The influence of selected variables on motor vehicle-related purchasing behaviour
- Authors: Nkoyi, Anele
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Motor vehicles -- Purchasing , Consumer behavior , Marketing -- Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9119 , vital:26466
- Description: Marketers are faced with informed and highly complex consumers. The consumer market is becoming more competitive and more difficult to predict as consumers make purchase decisions in their everyday life. An ongoing need exists for information and an examination of purchasing behaviour for marketers to succeed in their pursuit of business endeavours. This study examines the influence of selected variables on motor vehicle-related purchasing behaviour. Five independent variables, namely branding, price, promotion, safety features and colour were investigated and the dependent variable (purchasing behaviour) was examined. In doing so, various stages which consumers undergo when making purchasing decisions were discussed. These stages were outlined as need recognition, information search, and evaluation of alternatives, purchase and post-purchase behaviour. The primary research objective of this study was to determine the influence of selected variables on motor vehicle-related purchasing behaviour. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, an empirical investigation was undertaken. The quantitative (positivistic) paradigm was used in this study, as the aim was to test the hypotheses and conceptualmodel of the study using statistical analysis. In gathering primary data, 192 self-administered questionnaires were issued to respondents for completion by means of convenience and quota non-probability sampling. Upon completion of all the questionnaires, data was analysed in order to arrive at the conclusions regarding the research questions. The empirical findings and analysis followed a systematic and statistical process, where exploratory factor analysis using target rotation was used to test the validity of the measuring instrument. Cronbach alpha correlation coefficients were used to confirm the reliability of the measuring instrument, while multiple regression analysis was carried out to test the hypothesised relationships between the independent variables and the dependent variable of the study. ANOVA was applied to determine differences in the demographic characteristics of respondents. The main findings on the validity and reliability of the measuring instrument proved to be statistically satisfactory. The main findings which emerged from the multiple regression analysis suggested that price and colour had statistically significant influence on motor vehicle-related purchasing behaviour. Findings revealed that branding, promotion and safety conditions had no significant effects on motor vehicle related purchasing behaviour. Accordingly, the hypotheses for price and colour were accepted and those for branding, promotion and safety conditions were rejected. Therefore according to respondents, price and colour of a motor vehicle are the most important considerations when undertaking purchasing decisions regarding motor vehicles. Additionally, the empirical investigation revealed that significant differences exist between age groups of respondents, meaning that different age groups of respondents had different perceptions and opinions with regard to their purchasing patterns relating to price. Furthermore, significant differences were also found between male and female respondents in terms of price and colour, meaning that the two genders had different perceptions and opinions with regard to their purchasing patterns in these areas. The empirical findings of this study are relevant for motor vehicle retailers and original equipment manufacturers, as the findings provide important information regarding the influence of selected variables on motor vehicle-related purchasing behaviour. Secondly the findings of this study contribute to the body of knowledge regarding purchasing behaviour.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Nkoyi, Anele
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Motor vehicles -- Purchasing , Consumer behavior , Marketing -- Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9119 , vital:26466
- Description: Marketers are faced with informed and highly complex consumers. The consumer market is becoming more competitive and more difficult to predict as consumers make purchase decisions in their everyday life. An ongoing need exists for information and an examination of purchasing behaviour for marketers to succeed in their pursuit of business endeavours. This study examines the influence of selected variables on motor vehicle-related purchasing behaviour. Five independent variables, namely branding, price, promotion, safety features and colour were investigated and the dependent variable (purchasing behaviour) was examined. In doing so, various stages which consumers undergo when making purchasing decisions were discussed. These stages were outlined as need recognition, information search, and evaluation of alternatives, purchase and post-purchase behaviour. The primary research objective of this study was to determine the influence of selected variables on motor vehicle-related purchasing behaviour. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, an empirical investigation was undertaken. The quantitative (positivistic) paradigm was used in this study, as the aim was to test the hypotheses and conceptualmodel of the study using statistical analysis. In gathering primary data, 192 self-administered questionnaires were issued to respondents for completion by means of convenience and quota non-probability sampling. Upon completion of all the questionnaires, data was analysed in order to arrive at the conclusions regarding the research questions. The empirical findings and analysis followed a systematic and statistical process, where exploratory factor analysis using target rotation was used to test the validity of the measuring instrument. Cronbach alpha correlation coefficients were used to confirm the reliability of the measuring instrument, while multiple regression analysis was carried out to test the hypothesised relationships between the independent variables and the dependent variable of the study. ANOVA was applied to determine differences in the demographic characteristics of respondents. The main findings on the validity and reliability of the measuring instrument proved to be statistically satisfactory. The main findings which emerged from the multiple regression analysis suggested that price and colour had statistically significant influence on motor vehicle-related purchasing behaviour. Findings revealed that branding, promotion and safety conditions had no significant effects on motor vehicle related purchasing behaviour. Accordingly, the hypotheses for price and colour were accepted and those for branding, promotion and safety conditions were rejected. Therefore according to respondents, price and colour of a motor vehicle are the most important considerations when undertaking purchasing decisions regarding motor vehicles. Additionally, the empirical investigation revealed that significant differences exist between age groups of respondents, meaning that different age groups of respondents had different perceptions and opinions with regard to their purchasing patterns relating to price. Furthermore, significant differences were also found between male and female respondents in terms of price and colour, meaning that the two genders had different perceptions and opinions with regard to their purchasing patterns in these areas. The empirical findings of this study are relevant for motor vehicle retailers and original equipment manufacturers, as the findings provide important information regarding the influence of selected variables on motor vehicle-related purchasing behaviour. Secondly the findings of this study contribute to the body of knowledge regarding purchasing behaviour.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
A control framework for the assessment of information security culture
- Authors: Okere, Irene Onyekachi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Data encryption (Computer science) , Business -- Data processing -- Security measures , Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9818 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019861
- Description: The modern organisation relies heavily on information to function effectively. With such reliance on information, it is vital that information be protected from both internal (employees) and external threats. The protection of information or information security to a large extent depends on the behaviour of humans (employees) in the organisation. The behaviour of employees is one of the top information security issues facing organisations as the human factor is regarded as the weakest link in the security chain. To address this human factor many researchers have suggested the fostering of a culture of information security so that information security becomes second nature to employees. Information security culture as defined for this research study exists in four levels namely artefacts, espoused values, shared tacit assumptions and information security knowledge. An important step in the fostering of an information security culture is the assessment of the current state of such a culture. Gaps in current approaches for assessing information security culture were identified and this research study proposes the use of a control framework to address the identified gaps. This research study focuses on the assessment of information security culture and addresses 5 research objectives namely 1) to describe information security culture in the field of information security, 2) to determine ways to foster information security culture in an organisation, 3) to demonstrate the gap in current approaches used to assess information security culture, 4) to determine the components that could be used for the assessment of information security culture for each of the culture’s underlying levels and 5) to describe a process for the assessment of information security culture for all four levels. This research study follows a qualitative approach utilising a design science strategy and multi-method qualitative data collection techniques including literature review, qualitative content analysis, argumentation, and modelling techniques. The research methods provide a means for the interpretation of the data and the development of the proposed control framework.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Okere, Irene Onyekachi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Data encryption (Computer science) , Business -- Data processing -- Security measures , Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9818 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019861
