Fabrication of nanocatalysts as nanozymes-based biosensors for the detection of glucose and ascorbic acid
- Authors: Chavalala, Ridge Nhlamulo
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424501 , vital:72159
- Description: Embargoed. Expected release in 2025. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Chavalala, Ridge Nhlamulo
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424501 , vital:72159
- Description: Embargoed. Expected release in 2025. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Exploring the Role of minority stress on South African Muslim Women’s Psychological Help-Seeking Behaviour
- Authors: Cheema, Rabia Afzaal
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Muslim women -- Mental health , Muslim women -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51043 , vital:43203
- Description: Minority identities of all types regularly experience poorer mental and physical health due to discrimination based on intersections of race, religion, ethnicity and gender. This process was coined by Meyer (2003) as minority stress and has come to represent the effects that discrimination, based on identity, has on an individual. Amongst the many minority identities that exist, Muslim women have in recent years experienced escalated rates of discriminatory treatment, due to political and social trends. The aim of this study was to explore the role of minority stress on South African Muslim women’s psychological help-seeking behaviour. The study employed a qualitative research design and made use of the purposive sampling method followed by the snowball sampling technique to identify participants. The data was analysed using thematic analysis and four themes were reported. These were: 1) descriptions of life as a Muslim woman 2) challenges faced by Muslim women in South Africa 3) psychological influences on mental health and 4) barriers to seeking psychological help. The researcher found that Muslim women do experience minority stress and it does influence help-seeking behaviour, however, it is not the only factor. Gender was found to be a greater stressor and contributed more to the minority stress experience. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Cheema, Rabia Afzaal
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Muslim women -- Mental health , Muslim women -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51043 , vital:43203
- Description: Minority identities of all types regularly experience poorer mental and physical health due to discrimination based on intersections of race, religion, ethnicity and gender. This process was coined by Meyer (2003) as minority stress and has come to represent the effects that discrimination, based on identity, has on an individual. Amongst the many minority identities that exist, Muslim women have in recent years experienced escalated rates of discriminatory treatment, due to political and social trends. The aim of this study was to explore the role of minority stress on South African Muslim women’s psychological help-seeking behaviour. The study employed a qualitative research design and made use of the purposive sampling method followed by the snowball sampling technique to identify participants. The data was analysed using thematic analysis and four themes were reported. These were: 1) descriptions of life as a Muslim woman 2) challenges faced by Muslim women in South Africa 3) psychological influences on mental health and 4) barriers to seeking psychological help. The researcher found that Muslim women do experience minority stress and it does influence help-seeking behaviour, however, it is not the only factor. Gender was found to be a greater stressor and contributed more to the minority stress experience. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Experiences of men vlogging about substance use disorder recovery on YouTube
- Authors: Chele, Palesa Shené
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408829 , vital:70529
- Description: The journey of substance use recovery is an inherently dynamic and on-going process. It is advanced through secure social support systems. Furthermore, requiring the explicit practice of self-advancement and self-efficacy. However, in South Africa, despite the continued upsurge of substance abuse, there remains a substantial gap between the high demand for treatment and the limited capacity to provide state-funded treatment. In addition, various psychosocial and socio-economic factors further impede access to treatment or recovery support. Thus, within communities facing SUD treatment barriers the exploration of individual lived experiences may deepen understandings of how men experience the journey of substance use recovery. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-30
- Authors: Chele, Palesa Shené
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408829 , vital:70529
- Description: The journey of substance use recovery is an inherently dynamic and on-going process. It is advanced through secure social support systems. Furthermore, requiring the explicit practice of self-advancement and self-efficacy. However, in South Africa, despite the continued upsurge of substance abuse, there remains a substantial gap between the high demand for treatment and the limited capacity to provide state-funded treatment. In addition, various psychosocial and socio-economic factors further impede access to treatment or recovery support. Thus, within communities facing SUD treatment barriers the exploration of individual lived experiences may deepen understandings of how men experience the journey of substance use recovery. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-30
Inner-city regeneration in South Africa : a property development approach
- Authors: Chidzambwa, Overt
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Regeneration -- South Africa , Real estate development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60578 , vital:65894
- Description: Worldwide, the topic of inner-city decay and regeneration continues to attract a lot of attention from various parties and organisations. This is largely due to the fact that Central Business Districts (CBDs) remain the heartbeat of any city’s economic, social and political vibrancy. It therefore remains an ongoing process for the government and private stakeholders to keep on devising strategies aimed at revitalising the inner-city. The problem of urban decay is however experienced more in the developing third world and is characterised by high unemployment rates, high crime rates, depopulation, desolate-looking landscapes, abandonment of buildings, split families amongst others. Urban decay does not have one single cause, but rather a combination of many, including poor urban planning, redlining, poverty, suburbanization, and racial discrimination. These factors have resulted in urban sprawl as property owners preferred to migrate from the increasingly toxic social and economic environment that now became of the inner-city. The study seeks to investigate the current state of urban decay in South African CBDs with a case study of Gqeberha metro city, it also investigates current efforts and measures in place for regeneration and lastly, recommendations that have been put and continue to be put in place for inner-city regeneration. The state of inner-city infrastructure, property development finance options, town planning requirements and regulations and the investment case are other factors that have been investigated. Various other aspects of inner-city dynamics in the context of property development have been explored with findings from extensive literature review and structured interviews enabling the researcher to come up with recommendations for sustainable inner-city regeneration. , Thesis (MSBE) --Faculty of Engineering Built Environment and Information Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Chidzambwa, Overt
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Regeneration -- South Africa , Real estate development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60578 , vital:65894
- Description: Worldwide, the topic of inner-city decay and regeneration continues to attract a lot of attention from various parties and organisations. This is largely due to the fact that Central Business Districts (CBDs) remain the heartbeat of any city’s economic, social and political vibrancy. It therefore remains an ongoing process for the government and private stakeholders to keep on devising strategies aimed at revitalising the inner-city. The problem of urban decay is however experienced more in the developing third world and is characterised by high unemployment rates, high crime rates, depopulation, desolate-looking landscapes, abandonment of buildings, split families amongst others. Urban decay does not have one single cause, but rather a combination of many, including poor urban planning, redlining, poverty, suburbanization, and racial discrimination. These factors have resulted in urban sprawl as property owners preferred to migrate from the increasingly toxic social and economic environment that now became of the inner-city. The study seeks to investigate the current state of urban decay in South African CBDs with a case study of Gqeberha metro city, it also investigates current efforts and measures in place for regeneration and lastly, recommendations that have been put and continue to be put in place for inner-city regeneration. The state of inner-city infrastructure, property development finance options, town planning requirements and regulations and the investment case are other factors that have been investigated. Various other aspects of inner-city dynamics in the context of property development have been explored with findings from extensive literature review and structured interviews enabling the researcher to come up with recommendations for sustainable inner-city regeneration. , Thesis (MSBE) --Faculty of Engineering Built Environment and Information Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
An investigation into employment-readiness perceptions of University of Fort Hare students
- Chigbu, Bianca Ifeoma https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4029-9580
- Authors: Chigbu, Bianca Ifeoma https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4029-9580
- Date: 2015-02
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Graduate work , College graduates -- Employment
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25709 , vital:64472
- Description: The aim of this study is to establish the employment-readiness perception of prospective University of Fort Hare Alice campus graduates. To do this, the study determined the capability of these prospective graduates to face the demands of the labor market. In addition, the study also wanted inter alia to find out whether there exist a relationship between prospective graduates perceived level of skills and their readiness to engage in the work environment. Astin’s Input-Environment-Outcome model of student development, which posits that students’ academic development in universities is affected by their own inputs as learners in addition to the institutional environment, has been utilized as the theoretical framework for this study. Hence a number of hypothesis informed by Astin’s model about whether there exist a relationship between perceived output, skills and readiness of prospective graduates for the workplace, on the one hand, and university education/training, on the other, were derived. To test these hypotheses the study utilized a quantitative research approach anchored around a survey design. In fact ample studies, which have investigated the issues of employability skills and prospective graduates’ readiness for work, have adopted this type of research design with a questionnaire as a preferred research instrument. After collecting data through the use of a mainly Likert scale based survey questionnaire, the findings of the study indicated inter alia that the university environment has a direct influence on the input of students to their study and skills acquisition in addition to the fact that faculty influence is directly correlated to students’ output, skills and readiness for employment. Hence the conclusion that for any tertiary institution like the University of Fort Hare to function effectively or optimally, the institutional environment, faculty influence and student input have to satisfy the best assessment criteria at the exit level, such that an output of quality prospective graduates imbued with all employment readiness characteristics can be guaranteed. Self-driven individuals with willingness to involve themselves in lifelong learning, who are capable of self-improvement and of taking advantages of innovative opportunities, are what the country’s economy need. These findings are in agreement with Astin’s model, which proposes that learning development is an interacting system of student input, institutional settings, and the students’ output. Results and conclusions of a significant number of other empirical studies concur with the results of this study. Furthermore the findings of the current study contribute to the graduate work readiness literature in a number of ways. For instance, the work process in modern organizations has been greatly transformed and as such that only high levels of skills, abilities and talented graduates are qualified to fit in such a labor market. The changing demands of the education competitive market have generated a belief that the educational sector will react in ways that are innovative with the aim of both the learning needs and the career objectives for its learners to be reached. Hence it is proposed that tertiary institutions in South Africa make it mandatory for learners to at least have three weeks work placement as one of their requirement for graduation. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-02
