Exploring risk related to future climates through role-playing games: the African catchment game
- Rowntree, Kate M, Fraenkel, Linda A, Fox, Roddy C
- Authors: Rowntree, Kate M , Fraenkel, Linda A , Fox, Roddy C
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Conference paper
- Identifier: vital:6671 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006807
- Description: Risk is the result of two interacting components: hazard and vulnerability. Climatic hazards are related to extrinsic factors such as drought or severe storms. Vul- nerability is the result of intrinsic factors that often arise from the socio-political- economic context. The interplay of risk and vulnerability is difficult to predict. Although computer models have been widely used to forecast climate related risk, albeit with con- siderable uncertainty, they can never capture sufficiently the vulnerability of human sys- tems to these hazards. Role-playing games can be used more realistically to simulate pos- sible outcomes of different climate change scenarios, and allow players to reflect on their significance. The authors have developed the African Catchment Game to simulate a wa- ter scarce African country. Risk can be modelled mechanistically by changing the nature of the annual rainfall input. Vulnerability can in part be modelled by changing the start- ing parameters (such as access to land and resources) and, secondly, through the unpredictable response of players to game dynamics. Players’ reflections demonstrate that through the game they become more aware of the concept of risk and the complex response of individuals and societies that determine their vulnerability to climatic hazards. This paper reflects on the potential for developing the game further as a tool for participatory learning around climate change, based on the authors’ experience of playing the game with participants from South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Rowntree, Kate M , Fraenkel, Linda A , Fox, Roddy C
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Conference paper
- Identifier: vital:6671 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006807
- Description: Risk is the result of two interacting components: hazard and vulnerability. Climatic hazards are related to extrinsic factors such as drought or severe storms. Vul- nerability is the result of intrinsic factors that often arise from the socio-political- economic context. The interplay of risk and vulnerability is difficult to predict. Although computer models have been widely used to forecast climate related risk, albeit with con- siderable uncertainty, they can never capture sufficiently the vulnerability of human sys- tems to these hazards. Role-playing games can be used more realistically to simulate pos- sible outcomes of different climate change scenarios, and allow players to reflect on their significance. The authors have developed the African Catchment Game to simulate a wa- ter scarce African country. Risk can be modelled mechanistically by changing the nature of the annual rainfall input. Vulnerability can in part be modelled by changing the start- ing parameters (such as access to land and resources) and, secondly, through the unpredictable response of players to game dynamics. Players’ reflections demonstrate that through the game they become more aware of the concept of risk and the complex response of individuals and societies that determine their vulnerability to climatic hazards. This paper reflects on the potential for developing the game further as a tool for participatory learning around climate change, based on the authors’ experience of playing the game with participants from South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Exploring the consequences of perceptions of the divine, and the church, in the making of self-identity: a case study of congregants from Roman Catholic and Charismatic communities in East London, South Africa
- Authors: Sundberg, Dianne
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Giddens, Anthony Catholic Church -- South Africa -- East London -- Case studies Catholic Church -- Doctrines Glory of God -- Case studies Church -- South Africa -- East London -- Case studies Feminist theology -- South Africa Self -- Case studies Identity (Psychology) -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3298 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003086
- Description: This thesis explores the impact and consequences of the teachings of the church, perceptions of The Divine [God] and of Mary, in the making of personal identity. In spite of secularisation and the prediction that the church would collapse in the face of modern science, recent evidence suggests that - in its various forms - religion, and belief in a higher power remain important and potentially powerful aspects in society. A foundation stone of the Christian faith is the doctrine of Imago Dei: humanity created in the image of The Divine. Although not male, The Divine is repeatedly spoken of - and addressed - in anthropomorphic masculine terms, but perceived in gender-specific stereotypical terms. Alongside The Divine - in the Roman Catholic Church - is Mary, the mother of Jesus. She is spoken of in feminine terms, but is also perceived in gender-specific stereotypical terms. Although not officially considered to be divine, Mary fulfils important needs in the life of the believer and it is in this context that her influence is evaluated. The role of the church as a community - and social institution - is also explored, based on Giddens’ theories of identity development. Belonging to a church community can provide a context for relationship, continuity, and trust. However, this potentially positive environment can have negative implications on self-identity in that restrictions on self-expression and personal choice can be as limiting as the sense of belonging is liberating. The patriarchal nature of the church is deemed to be of immense relevance. In order to establish the role of the church, The Divine, and Mary in the making of self-identity, in-depth interviews were conducted with twelve research participants belonging to Charismatic and Roman Catholic congregations, and Giddens’ criteria for self-identity development was used as the standard for evaluating participants’ personal sense of self-identity. Explored from the perspective of feminist theology, the findings of this qualitative research project suggest that it is more than gender language regarding The Divine that affects the agent’s perception of The Divine, and that the role of the church in identity formation is not uniform in its influence. It also concludes that perceptions of Mary can be influential in the development of selfidentity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Sundberg, Dianne
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Giddens, Anthony Catholic Church -- South Africa -- East London -- Case studies Catholic Church -- Doctrines Glory of God -- Case studies Church -- South Africa -- East London -- Case studies Feminist theology -- South Africa Self -- Case studies Identity (Psychology) -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3298 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003086
- Description: This thesis explores the impact and consequences of the teachings of the church, perceptions of The Divine [God] and of Mary, in the making of personal identity. In spite of secularisation and the prediction that the church would collapse in the face of modern science, recent evidence suggests that - in its various forms - religion, and belief in a higher power remain important and potentially powerful aspects in society. A foundation stone of the Christian faith is the doctrine of Imago Dei: humanity created in the image of The Divine. Although not male, The Divine is repeatedly spoken of - and addressed - in anthropomorphic masculine terms, but perceived in gender-specific stereotypical terms. Alongside The Divine - in the Roman Catholic Church - is Mary, the mother of Jesus. She is spoken of in feminine terms, but is also perceived in gender-specific stereotypical terms. Although not officially considered to be divine, Mary fulfils important needs in the life of the believer and it is in this context that her influence is evaluated. The role of the church as a community - and social institution - is also explored, based on Giddens’ theories of identity development. Belonging to a church community can provide a context for relationship, continuity, and trust. However, this potentially positive environment can have negative implications on self-identity in that restrictions on self-expression and personal choice can be as limiting as the sense of belonging is liberating. The patriarchal nature of the church is deemed to be of immense relevance. In order to establish the role of the church, The Divine, and Mary in the making of self-identity, in-depth interviews were conducted with twelve research participants belonging to Charismatic and Roman Catholic congregations, and Giddens’ criteria for self-identity development was used as the standard for evaluating participants’ personal sense of self-identity. Explored from the perspective of feminist theology, the findings of this qualitative research project suggest that it is more than gender language regarding The Divine that affects the agent’s perception of The Divine, and that the role of the church in identity formation is not uniform in its influence. It also concludes that perceptions of Mary can be influential in the development of selfidentity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Exploring the statistical equivalence of the English and Xhosa versions of the Woodcock-Munõz Language Survey