- Description: The modern organisation relies heavily on information to function effectively. With such reliance on information, it is vital that information be protected from both internal (employees) and external threats. The protection of information or information security to a large extent depends on the behaviour of humans (employees) in the organisation. The behaviour of employees is one of the top information security issues facing organisations as the human factor is regarded as the weakest link in the security chain. To address this human factor many researchers have suggested the fostering of a culture of information security so that information security becomes second nature to employees. Information security culture as defined for this research study exists in four levels namely artefacts, espoused values, shared tacit assumptions and information security knowledge. An important step in the fostering of an information security culture is the assessment of the current state of such a culture. Gaps in current approaches for assessing information security culture were identified and this research study proposes the use of a control framework to address the identified gaps. This research study focuses on the assessment of information security culture and addresses 5 research objectives namely 1) to describe information security culture in the field of information security, 2) to determine ways to foster information security culture in an organisation, 3) to demonstrate the gap in current approaches used to assess information security culture, 4) to determine the components that could be used for the assessment of information security culture for each of the culture’s underlying levels and 5) to describe a process for the assessment of information security culture for all four levels. This research study follows a qualitative approach utilising a design science strategy and multi-method qualitative data collection techniques including literature review, qualitative content analysis, argumentation, and modelling techniques. The research methods provide a means for the interpretation of the data and the development of the proposed control framework.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A cyber security awareness and education framework for South Africa
- Authors: Kortjan, Noloxolo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer crimes -- Prevention , Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9811 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014829
- Description: The Internet is becoming increasingly interwoven in the daily life of many individuals, organisations and nations. It has, to a large extent, had a positive effect on the way people communicate. It has also introduced new avenues for business and has offered nations an opportunity to govern online. Nevertheless, although cyberspace offers an endless list of services and opportunities, it is also accompanied by many risks. One of these risks is cybercrime. The Internet has given criminals a platform on which to grow and proliferate. As a result of the abstract nature of the Internet, it is easy for these criminals to go unpunished. Moreover, many who use the Internet are not aware of such threats; therefore they may themselves be at risk, together with businesses and governmental assets and infrastructure. In view of this, there is a need for cyber security awareness and education initiatives that will promote users who are well versed in the risks associated with the Internet. In this context, it is the role of the government to empower all levels of society by providing the necessary knowledge and expertise to act securely online. However, there is currently a definite lack in South Africa (SA) in this regard, as there are currently no government-led cyber security awareness and education initiatives. The primary research objective of this study, therefore, is to propose a cyber security awareness and education framework for SA that will assist in creating a cyber secure culture in SA among all of its users of the Internet.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kortjan, Noloxolo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer crimes -- Prevention , Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9811 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014829
- Description: The Internet is becoming increasingly interwoven in the daily life of many individuals, organisations and nations. It has, to a large extent, had a positive effect on the way people communicate. It has also introduced new avenues for business and has offered nations an opportunity to govern online. Nevertheless, although cyberspace offers an endless list of services and opportunities, it is also accompanied by many risks. One of these risks is cybercrime. The Internet has given criminals a platform on which to grow and proliferate. As a result of the abstract nature of the Internet, it is easy for these criminals to go unpunished. Moreover, many who use the Internet are not aware of such threats; therefore they may themselves be at risk, together with businesses and governmental assets and infrastructure. In view of this, there is a need for cyber security awareness and education initiatives that will promote users who are well versed in the risks associated with the Internet. In this context, it is the role of the government to empower all levels of society by providing the necessary knowledge and expertise to act securely online. However, there is currently a definite lack in South Africa (SA) in this regard, as there are currently no government-led cyber security awareness and education initiatives. The primary research objective of this study, therefore, is to propose a cyber security awareness and education framework for SA that will assist in creating a cyber secure culture in SA among all of its users of the Internet.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A framework to mitigate phishing threats
- Authors: Frauenstein, Edwin Donald
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Mobile computing -- Security measures , Online social networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9832 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021208
- Description: We live today in the information age with users being able to access and share information freely by using both personal computers and their handheld devices. This, in turn, has been made possible by the Internet. However, this poses security risks as attempts are made to use this same environment in order to compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for users and organisations to protect their information resources from agents posing a security threat. Organisations typically spend large amounts of money as well as dedicating resources to improve their technological defences against general security threats. However, the agents posing these threats are adopting social engineering techniques in order to bypass the technical measures which organisations are putting in place. These social engineering techniques are often effective because they target human behaviour, something which the majority of researchers believe is a far easier alternative than hacking information systems. As such, phishing effectively makes use of a combination of social engineering techniques which involve crafty technical emails and website designs which gain the trust of their victims. Within an organisational context, there are a number of areas which phishers exploit. These areas include human factors, organisational aspects and technological controls. Ironically, these same areas serve simultaneously as security measures against phishing attacks. However, each of these three areas mentioned above are characterised by gaps which arise as a result of human involvement. As a result, the current approach to mitigating phishing threats comprises a single-layer defence model only. However, this study proposes a holistic model which integrates each of these three areas by strengthening the human element in each of these areas by means of a security awareness, training and education programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Frauenstein, Edwin Donald
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Mobile computing -- Security measures , Online social networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9832 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021208
- Description: We live today in the information age with users being able to access and share information freely by using both personal computers and their handheld devices. This, in turn, has been made possible by the Internet. However, this poses security risks as attempts are made to use this same environment in order to compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for users and organisations to protect their information resources from agents posing a security threat. Organisations typically spend large amounts of money as well as dedicating resources to improve their technological defences against general security threats. However, the agents posing these threats are adopting social engineering techniques in order to bypass the technical measures which organisations are putting in place. These social engineering techniques are often effective because they target human behaviour, something which the majority of researchers believe is a far easier alternative than hacking information systems. As such, phishing effectively makes use of a combination of social engineering techniques which involve crafty technical emails and website designs which gain the trust of their victims. Within an organisational context, there are a number of areas which phishers exploit. These areas include human factors, organisational aspects and technological controls. Ironically, these same areas serve simultaneously as security measures against phishing attacks. However, each of these three areas mentioned above are characterised by gaps which arise as a result of human involvement. As a result, the current approach to mitigating phishing threats comprises a single-layer defence model only. However, this study proposes a holistic model which integrates each of these three areas by strengthening the human element in each of these areas by means of a security awareness, training and education programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A strategy to make ICT accessible in rural Zambia: a case study of Macha
- Authors: Van Stam, Gertjan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Communication in rural development -- Zambia , Communication and technology -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9830