- Authors: Chigbu, Bianca Ifeoma https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4029-9580
- Date: 2015-02
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Graduate work , College graduates -- Employment
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25709 , vital:64472
- Description: The aim of this study is to establish the employment-readiness perception of prospective University of Fort Hare Alice campus graduates. To do this, the study determined the capability of these prospective graduates to face the demands of the labor market. In addition, the study also wanted inter alia to find out whether there exist a relationship between prospective graduates perceived level of skills and their readiness to engage in the work environment. Astin’s Input-Environment-Outcome model of student development, which posits that students’ academic development in universities is affected by their own inputs as learners in addition to the institutional environment, has been utilized as the theoretical framework for this study. Hence a number of hypothesis informed by Astin’s model about whether there exist a relationship between perceived output, skills and readiness of prospective graduates for the workplace, on the one hand, and university education/training, on the other, were derived. To test these hypotheses the study utilized a quantitative research approach anchored around a survey design. In fact ample studies, which have investigated the issues of employability skills and prospective graduates’ readiness for work, have adopted this type of research design with a questionnaire as a preferred research instrument. After collecting data through the use of a mainly Likert scale based survey questionnaire, the findings of the study indicated inter alia that the university environment has a direct influence on the input of students to their study and skills acquisition in addition to the fact that faculty influence is directly correlated to students’ output, skills and readiness for employment. Hence the conclusion that for any tertiary institution like the University of Fort Hare to function effectively or optimally, the institutional environment, faculty influence and student input have to satisfy the best assessment criteria at the exit level, such that an output of quality prospective graduates imbued with all employment readiness characteristics can be guaranteed. Self-driven individuals with willingness to involve themselves in lifelong learning, who are capable of self-improvement and of taking advantages of innovative opportunities, are what the country’s economy need. These findings are in agreement with Astin’s model, which proposes that learning development is an interacting system of student input, institutional settings, and the students’ output. Results and conclusions of a significant number of other empirical studies concur with the results of this study. Furthermore the findings of the current study contribute to the graduate work readiness literature in a number of ways. For instance, the work process in modern organizations has been greatly transformed and as such that only high levels of skills, abilities and talented graduates are qualified to fit in such a labor market. The changing demands of the education competitive market have generated a belief that the educational sector will react in ways that are innovative with the aim of both the learning needs and the career objectives for its learners to be reached. Hence it is proposed that tertiary institutions in South Africa make it mandatory for learners to at least have three weeks work placement as one of their requirement for graduation. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-02
Optimizing geochemical sampling sizes and quantifying uncertainties for environmental risk assessment using Anglogold-Ashanti Gold Mines as a case study
- Authors: Chihobvu, Elizabeth
- Date: 2010-04
- Subjects: Environmental risk assessment , Geochemical prospecting
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24443 , vital:62796
- Description: Generally, and particularly in South Africa, limited work done on the development of methodologies for sample sizing and quantifying uncertainties in geochemical sampling and analyses. As a result, little trust is placed on the long-term predictions of geochemical modelling for Environmental Risk Assessment (E.R.A). In addition, this leads to the slow approval of mining authorisations, water use licenses and mine closure plans. This dissertation addresses this deficiency in geochemical sampling and analyses specifically for ERA and proposes two methodologies (i) for quantifying uncertainties in geochemical sampling and analysis as a function of sample size and analyses and (ii) for determining the optimum sample size to ensure data quality. The statistical analysis approach was adopted as the best method for sample size determination. The approach is based on the premise that the size of the study sample is critical to producing meaningful results. The size of the required samples depends on a number of factors including purpose of the study, available budget, variability of the population being sampled, acceptable errors and confidence level. The methodology for estimating uncertainty is a fusion of existing methodologies for quantifying measurement uncertainty. The methodology takes a holistic view of the measurement process to include all processes involved in obtaining measurement results as possible uncertainty components. Like the statistical analysis approach, the methodology employs basic statistical principles in estimating the size of uncertainty, associated with a given measurement result. The approach identifies each component of uncertainty; estimates the size of each component and sums the contribution of each component in order to approximate the overall uncertainty value, associated with a given measurement result. The two methods were applied to Acid-Base Accounting (ABA) data derived from geochemical assessment for ERA of the West Wits and Vaal River (Ashanti Gold mines) tailings dams undertaken by Pulles and Howard de Lange Inc. on behalf of AngloGold Ltd. The study was aimed at assessing and evaluating the potential of tailings dams in the two mining areas to impact on water quality and implications of this in terms of mine closure and rehabilitation. Findings from this study show that the number of samples needed is influenced by the purpose of the study, size of the target area, nature and type of material, budget, acceptable error and the confidence level required, among other factors. Acceptable error has an exponential relationship with sample size hence one can minimize error by increasing sample size. While a low value of acceptable error value and high confidence are always desirable, a tradeoff among these competing factors must be found, given the usually limited funds and time. The findings also demonstrated that uncertainties in geochemical sampling and analysis are unavoidable. They arise from the fact that only a small portion of the population rather than a census is used to derive conclusions about certain characteristics of the target population. This is further augmented by other influential quantities that affect the accuracy of the estimates. Effects such as poor sampling design, inadequate sample size, sample heterogeneity and other factors highly affect data quality and representivity hence measurement uncertainty. Among these factors, those associated with sampling, mainly heterogeneity was found to be the strongest contributing factor toward overall uncertainty. This implies an increased proportion of expenditure should be channelled toward sampling to minimise uncertainty. Uncertainties can be reduced by adopting good sampling practices and increasing sample size, among other methods. It is recommended that more information be made available for proper uncertainty analysis. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2010
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010-04
- Authors: Chihobvu, Elizabeth
- Date: 2010-04
- Subjects: Environmental risk assessment , Geochemical prospecting
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24443 , vital:62796
- Description: Generally, and particularly in South Africa, limited work done on the development of methodologies for sample sizing and quantifying uncertainties in geochemical sampling and analyses. As a result, little trust is placed on the long-term predictions of geochemical modelling for Environmental Risk Assessment (E.R.A). In addition, this leads to the slow approval of mining authorisations, water use licenses and mine closure plans. This dissertation addresses this deficiency in geochemical sampling and analyses specifically for ERA and proposes two methodologies (i) for quantifying uncertainties in geochemical sampling and analysis as a function of sample size and analyses and (ii) for determining the optimum sample size to ensure data quality. The statistical analysis approach was adopted as the best method for sample size determination. The approach is based on the premise that the size of the study sample is critical to producing meaningful results. The size of the required samples depends on a number of factors including purpose of the study, available budget, variability of the population being sampled, acceptable errors and confidence level. The methodology for estimating uncertainty is a fusion of existing methodologies for quantifying measurement uncertainty. The methodology takes a holistic view of the measurement process to include all processes involved in obtaining measurement results as possible uncertainty components. Like the statistical analysis approach, the methodology employs basic statistical principles in estimating the size of uncertainty, associated with a given measurement result. The approach identifies each component of uncertainty; estimates the size of each component and sums the contribution of each component in order to approximate the overall uncertainty value, associated with a given measurement result. The two methods were applied to Acid-Base Accounting (ABA) data derived from geochemical assessment for ERA of the West Wits and Vaal River (Ashanti Gold mines) tailings dams undertaken by Pulles and Howard de Lange Inc. on behalf of AngloGold Ltd. The study was aimed at assessing and evaluating the potential of tailings dams in the two mining areas to impact on water quality and implications of this in terms of mine closure and rehabilitation. Findings from this study show that the number of samples needed is influenced by the purpose of the study, size of the target area, nature and type of material, budget, acceptable error and the confidence level required, among other factors. Acceptable error has an exponential relationship with sample size hence one can minimize error by increasing sample size. While a low value of acceptable error value and high confidence are always desirable, a tradeoff among these competing factors must be found, given the usually limited funds and time. The findings also demonstrated that uncertainties in geochemical sampling and analysis are unavoidable. They arise from the fact that only a small portion of the population rather than a census is used to derive conclusions about certain characteristics of the target population. This is further augmented by other influential quantities that affect the accuracy of the estimates. Effects such as poor sampling design, inadequate sample size, sample heterogeneity and other factors highly affect data quality and representivity hence measurement uncertainty. Among these factors, those associated with sampling, mainly heterogeneity was found to be the strongest contributing factor toward overall uncertainty. This implies an increased proportion of expenditure should be channelled toward sampling to minimise uncertainty. Uncertainties can be reduced by adopting good sampling practices and increasing sample size, among other methods. It is recommended that more information be made available for proper uncertainty analysis. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2010
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010-04
The mediating role of mobile technology in the linkage between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.
