Showing items 61 - 80 of 815

Your selections:

A service delivery framework to unlock the revenue potential of the SME segments of commercercial banks in South Africa

  • Authors: Mahlati, Mphenduli Mncedi
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Small business -- Finance , Financial services industry -- Information technology Banks and banking Technological innovations
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31633 , vital:31639
  • Description: Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) are a vital driver to the world economy. They provide more than 60% of overall employment globally and approximately 80% of jobs in developed economies. This segment however remains underserved by banks who have struggled to serve SMEs effectively. Nevertheless banks are still perfectly placed to capture the needs of SME customers and to provide them with greater value adding services that address their needs. However, this must be done in a cost-effective manner to ensure long-term portfolio and banking profitability. SME Banking faces several challenges centred on the high cost to serve and profitability. For the banking sector to overcome these challenges and still meet increasing and changing customer needs, significant investment in digital technology is required. The literature reviewed identified that in order to unlock the revenue potential embedded within the SME segment; banks need ground-breaking solutions to solve their revenue and profitability conundrum. This study mentions that such solutions will need to be focused around placing banks as market enablers, by way of providing SMEs with a growth platform and not just financial transaction services. The study also identified a hybrid service delivery model and a digital ecosystem approach to SME banking as being pivotal to unlocking the revenue potential embedded within the segment. Through a digital ecosystem approach, banks can leverage their intra and inter banking network to assist SMEs to grow their businesses. In the process, this will serve as a way of increasing penetration into this underserved segment. In addition, such an approach to banking necessitates an acceptance of how interconnected business relationships have the capacity to enable business growth and subsequently to address SME banking risk. To also consider that banks in South Africa continue to view SMEs as being too risky and costly to serve. This study attempts to address this perceived riskiness by presenting a service delivery framework, which consists of key factors that would influence the revenue potential of the SME segments of Commercial Banks in South Africa. The empirical part of the research evaluated banking official’s awareness and understanding of key concepts that is likely to influence their views with regards to the revenue potential of the SME market.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

A sociological investigation of popular music consumption among Nigerian youths living at Summerstrand and Humewood

  • Authors: Uwuoruya, Osabuohien Clifford
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Popular culture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Music and youth -- Africa Africa -- In popular culture Music and globalization -- Africa Socialism
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36738 , vital:34049
  • Description: The focus of this research study is on investigating how certain Nigerian youths expression of their agency at consuming popular music as a cultural product could be constrained by certain identified institutions and their gender in Nigeria. Using General Systems Theory (GST) as a theoretical framework, the country is presented as a social system with identified institutions which function within it that guides and constrains the agency of the individuals who live in Nigeria. A review of academic narratives relevant to the research is presented in this dissertation to provide a context for the study. A critical realist epistemology is adopted for this exploratory study, within the qualitative research tradition. A sample of twenty Nigerian youths living at Summerstrand and Humewood, is selected by the researcher using purposive sampling, and semi-structured interviews are conducted with these participants to gather their opinions and experiences regarding the research study. The narratives are analysed using thematic analysis, and the researcher presents an interpretation of these narratives under various topics in the dissertation. The findings from this study shows how some of these Nigerian youths believe their expression of agency at consuming popular music in Nigeria, to be constrained by certain institutions, and their gender in the country which they are part of, although this constraint could sometimes prove to be positive for some individuals. The recommendations from this research study are relevant to improving youth agency at consuming popular music in Nigeria, and advancing sociological inquiry into popular music and youth agency within an African context.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

A sociological investigation of the challenges facing married students : case study of the University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus

  • Authors: Qwabi, Thabisile Daphney
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Married students Academic achievement Married students -- Case studies
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Sociology
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10262 , vital:35386
  • Description: The aim of this study was to explain and understand problems facing married students at the University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus. The study population was drawn from the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus. The study used simple random sampling and purposive sampling to draw a representative sample of 50 married students (21 males and 29females) from the population of this study. This study used a mixed research approach. Questionnaires were distributed, for quantitative purposes, and interviews were conducted, for qualitative purposes, among the chosen representative sample. Data that was collected with questionnaires was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and qualitative data was analysed using thematic analyses and was used to substantiate quantitative findings. The findings in this study expanded on how factors such as, lack of time to study, the impact of multiple roles on the well-being of married students, pressure from having multiple roles and lack of support from family contributed to the poor academic performance of married students. This study revealed high levels of stress and poor academic performance as a result of having multiple roles among married students at the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

A sociological investigation of the community perception of females involved in criminal activities in Rosedale, Uitenhage