- Description: The problem discussed in this dissertation is to gather evidence of good practice and derive strategy for the development of ICT access in rural Zambia. Access to ICT services is important, also in rural areas of Africa. The challenges are many. There is a distinct void in tangible descriptions of the realities of ICT Access in rural areas or actionable guidelines for practitioners. This study involves a case study in the rural areas of Zambia. It does so through ethnography involving 10 years of observation of aspects of ICT access in rural Macha, Zambia. In this community, emerging from an articulated vision, ICT access in the form of the Internet arrived in 2004. Macha Works with its ICT unit LinkNet provides the basis for this interpretive approach from within the rural cultural setting. The purpose of the study is to benefit the local rural community, addressing the fundamentals of reality to add to the body of knowledge. The study involves cross cultural interaction and takes a trans-disciplinary view on science. It involves Participative Action Learning and Research aimed at recognising the complex adaptive systems while being aligned with the ethics of the rural African environment. Emphasis is on the needs of the community, rather than of the individual utilising empirical evidence. The good practices in Macha that inform strategy to make ICT accessible in rural areas are: engaging the community, building relationships; workforce development, unlocking productivity; thought leadership, establishing authority.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Van Stam, Gertjan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Communication in rural development -- Zambia , Communication and technology -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9830
- Description: The problem discussed in this dissertation is to gather evidence of good practice and derive strategy for the development of ICT access in rural Zambia. Access to ICT services is important, also in rural areas of Africa. The challenges are many. There is a distinct void in tangible descriptions of the realities of ICT Access in rural areas or actionable guidelines for practitioners. This study involves a case study in the rural areas of Zambia. It does so through ethnography involving 10 years of observation of aspects of ICT access in rural Macha, Zambia. In this community, emerging from an articulated vision, ICT access in the form of the Internet arrived in 2004. Macha Works with its ICT unit LinkNet provides the basis for this interpretive approach from within the rural cultural setting. The purpose of the study is to benefit the local rural community, addressing the fundamentals of reality to add to the body of knowledge. The study involves cross cultural interaction and takes a trans-disciplinary view on science. It involves Participative Action Learning and Research aimed at recognising the complex adaptive systems while being aligned with the ethics of the rural African environment. Emphasis is on the needs of the community, rather than of the individual utilising empirical evidence. The good practices in Macha that inform strategy to make ICT accessible in rural areas are: engaging the community, building relationships; workforce development, unlocking productivity; thought leadership, establishing authority.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study to determine the motivational climate in the Department of Health
- Authors: Seitshiro, Tshidiso
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021090
- Description: The Department of Health, being a public entity, has a responsibility to provide quality health services to the community. The Department has experienced repeated negative feedback from the press with respect to job dissatisfaction and the quality of service. This could be the result of low employee motivation. The researcher was concerned and interested in investigating possible causes of these allegations by the press. The main purpose of this study was to analyse the motivational climate of employees in the Department of Health. The study included a literature study of employee motivation and organisational climate. The purpose of the literature was to determine how the Department of Health measures up to what the literature reveals. A questionnaire was used as an instrument to collect data. The questionnaire was formulated from the literature discussed in the research study. The major findings indicated that the level of motivation in the Department of Health was low. Findings also indicated the majority of employees were not trained in the Batho Pele principle. The researcher argued that if employees were trained in the Batho Pele principle and also practised, the negative press feedback would be minimal. The researcher suggested certain recommendations for those areas where findings indicated shortcomings in an attempt to increase the overall levels of employee motivation within the Department of Health.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Seitshiro, Tshidiso
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021090
- Description: The Department of Health, being a public entity, has a responsibility to provide quality health services to the community. The Department has experienced repeated negative feedback from the press with respect to job dissatisfaction and the quality of service. This could be the result of low employee motivation. The researcher was concerned and interested in investigating possible causes of these allegations by the press. The main purpose of this study was to analyse the motivational climate of employees in the Department of Health. The study included a literature study of employee motivation and organisational climate. The purpose of the literature was to determine how the Department of Health measures up to what the literature reveals. A questionnaire was used as an instrument to collect data. The questionnaire was formulated from the literature discussed in the research study. The major findings indicated that the level of motivation in the Department of Health was low. Findings also indicated the majority of employees were not trained in the Batho Pele principle. The researcher argued that if employees were trained in the Batho Pele principle and also practised, the negative press feedback would be minimal. The researcher suggested certain recommendations for those areas where findings indicated shortcomings in an attempt to increase the overall levels of employee motivation within the Department of Health.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An economic analysis of an intensive sheep production system on cultivated pastures in South Africa, incorporating creep feeding- and accelerated breeding practices
- Authors: Terblanche, Stefan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Pastures -- Irrigation -- South Africa , Sheep -- Productivity -- South Africa , Sheep -- Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10737 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020939
- Description: The South African sheep industry has experienced an increase in the price of meat and wool over the past several years. This has led to an interest in intensification of sheep production off planted pastures. Due to this phenomenon an economic viability study was done on the intensification of sheep production on cultivated pastures under irrigation. When intensifying sheep production, certain management practices need to be incorporated in order to enhance the output obtained per hectare and to overcome the higher input cost of production. Management practices that could be included are creep feeding, accelerated breeding and feedlotting of lambs after weaning. In order to determine the economic viability of such a system, certain production parameters need to be obtained for producing sheep intensively from cultivated pastures. Three studies were conducted to obtain the required production parameters; these were then followed by an economic evaluation incorporating the parameters obtained from the studies. All the studies were conducted at Kromme Rhee and Langgewens, two research farms of the Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Terblanche, Stefan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Pastures -- Irrigation -- South Africa , Sheep -- Productivity -- South Africa , Sheep -- Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10737 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020939
- Description: The South African sheep industry has experienced an increase in the price of meat and wool over the past several years. This has led to an interest in intensification of sheep production off planted pastures. Due to this phenomenon an economic viability study was done on the intensification of sheep production on cultivated pastures under irrigation. When intensifying sheep production, certain management practices need to be incorporated in order to enhance the output obtained per hectare and to overcome the higher input cost of production. Management practices that could be included are creep feeding, accelerated breeding and feedlotting of lambs after weaning. In order to determine the economic viability of such a system, certain production parameters need to be obtained for producing sheep intensively from cultivated pastures. Three studies were conducted to obtain the required production parameters; these were then followed by an economic evaluation incorporating the parameters obtained from the studies. All the studies were conducted at Kromme Rhee and Langgewens, two research farms of the Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Analysis of factors influencing the performance of a hydrokinetic coil pump
- Authors: Opperman, Adriaan Jacobus
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Pumping machinery, Electric , Pumping machinery -- Performance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9640 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021041
- Description: A hydrokinetic coil pump (HCP) is described by its name. It is a coil pump driven by the kinetic energy in flowing water. The hydrokinetic energy is converted into mechanical energy by means of a paddle-wheel. The coil pump makes up part of the paddle-wheel and together is called a HCP. The HCP floats in a stream of flowing water while tethered to the bank. The focus of the study was to identify and analyse the factors influencing the HCP. The HCP was then optimized for rural application. Data acquisition took place through experimentation on a full scale experimental platform according to a central composite experimental design. Variables used for the experimentation included; Stream Velocity, Delivery Head, Number of Coils, Discharge, Number of Paddles, Paddle-Wheel rotational speed Overall HCP efficiencies of up to 22 percent were obtained. The efficiency would drop as the stream velocity increased. Stream velocity has been identified as the most influential factor with regards to the variables analysed by this study. The HCP is ideal for rural application. The simplicity of the design ensures reliability as well as an effective water supply solution. The HCP is ideal for slow flowing rivers and can deliver up to 1190ℓ/h to a delivery head of 5m with a stream velocity of 1.2m/s. This is sufficient to supply a small rural community with running water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Opperman, Adriaan Jacobus
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Pumping machinery, Electric , Pumping machinery -- Performance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9640 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021041
