Factors associated with successful talent development in South African soccer players
- Authors: Mudege, Solomon Mufudzi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Soccer -- Training -- South Africa , Ability , Soccer -- Coaching -- South Africa , Professionalism in sports -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10103 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015713
- Description: In recent times, the performances of the South African senior national team (“Bafana Bafana”) have not matched the impressive off-field advancements in South African professional soccer. At the historic 2010 FIFA World CupTM held in South Africa, Bafana Bafana became the first host nation to be eliminated in the first round of the competition. Such disappointments have compelled stakeholders in South African soccer to call for a re-assessment of all structures and programmes which have an impact on the playing abilities of South African players. Of prime importance is the need to obtain a better understanding of talent development in South African soccer. The aim of this research study was to determine the relevance of selected factors associated with successful talent development in South African male professional soccer players competing in the 2008-2009 ABSA PSL season. In order to accomplish the research aims, the literature relating to talent development concepts and models was examined. The literature review identified seven factors which are relevant to talent development in soccer. The empirical study was exploratory, and it utilized a descriptive, non-experimental approach. Data were collected via a 53-item questionnaire, which was designed to evaluate the identified seven factors. The questionnaire was administered to a sample of 56 South African professional soccer players who played for clubs participating in the 2008-2009 season of the ABSA Premier Soccer League. The results obtained from the sample were analysed in terms of their descriptive statistics and confirmatory factor analysis was performed. The following six factors were statistically confirmed as being associated with the successful talent development of the sample: Training Environment, Motivation and Ambitions, Personal Development, Family Support, Cultural Factors and Coaching. These six factors accounted for 58 percent of the overall variance. The questionnaire had a reliability of 0.84, as measured by the Cronbach alpha coefficient. The study concludes that talent development in South African soccer is a multifactorial and complex process. Although the sample size was not suitable for discriminant analysis, theories such as the relative age effect and the „10-year rule‟ may be applicable to South African soccer. This study also adds to the limited body of knowledge on South African soccer, by identifying and scientifically analysing those factors which are associated with successful talent development. As success on the international stage becomes a priority in South African soccer, the identified factors serve as a sound scientific basis in the formulation of improved structures and strategies for perfecting the abilities of young soccer players, and increasing the competitiveness of Bafana Bafana.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mudege, Solomon Mufudzi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Soccer -- Training -- South Africa , Ability , Soccer -- Coaching -- South Africa , Professionalism in sports -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10103 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015713
- Description: In recent times, the performances of the South African senior national team (“Bafana Bafana”) have not matched the impressive off-field advancements in South African professional soccer. At the historic 2010 FIFA World CupTM held in South Africa, Bafana Bafana became the first host nation to be eliminated in the first round of the competition. Such disappointments have compelled stakeholders in South African soccer to call for a re-assessment of all structures and programmes which have an impact on the playing abilities of South African players. Of prime importance is the need to obtain a better understanding of talent development in South African soccer. The aim of this research study was to determine the relevance of selected factors associated with successful talent development in South African male professional soccer players competing in the 2008-2009 ABSA PSL season. In order to accomplish the research aims, the literature relating to talent development concepts and models was examined. The literature review identified seven factors which are relevant to talent development in soccer. The empirical study was exploratory, and it utilized a descriptive, non-experimental approach. Data were collected via a 53-item questionnaire, which was designed to evaluate the identified seven factors. The questionnaire was administered to a sample of 56 South African professional soccer players who played for clubs participating in the 2008-2009 season of the ABSA Premier Soccer League. The results obtained from the sample were analysed in terms of their descriptive statistics and confirmatory factor analysis was performed. The following six factors were statistically confirmed as being associated with the successful talent development of the sample: Training Environment, Motivation and Ambitions, Personal Development, Family Support, Cultural Factors and Coaching. These six factors accounted for 58 percent of the overall variance. The questionnaire had a reliability of 0.84, as measured by the Cronbach alpha coefficient. The study concludes that talent development in South African soccer is a multifactorial and complex process. Although the sample size was not suitable for discriminant analysis, theories such as the relative age effect and the „10-year rule‟ may be applicable to South African soccer. This study also adds to the limited body of knowledge on South African soccer, by identifying and scientifically analysing those factors which are associated with successful talent development. As success on the international stage becomes a priority in South African soccer, the identified factors serve as a sound scientific basis in the formulation of improved structures and strategies for perfecting the abilities of young soccer players, and increasing the competitiveness of Bafana Bafana.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Factors contributing to the success of professional and business women in South Africa
- Authors: Doubell, Marianne
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa , Women in the professions -- South Africa , Businesswomen -- South Africa , Career development -- South Africa , Women in development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: vital:9275 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1622 , Women executives -- South Africa , Women in the professions -- South Africa , Businesswomen -- South Africa , Career development -- South Africa , Women in development -- South Africa
- Description: Women remain notably underrepresented in management and leadership positions despite the enactment of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action policies. A critical literature review yielded evidence of a multitude of barriers inhibiting women’s career advancement beyond an apparent glass ceiling, but not which of the factors constitute the major barriers. A knowledge gap was further identified in research pertaining to characteristics of successful professional women and the environments that enable them to succeed in their professions. The purpose of the current study is to expand the empirical body of research and knowledge on factors contributing to the success of professional women, and of factors inhibiting the career progression of women in business. The study extends that of Punnett, Duffy, Fox, Gregory, Lituchy, Monserrat, Olivas-Luján and Santos (2006) and of Duffy, Fox, Punnett, Gregory, Lituchy, Monserrat, Olivas-Luján, Santos and Miller (2006), conducted in the Americas, to the South African context. The study suggests a conceptual framework for investigating factors that influence professional success of women. The developed conceptual framework of factors perceived to influence professional success was employed to empirically test the relationships between the variables presented. The empirical data collected was subjected to a series of statistical tests and the results considered in testing the hypotheses. Statistica 10 was employed to analyse the empirical data collected. Univariate and multivariate tests (MANOVA) were employed to determine whether sufficient evidence existed to make conclusions about hypotheses one to five of the study, relating to differences between two success groups of women based on their demographics and the selected variables. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (Pearson r) was employed to determine whether sufficient evidence existed to make conclusions about vi hypotheses six to ten, relating to significant relationships between the selected independent variables for the study and the professional success of women. Professional success was measured as job seniority level. For the pipeline success group, professional success was measured as seniority in relation to years in the employment sector and age. The contribution of the study to management science and possible limitations are discussed and recommendations made for future research. Recommendations for the development of women and for the social transformation of organisations are made. The study identifies a number of internal organisational support factors and government interventions which are recommended for inclusion in development initiatives for the achievement of gender equity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Doubell, Marianne
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa , Women in the professions -- South Africa , Businesswomen -- South Africa , Career development -- South Africa , Women in development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: vital:9275 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1622 , Women executives -- South Africa , Women in the professions -- South Africa , Businesswomen -- South Africa , Career development -- South Africa , Women in development -- South Africa
- Description: Women remain notably underrepresented in management and leadership positions despite the enactment of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action policies. A critical literature review yielded evidence of a multitude of barriers inhibiting women’s career advancement beyond an apparent glass ceiling, but not which of the factors constitute the major barriers. A knowledge gap was further identified in research pertaining to characteristics of successful professional women and the environments that enable them to succeed in their professions. The purpose of the current study is to expand the empirical body of research and knowledge on factors contributing to the success of professional women, and of factors inhibiting the career progression of women in business. The study extends that of Punnett, Duffy, Fox, Gregory, Lituchy, Monserrat, Olivas-Luján and Santos (2006) and of Duffy, Fox, Punnett, Gregory, Lituchy, Monserrat, Olivas-Luján, Santos and Miller (2006), conducted in the Americas, to the South African context. The study suggests a conceptual framework for investigating factors that influence professional success of women. The developed conceptual framework of factors perceived to influence professional success was employed to empirically test the relationships between the variables presented. The empirical data collected was subjected to a series of statistical tests and the results considered in testing the hypotheses. Statistica 10 was employed to analyse the empirical data collected. Univariate and multivariate tests (MANOVA) were employed to determine whether sufficient evidence existed to make conclusions about hypotheses one to five of the study, relating to differences between two success groups of women based on their demographics and the selected variables. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (Pearson r) was employed to determine whether sufficient evidence existed to make conclusions about vi hypotheses six to ten, relating to significant relationships between the selected independent variables for the study and the professional success of women. Professional success was measured as job seniority level. For the pipeline success group, professional success was measured as seniority in relation to years in the employment sector and age. The contribution of the study to management science and possible limitations are discussed and recommendations made for future research. Recommendations for the development of women and for the social transformation of organisations are made. The study identifies a number of internal organisational support factors and government interventions which are recommended for inclusion in development initiatives for the achievement of gender equity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Factors impacting on engineering professionals' decision to seek alternative employment
