Sti1 is also known as the Hsp70/Hsp90 organising protein (Hop) that coordinates the functional cooperation of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) during the folding of various transcription factors and kinases, including certain oncogenic proteins and prion proteins. Limited studies have been conducted on the STI1 gene structure. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive description of human STI1 (hSTI1), mouse STI1 (mSTI1), and yeast STI1 (ySTI1) genes, using a bioinformatic approach. Genes encoded near the STI1 loci were identified for the three organisms using National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) MapViewer and the Saccharomyces Genome Database. Exon/intron boundaries were predicted using Hidden Markov model gene prediction software (HMMGene) and Genscan, and by alignment of the mRNA sequence with the genomic DNA sequence. Transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) were predicted by scanning the region 1000 base pairs (bp) upstream of the STI1 orthologues’ transcription start site (TSS) with Alibaba, Transcription element search software (TESS) and Transcription factor search (TFSearch). The promoter region was defined by comparing the number, type and position of TFBS across the orthologous STI1 genes. Additional putative TFBS were identified for ySTI1 by searching with software that aligns nucleic acid conserved elements (AlignACE) for over-represented motifs in the region upstream of the TSS of genes thought to be co-regulated with ySTI1. This study showed that hSTI1 and mSTI1 occur in a region of synteny with a number of genes of related function. Both hSTI1 and mSTI1 comprised 14 putative exons, while ySTI1 was encoded on a single exon. Human and mouse STI1 shared a perfectly conserved 55 bp region spanning their predicted TSS, although their TATA boxes were not conserved. A putative CpG island was identified in the region from -500 to +100 bp relative to the hSTI1 and mSTI1 TSS. This region overlapped with a region of high TFBS density, suggesting that the core promoter region was located in the region approximately 100 to 200 bp upstream of the TSS. Several conserved clusters of TFBS were also identified upstream of this promoter region, including binding sites for stimulatory protein 1 (Sp1), heat shock factor (HSF), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), and the cAMP/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP). Microarray data suggested that ySTI1 was co-regulated with several heat shock proteins and substrates of the Hsp70/Hsp90 heterocomplex, and several putative regulatory elements were identified in the upstream region of these co-regulated genes, including a motif for HSF binding. The results of this research suggest several avenues of future experimental work, including the confirmation of the proposed core promoter, upstream regulatory elements, and CpG island, and the investigation into the co-regulation of mammalian STI1 with its surrounding genes. These results could also be used to inform STI1 gene knockout experiments in mice, to assess the biological importance of mammalian STI1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The role of parallel computing in bioinformatics
- Authors: Akhurst, Timothy John
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Bioinformatics , Parallel programming (Computer science) , LINDA (Computer system) , Java (Computer program language) , Parallel processing (Electronic computers) , Genomics -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3986 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004045 , Bioinformatics , Parallel programming (Computer science) , LINDA (Computer system) , Java (Computer program language) , Parallel processing (Electronic computers) , Genomics -- Data processing
- Description: The need to intelligibly capture, manage and analyse the ever-increasing amount of publicly available genomic data is one of the challenges facing bioinformaticians today. Such analyses are in fact impractical using uniprocessor machines, which has led to an increasing reliance on clusters of commodity-priced computers. An existing network of cheap, commodity PCs was utilised as a single computational resource for parallel computing. The performance of the cluster was investigated using a whole genome-scanning program written in the Java programming language. The TSpaces framework, based on the Linda parallel programming model, was used to parallelise the application. Maximum speedup was achieved at between 30 and 50 processors, depending on the size of the genome being scanned. Together with this, the associated significant reductions in wall-clock time suggest that both parallel computing and Java have a significant role to play in the field of bioinformatics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Akhurst, Timothy John
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Bioinformatics , Parallel programming (Computer science) , LINDA (Computer system) , Java (Computer program language) , Parallel processing (Electronic computers) , Genomics -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3986 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004045 , Bioinformatics , Parallel programming (Computer science) , LINDA (Computer system) , Java (Computer program language) , Parallel processing (Electronic computers) , Genomics -- Data processing
- Description: The need to intelligibly capture, manage and analyse the ever-increasing amount of publicly available genomic data is one of the challenges facing bioinformaticians today. Such analyses are in fact impractical using uniprocessor machines, which has led to an increasing reliance on clusters of commodity-priced computers. An existing network of cheap, commodity PCs was utilised as a single computational resource for parallel computing. The performance of the cluster was investigated using a whole genome-scanning program written in the Java programming language. The TSpaces framework, based on the Linda parallel programming model, was used to parallelise the application. Maximum speedup was achieved at between 30 and 50 processors, depending on the size of the genome being scanned. Together with this, the associated significant reductions in wall-clock time suggest that both parallel computing and Java have a significant role to play in the field of bioinformatics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The Grameen Bank model of microcredit and its relevance for South Africa
- Authors: Akpan, Iniobong Wilson
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Grameen Bank , Microfinance -- South Africa , Microfinance -- Bangladesh , Credit -- Management , Risk management , Poor -- Finance, Personal , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Bangladesh -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:980 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002714 , Grameen Bank , Microfinance -- South Africa , Microfinance -- Bangladesh , Credit -- Management , Risk management , Poor -- Finance, Personal , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Bangladesh -- Economic conditions
- Description: Among the reasons for financial exclusion is the fact that the poor, being largely illiterate and unemployed, are traditionally perceived as ‘bad credit risks’. This is the dominant perception of the poor in the formal credit markets – a perception that also exists in the microcredit sector. In other words, while information asymmetry is a recognized problem in lender-borrower relationships, lenders consider the problem particularly severe when they contemplate doing business with the poor. A contrasting paradigm, such as the one adopted by Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, views the poor as possessing economic potentials that have not been tapped – that is, as ‘good credit risks’. Grameen Bank’s microcredit features appear to have successfully mitigated the problems of information asymmetry and, to a large extent, made it possible for the poor to access microenterprise credit. Using the Grameen Bank model as a benchmark, this study examined the lending features of private sector microlenders in South Africa and those of KhulaStart (credit) scheme. The aim was to identify how the lending features affect microenterprise credit access. Primary data were obtained through interviews, while relevant secondary data were also used in the study. A key finding of the study was that while the Khulastart scheme was, like Grameencredit, targeted at the poor, the method of its delivery appeared diluted or unduly influenced by the conventional (private sector) paradigm that pre-classifies people as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ credit risks. As a result, the scheme was not robust enough to support microenterprise credit access. This has consequences for job-creation and poverty reduction. Based on the findings, the study maintains that a realistic broadening of microenterprise credit access will not occur unless there is a fundamental paradigm shift in microcredit practices, and unless measures designed to mitigate information asymmetries are sensitive to the historical, economic and sociocultural realities of the South African poor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Akpan, Iniobong Wilson
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Grameen Bank , Microfinance -- South Africa , Microfinance -- Bangladesh , Credit -- Management , Risk management , Poor -- Finance, Personal , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Bangladesh -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:980 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002714 , Grameen Bank , Microfinance -- South Africa , Microfinance -- Bangladesh , Credit -- Management , Risk management , Poor -- Finance, Personal , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Bangladesh -- Economic conditions
- Description: Among the reasons for financial exclusion is the fact that the poor, being largely illiterate and unemployed, are traditionally perceived as ‘bad credit risks’. This is the dominant perception of the poor in the formal credit markets – a perception that also exists in the microcredit sector. In other words, while information asymmetry is a recognized problem in lender-borrower relationships, lenders consider the problem particularly severe when they contemplate doing business with the poor. A contrasting paradigm, such as the one adopted by Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, views the poor as possessing economic potentials that have not been tapped – that is, as ‘good credit risks’. Grameen Bank’s microcredit features appear to have successfully mitigated the problems of information asymmetry and, to a large extent, made it possible for the poor to access microenterprise credit. Using the Grameen Bank model as a benchmark, this study examined the lending features of private sector microlenders in South Africa and those of KhulaStart (credit) scheme. The aim was to identify how the lending features affect microenterprise credit access. Primary data were obtained through interviews, while relevant secondary data were also used in the study. A key finding of the study was that while the Khulastart scheme was, like Grameencredit, targeted at the poor, the method of its delivery appeared diluted or unduly influenced by the conventional (private sector) paradigm that pre-classifies people as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ credit risks. As a result, the scheme was not robust enough to support microenterprise credit access. This has consequences for job-creation and poverty reduction. Based on the findings, the study maintains that a realistic broadening of microenterprise credit access will not occur unless there is a fundamental paradigm shift in microcredit practices, and unless measures designed to mitigate information asymmetries are sensitive to the historical, economic and sociocultural realities of the South African poor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
An investigation of instructional leadership in a Namibian teacher training college
- Alexander, Christa Henriette
- Authors: Alexander, Christa Henriette
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Windhoek College of Education Educational leadership -- Namibia Education -- Namibia Teachers -- Training of -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1634 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003516