- Authors: Ntantiso, Mzamo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Equivalence (Linguistics) , Woodcock-Muñoz Language Survey
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9952 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018620
- Description: This study explored statistical equivalence of the adapted Xhosa and English version of the Woodcock-Muñoz Language Survey (WMLS) by investigating group differences on each subscale, in terms of mean scores, index reliability, and item characteristics for two language groups. A Convenience quota sampling technique was used to select 188 Xhosa (n = 188) and 198 English (n = 198) learners from Grades 6 and 7 living in rural and urban Eastern Cape. The WMLS Xhosa and English versions were administered to learners in their first languages. Significant mean group differences were found, but differences were not found on the reliability indices, or mean item characteristics. This pointed in the direction of statistical equivalence. However, scrutiny of the item characteristics of the individual items per subscale indicated possible problems at an item level that need to be investigated further with differential functioning analyses. Thus, stringent DIF analyses were suggested for future research on DIF items before the versions of the WMLS can be considered as equivalent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Ntantiso, Mzamo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Equivalence (Linguistics) , Woodcock-Muñoz Language Survey
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9952 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018620
- Description: This study explored statistical equivalence of the adapted Xhosa and English version of the Woodcock-Muñoz Language Survey (WMLS) by investigating group differences on each subscale, in terms of mean scores, index reliability, and item characteristics for two language groups. A Convenience quota sampling technique was used to select 188 Xhosa (n = 188) and 198 English (n = 198) learners from Grades 6 and 7 living in rural and urban Eastern Cape. The WMLS Xhosa and English versions were administered to learners in their first languages. Significant mean group differences were found, but differences were not found on the reliability indices, or mean item characteristics. This pointed in the direction of statistical equivalence. However, scrutiny of the item characteristics of the individual items per subscale indicated possible problems at an item level that need to be investigated further with differential functioning analyses. Thus, stringent DIF analyses were suggested for future research on DIF items before the versions of the WMLS can be considered as equivalent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Extending the NFComms: framework for bulk data transfers
- Nottingham, Alastair, Irwin, Barry V W
- Authors: Nottingham, Alastair , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430164 , vital:72670 , https://doi.org/10.1145/1632149.1632170
- Description: Packet analysis is an important aspect of network security, which typi-cally relies on a flexible packet filtering system to extrapolate important packet information from each processed packet. Packet analysis is a computationally intensive, highly parallelisable task, and as such, clas-sification of large packet sets, such as those collected by a network tel-escope, can require significant processing time. We wish to improve upon this, through parallel classification on a GPU. In this paper, we first consider the OpenCL architecture and its applicability to packet analy-sis. We then introduce a number of packet demultiplexing and routing algorithms, and finally present a discussion on how some of these techniques may be leveraged within a GPGPU context to improve packet classification speeds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Nottingham, Alastair , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430164 , vital:72670 , https://doi.org/10.1145/1632149.1632170
- Description: Packet analysis is an important aspect of network security, which typi-cally relies on a flexible packet filtering system to extrapolate important packet information from each processed packet. Packet analysis is a computationally intensive, highly parallelisable task, and as such, clas-sification of large packet sets, such as those collected by a network tel-escope, can require significant processing time. We wish to improve upon this, through parallel classification on a GPU. In this paper, we first consider the OpenCL architecture and its applicability to packet analy-sis. We then introduce a number of packet demultiplexing and routing algorithms, and finally present a discussion on how some of these techniques may be leveraged within a GPGPU context to improve packet classification speeds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Facilitating banking finance access for BBBEE firms in the Southern Cape area
- Authors: Kroukamp, Thelma
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Finance , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8706 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/996 , Small business -- South Africa -- Finance , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Studies have shown that BBBEE parties are unsuccessful in raising banking finance due to a number of reasons. The objective of the enactment of the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act is primarily to promote the participation of black people in the economy. The measurement of BBBEE is determined by the codes of good practice for Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSE), which consists of seven elements namely: ownership, management control, employment equity, skills development, preferential procurement, enterprise development and socio-economic development. Enterprises with annual turnover ranging from R5 million and R35 million qualify as QSE. These elements measure the level of BBBEE status. The enactment of the National Credit Act replaced the Usury Act, 1968 and the Credit Agreements Act, 1980. The objective of the act is to promote accessibility to the credit market and to prevent the over-indebtedness of consumers. The Act is applicable to natural persons with contractual capacity and juristic persons with monetary assets or annual turnover of less than R1 million. This study aims to establish the facilitation of access to banking finance for BBBEE SME’S within the George and Mossel Bay area as these towns form part of the Garden Route Business Banking Division of Nedbank. The effect of the BBBEE and NCA on the accessing of banking finance was studied and analysed. Credit applications are subject to stringent credit scoring systems to rate applicants, monitor performance and manage accounts. The Basel rating which measures the minimum level of capital a bank should hold to protect investors determines the interest rate charged for loans. These ratings affect the accessibility of banking finance. A framework for bank and SME relationship building shows the relationships between: • The accounts manager’s role in relationship management; • Branch staff role in relationship management; • Corporate policies as part of relationship management. A survey was conducted in the form of a questionnaire in order to obtain primary information from two sample groups, banking officials and BBBEE clients to establish the relationship between the two sample groups. Quantitative techniques were used and the data obtained from the two sample groups were analysed. The study revealed that the by establishment of relationships between BBBEE clients and banking officials would facilitate access to banking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Kroukamp, Thelma