- Authors: Mkwananzi, Nokuphumula
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Labor turnover , Engineering -- Vocational guidance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8749 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011335 , Labor turnover , Engineering -- Vocational guidance
- Description: The purpose of this study was to determine factors that impacted on engineering professionals’ decision to seek alternative employment, as well as to determine the decision making processes applied by engineering professionals when seeking alternative employment. A conceptual model was developed to illustrate the impact of various factors on labour turnover and the decision making processes that could be followed by engineering professionals when seeking alternative employment. The factors impacting on labour turnover were organised into four categories, namely external, internal, expectations and personal trait factors. The theoretical study revealed that employees were more likely to leave their present organisations if they perceived that there was ample opportunity for acceptable alternative employment (Bigliardi, Petroni & Dormio, 2005). Zimmerman (2008) stated that employee turnover was a problem faced by all organisations globally. In their study they mentioned that high labour turnover rates have been associated with decreased customer satisfaction, productivity, future revenue growth and profitability. A sense of instability and frustration can also cause work backlogs and slow productivity. At times employees lose faith in their organisations as more individuals seek alternative employment (Drake International, 2010). When the organisation experiences high turnover, burnout also increases and could possibly lead to stayers also seeking alternative employment. Previous studies contain evidence of an extensive poaching of South African engineering professionals (technologists and engineers) by overseas companies (Du Toit & Roodt, 2009). As a result of this mobility and the lack of significant engineering graduates entering the industry, companies competed for a limited number of engineering professionals. This challenge resulted in a higher labour turnover rate among engineers as the demand for engineering professionals was higher than the supply. The skills shortage of engineering professionals in South Africa was one of the perceived contributing factors impacting engineering professionals’ decision to seek alternative employment. Apart from the shortage of skills there were other factors that impacted on engineering professionals’ decision to seek alternative employment. External factors, such as slow recruitment due to the low economy, have been identified as having an impact on labour turnover rates. Bigliardi et al (2005) stated that external factors, also referred to as push factors, such as changes in economic, social and technological conditions,created challenges for retaining engineering professionals. Through developing multivariate models that combine a number of factors contributing to labour turnover and empirically testing these models, researchers have attempted to predict why individuals decide to seek alternative employment (MINTRAC, 2010). The job search process was evaluated and referred to as the process of looking for alternatives to a current job, and the evaluation of those alternatives (Brown, 2009). Various decision making models, including the rational decision making model, Steers and Mowday’s model, image theory and the unfolding path model were studied to provide an understanding of how engineering professionals decided whether to seek alternative employment. Donnell and Quirin (2006) explained two decision making models. These are the image theory and Lee and Mitchell’s unfolding model. According to Zimmerman (2008), the studies carried out did not clearly reflect the impact of individual characteristic factors. An empirical study, by means of a survey and a questionnaire as a data collecting tool, was conducted to determine the factors that impacted on engineering professionals at GIBB to seek alternative employment and the decision making process they applied in seeking alternative employment. This study reflected that personal traits such as openness to new experiences, high levels of competency, the ability to form relationships at work, a general level of commitment, ability to incorporate other people’s views at work and a general positive attitude towards work itself influenced the decision to seek alternative employment. The external, internal, expectancy and personal trait factors that were perceived to be the most influential in impacting on engineering professionals’ decision to seek alternative employment were presented in a revised concept model. This model could be valuable for developing retention strategies at GIBB. Future research that could be beneficial to GIBB and the engineering industry was also identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mkwananzi, Nokuphumula
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Labor turnover , Engineering -- Vocational guidance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8749 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011335 , Labor turnover , Engineering -- Vocational guidance
- Description: The purpose of this study was to determine factors that impacted on engineering professionals’ decision to seek alternative employment, as well as to determine the decision making processes applied by engineering professionals when seeking alternative employment. A conceptual model was developed to illustrate the impact of various factors on labour turnover and the decision making processes that could be followed by engineering professionals when seeking alternative employment. The factors impacting on labour turnover were organised into four categories, namely external, internal, expectations and personal trait factors. The theoretical study revealed that employees were more likely to leave their present organisations if they perceived that there was ample opportunity for acceptable alternative employment (Bigliardi, Petroni & Dormio, 2005). Zimmerman (2008) stated that employee turnover was a problem faced by all organisations globally. In their study they mentioned that high labour turnover rates have been associated with decreased customer satisfaction, productivity, future revenue growth and profitability. A sense of instability and frustration can also cause work backlogs and slow productivity. At times employees lose faith in their organisations as more individuals seek alternative employment (Drake International, 2010). When the organisation experiences high turnover, burnout also increases and could possibly lead to stayers also seeking alternative employment. Previous studies contain evidence of an extensive poaching of South African engineering professionals (technologists and engineers) by overseas companies (Du Toit & Roodt, 2009). As a result of this mobility and the lack of significant engineering graduates entering the industry, companies competed for a limited number of engineering professionals. This challenge resulted in a higher labour turnover rate among engineers as the demand for engineering professionals was higher than the supply. The skills shortage of engineering professionals in South Africa was one of the perceived contributing factors impacting engineering professionals’ decision to seek alternative employment. Apart from the shortage of skills there were other factors that impacted on engineering professionals’ decision to seek alternative employment. External factors, such as slow recruitment due to the low economy, have been identified as having an impact on labour turnover rates. Bigliardi et al (2005) stated that external factors, also referred to as push factors, such as changes in economic, social and technological conditions,created challenges for retaining engineering professionals. Through developing multivariate models that combine a number of factors contributing to labour turnover and empirically testing these models, researchers have attempted to predict why individuals decide to seek alternative employment (MINTRAC, 2010). The job search process was evaluated and referred to as the process of looking for alternatives to a current job, and the evaluation of those alternatives (Brown, 2009). Various decision making models, including the rational decision making model, Steers and Mowday’s model, image theory and the unfolding path model were studied to provide an understanding of how engineering professionals decided whether to seek alternative employment. Donnell and Quirin (2006) explained two decision making models. These are the image theory and Lee and Mitchell’s unfolding model. According to Zimmerman (2008), the studies carried out did not clearly reflect the impact of individual characteristic factors. An empirical study, by means of a survey and a questionnaire as a data collecting tool, was conducted to determine the factors that impacted on engineering professionals at GIBB to seek alternative employment and the decision making process they applied in seeking alternative employment. This study reflected that personal traits such as openness to new experiences, high levels of competency, the ability to form relationships at work, a general level of commitment, ability to incorporate other people’s views at work and a general positive attitude towards work itself influenced the decision to seek alternative employment. The external, internal, expectancy and personal trait factors that were perceived to be the most influential in impacting on engineering professionals’ decision to seek alternative employment were presented in a revised concept model. This model could be valuable for developing retention strategies at GIBB. Future research that could be beneficial to GIBB and the engineering industry was also identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Factors impending the implementation of the school nutrition programme in King Williams Town
- Authors: Magadu, Nceba
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School children -- Food -- South Africa -- KingWilliams Town , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8167 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1648 , School children -- Food -- South Africa -- KingWilliams Town , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) is a poverty alleviation strategy, which was introduced in 1994 by the Government of South Africa as part of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). Studies of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), show that hunger, nutrition, and poverty, are strongly correlated. The same studies note that in the world as a whole, hunger impacts negatively on Millennium Development Goals, namely universal primary education, gender equality, child mortality, maternal health, management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, and environmental stability. Hunger, specifically, has been shown to contribute to reduced school attendance, impaired cognitive capacity, high child mortality rates, high maternal death rates, increased migratory labour that increases the spread of HIV, and the unsustainable use of forest lands and resources (South African Department of Education, 2004: 3).” The National School Nutrition Programme aims at providing meals to mostly the needy learners, who come from poor families. Good food provides energy for the brain. The meals that are provided at schools are, therefore, intended to give energy for mental and physical activities for the body and brain to function, and to make learners alert and receptive during lessons (South African Province of the Eastern Cape Department of Education, 2008: 2). Currently, meals in South African Schools are provided to all learners in Quintile 1, 2 and 3 public primary schools from Grades R to 7. The programme was extended to Quintile 1 secondary schools in April 2009. All Quintile 2 and 3 public secondary schools will be included in 2010 and 2011 respectively (South African Eastern Cape Province Department of Education, 2008: 3). To collect information for research purposes, the researcher used a qualitative approach. This approach, which is used by the researcher, seeks to identify the impediments that pose challenges to effective and efficient implementation of the NSNP in the King William’s Town District of the Department of Education in Province of the Eastern Cape. The sample covers two rural schools participating in the NSNP in the King William’s Town District, namely Fort Murray Junior and Senior Primary School, and Qongqotha Junior and Senior Primary School. In each school, the principal, the chairperson of the School Governing Body, the teacher in charge of the NSNP, and Grade 7 learners, formed part of the sample of the study. Added to these participants have been the Service Provider and the District Coordinator of the NSNP in the King William’s Town District. The researcher chose these two schools that are locally based (within a 10km radius from the researcher’s place of residence) for convenience purposes, in terms of cutting down on travelling costs. The empirical findings were analysed and interpreted, and in presenting the findings, special reference to the research question is made, namely: “What are the challenges that impede the successful implementation of the National School Nutrition Programme in the King William’s Town District of the Eastern Cape Department of Education?” The recommendations reflected heavily on the purpose of the study, namely, that the Department of Education in the Eastern Cape has not managed the NSNP efficiently and effectively. The findings of this study reflect that there are still challenges that continue to plague the NSNP after seven years of the inception of the programme by Department of Education. The empirical findings of this study have revealed that the challenges confronting the implementation of the NSNP could be attributed to poor governance by the Department of Education officials. Some pockets of excellence of the NSNP are noted in the study. Recommendations are made to mitigate the problem situation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Magadu, Nceba
