The potential of Raman spectroscopy in distinguishing between wool and mohair fibres
- Authors: Notayi, Mzwamadoda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Textile fabrics , Textile fibers -- Mechanical properties Wool -- Dissertations Mohair -- Dissertations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49248 , vital:41614
- Description: The possible application of the FT Raman, Raman micro-spectroscopy and ATR-FTIR micro-spectroscopy, have been investigated for distinguishing between wool and mohair. Highly identical Raman and FTIR spectra were obtained from the two fibre types, indicating that indeed they share similar basic molecular structural chemistry. The analysis of the amide I through curve fitting of wool and mohair FT Raman spectra showed that the protein and polypeptide secondary structure exists mainly in the α-helical structural conformation with smaller proportions of β-pleated sheet and β-Turns. These proportions, however, could not be used to distinguish between wool and mohair, due to the significant overlap observed between the two fibres. This study also determined the disulphide contents for possibly distinguishing between wool and mohair fibres, with the average and standard deviation values of 0.20±0.04 and 0.17±0.03 for wool and mohair, respectively, being found. Despite the mean values being found to differ statistically significant (p<0.05), a considerable overlap was observed, posing a doubt in the possible application of the method for distinguishing between the two fibres and blend composition analysis of the two fibres. The application of ratiometric analysis, based on the relative peak heights of certain FT Raman bands, showed that a combination of ratios A (I2932/I1450) and D (I508/I1450) could hold great potential in distinguishing between wool and mohair fibre samples. The individual values of ratios A and D varied a great deal from one mohair sample to the other and even more from one wool sample to another, with the individual values for ratio A ranging from 2.71-3.68 and 2.35-3.08 for wool and mohair, respectively, while ratio D ranged from 0.18-0.32 and 0.17-0.22 for wool and mohair, respectively. An important observation from this study is that if, for an unknown sample, if individual values of ratios A and D exceed 3.1 and 0.22, respectively, are found then the sample is most likely to be either a pure wool or blend of wool and mohair, whereas if all the values fall below the two threshold values, then the unknown sample can be declared a pure mohair sample. A Raman spectral database or library of approximately 100 high quality Raman average spectra of wool and mohair fibres has been established for the Bruker 80V FTIR/Raman spectrophotometer at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU). Although this has not been fully validated due to the unforeseen frequent breakdown encountered with the FT Raman system, at this stage, it has been realized that verification of unknown materials is highly possible. A great need for the development of a classification model based on multivariate or chemometrics has been realized. An ATR-FTIR LUMOS micro-spectroscopic system was also investigated for the possible application in distinguishing between wool and mohair single fibres. The amide I/II band ratios were determined for both wool and mohair fibres to distinguish between the two fibre types. The mean and standard deviation values of 1.20±0.02 and 1.21±0.01 for mohair and wool, respectively, were found and were shown not to differ statistically significant (p˃0.05). The secondary structure analysis showed that the content of the α-helical secondary structure might be different between the two fibre types, with a great overlap of individual values, however, being observed between the two fibre types (wool and mohair), raising concerns in the possible application of the α-helical content for distinguishing the two fibres.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Notayi, Mzwamadoda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Textile fabrics , Textile fibers -- Mechanical properties Wool -- Dissertations Mohair -- Dissertations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49248 , vital:41614
- Description: The possible application of the FT Raman, Raman micro-spectroscopy and ATR-FTIR micro-spectroscopy, have been investigated for distinguishing between wool and mohair. Highly identical Raman and FTIR spectra were obtained from the two fibre types, indicating that indeed they share similar basic molecular structural chemistry. The analysis of the amide I through curve fitting of wool and mohair FT Raman spectra showed that the protein and polypeptide secondary structure exists mainly in the α-helical structural conformation with smaller proportions of β-pleated sheet and β-Turns. These proportions, however, could not be used to distinguish between wool and mohair, due to the significant overlap observed between the two fibres. This study also determined the disulphide contents for possibly distinguishing between wool and mohair fibres, with the average and standard deviation values of 0.20±0.04 and 0.17±0.03 for wool and mohair, respectively, being found. Despite the mean values being found to differ statistically significant (p<0.05), a considerable overlap was observed, posing a doubt in the possible application of the method for distinguishing between the two fibres and blend composition analysis of the two fibres. The application of ratiometric analysis, based on the relative peak heights of certain FT Raman bands, showed that a combination of ratios A (I2932/I1450) and D (I508/I1450) could hold great potential in distinguishing between wool and mohair fibre samples. The individual values of ratios A and D varied a great deal from one mohair sample to the other and even more from one wool sample to another, with the individual values for ratio A ranging from 2.71-3.68 and 2.35-3.08 for wool and mohair, respectively, while ratio D ranged from 0.18-0.32 and 0.17-0.22 for wool and mohair, respectively. An important observation from this study is that if, for an unknown sample, if individual values of ratios A and D exceed 3.1 and 0.22, respectively, are found then the sample is most likely to be either a pure wool or blend of wool and mohair, whereas if all the values fall below the two threshold values, then the unknown sample can be declared a pure mohair sample. A Raman spectral database or library of approximately 100 high quality Raman average spectra of wool and mohair fibres has been established for the Bruker 80V FTIR/Raman spectrophotometer at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU). Although this has not been fully validated due to the unforeseen frequent breakdown encountered with the FT Raman system, at this stage, it has been realized that verification of unknown materials is highly possible. A great need for the development of a classification model based on multivariate or chemometrics has been realized. An ATR-FTIR LUMOS micro-spectroscopic system was also investigated for the possible application in distinguishing between wool and mohair single fibres. The amide I/II band ratios were determined for both wool and mohair fibres to distinguish between the two fibre types. The mean and standard deviation values of 1.20±0.02 and 1.21±0.01 for mohair and wool, respectively, were found and were shown not to differ statistically significant (p˃0.05). The secondary structure analysis showed that the content of the α-helical secondary structure might be different between the two fibre types, with a great overlap of individual values, however, being observed between the two fibre types (wool and mohair), raising concerns in the possible application of the α-helical content for distinguishing the two fibres.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The precarious ‘good mother’ position: a psychosocial reading of maternal subjectivity of working mothers in scarcely-resourced South African communities
- Authors: Kinahan-Sweeney, Siobhan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Motherhood -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa , Working mothers -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Working mothers -- South Africa -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142464 , vital:38082
- Description: This psychosocial study investigates the maternal subjectivities of mothers returning to work after maternity leave, who are living in scarcely-resourced Cape Town communities in South Africa. Engaging with interview texts and listening to mothers’ talk, I explore how and why maternal subjectivity is constructed discursively and defensively in our talk. This thesis claims that these particular mothers predominately employ instrumental mothering discourse. The traditional subject position of the intensive mother – which is typically assumed to be the ‘good mother’ – is not a position available to these mothers due to their social circumstances and working role. Subsequently, material provision, the baby’s thriving and surviving body, finding substitute carers and maternal preoccupation are constructed as qualities of ‘good mothering’ in their talk. This ‘good mother’ position, however, is a precarious position that both these mothers and I invest in to defend against feelings towards their babies and themselves as well as to deny (maternal) ambivalence in a problematic social system. In a combined analysis drawing on discursive theory and psychoanalysis, more specifically contemporary attachment theory and intersubjectivity theory, I illustrate how both these mothers and I – as emotional, social and political subjects – co-construct maternal subjectivity. Based on the findings, recommendations for parent-infant interventions are discussed. Arguing that a purely psychoanalytic reading of investment perpetuates notions of individual blame and pathology, I advocate for a psychosocial reading that does not neglect failing social systems but rather pursues an open and reflective, yet critical, mindfulness when listening to talk.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Kinahan-Sweeney, Siobhan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Motherhood -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa , Working mothers -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Working mothers -- South Africa -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142464 , vital:38082