- Description: A hydrokinetic coil pump (HCP) is described by its name. It is a coil pump driven by the kinetic energy in flowing water. The hydrokinetic energy is converted into mechanical energy by means of a paddle-wheel. The coil pump makes up part of the paddle-wheel and together is called a HCP. The HCP floats in a stream of flowing water while tethered to the bank. The focus of the study was to identify and analyse the factors influencing the HCP. The HCP was then optimized for rural application. Data acquisition took place through experimentation on a full scale experimental platform according to a central composite experimental design. Variables used for the experimentation included; Stream Velocity, Delivery Head, Number of Coils, Discharge, Number of Paddles, Paddle-Wheel rotational speed Overall HCP efficiencies of up to 22 percent were obtained. The efficiency would drop as the stream velocity increased. Stream velocity has been identified as the most influential factor with regards to the variables analysed by this study. The HCP is ideal for rural application. The simplicity of the design ensures reliability as well as an effective water supply solution. The HCP is ideal for slow flowing rivers and can deliver up to 1190ℓ/h to a delivery head of 5m with a stream velocity of 1.2m/s. This is sufficient to supply a small rural community with running water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Analysis of restricted earth fault relay application within a shunt capacitor bank design impacting on protection stability
- Authors: Minkley, Warick
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Electric power systems -- Protection , Electric power transmission -- Equipment and supplies -- Protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9604 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021106
- Description: This research is aimed at analyzing the performance of the restricted earth fault relay used on a 400kV capacitor bank scheme used on the Eskom Transmission network. After the commissioning of two Capacitor Banks using the above mentioned scheme design the plant was energized. As a result of the energization the Shunt Capacitor Bank (SCB) then experienced spurious trips. The cause of the trips was found to be the operation of the restricted earth fault relay. In this research project, restricted earth fault protection on SCBs in the Eskom Transmission environment will be the area of interest. The proposed research will analyze the current SCB protection scheme in service specifically looking at the restricted earth fault circuit design and relay performance. An equivalent model of the SCB from primary plant perspective based on theory will be derived. Recording and analyzing of Comtrade transient waveforms respectively, when the bank is nergized, will be done in order to provide a reference base to work from. Manual alculations of various parameters from the derived model including transient inrush currents and fault currents will be performed to access applicable scheme parameters. Further calculations will include the voltage setting for the restricted earth fault relay. As a result of the analysis a recommendation will be made on a viable solution or a revised design will be put forward, based on the results, to improve the scheme’s performance. The protection scheme is used on the two 400kV 100MVAR capacitor banks 11 and 12 at Hydra Substation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Minkley, Warick
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Electric power systems -- Protection , Electric power transmission -- Equipment and supplies -- Protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9604 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021106
- Description: This research is aimed at analyzing the performance of the restricted earth fault relay used on a 400kV capacitor bank scheme used on the Eskom Transmission network. After the commissioning of two Capacitor Banks using the above mentioned scheme design the plant was energized. As a result of the energization the Shunt Capacitor Bank (SCB) then experienced spurious trips. The cause of the trips was found to be the operation of the restricted earth fault relay. In this research project, restricted earth fault protection on SCBs in the Eskom Transmission environment will be the area of interest. The proposed research will analyze the current SCB protection scheme in service specifically looking at the restricted earth fault circuit design and relay performance. An equivalent model of the SCB from primary plant perspective based on theory will be derived. Recording and analyzing of Comtrade transient waveforms respectively, when the bank is nergized, will be done in order to provide a reference base to work from. Manual alculations of various parameters from the derived model including transient inrush currents and fault currents will be performed to access applicable scheme parameters. Further calculations will include the voltage setting for the restricted earth fault relay. As a result of the analysis a recommendation will be made on a viable solution or a revised design will be put forward, based on the results, to improve the scheme’s performance. The protection scheme is used on the two 400kV 100MVAR capacitor banks 11 and 12 at Hydra Substation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Antimicrobial activities of three medicinal plants against selected diarrheagenic pathogens
- Authors: Nkosi, Themba Johan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Anti-infective agents , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Materia medica, Vegetable
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10126 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020759
- Description: Diarrhea is a global concern that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have confirmed to be the second major cause of death in children under the age of five. Major bacterial pathogens that cause diarrhea include Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, Shigella species and Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic therapy is recommended depending on the severity and presentation of the disease; however, the appearance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is an emerging global threat to the ability to treat these bacterial infections. This situation could be overcome by the discovery of new natural antibiotics. Plants have been a source of medicine for centuries and have been used to treat diseases including diarrhea. This makes plants a natural potential target to study for their antibiotic properties. The objective of this study was to determine the antibiotic properties of medicinal plants against known pathogens that cause bacterial diarrhea. Three medicinal plants, Cassia abbreviata, Kigelia africana, and Geranium incanum were investigated for their antimicrobial properties against these strains of microorganisms: American Type Culture Collection (ATTC) and Clinical Strains (CS). The plant materials were ground into powder, which was then dissolved in methanol, acetone and distilled water to extract the active compounds. The plant extracts were then used to (i) determine their antibiotic activity, (ii) determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs), (iii) analyze the thin layer chromatography (TLC) fingerprints, and (iv) analyze the autobiography assay. The results obtained in this study met the aim and objectives of this study. The antimicrobial activities of the selected plants were obtained as discussed in Chapter 2 and 3. These results indicated that the traditional plants could be used as antimicrobials. In the screening assays, the test microorganisms were inhibited by the plant extracts, when they were subjected to plant extracts. This was performed on Mueller Hinton agar as sensitivity testing, which revealed clear zones of inhibition. The MIC values for each plant extract were established which ranged from 0.101 to 13.3 mg/dl. The TLC analysis revealed the spots which contained the active compounds which inhibited the bacterial growth. A bioautography assay was performed on the TLC plates, which exposed the exact spots containing the active compound inhibiting the bacteria. These results are clearly consistent with what former scientists have observed. Detailed explanations on the results are in Chapter 3 and 4 of this paper. It is important to note that all the procedures performed in this study were in vitro assays. Some effective in vitro assay activity may not always result in the same effective in vivo activity, because some active compounds may be metabolized and degraded into inactive metabolites. For this reason, the in vitro results obtained in this study, may not reflect the true effectiveness of the compounds in in vivo trials. It is therefore advised that future scientists should take a step further in analyzing the plant extracts through in vivo assays. Further testing and study on these plants at an advanced molecular level will be beneficial in the medical fields in the search for new antibiotics to treat infectious diseases. Purification and further analysis of their products can be helpful in the production of pure natural medicines. This will discover the active ingredients and compounds responsible for inhibition of the microorganisms. This will make the compounds potential candidates for a scientific validation and analysis for future scientists to bring a new dawn in the fight against infectious diseases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Nkosi, Themba Johan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Anti-infective agents , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Materia medica, Vegetable
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10126 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020759