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Finance , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8706 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/996 , Small business -- South Africa -- Finance , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Studies have shown that BBBEE parties are unsuccessful in raising banking finance due to a number of reasons. The objective of the enactment of the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act is primarily to promote the participation of black people in the economy. The measurement of BBBEE is determined by the codes of good practice for Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSE), which consists of seven elements namely: ownership, management control, employment equity, skills development, preferential procurement, enterprise development and socio-economic development. Enterprises with annual turnover ranging from R5 million and R35 million qualify as QSE. These elements measure the level of BBBEE status. The enactment of the National Credit Act replaced the Usury Act, 1968 and the Credit Agreements Act, 1980. The objective of the act is to promote accessibility to the credit market and to prevent the over-indebtedness of consumers. The Act is applicable to natural persons with contractual capacity and juristic persons with monetary assets or annual turnover of less than R1 million. This study aims to establish the facilitation of access to banking finance for BBBEE SME’S within the George and Mossel Bay area as these towns form part of the Garden Route Business Banking Division of Nedbank. The effect of the BBBEE and NCA on the accessing of banking finance was studied and analysed. Credit applications are subject to stringent credit scoring systems to rate applicants, monitor performance and manage accounts. The Basel rating which measures the minimum level of capital a bank should hold to protect investors determines the interest rate charged for loans. These ratings affect the accessibility of banking finance. A framework for bank and SME relationship building shows the relationships between: • The accounts manager’s role in relationship management; • Branch staff role in relationship management; • Corporate policies as part of relationship management. A survey was conducted in the form of a questionnaire in order to obtain primary information from two sample groups, banking officials and BBBEE clients to establish the relationship between the two sample groups. Quantitative techniques were used and the data obtained from the two sample groups were analysed. The study revealed that the by establishment of relationships between BBBEE clients and banking officials would facilitate access to banking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Factors affecting AIDS orphans' from accessing voluntary counselling and testing (VCT)
- Authors: Maama, Lineo Bernadette
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Children of AIDS patients -- South Africa , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Testing , Orphans -- Services for
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10000 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1046 , Children of AIDS patients -- South Africa , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Testing , Orphans -- Services for
- Description: The study seeks to explore and identify factors that prevent AIDS orphans in presenting themselves for Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT). Socio-cultural factors, notably, stigma and the resultant discrimination by community members, have been presented by many researchers as the main aetiological factors that hinder the use of VCT by AIDS orphans. It is on the basis of this that this study was conducted to identify factors that hinder AIDS orphans from accessing VCT. The study used a qualitative approach following an explorative and descriptive, contextual research design and was conducted at Ubuntu Education Fund, Port Elizabeth. Purposive sampling was used to determine a sample of AIDS orphans. Participants of the study had to be orphaned as a result of AIDS, isiXhosa-speaking, between 12-17 years, living in the care of a primary care-giver and had not presented themselves for VCT. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews. Semi-structured interviews are suitable in cases where the researcher is interested in an issue that is complex or personal (De Vos, Strydom, Fouche and Deloport, 2005). Data was analyzed according to the framework provided by Tesch (1990) as described in Creswell (2003). The major findings of this study were that people are locked in a ‘poverty-of-the mind cycle’, in respect of HIV and AIDS, and this is exacerbated by educational impoverishment and general poverty. The recommendations that emanated from this study are made from policy and service delivery perspectives. It is recommended that in order for AIDS orphans to access VCT they should be developed and empowered through sustainable programmes that enhance their capacities to the outmost realization of their potential. It is also recommended that health and other professionals should encourage AIDS orphans and community members to present themselves for VCT and thus curb the spread of HIV and AIDS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Maama, Lineo Bernadette
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Children of AIDS patients -- South Africa , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Testing , Orphans -- Services for
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10000 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1046 , Children of AIDS patients -- South Africa , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Testing , Orphans -- Services for
- Description: The study seeks to explore and identify factors that prevent AIDS orphans in presenting themselves for Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT). Socio-cultural factors, notably, stigma and the resultant discrimination by community members, have been presented by many researchers as the main aetiological factors that hinder the use of VCT by AIDS orphans. It is on the basis of this that this study was conducted to identify factors that hinder AIDS orphans from accessing VCT. The study used a qualitative approach following an explorative and descriptive, contextual research design and was conducted at Ubuntu Education Fund, Port Elizabeth. Purposive sampling was used to determine a sample of AIDS orphans. Participants of the study had to be orphaned as a result of AIDS, isiXhosa-speaking, between 12-17 years, living in the care of a primary care-giver and had not presented themselves for VCT. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews. Semi-structured interviews are suitable in cases where the researcher is interested in an issue that is complex or personal (De Vos, Strydom, Fouche and Deloport, 2005). Data was analyzed according to the framework provided by Tesch (1990) as described in Creswell (2003). The major findings of this study were that people are locked in a ‘poverty-of-the mind cycle’, in respect of HIV and AIDS, and this is exacerbated by educational impoverishment and general poverty. The recommendations that emanated from this study are made from policy and service delivery perspectives. It is recommended that in order for AIDS orphans to access VCT they should be developed and empowered through sustainable programmes that enhance their capacities to the outmost realization of their potential. It is also recommended that health and other professionals should encourage AIDS orphans and community members to present themselves for VCT and thus curb the spread of HIV and AIDS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Factors enabling and constraining ICT implementation in schools: a multiple case study of three secondary schools in Lesotho
- Authors: Kalake, Matsitso
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Education -- Lesotho Computer-assisted instruction -- Lesotho Information technology -- Lesotho Educational technology -- Lesotho Education, Secondary -- Lesotho -- Data processing Education -- Lesotho -- Computer network resources Educational innovations -- Lesotho Educational change -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1858 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004539
- Description: This study focused on the implementation of ICTs in secondary schools in Lesotho. The main question addressed was: What are the enabling and constraining factors in the implementation of ICTs in schools? The work was undertaken in recognition of the fact that schools in the country were autonomously acquiring computers and using a variety of curricula without much coordination and policies from the government. There were factors encouraging schools to delve into this educational change: and challenges were already evident. This required further investigation. The research approach commenced with a critical review of the literature. Literature was drawn from developed and developing countries in order to understand the process of ICT implementation from a variety of contexts. The enquiry about the implementation process in all the countries focused on the rationale behind the use of ICTs in schools. ICT policies guiding implementation, principal leadership, teacher professional development and ICT resources. The literature review was followed by case studies of three secondary schools in Mafeteng district in Lesotho. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods of research, the study sought to determine from key people in three case study schools their overall understanding of how the process of implementation was carried out and what they perceived as enablers and constraints. The findings revealed that planning, access arrangements, training, support and to a lesser extent resources played a role in either impeding or encouraging the key ICT implementers at school and classroom level. Additionally, the key role of the principal and the MoE were highlighted in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Kalake, Matsitso
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Education -- Lesotho Computer-assisted instruction -- Lesotho Information technology -- Lesotho Educational technology -- Lesotho Education, Secondary -- Lesotho -- Data processing Education -- Lesotho -- Computer network resources Educational innovations -- Lesotho Educational change -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1858 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004539