- Description: This psychosocial study investigates the maternal subjectivities of mothers returning to work after maternity leave, who are living in scarcely-resourced Cape Town communities in South Africa. Engaging with interview texts and listening to mothers’ talk, I explore how and why maternal subjectivity is constructed discursively and defensively in our talk. This thesis claims that these particular mothers predominately employ instrumental mothering discourse. The traditional subject position of the intensive mother – which is typically assumed to be the ‘good mother’ – is not a position available to these mothers due to their social circumstances and working role. Subsequently, material provision, the baby’s thriving and surviving body, finding substitute carers and maternal preoccupation are constructed as qualities of ‘good mothering’ in their talk. This ‘good mother’ position, however, is a precarious position that both these mothers and I invest in to defend against feelings towards their babies and themselves as well as to deny (maternal) ambivalence in a problematic social system. In a combined analysis drawing on discursive theory and psychoanalysis, more specifically contemporary attachment theory and intersubjectivity theory, I illustrate how both these mothers and I – as emotional, social and political subjects – co-construct maternal subjectivity. Based on the findings, recommendations for parent-infant interventions are discussed. Arguing that a purely psychoanalytic reading of investment perpetuates notions of individual blame and pathology, I advocate for a psychosocial reading that does not neglect failing social systems but rather pursues an open and reflective, yet critical, mindfulness when listening to talk.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The predictive ability of the yield spread in timing the stock exchange: a South African case
- Authors: Cook, Jenna
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Stocks -- Mathematical models , Probits , Johannesburg Stock Exchange
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147025 , vital:38586
- Description: The use of the yield curve in forecasting economic recessions is well established in the literature. A new avenue of use for the yield curve has emerged in the form of using it to forecast bull and bear stock markets. This has the potential to change how investors manage portfolios. A dynamic market-timing strategy would allow investors to shift out of or in to stock markets based on the probability of bear stock market in the future. The relationship between the yield curve and the stock market is tested using an adapted probit model. This has proven positive with encouraging results for the US, India and Spain. This is tested for South Africa using the adapted probit model and the SA yield spread. Bear stock markets are identified on the JSE and forms part of the probit modelling process. Bear markets are identified using a six- and four-month criteria. As South Africa is a small, open and developing economy, the probit is also modelled using the US yield spread. The three probit models do not appear to track bear markets well. This is substantiated through the Henriksson-Merton parametric model test which tests for market timing ability. The results for the SA yield spread using both bear market criteria do not show market timing ability, however, the SA and US yield spread model does show potential market timing ability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Cook, Jenna
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Stocks -- Mathematical models , Probits , Johannesburg Stock Exchange
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147025 , vital:38586
- Description: The use of the yield curve in forecasting economic recessions is well established in the literature. A new avenue of use for the yield curve has emerged in the form of using it to forecast bull and bear stock markets. This has the potential to change how investors manage portfolios. A dynamic market-timing strategy would allow investors to shift out of or in to stock markets based on the probability of bear stock market in the future. The relationship between the yield curve and the stock market is tested using an adapted probit model. This has proven positive with encouraging results for the US, India and Spain. This is tested for South Africa using the adapted probit model and the SA yield spread. Bear stock markets are identified on the JSE and forms part of the probit modelling process. Bear markets are identified using a six- and four-month criteria. As South Africa is a small, open and developing economy, the probit is also modelled using the US yield spread. The three probit models do not appear to track bear markets well. This is substantiated through the Henriksson-Merton parametric model test which tests for market timing ability. The results for the SA yield spread using both bear market criteria do not show market timing ability, however, the SA and US yield spread model does show potential market timing ability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The preparedness of the insurance industry for industry 4.0 in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) towards 2030
- Authors: Haribans, Sarika
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Insurance companies -- South Africa Industrial revolution -- Insurance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48147 , vital:40511
- Description: The exponential growth of technology over the past few years has given rise to the term Industry 4.0. The term Industry 4.0 has since gained increasing relevance and importance. Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF) emphasised that the world is on the verge of a technological revolution that will profoundly alter the way we live, work and relate to one another; and that the scale, scope and complexity of the transformation will be unlike anything humankind has experienced before (Schwab, 2016). Industry 4.0 is said to be unlike the previous three industrial revolutions, it is a distinct one of speed, extent and systems impact, characterised by a major disruption to all sectors of business, governments and individuals globally. Industry’s such as insurance, is considered conservative and slow to change, as such the industry has never been quick to adapt to technological advancements. One thing however, that is certain about Industry 4.0 and predicted by many, is its significant impact on jobs in the world as robotics; automation and artificial intelligence become more abundant. This phenomenon has a direct impact on South Africa, which is currently strained by challenges such as infrastructure constraints, political instability, high levels of unemployment, rising costs, and shortages of skills, the loss of further jobs should raise an alarm of concern for government and the private sector alike. The outcomes of the extensive analysis of future studies practice and theory in this research study gives credibility to the argument that the manner in which planning is taking place for the future of the Industry 4.0 in the South African insurance industry context, requires significant adjustments. Business is encouraged to make collaborative decisions and fashion strategies that are founded on and informed by futures studies as this involves the development of fresh insight, fundamental to the planning process. This research attempted to gain insight into the possible future of the South African insurance industry through the creation of four scenarios towards 2030. These are outlined as follows: Insurance innovators and expansionists, which is the ‘best case’ scenario, to which the country aspires; The divide, the ‘worst case’ scenario, in which everything takes a negative turn; The uninsurable, the outlier future based on a surprise future centred on a disruptive emerging area; and Sitting this one out, in which no change takes place, making it ‘business as usual’. The research further undertook to discover the preferred future for the insurance industry in the South African context, as a basis for the Future Vision of the insurance industry of South Africa towards 2030. Inayatullah’s (2008) six pillars of futures studies was employed as an instrument to to guide the mapping of the present and future, further deepening and broadening the future through the development of scenarios, and, finally, transforming the future by narrowing it down to the preferred. In order to achieve the preferred, Future Vision of the insurance industry of South Africa towards 2030 is up to the insurance industry of South Africa, in collaboration with public and private sectors to determine the path to be followed in the decisions surrounding the embrace, acceptance and implementation of Industry 4.0 for the greater good of all, as the country moves towards progression, financial inclusion and sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Haribans, Sarika
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Insurance companies -- South Africa Industrial revolution -- Insurance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48147 , vital:40511
- Description: The exponential growth of technology over the past few years has given rise to the term Industry 4.0. The term Industry 4.0 has since gained increasing relevance and importance. Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF) emphasised that the world is on the verge of a technological revolution that will profoundly alter the way we live, work and relate to one another; and that the scale, scope and complexity of the transformation will be unlike anything humankind has experienced before (Schwab, 2016). Industry 4.0 is said to be unlike the previous three industrial revolutions, it is a distinct one of speed, extent and systems impact, characterised by a major disruption to all sectors of business, governments and individuals globally. Industry’s such as insurance, is considered conservative and slow to change, as such the industry has never been quick to adapt to technological advancements. One thing however, that is certain about Industry 4.0 and predicted by many, is its significant impact on jobs in the world as robotics; automation and artificial intelligence become more abundant. This phenomenon has a direct impact on South Africa, which is currently strained by challenges such as infrastructure constraints, political instability, high levels of unemployment, rising costs, and shortages of skills, the loss of further jobs should raise an alarm of concern for government and the private sector alike. The outcomes of the extensive analysis of future studies practice and theory in this research study gives credibility to the argument that the manner in which planning is taking place for the future of the Industry 4.0 in the South African insurance industry context, requires significant adjustments. Business is encouraged to make collaborative decisions and fashion strategies that are founded on and informed by futures studies as this involves the development of fresh insight, fundamental to the planning process. This