- Authors: Chihombori, Rumbidzai
- Date: 2012-01
- Subjects: Mobile Communication Systems--South Africa--Eastern Cape , Mobile Computing South Africa , South Africa Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25472 , vital:64282
- Description: The main objective of this study was to critically investigate the mediating role that the use of mobile technology plays in the linkage between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in a semi-urban environment. The research problem focused on the application of mobile technology in the linkage between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in the clothing industry in King Williams Town. In accomplishing this objective, this research study hypothesised that mobile technology plays a mediating role in the linkage between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty of customers of clothing retailers in South Africa. Multiple regression was conducted to test for the first hypothesis. The first secondary objective aimed at establishing if there is disconfirmation between customer expectations and the performance of clothing retail outlets in King Williams Town. In exploring this objective, it was hypothesised that there is negative disconfirmation between customer expectations and performance. A paired sample test was conducted to test for this hypothesis. In addition, the influence of service quality and customer satisfaction on customer loyalty was explored. To accomplish these, it was hypothesised that both service quality and customer satisfaction have an influence on customer loyalty. Pearson’s Correlation and the Chi-Square Test were applied to test the influence of service quality and Customer satisfaction on Customer loyalty. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software. Regression analysis, chi-square tests, Paired sample tests and correlation reports were used to analyse data inferentially. Reliability and validity of the research was also tested using Cronchbach’s alpha test. The results show that mobile phones have become a basic necessity for customers and that mobile technology plays a mediating role in the linkage between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty; however, the mediation is partial. The results also show that there is positive disconfirmation between customer expectations and retailer performance; that both service quality and customer satisfaction have a positive correlation with customer loyalty and that mobile technology enhances customer loyalty. Finally, the results show that the total service experience of customers is favourable because the five components of service quality were rendered at a high level of service quality. The study offers several managerial recommendations. Firstly, retail managers should make strategic investments in mobile technology and use this technology to the full to reap the benefits of technologically advanced mobile communication. Secondly, managers should be creative in their use of this mobile technology to enhance customer satisfaction and, hence, customer loyalty. Thirdly, managers should prioritise the improvement of all five components of service quality in order to enhance customer loyalty. Finally, managers should provide a customer-centred service experience that exceeds customer expectations for service quality and mobile communication, one that maximises customer satisfaction and loyalty. The implementation of these recommendations could result in clothing retailers providing a customer-focused service experience in all five aspects of service quality. To successfully implement these recommendations, clothing retailers should: ensure that expectations created, could be accomplished or exceeded to build and enhance customer satisfaction; create expectations that are realistic to avoid negative disconfirmation and hence customer dissatisfaction; implement innovative and creative mobile communication strategies to build and enhance customer loyalty; and finally, improve loyalty programmes to enlarge the customer base. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012-01
- Authors: Chihombori, Rumbidzai
- Date: 2012-01
- Subjects: Mobile Communication Systems--South Africa--Eastern Cape , Mobile Computing South Africa , South Africa Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25472 , vital:64282
- Description: The main objective of this study was to critically investigate the mediating role that the use of mobile technology plays in the linkage between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in a semi-urban environment. The research problem focused on the application of mobile technology in the linkage between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in the clothing industry in King Williams Town. In accomplishing this objective, this research study hypothesised that mobile technology plays a mediating role in the linkage between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty of customers of clothing retailers in South Africa. Multiple regression was conducted to test for the first hypothesis. The first secondary objective aimed at establishing if there is disconfirmation between customer expectations and the performance of clothing retail outlets in King Williams Town. In exploring this objective, it was hypothesised that there is negative disconfirmation between customer expectations and performance. A paired sample test was conducted to test for this hypothesis. In addition, the influence of service quality and customer satisfaction on customer loyalty was explored. To accomplish these, it was hypothesised that both service quality and customer satisfaction have an influence on customer loyalty. Pearson’s Correlation and the Chi-Square Test were applied to test the influence of service quality and Customer satisfaction on Customer loyalty. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software. Regression analysis, chi-square tests, Paired sample tests and correlation reports were used to analyse data inferentially. Reliability and validity of the research was also tested using Cronchbach’s alpha test. The results show that mobile phones have become a basic necessity for customers and that mobile technology plays a mediating role in the linkage between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty; however, the mediation is partial. The results also show that there is positive disconfirmation between customer expectations and retailer performance; that both service quality and customer satisfaction have a positive correlation with customer loyalty and that mobile technology enhances customer loyalty. Finally, the results show that the total service experience of customers is favourable because the five components of service quality were rendered at a high level of service quality. The study offers several managerial recommendations. Firstly, retail managers should make strategic investments in mobile technology and use this technology to the full to reap the benefits of technologically advanced mobile communication. Secondly, managers should be creative in their use of this mobile technology to enhance customer satisfaction and, hence, customer loyalty. Thirdly, managers should prioritise the improvement of all five components of service quality in order to enhance customer loyalty. Finally, managers should provide a customer-centred service experience that exceeds customer expectations for service quality and mobile communication, one that maximises customer satisfaction and loyalty. The implementation of these recommendations could result in clothing retailers providing a customer-focused service experience in all five aspects of service quality. To successfully implement these recommendations, clothing retailers should: ensure that expectations created, could be accomplished or exceeded to build and enhance customer satisfaction; create expectations that are realistic to avoid negative disconfirmation and hence customer dissatisfaction; implement innovative and creative mobile communication strategies to build and enhance customer loyalty; and finally, improve loyalty programmes to enlarge the customer base. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012-01
A project delivery framework within the Construction Industry
- Authors: Chikandiwa,Yeaukai Memory
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Construction --Management -- South Africa , Project Management , Communication
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52594 , vital:43692
- Description: A lack of effective communication has often resulted in information bottlenecks and conflicts in the execution of construction projects and is the primary cause of problems such as delays, increased project cost, reduced roductivity, loss of profit, or damaged professional or business relationships within the construction Industry. Despite all the advancement in the communication and integration tools in a drive to optimize the construction industry, this challenge still remains. In order to address this problem, this research project sought to determine the key elements that constitute effective communication and its importance to the successful projects delivery within the construction industry. A survey design which involved a sample study of a representative population through the use of a questionnaire was used. The research population comprised of all design consultants. The research found that, Common tools and processes, Good change management, PM best practices & Performance KPIs and resources are the main missing elements respectively for effective communication, which foster the conflicts inherent within the industry. The following key factors are however mostly present in project team; well-articulated project scope, quality information exchange and commendable people, cultures and behaviour. Informational asymmetries, misrepresentation, poor PM skills hinders effective communication and often results in project failure. There is therefore need to concertize the design professionals on the importance of effective communication and enlighten them on the dynamics involved. The construction industry is inherently complex, multi-disciplinary, fragmented, sporadic, dynamic and generally resistant to change. Hence, the need for rigorous research and feed back to the design professionals on effective communication especially during the changing times driven by technology, dubbed the 4th revolution. More work is to be done in order to achieve the effective communication, in the following study research area for the construction industry; the alignment of tools and processes, change management and Performance KPIs for the construction industry. These factors present a huge challenge in a fragmented and adversarial industry which is inherently resistant to change. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering,the Built Environment and Information technology,2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Chikandiwa,Yeaukai Memory
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Construction --Management -- South Africa , Project Management , Communication
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52594 , vital:43692