- Description: This study focused on the implementation of ICTs in secondary schools in Lesotho. The main question addressed was: What are the enabling and constraining factors in the implementation of ICTs in schools? The work was undertaken in recognition of the fact that schools in the country were autonomously acquiring computers and using a variety of curricula without much coordination and policies from the government. There were factors encouraging schools to delve into this educational change: and challenges were already evident. This required further investigation. The research approach commenced with a critical review of the literature. Literature was drawn from developed and developing countries in order to understand the process of ICT implementation from a variety of contexts. The enquiry about the implementation process in all the countries focused on the rationale behind the use of ICTs in schools. ICT policies guiding implementation, principal leadership, teacher professional development and ICT resources. The literature review was followed by case studies of three secondary schools in Mafeteng district in Lesotho. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods of research, the study sought to determine from key people in three case study schools their overall understanding of how the process of implementation was carried out and what they perceived as enablers and constraints. The findings revealed that planning, access arrangements, training, support and to a lesser extent resources played a role in either impeding or encouraging the key ICT implementers at school and classroom level. Additionally, the key role of the principal and the MoE were highlighted in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Factors influencing international students' choice of enrolling at higher education institutions via the internet
- Authors: Yang, Ning
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Internet marketing -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Marketing , Internet in higher education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9338 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1084 , Internet marketing -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Marketing , Internet in higher education -- South Africa
- Description: As the competition increase in the Higher Education industry, marketing departments of Higher Education Institutions view students as consumers and market their institutions. At the mean time, universities around the world encourage their international offices to increase the foreign student enrollments. This research investigates the factors influencing international students’ choice of enrolling at Higher Educational Institutions (HEI) via the internet: international students’ Internet use to facilitate information search and decision making. This survey of international students from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) explored the Internet’s role in marketing international education. Based on this exploratory research, NMMU educational institutions gain insights of online customer service for successfully recruiting students. The results show that prospective overseas students do indeed use the internet. Overall evaluation of the factors influencing the use of the internet for enrolling at HEIs was determined by four factors: namely, perceived usefulness, consumer involvement, perceived ease of use and opinion leadership.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Yang, Ning
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Internet marketing -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Marketing , Internet in higher education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9338 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1084 , Internet marketing -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Marketing , Internet in higher education -- South Africa
- Description: As the competition increase in the Higher Education industry, marketing departments of Higher Education Institutions view students as consumers and market their institutions. At the mean time, universities around the world encourage their international offices to increase the foreign student enrollments. This research investigates the factors influencing international students’ choice of enrolling at Higher Educational Institutions (HEI) via the internet: international students’ Internet use to facilitate information search and decision making. This survey of international students from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) explored the Internet’s role in marketing international education. Based on this exploratory research, NMMU educational institutions gain insights of online customer service for successfully recruiting students. The results show that prospective overseas students do indeed use the internet. Overall evaluation of the factors influencing the use of the internet for enrolling at HEIs was determined by four factors: namely, perceived usefulness, consumer involvement, perceived ease of use and opinion leadership.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Factors influencing job satisfaction
- Authors: Hansia, Bradley L
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8688 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1111 , Job satisfaction
- Description: The harassed boss who faces an office full of mutinous, recalcitrant staff every morning may not believe it, but half of South Africa’s employees love their jobs and their employers. That’s according to TNS Research Surveys, which recently released the results of a survey into employee wellbeing and commitment. TNS director Neil Higgs issued a caution, though: because of the tough economic times, employers are likely to be stuck with the malcontents among their staff for longer than they might like (Ferreira, 2009). From the above mentioned it can be deduced that there are many employees who are currently not satisfied with their jobs. This poses a danger for employers and their productivity, as an unsatisfied employee is likely to be an unproductive employee. Satisfied employees are likely to make a better contribution to the economic growth of this country as more drive and motivation will be shown in the workplace. In these tough economic times, those employees who are not satisfied with their jobs are less likely to find employment elsewhere as mentioned above. The main purpose of this research paper was to identify certain factors impacting on job satisfaction. The first step was to complete a literature study on the selected factors which impacts on job satisfaction. The factors selected were that of recruitment and selection, rewards offered by employers, personality of employees and leadership characteristics of superiors. The literature study revealed which methods to use in attempting to deal with the selected factors impacting on job satisfaction. Secondly, the views of staff in various departments and views of staff specifically in the Human Resources department of the selected company were asked various questions in an empirical study. These questions were based on the selected factors mentioned in the previous paragraph, this involved them completing questionnaires. v Based on the findings of the literature study and the empirical study, the last step was to make recommendations to the selected company on how to improve job satisfaction of employees. Recommendations were also made as to what to look for to make it easier in recruiting new employees, who are likely to have enhanced job satisfaction for the good of the company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Hansia, Bradley L
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8688 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1111 , Job satisfaction
- Description: The harassed boss who faces an office full of mutinous, recalcitrant staff every morning may not believe it, but half of South Africa’s employees love their jobs and their employers. That’s according to TNS Research Surveys, which recently released the results of a survey into employee wellbeing and commitment. TNS director Neil Higgs issued a caution, though: because of the tough economic times, employers are likely to be stuck with the malcontents among their staff for longer than they might like (Ferreira, 2009). From the above mentioned it can be deduced that there are many employees who are currently not satisfied with their jobs. This poses a danger for employers and their productivity, as an unsatisfied employee is likely to be an unproductive employee. Satisfied employees are likely to make a better contribution to the economic growth of this country as more drive and motivation will be shown in the workplace. In these tough economic times, those employees who are not satisfied with their jobs are less likely to find employment elsewhere as mentioned above. The main purpose of this research paper was to identify certain factors impacting on job satisfaction. The first step was to complete a literature study on the selected factors which impacts on job satisfaction. The factors selected were that of recruitment and selection, rewards offered by employers, personality of employees and leadership characteristics of superiors. The literature study revealed which methods to use in attempting to deal with the selected factors impacting on job satisfaction. Secondly, the views of staff in various departments and views of staff specifically in the Human Resources department of the selected company were asked various questions in an empirical study. These questions were based on the selected factors mentioned in the previous paragraph, this involved them completing questionnaires. v Based on the findings of the literature study and the empirical study, the last step was to make recommendations to the selected company on how to improve job satisfaction of employees. Recommendations were also made as to what to look for to make it easier in recruiting new employees, who are likely to have enhanced job satisfaction for the good of the company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Factors influencing survivor qualities after downsizing