research attempted to gain insight into the possible future of the South African insurance industry through the creation of four scenarios towards 2030. These are outlined as follows: Insurance innovators and expansionists, which is the ‘best case’ scenario, to which the country aspires; The divide, the ‘worst case’ scenario, in which everything takes a negative turn; The uninsurable, the outlier future based on a surprise future centred on a disruptive emerging area; and Sitting this one out, in which no change takes place, making it ‘business as usual’. The research further undertook to discover the preferred future for the insurance industry in the South African context, as a basis for the Future Vision of the insurance industry of South Africa towards 2030. Inayatullah’s (2008) six pillars of futures studies was employed as an instrument to to guide the mapping of the present and future, further deepening and broadening the future through the development of scenarios, and, finally, transforming the future by narrowing it down to the preferred. In order to achieve the preferred, Future Vision of the insurance industry of South Africa towards 2030 is up to the insurance industry of South Africa, in collaboration with public and private sectors to determine the path to be followed in the decisions surrounding the embrace, acceptance and implementation of Industry 4.0 for the greater good of all, as the country moves towards progression, financial inclusion and sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The primacy of illicit financial flows (IFFs) in developing countries: a comparative study analysis of South Africa and China
- Authors: Mahlaba, Asande Cikizwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Money -- Developing countries , Transfer pricing -- South Africa , Developing countries -- Economic conditions , Tax evasion -- China , Tax evasion -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147435 , vital:38636
- Description: The main objective of this study was to question and investigate the primacy of illicit financial flows (IFFs) in developing countries, specifically focused on two countries namely China and South Africa. Africa is estimated to have lost approximately $1 trillion to IFFs over the last 50 years, which exceeds the financial assistance that these nations needed over the same period. For years. Africa has been the feeding ground for exploitation and resource plunder, and the narrative has always been Africa is underdeveloped because of this crime. Although this statement holds true in most African countries, what this paper seeks to do is to question whether capital flight, IFFs and more specifically tax evasion and tax haven activity are the reason for the deterioration of African economies or are IFFs perpetuated by economies with unsustainable growth paths. IFFs are an important factor when it comes to obstacles of economic growth. But are they the cause or effect? A very strong case can be made that they are the latter however, it is beyond the scope of this article to resolve this question. Its purpose is merely to assert that the question is a valid one and that presuming the answer could divert attention from the real question of economic development. This study contextualized the way in which IFFs are currently viewed in the world economic system according to the two approaches to development finance, and discussed modern monetary theory as an extension off these theories. Due to the nature of the study, the methodology employed is a case study approach between China and South Africa by means of extensive numerical and document analysis. Upon conducting this analysis on the primacy of illicit financial flows in developing countries there was difficulty in measuring IFFs. The reason for this is because IFFs have a range of estimates so it was very difficult to produce precise and accurate results. The key findings of this paper were that there seems to be some kind of parallel between developing countries with large volumes of illicit financial outflows, and a dependency these countries have on external debt. This means it seems that weak economies, that are highly dependent on external debt and have large amounts of this debt, seem to have the largest volumes of illicit financial outflows. Weak regulation, high levels of debt and liberalised trade markets seem to be contributing factors to the degree to which companies evade taxes and partake in tax haven activity in these regions. Another key finding was that in 2012, despite China being ranked number one in the the countries which have the largest amounts of outflows on average, it still managed to achieve large amounts growth in the last 20 years. Indicating that there is some form of indication that IFFs could be viewed as symptomatic of weak financial systems and weak economies, instead of IFFs being the core of the problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mahlaba, Asande Cikizwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Money -- Developing countries , Transfer pricing -- South Africa , Developing countries -- Economic conditions , Tax evasion -- China , Tax evasion -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147435 , vital:38636
- Description: The main objective of this study was to question and investigate the primacy of illicit financial flows (IFFs) in developing countries, specifically focused on two countries namely China and South Africa. Africa is estimated to have lost approximately $1 trillion to IFFs over the last 50 years, which exceeds the financial assistance that these nations needed over the same period. For years. Africa has been the feeding ground for exploitation and resource plunder, and the narrative has always been Africa is underdeveloped because of this crime. Although this statement holds true in most African countries, what this paper seeks to do is to question whether capital flight, IFFs and more specifically tax evasion and tax haven activity are the reason for the deterioration of African economies or are IFFs perpetuated by economies with unsustainable growth paths. IFFs are an important factor when it comes to obstacles of economic growth. But are they the cause or effect? A very strong case can be made that they are the latter however, it is beyond the scope of this article to resolve this question. Its purpose is merely to assert that the question is a valid one and that presuming the answer could divert attention from the real question of economic development. This study contextualized the way in which IFFs are currently viewed in the world economic system according to the two approaches to development finance, and discussed modern monetary theory as an extension off these theories. Due to the nature of the study, the methodology employed is a case study approach between China and South Africa by means of extensive numerical and document analysis. Upon conducting this analysis on the primacy of illicit financial flows in developing countries there was difficulty in measuring IFFs. The reason for this is because IFFs have a range of estimates so it was very difficult to produce precise and accurate results. The key findings of this paper were that there seems to be some kind of parallel between developing countries with large volumes of illicit financial outflows, and a dependency these countries have on external debt. This means it seems that weak economies, that are highly dependent on external debt and have large amounts of this debt, seem to have the largest volumes of illicit financial outflows. Weak regulation, high levels of debt and liberalised trade markets seem to be contributing factors to the degree to which companies evade taxes and partake in tax haven activity in these regions. Another key finding was that in 2012, despite China being ranked number one in the the countries which have the largest amounts of outflows on average, it still managed to achieve large amounts growth in the last 20 years. Indicating that there is some form of indication that IFFs could be viewed as symptomatic of weak financial systems and weak economies, instead of IFFs being the core of the problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The privacy paradox applies to IoT devices too: a Saudi Arabian study
- Aleisa, Noura, Renaud, Karen, Bongiovanni, Ivano
- Authors: Aleisa, Noura , Renaud, Karen , Bongiovanni, Ivano
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150252 , vital:38953 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cose.2020.101897
- Description: The “privacy paradox” is the term used to describe the disconnect between self-reported privacy value attributions and actions actually taken to protect and preserve personal privacy. This phenomenon has been investigated in a number of domains and we extend the body of research with an investigation in the IoT domain. We presented participants with evidence of a specific IoT device’s (smart plug) privacy violations and then measured changes in privacy concerns and trust, as well as uptake of a range of behavioural responses. Our Saudi Arabian participants, despite expressing high levels of privacy concerns, generally chose not to respond to this evidence with preventative action.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Aleisa, Noura , Renaud, Karen , Bongiovanni, Ivano
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150252 , vital:38953 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cose.2020.101897
- Description: The “privacy paradox” is the term used to describe the disconnect between self-reported privacy value attributions and actions actually taken to protect and preserve personal privacy. This phenomenon has been investigated in a number of domains and we extend the body of research with an investigation in the IoT domain. We presented participants with evidence of a specific IoT device’s (smart plug) privacy violations and then measured changes in privacy concerns and trust, as well as uptake of a range of behavioural responses. Our Saudi Arabian participants, despite expressing high levels of privacy concerns, generally chose not to respond to this evidence with preventative action.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The Privacy Paradox applies to IoT devices too: a Saudi Arabian study
- Aleisa, Noura, Renaud, Karen, Bongiovanni, Ivano
- Authors: Aleisa, Noura , Renaud, Karen , Bongiovanni, Ivano
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/158350 , vital:40176 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cose.2020.101897