- Description: This thesis investigates how instructional leaders at the Windhoek College of Education (in Namibia) make sense of their roles. The Windhoek College of Education (WCE) was selected for this study because that is where I work, therefore it would be easy to observe some of the responses provided by the interviewees. It was also observed that instructional leadership is little researched in Namibia and hence study would contribute towards understanding the various perceptions that instructional leaders have of their roles. There is a need for information about the skills and tasks required to support practices of instructional leadership so that the best possible instruction can be provided. The thesis examines and presents such skills. A qualitative research framework, in particular an interpretative approach was used for the study. As my research is concerned with people’s perceptions, it is located in the interpretative paradigm. Semi-structured, open-ended interview questions were asked in order to gather information on how the participants make meaning of their roles as instructional leaders. The sample for the study consisted of eleven instructional leaders over different levels, i.e., executive leaders, leaders on middle-management level and leaders on classroom-instructional level. The findings indicated a narrow view of instructional leadership at the college. Factors contributing to this narrowness are addressed, e.g., the way concepts such as delegation, guidance and monitoring/supervision are perceived. The findings also addressed certain expectations that are needed from instructional leaders in order to ensure efficiency in their practice. The study concludes by recommending alternative, expansive ways of thinking about instructional leadership.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Alexander, Christa Henriette
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Windhoek College of Education Educational leadership -- Namibia Education -- Namibia Teachers -- Training of -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1634 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003516
- Description: This thesis investigates how instructional leaders at the Windhoek College of Education (in Namibia) make sense of their roles. The Windhoek College of Education (WCE) was selected for this study because that is where I work, therefore it would be easy to observe some of the responses provided by the interviewees. It was also observed that instructional leadership is little researched in Namibia and hence study would contribute towards understanding the various perceptions that instructional leaders have of their roles. There is a need for information about the skills and tasks required to support practices of instructional leadership so that the best possible instruction can be provided. The thesis examines and presents such skills. A qualitative research framework, in particular an interpretative approach was used for the study. As my research is concerned with people’s perceptions, it is located in the interpretative paradigm. Semi-structured, open-ended interview questions were asked in order to gather information on how the participants make meaning of their roles as instructional leaders. The sample for the study consisted of eleven instructional leaders over different levels, i.e., executive leaders, leaders on middle-management level and leaders on classroom-instructional level. The findings indicated a narrow view of instructional leadership at the college. Factors contributing to this narrowness are addressed, e.g., the way concepts such as delegation, guidance and monitoring/supervision are perceived. The findings also addressed certain expectations that are needed from instructional leaders in order to ensure efficiency in their practice. The study concludes by recommending alternative, expansive ways of thinking about instructional leadership.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
An assessment of the viability of establishing a hyperbaric oxygen therapy facility in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality area
- Authors: Allie, Dean Gerard
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Hyperbaric oxygenation -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Hyperbaric oxygenation -- Practice
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9262 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/151 , Hyperbaric oxygenation -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Hyperbaric oxygenation -- Practice
- Description: At present, the Eastern Cape is the only province in South Africa lacking a clinical hospital-based hyperbaric facility. East Cape Hyperbaric, to be situated at Greenacres Hospital in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan, will offer the Eastern Cape community access to a world-class facility that will offer their patients Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and a Wound-Healing Facility. The objective of this study was to assess the viability of establishing a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) facility for the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM), using sound business planning principles. A business plan precisely defines the business, identifies the goals, and serves as the firm's resume. A business plan will assist in allocating resources effectively, handle unforeseen complications, and assist in making sound business decisions. Because it provides specific and organized information about the company and how the company will repay borrowed money, a good business plan is a crucial part of business planning. In order to quantify the demand for a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy facility, a questionnaire was designed, in such a manner as to identify the current demand for a HBOT facility. The questionnaires were distributed to all medical practitioners within the NMMM by means of fax, e-mail and hand-delivery. Research conducted indicates that the results are promising enough to warrant the expedient creation of this business facility.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Allie, Dean Gerard
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Hyperbaric oxygenation -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Hyperbaric oxygenation -- Practice
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9262 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/151 , Hyperbaric oxygenation -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Hyperbaric oxygenation -- Practice
- Description: At present, the Eastern Cape is the only province in South Africa lacking a clinical hospital-based hyperbaric facility. East Cape Hyperbaric, to be situated at Greenacres Hospital in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan, will offer the Eastern Cape community access to a world-class facility that will offer their patients Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and a Wound-Healing Facility. The objective of this study was to assess the viability of establishing a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) facility for the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM), using sound business planning principles. A business plan precisely defines the business, identifies the goals, and serves as the firm's resume. A business plan will assist in allocating resources effectively, handle unforeseen complications, and assist in making sound business decisions. Because it provides specific and organized information about the company and how the company will repay borrowed money, a good business plan is a crucial part of business planning. In order to quantify the demand for a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy facility, a questionnaire was designed, in such a manner as to identify the current demand for a HBOT facility. The questionnaires were distributed to all medical practitioners within the NMMM by means of fax, e-mail and hand-delivery. Research conducted indicates that the results are promising enough to warrant the expedient creation of this business facility.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Strategic leadership within the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Association between 1988 and 2004
- Authors: Andrew, Craig Bruce
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Duke of Edinburgh's Award (Organization) Duke of Edinburgh's Award -- History Nonprofit organizations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:764 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003885
- Description: Providing strategic leadership for global Not-for-Profit organisations poses great challenges to the leadership structures of these voluntary organisations. This study looks at the phenomenon of strategic leadership in the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DOE) International Award Association (IAA) as a global Not-for-Profit Organisation (NPO). The main aim of the research was an in-depth examination of the processes involved in leadership at the top level in a global NPO. Eight strategic leaders from the top management team were interviewed. Further information was generated from a study of the Annual Reports spanning the 15 year period (1988/9 – 2003/4), and key strategic documents were used as supporting material. The research was conducted in a phenomenological paradigm, using the case study research method. Care was taken to minimize possible researcher bias and interpretations, as the researcher has been associated with this organisation for the past 18 years. It was found that the Royal Family play extremely valuable and multifaceted roles in the organisation. The triumvirate of The Royals; The Secretary General’s; and The Trustees; works well as individual ‘great groups’ yet when necessary, they form a collective collaborative grouping to effect strategic leadership for the IAA. The two main themes to emerge from the findings were the nature of the DOE as a global NPO and the role of strategic leadership in the DOE Award. The DOE Award has demonstrated that it has many unique strategic leadership features and is using these features to become more business-like in the application of its new strategic vision. The individual ‘great groups’ offer sound leadership throughout the process of overseeing and running the business of the DOE Award yet, when necessary and appropriate, these great groups appear to work collectively, perhaps in an unstructured manner, as the triumvirate of power. Their collective collaborative leadership is a unique feature of the DOE Award. The highly interactive role of the Royal Family is unique and sets the DOE Award apart from other similar youth organisations globally. The nature of the loose association of National Award Authorities all subscribing to the rules and conditions of association is also a very unique feature of this NPO. The DOE Award is not a movement organisation but is guided by its service ethic. The DOE Award is a service organisation in which the strategic leadership plays a crucial role yet the constitutional power resides with the International Award Association membership. This IAA membership meets every three years at the World Forum Triennium to approve all new policy and procedures.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Andrew, Craig Bruce
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Duke of Edinburgh's Award (Organization) Duke of Edinburgh's Award -- History Nonprofit organizations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:764 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003885