- Description: Diarrhea is a global concern that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have confirmed to be the second major cause of death in children under the age of five. Major bacterial pathogens that cause diarrhea include Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, Shigella species and Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic therapy is recommended depending on the severity and presentation of the disease; however, the appearance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is an emerging global threat to the ability to treat these bacterial infections. This situation could be overcome by the discovery of new natural antibiotics. Plants have been a source of medicine for centuries and have been used to treat diseases including diarrhea. This makes plants a natural potential target to study for their antibiotic properties. The objective of this study was to determine the antibiotic properties of medicinal plants against known pathogens that cause bacterial diarrhea. Three medicinal plants, Cassia abbreviata, Kigelia africana, and Geranium incanum were investigated for their antimicrobial properties against these strains of microorganisms: American Type Culture Collection (ATTC) and Clinical Strains (CS). The plant materials were ground into powder, which was then dissolved in methanol, acetone and distilled water to extract the active compounds. The plant extracts were then used to (i) determine their antibiotic activity, (ii) determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs), (iii) analyze the thin layer chromatography (TLC) fingerprints, and (iv) analyze the autobiography assay. The results obtained in this study met the aim and objectives of this study. The antimicrobial activities of the selected plants were obtained as discussed in Chapter 2 and 3. These results indicated that the traditional plants could be used as antimicrobials. In the screening assays, the test microorganisms were inhibited by the plant extracts, when they were subjected to plant extracts. This was performed on Mueller Hinton agar as sensitivity testing, which revealed clear zones of inhibition. The MIC values for each plant extract were established which ranged from 0.101 to 13.3 mg/dl. The TLC analysis revealed the spots which contained the active compounds which inhibited the bacterial growth. A bioautography assay was performed on the TLC plates, which exposed the exact spots containing the active compound inhibiting the bacteria. These results are clearly consistent with what former scientists have observed. Detailed explanations on the results are in Chapter 3 and 4 of this paper. It is important to note that all the procedures performed in this study were in vitro assays. Some effective in vitro assay activity may not always result in the same effective in vivo activity, because some active compounds may be metabolized and degraded into inactive metabolites. For this reason, the in vitro results obtained in this study, may not reflect the true effectiveness of the compounds in in vivo trials. It is therefore advised that future scientists should take a step further in analyzing the plant extracts through in vivo assays. Further testing and study on these plants at an advanced molecular level will be beneficial in the medical fields in the search for new antibiotics to treat infectious diseases. Purification and further analysis of their products can be helpful in the production of pure natural medicines. This will discover the active ingredients and compounds responsible for inhibition of the microorganisms. This will make the compounds potential candidates for a scientific validation and analysis for future scientists to bring a new dawn in the fight against infectious diseases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Biological activities of medical plants traditionally used in the Eastern Cape to treat pneumonia
- Kamanga, Melvin Chalochapasi
- Authors: Kamanga, Melvin Chalochapasi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Communicable diseases -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10124 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020051
- Description: Infectious diseases such as pneumonia still pose a major global health concern. Currently, the world is facing widespread emergence of acquired bacterial resistance to antibiotics which constitute one of the chief causes of infectious diseases. The accumulation of different antibiotic resistance mechanisms within the same strains has induced the appearance of the so called “superbugs”, or “multiple-drug resistant bacteria”. Due to antibiotic resistance, attention is currently being drawn towards biologically active components isolated from plant species commonly used as herbal medicine, as they may offer a new source of antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities. This is the basis of this study. In this study four medicinal plants namely, Cassia abbreviata, Geranium incanum, Pelargonium hortorum and Tecoma capensis were investigated for their antimicrobial potential. In vitro antimicrobial activity using agar disc diffusion method, agar dilution method and broth microdilution plate determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), were carried out against ATCC (American Type Culture Collection) strains and clinical isolates known to cause pneumonia. Aqueous, methanol and acetone extracts from the selected plants were thus tested against strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The plants exhibited pronounced antimicrobial activity and were more active against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria. During agar disc diffusion method, the highest inhibition zone was demonstrated by the acetone extract of P. hortorum (IZ=22mm and AI=0.73) against the reference strain of S. pneumoniae (ATCC 49619). The range of zones of inhibition in diameter across strains of S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae was 7mm to 22mm with activity index range of 0.23 to 0.74. The lowest MIC produced by medicinal plants in the study during agar disc diffusion method against S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae strains, was 2.5mg/ml. In broth microdilution plate assay, the lowest MIC demonstrated by C. abbreviata, T. capensis and P. hortorum extracts on tested bacteria was 0.031mg/ml and that of G. incanum was 0.063mg/ml. Candida albicans strains were only inhibited at 20mg/ml by the study plants. The highest activity among the individual extracts was shown by P. hortorum methanol extract which inhibited 71% of the studied bacteria. T. capensis methanol extract was the least and inhibited only 17% of the tested bacteria. The strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae showed the highest resistance to medicinal plants employed in this study. Traditional preparation of selected medicinal plants did not show any significant antimicrobial activity. Bioactive analysis of compounds on study plants was carried out using standard methods which revealed the presence of anthraquinones, flavonoids, phytosterol, saponins, tannins and triterpenoids. Comparison of the inhibitory effect of the plant extracts against some broad spectrum antibiotics revealed that the tested medicinal plants showed greater antimicrobial activity than standard antibiotics. However, there was no correlation between the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the bacteria and the effects of the plants, signifying that plants probably function through different mechanisms. Bioautographic findings on thin-layer chromatography plate, exhibited clear zones of inhibition of bacterial growth with the Rf value range of 0.09 to 0.94. Anti-mutagenic activity was assayed by the Ames mutagenicity test in the plate-incorporation method using histidine mutants of S. typhimurium strains TA 100. The selected plant extracts at 2.5mg/ml and 5mg/ml did not induce mutagenesis in the absence of liver-metabolizing enzymes. The study results indicated that the selected plants are capable of inhibiting the growth of the studied pathogenic microorganisms to a varied degree. The leaves of G. incanum, P. hortorum, T. capensis as well as the stem bark of C. abbreviata could be novel sources of antimicrobial agents that might have broad spectrum activity. The anti-mutagenic properties of the studied medicinal plants may also provide additional health supplemental value to the other claimed therapeutic properties of the plants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kamanga, Melvin Chalochapasi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Communicable diseases -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10124 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020051
- Description: Infectious diseases such as pneumonia still pose a major global health concern. Currently, the world is facing widespread emergence of acquired bacterial resistance to antibiotics which constitute one of the chief causes of infectious diseases. The accumulation of different antibiotic resistance mechanisms within the same strains has induced the appearance of the so called “superbugs”, or “multiple-drug resistant bacteria”. Due to antibiotic resistance, attention is currently being drawn towards biologically active components isolated from plant species commonly used as herbal medicine, as they may offer a new source of antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities. This is the basis of this study. In this study four medicinal plants namely, Cassia abbreviata, Geranium incanum, Pelargonium hortorum and Tecoma capensis were investigated for their antimicrobial potential. In vitro antimicrobial activity using agar disc diffusion method, agar dilution method and broth microdilution plate determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), were carried out against ATCC (American Type Culture Collection) strains and clinical isolates known to cause pneumonia. Aqueous, methanol and acetone extracts from the selected plants were thus tested against strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The plants exhibited pronounced antimicrobial activity and were more active against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria. During agar disc diffusion method, the highest inhibition zone was demonstrated by the acetone extract of P. hortorum (IZ=22mm and AI=0.73) against the reference strain of S. pneumoniae (ATCC 49619). The range of zones of inhibition in diameter across strains of S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae was 7mm to 22mm with activity index range of 0.23 to 0.74. The lowest MIC produced by medicinal plants in the study during agar disc diffusion method against S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae strains, was 2.5mg/ml. In broth microdilution plate assay, the lowest MIC demonstrated by C. abbreviata, T. capensis and P. hortorum extracts on tested bacteria was 0.031mg/ml and that of G. incanum was 0.063mg/ml. Candida albicans strains were only inhibited at 20mg/ml by the study plants. The highest activity among the individual extracts was shown by P. hortorum methanol extract which inhibited 71% of the studied bacteria. T. capensis methanol extract was the least and inhibited only 17% of the tested bacteria. The strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae showed the highest resistance to medicinal plants employed in this study. Traditional preparation of selected medicinal plants did not show any significant antimicrobial activity. Bioactive analysis of compounds on study plants was carried out using standard methods which revealed the presence of anthraquinones, flavonoids, phytosterol, saponins, tannins and triterpenoids. Comparison of the inhibitory effect of the plant extracts against some broad spectrum antibiotics revealed that the tested medicinal plants showed greater antimicrobial activity than standard antibiotics. However, there was no correlation between the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the bacteria and the effects of the plants, signifying that plants probably function through different mechanisms. Bioautographic findings on thin-layer chromatography plate, exhibited clear zones of inhibition of bacterial growth with the Rf value range of 0.09 to 0.94. Anti-mutagenic activity was assayed by the Ames mutagenicity test in the plate-incorporation method using histidine mutants of S. typhimurium strains TA 100. The selected plant extracts at 2.5mg/ml and 5mg/ml did not induce mutagenesis in the absence of liver-metabolizing enzymes. The study results indicated that the selected plants are capable of inhibiting the growth of the studied pathogenic microorganisms to a varied degree. The leaves of G. incanum, P. hortorum, T. capensis as well as the stem bark of C. abbreviata could be novel sources of antimicrobial agents that might have broad spectrum activity. The anti-mutagenic properties of the studied medicinal plants may also provide additional health supplemental value to the other claimed therapeutic properties of the plants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Budget control analysis of logistics companies in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Phipps, Kaaren Maree