- Description: The “privacy paradox” is the term used to describe the disconnect between self-reported privacy value attributions and actions actually taken to protect and preserve personal privacy. This phenomenon has been investigated in a number of domains and we extend the body of research with an investigation in the IoT domain. We presented participants with evidence of a specific IoT device’s (smart plug) privacy violations and then measured changes in privacy concerns and trust, as well as uptake of a range of behavioural responses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Aleisa, Noura , Renaud, Karen , Bongiovanni, Ivano
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/158350 , vital:40176 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cose.2020.101897
- Description: The “privacy paradox” is the term used to describe the disconnect between self-reported privacy value attributions and actions actually taken to protect and preserve personal privacy. This phenomenon has been investigated in a number of domains and we extend the body of research with an investigation in the IoT domain. We presented participants with evidence of a specific IoT device’s (smart plug) privacy violations and then measured changes in privacy concerns and trust, as well as uptake of a range of behavioural responses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The profile of local hunters in South Africa
- Du Plessis, Madelaine Patricia
- Authors: Du Plessis, Madelaine Patricia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hunters -- Economic conditions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48324 , vital:40847
- Description: The South African hunting industry, but more specifically local hunting, is regarded as one of the key sectors within South Africa’s wildlife industry – not only for the significant economic contribution it makes, but also from an equally vital conservation point of view. Despite this, local hunters are neglected in the sense that hunting accommodation and hunting packages provided by the majority of game ranches mainly focus on accommodating trophy hunters. This study investigated the profile of local hunters in South Africa. The objectives of this study were the following: establishing the factors which determine the profile of local hunters and then comparing the results to existing information, as well as identifying the economic contribution local hunters make towards South Africa’s economy. The study commenced with a literature review of existing research on the local hunting industry and on the profile of local hunters. Thereafter, a self-administered questionnaire was developed and conducted amongst active local hunters via the CHASA hunting confederation website, by means of which the primary data for the current study were collected. The study concluded that the profile of the South African local hunter has undergone slight changes from what previous research had established. This was attributed to several external as well as internal factors. The current research would assist hunting farms in approaching the local hunting sector with up-to-date information in order to accurately tailor their packages and marketing in line with the evidence presented in this dissertation regarding the changes in the profile of the South African local hunter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Du Plessis, Madelaine Patricia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hunters -- Economic conditions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48324 , vital:40847
- Description: The South African hunting industry, but more specifically local hunting, is regarded as one of the key sectors within South Africa’s wildlife industry – not only for the significant economic contribution it makes, but also from an equally vital conservation point of view. Despite this, local hunters are neglected in the sense that hunting accommodation and hunting packages provided by the majority of game ranches mainly focus on accommodating trophy hunters. This study investigated the profile of local hunters in South Africa. The objectives of this study were the following: establishing the factors which determine the profile of local hunters and then comparing the results to existing information, as well as identifying the economic contribution local hunters make towards South Africa’s economy. The study commenced with a literature review of existing research on the local hunting industry and on the profile of local hunters. Thereafter, a self-administered questionnaire was developed and conducted amongst active local hunters via the CHASA hunting confederation website, by means of which the primary data for the current study were collected. The study concluded that the profile of the South African local hunter has undergone slight changes from what previous research had established. This was attributed to several external as well as internal factors. The current research would assist hunting farms in approaching the local hunting sector with up-to-date information in order to accurately tailor their packages and marketing in line with the evidence presented in this dissertation regarding the changes in the profile of the South African local hunter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The quality of tertiary healthcare in the Port Elizabeth - Eastern Cape province hospital complex
- Authors: Aroyewun, Nurudeen
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: SERVQUAL (Service quality framework)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47515 , vital:40115
- Description: The goal of this study was to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the quality of healthcare in the Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex in the province of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The assessment was made on the basis of the perceptions of patients of the features of the hospital and the services which it provides to patients. A quantitative research design was adopted to conduct the study. The data was derived from a questionnaire which the research assistants administered to patients in a number of surgical clinics in the hospital. Across-sectional sample of 350 patients, who were making their first follow-up visits after having previously been admitted to the hospital to undergo surgical procedures, was obtained by making use of convenience sampling. The researcher made use of the modified SERVQUAL scale for hospital services in order to measure the extent to which the participants agreed with statements pertaining to five specific dimensions of the quality of service, namely, tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. The overall gap score was negative (-0.52), which indicates that the respondents perceived that the quality of healthcare which the hospital provided was unsatisfactory. Although the gap scores for each of five of the dimensions of quality were negative, the two dimensions whose gap scores reflected the highest levels of dissatisfaction were reliability (-0.66) and responsiveness (-0.63). The findings of this study could assist the Department of Health of the Eastern Cape Provincial Government to appreciate the perceptions of the public of the quality of healthcare which the Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex provides to patients. The recommendations which are made on the basis of the findings of this study could assist policymakers and members of the senior management of the hospital complex to formulate policies which result in substantial improvements in the quality of healthcare in the hospital complex. Further research is still needed to identify the factors which adversely affect the performance of the staff of the hospital and limit their ability to provide satisfactory healthcare consistently to patients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Aroyewun, Nurudeen
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: SERVQUAL (Service quality framework)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47515 , vital:40115
- Description: The goal of this study was to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the quality of healthcare in the Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex in the province of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The assessment was made on the basis of the perceptions of patients of the features of the hospital and the services which it provides to patients. A quantitative research design was adopted to conduct the study. The data was derived from a questionnaire which the research assistants administered to patients in a number of surgical clinics in the hospital. Across-sectional sample of 350 patients, who were making their first follow-up visits after having previously been admitted to the hospital to undergo surgical procedures, was obtained by making use of convenience sampling. The researcher made use of the modified SERVQUAL scale for hospital services in order to measure the extent to which the participants agreed with statements pertaining to five specific dimensions of the quality of service, namely, tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. The overall gap score was negative (-0.52), which indicates that the respondents perceived that the quality of healthcare which the hospital provided was unsatisfactory. Although the gap scores for each of five of the dimensions of quality were negative, the two dimensions whose gap scores reflected the highest levels of dissatisfaction were reliability (-0.66) and responsiveness (-0.63). The findings of this study could assist the Department of Health of the Eastern Cape Provincial Government to appreciate the perceptions of the public of the quality of healthcare which the Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex provides to patients. The recommendations which are made on the basis of the findings of this study could assist policymakers and members of the senior management of the hospital complex to formulate policies which result in substantial improvements in the quality of healthcare in the hospital complex. Further research is still needed to identify the factors which adversely affect the performance of the staff of the hospital and limit their ability to provide satisfactory healthcare consistently to patients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The regulation of the use of cannibis in the workplace
- Authors: Oberem, stacy Lee
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cannabis -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47403 , vital:39978
- Description: This treatise considers the implications of the judgment in Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development v Prince (2018) ZACC 30 in the workplace. It includes a critical study of cases prior and post the judgment and identifies the gaps within those judgments. It will consider various legislation pertaining to the topic and the critical differences when it comes to testing for intoxication of alcohol versus cannabis. To conclude, it will consider the challenges of having a zero-tolerance policy in the workplace and provide recommendations to employer’s substance abuse policies specifically relating to the use of cannabis and its effects within the workplace.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Oberem, stacy Lee