- Description: A lack of effective communication has often resulted in information bottlenecks and conflicts in the execution of construction projects and is the primary cause of problems such as delays, increased project cost, reduced roductivity, loss of profit, or damaged professional or business relationships within the construction Industry. Despite all the advancement in the communication and integration tools in a drive to optimize the construction industry, this challenge still remains. In order to address this problem, this research project sought to determine the key elements that constitute effective communication and its importance to the successful projects delivery within the construction industry. A survey design which involved a sample study of a representative population through the use of a questionnaire was used. The research population comprised of all design consultants. The research found that, Common tools and processes, Good change management, PM best practices & Performance KPIs and resources are the main missing elements respectively for effective communication, which foster the conflicts inherent within the industry. The following key factors are however mostly present in project team; well-articulated project scope, quality information exchange and commendable people, cultures and behaviour. Informational asymmetries, misrepresentation, poor PM skills hinders effective communication and often results in project failure. There is therefore need to concertize the design professionals on the importance of effective communication and enlighten them on the dynamics involved. The construction industry is inherently complex, multi-disciplinary, fragmented, sporadic, dynamic and generally resistant to change. Hence, the need for rigorous research and feed back to the design professionals on effective communication especially during the changing times driven by technology, dubbed the 4th revolution. More work is to be done in order to achieve the effective communication, in the following study research area for the construction industry; the alignment of tools and processes, change management and Performance KPIs for the construction industry. These factors present a huge challenge in a fragmented and adversarial industry which is inherently resistant to change. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering,the Built Environment and Information technology,2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Exploration of remote work and wellbeing of academics in a South African tertiary institution
- Authors: Chikutu, Michelle
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405963 , vital:70223
- Description: Thesis embargoed. To be released in 2024. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Chikutu, Michelle
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405963 , vital:70223
- Description: Thesis embargoed. To be released in 2024. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Service as a leadership competency at Director/CEO level
- Authors: Chilton, Ilse Mercia
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Leadership Moral and ethical aspects , Servant leadership , Compassion , Humility , Integrative thinking , Critical incident technique , Transformational leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419075 , vital:71614
- Description: Given ethical failures in leadership, the actions and decisions of leaders are receiving renewed attention based on the role business plays in society. Business leaders need to demonstrate their willingness to consider their influence on society and not merely consider the demands and expectations of shareholders. Leaders must consider the ethical lens through which their decisions and actions are perceived. Service as a leadership competency can develop ethical leadership. Currently, service is not clearly defined and understood, and Pearse (2017) proposes five interrelated elements of service as a competency, namely individualised consideration, compassion, motivation to lead, humility and integrated thinking. The study examined if the five interrelated service elements are present when a leader at Director/CEO level exercises an act of service towards a follower. The study adopted a qualitative deductive thematic approach, collecting data through semi-structured interviews and using the critical incident technique to guide the interviews. The study's findings support the research proposition that service as a leadership competency consists of the five elements, but with some of these elements expanded. Service as a leadership competency is recommended to develop high-quality social relationships within an organisation, which will positively impact the corporate culture. Organisations can recruit and select leaders based on ethical leadership requirements and integrate these into performance management systems. Recommendations for further research have also been made. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Chilton, Ilse Mercia
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Leadership Moral and ethical aspects , Servant leadership , Compassion , Humility , Integrative thinking , Critical incident technique , Transformational leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419075 , vital:71614
- Description: Given ethical failures in leadership, the actions and decisions of leaders are receiving renewed attention based on the role business plays in society. Business leaders need to demonstrate their willingness to consider their influence on society and not merely consider the demands and expectations of shareholders. Leaders must consider the ethical lens through which their decisions and actions are perceived. Service as a leadership competency can develop ethical leadership. Currently, service is not clearly defined and understood, and Pearse (2017) proposes five interrelated elements of service as a competency, namely individualised consideration, compassion, motivation to lead, humility and integrated thinking. The study examined if the five interrelated service elements are present when a leader at Director/CEO level exercises an act of service towards a follower. The study adopted a qualitative deductive thematic approach, collecting data through semi-structured interviews and using the critical incident technique to guide the interviews. The study's findings support the research proposition that service as a leadership competency consists of the five elements, but with some of these elements expanded. Service as a leadership competency is recommended to develop high-quality social relationships within an organisation, which will positively impact the corporate culture. Organisations can recruit and select leaders based on ethical leadership requirements and integrate these into performance management systems. Recommendations for further research have also been made. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
The role of decent rural employment in counteracting food insecurity in Bindura rural district, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chimberengwa, Patronella
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Poverty -- Prevention , Food security , Food relief
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26324 , vital:65238
- Description: Despite many initiatives that are being implemented by the governments of different nations and the international community to minimize hunger and poverty in rural areas, several households continue to suffer from food insecurity. The World Food Programme (WFP) and the government in Zimbabwe are providing food aid to approximately 1.6 million people across the 37 districts in the country. Measures have been undertaken to counter food insecurity in Zimbabwe but to no avail. Food related public policies such as donor aid and government subsidies have also been unworkable for such a long time. In this study a comprehensive analysis of the role of decent rural employment in counteracting food insecurity will be provided. The study also seeks to assess how humanitarian work psychologists can work together with various stakeholders in society so as to curb household food insecurity. The Study population included all the households in Bindura rural district in Zimbabwe. Both quantitative and qualitative research designs were used. The researcher used cluster sampling procedure in which households were divided into groups (clusters) and a sample of the groups was selected. A random sample was then drawn from the elements within each selected group. The results confirmed that those that are not decently employed face a broad range of decent work deficits, exploitation at work and are food insecure, a finding that is similar to other countries. Thus, the researcher concluded that Decent Rural employment do have an impact on food security. Taking a look at the basic tenets of decent employment such as full time employment, a decent income, reasonable working hours and employee benefits among others, the results showed that they all impact on food security. The information obtained will be fundamental for communities at risk and dealing with the issue may help improve food insecurity situation in the country. This information will also help in formulating special measures in the form of tailor made strategies specifically made for the district and helps in doing away with what is called a one size fits all approach to food security as it pays particular attention to the households in that particular district. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Chimberengwa, Patronella
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Poverty -- Prevention , Food security , Food relief
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26324 , vital:65238
- Description: Despite many initiatives that are being implemented by the governments of different nations and the international community to minimize hunger and poverty in rural areas, several households continue to suffer from food insecurity. The World Food Programme (WFP) and the government in Zimbabwe are providing food aid to approximately 1.6 million people across the 37 districts in the country. Measures have been undertaken to counter food insecurity in Zimbabwe but to no avail. Food related public policies such as donor aid and government subsidies have also been unworkable for such a long time. In this study a comprehensive analysis of the role of decent rural employment in counteracting food insecurity will be provided. The study also seeks to assess how humanitarian work psychologists can work together with various stakeholders in society so as to curb household food insecurity. The Study population included all the households in Bindura rural district in Zimbabwe. Both quantitative and qualitative research designs were used. The researcher used cluster sampling procedure in which households were divided into groups (clusters) and a sample of the groups was selected. A random sample was then drawn from the elements within each selected group. The results confirmed that those that are not decently employed face a broad range of decent work deficits, exploitation at work and are food insecure, a finding that is similar to other countries. Thus, the researcher concluded that Decent Rural employment do have an impact on food security. Taking a look at the basic tenets of decent employment such as full time employment, a decent income, reasonable working hours and employee benefits among others, the results showed that they all impact on food security. The information obtained will be fundamental for communities at risk and dealing with the issue may help improve food insecurity situation in the country. This information will also help in formulating special measures in the form of tailor made strategies specifically made for the district and helps in doing away with what is called a one size fits all approach to food security as it pays particular attention to the households in that particular district. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Witchcraft beliefs and fears in Malawi: an ethical-theological inquiry within the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian Blantyre Synod
- Authors: Chimenya, Austin Elias
- Date: 2015-06
- Subjects: Witchcraft -- Malawi , Presbyterian Church
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25633 , vital:64345