  • Authors: Swartbooi, Eden Rivonia
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Female offenders -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Public opinion , Women and the criminal justice system Deviant behavior Crime -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Public opinion
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35807 , vital:33849
  • Description: The purpose of this dissertation is to gather the community perception of females involved in criminal activities at Rosedale in Uitenhage. The main theory used in this study was the Poverty theory. The study was conducted by using the qualitative research design. Interviews were semi structured and conducted using an interview schedule.20 participants both male and female (youth and adults) were interviewed in Rosedale. The thematic data analysis method was used. The findings of this study revealed that the main reasons for female involvement in criminal activities in Rosedale is due to: drug and alcohol abuse there are too many people selling drugs in Rosedale which makes it easily accessible for the youth to purchase and practise use daily. There are too many shebeens and taverns in Rosedale and they allow under aged children to purchase and consume alcohol this causes negative toxic behaviour. Unemployment there are not enough employment opportunities available for the youth in Rosedale. Poverty, some families don’t have the basic needs to survive daily therefore they choose to turn to crime to support themselves and their families. Insufficient recreational activities, the youth do not have anything to do, there is a lack of recreational activities in the community therefore the youth turns to crime. The main challenges facing the youth in Rosedale is that there are a lot of drop outs or they choose not to attend school, unemployment was mentioned again, gangsterism, there are a lot of house breakings and robberies taking place to purchase drugs. All participants are against females being involved in criminal activities in Rosedale they do not agree with it and think that its’ unethical for a female to participate in criminal activities because females are the care givers, nurtures and providers of their families and the society. More police visibility, the death penalty and employment opportunities were highlighted as the main solutions.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

A sociological investigation of the youth perceptions on HIV and aids in central, Port Elizabeth

  • Authors: Sandi, Fundiswa
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: HIV infections -- Research -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Sexual health -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34821 , vital:33456
  • Description: the study which was conducted in Central, Port Elizabeth, mainly focusing on the youth perceptions towards HIV and AIDS. This chapter also gives an overall of the study, the literature review which is used on the study and the theory of Social Action which is used as a theoretical framework for this study. The chapter also includes the objectives and aims of the study, so as the research question which guided throughout the research and be able to reach the goal of this study. This chapter has also mentioned what has led to this particular topic and the fact that HIV and AIDS is a problem among the youth of South Africa so as Africa as a continent which needs to be controlled. Geographic maps of the Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth and Central which the youth situated in are included in this chapter. The ethical consideration which also guided this study as to how to deal with human beings, which is important is also mentioned.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

A sociological investigation on the perceptions of the educational aspect of male initiation among amaXhosa in KwaZakhele Township, Port Elizabeth

  • Authors: Jayiya, Ludwe
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Xhosa (African people) -- Rites and ceremonies , Initiation rites -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Culture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30594 , vital:30973
  • Description: People in different walks of life have previously and even currently trying hard to contribute in improving the situation regarding the longstanding tradition of male initiation. The expectation of the society, is that these young men should show that they have gone through the process of growth and they should reflect the education they received from the initiation school. The research objectives include, the investigation of the perceptions of people about male initiation in KwaZakhele, to contribute within the Sociology of Education particularly within the context of Xhosa culture in KwaZakhele and to come up with the recommendations with the view of addressing some of the problems pertaining to male initiation within the context of Xhosa culture in KwaZakhele. This study has followed the qualitative approach which included among others individual interviews using an interview schedule containing the research questions. To supplement the interviews, texts, books and other relevant material were used.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

A spatio-temporal, landscape perspective on acacia dealbata invasions and broader land-use and cover changes in the Northern Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Gouws, Aidan John
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Acacia -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biological invasions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Plant invasions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Acacia -- Biological control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Rural conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62373 , vital:28161
  • Description: Biological invasions are a wicked, social-ecological problem, interacting with numerous components within and across a range of spatio-temporal scales, with the potential to disturb broader socio-economic and ecological systems. Acacia dealbata is an invasive shrub in South Africa, widely naturalised across the grassland biome. Although the deployment of a biocontrol agent on A. dealbata is apparently justified considering its highly invasive and ecologically destructive nature, it should proceed with caution due to the integration of the species into the livelihoods of rural communities. This study sought to understand the nature and extent of the A. dealbata invasion in the northern Eastern Cape. Research was conducted in nine villages in rural Matatiele, Mount Fletcher and Maclear, selected for the pervasiveness of A. dealbata around these villages. A time-series of aerial photographs were systematically classified according to designated A. dealbata and land-use/land cover (LULC) categories in ArcGIS to track changes in the extent and rate of spread of A. dealbata, while standard vegetation surveying techniques were used to determine the current abundance and productivity of A. dealbata in selected areas. A high degree of spatial variability characterised the extent, density and biomass of A. dealbata, as well as the annual rate of spread and biomass production. The growth, productivity and spread of A. dealbata were significantly positive, and relatively few biophysical conditions correlated with the invasion. This was indicative of the broad range of invaded and potentially invasible habitats, suggesting that the extent and abundance of A. dealbata will likely continue to increase, barring deliberate intervention. Broader changes in LULC were also apparent, multidirectional and spatio- temporally variable. Despite a net increase in A. dealbata, the invasion was found to be highly dynamic, with various LULC transitioning to A. dealbata, but in turn A. dealbata transitioning to other LULC. Indeed, biological invasions are dynamic, context-specific phenomena, shaped by the heterogeneity of landscapes. Management interventions to limit or control A. dealbata should therefore consider the spatio-temporal dynamics of invaded landscapes, as well as the local-scale abundance, productivity and biophysical conditions of the area, while taking into consideration the livelihood requirements of the local communities.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