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cannabis -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47403 , vital:39978
- Description: This treatise considers the implications of the judgment in Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development v Prince (2018) ZACC 30 in the workplace. It includes a critical study of cases prior and post the judgment and identifies the gaps within those judgments. It will consider various legislation pertaining to the topic and the critical differences when it comes to testing for intoxication of alcohol versus cannabis. To conclude, it will consider the challenges of having a zero-tolerance policy in the workplace and provide recommendations to employer’s substance abuse policies specifically relating to the use of cannabis and its effects within the workplace.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The relationship between childhood trauma and schizophrenia in the Genomics of Schizophrenia in the Xhosa people (SAX) study in South Africa
- Mall, Sumaya, Platt, Jonathan M, Temmingh, Henk, Musenge, Eustasius, Campbell, Megan M, Susser, Ezra, Stein, Dan J
- Authors: Mall, Sumaya , Platt, Jonathan M , Temmingh, Henk , Musenge, Eustasius , Campbell, Megan M , Susser, Ezra , Stein, Dan J
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/302567 , vital:58208 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291719001703"
- Description: Background. Evidence from high-income countries suggests that childhood trauma is associated with schizophrenia. Studies of childhood trauma and schizophrenia in low and middle income (LMIC) countries are limited. This study examined the prevalence of childhood traumatic experiences among cases and controls and the relationship between specific and cumulative childhood traumatic experiences and schizophrenia in a sample in South Africa. Methods. Data were from the Genomics of Schizophrenia in the South African Xhosa people study. Cases with schizophrenia and matched controls were recruited from provincial hospitals and clinics in the Western and Eastern Cape regions in South Africa. Childhood traumatic experiences were measured using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Adjusted logistic regression models estimated associations between individual and cumulative childhood traumatic experiences and schizophrenia. Results. Traumatic experiences were more prevalent among cases than controls. The odds of schizophrenia were 2.44 times higher among those who experienced any trauma than those who reported no traumatic experiences (95% CI 1.77–3.37). The odds of schizophrenia were elevated among those who experienced physical/emotional abuse (OR 1.59, CI 1.28–1.97), neglect (OR 1.39, CI 1.16–1.68), and sexual abuse (OR 1.22, CI 1.03–1.45) compared to those who did not. Cumulative physical/emotional abuse and neglect experiences increased the odds of schizophrenia as a dose–response relationship. Conclusion. Childhood trauma is common in this population. Among many other benefits, interventions to prevent childhood trauma may contribute to a decreasing occurrence of schizophrenia.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mall, Sumaya , Platt, Jonathan M , Temmingh, Henk , Musenge, Eustasius , Campbell, Megan M , Susser, Ezra , Stein, Dan J
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/302567 , vital:58208 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291719001703"
- Description: Background. Evidence from high-income countries suggests that childhood trauma is associated with schizophrenia. Studies of childhood trauma and schizophrenia in low and middle income (LMIC) countries are limited. This study examined the prevalence of childhood traumatic experiences among cases and controls and the relationship between specific and cumulative childhood traumatic experiences and schizophrenia in a sample in South Africa. Methods. Data were from the Genomics of Schizophrenia in the South African Xhosa people study. Cases with schizophrenia and matched controls were recruited from provincial hospitals and clinics in the Western and Eastern Cape regions in South Africa. Childhood traumatic experiences were measured using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Adjusted logistic regression models estimated associations between individual and cumulative childhood traumatic experiences and schizophrenia. Results. Traumatic experiences were more prevalent among cases than controls. The odds of schizophrenia were 2.44 times higher among those who experienced any trauma than those who reported no traumatic experiences (95% CI 1.77–3.37). The odds of schizophrenia were elevated among those who experienced physical/emotional abuse (OR 1.59, CI 1.28–1.97), neglect (OR 1.39, CI 1.16–1.68), and sexual abuse (OR 1.22, CI 1.03–1.45) compared to those who did not. Cumulative physical/emotional abuse and neglect experiences increased the odds of schizophrenia as a dose–response relationship. Conclusion. Childhood trauma is common in this population. Among many other benefits, interventions to prevent childhood trauma may contribute to a decreasing occurrence of schizophrenia.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The relationship between economic growth and electricity consumption in South Africa
- Authors: Mabinya, Buyiswa Yoliswa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Energy consumption -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48753 , vital:41068
- Description: In recent years, the relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth has been examined extensively in numerous countries. While there is high consensus in the scientific sphere on the interdependence between electricity consumption and economic growth, recent literature suggests that there are still competing views on the causal relationship between the two variables. Energy has long been viewed as a vital driving force for economies. However, the crucial role that the energy sector has played during the industrial revolution allowed some authors to consider energy in the same way as the capital and labor factors in the production function. The energy factor is considered essential today in the process of development. Almost everyone agrees on the importance of its contribution to the process of growth and development by considering growth / energy model as an indicator of wealth and a vector to reduce social inequalities. Meanwhile, according to the different scenarios observed, energy consumption may or may not have impacts on economic growth or wealth creation. The problem of access to energy (electricity) in certain regions in Africa (and particularly in South Africa) remains one of the major challenges that require urgent attention over the coming decades. In addition, the lack of consensus among researchers has triggered a shift towards focusing on study methods and techniques used for investigations on the energy-growth nexus. Using R programming for data analysis, this study investigates the asymmetric relationship between energy consumption and economic growth in South Africa by incorporating the following intermediary variables: trade openness, capital and labour. Results suggest that a conservation hypothesis is the most prevailing theory on the causal link between GDP and Energy Consumption in South Africa. This opinion is acknowledged as the growth-led electricity consumption opinion. From an economic perspective, evidence from the research suggests that, without necessarily expanding energy accessibility, trade liberalisation and capital could generate clear gains to South Africa and efforts to promote and accelerate these initiatives should be encouraged. Given the often-competing resource limitation challenges faced by the South African government, as a result of prioritisation, trade liberalisation should be favoured and be given roughly in the range of 1.5 times more attention than capital. Therefore, South Africa may not necessarily need electricity for its economic growth. Although energy consumption has a major influence on economic growth, the latter could also possibly be achieved by increasing trade and/or capital, without any change in energy consumption. Energy conservation policies could be executed with little or no hostile effects on economic growth. As a policy intervention, the research study recommends sustained efforts to strengthen regional integration with the view to achieving trade liberalisation, increasing capital formation and creating greater synergy for economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mabinya, Buyiswa Yoliswa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Energy consumption -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48753 , vital:41068
- Description: In recent years, the relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth has been examined extensively in numerous countries. While there is high consensus in the scientific sphere on the interdependence between electricity consumption and economic growth, recent literature suggests that there are still competing views on the causal relationship between the two variables. Energy has long been viewed as a vital driving force for economies. However, the crucial role that the energy sector has played during the industrial revolution allowed some authors to consider energy in the same way as the capital and labor factors in the production function. The energy factor is considered essential today in the process of development. Almost everyone agrees on the importance of its contribution to the process of growth and development by considering growth / energy model as an indicator of wealth and a vector to reduce social inequalities. Meanwhile, according to the different scenarios observed, energy consumption may or may not have impacts on economic growth or wealth creation. The problem of access to energy (electricity) in certain regions in Africa (and particularly in South Africa) remains one of the major challenges that require urgent attention over the coming decades. In addition, the lack of consensus among researchers has triggered a shift towards focusing on study methods and techniques used for investigations on the energy-growth nexus. Using R programming for data analysis, this study investigates the asymmetric relationship between energy consumption and economic growth in South Africa by incorporating the following intermediary variables: trade openness, capital and labour. Results suggest that a conservation hypothesis is the most prevailing theory on the causal link between GDP and Energy Consumption in South Africa. This opinion is acknowledged as the growth-led electricity consumption opinion. From an economic perspective, evidence from the research suggests that, without necessarily expanding energy accessibility, trade liberalisation and capital could generate clear gains to South Africa and efforts to promote and accelerate these initiatives should be encouraged. Given the often-competing resource limitation challenges faced by the South African government, as a result of prioritisation, trade liberalisation should be favoured and be given roughly in the range of 1.5 times more attention than capital. Therefore, South Africa may not necessarily need electricity for its economic growth. Although energy consumption has a major influence on economic growth, the latter could also possibly be achieved by increasing trade and/or capital, without any change in energy consumption. Energy conservation policies could be executed with little or no hostile effects on economic growth. As a policy intervention, the research study recommends sustained efforts to strengthen regional integration with the view to achieving trade liberalisation, increasing capital formation and creating greater synergy for economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The relationship between employee wellness and work engagement in a non-governmental organisation