- Description: Witchcraft beliefs and fear has been a problem for many years in many societies throughout the world. This problem mainly affect old, women and children as they are mostly accused of witchcraft practice in many societies. Witchcraft beliefs and fear is a major problem in Africa as compared to Europe and America. Although Malawi boasts of over 75% of Christians, but witchcraft beliefs and fear still poses a big challenge. There are so many factors that contribute to witchcraft beliefs and fear in Malawi. Some of the major factors include; cultural factors, legal factors, religious factors, social factors and economic factors. This study aimed at establishing a theological and ethical approach to witchcraft beliefs and fear within the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Blantyre Synod in Malawi. The study established that old people particularly women and the children largely are the victims of witchcraft accusations in Malawi. This revealed that these victimised people needs security support, spiritual support, economic support, legal support as well as social support. The study also established that those that were victimised due to witchcraft accusations are stigmatized by the society and the church as well. As a result of this, there has been unnecessary loss of lives and property. Further, those that are stigmatized have resorted to stop going to church. The problem of witchcraft beliefs and fear has influenced other people to be involved mob justice against the suspected witches. Although the society has used other means to stop witchcraft beliefs and fear but it has failed to end the problem. The church has also used disciplining those suspected to be practising witchcraft among other ways but no solution came out of the problem. As a result, gossip, hatred, loss of trust, un-forgiveness spirit continued to prevail. The data for this research came up with major themes as; cultural, social, religious, legal and economic problems. There was interviews from fifty individuals who were full members of CCAP Blantyre Synod in Malawi from the Presbyteries of Mulanje and Blantyre City with the purpose of getting views from rural and urban areas within the church. In order to minimise or end the problem of witchcraft beliefs and fear, the study came up with other ways as follows: Sound Biblical teaching is needed, Deliverance prayers should be introduced in the church, Building effective Sunday schools, intensifying counselling, lobbying Malawi Parliament to amend the Witchcraft Act and Provide financial support. , Thesis (M.Th) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-06
- Authors: Chimenya, Austin Elias
- Date: 2015-06
- Subjects: Witchcraft -- Malawi , Presbyterian Church
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25633 , vital:64345
- Description: Witchcraft beliefs and fear has been a problem for many years in many societies throughout the world. This problem mainly affect old, women and children as they are mostly accused of witchcraft practice in many societies. Witchcraft beliefs and fear is a major problem in Africa as compared to Europe and America. Although Malawi boasts of over 75% of Christians, but witchcraft beliefs and fear still poses a big challenge. There are so many factors that contribute to witchcraft beliefs and fear in Malawi. Some of the major factors include; cultural factors, legal factors, religious factors, social factors and economic factors. This study aimed at establishing a theological and ethical approach to witchcraft beliefs and fear within the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Blantyre Synod in Malawi. The study established that old people particularly women and the children largely are the victims of witchcraft accusations in Malawi. This revealed that these victimised people needs security support, spiritual support, economic support, legal support as well as social support. The study also established that those that were victimised due to witchcraft accusations are stigmatized by the society and the church as well. As a result of this, there has been unnecessary loss of lives and property. Further, those that are stigmatized have resorted to stop going to church. The problem of witchcraft beliefs and fear has influenced other people to be involved mob justice against the suspected witches. Although the society has used other means to stop witchcraft beliefs and fear but it has failed to end the problem. The church has also used disciplining those suspected to be practising witchcraft among other ways but no solution came out of the problem. As a result, gossip, hatred, loss of trust, un-forgiveness spirit continued to prevail. The data for this research came up with major themes as; cultural, social, religious, legal and economic problems. There was interviews from fifty individuals who were full members of CCAP Blantyre Synod in Malawi from the Presbyteries of Mulanje and Blantyre City with the purpose of getting views from rural and urban areas within the church. In order to minimise or end the problem of witchcraft beliefs and fear, the study came up with other ways as follows: Sound Biblical teaching is needed, Deliverance prayers should be introduced in the church, Building effective Sunday schools, intensifying counselling, lobbying Malawi Parliament to amend the Witchcraft Act and Provide financial support. , Thesis (M.Th) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-06
An evaluation of stress tolerant open pollinated maize varieties in selected environments of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Chimonyo, Vimbayi G P https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9912-9848
- Authors: Chimonyo, Vimbayi G P https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9912-9848
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Crops -- Effect of stress on
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24487 , vital:63045
- Description: The use of farmer acceptable, stress tolerant open pollinated maize varieties (OPVs) could be a strategy to help increase maize productivity for resource-poor farmers in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province. The current study investigated the following: a) participatory selection of newly introduced stress tolerant maize OPVs; b) characteristics of maize producing farmers, their production constraints and criteria for variety selections; c) multi-environment yield trials in which genotype and environment interactions (GEI) were investigated, and d) morphological diversity of newly introduced maize varieties. Nine newly introduced maize OPVs were evaluated in this study. These varieties were: ZM 305, ZM 423 ZM 501, ZM 525, Obatanpa, ZM 621, ZM 627, which were from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), BR 993, and Comp 4 which from where the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Check varieties, Pan 6479 (a hybrid) and three locally grown OPVs (Okavango, Afric 1 and Nelson‘s Choice) were also included. Participatory variety selection (PVS) was conducted during the 2009/10 summer season to evaluate farmer acceptance of these newly introduced OPVs. The most preferred varieties farmers were Okavango, ZM 305 and ZM 501, and these varieties were not significantly different from the highest yielding variety within each site. Therefore, varieties like ZM 305 and ZM 501 could easily be adopted by farmers, and their use could result in yield improvements. To gather information on farmer characteristics, and perceptions on maize production constraints and maize selection criteria, focus group discussions and household surveys were conducted during the 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 seasons, respectively. Results indicated that, elderly farmers dominated the farming communities. Maize production was generally low, with 98percent of the farmers obtaining less than 1.6 t/ha. The most important constraints affecting maize production were extreme weather events (floods and drought), pests and diseases, and poor access to credit. The most preferred traits that made up farmer selection criteria were ear traits such as taste, long cobs, and big kernels. Other traits, such as, prolificacy, early maturity, retainability of seed and dark leaves, were village specific. Yield trials, assessing genotype and environment interactions, were conducted in eight sites during the 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons. The genotypes exhibited non-significant crossover and non-crossover GEI over the environments. Okavango, the most stable variety, was generally low yielding (4.28 t/ha) than other stable varieties such as ZM 305, ZM 501, ZM 621 and ZM 423. The later varieties had significantly (p<0.05) higher yields of between 4.46 t/ha and 4.97 t/ha. The highest yielding varieties, Pan 6479 (5.29 t/ha) and ZM 525 (4.87 t/ha), showed specific adaptations to high potential environments, while BR 993 (4.07 t/ha) and Afric 1 (4.24 t/ha) were low yielding, unstable and specifically adapted to low potential environments. New varieties, therefore, exhibited both specific and wide adaptation. Qualitative and quantitative traits were evaluated to establish the morphological diversity of the 13 varieties. Ear height, plant height, days to 50percent anthesis and grain yield contributed the most to variety diversity. Cluster Analysis discriminated varieties into four main clusters. The first cluster consisted of four CIMMYT varieties that were short in height and early maturing (ZM 305, ZM 423, ZM 501 and ZM 525), while hybrid Pan 6479 was placed into cluster two. Nelson‘s Choice and Okavango were grouped into the third cluster, while tall and late maturing varieties, ZM 621, ZM 627, Obatanpa, BR 993, Comp 4 and Afric 1, were placed in the fourth cluster. The segregation of the newly introduced varieties into two distinct groups shows that these varieties can be recommended into more than on cropping system and agro-ecology. Differences in village agro-ecologies resulted in farmers selecting varieties differently. This diversity in agro-ecology also brought about variations on farmer perceptions in selection criteria and production constraints. Most of the new varieties were observed to be superior in yield performance when compared to local check OPVs, exhibiting either wide or specific adaptation. The study also demonstrated that, the study of morphological diversity can be used to suggest varieties to different environmental potentials and cropping systems. Multi-evaluation trials were able to give an insight on variety preferences and performance. These new varieties should, therefore, be introduced to selected farmers living in their respective environments on the basis of results obtained. However, varieties still need to be evaluated under farmer-managed conditions to determine whether they actually bring about yield improvement when compared with current varieties being used. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011-11
- Authors: Chimonyo, Vimbayi G P https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9912-9848
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Crops -- Effect of stress on
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24487 , vital:63045