A survey of organizational culture and organizational performance in a manufacturing company

  • Authors: Dom, Veliswa Virginia
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Factories -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Analysis of variance , Shift systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Competing Values Framework (CVF)
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61861 , vital:28069
  • Description: The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between organizational culture and organizational performance in a manufacturing company. This company supplies metal products to the motor vehicle manufacturing industry, where the quality and quantity of parts produced is of paramount importance, since the buyers of these products are quality conscious. The organization has three production shifts that rotate each week. Anecdotal observations are that irrespective of the time that a shift operates over the course of the month, the different shifts tend to perform at different levels in terms of quality and quantity of output. This study therefore sought to investigate if these differences between shifts are statistically significant, and if so, whether these shifts also have differences in organizational culture. Components of organizational culture include values, norms, beliefs, attitudes, principles and expectations that give the organization a unique personality and differentiate it from other organizations. While the literature indicates that qualitative or quantitative approaches can be used in organizational culture research, this research adopted the quantitative approach, making use of the Competing Values Framework (CVF). The CVF is a four-category organizational culture typology established by Cameron and Quinn (2006). The framework is based on two dimensions: stability or flexibility of the organization, and external or internal focus. In this research, the CVF was used as a measurement tool to evaluate organizational culture. In order to determine differences in organizational culture between shifts, a survey was undertaken (N=138) which measured employee perceptions pertaining to the existing organizational culture of each of the three production shifts at the company. Secondly, differences in performance between the shifts were examined by using the performance data for a three-month period for each shift in terms of quantity and quality. This data was obtained from the management of the production process at the company. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA to analyse the differences between the shifts. The findings indicated that the dominant existing organizational culture at the company under investigation is a clan culture. Furthermore, there is a statistically significant difference between the cultures of all the three shifts at the manufacturing company. The results also indicated that there is a statistically significant difference in the quantity and quality of production between the three shifts. In conclusion, the research indicated there are differences in culture and in performance, but given the nature of the data, it was not possible to statistically analyse the relationship between shift culture and performance. However, it is conceivable that cultural differences between shifts may be contributing to performance differences. With regards to further research, it is recommended that this research be extended to other branches of the manufacturing company in other regions, in order to determine whether there are any significant differences in culture and performance between these branches and their shifts. Research could also be extended to other South African organizations to create a sufficiently large sample of shift and/or business units, so as to be able to do statistical analysis of the relationship between culture and performance.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

A systematic review of intervention effectiveness for problem anger in an adult outpatient population

  • Authors: von Ruben, Adriana
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Anger , Anger -- Treatment , Rational emotive behavior therapy , Personality assessment , Social psychology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36059 , vital:33886
  • Description: Increasing levels of anger are becoming one of the major social problems of modern society, yet anger is one of the least understood emotions. Given the long-term consequences and the seriousness of the negative outcomes associated with anger, there is a pressing need for effective anger management interventions targeted at different populations experiencing various types of problem anger.The purpose of this dissertation was to conduct a systematic review of current qualitative and quantitative research regarding the status of anger reducing interventions within outpatient populations. The aim was to explore the efficacy of various psychological approaches utilised to reduce problem anger. Eligibility criteria included studies with samples that had problem anger defined psychometrically. The search of available literature revealed 16 relevant reports containing 15 studies. All located studies utilised intervention modalities derived from cognitive and behavioural approaches. Results indicated large to moderate improvements in problem anger for the participants receiving the treatment. Cognitive and behavioural anger interventions were found to produce reductions in trait anger, general anger, the negative expression and suppression of anger, anger related physiological arousal, and increased the positive, controlled anger experience. More large-scale studies are needed implementing other psychological approaches to test their effectiveness in reducing maladaptive anger. The dearth of anger research conducted within outpatient populations is discussed in the context of the emerged themes.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

A thematic analysis of the challenges experienced by those living with tuberculosis

  • Authors: Walaza, Robert Letsholo
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Tuberculosis Patients South Africa , Tuberculosis Social aspects , South Africa Social conditions , Poor Health and hygiene South Africa , Poor Medical care South Africa , Social medicine South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61850 , vital:28068
  • Description: Friedrich Engels (1820-1895) in his study, The condition of the working class in England, argued that the cause of illness and death amongst the working class was due to their living conditions such as poor housing, over-crowding, poor sanitation, food shortage, low paying jobs and a lack of material resources. The objective of the study was to understand the experiences of six South African individuals who have shared their experiences and challenges of living with TB on the TB&ME blog, and to show how TB is linked to the living conditions of these individuals. The study found that the challenges experienced by TB patient bloggers are of a social nature and confirms Engel’s study findings on the conditions of the working class in England. For example, a disease such as TB has a direct association with the living conditions of people, especially the poor. Thus, socio economic status of TB patient bloggers plays a role in the escalation of their ill health. Further, the study found that gender is central in understanding non-compliance to treatment. This is significant as it highlights the need to not only focus on issues of socioeconomics, but gender issues in fighting TB. Despite the negative consequences associated with living with TB, the bloggers have noted that the support from loved ones and other stakeholders in the fight against TB alleviates the challenges inherent in living with TB.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