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School children -- Food -- South Africa -- KingWilliams Town , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8167 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1648 , School children -- Food -- South Africa -- KingWilliams Town , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) is a poverty alleviation strategy, which was introduced in 1994 by the Government of South Africa as part of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). Studies of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), show that hunger, nutrition, and poverty, are strongly correlated. The same studies note that in the world as a whole, hunger impacts negatively on Millennium Development Goals, namely universal primary education, gender equality, child mortality, maternal health, management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, and environmental stability. Hunger, specifically, has been shown to contribute to reduced school attendance, impaired cognitive capacity, high child mortality rates, high maternal death rates, increased migratory labour that increases the spread of HIV, and the unsustainable use of forest lands and resources (South African Department of Education, 2004: 3).” The National School Nutrition Programme aims at providing meals to mostly the needy learners, who come from poor families. Good food provides energy for the brain. The meals that are provided at schools are, therefore, intended to give energy for mental and physical activities for the body and brain to function, and to make learners alert and receptive during lessons (South African Province of the Eastern Cape Department of Education, 2008: 2). Currently, meals in South African Schools are provided to all learners in Quintile 1, 2 and 3 public primary schools from Grades R to 7. The programme was extended to Quintile 1 secondary schools in April 2009. All Quintile 2 and 3 public secondary schools will be included in 2010 and 2011 respectively (South African Eastern Cape Province Department of Education, 2008: 3). To collect information for research purposes, the researcher used a qualitative approach. This approach, which is used by the researcher, seeks to identify the impediments that pose challenges to effective and efficient implementation of the NSNP in the King William’s Town District of the Department of Education in Province of the Eastern Cape. The sample covers two rural schools participating in the NSNP in the King William’s Town District, namely Fort Murray Junior and Senior Primary School, and Qongqotha Junior and Senior Primary School. In each school, the principal, the chairperson of the School Governing Body, the teacher in charge of the NSNP, and Grade 7 learners, formed part of the sample of the study. Added to these participants have been the Service Provider and the District Coordinator of the NSNP in the King William’s Town District. The researcher chose these two schools that are locally based (within a 10km radius from the researcher’s place of residence) for convenience purposes, in terms of cutting down on travelling costs. The empirical findings were analysed and interpreted, and in presenting the findings, special reference to the research question is made, namely: “What are the challenges that impede the successful implementation of the National School Nutrition Programme in the King William’s Town District of the Eastern Cape Department of Education?” The recommendations reflected heavily on the purpose of the study, namely, that the Department of Education in the Eastern Cape has not managed the NSNP efficiently and effectively. The findings of this study reflect that there are still challenges that continue to plague the NSNP after seven years of the inception of the programme by Department of Education. The empirical findings of this study have revealed that the challenges confronting the implementation of the NSNP could be attributed to poor governance by the Department of Education officials. Some pockets of excellence of the NSNP are noted in the study. Recommendations are made to mitigate the problem situation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Factors influencing employee perceptions of a post-merger working environment
- Authors: Morrison, Selwyn Hilary
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Mergers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Universities and colleges -- Administration , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Employee morale -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Attitudes -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8582 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1604 , Universities and colleges -- Mergers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Universities and colleges -- Administration , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Employee morale -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Attitudes -- Evaluation
- Description: Higher Education in the late 1990’s experienced significant problems with capacity due to many black students applying to enter previously white institutions (Jansen, 2002:159). The main concern of the new ANC government was the status of historically black institutions. They were unstable due to the migration away from black to white universities and technikons. This reduced their financial status and viability. In addition, the anticipated huge increase in black enrolments in higher education had not materialised (Finweek Survey, February 2009). In order to overcome both of these problems, the then Minister of Education decided to press ahead with a merger programme aimed at reducing the number of higher education institutions from 36 to 21 (Jansen, 2002:6). The primary objective of this research is to investigate the factors that influence employee perceptions of a post-merger Working Environment and Organisational Commitment: a case study of the administration staff in the Finance Department at Walter Sisulu University. There seems to be a lack of efficiently and effectiveness in the he operations of the Finance Department of Walter Sisulu University which this research will investigate through finding solutions to factors of improving the relationship between employee perceptions of their post-merger Working Environment and their Organisational Commitment. This exploratory study collected primary data through the distribution of questionnaires to 59 employees from the Finance Department at the Walter Susulu University, with a 69.12% response rate. The survey included closed questions that were analysed using statistical techniques. The findings revealed overall low scores of 31% for employee perception of their post – merger Working Environment and 50.21% for Organisational Commitment, together with its sub-dimension Affective, Continuance and normative. These scores are disturbing and need to be urgently addressed by the management of the Institution. The implication of the Finance staff’s low perception of their post – merger Working Environment and organisation Commitment is that the institution’s goals will be difficult to be fulfilled due to the low morale of the staff and the non-conducive working conditions. The Institution’s Management should be more transparent, more trustworthy, and more supportive towards staff members and have a good overall communication strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Morrison, Selwyn Hilary
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Mergers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Universities and colleges -- Administration , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Employee morale -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Attitudes -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8582 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1604 , Universities and colleges -- Mergers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Universities and colleges -- Administration , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Employee morale -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Attitudes -- Evaluation
- Description: Higher Education in the late 1990’s experienced significant problems with capacity due to many black students applying to enter previously white institutions (Jansen, 2002:159). The main concern of the new ANC government was the status of historically black institutions. They were unstable due to the migration away from black to white universities and technikons. This reduced their financial status and viability. In addition, the anticipated huge increase in black enrolments in higher education had not materialised (Finweek Survey, February 2009). In order to overcome both of these problems, the then Minister of Education decided to press ahead with a merger programme aimed at reducing the number of higher education institutions from 36 to 21 (Jansen, 2002:6). The primary objective of this research is to investigate the factors that influence employee perceptions of a post-merger Working Environment and Organisational Commitment: a case study of the administration staff in the Finance Department at Walter Sisulu University. There seems to be a lack of efficiently and effectiveness in the he operations of the Finance Department of Walter Sisulu University which this research will investigate through finding solutions to factors of improving the relationship between employee perceptions of their post-merger Working Environment and their Organisational Commitment. This exploratory study collected primary data through the distribution of questionnaires to 59 employees from the Finance Department at the Walter Susulu University, with a 69.12% response rate. The survey included closed questions that were analysed using statistical techniques. The findings revealed overall low scores of 31% for employee perception of their post – merger Working Environment and 50.21% for Organisational Commitment, together with its sub-dimension Affective, Continuance and normative. These scores are disturbing and need to be urgently addressed by the management of the Institution. The implication of the Finance staff’s low perception of their post – merger Working Environment and organisation Commitment is that the institution’s goals will be difficult to be fulfilled due to the low morale of the staff and the non-conducive working conditions. The Institution’s Management should be more transparent, more trustworthy, and more supportive towards staff members and have a good overall communication strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Factors influencing expatriates' ability to cross-culturally adjust
- Authors: Hesse, Anjuli
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Aliens -- Psychological aspects , Adjustment (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9424 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1589 , Aliens -- Psychological aspects , Adjustment (Psychology)