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Budget -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Budget baselines -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Budget process -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8946 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021027
- Description: The treatise analyses the issues around budgets and examines budget expenditure control procedures. The research method selected has been formulated from the research onion process (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill 2009). This methodology first identifies the research approach, research strategy, timelines and data collection methods. As part of the research process, a quantitative approach has been taken and a survey was carried out in relation to the collection of quantitative data for the purposes of the treatise research. The final analysis of the survey results is reflected in the conclusion of the research findings. Budget expenditure control procedures provide a company with a method of control for managing actual spending against the budget. Most companies have a refined practice of budget preparation, and in the larger companies, these are implemented across all departments and carried out by respective managers. Once the budget is in place, it is the responsibility of the managers to ensure that those having expenditure authorisation adhere to it. If control procedures are well managed, this allows for improved efficiency in operations and can lead to benefits in budget performance. Control procedures that are inefficient and poorly managed will inhibit budget objectives being achieved. The control procedures for budget expenditure can be formulated and applied to optimise budget performance and to control budget variance. Formal budget expenditure control procedures, as part of a company’s budget strategy, can provide managers with an effective business tool that improves current budget spending control procedures. This will then result in the identification of potential efficiency gains and improve budget performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Phipps, Kaaren Maree
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Budget -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Budget baselines -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Budget process -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8946 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021027
- Description: The treatise analyses the issues around budgets and examines budget expenditure control procedures. The research method selected has been formulated from the research onion process (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill 2009). This methodology first identifies the research approach, research strategy, timelines and data collection methods. As part of the research process, a quantitative approach has been taken and a survey was carried out in relation to the collection of quantitative data for the purposes of the treatise research. The final analysis of the survey results is reflected in the conclusion of the research findings. Budget expenditure control procedures provide a company with a method of control for managing actual spending against the budget. Most companies have a refined practice of budget preparation, and in the larger companies, these are implemented across all departments and carried out by respective managers. Once the budget is in place, it is the responsibility of the managers to ensure that those having expenditure authorisation adhere to it. If control procedures are well managed, this allows for improved efficiency in operations and can lead to benefits in budget performance. Control procedures that are inefficient and poorly managed will inhibit budget objectives being achieved. The control procedures for budget expenditure can be formulated and applied to optimise budget performance and to control budget variance. Formal budget expenditure control procedures, as part of a company’s budget strategy, can provide managers with an effective business tool that improves current budget spending control procedures. This will then result in the identification of potential efficiency gains and improve budget performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Commercialisation of emerging famers in the Eastern Cape province: identification of limiting factors that inhibit the progression from subsistence to commercial farming
- Authors: Khapayi, Musa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10593 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020067
- Description: The broad objective of the study was to investigate the limiting factors that prevent a breakthrough of emerging farmers to commercial agricultural farming industry. The research objectives were to describe the demographic characteristics such as age, education, farming skills and experience; determine the required support services needed; and inform the limiting factors that prevent breakthrough of emerging farmers to enter commercial agricultural industry. The study was conducted in King William’s Town area through structured questionnaires administered by the researcher. A sample of 50 emerging farmers was drawn in the area. The majority of households in the area depend on subsistence farming for household survival. Results indicated that emerging farmers are faced with poor physical infrastructure such as implements to better their production as well as low education levels which results as an inability to interpret market information to be used in production planning. It is also clear that the farmers face a lack of market infrastructure, poor roads, lack of market information, lack of transportation to markets and high transportation costs. The majority of the farmers were old and the youth was not engaged in agriculture. The findings showed that there is an insufficient role from government with regards to emerging farmer support and providing the required infrastructure to access markets or improving rural infrastructure. As a result the majority of the farmers are trapped in a cycle of poverty. The following policy recommendations are suggested: Financial services such as credit must be made available to emerging farmers at reasonable interest rates such as low interest rate subsidies to emerging farmers up until commercialisation. The requirements for emerging farmers to access loans, funding or credit should be restructured or adjusted to the ability of the farmer to repay the credit rather than the availability of title deeds or assets as collateral. Extension officers should regularly visit the localities were emerging farmers are farming have a better understanding of their farming areas, farming methods and improve their communication with the farmers. Lastly the land reform initiatives should be re-organised or developed if necessary to ensure efficient re-allocation of land. The policies should be developed to focus on both the individual farm plots and the collective rights.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Khapayi, Musa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10593 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020067
- Description: The broad objective of the study was to investigate the limiting factors that prevent a breakthrough of emerging farmers to commercial agricultural farming industry. The research objectives were to describe the demographic characteristics such as age, education, farming skills and experience; determine the required support services needed; and inform the limiting factors that prevent breakthrough of emerging farmers to enter commercial agricultural industry. The study was conducted in King William’s Town area through structured questionnaires administered by the researcher. A sample of 50 emerging farmers was drawn in the area. The majority of households in the area depend on subsistence farming for household survival. Results indicated that emerging farmers are faced with poor physical infrastructure such as implements to better their production as well as low education levels which results as an inability to interpret market information to be used in production planning. It is also clear that the farmers face a lack of market infrastructure, poor roads, lack of market information, lack of transportation to markets and high transportation costs. The majority of the farmers were old and the youth was not engaged in agriculture. The findings showed that there is an insufficient role from government with regards to emerging farmer support and providing the required infrastructure to access markets or improving rural infrastructure. As a result the majority of the farmers are trapped in a cycle of poverty. The following policy recommendations are suggested: Financial services such as credit must be made available to emerging farmers at reasonable interest rates such as low interest rate subsidies to emerging farmers up until commercialisation. The requirements for emerging farmers to access loans, funding or credit should be restructured or adjusted to the ability of the farmer to repay the credit rather than the availability of title deeds or assets as collateral. Extension officers should regularly visit the localities were emerging farmers are farming have a better understanding of their farming areas, farming methods and improve their communication with the farmers. Lastly the land reform initiatives should be re-organised or developed if necessary to ensure efficient re-allocation of land. The policies should be developed to focus on both the individual farm plots and the collective rights.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Development and validation of in-process control test kits for biodiesel production
- Authors: Fibi, Pumza Oscarine
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Biodiesel fuels -- South Africa , Biomass energy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10416 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012645 , Biodiesel fuels -- South Africa , Biomass energy -- South Africa