- Authors: Chipunza, Crispen
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Downsizing of organizations -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Cost control , Unemployment -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: vital:9381 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1219 , Downsizing of organizations -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Cost control , Unemployment -- Psychological aspects
- Description: Today organisations all over the world have to cope with the ever-increasing rate of local and global change. Those in developing countries have to cope with the inefficiencies engendered by state-led economic, developmental and political strategies, such as new government regulations. These have had an impact on the management of human resources and are exemplified by an increasing adoption of strategies meant to reduce pressure on costs and margins. An increasing popular management response to these challenges has been to engage in some form of organisational restructuring such as downsizing. Often employees who remain (survivors) after downsizing are not given much attention, yet the achievement of new strategic goals depends on the survivors having positive attitudes, relentless commitment and high motivation. Research indicates that employees who are motivated and committed contribute vastly to the financial-bottom-line of the organisation. Therefore, downsizing organisations should continuously search for ways to increase such qualities among their survivors. The objective of this study was to identify the factors that influence the attitudes, commitment and motivation of survivors in a developing economy with a volatile environment. To achieve this objective, a theoretical survivor quality model was presented. In order to present the model, firstly, a literature survey on the importance of survivor quality in terms of attitudes, commitment, and motivation among survivors was conducted. Secondly, literature survey pertaining to the drivers of survivor quality was done, and thirdly, literature dealing with strategies to deal with survivor quality was surveyed. The theoretical survivor quality model was used to compile the research instrument that determined the attitudinal, commitment and motivational levels of survivors, how the three constructs are related after downsizing, as well as the factors influencing the observed levels. The questionnaire was randomly distributed among survivors in the selected manufacturing organisations in Zimbabwe. The empirical results obtained from the study showed that survivors in a developing economy with a volatile environment had moderate levels of attitudes, commitment ad motivation. Two categories of factors were identified as important in influencing these levels. They were downsizing strategy and demographic factors. The downsizing strategy factors were communication and victim support, while education, age, and number of years employed emerged as the demographic factors. The study further highlighted that older survivors with less education contributed more to the moderate levels of attitude, commitment and motivation observed. The study highlights that these variables must be taken into consideration when implementing downsizing in an economically volatile environment in order to manage survivor quality. A further point emanating from the study is that prior to downsizing, organisations should adopt effective communication strategies throughout the process. The key factors identified as influencing survivor quality in this study were integrated into the survivor quality model which can be used by other organisations in a similar context to manage survivor quality in order to increase their efficiency, effectiveness, iv and competitive advantage after downsizing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Chipunza, Crispen
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Downsizing of organizations -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Cost control , Unemployment -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: vital:9381 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1219 , Downsizing of organizations -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Cost control , Unemployment -- Psychological aspects
- Description: Today organisations all over the world have to cope with the ever-increasing rate of local and global change. Those in developing countries have to cope with the inefficiencies engendered by state-led economic, developmental and political strategies, such as new government regulations. These have had an impact on the management of human resources and are exemplified by an increasing adoption of strategies meant to reduce pressure on costs and margins. An increasing popular management response to these challenges has been to engage in some form of organisational restructuring such as downsizing. Often employees who remain (survivors) after downsizing are not given much attention, yet the achievement of new strategic goals depends on the survivors having positive attitudes, relentless commitment and high motivation. Research indicates that employees who are motivated and committed contribute vastly to the financial-bottom-line of the organisation. Therefore, downsizing organisations should continuously search for ways to increase such qualities among their survivors. The objective of this study was to identify the factors that influence the attitudes, commitment and motivation of survivors in a developing economy with a volatile environment. To achieve this objective, a theoretical survivor quality model was presented. In order to present the model, firstly, a literature survey on the importance of survivor quality in terms of attitudes, commitment, and motivation among survivors was conducted. Secondly, literature survey pertaining to the drivers of survivor quality was done, and thirdly, literature dealing with strategies to deal with survivor quality was surveyed. The theoretical survivor quality model was used to compile the research instrument that determined the attitudinal, commitment and motivational levels of survivors, how the three constructs are related after downsizing, as well as the factors influencing the observed levels. The questionnaire was randomly distributed among survivors in the selected manufacturing organisations in Zimbabwe. The empirical results obtained from the study showed that survivors in a developing economy with a volatile environment had moderate levels of attitudes, commitment ad motivation. Two categories of factors were identified as important in influencing these levels. They were downsizing strategy and demographic factors. The downsizing strategy factors were communication and victim support, while education, age, and number of years employed emerged as the demographic factors. The study further highlighted that older survivors with less education contributed more to the moderate levels of attitude, commitment and motivation observed. The study highlights that these variables must be taken into consideration when implementing downsizing in an economically volatile environment in order to manage survivor quality. A further point emanating from the study is that prior to downsizing, organisations should adopt effective communication strategies throughout the process. The key factors identified as influencing survivor quality in this study were integrated into the survivor quality model which can be used by other organisations in a similar context to manage survivor quality in order to increase their efficiency, effectiveness, iv and competitive advantage after downsizing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Fanon’s Curse: re-imagining Marxism in South Africa’s age of retreat
- Helliker, Kirk D, Vale, Peter C J
- Authors: Helliker, Kirk D , Vale, Peter C J
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: conference paper , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61029 , vital:27924 , http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.587.740&rep=rep1&type=pdf
- Description: Given its growing, even dark, reputation for xenophobia, it seems extraordinary that South Africa remains open to ideas from the outside. Fifteen years after apartheid in South Africa ended, the country’s great cities are branded with the same imported images that clutter glittering malls in New York, London or Sydney. The rapidity of this makeover from apartheid’s grey conformity is held to be testimony to the success of neo-liberal globalisation which was enthusiastically embraced with apartheid’s ending.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Helliker, Kirk D , Vale, Peter C J