- Description: Globalisation has led to an increasing growth of world trade which has directed business all over the world to become increasingly international and increased the number and power of multinational companies. These expatriates are confronted with societal norms different from their home cultures. This study investigated which factors influence cross-cultural adjustment the most and which factors are perceived by the expatriates to influence cross-cultural adjustment. Based on the literature review four different categories of factors influencing cross-cultural adjustment were identified (Individual, organisational, work-related and non-work related factors) A self-administered online questionnaire, based on existing questionnaires (Black’s (1988) cross-cultural adjustment questionnaire) and literature research, was developed in order to detect a relationship between factors and one of the three adjustment types (general, interaction and work) and to reveal the perceived importance of the factors. In this study all identified factors were perceived to be important for cross-cultural adjustment. However, language skills and spousal adjustment were perceived to be the most important factors and had indeed the strongest correlation towards cross-cultural adjustment. Based on the findings of this research project, recommendations for organisations and expatriates have been provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Hesse, Anjuli
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Aliens -- Psychological aspects , Adjustment (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9424 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1589 , Aliens -- Psychological aspects , Adjustment (Psychology)
- Description: Globalisation has led to an increasing growth of world trade which has directed business all over the world to become increasingly international and increased the number and power of multinational companies. These expatriates are confronted with societal norms different from their home cultures. This study investigated which factors influence cross-cultural adjustment the most and which factors are perceived by the expatriates to influence cross-cultural adjustment. Based on the literature review four different categories of factors influencing cross-cultural adjustment were identified (Individual, organisational, work-related and non-work related factors) A self-administered online questionnaire, based on existing questionnaires (Black’s (1988) cross-cultural adjustment questionnaire) and literature research, was developed in order to detect a relationship between factors and one of the three adjustment types (general, interaction and work) and to reveal the perceived importance of the factors. In this study all identified factors were perceived to be important for cross-cultural adjustment. However, language skills and spousal adjustment were perceived to be the most important factors and had indeed the strongest correlation towards cross-cultural adjustment. Based on the findings of this research project, recommendations for organisations and expatriates have been provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Factors influencing improvements of productivity at Ford Struandale Engine Plant
- Authors: Sundu, Zamandile Oscar
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- Capital productivity -- South Africa , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa , Automobile factories
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8651 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1377 , Automobile industry and trade -- Capital productivity -- South Africa , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa , Automobile factories
- Description: This treatise investigates the underlying factors influencing productivity at Ford Struandale Engine Plant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Sundu, Zamandile Oscar
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- Capital productivity -- South Africa , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa , Automobile factories
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8651 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1377 , Automobile industry and trade -- Capital productivity -- South Africa , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa , Automobile factories
- Description: This treatise investigates the underlying factors influencing productivity at Ford Struandale Engine Plant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Factors influencing university students' use of HIV voluntary counselling and testing services : an analysis using the health belief model
- Authors: Musemwa, Shingisai
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Health Belief Model , AIDS (Disease) , College students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9867 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1448 , Health Belief Model , AIDS (Disease) , College students
- Description: Human Immune Virus (HI)V /Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has emerged as the most devastating epidemic that the world has experienced. Voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) has proven to be an effective way of preventing and controlling HIV. South African universities provide free VCT services on their campuses; however, these facilities are underused. The study’s objectives were to use the components of the health belief model (HBM) to explore and describe the factors that influenced the decision made by university students who have gone for VCT. The sample consisted of five male students. Data was collected through one-on-one in depth interviews, which were recorded. Data was analysed using thematic analysis, and the components of the HBM were used as codes for the data. Themes were generated for each component. The results indicated that perceived severity, perceived benefits and cues to action played a role in influencing the participants’ decision to go for VCT. In addition, results show that perceived susceptibility had little influence on their decision to go for VCT. Even though participants acknowledged barriers to VCT, they reported that the perceived benefits for VCT outweighed the barriers, and the decision to go for VCT was made. Participants suggested that to increase uptake of VCT on their campus, the university could improve current VCT campaigns, introduce rewards for VCT and introduce couples VCT.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Musemwa, Shingisai
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Health Belief Model , AIDS (Disease) , College students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9867 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1448 , Health Belief Model , AIDS (Disease) , College students
- Description: Human Immune Virus (HI)V /Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has emerged as the most devastating epidemic that the world has experienced. Voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) has proven to be an effective way of preventing and controlling HIV. South African universities provide free VCT services on their campuses; however, these facilities are underused. The study’s objectives were to use the components of the health belief model (HBM) to explore and describe the factors that influenced the decision made by university students who have gone for VCT. The sample consisted of five male students. Data was collected through one-on-one in depth interviews, which were recorded. Data was analysed using thematic analysis, and the components of the HBM were used as codes for the data. Themes were generated for each component. The results indicated that perceived severity, perceived benefits and cues to action played a role in influencing the participants’ decision to go for VCT. In addition, results show that perceived susceptibility had little influence on their decision to go for VCT. Even though participants acknowledged barriers to VCT, they reported that the perceived benefits for VCT outweighed the barriers, and the decision to go for VCT was made. Participants suggested that to increase uptake of VCT on their campus, the university could improve current VCT campaigns, introduce rewards for VCT and introduce couples VCT.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Factors limiting township learners from discovering and developing their talents
- Authors: McKeown, Jim
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Education -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9108 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014323
- Description: Discovering and developing one’s talents significantly increases the likelihood of one leading a meaningful and fulfilling life, realising success in the world, and breaking out of the cycle of poverty. It should be the responsibility of schools to provide opportunities for learners to discover and develop talents that they are passionate about. This passion will then create a self-reinforcing cycle in which learners are more motivated to work hard in school and further develop their talents. Therefore, discovering and developing one’s talents should be seen as both a means to improved education and an end of education itself. This research paper sought to identify the factors limiting township learners from discovering and developing their talents and to make recommendations as to how to mitigate these factors. The researcher used the partnership between the Masinyusane Development Organisation, a local education non-profit organisation, and School A, a secondary school in the township of New Brighton, Port Elizabeth as a case study. Data from the study were carefully analysed and it was concluded that the township learners are not being provided the opportunities necessary, particularly in the schools, to discover and develop their talents. This has resulted in poor academic performance, high drop-out rates, low levels of motivation, confusion with regards to career development, and missed opportunities to break out of the cycle of poverty. The researcher believes this research sheds light on the issue and lays a foundation from which to provide South African township learners with greater opportunities to discover and develop their talents. These opportunities will assist learners in improving their school performance, ensuring that they embark on career paths they will realize success in, and ultimately, in breaking out of the cycle of poverty that traps so many of them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: McKeown, Jim
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Education -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9108 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014323
- Description: Discovering and developing one’s talents significantly increases the likelihood of one leading a meaningful and fulfilling life, realising success in the world, and breaking out of the cycle of poverty. It should be the responsibility of schools to provide opportunities for learners to discover and develop talents that they are passionate about. This passion will then create a self-reinforcing cycle in which learners are more motivated to work hard in school and further develop their talents. Therefore, discovering and developing one’s talents should be seen as both a means to improved education and an end of education itself. This research paper sought to identify the factors limiting township learners from discovering and developing their talents and to make recommendations as to how to mitigate these factors. The researcher used the partnership between the Masinyusane Development Organisation, a local education non-profit organisation, and School A, a secondary school in the township of New Brighton, Port Elizabeth as a case study. Data from the study were carefully analysed and it was concluded that the township learners are not being provided the opportunities necessary, particularly in the schools, to discover and develop their talents. This has resulted in poor academic performance, high drop-out rates, low levels of motivation, confusion with regards to career development, and missed opportunities to break out of the cycle of poverty. The researcher believes this research sheds light on the issue and lays a foundation from which to provide South African township learners with greater opportunities to discover and develop their talents. These opportunities will assist learners in improving their school performance, ensuring that they embark on career paths they will realize success in, and ultimately, in breaking out of the cycle of poverty that traps so many of them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Factors mediating personal and professional development within higher learning institutions: an activity theory perspective.