- Description: Providing strategic leadership for global Not-for-Profit organisations poses great challenges to the leadership structures of these voluntary organisations. This study looks at the phenomenon of strategic leadership in the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DOE) International Award Association (IAA) as a global Not-for-Profit Organisation (NPO). The main aim of the research was an in-depth examination of the processes involved in leadership at the top level in a global NPO. Eight strategic leaders from the top management team were interviewed. Further information was generated from a study of the Annual Reports spanning the 15 year period (1988/9 – 2003/4), and key strategic documents were used as supporting material. The research was conducted in a phenomenological paradigm, using the case study research method. Care was taken to minimize possible researcher bias and interpretations, as the researcher has been associated with this organisation for the past 18 years. It was found that the Royal Family play extremely valuable and multifaceted roles in the organisation. The triumvirate of The Royals; The Secretary General’s; and The Trustees; works well as individual ‘great groups’ yet when necessary, they form a collective collaborative grouping to effect strategic leadership for the IAA. The two main themes to emerge from the findings were the nature of the DOE as a global NPO and the role of strategic leadership in the DOE Award. The DOE Award has demonstrated that it has many unique strategic leadership features and is using these features to become more business-like in the application of its new strategic vision. The individual ‘great groups’ offer sound leadership throughout the process of overseeing and running the business of the DOE Award yet, when necessary and appropriate, these great groups appear to work collectively, perhaps in an unstructured manner, as the triumvirate of power. Their collective collaborative leadership is a unique feature of the DOE Award. The highly interactive role of the Royal Family is unique and sets the DOE Award apart from other similar youth organisations globally. The nature of the loose association of National Award Authorities all subscribing to the rules and conditions of association is also a very unique feature of this NPO. The DOE Award is not a movement organisation but is guided by its service ethic. The DOE Award is a service organisation in which the strategic leadership plays a crucial role yet the constitutional power resides with the International Award Association membership. This IAA membership meets every three years at the World Forum Triennium to approve all new policy and procedures.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
An evaluation of Volkswagen of South Africa's graduate training programme to develop a model for achieving programme outcomes
- Authors: Avrabos, Cheryl Lee
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: College graduates -- Recruiting -- South Africa , Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9376 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/168 , College graduates -- Recruiting -- South Africa , Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm)
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop a process model in order to meet outcomes of graduate training programmes, with specific relevance to Volkswagen of South Africa. To do this, VWSA’s Graduate Training Programme was assessed in terms of the approach currently used by VWSA to recruit, select and train graduate trainees. A literature study was conducted to reveal strategies for effectively training new recruits and the development of leadership competencies. Based on this study a model was developed to facilitate the graduate training programme process to achieve programme objectives. The study aimed at making a contribution to graduate training programmes by identifying key leadership competencies, as well as the training interventions which lead to the development of these competencies. It was found that the technical skills that the trainees acquire at their tertiary educational institutions are not sufficient in today’s workplace, thereby necessitating closer working relationships between these institutions and businesses so that needs can be shared, as well as more comprehensive training programmes being provided. The research methodology comprised the following steps: An analysis was made of VWSA’s current processes regarding recruitment, selection and training of their graduate trainees. iv An assessment of leadership competencies in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes that contribute to successful performance was undertaken. Training interventions as a process was studied. An analysis was made as to what extent the existing training interventions for VWSA’s graduate programme achieve the desired programme outcomes by means of a research questionnaire circulated to mentors/coaches and graduate trainees within the organisation. A model was developed to serve as a holistic framework for the recruitment, selection and training of graduate trainees for all motor and related industries undertaking graduate training programmes. The above was achieved through a practical study and a literature study, making use of questionnaires, as well as relevant published, unpublished and electronic texts and studies. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made based on data established through theoretical research and data obtained from the questionnaires.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Avrabos, Cheryl Lee
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: College graduates -- Recruiting -- South Africa , Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9376 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/168 , College graduates -- Recruiting -- South Africa , Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm)
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop a process model in order to meet outcomes of graduate training programmes, with specific relevance to Volkswagen of South Africa. To do this, VWSA’s Graduate Training Programme was assessed in terms of the approach currently used by VWSA to recruit, select and train graduate trainees. A literature study was conducted to reveal strategies for effectively training new recruits and the development of leadership competencies. Based on this study a model was developed to facilitate the graduate training programme process to achieve programme objectives. The study aimed at making a contribution to graduate training programmes by identifying key leadership competencies, as well as the training interventions which lead to the development of these competencies. It was found that the technical skills that the trainees acquire at their tertiary educational institutions are not sufficient in today’s workplace, thereby necessitating closer working relationships between these institutions and businesses so that needs can be shared, as well as more comprehensive training programmes being provided. The research methodology comprised the following steps: An analysis was made of VWSA’s current processes regarding recruitment, selection and training of their graduate trainees. iv An assessment of leadership competencies in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes that contribute to successful performance was undertaken. Training interventions as a process was studied. An analysis was made as to what extent the existing training interventions for VWSA’s graduate programme achieve the desired programme outcomes by means of a research questionnaire circulated to mentors/coaches and graduate trainees within the organisation. A model was developed to serve as a holistic framework for the recruitment, selection and training of graduate trainees for all motor and related industries undertaking graduate training programmes. The above was achieved through a practical study and a literature study, making use of questionnaires, as well as relevant published, unpublished and electronic texts and studies. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made based on data established through theoretical research and data obtained from the questionnaires.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The performance of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder on Griffiths Mental Development Scales: extended revised
- Baker, Susan Colleen Rozanne
- Authors: Baker, Susan Colleen Rozanne
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder -- South Africa , Attention-deficit-disordered children -- Psychological testing -- South Africa , Griffiths Development Scales
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9852 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/388 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1005823
- Description: Research has shown that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the commonest neurodevelopmental disorders which has a negative impact on a child. However, to date limited research has been conducted on learners, and specifically those learners with ADHD, within a National Education stream. Furthermore, running concurrently with this are new developments in education in South Africa. An inclusive educational policy favours the incorporation of all children into a mainstream scholastic setting, regardless of their diverse needs. In addition to educational changes for children with ADHD, many parents are presently unable to afford the medication commonly used to treat the disorder, resulting in both parents and teachers having to manage these children with limited professional support. It is widely accepted that early assessment and intervention are necessary in order to maximise a child’s potential. For this reason, the primary aim of this study was to explore and describe the developmental profile of children with ADHD on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales-Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). Further aims were to compare the performance of the clinical sample to a normal South African sample. In order to achieve these aims, a quantitative, exploratory-descriptive research design was employed. The sample (N = 38) of ADHD were selected by means of a non-probability, purposive sampling procedure, from various pre-school and primary schools in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The normal sample (N = 38) was drawn from an existing database created during the revision of the Scales. Information was collated using the Conners 39 Item Teacher Rating Scale, biographical data, as well as the results of an assessment from the GMDS-ER. In this study the general performance of the ADHD sample on the GMDS-ER was found to be above average. Furthermore the performance of these children on the six Subscales of the GMDS-ER ranged from average to superior, with the poorest performance being on the Eye and Hand Co-ordination Subscale, and the best performance being on the Performance Subscale. Significant differences between the ADHD and normal sample were found on the General Quotient (GQ) as well as three of the six Subscales, namely, the Hearing and Speech, Eye and Hand Co-ordination and Performance Subscales. Generally, the results of the study suggest that a specific developmental profile for children with ADHD exists. Additionally, the study highlighted the success with which the GMDS-ER can be utilised on a specific clinical population.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Baker, Susan Colleen Rozanne
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder -- South Africa , Attention-deficit-disordered children -- Psychological testing -- South Africa , Griffiths Development Scales
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9852 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/388 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1005823