- Description: The use of farmer acceptable, stress tolerant open pollinated maize varieties (OPVs) could be a strategy to help increase maize productivity for resource-poor farmers in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province. The current study investigated the following: a) participatory selection of newly introduced stress tolerant maize OPVs; b) characteristics of maize producing farmers, their production constraints and criteria for variety selections; c) multi-environment yield trials in which genotype and environment interactions (GEI) were investigated, and d) morphological diversity of newly introduced maize varieties. Nine newly introduced maize OPVs were evaluated in this study. These varieties were: ZM 305, ZM 423 ZM 501, ZM 525, Obatanpa, ZM 621, ZM 627, which were from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), BR 993, and Comp 4 which from where the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Check varieties, Pan 6479 (a hybrid) and three locally grown OPVs (Okavango, Afric 1 and Nelson‘s Choice) were also included. Participatory variety selection (PVS) was conducted during the 2009/10 summer season to evaluate farmer acceptance of these newly introduced OPVs. The most preferred varieties farmers were Okavango, ZM 305 and ZM 501, and these varieties were not significantly different from the highest yielding variety within each site. Therefore, varieties like ZM 305 and ZM 501 could easily be adopted by farmers, and their use could result in yield improvements. To gather information on farmer characteristics, and perceptions on maize production constraints and maize selection criteria, focus group discussions and household surveys were conducted during the 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 seasons, respectively. Results indicated that, elderly farmers dominated the farming communities. Maize production was generally low, with 98percent of the farmers obtaining less than 1.6 t/ha. The most important constraints affecting maize production were extreme weather events (floods and drought), pests and diseases, and poor access to credit. The most preferred traits that made up farmer selection criteria were ear traits such as taste, long cobs, and big kernels. Other traits, such as, prolificacy, early maturity, retainability of seed and dark leaves, were village specific. Yield trials, assessing genotype and environment interactions, were conducted in eight sites during the 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons. The genotypes exhibited non-significant crossover and non-crossover GEI over the environments. Okavango, the most stable variety, was generally low yielding (4.28 t/ha) than other stable varieties such as ZM 305, ZM 501, ZM 621 and ZM 423. The later varieties had significantly (p<0.05) higher yields of between 4.46 t/ha and 4.97 t/ha. The highest yielding varieties, Pan 6479 (5.29 t/ha) and ZM 525 (4.87 t/ha), showed specific adaptations to high potential environments, while BR 993 (4.07 t/ha) and Afric 1 (4.24 t/ha) were low yielding, unstable and specifically adapted to low potential environments. New varieties, therefore, exhibited both specific and wide adaptation. Qualitative and quantitative traits were evaluated to establish the morphological diversity of the 13 varieties. Ear height, plant height, days to 50percent anthesis and grain yield contributed the most to variety diversity. Cluster Analysis discriminated varieties into four main clusters. The first cluster consisted of four CIMMYT varieties that were short in height and early maturing (ZM 305, ZM 423, ZM 501 and ZM 525), while hybrid Pan 6479 was placed into cluster two. Nelson‘s Choice and Okavango were grouped into the third cluster, while tall and late maturing varieties, ZM 621, ZM 627, Obatanpa, BR 993, Comp 4 and Afric 1, were placed in the fourth cluster. The segregation of the newly introduced varieties into two distinct groups shows that these varieties can be recommended into more than on cropping system and agro-ecology. Differences in village agro-ecologies resulted in farmers selecting varieties differently. This diversity in agro-ecology also brought about variations on farmer perceptions in selection criteria and production constraints. Most of the new varieties were observed to be superior in yield performance when compared to local check OPVs, exhibiting either wide or specific adaptation. The study also demonstrated that, the study of morphological diversity can be used to suggest varieties to different environmental potentials and cropping systems. Multi-evaluation trials were able to give an insight on variety preferences and performance. These new varieties should, therefore, be introduced to selected farmers living in their respective environments on the basis of results obtained. However, varieties still need to be evaluated under farmer-managed conditions to determine whether they actually bring about yield improvement when compared with current varieties being used. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011-11
Triggers and barriers to youth entrepreneurship in the Eastern Cape South Africa
- Authors: Chindoga, Lynety
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Youth development -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Young adults -- Employment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25948 , vital:64636
- Description: To realise the dream of the African Renaissance and a better life for all South Africans, the entrepreneurial energies of all people, including children, should be harnessed to contribute towards economic development, job creation and poverty alleviation. Entrepreneurship creates wealth and results in economic prosperity for a country. However, in South Africa, entrepreneurship still remains a dream yet to be realised. This is supported by the findings of Maas and Herrington (2006), who identified entrepreneurial activity in South Africa to be very weak as evidenced by a low Total Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) rate. Youths are not engaging in entrepreneurial activity and are making the bulk of the unemployed in South Africa. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the perceived triggers and barriers to youth entrepreneurship in South Africa. Two sets of questionnaires were self- administered to high school students and university students. The respondents which consisted of three hundred and twenty three university students and two hundred and fifty six high school students, were selected using simple random sampling method. Five point Likert scale was used to measure the responses. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The results indicated that youth entrepreneurial intention is low in South Africa. The results also indicated that students perceived mainly extrinsic rewards, market opportunities as well as intrinsic rewards as the three top triggers towards entrepreneurial intention. Independence/autonomy and capital were also regarded as triggers to entrepreneurial intentions. The barriers to youth entrepreneurship included lack of capital, skill and support as well as lack of market opportunities and risk. The study recommends that in order to encourage youth entrepreneurial intentions, government and all stakeholders should ensure that all the perceived triggers are made available. In addition, the barriers to youth entrepreneurship should be minimised. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Chindoga, Lynety
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Youth development -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Young adults -- Employment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25948 , vital:64636
- Description: To realise the dream of the African Renaissance and a better life for all South Africans, the entrepreneurial energies of all people, including children, should be harnessed to contribute towards economic development, job creation and poverty alleviation. Entrepreneurship creates wealth and results in economic prosperity for a country. However, in South Africa, entrepreneurship still remains a dream yet to be realised. This is supported by the findings of Maas and Herrington (2006), who identified entrepreneurial activity in South Africa to be very weak as evidenced by a low Total Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) rate. Youths are not engaging in entrepreneurial activity and are making the bulk of the unemployed in South Africa. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the perceived triggers and barriers to youth entrepreneurship in South Africa. Two sets of questionnaires were self- administered to high school students and university students. The respondents which consisted of three hundred and twenty three university students and two hundred and fifty six high school students, were selected using simple random sampling method. Five point Likert scale was used to measure the responses. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The results indicated that youth entrepreneurial intention is low in South Africa. The results also indicated that students perceived mainly extrinsic rewards, market opportunities as well as intrinsic rewards as the three top triggers towards entrepreneurial intention. Independence/autonomy and capital were also regarded as triggers to entrepreneurial intentions. The barriers to youth entrepreneurship included lack of capital, skill and support as well as lack of market opportunities and risk. The study recommends that in order to encourage youth entrepreneurial intentions, government and all stakeholders should ensure that all the perceived triggers are made available. In addition, the barriers to youth entrepreneurship should be minimised. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A systematic methodology to evaluating optimised machine learning based network intrusion detection systems
- Authors: Chindove, Hatitye Ethridge
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Intrusion detection systems (Computer security) , Machine learning , Computer networks Security measures , Principal components analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362774 , vital:65361
- Description: A network intrusion detection system (NIDS) is essential for mitigating computer network attacks in various scenarios. However, the increasing complexity of computer networks and attacks makes classifying unseen or novel network traffic challenging. Supervised machine learning techniques (ML) used in a NIDS can be affected by different scenarios. Thus, dataset recency, size, and applicability are essential factors when selecting and tuning a machine learning classifier. This thesis explores developing and optimising several supervised ML algorithms with relatively new datasets constructed to depict real-world scenarios. The methodology includes empirical analyses of systematic ML-based NIDS for a near real-world network system to improve intrusion detection. The thesis is experimental heavy for model assessment. Data preparation methods are explored, followed by feature engineering techniques. The model evaluation process involves three experiments testing against a validation, un-trained, and retrained set. They compare several traditional machine learning and deep learning classifiers to identify the best NIDS model. Results show that the focus on feature scaling, feature selection methods and ML algo- rithm hyper-parameter tuning per model is an essential optimisation component. Distance based ML algorithm performed much better with quantile transformation whilst the tree based algorithms performed better without scaling. Permutation importance performs as a feature selection method compared to feature extraction using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) when applied against all ML algorithms explored. Random forests, Sup- port Vector Machines and recurrent neural networks consistently achieved the best results with high macro f1-score results of 90% 81% and 73% for the CICIDS 2017 dataset; and 72% 68% and 73% against the CICIDS 2018 dataset. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Chindove, Hatitye Ethridge
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Intrusion detection systems (Computer security) , Machine learning , Computer networks Security measures , Principal components analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362774 , vital:65361