- Authors: Kriel, Denise
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School improvement programs http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85118340 , Educational leadership http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh92001254 , College administrators http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85028268
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19431 , vital:43086
- Description: In the context of a higher learning institution, this paper identifies the factors that mediate students‟ personal and professional development from an Activity Theory perspective. Data took the form of written reflections submitted by second-year psychology students‟ as part of their course requirements. The reflection exercises were designed to help students to use the knowledge acquired in the second-year programme to reflect on their own understanding of „self‟ and the practice of psychology in society. Data was analysed from an Activity Theory perspective and employed interpretative methodologies. The findings of the study shed light upon the role of contemporary contextual factors mediating students‟ personal and professional development at a higher learning institution. , Thesis (M Soc Sc) (Counselling Psychology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Kriel, Denise
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School improvement programs http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85118340 , Educational leadership http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh92001254 , College administrators http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85028268
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19431 , vital:43086
- Description: In the context of a higher learning institution, this paper identifies the factors that mediate students‟ personal and professional development from an Activity Theory perspective. Data took the form of written reflections submitted by second-year psychology students‟ as part of their course requirements. The reflection exercises were designed to help students to use the knowledge acquired in the second-year programme to reflect on their own understanding of „self‟ and the practice of psychology in society. Data was analysed from an Activity Theory perspective and employed interpretative methodologies. The findings of the study shed light upon the role of contemporary contextual factors mediating students‟ personal and professional development at a higher learning institution. , Thesis (M Soc Sc) (Counselling Psychology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Fair trade in the Eastern Cape: an examination of its socio-economic impact and challenges among emerging Black farmers
- Authors: Mugabe, T C
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Reciprocity (Commerce) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus fruit industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus fruit industry -- Cooperative marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farmers -- Economic conditions , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Rural Development)
- Identifier: vital:11940 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/441 , Reciprocity (Commerce) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus fruit industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus fruit industry -- Cooperative marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farmers -- Economic conditions , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study examines the socio-economic impact of fair trade on black emerging citrus fruit farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It is a comparative analysis of farmers involved in fair trade and those who are not. Farmers from Riverside Enterprise and Sundays River Citrus Cooperative were examined to evaluate the impact of fair trade. Such impact was analyzed through looking at access farmers have to foreign markets and their ability to receive high income returns from these markets. The study also discusses the influence fair trade has on the social and economic development of the farmers’ communities. The findings of the study indicate how most fair trade communities have benefited financially and through public infrastructure such as crèches, learning centers and access to computers for both farmers and workers. Such public developments are funded through the fair trade social dividend which is a premium farmers receive for selling their fruit under fair trade. However, the study findings also indicate the limitations of fair trade; farmers have to incur high costs to become fair trade accredited. The study also examines the commodity value chains (hereinafter referred to as CVC) for citrus fair trade farmers and non fair trade farmers. This analysis reveals the procedure of value chains, their benefits and constraints.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mugabe, T C
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Reciprocity (Commerce) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus fruit industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus fruit industry -- Cooperative marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farmers -- Economic conditions , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Rural Development)
- Identifier: vital:11940 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/441 , Reciprocity (Commerce) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus fruit industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus fruit industry -- Cooperative marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farmers -- Economic conditions , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study examines the socio-economic impact of fair trade on black emerging citrus fruit farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It is a comparative analysis of farmers involved in fair trade and those who are not. Farmers from Riverside Enterprise and Sundays River Citrus Cooperative were examined to evaluate the impact of fair trade. Such impact was analyzed through looking at access farmers have to foreign markets and their ability to receive high income returns from these markets. The study also discusses the influence fair trade has on the social and economic development of the farmers’ communities. The findings of the study indicate how most fair trade communities have benefited financially and through public infrastructure such as crèches, learning centers and access to computers for both farmers and workers. Such public developments are funded through the fair trade social dividend which is a premium farmers receive for selling their fruit under fair trade. However, the study findings also indicate the limitations of fair trade; farmers have to incur high costs to become fair trade accredited. The study also examines the commodity value chains (hereinafter referred to as CVC) for citrus fair trade farmers and non fair trade farmers. This analysis reveals the procedure of value chains, their benefits and constraints.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Feeding ecology and diet shift of long-beaked common dolphins Delphinus Capensis (Gray 1828) incidentally caught in anti-shark nets off Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
- Authors: Ambrose, Shan Taryn
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Common dolphin -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal , Common dolphin -- Food -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal , Common dolphin -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal , Sardinops sagax -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5697 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005383 , Common dolphin -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal , Common dolphin -- Food -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal , Common dolphin -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal , Sardinops sagax -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal
- Description: The long-beaked common dolphin, Delphinus capensis (Gray 1828), is one of the most enigmatic predators feeding in the annual sardine run (Sardinops sagax) off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. In recent years, unpredictable inter-annual variations in the timing, spatial extent and intensity of the sardine run have been documented, possibly resulting in changes in the suite of prey available to the common dolphin during winter. Although the diets of a number of predators during the sardine run have been studied in detail (e.g. sharks and flying seabirds), little is known about the diet of long-beaked common dolphins during this period. Each year, a low number of common dolphins are incidentally caught in the anti-shark nets in the waters of KwaZulu-Natal. These captures provide a valuable source of data on selected aspects of the ecology of the long-beaked common dolphins along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. The objective of this study was to provide new dietary data for the common dolphins feeding in the waters of KwaZulu-Natal during winter over the period 2000 to 2009, as well as to determine if any dietary changes had taken place since the common dolphin diet was last assessed, over 15 years ago. Stomach contents from 95 common dolphins (55 females, 40 males) caught between 2000 and 2009 were analysed and compared to historical data from dolphins caught between 1974 and 1992. Mesopelagic fish and squid dominated the diet, with 23 fish and 5 squid species represented in adult dolphins. Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) indicated that there was no resource partitioning between adult male and female dolphins. Numerical analyses indicated that there was a shift in the principal prey species consumed by the dolphins over the past decade, particularly during the winter. Prior to 1992, sardine comprised up to 49% of the total stomach contents, while chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) was the dominant prey item (66% by mass) recorded in the stomach contents over the period 2000 to 2009. The shift in the relative contributions of sardine and mackerel in the diets of the dolphin appeared to correspond to fluctuations in the availability of the two principal prey species. Between 2000 and 2009, the diversity of the dolphins' diets was highest during the sardine run, reflecting the presence of a wide suite of predatory teleosts in the waters of KwaZulu-Natal during the annual sardine run. Conversely, prior to 2000, the diet was dominated by sardine during the peak of the sardine run, whilst diet diversity increased after this period. Apart from sardine and chub mackerel, elf (Pomatomus saltatrix), maasbanker (Trachurus delagoa), strepie (Sarpa salpa) and flying fish (Exocoetid sp.) also formed important components of the diet both prior to 1992, and over the last decade. Blubber thickness was assessed as an indicator of animal condition. No significant change in blubber total weight (R² = 0.0016, N = 185), nor dorsal, lateral or ventral blubber thickness (R² = 0.3146, R² = 0.0003, and R² = 0.0003 respectively, N = 78) was seen over the last 30 years (1970 to 2009). Results of stable isotope analyses conducted on tissue derived from the teeth of D. capensis indicated that there has been no significant shift in the trophic position (δ¹⁵N) and potential prey consumed (δ¹³C) over the corresponding period. These data would suggest that the long-beaked common dolphins along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline can be considered as opportunistic predators generally consuming the most abundant prey species available locally. As common dolphins feed opportunistically, this dietary shift appears to indicate changes in the shoaling characteristics of the most abundant fish prey in KwaZulu-Natal during winter. Given the “Data Deficient” status of the long-beaked common dolphin on the IUCN Red Data List, and the strong climatic forcing of the sardine run, such dietary data have important implications for their conservation in the light of expanding fisheries and climate change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ambrose, Shan Taryn
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Common dolphin -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal , Common dolphin -- Food -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal , Common dolphin -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal , Sardinops sagax -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5697 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005383 , Common dolphin -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal , Common dolphin -- Food -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal , Common dolphin -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal , Sardinops sagax -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal
- Description: The long-beaked common dolphin, Delphinus capensis (Gray 1828), is one of the most enigmatic predators feeding in the annual sardine run (Sardinops sagax) off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. In recent years, unpredictable inter-annual variations in the timing, spatial extent and intensity of the sardine run have been documented, possibly resulting in changes in the suite of prey available to the common dolphin during winter. Although the diets of a number of predators during the sardine run have been studied in detail (e.g. sharks and flying seabirds), little is known about the diet of long-beaked common dolphins during this period. Each year, a low number of common dolphins are incidentally caught in the anti-shark nets in the waters of KwaZulu-Natal. These captures provide a valuable source of data on selected aspects of the ecology of the long-beaked common dolphins along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. The objective of this study was to provide new dietary data for the common dolphins feeding in the waters of KwaZulu-Natal during winter over the period 2000 to 2009, as well as to determine if any dietary changes had taken place since the common dolphin diet was last assessed, over 15 years ago. Stomach contents from 95 common dolphins (55 females, 40 males) caught between 2000 and 2009 were analysed and compared to historical data from dolphins caught between 1974 and 1992. Mesopelagic fish and squid dominated the diet, with 23 fish and 5 squid species represented in adult dolphins. Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) indicated that there was no resource partitioning between adult male and female dolphins. Numerical analyses indicated that there was a shift in the principal prey species consumed by the dolphins over the past decade, particularly during the winter. Prior to 1992, sardine comprised up to 49% of the total stomach contents, while chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) was the dominant prey item (66% by mass) recorded in the stomach contents over the period 2000 to 2009. The shift in the relative contributions of sardine and mackerel in the diets of the dolphin appeared to correspond to fluctuations in the availability of the two principal prey species. Between 2000 and 2009, the diversity of the dolphins' diets was highest during the sardine run, reflecting the presence of a wide suite of predatory teleosts in the waters of KwaZulu-Natal during the annual sardine run. Conversely, prior to 2000, the diet was dominated by sardine during the peak of the sardine run, whilst diet diversity increased after this period. Apart from sardine and chub mackerel, elf (Pomatomus saltatrix), maasbanker (Trachurus delagoa), strepie (Sarpa salpa) and flying fish (Exocoetid sp.) also formed important components of the diet both prior to 1992, and over the last decade. Blubber thickness was assessed as an indicator of animal condition. No significant change in blubber total weight (R² = 0.0016, N = 185), nor dorsal, lateral or ventral blubber thickness (R² = 0.3146, R² = 0.0003, and R² = 0.0003 respectively, N = 78) was seen over the last 30 years (1970 to 2009). Results of stable isotope analyses conducted on tissue derived from the teeth of D. capensis indicated that there has been no significant shift in the trophic position (δ¹⁵N) and potential prey consumed (δ¹³C) over the corresponding period. These data would suggest that the long-beaked common dolphins along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline can be considered as opportunistic predators generally consuming the most abundant prey species available locally. As common dolphins feed opportunistically, this dietary shift appears to indicate changes in the shoaling characteristics of the most abundant fish prey in KwaZulu-Natal during winter. Given the “Data Deficient” status of the long-beaked common dolphin on the IUCN Red Data List, and the strong climatic forcing of the sardine run, such dietary data have important implications for their conservation in the light of expanding fisheries and climate change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Feminist appropriations of Hans Christian Andersen's "The little mermaid" and the ways in which stereotypes of women are subverted or sustained in selected works
- Authors: Mostert, Linda Ann
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: English literature -- Criticism, Textual , Feminism and literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8451 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1371 , English literature -- Criticism, Textual , Feminism and literature
- Description: According to Lewis Seifert, “Fairy tales are obsessed with femininity … These narratives are concerned above all else with defining what makes women different from men and, more precisely, what is and is not acceptable feminine behaviour” (1996: 175). This study, then, will demonstrate how certain patriarchal ideas associated with fairy tales are disseminated when fairy tale elements are reworked in film, visual art and the novel. The aim of this project, more specifically, is to show how certain stereotypical representations of women endure in works that could be read as feminist appropriations of Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Little Mermaid’. Stereotypical representations of women are numerous and may include: depicting females as fitting neatly into what is often called the virgin/whore or Madonna/whore binary opposition; depicting women as being caring and kind, but also passive, submissive and weak; and depicting older women as being sexually unattractive and evil (Goodwin and Fiske 2001:358; Sullivan 2010: 4). It must be said that the list of stereotypes relating to women given here is far from exhaustive.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mostert, Linda Ann
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: English literature -- Criticism, Textual , Feminism and literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8451 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1371 , English literature -- Criticism, Textual , Feminism and literature
- Description: According to Lewis Seifert, “Fairy tales are obsessed with femininity … These narratives are concerned above all else with defining what makes women different from men and, more precisely, what is and is not acceptable feminine behaviour” (1996: 175). This study, then, will demonstrate how certain patriarchal ideas associated with fairy tales are disseminated when fairy tale elements are reworked in film, visual art and the novel. The aim of this project, more specifically, is to show how certain stereotypical representations of women endure in works that could be read as feminist appropriations of Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Little Mermaid’. Stereotypical representations of women are numerous and may include: depicting females as fitting neatly into what is often called the virgin/whore or Madonna/whore binary opposition; depicting women as being caring and kind, but also passive, submissive and weak; and depicting older women as being sexually unattractive and evil (Goodwin and Fiske 2001:358; Sullivan 2010: 4). It must be said that the list of stereotypes relating to women given here is far from exhaustive.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Fiction en tant qu histoire: une etude de l evolution des roles de la femme dans le vingtieme siecle dans le roman La Poussiere des Corons par Marie-Paul Armand
- Authors: De Wet, Michelle
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Historical fiction , Women -- Social conditions -- 20th century , Women and war
- Language: French
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8452 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008392 , Historical fiction , Women -- Social conditions -- 20th century , Women and war
- Description: Georges Duby and Michelle Perrot’s work, Histoire des femmes en Occident, Antoine Prost and Gérard Vincent’s work A History of Private Life as well as Chantal Antier’s work Les Femmes dans la Grande Guerre and Carol Mann’s work Femmes dans la Guerre, show that women have been largely ignored in the annals written about the twentieth century. This period was one marked by two World Wars, which had an enormous impact on women, especially in terms of their roles in society. These events resulted in women moving from the home to the world of work. These writers acknowledge that women in the twentieth century were mostly excluded from history. In contrast to others who have written about this time, these writers consider women and their roles in society and how these roles have changed as a consequence of the historical events of the time. Marie-Paul Armand was a popular writer of French fiction. At first glance her novels seem to be enjoyable historical, romantic fiction for readers who enjoy sentimental love stories. However on closer examination one can see that she rigorously researched the period in which her novels are set. These novels reconstitute the reality of women’s lives during the twentieth century. In her first award-winning novel La poussière des corons, Armand depicted the life of her main character, Madeleine, through the various stages of a woman’s life from her birth at the turn of the century, early childhood, adolescence during the First World War until old age in the 1960s. This novel mirrors the life of a woman in working class French mining society from the beginning of the twentieth century until the fifties and sixties when Western women underwent an unprecedented metamorphosis of their role. These novels would appeal to a wider readership than works by Historians with the same subject matter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: De Wet, Michelle
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Historical fiction , Women -- Social conditions -- 20th century , Women and war
- Language: French
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8452 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008392 , Historical fiction , Women -- Social conditions -- 20th century , Women and war
- Description: Georges Duby and Michelle Perrot’s work, Histoire des femmes en Occident, Antoine Prost and Gérard Vincent’s work A History of Private Life as well as Chantal Antier’s work Les Femmes dans la Grande Guerre and Carol Mann’s work Femmes dans la Guerre, show that women have been largely ignored in the annals written about the twentieth century. This period was one marked by two World Wars, which had an enormous impact on women, especially in terms of their roles in society. These events resulted in women moving from the home to the world of work. These writers acknowledge that women in the twentieth century were mostly excluded from history. In contrast to others who have written about this time, these writers consider women and their roles in society and how these roles have changed as a consequence of the historical events of the time. Marie-Paul Armand was a popular writer of French fiction. At first glance her novels seem to be enjoyable historical, romantic fiction for readers who enjoy sentimental love stories. However on closer examination one can see that she rigorously researched the period in which her novels are set. These novels reconstitute the reality of women’s lives during the twentieth century. In her first award-winning novel La poussière des corons, Armand depicted the life of her main character, Madeleine, through the various stages of a woman’s life from her birth at the turn of the century, early childhood, adolescence during the First World War until old age in the 1960s. This novel mirrors the life of a woman in working class French mining society from the beginning of the twentieth century until the fifties and sixties when Western women underwent an unprecedented metamorphosis of their role. These novels would appeal to a wider readership than works by Historians with the same subject matter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Fictional representations of trauma in Elias Canetti’s novel Auto-da-Fé
- Authors: Buczynski, Jennifer Ann
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Violence in literature , Literature and society , Fictitious characters
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8447 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008062 , Violence in literature , Literature and society , Fictitious characters