- Description: Research has shown that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the commonest neurodevelopmental disorders which has a negative impact on a child. However, to date limited research has been conducted on learners, and specifically those learners with ADHD, within a National Education stream. Furthermore, running concurrently with this are new developments in education in South Africa. An inclusive educational policy favours the incorporation of all children into a mainstream scholastic setting, regardless of their diverse needs. In addition to educational changes for children with ADHD, many parents are presently unable to afford the medication commonly used to treat the disorder, resulting in both parents and teachers having to manage these children with limited professional support. It is widely accepted that early assessment and intervention are necessary in order to maximise a child’s potential. For this reason, the primary aim of this study was to explore and describe the developmental profile of children with ADHD on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales-Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). Further aims were to compare the performance of the clinical sample to a normal South African sample. In order to achieve these aims, a quantitative, exploratory-descriptive research design was employed. The sample (N = 38) of ADHD were selected by means of a non-probability, purposive sampling procedure, from various pre-school and primary schools in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The normal sample (N = 38) was drawn from an existing database created during the revision of the Scales. Information was collated using the Conners 39 Item Teacher Rating Scale, biographical data, as well as the results of an assessment from the GMDS-ER. In this study the general performance of the ADHD sample on the GMDS-ER was found to be above average. Furthermore the performance of these children on the six Subscales of the GMDS-ER ranged from average to superior, with the poorest performance being on the Eye and Hand Co-ordination Subscale, and the best performance being on the Performance Subscale. Significant differences between the ADHD and normal sample were found on the General Quotient (GQ) as well as three of the six Subscales, namely, the Hearing and Speech, Eye and Hand Co-ordination and Performance Subscales. Generally, the results of the study suggest that a specific developmental profile for children with ADHD exists. Additionally, the study highlighted the success with which the GMDS-ER can be utilised on a specific clinical population.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Interest rate behaviour in a more transparent South African monetary policy environment
- Authors: Ballim, Goolam Hoosen
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: South African Reserve Bank , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1034 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004462 , South African Reserve Bank , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Description: South Africa introduced inflation targeting as a monetary policy framework in 2000. This marked a sizable shift in monetary policy management from the previous "eclectic" approach and the explicit focus on M3 money supply before that. The study appraises the effectiveness of monetary policy under this new dispensation. However, the analysis does not centre on inflation outcomes, which can be a measure of effectiveness because they are the overriding objective of the South African Reserve Bank in effect, it is possible to have a target-friendly inflation rate for a length of time despite monetary policy that is ambiguous and encourages unpredictability in market interest rates. However, persistent policy opaqueness can, over time, damage a favourable inflation scenario. For instance, if the public is unsure about the Reserve Bank's desired inflation target, price setting in the wage and goods markets may eventually produce an inflation outcome that is higher than the Bank may have intended. Rather, this study adjudicates the effectiveness of monetary policy within the context of policy transparency, which is an intrinsic part of the inflation targeting framework. The study looks at the extent to which monetary policy transparency has enhanced both the anticipatory nature of the market's response to policy actions and the force that policy has on all interest rates in the financial system, particularly long-term rates. These concepts are important because through the transmission mechanism of monetary policy, the more deft market participants are at anticipating future Reserve Bank policy the greater the Bank's ability to steady the economy before the actual policy event. With the aid of regression models to estimate the response of market rates to policy changes, the results show that there is significant movement in market rates in anticipation of policy action, rather than on the day of the event or the day after. Indeed, the estimates for market rates movement on the day of and even the day after the policy action are generally minute. For instance, the R157 long-term government bond yield changes by a significant 41 basis points in response to a one percentage point change in the Reserve Bank's benchmark repo rate in the period between the last policy action and the day preceding the current action. In contrast, the R157 bond yield changes by an insignificant 2 basis points on the day of the current repo rate change and about 1 basis point the day after the current change. The results point to a robust relationship between policy transparency and the market's ability to foresee rate action. If this were not the case, it is likely that there would be persistent market surprise and, hence, noticeable movement in interest rates on the day of the rate action and perhaps even the day after. Another important observation is that monetary policy impacts significantly on both short- and long-term market rates. Again, certifying the robustness of monetary policy under the inflation targeting regime
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Ballim, Goolam Hoosen
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: South African Reserve Bank , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1034 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004462 , South African Reserve Bank , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Description: South Africa introduced inflation targeting as a monetary policy framework in 2000. This marked a sizable shift in monetary policy management from the previous "eclectic" approach and the explicit focus on M3 money supply before that. The study appraises the effectiveness of monetary policy under this new dispensation. However, the analysis does not centre on inflation outcomes, which can be a measure of effectiveness because they are the overriding objective of the South African Reserve Bank in effect, it is possible to have a target-friendly inflation rate for a length of time despite monetary policy that is ambiguous and encourages unpredictability in market interest rates. However, persistent policy opaqueness can, over time, damage a favourable inflation scenario. For instance, if the public is unsure about the Reserve Bank's desired inflation target, price setting in the wage and goods markets may eventually produce an inflation outcome that is higher than the Bank may have intended. Rather, this study adjudicates the effectiveness of monetary policy within the context of policy transparency, which is an intrinsic part of the inflation targeting framework. The study looks at the extent to which monetary policy transparency has enhanced both the anticipatory nature of the market's response to policy actions and the force that policy has on all interest rates in the financial system, particularly long-term rates. These concepts are important because through the transmission mechanism of monetary policy, the more deft market participants are at anticipating future Reserve Bank policy the greater the Bank's ability to steady the economy before the actual policy event. With the aid of regression models to estimate the response of market rates to policy changes, the results show that there is significant movement in market rates in anticipation of policy action, rather than on the day of the event or the day after. Indeed, the estimates for market rates movement on the day of and even the day after the policy action are generally minute. For instance, the R157 long-term government bond yield changes by a significant 41 basis points in response to a one percentage point change in the Reserve Bank's benchmark repo rate in the period between the last policy action and the day preceding the current action. In contrast, the R157 bond yield changes by an insignificant 2 basis points on the day of the current repo rate change and about 1 basis point the day after the current change. The results point to a robust relationship between policy transparency and the market's ability to foresee rate action. If this were not the case, it is likely that there would be persistent market surprise and, hence, noticeable movement in interest rates on the day of the rate action and perhaps even the day after. Another important observation is that monetary policy impacts significantly on both short- and long-term market rates. Again, certifying the robustness of monetary policy under the inflation targeting regime
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
A critical analysis of the influence of the performance management system used in the financial department at General Motors South Africa
- Authors: Beckett, Yasmien
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Employees, Rating of , Organizational effectiveness , Finance departments , General Motors (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10925 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/155 , Performance -- Management , Employees, Rating of , Organizational effectiveness , Finance departments , General Motors (South Africa)
- Description: Recently, organisations have been faced with challenges like never before. Increasing competition from businesses across the world has meant that businesses must be more careful about the choice of strategies to remain competitive. This situation has placed more focus on organizational effectiveness in that systems and processes be applied in the right way to the right things to achieve results. All of the organisational processes must continue to be aligned to achieve the overall results desired by the organisation for it to survive and thrive. Performance management is an ongoing process that should reflect the current and emerging business challenges, as well as the company’s values about performance and careers. As the business and workforce change, the performance management process should be modified to ensure that the process and tools remain congruent with organisational values and priorities. The objective of this study was to identify the influence of the current performance management system, in the Finance department at General Motors South Africa, as a facilitation tool in aiding or assisting management in achieving individual and departmental goals. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to determine the views on performance, and on performance management systems. A questionnaire was designed based on the guidelines in the literature study, in order to establish the extent to which the organisation manages performance. The researcher used the random sampling method of selection and distributed the questionnaire to eighty one potential respondents via mail and electronic e-mail. Forty one completed questionnaires were returned and these were processed and -iiianalysed using Microsoft Office Excel 2003, running on the Windows XP suite of computer packages. The respondent’s opinion obtained from the questionnaires were compared with the guidelines provided by the literature study in order to identify shortcomings of the influence that the performance management system has on the achievement of individual and departmental goals at the selected organisation. It can be concluded from the respondent’s opinions that the greatest shortcomings of the current performance management system are the link between performance and reward, and commitment to the process in its totality. The other areas of concern are the lack of training and development, and the necessary resources required to achieve objectives. The study also indicates there is no overwhelming agreement that feedback, both positive and negative, takes place as the literature suggests. The following were the main recommendations and conclusions made: • Firstly, it is imperative that management undergoes training in the feedback and review process which is a critical element in the performance management cycle. • Secondly, to realise the benefit of increased employee effectiveness, management should undergo training to become more effective career coaches to promote a climate of continuous learning and professional growth. • Thirdly, the reward system should be reviewed, if management is committed to using pay as an incentive for desired levels and directions of performance. • Fourthly, management can set an example and build commitment for effective performance management and be leaders at all levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Beckett, Yasmien