- Description: A network intrusion detection system (NIDS) is essential for mitigating computer network attacks in various scenarios. However, the increasing complexity of computer networks and attacks makes classifying unseen or novel network traffic challenging. Supervised machine learning techniques (ML) used in a NIDS can be affected by different scenarios. Thus, dataset recency, size, and applicability are essential factors when selecting and tuning a machine learning classifier. This thesis explores developing and optimising several supervised ML algorithms with relatively new datasets constructed to depict real-world scenarios. The methodology includes empirical analyses of systematic ML-based NIDS for a near real-world network system to improve intrusion detection. The thesis is experimental heavy for model assessment. Data preparation methods are explored, followed by feature engineering techniques. The model evaluation process involves three experiments testing against a validation, un-trained, and retrained set. They compare several traditional machine learning and deep learning classifiers to identify the best NIDS model. Results show that the focus on feature scaling, feature selection methods and ML algo- rithm hyper-parameter tuning per model is an essential optimisation component. Distance based ML algorithm performed much better with quantile transformation whilst the tree based algorithms performed better without scaling. Permutation importance performs as a feature selection method compared to feature extraction using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) when applied against all ML algorithms explored. Random forests, Sup- port Vector Machines and recurrent neural networks consistently achieved the best results with high macro f1-score results of 90% 81% and 73% for the CICIDS 2017 dataset; and 72% 68% and 73% against the CICIDS 2018 dataset. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
A structural model for sustainable growth of the south African business process outsourcing sector
- Authors: Chinhamo, Edmore
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Outsourcing sector , Contracting out -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58306 , vital:58970
- Description: he total size of the South African Business Process Outsourcing sector is not growing as quickly as other global BPO locations like the Philippines and India. The sector has been identified by the South African government as a key sector for economic growth and for reducing unemployment. Reviewed frameworks are not exhaustive in providing a framework that is suitable for countries with an apartheid history like South Africa, so, the main aim of this study has been, therefore, to develop a structural model for sustainable growth of the South African BPO sector. The research was two phased: Firstly, it interrogated existing theories and models on BPO growth to identify variables for BPO growth. The variables were identified as talent pool, infrastructure, accessibility, lower costs, and legislative framework. The relationships between variables were hypothesised. The reviewed literature discussed the global economy and traced the origins of outsourcing as rooted in the advent of Information Technology and computer-enabled production which enabled fragmented processes which could be in any part of the world. The literature showed that competition for markets, coupled with a glut of products on the market, forced creativity which resulted in companies seeking operations in low-cost locations. The first popular locations for BPO operations were India and the Philippines, with emerging locations, like South Africa, positioning themselves to tap into this global development. Secondly, a quantitative study was performed using a web-based questionnaire which was sent to a sample of BPO executives in the BPO value chain in South Africa to test relationships among between variables. The results of the study showed statistically significant relationships between talent pool, infrastructure, lower costs, accessibility and legislative framework with BPO growth, albeit with varying degrees of strength. Contrary to popular belief, lower costs are no longer the most important driver of BPO location choice. Accessibility and legislative framework have also been confirmed by data as variables affecting BPO growth. After the computation of the relationships, the research concluded that the model developed is a good fit for BPO growth. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Chinhamo, Edmore
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Outsourcing sector , Contracting out -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58306 , vital:58970
- Description: he total size of the South African Business Process Outsourcing sector is not growing as quickly as other global BPO locations like the Philippines and India. The sector has been identified by the South African government as a key sector for economic growth and for reducing unemployment. Reviewed frameworks are not exhaustive in providing a framework that is suitable for countries with an apartheid history like South Africa, so, the main aim of this study has been, therefore, to develop a structural model for sustainable growth of the South African BPO sector. The research was two phased: Firstly, it interrogated existing theories and models on BPO growth to identify variables for BPO growth. The variables were identified as talent pool, infrastructure, accessibility, lower costs, and legislative framework. The relationships between variables were hypothesised. The reviewed literature discussed the global economy and traced the origins of outsourcing as rooted in the advent of Information Technology and computer-enabled production which enabled fragmented processes which could be in any part of the world. The literature showed that competition for markets, coupled with a glut of products on the market, forced creativity which resulted in companies seeking operations in low-cost locations. The first popular locations for BPO operations were India and the Philippines, with emerging locations, like South Africa, positioning themselves to tap into this global development. Secondly, a quantitative study was performed using a web-based questionnaire which was sent to a sample of BPO executives in the BPO value chain in South Africa to test relationships among between variables. The results of the study showed statistically significant relationships between talent pool, infrastructure, lower costs, accessibility and legislative framework with BPO growth, albeit with varying degrees of strength. Contrary to popular belief, lower costs are no longer the most important driver of BPO location choice. Accessibility and legislative framework have also been confirmed by data as variables affecting BPO growth. After the computation of the relationships, the research concluded that the model developed is a good fit for BPO growth. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Career counselling in the context of Industry 4.0: A systematic literature review
- Authors: Chintokoma, Kudzai Ashley
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Career development , Career changes
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57589 , vital:58102
- Description: The researcher’s main aim was to summarise and evaluate the existing body of knowledge of career counselling practices, theory and models that can be used as a tool to help individuals cope or manage change in a contemporary work environment. The findings show that the world of work has changed due to technological advancement associated with Industry 4.0, resulting in careers becoming short term. More so, given the increasing speed at which current occupations are changing, people are forced to familiarize themselves with new occupations and industries that might offer new employment opportunities and career prospects. Based on a systematic literature review, the study holds the practical implication that with the help of evolving career counselling practices and HR processes, organisations can help employees attain a meaningful career and wellbeing in the digital era, through paying more attention to enabling interventions that help individuals develop self-regulatory future fit career self-management capabilities. This support system can be of assistance if they understand how employees’ identity in the demonstration of self-management capability can be developed and sustained both in the short and long run. Overall, the literature was effective and quite convincing in its call to discuss the pressing issues that come as a result of industry 4.0. The proposition is that career support should be promoted more and become an important policy within organisations in the digital era. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Chintokoma, Kudzai Ashley
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Career development , Career changes
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57589 , vital:58102
- Description: The researcher’s main aim was to summarise and evaluate the existing body of knowledge of career counselling practices, theory and models that can be used as a tool to help individuals cope or manage change in a contemporary work environment. The findings show that the world of work has changed due to technological advancement associated with Industry 4.0, resulting in careers becoming short term. More so, given the increasing speed at which current occupations are changing, people are forced to familiarize themselves with new occupations and industries that might offer new employment opportunities and career prospects. Based on a systematic literature review, the study holds the practical implication that with the help of evolving career counselling practices and HR processes, organisations can help employees attain a meaningful career and wellbeing in the digital era, through paying more attention to enabling interventions that help individuals develop self-regulatory future fit career self-management capabilities. This support system can be of assistance if they understand how employees’ identity in the demonstration of self-management capability can be developed and sustained both in the short and long run. Overall, the literature was effective and quite convincing in its call to discuss the pressing issues that come as a result of industry 4.0. The proposition is that career support should be promoted more and become an important policy within organisations in the digital era. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Perceptions of African musical arts education in foundation and intermediate phases in government schools as seen through the South African academy since 2011: an exploration through meta-ethnography
- Chirombo, Ilana Elize Caroline
- Authors: Chirombo, Ilana Elize Caroline
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425366 , vital:72233
- Description: The aim of this study is twofold: first, to understand meta-ethnography as a tool of synthesis; second, to use this methodology to explore perceptions of African musical arts education in the Foundation and Intermediate Phases in government schools in South Africa after 2011. Meta-ethnography is a methodology used to synthesise qualitative material by means of seven distinct phases: getting started; deciding what is relevant to the initial interest; reading the studies; determining how they are related; translating the studies into one another; weaving them together into a synthesis; and expressing the synthesis. This study synthesises five articles discovered through a deep search of the literature. Through the process of synthesis, a narrative emerges that connects past prejudice in music education in South Africa to present day educational inequality, one that looks towards a future in which children’s agency is harnessed in the multicultural world we live in to teach music in a relevant, contextual way. The synthesis extracts perceptions on colonialism and apartheid; educational access; post-apartheid curricula; music education pedagogies; informal music making; children’s games and agency; into the classroom; and how to assess. These themes weave a clear perspective on African musical arts education, and a reciprocal synthesis of the views of the articles’ authors. This study finds meta-ethnography to be a rigorous, understandable methodological tool for qualitative synthesis, one which serves the purpose of researchers, no matter the depth of their engagement with the synthesis. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Chirombo, Ilana Elize Caroline
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425366 , vital:72233