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: conference paper , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61029 , vital:27924 , http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.587.740&rep=rep1&type=pdf
- Description: Given its growing, even dark, reputation for xenophobia, it seems extraordinary that South Africa remains open to ideas from the outside. Fifteen years after apartheid in South Africa ended, the country’s great cities are branded with the same imported images that clutter glittering malls in New York, London or Sydney. The rapidity of this makeover from apartheid’s grey conformity is held to be testimony to the success of neo-liberal globalisation which was enthusiastically embraced with apartheid’s ending.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Feeding behaviour of Xhosa lop-eared, Nguni and Nguni x Boer goat genotypes kept on rangelands of the false thornveld
- Authors: Bakare, Archibold Garikayi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Goats -- Feeding and feeds , Goats -- South Africa , Rangelands -- South Africa , Grazing -- South Africa , Veld
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11811 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/396 , Goats -- Feeding and feeds , Goats -- South Africa , Rangelands -- South Africa , Grazing -- South Africa , Veld
- Description: Feeding behaviour of Xhosa lop-eared, Nguni and Nguni × Boer goat genotypes kept on rangelands of the False Thornveld By Archibold Garikayi Bakare The study was conducted at the University of Fort Hare farm to assess the feeding behaviour of three goat genotypes: Xhosa lop-eared (XLE), Nguni (NGN) and Nguni × Boer crossbred (NBC) genotypes. The time spent on different activities (grazing, browsing and other activities) on rangelands was recorded using stop watches. The micro-histological faecal analysis technique was used to identify and quantify the plant species that were consumed by the goats across the four seasons. Time spent browsing was high in post-rainy season for XLE (55.94 %) compared to NGN (52.97 %) and crossbred NBC (45.95 %) goats. The high browsing activity was also noted for XLE in hot-wet and cool-dry season (P < 0.05). The NBC goats on the other hand; devoted most of their time grazing compared to XLE and NGN goats across seasons (P < 0.05). Generally, time of day had no effect (P > 0.05) on foraging activities among the goat breeds. Grewia occidentalis, Panicum maximum and Diospyros lycioides were the most preferred plant species by all genotypes across seasons in the paddock. It was concluded that crossbreds spent more time grazing as compared to XLE, which are more of browsers. It could, therefore, be recommended that XLE complement with grazers (cattle and sheep) for efficient management of feed resources in rangelands.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Bakare, Archibold Garikayi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Goats -- Feeding and feeds , Goats -- South Africa , Rangelands -- South Africa , Grazing -- South Africa , Veld
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11811 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/396 , Goats -- Feeding and feeds , Goats -- South Africa , Rangelands -- South Africa , Grazing -- South Africa , Veld
- Description: Feeding behaviour of Xhosa lop-eared, Nguni and Nguni × Boer goat genotypes kept on rangelands of the False Thornveld By Archibold Garikayi Bakare The study was conducted at the University of Fort Hare farm to assess the feeding behaviour of three goat genotypes: Xhosa lop-eared (XLE), Nguni (NGN) and Nguni × Boer crossbred (NBC) genotypes. The time spent on different activities (grazing, browsing and other activities) on rangelands was recorded using stop watches. The micro-histological faecal analysis technique was used to identify and quantify the plant species that were consumed by the goats across the four seasons. Time spent browsing was high in post-rainy season for XLE (55.94 %) compared to NGN (52.97 %) and crossbred NBC (45.95 %) goats. The high browsing activity was also noted for XLE in hot-wet and cool-dry season (P < 0.05). The NBC goats on the other hand; devoted most of their time grazing compared to XLE and NGN goats across seasons (P < 0.05). Generally, time of day had no effect (P > 0.05) on foraging activities among the goat breeds. Grewia occidentalis, Panicum maximum and Diospyros lycioides were the most preferred plant species by all genotypes across seasons in the paddock. It was concluded that crossbreds spent more time grazing as compared to XLE, which are more of browsers. It could, therefore, be recommended that XLE complement with grazers (cattle and sheep) for efficient management of feed resources in rangelands.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Film Review: Hollywood on Safari
- Authors: Amner, Roderick J
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142680 , vital:38101 , https://doi.org/10.1386/jams.1.2.335_4
- Description: Film Review: Hollywood on Safari.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Amner, Roderick J
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142680 , vital:38101 , https://doi.org/10.1386/jams.1.2.335_4
- Description: Film Review: Hollywood on Safari.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Finite fuzzy sets, keychains and their applications
- Authors: Mahlasela, Zuko
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Fuzzy sets , Finite groups , Lattice theory , Economics -- Mathematical models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5406 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005220 , Fuzzy sets , Finite groups , Lattice theory , Economics -- Mathematical models
- Description: The idea of keychains, an (n+1)-tuple of non-increasing real numbers in the unit interval always including 1, naturally arises in study of finite fuzzy set theory. They are a useful concept in modeling ideas of uncertainty especially those that arise in Economics, Social Sciences, Statistics and other subjects. In this thesis we define and study some basic properties of keychains with reference to Partially Ordered Sets, Lattices, Chains and Finite Fuzzy Sets. We then examine the role of keychains and their lattice diagrams in representing uncertainties that arise in such problems as in preferential voting patterns, outcomes of competitions and in Economics - Preference Relations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mahlasela, Zuko
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Fuzzy sets , Finite groups , Lattice theory , Economics -- Mathematical models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5406 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005220 , Fuzzy sets , Finite groups , Lattice theory , Economics -- Mathematical models
- Description: The idea of keychains, an (n+1)-tuple of non-increasing real numbers in the unit interval always including 1, naturally arises in study of finite fuzzy set theory. They are a useful concept in modeling ideas of uncertainty especially those that arise in Economics, Social Sciences, Statistics and other subjects. In this thesis we define and study some basic properties of keychains with reference to Partially Ordered Sets, Lattices, Chains and Finite Fuzzy Sets. We then examine the role of keychains and their lattice diagrams in representing uncertainties that arise in such problems as in preferential voting patterns, outcomes of competitions and in Economics - Preference Relations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Flies in the ointment a morphological and molecular comparison of Lucilia cuprina and Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in South Africa
- Tourle, Robyn, Downie, Douglas A, Villet, Martin H
- Authors: Tourle, Robyn , Downie, Douglas A , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442156 , vital:73963 , https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2915.2008.00765.x
- Description: Complementary nuclear (28S rRNA) and mitochondrial (COI) genes were sequenced from blowflies that phenotypically resembled Lucilia cuprina (W.), Lucilia sericata (Meigen) or exhibited characters of both species. The aim was to test a long‐held hypothesis that these species hybridize under natural conditions in South Africa (Ullyett, 1945). Blowflies were obtained predominantly from the Cape Town metropolitan area, but reference samples were acquired for L. sericata from Pretoria. Several L. cuprina‐like flies were shown to possess a conflicting combination of nuclear and mitochondrial genes that has also been seen in Hawaiian specimens. Homoplasy, sampling of pseudogenes, hybridization and incomplete lineage sorting are discussed as possible hypotheses for the pattern and the latter is concluded to represent the most likely explanation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Tourle, Robyn , Downie, Douglas A , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442156 , vital:73963 , https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2915.2008.00765.x