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Employees, Rating of , Organizational effectiveness , Finance departments , General Motors (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10925 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/155 , Performance -- Management , Employees, Rating of , Organizational effectiveness , Finance departments , General Motors (South Africa)
- Description: Recently, organisations have been faced with challenges like never before. Increasing competition from businesses across the world has meant that businesses must be more careful about the choice of strategies to remain competitive. This situation has placed more focus on organizational effectiveness in that systems and processes be applied in the right way to the right things to achieve results. All of the organisational processes must continue to be aligned to achieve the overall results desired by the organisation for it to survive and thrive. Performance management is an ongoing process that should reflect the current and emerging business challenges, as well as the company’s values about performance and careers. As the business and workforce change, the performance management process should be modified to ensure that the process and tools remain congruent with organisational values and priorities. The objective of this study was to identify the influence of the current performance management system, in the Finance department at General Motors South Africa, as a facilitation tool in aiding or assisting management in achieving individual and departmental goals. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to determine the views on performance, and on performance management systems. A questionnaire was designed based on the guidelines in the literature study, in order to establish the extent to which the organisation manages performance. The researcher used the random sampling method of selection and distributed the questionnaire to eighty one potential respondents via mail and electronic e-mail. Forty one completed questionnaires were returned and these were processed and -iiianalysed using Microsoft Office Excel 2003, running on the Windows XP suite of computer packages. The respondent’s opinion obtained from the questionnaires were compared with the guidelines provided by the literature study in order to identify shortcomings of the influence that the performance management system has on the achievement of individual and departmental goals at the selected organisation. It can be concluded from the respondent’s opinions that the greatest shortcomings of the current performance management system are the link between performance and reward, and commitment to the process in its totality. The other areas of concern are the lack of training and development, and the necessary resources required to achieve objectives. The study also indicates there is no overwhelming agreement that feedback, both positive and negative, takes place as the literature suggests. The following were the main recommendations and conclusions made: • Firstly, it is imperative that management undergoes training in the feedback and review process which is a critical element in the performance management cycle. • Secondly, to realise the benefit of increased employee effectiveness, management should undergo training to become more effective career coaches to promote a climate of continuous learning and professional growth. • Thirdly, the reward system should be reviewed, if management is committed to using pay as an incentive for desired levels and directions of performance. • Fourthly, management can set an example and build commitment for effective performance management and be leaders at all levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Euphausiid population structure and grazing in the Indian sector of the Antarctic Polar Frontal Zone, during austral autumn
- Bernard, Anthony Thomas Firth
- Authors: Bernard, Anthony Thomas Firth
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Euphausiacea -- Antarctic Ocean , Euphausiacea -- Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5913 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015960
- Description: The trophodynamics of the numerically dominant euphausiid species within a region of high mesoscale oceanographic variability in the southwest Indian sector of the Antarctic Polar Frontal Zone (PFZ) were investigated during the austral autumns April/May) of 2004 and 2005. During the 2004 survey, sub-surface (200 m) temperature profiles indicated that an intense frontal feature, formed by the convergence of the Sub-Antarctic Front (SAF) and the Antarctic Polar Front (APF) bisected the survey area into two distinct zones, the Sub- Antarctic Zone (SAZ) and the Antarctic Zone (AAZ). Total integrated chlorophyll-a (chl-a) biomass was typical for the region (< 25 mg chl-a m⁻²), and was dominated by picophytoplankton. Total euphausiid abundance and biomass ranged from 0.1 to 3.1 ind m⁻³ and 0.1 to 8.1 mg dwt m⁻³, respectively, and did not differ significantly between the stations occupied in the SAZ and AAZ (p > 0.05). The multivariate analysis identified two interacting mechanisms controlling the distribution patterns, abundance and biomass of the various euphausiid species, namely (1) diel changes in abundance and biomass, (2) and restricted distribution patterns associated with the different water masses. Ingestion rates were determined for five euphausiid species. E. triacantha was found to have the highest daily ingestion rate ranging from 1 226.1 to 6 029.1 ng pigm ind⁻¹d⁻¹, while the lowest daily ingestion rates were observed in the juvenile Thysanoessa species (6.4 to 943.0 ng pigm ind⁻¹ d⁻¹). The total grazing impact of the selected euphausiids ranged from < 0.1 to 20.1 μg pigm m⁻²d⁻¹, corresponding to < 0.15 % of the areal chl-a biomass. The daily ration estimates of autotrophic carbon for the euphausiids suggested that phytoplankton represented a minor component in their diets, with only the sub-adult E. vallentini consuming sufficient phytoplankton to meet their daily carbon requirements. A cyclonic cold-core eddy spawned from the region of the APF located in the southwest Indian sector of the PFZ was the dominant feature during the 2005 survey. The total areal chl-a biomass throughout the region was low, ranging between 5.6 and 11.4 mg chl-a m⁻², and was significantly higher within the core of the eddy compared to the surrounding waters (p < 0.05). RMT-8 and WP-2 total euphausiid abundance and biomass estimates were high, and ranged from 0.004 to 0.36 ind m⁻³ and 0.065 to 1.21 mg dwt m⁻³, and from 0.01 to 18.2 ind m⁻³ and 0.01 to 15.7 mg dwt m⁻³, respectively. A distinct spatial pattern in the euphausiid community was evident with the Antarctic species, Euphausia frigida, E. triacantha and E. superba predominating within the core of the eddy, while the PFZ waters were characterized by the sub-Antarctic species, E. longirostris, Stylocheiron maximum, Nematoscelis megalops and Thysanoessa gregaria. The eddy edge acted as a transition zone where species from both regions co-occurred. Within the survey area the combined ingestion rate of the six numerically dominant euphausiid species ranged between 0.02 and 5.31 μg pigm m⁻²d¹, which corresponded to a loss of between < 0.001 and 0.11 % of the available chl-a biomass. E. triacantha and juvenile T. macura were identified as the dominant grazers. There was no apparent spatial pattern in the grazing activity of the euphausiids within the region of investigation. The average daily rations of the euphausiids examined were < 2 % of their body carbon. The low daily ration of the euphausiids could be ascribed to the predominance of small picophytoplankton in the region of investigation, which are too small to be grazed efficiently by larger zooplankton. The marked spatial patterns in species composition and the elevated abundance and biomass of euphausiids, suggest that the mesoscale eddies contribute to the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the planktonic community of the PFZ and may represent important foraging regions for many of the apex predators within the region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Bernard, Anthony Thomas Firth
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Euphausiacea -- Antarctic Ocean , Euphausiacea -- Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5913 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015960
- Description: The trophodynamics of the numerically dominant euphausiid species within a region of high mesoscale oceanographic variability in the southwest Indian sector of the Antarctic Polar Frontal Zone (PFZ) were investigated during the austral autumns April/May) of 2004 and 2005. During the 2004 survey, sub-surface (200 m) temperature profiles indicated that an intense frontal feature, formed by the convergence of the Sub-Antarctic Front (SAF) and the Antarctic Polar Front (APF) bisected the survey area into two distinct zones, the Sub- Antarctic Zone (SAZ) and the Antarctic Zone (AAZ). Total integrated chlorophyll-a (chl-a) biomass was typical for the region (< 25 mg chl-a m⁻²), and was dominated by picophytoplankton. Total euphausiid abundance and biomass ranged from 0.1 to 3.1 ind m⁻³ and 0.1 to 8.1 mg dwt m⁻³, respectively, and did not differ significantly between the stations occupied in the SAZ and AAZ (p > 0.05). The multivariate analysis identified two interacting mechanisms controlling the distribution patterns, abundance and biomass of the various euphausiid species, namely (1) diel changes in abundance and biomass, (2) and restricted distribution patterns associated with the different water masses. Ingestion rates were determined for five euphausiid species. E. triacantha was found to have the highest daily ingestion rate ranging from 1 226.1 to 6 029.1 ng pigm ind⁻¹d⁻¹, while the lowest daily ingestion rates were observed in the juvenile Thysanoessa species (6.4 to 943.0 ng pigm ind⁻¹ d⁻¹). The total grazing impact of the selected euphausiids ranged from < 0.1 to 20.1 μg pigm m⁻²d⁻¹, corresponding to < 0.15 % of the areal chl-a biomass. The daily ration estimates of autotrophic carbon for the euphausiids suggested that phytoplankton represented a minor component in their diets, with only the sub-adult E. vallentini consuming sufficient phytoplankton to meet their daily carbon requirements. A cyclonic cold-core eddy spawned from the region of the APF located in the southwest Indian sector of the PFZ was the dominant feature during the 2005 survey. The total areal chl-a biomass throughout the region was low, ranging between 5.6 and 11.4 mg chl-a m⁻², and was significantly higher within the core of the eddy compared to the surrounding waters (p < 0.05). RMT-8 and WP-2 total euphausiid abundance and biomass estimates were high, and ranged from 0.004 to 0.36 ind m⁻³ and 0.065 to 1.21 mg dwt m⁻³, and from 0.01 to 18.2 ind m⁻³ and 0.01 to 15.7 mg dwt m⁻³, respectively. A distinct spatial pattern in the euphausiid community was evident with the Antarctic species, Euphausia frigida, E. triacantha and E. superba predominating within the core of the eddy, while the PFZ waters were characterized by the sub-Antarctic species, E. longirostris, Stylocheiron maximum, Nematoscelis megalops and Thysanoessa gregaria. The eddy edge acted as a transition zone where species from both regions co-occurred. Within the survey area the combined ingestion rate of the six numerically dominant euphausiid species ranged between 0.02 and 5.31 μg pigm m⁻²d¹, which corresponded to a loss of between < 0.001 and 0.11 % of the available chl-a biomass. E. triacantha and juvenile T. macura were identified as the dominant grazers. There was no apparent spatial pattern in the grazing activity of the euphausiids within the region of investigation. The average daily rations of the euphausiids examined were < 2 % of their body carbon. The low daily ration of the euphausiids could be ascribed to the predominance of small picophytoplankton in the region of investigation, which are too small to be grazed efficiently by larger zooplankton. The marked spatial patterns in species composition and the elevated abundance and biomass of euphausiids, suggest that the mesoscale eddies contribute to the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the planktonic community of the PFZ and may represent important foraging regions for many of the apex predators within the region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The feeding ecology, habitat selection and hunting behaviour of re-introduced cheetah on Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Bissett, Charlene