- Description: The production of biodiesel from vegetable oils is not a new technology; it has been around since the 1950’s and both the research in terms of the different feedstock that can be used and the production of biodiesel has since been gaining momentum as there needs to be a new, sustainable and domestic alternative to petroleum fuels. These petroleum fuels pose enormous threats to the environment and therefore need to be replaced as they are mostly contributing to climate change and global warming not to mention the frequent price hikes which are crippling the South African economy. Biodiesel production using vegetable oils seems to be and is the future and a law has recently been passed which sanctions the production of biofuel locally.[1] South African fuel producers will instigate obligatory blending of fossil fuel with biofuel as the country moves to encourage investment in its biofuels sector. The production of biodiesel locally and the blending of biodiesel with other petroleum products will reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel. The already established petrochemical companies like BP, Sasol and Engine are therefore mandated to purchase these biofuels if and when the biofuels meet the required South African National Standard (SANS) 1935 requirements. This is then where the challenge comes as most of these growing biofuel companies cannot afford to purchase testing equipment.The growing companiesthen discover upon completion of the biofuel manufacturing process that their product does not meet the required standard specification. The failure translates to a financial loss as the final product can possibly not be reworked. The aim of the project is then to assist these companies who are manufacturing biofuel, by providing them with in-house biofuel process methods which will allow for early detection, should there be a need to redo a step in the process and not wait until the completion of the production process. These in-house process-testing methods will range from pH determination, titration tests which will determine the soap content and the percentage free fatty acid content, water determination, density and visual testing. It is not cost-effective for these biodiesel manufacturers to send their samples for outsource testing as evidently the results obtained would be out of specification hence the need to provide these biodiesel manufacturers with in-house analytical testing techniques that will aid in monitoring of the biodiesel production.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Fibi, Pumza Oscarine
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Biodiesel fuels -- South Africa , Biomass energy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10416 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012645 , Biodiesel fuels -- South Africa , Biomass energy -- South Africa
- Description: The production of biodiesel from vegetable oils is not a new technology; it has been around since the 1950’s and both the research in terms of the different feedstock that can be used and the production of biodiesel has since been gaining momentum as there needs to be a new, sustainable and domestic alternative to petroleum fuels. These petroleum fuels pose enormous threats to the environment and therefore need to be replaced as they are mostly contributing to climate change and global warming not to mention the frequent price hikes which are crippling the South African economy. Biodiesel production using vegetable oils seems to be and is the future and a law has recently been passed which sanctions the production of biofuel locally.[1] South African fuel producers will instigate obligatory blending of fossil fuel with biofuel as the country moves to encourage investment in its biofuels sector. The production of biodiesel locally and the blending of biodiesel with other petroleum products will reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel. The already established petrochemical companies like BP, Sasol and Engine are therefore mandated to purchase these biofuels if and when the biofuels meet the required South African National Standard (SANS) 1935 requirements. This is then where the challenge comes as most of these growing biofuel companies cannot afford to purchase testing equipment.The growing companiesthen discover upon completion of the biofuel manufacturing process that their product does not meet the required standard specification. The failure translates to a financial loss as the final product can possibly not be reworked. The aim of the project is then to assist these companies who are manufacturing biofuel, by providing them with in-house biofuel process methods which will allow for early detection, should there be a need to redo a step in the process and not wait until the completion of the production process. These in-house process-testing methods will range from pH determination, titration tests which will determine the soap content and the percentage free fatty acid content, water determination, density and visual testing. It is not cost-effective for these biodiesel manufacturers to send their samples for outsource testing as evidently the results obtained would be out of specification hence the need to provide these biodiesel manufacturers with in-house analytical testing techniques that will aid in monitoring of the biodiesel production.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Development of thick section friction stir welding using a sliding tool shoulder
- Authors: Chetty, Shamalin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Friction welding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9633 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015081
- Description: Sliding shoulder friction stir welding (SSFSW) is an alternative joining technique to the conventional friction stir welding process. The welding mechanism comprises of a rotating probe and a non-rotating shoulder. The shoulder therefore does not contribute to any heat generation or plastic deformation. When welding thicker section material, the contribution of heat generation from the shoulder becomes less significant and most of the heat and plastic deformation must be generated by the tool probe. For this reason it was decided to develop the process for thick section AA6082-T6. Due to the stationary (non-rotating) shoulder the weld track is smooth and there is no reduction in cross-sectional area. This research is based on the development of a sliding shoulder friction stir welding tool with the ability to create joints of up to 25mm thick on aluminium alloy 6082-T6 plate as well as the associated process development. The sliding shoulder friction stir welding tool was designed, manufactured and tested by initially performing partial penetration welds with various size tool probes and then finally by performing a sliding shoulder friction stir butt weld on 25mm thick plate. As welds were performed and more knowledge gained about the process, design modifications were made. These included varying the clearance between the tool probe and stationary shoulder; the profile of the shoulder which contributes to material flow during the process; and supporting the tool probe to prevent deflection when welding thicker sections at high forge forces. From the sliding shoulder friction stir welds performed, an understanding of material flow during the process was gained when analysing the macro-sections and exit holes of the welds. Typical process forces and torques associated with the process were measured to assist with future head unit and tool designs with regard to sliding shoulder friction stir welding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Chetty, Shamalin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Friction welding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9633 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015081
- Description: Sliding shoulder friction stir welding (SSFSW) is an alternative joining technique to the conventional friction stir welding process. The welding mechanism comprises of a rotating probe and a non-rotating shoulder. The shoulder therefore does not contribute to any heat generation or plastic deformation. When welding thicker section material, the contribution of heat generation from the shoulder becomes less significant and most of the heat and plastic deformation must be generated by the tool probe. For this reason it was decided to develop the process for thick section AA6082-T6. Due to the stationary (non-rotating) shoulder the weld track is smooth and there is no reduction in cross-sectional area. This research is based on the development of a sliding shoulder friction stir welding tool with the ability to create joints of up to 25mm thick on aluminium alloy 6082-T6 plate as well as the associated process development. The sliding shoulder friction stir welding tool was designed, manufactured and tested by initially performing partial penetration welds with various size tool probes and then finally by performing a sliding shoulder friction stir butt weld on 25mm thick plate. As welds were performed and more knowledge gained about the process, design modifications were made. These included varying the clearance between the tool probe and stationary shoulder; the profile of the shoulder which contributes to material flow during the process; and supporting the tool probe to prevent deflection when welding thicker sections at high forge forces. From the sliding shoulder friction stir welds performed, an understanding of material flow during the process was gained when analysing the macro-sections and exit holes of the welds. Typical process forces and torques associated with the process were measured to assist with future head unit and tool designs with regard to sliding shoulder friction stir welding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Effects of crop rotation and tillage system on the control of ryegrass (lolium multiflorum X perenne) in wheat (triticum aestivum) in the Swartland production area of South Africa's Western Cape Province
- Authors: Nteyi, Sinovuyo Mava
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Cropping systems , Conservation tillage -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Ryegrasses
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10738 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020990