- Description: Complementary nuclear (28S rRNA) and mitochondrial (COI) genes were sequenced from blowflies that phenotypically resembled Lucilia cuprina (W.), Lucilia sericata (Meigen) or exhibited characters of both species. The aim was to test a long‐held hypothesis that these species hybridize under natural conditions in South Africa (Ullyett, 1945). Blowflies were obtained predominantly from the Cape Town metropolitan area, but reference samples were acquired for L. sericata from Pretoria. Several L. cuprina‐like flies were shown to possess a conflicting combination of nuclear and mitochondrial genes that has also been seen in Hawaiian specimens. Homoplasy, sampling of pseudogenes, hybridization and incomplete lineage sorting are discussed as possible hypotheses for the pattern and the latter is concluded to represent the most likely explanation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Fluorescence studies of quantum dots and zinc tetraamino phthalocyanine conjugates
- Britton, Jonathan, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Britton, Jonathan , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6565 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004124
- Description: CdTe Qds capped with mercapto propionic acid (MPA) were covalently linked to zinc tetraamino phthalocyanine (ZnTAPc) using N-ethyl-N(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) as the coupling agents. The results presented give evidence in favour of the formation of an amide bond between ZnTAPc and CdTe QDs. Both the linked ZnTAPc–QD complexes and a mixture of QDs and ZnTAPc (i.e. without chemical linking) showed Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). ZnTAPc quenched the QDs emission, giving quenching constants in the order of 103 M−1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Britton, Jonathan , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6565 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004124
- Description: CdTe Qds capped with mercapto propionic acid (MPA) were covalently linked to zinc tetraamino phthalocyanine (ZnTAPc) using N-ethyl-N(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) as the coupling agents. The results presented give evidence in favour of the formation of an amide bond between ZnTAPc and CdTe QDs. Both the linked ZnTAPc–QD complexes and a mixture of QDs and ZnTAPc (i.e. without chemical linking) showed Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). ZnTAPc quenched the QDs emission, giving quenching constants in the order of 103 M−1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Forecasting solar cycle 24 using neural networks
- Authors: Uwamahoro, Jean
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Solar cycle , Neural networks (Computer science) , Ionosphere , Ionospheric electron density , Ionospheric forecasting , Solar thermal energy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5468 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005253 , Solar cycle , Neural networks (Computer science) , Ionosphere , Ionospheric electron density , Ionospheric forecasting , Solar thermal energy
- Description: The ability to predict the future behavior of solar activity has become of extreme importance due to its effect on the near-Earth environment. Predictions of both the amplitude and timing of the next solar cycle will assist in estimating the various consequences of Space Weather. Several prediction techniques have been applied and have achieved varying degrees of success in the domain of solar activity prediction. These techniques include, for example, neural networks and geomagnetic precursor methods. In this thesis, various neural network based models were developed and the model considered to be optimum was used to estimate the shape and timing of solar cycle 24. Given the recent success of the geomagnetic precusrsor methods, geomagnetic activity as measured by the aa index is considered among the main inputs to the neural network model. The neural network model developed is also provided with the time input parameters defining the year and the month of a particular solar cycle, in order to characterise the temporal behaviour of sunspot number as observed during the last 10 solar cycles. The structure of input-output patterns to the neural network is constructed in such a way that the network learns the relationship between the aa index values of a particular cycle, and the sunspot number values of the following cycle. Assuming January 2008 as the minimum preceding solar cycle 24, the shape and amplitude of solar cycle 24 is estimated in terms of monthly mean and smoothed monthly sunspot number. This new prediction model estimates an average solar cycle 24, with the maximum occurring around June 2012 [± 11 months], with a smoothed monthly maximum sunspot number of 121 ± 9.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Uwamahoro, Jean
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Solar cycle , Neural networks (Computer science) , Ionosphere , Ionospheric electron density , Ionospheric forecasting , Solar thermal energy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5468 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005253 , Solar cycle , Neural networks (Computer science) , Ionosphere , Ionospheric electron density , Ionospheric forecasting , Solar thermal energy
- Description: The ability to predict the future behavior of solar activity has become of extreme importance due to its effect on the near-Earth environment. Predictions of both the amplitude and timing of the next solar cycle will assist in estimating the various consequences of Space Weather. Several prediction techniques have been applied and have achieved varying degrees of success in the domain of solar activity prediction. These techniques include, for example, neural networks and geomagnetic precursor methods. In this thesis, various neural network based models were developed and the model considered to be optimum was used to estimate the shape and timing of solar cycle 24. Given the recent success of the geomagnetic precusrsor methods, geomagnetic activity as measured by the aa index is considered among the main inputs to the neural network model. The neural network model developed is also provided with the time input parameters defining the year and the month of a particular solar cycle, in order to characterise the temporal behaviour of sunspot number as observed during the last 10 solar cycles. The structure of input-output patterns to the neural network is constructed in such a way that the network learns the relationship between the aa index values of a particular cycle, and the sunspot number values of the following cycle. Assuming January 2008 as the minimum preceding solar cycle 24, the shape and amplitude of solar cycle 24 is estimated in terms of monthly mean and smoothed monthly sunspot number. This new prediction model estimates an average solar cycle 24, with the maximum occurring around June 2012 [± 11 months], with a smoothed monthly maximum sunspot number of 121 ± 9.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Foreign policy ambiguity on the part of an emergent middle power: South African foreign policy through other lenses
- Serrão, Olivier, Bischoff, Paul, 1954-
- Authors: Serrão, Olivier , Bischoff, Paul, 1954-
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/161464 , vital:40629 , DOI: 10.1080/02589341003600189
- Description: This paper attempts to address the ambiguity so frequently highlighted in South Africa's post-apartheid foreign policy. Three central arguments are put forward. Firstly, it is argued that traditional accounts of South Africa's foreign policy, utilizing rationalist or ‘mainstream’ theories of International Relations, are insufficient in themselves to explain the complexities inherent in the country's foreign policy. In this regard, constructivist IR theory offers several key insights into studies of South Africa's foreign policy. Secondly, although it is argued that constructivism, particularly its focus on identity, is crucial to understanding South African foreign policy, it alone cannot sufficiently explain its reception or results on the world stage. Finally, it is argued that in order to fully appreciate both the nature and effects of South Africa's foreign policy, a mixed focus, incorporating insights from both constructivist and materialist-based theories of IR, is necessary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Serrão, Olivier , Bischoff, Paul, 1954-
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/161464 , vital:40629 , DOI: 10.1080/02589341003600189
- Description: This paper attempts to address the ambiguity so frequently highlighted in South Africa's post-apartheid foreign policy. Three central arguments are put forward. Firstly, it is argued that traditional accounts of South Africa's foreign policy, utilizing rationalist or ‘mainstream’ theories of International Relations, are insufficient in themselves to explain the complexities inherent in the country's foreign policy. In this regard, constructivist IR theory offers several key insights into studies of South Africa's foreign policy. Secondly, although it is argued that constructivism, particularly its focus on identity, is crucial to understanding South African foreign policy, it alone cannot sufficiently explain its reception or results on the world stage. Finally, it is argued that in order to fully appreciate both the nature and effects of South Africa's foreign policy, a mixed focus, incorporating insights from both constructivist and materialist-based theories of IR, is necessary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Framing economic news: an examination of coverage of the Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) strategy in Business Day