- Authors: Coopasamy, Kubashinie
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Employee health promotion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47685 , vital:40323
- Description: Employee wellness and work engagement have a positive influence on organisational behaviour. The main aim of the research study was to understand whether a relationship existed between employee wellness and work engagement in a Non-Governmental organisation (NGO). The research used a cross-sectional design and a composite questionnaire to measure employee wellness and work engagement. This was a paper and pen-based questionnaire which was distributed to 160 employees. Of the 160 questionnaires distributed only 155 participants responded. These participants are employed at NGO’s based in Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and East London. An exploratory factor analysis determined a new more reliable factor structure for PWS. Employee wellness lost items and became a three-factor structure. The results showed that the new EFA model was best suited for the present study. Work Engagement remained a three-factor structure. T-tests and ANOVAs revealed significant differences between the constructs and the demographic groups. Correlations showed the main findings of the study to be a relationship between employee wellness and work engagement in a non-governmental organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Coopasamy, Kubashinie
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Employee health promotion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47685 , vital:40323
- Description: Employee wellness and work engagement have a positive influence on organisational behaviour. The main aim of the research study was to understand whether a relationship existed between employee wellness and work engagement in a Non-Governmental organisation (NGO). The research used a cross-sectional design and a composite questionnaire to measure employee wellness and work engagement. This was a paper and pen-based questionnaire which was distributed to 160 employees. Of the 160 questionnaires distributed only 155 participants responded. These participants are employed at NGO’s based in Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and East London. An exploratory factor analysis determined a new more reliable factor structure for PWS. Employee wellness lost items and became a three-factor structure. The results showed that the new EFA model was best suited for the present study. Work Engagement remained a three-factor structure. T-tests and ANOVAs revealed significant differences between the constructs and the demographic groups. Correlations showed the main findings of the study to be a relationship between employee wellness and work engagement in a non-governmental organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The relationship between export diversification, export concentration and economic growth
- Authors: Mchani, Sibusisiwe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Exports Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49670 , vital:41769
- Description: Export diversification on economic growth has been a controversial issue in the empirical literature for a long time. This study examined the role of export diversification and export concentration on economic growth in the top ten trading countries in Africa and top ten trading countries in the world. The study used annual time series data for the period covering 1995 to 2014 and employed a PMG (Pooled Mean Group) Model to determine the effects of export concentration and export diversification and possible factors that affect it on economic growth. The estimation results attest to a positive effect of export diversification and a negative effect of export concentration on economic growth in the top ten trading countries in the world. However, for the top ten trading countries in Africa, the results show that export diversification is negatively related to economic growth, while export concentration positively affects economic growth. These results hold even when the DOLS and FMOLS are employed establishing their robustness. The study further shows that other control variables such as employment and government spending positively affect economic growth, while human capital and investment negatively affects economic growth in Africa. In the top ten trading countries in the World, government expenditure and investment are significant positive determinants of economic growth. It is recommended that governments in Africa countries should promote export diversification together with government expenditure, and pursue policies that will attract foreign direct investment into growth–enhancing productive sectors of their economies
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mchani, Sibusisiwe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Exports Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49670 , vital:41769
- Description: Export diversification on economic growth has been a controversial issue in the empirical literature for a long time. This study examined the role of export diversification and export concentration on economic growth in the top ten trading countries in Africa and top ten trading countries in the world. The study used annual time series data for the period covering 1995 to 2014 and employed a PMG (Pooled Mean Group) Model to determine the effects of export concentration and export diversification and possible factors that affect it on economic growth. The estimation results attest to a positive effect of export diversification and a negative effect of export concentration on economic growth in the top ten trading countries in the world. However, for the top ten trading countries in Africa, the results show that export diversification is negatively related to economic growth, while export concentration positively affects economic growth. These results hold even when the DOLS and FMOLS are employed establishing their robustness. The study further shows that other control variables such as employment and government spending positively affect economic growth, while human capital and investment negatively affects economic growth in Africa. In the top ten trading countries in the World, government expenditure and investment are significant positive determinants of economic growth. It is recommended that governments in Africa countries should promote export diversification together with government expenditure, and pursue policies that will attract foreign direct investment into growth–enhancing productive sectors of their economies
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The relationship between inflation and financial development in South Africa
- Authors: Ninana, Amahle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18643 , vital:42639
- Description: This study examined the relationship between inflation and financial development in South Africa using quarterly data (2005–2016). The study assessed whether theoretical and empirical propositions can be supported in South Africa. Co-integration tests utilising ARDL bounds testing method were employed to examine if there is a relationship between the variables of interest. As a proxy of financial sector development, stock market capitalisation and bank credit to the private sector were employed. Other variables that affect financial development such as money supply, interest rates, Gross Domestic Product, trade openness and net interest margin were also included in the model. The results of the study indicate that there exists a negative relationship between inflation and stock market capitalisation. Bank credit to the private sector showed a positive relationship with inflation both in the short run and long run.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ninana, Amahle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18643 , vital:42639
- Description: This study examined the relationship between inflation and financial development in South Africa using quarterly data (2005–2016). The study assessed whether theoretical and empirical propositions can be supported in South Africa. Co-integration tests utilising ARDL bounds testing method were employed to examine if there is a relationship between the variables of interest. As a proxy of financial sector development, stock market capitalisation and bank credit to the private sector were employed. Other variables that affect financial development such as money supply, interest rates, Gross Domestic Product, trade openness and net interest margin were also included in the model. The results of the study indicate that there exists a negative relationship between inflation and stock market capitalisation. Bank credit to the private sector showed a positive relationship with inflation both in the short run and long run.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The relationship between workplace trust, work engagement and turnover intentions
- Authors: Gouws, Rumelda Hendrieka
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Organizational behavior Manufacturing industries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Mcom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48124 , vital:40494