- Description: This dissertation examines Elias Canetti‟s novel, Auto-da Fé, in an attempt to show how it depicts the manifestations of violence and the effects of traumaon the individual and on modernist society. This analysis of Auto-da Fé concentrates on the representation of trauma on a fictional level at a time when Europe was experiencing political, social and economic upheaval after the First World War. Auto-da Fé provides an intense emphasis on the psychological effects of trauma on the characters; thereby reflecting the turmoil of this period. An analysis of Canetti‟s novel, in the light of trauma, reveals an enigmatic testimony not only to the nature of violent events, but of the way trauma resists simple comprehension. I argue that this gives rise to complexities within the narration by tracing the insistently recurring words and symbols which point to an interpretation beyond the thematic content of the text, namely one which repetitively bears witness to hidden wounds within individual consciousness. The titles of the three parts of Auto-da-Fé reflect a condition of somatic and sychosomatic dislocation: “A Head without a World”, “Headless World”, and “The World in the Head”. My argument is that the fictional trauma in Canetti‟s novel contains several characters who suffer from a breach of the self and the inability to comprehend society. The inability to fit into society results in the protagonist creating an isolated refuge in order to protect himself from the outer world. However, his alienation exacerbates his physical and emotional dislocations and ultimately leads to his destruction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Buczynski, Jennifer Ann
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Violence in literature , Literature and society , Fictitious characters
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8447 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008062 , Violence in literature , Literature and society , Fictitious characters
- Description: This dissertation examines Elias Canetti‟s novel, Auto-da Fé, in an attempt to show how it depicts the manifestations of violence and the effects of traumaon the individual and on modernist society. This analysis of Auto-da Fé concentrates on the representation of trauma on a fictional level at a time when Europe was experiencing political, social and economic upheaval after the First World War. Auto-da Fé provides an intense emphasis on the psychological effects of trauma on the characters; thereby reflecting the turmoil of this period. An analysis of Canetti‟s novel, in the light of trauma, reveals an enigmatic testimony not only to the nature of violent events, but of the way trauma resists simple comprehension. I argue that this gives rise to complexities within the narration by tracing the insistently recurring words and symbols which point to an interpretation beyond the thematic content of the text, namely one which repetitively bears witness to hidden wounds within individual consciousness. The titles of the three parts of Auto-da-Fé reflect a condition of somatic and sychosomatic dislocation: “A Head without a World”, “Headless World”, and “The World in the Head”. My argument is that the fictional trauma in Canetti‟s novel contains several characters who suffer from a breach of the self and the inability to comprehend society. The inability to fit into society results in the protagonist creating an isolated refuge in order to protect himself from the outer world. However, his alienation exacerbates his physical and emotional dislocations and ultimately leads to his destruction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Financial integration in East Africa: evidence from interest rate pass-through analysis
- Authors: Bholla, Zohaib Salim
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: East African Community -- Economic integration East African Community -- Economic conditions -- 21st century Interest rates -- Africa, East Interest rates -- Econometric models -- Africa, East Interest rates -- Effect of inflation on -- Africa, East Banks and banking -- Africa, East
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1044 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006131
- Description: The successful launch of the European Monetary Union (EMU) raised an already ever growing interest in the economics of monetary integration and the formation of monetary unions around the world. Following the EMU experience, countries have considered forming a monetary union amongst themselves. The East African Community (EAC), comprising the three original member countries Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda and now including Burundi and Rwanda, is an example of such a group of countries that seek to form a monetary union. This study aims to identify the current level of financial integration amongst the East African countries. In order to do so the study examines whether the pass-through of monetary policy in the five countries has become similar over time. This is to provide an indication of the extent to which the nominal convergence criteria amongst the member countries have been met. The results of the study provide an indication of whether the formation of a monetary union in East Africa is possible. The empirical analysis used in this study included stationarity tests, four tests of co integration and an asymmetric error correction model to investigate whether the pass-through of monetary policy transmission in the five countries has become more similar over the ten year sample period from 1999 to 2008. The analysis uses three interest rates and 6-year rolling windows to identify the extent of macroeconomic convergence that prevails within the EAC, and consequently whether the formation of a monetary union is possible. The results suggest that the magnitude of the convergence amongst the countries remain low and there are significant rigidities in the deposit and lending rates over time, however the passthrough has improved with respect to the lending rate but not the deposit rate. The overall conclusion of the study suggests that an EAC wide monetary union is currently not possible based on the evidence provided from the pass-through analysis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Bholla, Zohaib Salim
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: East African Community -- Economic integration East African Community -- Economic conditions -- 21st century Interest rates -- Africa, East Interest rates -- Econometric models -- Africa, East Interest rates -- Effect of inflation on -- Africa, East Banks and banking -- Africa, East
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1044 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006131
- Description: The successful launch of the European Monetary Union (EMU) raised an already ever growing interest in the economics of monetary integration and the formation of monetary unions around the world. Following the EMU experience, countries have considered forming a monetary union amongst themselves. The East African Community (EAC), comprising the three original member countries Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda and now including Burundi and Rwanda, is an example of such a group of countries that seek to form a monetary union. This study aims to identify the current level of financial integration amongst the East African countries. In order to do so the study examines whether the pass-through of monetary policy in the five countries has become similar over time. This is to provide an indication of the extent to which the nominal convergence criteria amongst the member countries have been met. The results of the study provide an indication of whether the formation of a monetary union in East Africa is possible. The empirical analysis used in this study included stationarity tests, four tests of co integration and an asymmetric error correction model to investigate whether the pass-through of monetary policy transmission in the five countries has become more similar over the ten year sample period from 1999 to 2008. The analysis uses three interest rates and 6-year rolling windows to identify the extent of macroeconomic convergence that prevails within the EAC, and consequently whether the formation of a monetary union is possible. The results suggest that the magnitude of the convergence amongst the countries remain low and there are significant rigidities in the deposit and lending rates over time, however the passthrough has improved with respect to the lending rate but not the deposit rate. The overall conclusion of the study suggests that an EAC wide monetary union is currently not possible based on the evidence provided from the pass-through analysis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Financial system development and economic growth in selected African countries: evidence from a panel cointegration analysis
- Authors: Starkey, Randall Ashley
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Economic development -- Africa Economic development -- Developing countries Banks and banking -- Africa Banks and banking -- Developing countries Stock exchanges -- Africa Stock exchanges -- Developing countries Econometric models Economic policy -- Africa Economic policy -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:979 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002713
- Description: Financial systems (i.e. banking systems and stock markets) can influence economic growth by performing the five key financial functions, namely: mobilising savings, allocating capital, easing of exchange, monitoring and exerting corporate governance, as well as ameliorating risk. The level of development of the financial system is a key determinant of how effectively and efficiently these functions are performed. This study examines the short-run and long-run relationships between financial system development and economic growth for a panel of seven African countries (namely: Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Tunisia) covering the period 1988 to 2008. While numerous empirical studies have researched this topic, none of the previous African empirical literature have investigated thjs by using three groups of financial development measures (i.e. overall financial development, banking system development and stock market development measures) as well as employing panel cointegration analyses. The investigation of the long-run finance-growth relationship is conducted using two methods; the Pedroni panel cointegration approach and the Kao panel cointegration technique. The Pedroni panel cointegracion approach is more often applied in empirical research as it has less restrictive deterministic trend assumptions, while the Kao panel cointegration technique is employed in this study for comparison purposes. Furthermore, the short-run linkages bet\veen financial development and economic growth are analysed using the Holtz-Eakin d of (1989) panel Granger causality test. The results of the Pedroni cointegration tests show that there are long-run relationships between overall financial development (measured by LOFD and OFD2) and economic growth, banking system development (measured by LPSC) and economic growth, as well as stock marker development (measured by LMCP and LVLT) and economic growth. In contrast, the Kao test fails to find any cointegration between finance and growth. However, on the balance, findings largely support a conclusion of cointegration between financial development and economic growth since the Pedroni approach is more appropriate for examining cointegration in heterogeneous panels. Estimates of these long-run cointegrating relationships show that all five financial development measures have the expected positive linkages with growth. However, only four of the five financial development measures were found to have significant long-run linkages with growth, as the relationship between LOFD and growth was not found to be significant in the long-run. The panel Granger causality results show that economic growth Granger causes banking system development in the short-run (i.e. there is demand-following finance), irrespective of the measure of banking development used. While there is bi-directional, reciprocal causality between economic growth and both of the measures of overall financial development and one measure of srock market development (i.e. LVLT). Thus, pulicy makers should focus on formulating policy which promotes faster paced economic growth so as to stimulate financial development, while at the same time encourage policy that promotes the balanced expansion of the banking systems and srock markets in ordet to augment economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Starkey, Randall Ashley