A theoretical study on primary health care services within a South African context

  • Authors: Mkalipi, Thembinkosi Delport
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Primary health care -- South Africa , Health facilities -- South Africa Clinics -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32193 , vital:31979
  • Description: Primary health care (PHC) is a system introduced to bring health services closer to communities. It was introduced with its challenges such as the management and treatment of various illnesses including HIV, TB and STI’s which have affected certain communities. The non-communicable diseases which require the attention of PHC institutions still face numerous challenges including the referral system and clinics with limited medicine. The study revealed that there are limited measures in place to deal with communities in rural areas who require medical assistance from government. Further challenges identified from the study included human resource management, supply chain management, finance and other administrative support systems. The inadequate funding of the Department of Health appears to be directly related to adequate service delivery problems. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology which incorporated an extensive desktop analysis and literature review approach. No human participants were involved. Health legislation is an important enabler and a necessary component of health policy. Research has shown that since 1995 when the first edition of the review appeared, South Africa has been engaged in a constant process of public health law reform and despite significant gains, some legislative processes have stalled. Examples include the certificate of need provided for in the National Health Act, the introduction of compulsory continuing professional development for pharmacists, the recognition of specialist nurses as prescribers, and the introduction of international benchmarking for medicinal processes. The process of introducing NHI remains contested with the legislative component, still under developed. Although NHI will in due course be a game changer and there has been some strengthening of the health service in the NHI pilot district to date, in general, implementation has been slower than anticipated in the NHI green paper released in August 2011. The NHI white paper indicated that public health care spending was likely to increase substantially over the next 15years from 4% to 6% of the GDP. Several mechanisms for raising revenue have been proposed, including some combination of an increase of VAT or payroll tax, or an increase of personal income tax. NHI also has the potential to improve efficiencies in the overall health system through improved pooling, strategic purchasing, medicine price reduction through central procurement, redistribution, improved quality in the public sector and providing greater access to general practitioners. Development of, and amendment to the relevant health technology assessment policy and legislative frameworks are needed in order to inform appropriate universal health coverage and to align with the 2015 NHI white paper Addressing social determinants is the cornerstone of the National Department of Health’s primary health care system. A engineering strategy, and an approach that is embedded in the country’s national development plan is needed. However the translation of this policy commitment to programmatic action at different levels in the health system and in partnership with other sectors remains elusive Evidence indicate that South African patients face challenges in accessing heath care particularly those from rural areas. The main challenge is the lack of a coordinated strategy to ensure continuous access to treatment, cure and support for chronic conditions. This study has shown that the private for profit hospital sector is well resourced and caters to a population that is wealthier, urban and more likely to be formerly employed. The public hospital sector catering to the majority of South Africans, faces lower human resourcing ratios, financial constraints and ageing infrastructure. The ideal clinic realisation and maintenance programme was assigned in response to the current deficiencies in the quality of primary health care services and to lay a strong foundation for the implementation of national health insurance. There is an urgent need to develop cohesive, sustainable systems to support evidence based decisions on appropriate regime choices, while minimizing risks associated with medication. This study has shown the importance of a robust national PV system in order to reduce the significant burden of drug induced diseases, to inform treatment policies with real world evidence, to improve outcomes of common diseases, such as HIV, TB, hypertension, and diabetes through optimal therapeutic management, and to ensure the safety of large scale therapeutic interventions such as vaccines, especially when newly introduced. Results from the study suggest that there is a failure by policy-makers to adequately address the challenges faced by PHC institutions. There also appears to be a backlog in terms of the promulgation of enabling legislation to address certain of the challenges. The Department of Health has a number of draft policies which are negatively affecting the level of service delivery. The study revealed that the challenges include, inter alia, inadequate budgeting, staff shortages, aging infrastructure, the non-availability of certain medicines in hospitals, a poor referral system with limited measures in place to address HIV, TB and STI’s as well as non-communicable treatments.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

A trend analysis of perinatal mortalities in Barberton Hospital between 2002 and 2016