- Description: The aim of this study is twofold: first, to understand meta-ethnography as a tool of synthesis; second, to use this methodology to explore perceptions of African musical arts education in the Foundation and Intermediate Phases in government schools in South Africa after 2011. Meta-ethnography is a methodology used to synthesise qualitative material by means of seven distinct phases: getting started; deciding what is relevant to the initial interest; reading the studies; determining how they are related; translating the studies into one another; weaving them together into a synthesis; and expressing the synthesis. This study synthesises five articles discovered through a deep search of the literature. Through the process of synthesis, a narrative emerges that connects past prejudice in music education in South Africa to present day educational inequality, one that looks towards a future in which children’s agency is harnessed in the multicultural world we live in to teach music in a relevant, contextual way. The synthesis extracts perceptions on colonialism and apartheid; educational access; post-apartheid curricula; music education pedagogies; informal music making; children’s games and agency; into the classroom; and how to assess. These themes weave a clear perspective on African musical arts education, and a reciprocal synthesis of the views of the articles’ authors. This study finds meta-ethnography to be a rigorous, understandable methodological tool for qualitative synthesis, one which serves the purpose of researchers, no matter the depth of their engagement with the synthesis. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The effect of illicit financial flows on Zimbabwe's economic growth and development
- Chirowamhangu, Elton Munyaradzi
- Authors: Chirowamhangu, Elton Munyaradzi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Funds-flow statements -- Zimbamwe , Economic Growth -- Zimbamwe
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61034 , vital:69687
- Description: This study examines the effect of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) and capital flight on Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. The study data covered the period 1980-2020 applying the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) regression model to assess the relationship between IFFs and capital flight and Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. Most empirical studies on developing countries show that in both the short and long run, IFFs and capital flight not only reduce the revenue base of the economy but its multiplier effects result in a negative significant relationship between economic growth and development. This supports the continued call for policymakers and government to develop effective policies and continue to have intergovernmental and bilateral engagements to share knowledge and information to deter and control these activities. Unless these activities are controlled, most developing countries will have revenue shortfalls that will have to be funded from Other Donor Assistance (ODA), AID and loans. The study used two ARDL models to assess the impact of GDP and Manufacturing output to assess the impact. GDP and Manufacturing output have been chosen as the proxies of economic growth. Data showed that capital flight had a positive coefficient relationship with GDP in the long run. It was statistically significant and capital flight also had a negative and insignificant effect on manufacturing output during the period 1980-2020. Thus, Zimbabwe should effectively engage in policies and measures that identify and deter IFFs and capital flight activities because the multiplier effects of the activities have a negative impact on economic growth and development. The continued depletion of state resources discredits the objectives of the government to achieve the 2030 Millennium Development Goals. Government expenditure in nonproductive sectors must be avoided, instead, priority must be given to sectors that attract investors and stimulate economic growth and development. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Chirowamhangu, Elton Munyaradzi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Funds-flow statements -- Zimbamwe , Economic Growth -- Zimbamwe
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61034 , vital:69687
- Description: This study examines the effect of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) and capital flight on Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. The study data covered the period 1980-2020 applying the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) regression model to assess the relationship between IFFs and capital flight and Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. Most empirical studies on developing countries show that in both the short and long run, IFFs and capital flight not only reduce the revenue base of the economy but its multiplier effects result in a negative significant relationship between economic growth and development. This supports the continued call for policymakers and government to develop effective policies and continue to have intergovernmental and bilateral engagements to share knowledge and information to deter and control these activities. Unless these activities are controlled, most developing countries will have revenue shortfalls that will have to be funded from Other Donor Assistance (ODA), AID and loans. The study used two ARDL models to assess the impact of GDP and Manufacturing output to assess the impact. GDP and Manufacturing output have been chosen as the proxies of economic growth. Data showed that capital flight had a positive coefficient relationship with GDP in the long run. It was statistically significant and capital flight also had a negative and insignificant effect on manufacturing output during the period 1980-2020. Thus, Zimbabwe should effectively engage in policies and measures that identify and deter IFFs and capital flight activities because the multiplier effects of the activities have a negative impact on economic growth and development. The continued depletion of state resources discredits the objectives of the government to achieve the 2030 Millennium Development Goals. Government expenditure in nonproductive sectors must be avoided, instead, priority must be given to sectors that attract investors and stimulate economic growth and development. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Exploring para-thiophenols to expand the SAR of antimalarial 3-indolylethanones
- Authors: Chisango, Ruramai Lissa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Antimalarials , Malaria Chemotherapy , Thiols , Plasmodium falciparum , Blood-brain barrier
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63515 , vital:28428
- Description: According to the WHO, malaria is responsible for over half a million deaths annually especially in populations from disadvantaged settings. Although there has been a documented improvement in the mortality rates, malaria has proved to be a global emergency. Mostly affecting the poor population, this disease is perpetuating a vicious cycle of poverty in the developing world as current preventive measures are not adequate unless adopted in addition to effective treatment. However, there has been a worldwide increase in resistance to available treatment which presents a need for novel, affordable treatment. A study conducted in our laboratory identified two hit thiophenol containing compounds 2.24 and 2.25. These molecules provided initial insight into the SAR and potential pharmacophore of this class of compounds. We decided to further explore these compounds by making bioisosteric replacements to optimize the structure as we monitor the effect of these modifications on the anti-plasmodial activity. The synthetic pathway to form the target compounds of our study comprised of three steps which were initiated by the Friedel-Crafts acetylation of the indoles resulting in compounds 3.5 - 3.7. A bromination step followed which yielded the -bromo ketones (3.8 - 3.11). Some of the thiophenols (3.14 and 3.16) were not readily available in our laboratory and so were synthesized for the final synthetic step. This step involved the nucleophilic displacement of the -bromine to generate the -aryl substituted 3-indolylethanones (3.17 - 3.27). The thioethers displayed improved antimalarial activity from 2.24 and 2.25 against the chloroquine sensitive 3D7 Plasmodium falciparum strain. In addition, these compounds were non-toxic against HeLa cells which indicated this potential novel class of antimalarials is selective for the malaria parasite as hypothesized in the previous study conducted in our laboratory. In an attempt to predict the bioavailability of some of our compounds, in silico studies were conducted revealing that these compounds could be passively absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, a positive result for bioavailability purposes. However, results from these studies indicate that modifications of these compounds would be necessary to allow for permeation through the blood brain barrier (BBB) for instances when the patient has cerebral malaria. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2018
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Chisango, Ruramai Lissa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Antimalarials , Malaria Chemotherapy , Thiols , Plasmodium falciparum , Blood-brain barrier
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63515 , vital:28428
- Description: According to the WHO, malaria is responsible for over half a million deaths annually especially in populations from disadvantaged settings. Although there has been a documented improvement in the mortality rates, malaria has proved to be a global emergency. Mostly affecting the poor population, this disease is perpetuating a vicious cycle of poverty in the developing world as current preventive measures are not adequate unless adopted in addition to effective treatment. However, there has been a worldwide increase in resistance to available treatment which presents a need for novel, affordable treatment. A study conducted in our laboratory identified two hit thiophenol containing compounds 2.24 and 2.25. These molecules provided initial insight into the SAR and potential pharmacophore of this class of compounds. We decided to further explore these compounds by making bioisosteric replacements to optimize the structure as we monitor the effect of these modifications on the anti-plasmodial activity. The synthetic pathway to form the target compounds of our study comprised of three steps which were initiated by the Friedel-Crafts acetylation of the indoles resulting in compounds 3.5 - 3.7. A bromination step followed which yielded the -bromo ketones (3.8 - 3.11). Some of the thiophenols (3.14 and 3.16) were not readily available in our laboratory and so were synthesized for the final synthetic step. This step involved the nucleophilic displacement of the -bromine to generate the -aryl substituted 3-indolylethanones (3.17 - 3.27). The thioethers displayed improved antimalarial activity from 2.24 and 2.25 against the chloroquine sensitive 3D7 Plasmodium falciparum strain. In addition, these compounds were non-toxic against HeLa cells which indicated this potential novel class of antimalarials is selective for the malaria parasite as hypothesized in the previous study conducted in our laboratory. In an attempt to predict the bioavailability of some of our compounds, in silico studies were conducted revealing that these compounds could be passively absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, a positive result for bioavailability purposes. However, results from these studies indicate that modifications of these compounds would be necessary to allow for permeation through the blood brain barrier (BBB) for instances when the patient has cerebral malaria. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2018
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018