- Authors: Mudzamiri, Wonder Tariro
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Business day English newspapers -- South Africa South African newspapers Mass media -- Economic aspects Economic development -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic policy South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3469 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002924
- Description: This thesis examines the way in which Business Day portrayed the neo-liberal logic of the Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) strategy as both common sense and natural. It utilises framing analysis, adapting its application to the context of media studies as the guiding theoretical framework in trying to understand how Business Day, as representative of the mainstream financial media, frame economic policy issues. Using content analysis, the thesis examines how elite sources are the preferred news sources above ordinary citizens and are thus in a position to shape news content in line with their neo-liberal views on the economy. The thesis analyses how Business Day, by means of the globalisation frame and other frames, legitimated and in the process perpetuated the GEAR strategy as the macroeconomic policy of choice for South Africa in 1996 against the background of the country’s political transformation and economic policy development in preceding years.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mudzamiri, Wonder Tariro
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Business day English newspapers -- South Africa South African newspapers Mass media -- Economic aspects Economic development -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic policy South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3469 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002924
- Description: This thesis examines the way in which Business Day portrayed the neo-liberal logic of the Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) strategy as both common sense and natural. It utilises framing analysis, adapting its application to the context of media studies as the guiding theoretical framework in trying to understand how Business Day, as representative of the mainstream financial media, frame economic policy issues. Using content analysis, the thesis examines how elite sources are the preferred news sources above ordinary citizens and are thus in a position to shape news content in line with their neo-liberal views on the economy. The thesis analyses how Business Day, by means of the globalisation frame and other frames, legitimated and in the process perpetuated the GEAR strategy as the macroeconomic policy of choice for South Africa in 1996 against the background of the country’s political transformation and economic policy development in preceding years.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
From abundance to bondage : an investigation of the causes of the political crisis in Zimbabwe from 1995 to 2005
- Mcakuvana, Malibongwe Patrick
- Authors: Mcakuvana, Malibongwe Patrick
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Political violence -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1995-2005 , Zimbabwe -- Social conditions -- 1995-2005 , Zimbabwe -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8213 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1069 , Political violence -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1995-2005 , Zimbabwe -- Social conditions -- 1995-2005 , Zimbabwe -- History
- Description: This study investigates the main causes of the present political crisis in Zimbabwe with particular reference to the crisis as a direct result of a crisis of authority or governance. The economy and the political environments in the former Rhodesia have been in a healthy state until the early 1990s when the ruling ZANU-PF had its rule under siege when the economy dwindled and the opposition became rife. The broad questions that the study sought to answer were: What have been the primary reasons for the political crisis in Zimbabwe between 1995 and 2005? What role has the political elite played in the country’s development? What contribution did the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme make to the economic development of Zimbabwe? Are there any other important factors that have played a role in the development process of Zimbabwe? As a way of investigation, this study uses qualitative research techniques to make a clinical examination of the main causes of the political crisis that has reduced the formerly self-sustaining and democratically highly rated country to a pariah citizen (state) of the world. A number of primary sources have been used and have had their responses/input supplemented by relatively reliable secondary sources that gave authenticity to the argument of the research. This study makes a ten year review of the political and economic situation in Zimbabwe, as this is the period whence the political crisis became apparent and restricts its investigation of the causes of the political crisis to this period albeit some of these reasons are connected to the past i.e. the period from 1980 to 1995. Since this is a deductive scholarly account, the study tests the theory of organic crisis as an explanation for state collapse in Africa with particular reference to Zimbabwe. Finally the study reveals that the major causes of the political crisis in Zimbabwe are the colonial legacy which seems to have had its negative on the politics of the country just ten years into democracy; the crisis of governance which led to political and economic decay as the ruling party tried by all means to solicit political support; the Lancaster House agreement and the land question which are related to the question of colonial legacy and among the primary reasons Zimbabwe has reached political impasse; the crisis of elites which this directly links to the political crisis; structural adjustment programmes and corruption and fraud.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mcakuvana, Malibongwe Patrick
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Political violence -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1995-2005 , Zimbabwe -- Social conditions -- 1995-2005 , Zimbabwe -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8213 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1069 , Political violence -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government -- 1995-2005 , Zimbabwe -- Social conditions -- 1995-2005 , Zimbabwe -- History
- Description: This study investigates the main causes of the present political crisis in Zimbabwe with particular reference to the crisis as a direct result of a crisis of authority or governance. The economy and the political environments in the former Rhodesia have been in a healthy state until the early 1990s when the ruling ZANU-PF had its rule under siege when the economy dwindled and the opposition became rife. The broad questions that the study sought to answer were: What have been the primary reasons for the political crisis in Zimbabwe between 1995 and 2005? What role has the political elite played in the country’s development? What contribution did the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme make to the economic development of Zimbabwe? Are there any other important factors that have played a role in the development process of Zimbabwe? As a way of investigation, this study uses qualitative research techniques to make a clinical examination of the main causes of the political crisis that has reduced the formerly self-sustaining and democratically highly rated country to a pariah citizen (state) of the world. A number of primary sources have been used and have had their responses/input supplemented by relatively reliable secondary sources that gave authenticity to the argument of the research. This study makes a ten year review of the political and economic situation in Zimbabwe, as this is the period whence the political crisis became apparent and restricts its investigation of the causes of the political crisis to this period albeit some of these reasons are connected to the past i.e. the period from 1980 to 1995. Since this is a deductive scholarly account, the study tests the theory of organic crisis as an explanation for state collapse in Africa with particular reference to Zimbabwe. Finally the study reveals that the major causes of the political crisis in Zimbabwe are the colonial legacy which seems to have had its negative on the politics of the country just ten years into democracy; the crisis of governance which led to political and economic decay as the ruling party tried by all means to solicit political support; the Lancaster House agreement and the land question which are related to the question of colonial legacy and among the primary reasons Zimbabwe has reached political impasse; the crisis of elites which this directly links to the political crisis; structural adjustment programmes and corruption and fraud.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009