  • Authors: Modupe, Oluwarotimi Folorunsho
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Newborn infants -- Mortality Perinatology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11254 , vital:37630
  • Description: Background and aim: There is no doubt that the quantification of data on the new born is imperative towards the design of effective public health policy interventions. However, the trend in under-five mortality rates in Barberton Hospital is not recognised as no empirical investigation has been undertaken to ascertain its position in this regard. A trend analysis of infant and maternal deaths in will therefore shed light on possible factors influencing this trend. The specific objectives of this study were to examine the trend and causes of perinatal mortality in Barberton Hospital from 2002-2016. It was hypothesized that there would be a downward trend in the infant and maternal mortality rates in Barberton Hospital from 2002-2016, possibly as a result of improved medical care. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in Barberton Hospital, located in the Umjindi sub-district in Mpumalanga Province. The data was drawn from the Perinatal Problem Identification Programme (PPIP) database. Pregnancy related deaths of women, and of children from birth to one year in Barberton Hospital from 1999-2014 were extracted. The population study consists of a record review of all infant and maternal deaths in Barberton Hospital from 2002-2016 and captured in the data on the PPIP. The University of Fort Hare ethical review committee approved the study protocol. In addition, permission to use the data was granted by the Mpumalanga Department of Health after applying for approval for use of the data for academic purposes. The data was then exported into an Excel format document and fed to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program to allow for a more detailed analysis. Results: Over the period under review (2002-2016), a total of 21151 babies were delivered, 20593 babies were alive at discharge, 221 babies died in the first 28 days of delivery, and 337 babies were stillbirths. 18577 were normal weight (≥2500gram), 1581 weighed 2000-2499 grams, 568 weighed 1500-1999grams, 286 weighed 1000-1499 and 139 weighed below 1000grams. All the women who gave birth over the period under review, 27.3percent tested positive to HIV, 40.3 percent tested negative. Of all women that tested positive, 80.2percent received any form of ART. For over half of women that received ART (n=2981), the type of ART they received is unknown. Most women whose baby died were young. One in five women did not have their age captured in the database indicating an important gap that need to be addressed in order to ensure integrity of the database. Of all the 558 perinatal mortality, 75.3 weighed below 2500 grams. Low birth weight is major risk factor for child mortality. Babies weighing less than 2,500 grams are 20 times more likely to die than heavier babies. For all the perinatal deaths, the majority of their mothers received antenatal care services. About 86.6percent were delivered at Barberton Hospital and only 1 child was delivered in transit to the hospital. Of all the 558 deaths, only 7.5 percent was multiple births. Of the 558 babies that died, only 39.6percent were born alive, 37.1percent was macerated stillbirths. The syphilis serology test indicated that most mothers tested negative. The HIV serology test indicated that 28percent of mothers tested positive. The hospital recorded a total of 337 stillbirths between 2002 and 2016. This accounts for 60.2percent of all perinatal mortality over the period. Of all stillbirths, 61.6percent was macerated stillbirths. Yearly analysis of stillbirth rate did not clearly indicate whether stillbirth rate is increasing or declining. Not less than 56 primary obstetric causes of perinatal deaths were identified in this study. Many perinatal deaths were unexplainable due to lack of post-mortem. Idiopathic preterm labour was the main primary obstetric cause of early (34.5percent) and late neonatal (38.9percent) deaths, and the next was labour related intrapartum asphyxia. Labour related intrapartum asphyxia also accounts for 6.8percent of all stillbirths. The main known primary obstetric cause of stillbirth in the Hospital was Proteinuric hypertension/hypertension disorders. Over 60percent of perinatal mortality in Barberton Hospital was due to associated maternal conditions. Only 10.9percent was due to fetal related conditions and 26.4percent was unexplained. Few deaths were due to health system failure and domestic violence. Spontaneous preterm labour (18.4percent), abnormal labour or uterine rupture (14.5percent), maternal hypertension (12.4percent), antepartum haemorrhage (10.2percent) were the main associated maternal conditions causes of perinatal mortality in Barberton Hospital. Similarly, Fetal abnormality and infections were the main associated fetal condition causes of perinatal mortality. Of all the babies that were alive at birth, 85.2percent died due to maternal related conditions. Most neonates died due to spontaneous preterm labour (43.5percent) and abnormal labour or uterine rupture (23.1percent). Maternal HIV, diabetics and syphilis only accounted for a few neonatal deaths. For stillbirth babies that were alive at admission, abnormal labour or uterine rupture (33.1percent) and antepartum haemorrhage (19.7percent) were the main causes of their death. Over 60percent of all of macerated deaths have unexplained causes. Maternal hypertension is the main known cause of macerated stillbirth. For stillbirths that were dead on admission, maternal hypertension (13.1percent), antepartum haemorrhage (26.2percent) and abnormal labour or uterine rupture were the main causes of deaths. The majority of perinatal deaths in the hospital were caused by intrauterine deaths (58.8percent). Extreme multi-organ immaturity (13.1percent), Hyaline membrane disease (7.2percent) and Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (5.2percent) were among the main final causes of perinatal deaths. The main behavioural factor causing perinatal mortality in Mpumalanga province was non-use of antenatal care services. The majority of perinatal mortality (60.4percent) was due to health system related causes. Most perinatal deaths were due to poor management of cases and delayed referral. Conclusion: The findings indicate that while stillbirths have slightly declined, neonatal deaths have not declined over the period. Perinatal have slightly declined in the hospital. The findings of this study also indicate that the majority of perinatal deaths in the hospital were caused by idiopathic preterm labour, unexplained intrauterine deaths, hypertension, and intrapartum asphyxia. Patient and health system related factors contributed significantly to perinatal deaths in the hospital. There is a need for yearly analysis of PPIP data to track progress and identify area for continuous improvement in provision of quality obstetric services. A greater community awareness of risk factors for perinatal deaths and importance of early and regular take up antenatal care services is needed.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

A trust based model for enhanced adoption of diabetes self-management mobile applications