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether relationships exist between workplace trust, work engagement and turnover intentions. Moreover, it also investigated the significant demographical differences of the constructs. This study is of a positive psychology paradigm and primarily non-experimental cross-sectional and correlational in nature. The participants were from the workforce of a large manufacturing organisation (n=568) within the Eastern Cape. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used. Data was collected through the aid of self-administered standardised paper-and-pencil questionnaires, which incorporated the Workplace Trust Survey, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the Turnover Intentions Scale. Only instruments that showed construct validity and reliability were used. The necessary steps were taken to ensure that plagiarism, bias, data manipulation and physical and/or emotional harm was avoided, whereas confidentiality and anonymity were maintained. Only 140 questionnaires were returned, from which only 104 were fully completed. Data analysis and interpretation were performed with the aid of descriptive and inferential statistical analysis methods. Pearson’s product-moment correlations were used to determine statistically significant relationships between the constructs. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post-hoc tests were used to determine significant demographical differences between the constructs. It was found that all three measuring instruments had Cronbach’s alpha scores above 0.80, indicating good internal reliability and validity. The findings of the study identified a number of correlations between the constructs and their factors. It was found that a positive relationship exists between workplace trust and work engagement, as well as between the factors of both these constructs. A negative relationship was found between turnover intentions and both workplace trust and work engagement and their respective factors. Significant demographical differences were found for gender on the workplace trust scale, and two of its factors (trust in the organisation and in the immediate manager), and vigour. In addition to this, significant demographical differences were found for race on the workplace trust scale and two of its factors, namely trust in the organisation and in the immediate manager. This research study’s findings made a valuable contribution to the field of workplace trust, work engagement, turnover intentions and the manufacturing environment. The results of this study hold important implications for the organisation in question and provide a platform for future research studies. This study aids in better understanding the relationships between the constructs and their variables, to formulate better retention and enhancement strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Gouws, Rumelda Hendrieka
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Organizational behavior Manufacturing industries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Mcom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48124 , vital:40494
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether relationships exist between workplace trust, work engagement and turnover intentions. Moreover, it also investigated the significant demographical differences of the constructs. This study is of a positive psychology paradigm and primarily non-experimental cross-sectional and correlational in nature. The participants were from the workforce of a large manufacturing organisation (n=568) within the Eastern Cape. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used. Data was collected through the aid of self-administered standardised paper-and-pencil questionnaires, which incorporated the Workplace Trust Survey, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the Turnover Intentions Scale. Only instruments that showed construct validity and reliability were used. The necessary steps were taken to ensure that plagiarism, bias, data manipulation and physical and/or emotional harm was avoided, whereas confidentiality and anonymity were maintained. Only 140 questionnaires were returned, from which only 104 were fully completed. Data analysis and interpretation were performed with the aid of descriptive and inferential statistical analysis methods. Pearson’s product-moment correlations were used to determine statistically significant relationships between the constructs. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post-hoc tests were used to determine significant demographical differences between the constructs. It was found that all three measuring instruments had Cronbach’s alpha scores above 0.80, indicating good internal reliability and validity. The findings of the study identified a number of correlations between the constructs and their factors. It was found that a positive relationship exists between workplace trust and work engagement, as well as between the factors of both these constructs. A negative relationship was found between turnover intentions and both workplace trust and work engagement and their respective factors. Significant demographical differences were found for gender on the workplace trust scale, and two of its factors (trust in the organisation and in the immediate manager), and vigour. In addition to this, significant demographical differences were found for race on the workplace trust scale and two of its factors, namely trust in the organisation and in the immediate manager. This research study’s findings made a valuable contribution to the field of workplace trust, work engagement, turnover intentions and the manufacturing environment. The results of this study hold important implications for the organisation in question and provide a platform for future research studies. This study aids in better understanding the relationships between the constructs and their variables, to formulate better retention and enhancement strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The relative efficacy of liberation theology and critical solidarity in keeping the SACC to its goals of human welfare and Ecumenical unity in its relationship with the South African state
- Authors: Pongolo, Mziwamadoda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Black theology Liberation theology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18269 , vital:42247
- Description: The problem that this study is grappling with is that since the SACC has followed the Critical Solidarity model it is less successful in meeting its goals, to support human welfare and ecumenical solidarity in South Africa. The research will compare the two respective models of relations between SACC and State, that which guided the SACC after the demise of Apartheid that which guided it. First, the research will investigate why the present relationship of Critical Solidarity has proven less effective in achieving its goals. Secondly it will investigate factors accounting for the relative success of the model of relations between SACC and the South African State during the struggle against apartheid, that of Liberation Theology. Secondly, this study will recommend the reconstruction of a more effective model of Critical Solidarity, to remedy present weaknesses, by incorporating factors from the apartheid-era model of Liberation Theology that which serve the goals of ecumenical solidarity and human welfare. The research seeks to address the following questions. What challenges, for the goals of the SACC, of ecumenical solidarity and human welfare, have arisen for the SACC that may be attributed to its adoption of a model of Critical Solidarity in its relationship with the State? What factors conducive to ecumenical solidarity and human welfare are absent from the present model of Critical Solidarity, though they present the preceding model of relations between Church and State as adopted adopted by the SACC during the struggle against apartheid, modeled on Liberation Theology? How might these factors conducive to Church unity and social justice in South Africa be reintroduced in the present model of Critical Solidarity
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Pongolo, Mziwamadoda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Black theology Liberation theology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18269 , vital:42247
- Description: The problem that this study is grappling with is that since the SACC has followed the Critical Solidarity model it is less successful in meeting its goals, to support human welfare and ecumenical solidarity in South Africa. The research will compare the two respective models of relations between SACC and State, that which guided the SACC after the demise of Apartheid that which guided it. First, the research will investigate why the present relationship of Critical Solidarity has proven less effective in achieving its goals. Secondly it will investigate factors accounting for the relative success of the model of relations between SACC and the South African State during the struggle against apartheid, that of Liberation Theology. Secondly, this study will recommend the reconstruction of a more effective model of Critical Solidarity, to remedy present weaknesses, by incorporating factors from the apartheid-era model of Liberation Theology that which serve the goals of ecumenical solidarity and human welfare. The research seeks to address the following questions. What challenges, for the goals of the SACC, of ecumenical solidarity and human welfare, have arisen for the SACC that may be attributed to its adoption of a model of Critical Solidarity in its relationship with the State? What factors conducive to ecumenical solidarity and human welfare are absent from the present model of Critical Solidarity, though they present the preceding model of relations between Church and State as adopted adopted by the SACC during the struggle against apartheid, modeled on Liberation Theology? How might these factors conducive to Church unity and social justice in South Africa be reintroduced in the present model of Critical Solidarity
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The relevance of industrial/organisational psychology research in “post” colonial/apartheid South Africa : exploring the views of academics
- Authors: Christison, Michael Alan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology, Industrial -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140331 , vital:37880