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Kwandwe Game Reserve (South Africa) , Cheetah -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cheetah -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cheetah -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5698 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005384 , Kwandwe Game Reserve (South Africa) , Cheetah -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cheetah -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cheetah -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The re-introduction of cheetah onto small reserves in the Eastern Cape Province has created the opportunity to study this species in an environment (Valley Bushveld) in which it has not previously been studied and which is quite different from the less wooded habitats in which previous studies have occurred. Thus the aim of this study is to add to the growing number of studies of cheetah in more wooded habitats and to contribute a better understanding of the level of specialization or adaptability in space use, habitat selection, diet and hunting behaviour that the cheetah possesses. The research was conducted on Kwandwe Private Game Reserve from February 2003 to August 2004. Direct observations, scat analysis and continuous observations were used to avoid bias towards large sized prey found when only using direct observations to study diet. The cheetah killed 15 species and four of the five most important prey species (kudu, springbok, grey duiker and bushbuck) were hunted according to their abundance on the reserve, while impala, the fifth most important prey species, was avoided (i.e. preference index less than one) by the cheetah. The cheetah’s main prey was medium sized ungulates, although the three male coalition killed larger prey than females and females with cubs. The daily food intake per cheetah per day was calculated to range from 5.3kg/cheetah/day for the coalition to 8kg/cheetah/day for a solitary female. Home range areas ranged from 11.1 km² for female cheetah with cubs in a den to 65.6 km² for single female cheetah and core areas ranged from 6 km² for the three male coalition to 26.5 km² for independent cubs. Habitat selection by cheetah on Kwandwe varied between the social groups depending on their susceptibility to predation by lions, their need for cover and need for water, and was similar to what has been previously reported. The home range of the coalition incorporated the most open vegetation type (karroid shrubland) with surrounding denser vegetation, while females occupied areas of denser vegetation. Activity patterns and hunting behaviour varied between different cheetah social groups with female cheetah being more active during day light hours compared to males which made 38% of their kills after dark. The average chase distances for the various cheetah groups varied considerably, and the chase distance for successful hunts was longer than for unsuccessful for all groups except single female cheetah. The percentage of kills’ kleptoparasitised on Kwandwe was very low compared to other studies possibly due to the low density of direct competitors, which in turn lead to longer mean kill retention times. These results suggest that cheetah are more adaptable than previously thought and this adaptability may have important implications for their conservation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Bissett, Charlene
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Kwandwe Game Reserve (South Africa) , Cheetah -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cheetah -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cheetah -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5698 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005384 , Kwandwe Game Reserve (South Africa) , Cheetah -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cheetah -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cheetah -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The re-introduction of cheetah onto small reserves in the Eastern Cape Province has created the opportunity to study this species in an environment (Valley Bushveld) in which it has not previously been studied and which is quite different from the less wooded habitats in which previous studies have occurred. Thus the aim of this study is to add to the growing number of studies of cheetah in more wooded habitats and to contribute a better understanding of the level of specialization or adaptability in space use, habitat selection, diet and hunting behaviour that the cheetah possesses. The research was conducted on Kwandwe Private Game Reserve from February 2003 to August 2004. Direct observations, scat analysis and continuous observations were used to avoid bias towards large sized prey found when only using direct observations to study diet. The cheetah killed 15 species and four of the five most important prey species (kudu, springbok, grey duiker and bushbuck) were hunted according to their abundance on the reserve, while impala, the fifth most important prey species, was avoided (i.e. preference index less than one) by the cheetah. The cheetah’s main prey was medium sized ungulates, although the three male coalition killed larger prey than females and females with cubs. The daily food intake per cheetah per day was calculated to range from 5.3kg/cheetah/day for the coalition to 8kg/cheetah/day for a solitary female. Home range areas ranged from 11.1 km² for female cheetah with cubs in a den to 65.6 km² for single female cheetah and core areas ranged from 6 km² for the three male coalition to 26.5 km² for independent cubs. Habitat selection by cheetah on Kwandwe varied between the social groups depending on their susceptibility to predation by lions, their need for cover and need for water, and was similar to what has been previously reported. The home range of the coalition incorporated the most open vegetation type (karroid shrubland) with surrounding denser vegetation, while females occupied areas of denser vegetation. Activity patterns and hunting behaviour varied between different cheetah social groups with female cheetah being more active during day light hours compared to males which made 38% of their kills after dark. The average chase distances for the various cheetah groups varied considerably, and the chase distance for successful hunts was longer than for unsuccessful for all groups except single female cheetah. The percentage of kills’ kleptoparasitised on Kwandwe was very low compared to other studies possibly due to the low density of direct competitors, which in turn lead to longer mean kill retention times. These results suggest that cheetah are more adaptable than previously thought and this adaptability may have important implications for their conservation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
A study of the use of value based management (VBM) by multinational entities in the Eastern Cape motor industry cluster (ECMIC)
- Authors: Blouw, Mbuyiselo Edwin
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Corporations -- Valuation , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8550 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/421 , Corporations -- Valuation , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: Management’s response to shareholders’ return on investment as a priority occurs in an increasingly dynamic environment. Accompanying these activities is the need to realign responsibilities and to allocate scarce resources effectively. This is done in order to ensure that companies achieve global competitiveness and increase shareholders’ return on investment. Against this backdrop, local industry needs to find new methods or strategies in order to achieve world-class competitiveness, and to be able to access foreign investment. One way to achieve these goals is through Value Based Management (VBM). The objective of this study is to evaluate the strategic intent of Multinational Entities in applying VBM to increase shareholders’ return on investment. Based on the study, certain factors are critical to ensure the success of VBM. A postal survey to managers in the motor manufacturing and component manufacturing companies was conducted to check the managers’ familiarity with VBM, and their scope, and usage of VBM; and, based on the finding, to evaluate the impact of VBM on companies’ results. The empirical finding was compared with a literature review, and the following findings were made: There is a strong understanding and application of the VBM principle on the part of local entities with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI); Departmental performance is critical to an entity’s overall performance; Based on the study, 23 per cent of the respondents use Economic Value Added (EVA) as an internal reporting measure, and an average of 19 per cent use other metrics; A total of 89 per cent of respondents indicated that they strongly agree with the use of incentives for motivation. The above-mentioned points were covered by means of 4-M framework ― that is: Measurement, Management, Motivation, and Mindset.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Blouw, Mbuyiselo Edwin
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Corporations -- Valuation , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8550 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/421 , Corporations -- Valuation , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: Management’s response to shareholders’ return on investment as a priority occurs in an increasingly dynamic environment. Accompanying these activities is the need to realign responsibilities and to allocate scarce resources effectively. This is done in order to ensure that companies achieve global competitiveness and increase shareholders’ return on investment. Against this backdrop, local industry needs to find new methods or strategies in order to achieve world-class competitiveness, and to be able to access foreign investment. One way to achieve these goals is through Value Based Management (VBM). The objective of this study is to evaluate the strategic intent of Multinational Entities in applying VBM to increase shareholders’ return on investment. Based on the study, certain factors are critical to ensure the success of VBM. A postal survey to managers in the motor manufacturing and component manufacturing companies was conducted to check the managers’ familiarity with VBM, and their scope, and usage of VBM; and, based on the finding, to evaluate the impact of VBM on companies’ results. The empirical finding was compared with a literature review, and the following findings were made: There is a strong understanding and application of the VBM principle on the part of local entities with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI); Departmental performance is critical to an entity’s overall performance; Based on the study, 23 per cent of the respondents use Economic Value Added (EVA) as an internal reporting measure, and an average of 19 per cent use other metrics; A total of 89 per cent of respondents indicated that they strongly agree with the use of incentives for motivation. The above-mentioned points were covered by means of 4-M framework ― that is: Measurement, Management, Motivation, and Mindset.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The biology of suburban olive thrushes (Turdus olivaceus olivaceus) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Bonnevie, Bo Tørris