  • Authors: Mainoti, Ganizani Fidelis
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Medical records -- Data processing Medical records -- Management Mobile communication systems
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11041 , vital:37011
  • Description: Information technology (IT) trust is an important concept as people today rely more on IT to perform their tasks than before. Extensive research in Information Systems (IS) has explored trust and how it affects clients’ selection of different IT artefacts. Literature found trust to be a key determinant of technology use and an accelerator of understanding user perceptions regarding technology. Users’ perception of a technology’s characteristics influences their initial decision to adopt it; they are less likely to try the technology once they perceive significant risk linked to the technology exploration. The study focused on trust in relation to adoption of mobile applications (apps) for self-management of diabetic treatment regimens. The aim was to identify factors that should be incorporated in these apps to positively influence user perception of trustworthiness for enhanced adoption. According to extant literature, there are a myriad of apps which are available and ready for use, but diabetic patients are not maximising these opportunities to actively participate in managing their conditions. This is in spite of the numerous benefits accruable from using these apps to aid treatment regimens away from clinical settings or with minimal involvement of health personnel. This work is a qualitative study that investigated the reasons behind the low levels of trust in mobile applications for self-management of diabetes. The research design involved a survey and the study employed interviews for primary data collection. Twenty participants were engaged in the intervention. Some of these respondents were diabetic patients on treatment and others were health staff specialising in diabetes treatment. The participants were asked to download and try, for one month or more, the Diabetes:M app from Google play store for android devices or from iTunes for IOS devices. Thereafter, interviews were held with the participants to investigate their perceptions of the diabetes management app. Based on the outcome of the investigation, the researcher put forward a model proposing the attributes of trustworthiness of diabetes self-management mobile apps for enhanced adoption. Research findings showed that the apps for diabetes self-management should be usable, possess sufficient functionalities, give accurate information for decision-making, be reliable, and secure in order to enhance the trust of diabetic patients.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Access to information on higher education as a barrier for rural learners of Tyolomnqa Village, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Ntwasa, Simbongile
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Information resources--South Africa--Eastern Cape Information services--South Africa--Eastern Cape Digital divide--South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Rural Development
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17149 , vital:40860
  • Description: Worldwide, there is a large body of research that convincingly demonstrates the benefits of Higher Education (HE) in the socio-economic status of individuals who have gone through and qualified with certificates, diplomas and degrees. But access to HE does not just benefit individuals, it also has benefits for communities or broader society (access to HE may benefit individual scholars, but can also benefit economically the entire families and poverty stricken communities such as those from Tsholomnqa village where this study was conducted). However, in South Africa, there is limited research that focuses on the importance of and challenges of access to HE as confronted by rural scholars. This research presents findings from a mixed method based study which sought to probe key issues relating to access to HE and challenges facing rural scholars regarding access to information on HE. The study involved as many as 209 Grade 12 learners from two high schools in the rural area of Tsholomnqa village in the Eastern Cape Province, a province associated with high levels of poverty, inequalities and unemployment in South Africa. The findings reveal that rural scholars about to qualify for university access information on HE information primarily from the internet. However, it was found that issues such as not having data or smartphones to search the internet and lack of support from their parents and teachers including universities affected their self-efficacy and self-esteem. The implications of these findings suggest that HE institutions must target and strengthen outreach and visibility in rural schools.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Agricultural development and emerging small-scale farmers in Mbizana Local Municipality

  • Authors: Nxitywa, Nosithembiso
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small --South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33726 , vital:33006
  • Description: The agricultural sector is among one of the sectors that contribute to the economy of the country, in job creation and food security to mention a few aspects. The Eastern Cape Province is one of the poorest provinces in the country where most people depend on small-scale agriculture as their major source of livelihood, particularly in the rural areas. This is mainly due to the challenges of poverty and unemployment. Small-scale farming is a key activity to eliminate poverty and unemployment. However, mainly obstacles prevail and this includes access to markets, support and skills development. This research study aims to investigate the sustainability of small-scale farmers. The data was collected by means of in depth interviews from Mbizana local Municipality. A total of 12 respondents were selected as a sample for this investigation as well as ensuring that data quality is attained. Causal layered analysis was used to analyse the results. The results indicate that small-scale farmers are faced with several challenges which include, finance, skilled contractors and land ownership. Furthermore, it is evident that small-scale farmers are struggling to obtain a sustainable economic return. Farmers can participate in high-value markets by obtaining the required food safety certifications, which otherwise would be inaccessible to them individually but as groups or cooperatives to enhance them to easily access markets. In local informal markets, for instance, smallholders often find their prices undercut by produce that informal traders buy from large-scale commercial farmers. Supermarket chains, on the other hand, provide a lucrative niche market for smallholders but these downstream linkages are limited to smallholders that meet product variety and quality standards.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

Al-Shabaab and the sources of its resilience and resurgence: Cold War legacies and Jihadism in Somalia