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Economic development -- Africa Economic development -- Developing countries Banks and banking -- Africa Banks and banking -- Developing countries Stock exchanges -- Africa Stock exchanges -- Developing countries Econometric models Economic policy -- Africa Economic policy -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:979 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002713
- Description: Financial systems (i.e. banking systems and stock markets) can influence economic growth by performing the five key financial functions, namely: mobilising savings, allocating capital, easing of exchange, monitoring and exerting corporate governance, as well as ameliorating risk. The level of development of the financial system is a key determinant of how effectively and efficiently these functions are performed. This study examines the short-run and long-run relationships between financial system development and economic growth for a panel of seven African countries (namely: Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Tunisia) covering the period 1988 to 2008. While numerous empirical studies have researched this topic, none of the previous African empirical literature have investigated thjs by using three groups of financial development measures (i.e. overall financial development, banking system development and stock market development measures) as well as employing panel cointegration analyses. The investigation of the long-run finance-growth relationship is conducted using two methods; the Pedroni panel cointegration approach and the Kao panel cointegration technique. The Pedroni panel cointegracion approach is more often applied in empirical research as it has less restrictive deterministic trend assumptions, while the Kao panel cointegration technique is employed in this study for comparison purposes. Furthermore, the short-run linkages bet\veen financial development and economic growth are analysed using the Holtz-Eakin d of (1989) panel Granger causality test. The results of the Pedroni cointegration tests show that there are long-run relationships between overall financial development (measured by LOFD and OFD2) and economic growth, banking system development (measured by LPSC) and economic growth, as well as stock marker development (measured by LMCP and LVLT) and economic growth. In contrast, the Kao test fails to find any cointegration between finance and growth. However, on the balance, findings largely support a conclusion of cointegration between financial development and economic growth since the Pedroni approach is more appropriate for examining cointegration in heterogeneous panels. Estimates of these long-run cointegrating relationships show that all five financial development measures have the expected positive linkages with growth. However, only four of the five financial development measures were found to have significant long-run linkages with growth, as the relationship between LOFD and growth was not found to be significant in the long-run. The panel Granger causality results show that economic growth Granger causes banking system development in the short-run (i.e. there is demand-following finance), irrespective of the measure of banking development used. While there is bi-directional, reciprocal causality between economic growth and both of the measures of overall financial development and one measure of srock market development (i.e. LVLT). Thus, pulicy makers should focus on formulating policy which promotes faster paced economic growth so as to stimulate financial development, while at the same time encourage policy that promotes the balanced expansion of the banking systems and srock markets in ordet to augment economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Finite element analysis of a composite sandwich beam subjected to a four point bend
- Authors: Hove, Darlington
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sandwich construction -- Mathematical models , Composite materials -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10503 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1465 , Sandwich construction -- Mathematical models , Composite materials -- Research
- Description: The work in this dissertation deals with the global structural response and local damage effects of a simply supported natural fibre composite sandwich beam subjected to a four-point bend. For the global structural response, we are investigating the flexural behaviour of the composite sandwich beam. We begin by using the principle of virtual work to derive the linear and nonlinear Timoshenko beam theory. Based on these theories, we then proceed to develop the respective finite element models and then implement the numerical algorithm in MATLAB. Comparing the numerical results with experimental results from the CSIR, the numerical model correctly and qualitatively recovers the underlying mechanics with some noted deviances which are explained at the end. The local damage effect of interest is delamination and we begin by reviewing delamination theory with more emphasis on the cohesive zone model. The cohesive zone model relates the traction at the interface to the relative displacement of the interface thereby creating a material model of the interface. We then carry out a cohesive zone model delamination case study in MSC.Marc and MSC.Mentat software packages. The delamination modelling is carried out purely as a numerical study as there are no experimental results to validate the numerical results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Hove, Darlington
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sandwich construction -- Mathematical models , Composite materials -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10503 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1465 , Sandwich construction -- Mathematical models , Composite materials -- Research
- Description: The work in this dissertation deals with the global structural response and local damage effects of a simply supported natural fibre composite sandwich beam subjected to a four-point bend. For the global structural response, we are investigating the flexural behaviour of the composite sandwich beam. We begin by using the principle of virtual work to derive the linear and nonlinear Timoshenko beam theory. Based on these theories, we then proceed to develop the respective finite element models and then implement the numerical algorithm in MATLAB. Comparing the numerical results with experimental results from the CSIR, the numerical model correctly and qualitatively recovers the underlying mechanics with some noted deviances which are explained at the end. The local damage effect of interest is delamination and we begin by reviewing delamination theory with more emphasis on the cohesive zone model. The cohesive zone model relates the traction at the interface to the relative displacement of the interface thereby creating a material model of the interface. We then carry out a cohesive zone model delamination case study in MSC.Marc and MSC.Mentat software packages. The delamination modelling is carried out purely as a numerical study as there are no experimental results to validate the numerical results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
First assessment of estuarine space use and home range of juvenile white steenbras, Lithognathus lithognathus
- Bennett, Rhett H, Childs, Amber-Robyn, Cowley, Paul D, Næsje, T F, Thorstad, Eva B, Økland, F
- Authors: Bennett, Rhett H , Childs, Amber-Robyn , Cowley, Paul D , Næsje, T F , Thorstad, Eva B , Økland, F
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447517 , vital:74653 , https://doi.org/10.1080/15627020.2011.11407476
- Description: The spatial dynamics and home range sizes of early juvenile white steenbras (Lithognathus lithognathus Cuvier, 1829) in the permanently open Great Fish Estuary, South Africa, were assessed using acoustic telemetry. Seven individuals (154–184 mm fork length) tagged with acoustic transmitters spent the majority of their time in the mesohaline to oligohaline regions of the estuary, between five and seven kilometres from the mouth. Mean home range size was small (97 399 ± 22 557 m2, mean ± S.D.) relative to the size of the estuary (approx. 1 360 000m2). Mean length of the estuary used by an individual was 1707m(±S.D.=1663 m). The fish were highly resident within the estuary, and showed fidelity towards their site of capture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Bennett, Rhett H , Childs, Amber-Robyn , Cowley, Paul D , Næsje, T F , Thorstad, Eva B , Økland, F
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447517 , vital:74653 , https://doi.org/10.1080/15627020.2011.11407476
- Description: The spatial dynamics and home range sizes of early juvenile white steenbras (Lithognathus lithognathus Cuvier, 1829) in the permanently open Great Fish Estuary, South Africa, were assessed using acoustic telemetry. Seven individuals (154–184 mm fork length) tagged with acoustic transmitters spent the majority of their time in the mesohaline to oligohaline regions of the estuary, between five and seven kilometres from the mouth. Mean home range size was small (97 399 ± 22 557 m2, mean ± S.D.) relative to the size of the estuary (approx. 1 360 000m2). Mean length of the estuary used by an individual was 1707m(±S.D.=1663 m). The fish were highly resident within the estuary, and showed fidelity towards their site of capture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Fiscal policy and unemployment in South Africa 1980 to 2010
- Authors: Murwirapachena, Genius
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Fiscal policy -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Labor economics -- South Africa , Unemployment -- South Africa , Labor policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11458 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/544 , Fiscal policy -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Labor economics -- South Africa , Unemployment -- South Africa , Labor policy -- South Africa
- Description: Unemployment is one of the greatest and most complex challenges facing South Africa. Just like most developing countries, South Africa has been using the fiscal policy framework as a tool to alleviate the high rates of unemployment. This study examined the impact of fiscal policy on unemployment in South Africa. The study used annual time series data for the period 1980 to 2010. A vector error correction model was used to determine the effects of fiscal policy aggregates on unemployment in South Africa. The fiscal policy aggregates considered in this study were government investment expenditure, government consumption expenditure and tax. Results from this study revealed that government consumption expenditure and tax have a positive impact on unemployment while government investment expenditure negatively affects unemployment in South Africa. Policy recommendations were made using these results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Murwirapachena, Genius
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Fiscal policy -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Labor economics -- South Africa , Unemployment -- South Africa , Labor policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11458 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/544 , Fiscal policy -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Labor economics -- South Africa , Unemployment -- South Africa , Labor policy -- South Africa
- Description: Unemployment is one of the greatest and most complex challenges facing South Africa. Just like most developing countries, South Africa has been using the fiscal policy framework as a tool to alleviate the high rates of unemployment. This study examined the impact of fiscal policy on unemployment in South Africa. The study used annual time series data for the period 1980 to 2010. A vector error correction model was used to determine the effects of fiscal policy aggregates on unemployment in South Africa. The fiscal policy aggregates considered in this study were government investment expenditure, government consumption expenditure and tax. Results from this study revealed that government consumption expenditure and tax have a positive impact on unemployment while government investment expenditure negatively affects unemployment in South Africa. Policy recommendations were made using these results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011