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Thrushes , Turdus , Thrushes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Turdus -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5651 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005333 , Thrushes , Turdus , Thrushes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Turdus -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study investigated the biology of the Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus olivaceus in Grahamstown, South Africa from 1998 to 2003. Behavioural differences between males and females, parent-young interactions, development of fledglings, and the role of song and moult in territorial behaviour were investigated. Comparisons of biometrics, moult and survival were made using Olive Thrush ringing data from other regions. There were no significant differences in mass, wing length or survival rate between the Eastern and Western Cape provinces, but primary wing moult started earlier in the Western Cape and coincided with the end of the main breeding periods in both provinces. Both males and females of breeding pairs remained in and defended their territories throughout the year, but there was some evidence that territorial defence was strongest during the breeding periods. Roughly, every 100 eggs laid produce 50 fledglings. Out of these 20 to 30 reach the age of independence at approximately 50 days, and only five of these juvenile birds reach maturity. Adult survival was estimated at 80%, with a mean life expectancy of 4.5 years and a conservative estimate of maximum lifespan of 11 years. Using ringing data and museum specimens, the Olive Thrush was compared with the Karoo Thrush Turdus smithi, a former race of the Olive Thrush. Olive Thrushes had shorter bills and wings, but were heavier than Karoo Thrushes from the Cradock district. There were also differences in bill and eye-ring colouration between these populations. No morphological differences were found between the sexes in either species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Bonnevie, Bo Tørris
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Thrushes , Turdus , Thrushes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Turdus -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5651 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005333 , Thrushes , Turdus , Thrushes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Turdus -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study investigated the biology of the Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus olivaceus in Grahamstown, South Africa from 1998 to 2003. Behavioural differences between males and females, parent-young interactions, development of fledglings, and the role of song and moult in territorial behaviour were investigated. Comparisons of biometrics, moult and survival were made using Olive Thrush ringing data from other regions. There were no significant differences in mass, wing length or survival rate between the Eastern and Western Cape provinces, but primary wing moult started earlier in the Western Cape and coincided with the end of the main breeding periods in both provinces. Both males and females of breeding pairs remained in and defended their territories throughout the year, but there was some evidence that territorial defence was strongest during the breeding periods. Roughly, every 100 eggs laid produce 50 fledglings. Out of these 20 to 30 reach the age of independence at approximately 50 days, and only five of these juvenile birds reach maturity. Adult survival was estimated at 80%, with a mean life expectancy of 4.5 years and a conservative estimate of maximum lifespan of 11 years. Using ringing data and museum specimens, the Olive Thrush was compared with the Karoo Thrush Turdus smithi, a former race of the Olive Thrush. Olive Thrushes had shorter bills and wings, but were heavier than Karoo Thrushes from the Cradock district. There were also differences in bill and eye-ring colouration between these populations. No morphological differences were found between the sexes in either species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Three perspectives on ukuthwasa: the view from traditional beliefs, western psychiatry and transpersonal psychology
- Authors: Booi, Beauty Ntombizanele
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Healers -- South Africa , Divination -- South Africa , Schizophrenia -- Social aspects , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2936 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002445 , Healers -- South Africa , Divination -- South Africa , Schizophrenia -- Social aspects , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Description: Among the Xhosas, the healing sickness called intwaso is interptreted as a call by the ancestors to become a healer. Transpersonalists also see these initiatory illnesses as spiritual crises, while according to the widely accepted Western psychiatric view, illness is purely perceived in physical and psychological terms. A case study was conducted where a single participant who has undergone the process of ukuthwasa and is functioning as a traditional healer was interviewed. A series of interviews were done where information was gathered about significant experiences related to ukuthwasa process. Tapes were transcribed and a case narrative was written and interpreted using the traditional Xhosa beliefs, the western psychiatric and the transpersonal psychology perspectives. Strengths and weaknesses of each perspective were then examined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Booi, Beauty Ntombizanele
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Healers -- South Africa , Divination -- South Africa , Schizophrenia -- Social aspects , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2936 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002445 , Healers -- South Africa , Divination -- South Africa , Schizophrenia -- Social aspects , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Description: Among the Xhosas, the healing sickness called intwaso is interptreted as a call by the ancestors to become a healer. Transpersonalists also see these initiatory illnesses as spiritual crises, while according to the widely accepted Western psychiatric view, illness is purely perceived in physical and psychological terms. A case study was conducted where a single participant who has undergone the process of ukuthwasa and is functioning as a traditional healer was interviewed. A series of interviews were done where information was gathered about significant experiences related to ukuthwasa process. Tapes were transcribed and a case narrative was written and interpreted using the traditional Xhosa beliefs, the western psychiatric and the transpersonal psychology perspectives. Strengths and weaknesses of each perspective were then examined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
An assessment of the recruitment and selection strategies used in the sales department of Old Mutual Group Schemes in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Booi, Solomzi Kaya
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Employees recruiting , Insurance agents -- Recruiting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Old Mutual (Cape Town, South Africa) Employees , Group insurance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9261 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/150 , Employees recruiting , Insurance agents -- Recruiting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Old Mutual (Cape Town, South Africa) Employees , Group insurance
- Description: The aim of this research was to assess the recruitment and selection strategies used in the sales department of Old Mutual Group Schemes (OMGS) in the Eastern Cape. The company hopes to stem the high labour turn over in OMGS. After the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA) and Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 (EEA) were promulgated, organisations in this country introduced new recruitment and selection policies. The challenge to most organisations is the implementation of these policies by managers. The requirements of these two legislations create problems for small companies because of the high costs involved especially in the implementation stages. The organisation incurs costs in the development of the new processes and the training of staff. Even after the new processes, labour turnover did not improve in OMGS. Senior management is trying any means possible to rectify the situation. The company policy was examined against the literature available and the recruitment and selection processes of different authors were investigated. The findings indicated that some steps in the recruitment and selection processes were not followed. It was recommended that the organisation use more recruitment sources to broaden the scope of accessing more suitable applicants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Booi, Solomzi Kaya
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Employees recruiting , Insurance agents -- Recruiting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Old Mutual (Cape Town, South Africa) Employees , Group insurance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9261 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/150 , Employees recruiting , Insurance agents -- Recruiting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Old Mutual (Cape Town, South Africa) Employees , Group insurance
- Description: The aim of this research was to assess the recruitment and selection strategies used in the sales department of Old Mutual Group Schemes (OMGS) in the Eastern Cape. The company hopes to stem the high labour turn over in OMGS. After the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA) and Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 (EEA) were promulgated, organisations in this country introduced new recruitment and selection policies. The challenge to most organisations is the implementation of these policies by managers. The requirements of these two legislations create problems for small companies because of the high costs involved especially in the implementation stages. The organisation incurs costs in the development of the new processes and the training of staff. Even after the new processes, labour turnover did not improve in OMGS. Senior management is trying any means possible to rectify the situation. The company policy was examined against the literature available and the recruitment and selection processes of different authors were investigated. The findings indicated that some steps in the recruitment and selection processes were not followed. It was recommended that the organisation use more recruitment sources to broaden the scope of accessing more suitable applicants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
"Feeling foggy?": an investigation into the self-reported post-concussive symptoms in rugby union players at university level
- Authors: Boulind, Melissa
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Brain damage , Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications , Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Psychology , Sports injuries -- Psychological aspects , Rugby football injuries , Rugby Union football players
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2938 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002447 , Brain damage , Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications , Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Psychology , Sports injuries -- Psychological aspects , Rugby football injuries , Rugby Union football players
- Description: A study was conducted on the self-reported symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury sustained in Rugby Union at the pre- and post-season stages. A full sample of 30 rugby players at Rhodes University was compared to 27 non-contact sport controls. A reduced sample of 20 rugby players and 9 control participants provided improved control for education and IQ and was compared. Measures included the WAIS-III Vocabulary and Picture Completion Sub-tests to estimate IQ level, the symptom checklist on a widely used computer-based program (ImPACT), and a paper and pencil self-report 31-Item Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire. Independent and Dependent T-Test comparisons were conducted on the full and reduced samples. The symptoms reported by the rugby group appeared to be more pronounced on both the ImPACT Symptom Scale and the 31-Item Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire when compared to the control group at both the pre-and post-season stages. It was concluded that the rugby players demonstrated evidence to support the hypothesis of having sustained more previous concussions and reporting more symptoms at the pre-season stage when compared to comtrol participants. No prevalent changes for either the rugby or control groups were seen in dependent comparisons from pre-to post-season.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Boulind, Melissa