  • Authors: Gardiner, Richard
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Shabaab (Organization) , Jihad , Cold War -- Influence , Cold War -- Social aspects -- Somalia , Somalia -- Foreign relations , Refugees, Somalian -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63833 , vital:28495
  • Description: This study examines the continued development and survival of the group, Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahidin, commonly known as al-Shabaab – which emerged in 2006 as the militant wing of Somalia’s Islamic Courts Union and became an independent group in 2007. The group has survived in spite of the fact that it has endured significant losses of personnel, resources and territory in Somalia. The study examines al-Shabaab’s sources of resilience, resurgence and diversity. To achieve this, the study focused on the narratives of nine Somali nationals living and working in Durban, Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth, who fled their home country as a result of the ongoing violence and instability. Through understanding war as experience and placing the individual and community at the center of analysis, a people-centered approach is developed in understanding the organisation. This allows the study to challenge the state centered approaches to security and International Relations (IR) theory, which is important in the case of an armed, transnational, non-state actor such as al-Shabaab, whose operation and mobilisation requires no territorial base. The study makes use of social constructivism as a theoretical lens, as it provides an alternative way of analysing a non-state actor, specifically within an African context. The study argues that al-Shabaab's war within Somalia and East Africa is a territorial manifestation of a global phenomenon which highlights the importance of understanding its unique history within Somalia and East Africa. Importantly, the study also shows that veterans of the Afghan-Soviet war brought back ideas and tactics which have played a central part in shaping al-Shabaab's ideology and tactics. It is argued that al-Shabaab's process of decentralisation has ensured their survival but also alienated them from the Somali population. It is demonstrated that their insurgent tactics and process of intelligence gathering means that they operate in the shadows, making it difficult to locate them. Furthermore, the study shows that the role of regional actors and the presence of African Union peacekeepers have ensured that they have a constant enemy which provides a sense of cohesion and drive. The study concludes that al-Shabaab exists at a nexus of factors; its survival has and will depend on both domestic and transnational factors. Without the transnational nature of the organisation, al-Shabaab would not have become the organisation it is today. However, the future of al-Shabaab is heavily dependent on the security situation within Somalia. The immediate objectives of the group are focused within Somalia. Therefore, if the state institutions are consolidated within the country and human security levels improve, the organisation will struggle to operate with the same freedom it currently enjoys.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

An action research approach: developing intercultural competence in German Studies at Rhodes University

  • Authors: Collins, Morgan Gwyneth
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Action research in education -- South Africa -- Makhanda , German language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers , Cultural relations , Multicultural education , World citizenship
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63910 , vital:28505
  • Description: The need to develop interculturally competent graduates is a concern for universities across the world. In South African universities this need is linked to globalization and increased diversity in terms of student demographics since 1994. Considering the legacy of apartheid, South African universities especially, and pressingly, need to respond to both global and national diversity concerns. ICC can play a significant role in creating more culturally inclusive spaces as students are provided with opportunities to “relate to and with people from vastly different cultural and ethnic backgrounds” (Spitzberg & Changnon, 2009, p. 4). In a similar way, Germany has faced, and continues to face, challenges relating to diversity especially in relation to migrants and as such, interculturality is a topic of debate in society and scholarly discourse. Therefore, ICC is as relevant to German society as it is South African society. Courses that explicitly deal with ICC are however, not common in South African universities and discourse, and as a result universities are “missing out on developing students’ intercultural competence” (Deardorff & Quinlan, 2016). This thesis aimed to address this gap by investigating the viability and necessity of introducing a module that deals explicitly with ICC into the German Studies course at Rhodes University. In doing so it contributed to the creation of disciplinary knowledge as well as furthering the aim of aiding the creation of responsible global citizenship, alongside ‘academic citizenship’, and aiding the internationalisation at home concept by encouraging the students to understand their own lived reality in a diverse society. This research made use of an action research approach to implementing a module and tracing its development. Student responses, as well as reflection and observation, found that a module dealing explicitly with ICC was viable and able to contribute to developing students’ sense of cultural self-awareness and their awareness of ICC as a set of transferrable skills and knowledges. This module aimed to serve as an introduction to ICC for students in order to begin to develop their intercultural competence and increase their awareness and critical approach to culture and intercultural encounters.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

An activity theoretical investigation into how leadership can be developed within a group of class monitors in a Namibian secondary school

  • Authors: Kalimbo, Tomas
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: School management and organization -- Namibia , Educational leadership -- Namibia , Education, Secondary -- Namibia , Student government -- Namibia , Student participation in administration -- Namibia , Cultural Historical Activity Theory
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61734 , vital:28053
  • Description: Literature suggests that developing leadership in learners benefits them and their schools in general. Learners are prepared as future leaders and they gain leadership skills and democratic values and principles. Learner leaders therefore contribute to transformation in their schools. However, research on the same topic has also found that learners have limited leadership development opportunities, as they are not authentically and democratically involved in leadership in many schools. Informed by the distributed perspective of leadership, this study investigates how leadership can be developed within a group of class monitors in a Namibian secondary school. Its overarching goal was to develop leadership and build transformative agency within class monitors. The study was designed as an interventionist study, theoretically and analytically framed by Engestrom’s second generation of Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT). Multiple methods were used for data collection, including questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, document analysis and Change Laboratory workshops. Data analysis took the form of content analysis and coding, as well as using the CHAT lens to surface contradictions. The findings of the study revealed that there was conceptual awareness on what learner leadership and leadership development meant among participants. However, little was being done to develop leadership in class monitors. Traditional leadership practices and cultural belief that learners are mere children, as well as confinement to formal leadership structures and policies were the main hindering inner contradictions within the research school. A formative intervention was instituted through the Change Laboratory workshop process and it resulted in leadership training to capacitate and empower class monitors, as well as enhance their transformative agency. The study thus recommends for a shift from traditional autocratic leadership practices to a contemporary distributed perspective of leadership that recognises the need to develop leadership in learners.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