- Description: This dissertation explored the views of academics who teach and research in the area of Industrial/Organisational Psychology in South Africa about the utility of the field in engaging with the post-1994 South African workplace, thereby remaining relevant. When it emerged as a field of study and practice, Industrial/Organisational Psychology research’s aim was to inform workplace practice and contribute to the betterment of society. It appears as if today this research is deemed irrelevant to the workplace and society, with many practitioners relying on their own knowledge and irrelevant repetitive one size-fit-all Euro-American developed theoretical framework and research evidence to solve the challenges of the post-1994 South African workplace, and to serve its society. The latter propelled the researcher to ask broadly the question of relevancy of the discipline in meeting the demands of the post-1994 South African workplace. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data on 8 senior and younger generations of academics in 3 different universities. The collected data was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s 6 steps of thematic analysis. The data and study as a whole was approached with a ‘post’-colonial lens and a Contexualist paradigm in order to contextualise in the present time the past nuances that arose in our country during the colonial and apartheid eras. Themes discussed seemed to indicate a lack of research focus by academics and their students due to limited time and stringent bureaucratic publication structures present both within their universities and outside. When it came to the discipline as seen through the lens of the data and what this suggested in terms of speaking to post-1994 workplace organisational psychological problems, the study found that the findings arising out of the research in I/O psychology appear to be of little relevance to whom they are currently aimed, leading to the idea of these studies acting as a change agent in the workplace and society to fall to the wayside.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Christison, Michael Alan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology, Industrial -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140331 , vital:37880
- Description: This dissertation explored the views of academics who teach and research in the area of Industrial/Organisational Psychology in South Africa about the utility of the field in engaging with the post-1994 South African workplace, thereby remaining relevant. When it emerged as a field of study and practice, Industrial/Organisational Psychology research’s aim was to inform workplace practice and contribute to the betterment of society. It appears as if today this research is deemed irrelevant to the workplace and society, with many practitioners relying on their own knowledge and irrelevant repetitive one size-fit-all Euro-American developed theoretical framework and research evidence to solve the challenges of the post-1994 South African workplace, and to serve its society. The latter propelled the researcher to ask broadly the question of relevancy of the discipline in meeting the demands of the post-1994 South African workplace. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data on 8 senior and younger generations of academics in 3 different universities. The collected data was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s 6 steps of thematic analysis. The data and study as a whole was approached with a ‘post’-colonial lens and a Contexualist paradigm in order to contextualise in the present time the past nuances that arose in our country during the colonial and apartheid eras. Themes discussed seemed to indicate a lack of research focus by academics and their students due to limited time and stringent bureaucratic publication structures present both within their universities and outside. When it came to the discipline as seen through the lens of the data and what this suggested in terms of speaking to post-1994 workplace organisational psychological problems, the study found that the findings arising out of the research in I/O psychology appear to be of little relevance to whom they are currently aimed, leading to the idea of these studies acting as a change agent in the workplace and society to fall to the wayside.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The Rise of the Executive Dean and the Slide into Managerialism
- Authors: McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187139 , vital:44573 , xlink:href="http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2221-4070/2020/v9i0a6"
- Description: Universities have long been characterised by hierarchical and paternalistic management structures and institutional cultures. Change is therefore to be welcomed but, in contexts where social change is urgently needed, it is possible to mistake a change in any direction as being worthwhile. Around the world, recent shifts in university leadership and management have been towards managerialist approaches that work against a shared responsibility for the academic project. Accusations of managerialism often refer to a general sense that institutions are becoming bureaucratic, or that it is the logic of the market that drives decision-making. But beyond vague complaints, these accusations fail to identify the exact processes whereby managerialism takes hold of the institution. This article hones in on one specific example of institutional change in order to argue that it is implicated in the move towards managerialism: most universities in South Africa have changed from having elected deans, selected by faculty, to executive deans, appointed by selection committee. Crudely distinguished, it can be said that elected deans represent the interests of their faculty up into various institutional structures whereas executive deans are tasked with implementing the decisions of top management down into faculty. This paper tracks the differences between the two forms of deanship through reflections on discussions about such a change at one South African institution, Rhodes University. It analyses the literature to argue that we do not have to choose between patriarchal management and compliance-based managerialism. Instead, we can choose shared responsibility for the academic project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187139 , vital:44573 , xlink:href="http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2221-4070/2020/v9i0a6"
- Description: Universities have long been characterised by hierarchical and paternalistic management structures and institutional cultures. Change is therefore to be welcomed but, in contexts where social change is urgently needed, it is possible to mistake a change in any direction as being worthwhile. Around the world, recent shifts in university leadership and management have been towards managerialist approaches that work against a shared responsibility for the academic project. Accusations of managerialism often refer to a general sense that institutions are becoming bureaucratic, or that it is the logic of the market that drives decision-making. But beyond vague complaints, these accusations fail to identify the exact processes whereby managerialism takes hold of the institution. This article hones in on one specific example of institutional change in order to argue that it is implicated in the move towards managerialism: most universities in South Africa have changed from having elected deans, selected by faculty, to executive deans, appointed by selection committee. Crudely distinguished, it can be said that elected deans represent the interests of their faculty up into various institutional structures whereas executive deans are tasked with implementing the decisions of top management down into faculty. This paper tracks the differences between the two forms of deanship through reflections on discussions about such a change at one South African institution, Rhodes University. It analyses the literature to argue that we do not have to choose between patriarchal management and compliance-based managerialism. Instead, we can choose shared responsibility for the academic project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The role of assessment in preparing academic developers for professional practice
- Authors: Quinn, Lynn
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/445865 , vital:74438 , ISBN 9781003028215 , https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003028215-15/role-assessment-preparing-academic-developers-professional-practice-lynn-quinn
- Description: Academic developers are tasked with supporting institutions in times of change. Essential for preparing academic developers for professional practice is enabling them to engage with and integrate existing knowledge with new knowledge, and apply their understandings to new contexts. Focusing on the summative assessment processes and products of a course specifically for academic developers, this chapter shows how cumulative knowledge-building can be achieved in both course design and pedagogy. Drawing on LCT concepts of ‘semantic gravity’ and ‘semantic density’, two high-achieving portfolios were analysed. The analysis indicates that movements between knowledge that is relatively abstract, decontextualized and complex to knowledge that is relatively concrete, context-dependent and simpler, represents a key characteristic of cumulative learning for professional practice courses. The chapter demonstrates how LCT can reveal the tacit ‘rules’ for success in the course, as well as how pedagogic strategies can be designed to achieve the desired outcome.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Quinn, Lynn
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/445865 , vital:74438 , ISBN 9781003028215 , https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003028215-15/role-assessment-preparing-academic-developers-professional-practice-lynn-quinn
- Description: Academic developers are tasked with supporting institutions in times of change. Essential for preparing academic developers for professional practice is enabling them to engage with and integrate existing knowledge with new knowledge, and apply their understandings to new contexts. Focusing on the summative assessment processes and products of a course specifically for academic developers, this chapter shows how cumulative knowledge-building can be achieved in both course design and pedagogy. Drawing on LCT concepts of ‘semantic gravity’ and ‘semantic density’, two high-achieving portfolios were analysed. The analysis indicates that movements between knowledge that is relatively abstract, decontextualized and complex to knowledge that is relatively concrete, context-dependent and simpler, represents a key characteristic of cumulative learning for professional practice courses. The chapter demonstrates how LCT can reveal the tacit ‘rules’ for success in the course, as well as how pedagogic strategies can be designed to achieve the desired outcome.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020