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Brain damage , Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications , Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Psychology , Sports injuries -- Psychological aspects , Rugby football injuries , Rugby Union football players
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2938 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002447 , Brain damage , Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications , Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Psychology , Sports injuries -- Psychological aspects , Rugby football injuries , Rugby Union football players
- Description: A study was conducted on the self-reported symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury sustained in Rugby Union at the pre- and post-season stages. A full sample of 30 rugby players at Rhodes University was compared to 27 non-contact sport controls. A reduced sample of 20 rugby players and 9 control participants provided improved control for education and IQ and was compared. Measures included the WAIS-III Vocabulary and Picture Completion Sub-tests to estimate IQ level, the symptom checklist on a widely used computer-based program (ImPACT), and a paper and pencil self-report 31-Item Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire. Independent and Dependent T-Test comparisons were conducted on the full and reduced samples. The symptoms reported by the rugby group appeared to be more pronounced on both the ImPACT Symptom Scale and the 31-Item Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire when compared to the control group at both the pre-and post-season stages. It was concluded that the rugby players demonstrated evidence to support the hypothesis of having sustained more previous concussions and reporting more symptoms at the pre-season stage when compared to comtrol participants. No prevalent changes for either the rugby or control groups were seen in dependent comparisons from pre-to post-season.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Brain drain, exodus and chicken run : media discourses on emigration
- Authors: Bright, Sue-Ann
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Mass media and language -- South Africa , Mass media criticism -- South Africa , Discourse analysis -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3163 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007672 , Mass media and language -- South Africa , Mass media criticism -- South Africa , Discourse analysis -- Social aspects
- Description: This paper explores the discourses of emigration in a South African daily newspaper from 1988 to 2001, and discusses the implications of these discourses on the way in which emigration is constructed within South African society In this paper, Potter and Wetherell 's (1987) approach to discourse analysis is utilized. It makes use of interpretative repertoires, to explore the functions and consequences of the discourses. The discursive framework thereby reveals the different subject positions related to nationalism, race and class. It is argued that economics and notions of culture and social class, do more than provide a useful medium through which the phenomenon of emigration can be understood. They also support the affirmations of certain groups of people above others, by claiming that emigration is unpatriotic and disloyal. This paper concludes by identifying the negative connotations of media discourses in the construction of emigration and acknowledges that many alternate constructions are silenced in this matter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Bright, Sue-Ann
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Mass media and language -- South Africa , Mass media criticism -- South Africa , Discourse analysis -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3163 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007672 , Mass media and language -- South Africa , Mass media criticism -- South Africa , Discourse analysis -- Social aspects
- Description: This paper explores the discourses of emigration in a South African daily newspaper from 1988 to 2001, and discusses the implications of these discourses on the way in which emigration is constructed within South African society In this paper, Potter and Wetherell 's (1987) approach to discourse analysis is utilized. It makes use of interpretative repertoires, to explore the functions and consequences of the discourses. The discursive framework thereby reveals the different subject positions related to nationalism, race and class. It is argued that economics and notions of culture and social class, do more than provide a useful medium through which the phenomenon of emigration can be understood. They also support the affirmations of certain groups of people above others, by claiming that emigration is unpatriotic and disloyal. This paper concludes by identifying the negative connotations of media discourses in the construction of emigration and acknowledges that many alternate constructions are silenced in this matter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Strategies engaged by a South African beverage organisation entering African markets
- Authors: Brink, Andries Petrus
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: International business enterprises , Coca-cola Sabco (Firm) , Soft drink industry -- South Africa , International trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8544 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/410 , International business enterprises , Coca-cola Sabco (Firm) , Soft drink industry -- South Africa , International trade
- Description: Africa is acknowledged as a vast, untapped market for consumer goods as trade barriers are coming down and economies are starting to develop. The need for consumer goods arises with economic activity. This poses the following question, which will be addressed by this research: How can potential African consumer markets be successfully unlocked by a South African beverage organisation, thereby reducing risk of failure and eliminating the cost of a hit-and-miss approach? The secondary study focused on evaluating the aspects involved with risks and the modes of entry into foreign markets. The macro-environmental factors affecting the expansion into foreign markets were investigated to determine what influence they had on the entry mode chosen for a specific country targeted for expansion. Finally the marketing factors influencing the entry mode were analysed. The significance of trade blocs together with the advantages thereof was included in the study. The primary study was based on the theory and principles of existing literature. The Coca-Cola Sabco organisation was taken as a case study. Four countries, namely Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique and Namibia, were investigated. Questionnaires containing a set of questions to satisfy the sub-problems were sent to the various country managers and their first layers of management. Likewise, interviews were conducted with Coca-Cola Sabco head office strategic management. The empirical results obtained, indicated a strong concurrence, with the theory of entry modes and the influences of macro-environmental factors. In certain aspects, however, some contradictions with the theory pertaining to the Coca-Cola Sabco organisation, were observed. The findings concurred with the theory in that risk were minimised by the acquisition of a going concern that already possessed the infrastructure and logistics such as raw material procurement, manufacturing staff skills, distribution networks and political contacts. The empirical results contradict theory with respect to location economies and scale economies, as the Coca-Cola Company’s franchise agreement excludes the exporting of beverage products. Furthermore, Coca-Cola Sabco becomes involved in expansion initiatives only in reaction to an invitation from the Coca-Cola Company and not of its own desire. Therefore, market surveys are conducted subsequent to an invitation from the Coca-Cola Company. South African organisations planning expansion initiatives into emerging African markets need to take the specific macro- environmental factors of the country in question into consideration in order to minimise risk. A franchise agreement restricting exporting as in the case of Coco-Cola Company or any other restrictive agreement, might cause a deviation from contemporary theory, for example, where markets will be assessed for purposes of location and scale economies. Deviations from contemporary theory could also occur where a franchise opportunity is offered in a specific country that may not be the preferred market choice, due to its lack of growth potential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Brink, Andries Petrus
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: International business enterprises , Coca-cola Sabco (Firm) , Soft drink industry -- South Africa , International trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8544 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/410 , International business enterprises , Coca-cola Sabco (Firm) , Soft drink industry -- South Africa , International trade
- Description: Africa is acknowledged as a vast, untapped market for consumer goods as trade barriers are coming down and economies are starting to develop. The need for consumer goods arises with economic activity. This poses the following question, which will be addressed by this research: How can potential African consumer markets be successfully unlocked by a South African beverage organisation, thereby reducing risk of failure and eliminating the cost of a hit-and-miss approach? The secondary study focused on evaluating the aspects involved with risks and the modes of entry into foreign markets. The macro-environmental factors affecting the expansion into foreign markets were investigated to determine what influence they had on the entry mode chosen for a specific country targeted for expansion. Finally the marketing factors influencing the entry mode were analysed. The significance of trade blocs together with the advantages thereof was included in the study. The primary study was based on the theory and principles of existing literature. The Coca-Cola Sabco organisation was taken as a case study. Four countries, namely Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique and Namibia, were investigated. Questionnaires containing a set of questions to satisfy the sub-problems were sent to the various country managers and their first layers of management. Likewise, interviews were conducted with Coca-Cola Sabco head office strategic management. The empirical results obtained, indicated a strong concurrence, with the theory of entry modes and the influences of macro-environmental factors. In certain aspects, however, some contradictions with the theory pertaining to the Coca-Cola Sabco organisation, were observed. The findings concurred with the theory in that risk were minimised by the acquisition of a going concern that already possessed the infrastructure and logistics such as raw material procurement, manufacturing staff skills, distribution networks and political contacts. The empirical results contradict theory with respect to location economies and scale economies, as the Coca-Cola Company’s franchise agreement excludes the exporting of beverage products. Furthermore, Coca-Cola Sabco becomes involved in expansion initiatives only in reaction to an invitation from the Coca-Cola Company and not of its own desire. Therefore, market surveys are conducted subsequent to an invitation from the Coca-Cola Company. South African organisations planning expansion initiatives into emerging African markets need to take the specific macro- environmental factors of the country in question into consideration in order to minimise risk. A franchise agreement restricting exporting as in the case of Coco-Cola Company or any other restrictive agreement, might cause a deviation from contemporary theory, for example, where markets will be assessed for purposes of location and scale economies. Deviations from contemporary theory could also occur where a franchise opportunity is offered in a specific country that may not be the preferred market choice, due to its lack of growth potential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005