An analysis of foreign market entry strategy for Discovery Limited

  • Authors: Terblanche, Gaynor
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Export marketing , Foreign exchange International trade
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35841 , vital:33852
  • Description: The Discovery Limited is a key player in the South African Insurance Industry, which is well regulated. The Insurance Industry is of a world class standard and compares favourably with economies such as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. The South African economy continues to show a decline with a negative growth in gross domestic product (GDP), for two consecutive quarters (last quarter of 2016 and first quarter of 2017). The current dampened expected growth rates, with a highly penetrated insurance market in South Africa, are strong incentives to look for growth beyond the borders of South Africa. This study, therefore, explores the potential impact on investor confidence, when Discovery Limited enters Foreign Markets. The research objectives, namely Industry-Based considerations, institution-based considerations, resource-based considerations and recommendations, were used to draw linkages between the Discovery Shared Value Insurance Model and the Business Model Framework. Internationalisation models were introduced, yet Peng’s Comprehensive Model of Foreign Market Entry in conjunction with Discovery Limited’s Shared-Value Insurance Model, provides a greater scope to assess the foreign market entries The study seeks to propose a strategy for when firms enter foreign markets and explores investor confidence when doing so. The findings of the study will be able to be generalised in the market amongst firms who seek to enter foreign markets and provides insight and recommendations to all stakeholders upon taking the move. In pursuing this study, a qualitative approach was conducted. A review of the literature making use of academic resource, annual financial reports of the company and country reports available in the public domain, were used. Interviews were conducted using semi-structured questions with the Partner Market Executives of Discovery to gain deeper insight and understanding. An invitation to interview six (6) participants, was distributed and only five (5) were interviewed. This constitutes a (5/6) 83.3% response rate. These Partner Market Executives were best positioned to answer questions related to Foreign Market Entry (Partner Markets) for Discovery Limited. The questions were informed by the literature. A Thematic Analysis was conducted on the data collected to identify core themes that strongly resonated with participants. The research findings are credible, and the subject of the research was correctly identified, from the view point of both the researchers and the participants. The participation was voluntary and record keeping of audio and transcriptions were done. Based on the key themes identified for each of the three foreign market entry considerations, the study concluded that: ‘Vitality becomes core to the solution’, ‘the intellectual property that sits behind the Shared Value Model’, ‘Can’t run away from regulatory approval’, ‘Timing to enter a market’, and ‘infrastructure to enter a foreign market’ are crucial considerations that an investor would like to see, and Discovery Limited must be mindful of this when targeting growth in its share price. Therefore, Discovery will have to consider advice on infrastructure development for Africa and they will have to set an unobstructed vision and timeline to expand into Africa. Discovery Limited, being a South African Company, is still challenged with a product that must be compatible with the rest of the African market. Entering into Africa might not be a priority now, but the lack of knowledge on what the product for the African market would look like, left room for future research.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018

An analysis of fusing advanced malware email protection logs, malware intelligence and active directory attributes as an instrument for threat intelligence

  • Authors: Vermeulen, Japie
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Malware (Computer software) , Computer networks Security measures , Data mining , Phishing , Data logging , Quantitative research
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63922 , vital:28506
  • Description: After more than four decades email is still the most widely used electronic communication medium today. This electronic communication medium has evolved into an electronic weapon of choice for cyber criminals ranging from the novice to the elite. As cyber criminals evolve with tools, tactics and procedures, so too are technology vendors coming forward with a variety of advanced malware protection systems. However, even if an organization adopts such a system, there is still the daily challenge of interpreting the log data and understanding the type of malicious email attack, including who the target was and what the payload was. This research examines a six month data set obtained from an advanced malware email protection system from a bank in South Africa. Extensive data fusion techniques are used to provide deeper insight into the data by blending these with malware intelligence and business context. The primary data set is fused with malware intelligence to identify the different malware families associated with the samples. Active Directory attributes such as the business cluster, department and job title of users targeted by malware are also fused into the combined data. This study provides insight into malware attacks experienced in the South African financial services sector. For example, most of the malware samples identified belonged to different types of ransomware families distributed by known botnets. However, indicators of targeted attacks were observed based on particular employees targeted with exploit code and specific strains of malware. Furthermore, a short time span between newly discovered vulnerabilities and the use of malicious code to exploit such vulnerabilities through email were observed in this study. The fused data set provided the context to answer the “who”, “what”, “where” and “when”. The proposed methodology can be applied to any organization to provide insight into the malware threats identified by advanced malware email protection systems. In addition, the fused data set provides threat intelligence that could be used to strengthen the cyber defences of an organization against cyber threats.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Copyright
  • Contact