- Description: A major challenge facing agriculture today is to sustain the productivity of agricultural systems with the reduction of weed invasion. The Swartland region in the Western Cape (South Africa) is intensively cropped, producing wheat (Triticum aestivum) as the major crop. As a result of the weedy ryegrass invasion the wheat yield is reduced. In addition, ryegrass has developed resistance to grass herbicides (graminicides). This situation has increased the need to use alternative practices for controlling the invasion of ryegrass in wheat fields. In this regard, crop rotation and tillage systems were proposed as techniques to suppress the ryegrass invasion. This could thus maintain a sustainable long-term wheat production system with less application of herbicides, decreased input costs and increased total grain yield. Against this background, the effects of crop rotation and tillage were determined on ryegrass seedling emergence in a field and shade netting experiment, while seed dormancy was determined in the laboratory. The objectives were to compare the wheat production of two crop rotations with mono-cropped wheat and assess the impact on the ryegrass population in no-till and minimum tillage systems. Analyses of variance on data sets of ryegrass seeds from 2009, 2010 and 2011 were used to determine germination and dormancy percentages in laboratory experiments. The performance of laboratory treatments was evaluated on the basis of germination percentage of seeds. In the field and shade netting experiments, analyses of variance for data from 2007, 2011 and 2012 were used to determine crop rotation x tillage system response. Field and shade netting performance were evaluated on the basis of ryegrass population inhibition and stimulation respectively. Ryegrass seeds from 2009 and 2010 showed higher germination percentages (80 per cent and 73 per cent) than 2011 (42 per cent). Primary dormancy prevented high germination of newly harvested seeds as dormancy release increase with age of the seed. Results of field and shade netting experiments showed stimulation of the ryegrass weed population in wheat monoculture under minimum tillage. However, when wheat was rotated with leguminous crops under both tillage systems (minimum-till and no-till) ryegrass was significantly inhibited. It was concluded that the critical period for weed competition is the first six weeks after planting. Results from this study provide a basis for producers of cereals to make good decisions with regards to timing weed control measures. It is essential to use competitive crop sequences which will inhibit weeds. The challenge is getting this practice adopted and implemented by producers as it will promote conservation agriculture within the region. This study promotes long-term sustainable wheat production systems with an efficient weed management programme that is environmentally friendly using less herbicides within the Swartland region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Nteyi, Sinovuyo Mava
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Cropping systems , Conservation tillage -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Ryegrasses
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10738 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020990
- Description: A major challenge facing agriculture today is to sustain the productivity of agricultural systems with the reduction of weed invasion. The Swartland region in the Western Cape (South Africa) is intensively cropped, producing wheat (Triticum aestivum) as the major crop. As a result of the weedy ryegrass invasion the wheat yield is reduced. In addition, ryegrass has developed resistance to grass herbicides (graminicides). This situation has increased the need to use alternative practices for controlling the invasion of ryegrass in wheat fields. In this regard, crop rotation and tillage systems were proposed as techniques to suppress the ryegrass invasion. This could thus maintain a sustainable long-term wheat production system with less application of herbicides, decreased input costs and increased total grain yield. Against this background, the effects of crop rotation and tillage were determined on ryegrass seedling emergence in a field and shade netting experiment, while seed dormancy was determined in the laboratory. The objectives were to compare the wheat production of two crop rotations with mono-cropped wheat and assess the impact on the ryegrass population in no-till and minimum tillage systems. Analyses of variance on data sets of ryegrass seeds from 2009, 2010 and 2011 were used to determine germination and dormancy percentages in laboratory experiments. The performance of laboratory treatments was evaluated on the basis of germination percentage of seeds. In the field and shade netting experiments, analyses of variance for data from 2007, 2011 and 2012 were used to determine crop rotation x tillage system response. Field and shade netting performance were evaluated on the basis of ryegrass population inhibition and stimulation respectively. Ryegrass seeds from 2009 and 2010 showed higher germination percentages (80 per cent and 73 per cent) than 2011 (42 per cent). Primary dormancy prevented high germination of newly harvested seeds as dormancy release increase with age of the seed. Results of field and shade netting experiments showed stimulation of the ryegrass weed population in wheat monoculture under minimum tillage. However, when wheat was rotated with leguminous crops under both tillage systems (minimum-till and no-till) ryegrass was significantly inhibited. It was concluded that the critical period for weed competition is the first six weeks after planting. Results from this study provide a basis for producers of cereals to make good decisions with regards to timing weed control measures. It is essential to use competitive crop sequences which will inhibit weeds. The challenge is getting this practice adopted and implemented by producers as it will promote conservation agriculture within the region. This study promotes long-term sustainable wheat production systems with an efficient weed management programme that is environmentally friendly using less herbicides within the Swartland region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Factors that influence warranty costs at Volkswagen South Africa
- Authors: Blignaut, Bevan Hyron
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Warranty , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Total quality management , Quality assurance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8944 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013088
- Description: Driving a vehicle while it is within the warranty period provide customers with assurance that should a failure occur on the vehicle, there would be no financial obligation for the customer to repair the vehicle. For the manufacturer, it is a huge financial obligation to repair or replace components that fail on the vehicle. The research conducted in this study explores and identifies the main reasons for high warranty costs as well as the reasons that do not influence high warranty costs at VWSA. The purpose of this research is to provide VWSA with a potential starting point to reduce warranty costs and increase profits. The study revealed that the main cause of high warranty costs at VWSA was related to the quality of vehicles. By improving the quality of vehicles produced, VWSA could reduce a significant portion of the warranty costs it spends each year. With reduced warranty costs, VWSA could increase the warranty period and thereby attract more customers to purchase VW products. In a cutthroat automotive industry, this would ensure a competitive advantage over rivals; maintain longevity, increase profits and continued success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Blignaut, Bevan Hyron
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Warranty , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Total quality management , Quality assurance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8944 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013088
- Description: Driving a vehicle while it is within the warranty period provide customers with assurance that should a failure occur on the vehicle, there would be no financial obligation for the customer to repair the vehicle. For the manufacturer, it is a huge financial obligation to repair or replace components that fail on the vehicle. The research conducted in this study explores and identifies the main reasons for high warranty costs as well as the reasons that do not influence high warranty costs at VWSA. The purpose of this research is to provide VWSA with a potential starting point to reduce warranty costs and increase profits. The study revealed that the main cause of high warranty costs at VWSA was related to the quality of vehicles. By improving the quality of vehicles produced, VWSA could reduce a significant portion of the warranty costs it spends each year. With reduced warranty costs, VWSA could increase the warranty period and thereby attract more customers to purchase VW products. In a cutthroat automotive industry, this would ensure a competitive advantage over rivals; maintain longevity, increase profits and continued success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Going beyond illustration of the Lovecraft novel at the mountains of madness
- Authors: Vanderlinden, Cedric
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Lovecraft, H. P. (Howard Phillips), 1890-1937. At the mountains of madness , Sublime, The, in art , Arts
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8533 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020950
- Description: The research examines the relationship between the Sublime, the written works of H. P. Lovecraft, and the researcher’s production in the studio arts. It analyses how the Sublime is approached as a subject matter and principal objective within philosophical and artistic discourses, historically and within a contemporary paradigm. It also investigates the applicability of the Sublime to selected themes uncovered in H. P. Lovecraft’s work in general, and At the Mountains of Madness in particular. This is undertaken through an investigation of primary and secondary sources whose explorations and contextualization informs and supports the researcher’s practical visual studies. A reflective and critical analysis of this studio work is performed and included in the main body of the dissertation, from which a conclusion is drawn about the effectiveness of this approach. Specifically, the research explores the relevance of the Sublime both as a critical component of contemporary fine arts and as a fundamental element of the work of H. P. Lovecraft, At the Mountains of Madness in particular. In addition, the research’s practical component consists of a visual exploration of the intersection between the two. Furthermore, it represents an evaluation of this overlap in its effective translation across modes of expression, as interpreted through the medium of the researcher’s creative process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Vanderlinden, Cedric
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Lovecraft, H. P. (Howard Phillips), 1890-1937. At the mountains of madness , Sublime, The, in art , Arts
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8533 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020950
- Description: The research examines the relationship between the Sublime, the written works of H. P. Lovecraft, and the researcher’s production in the studio arts. It analyses how the Sublime is approached as a subject matter and principal objective within philosophical and artistic discourses, historically and within a contemporary paradigm. It also investigates the applicability of the Sublime to selected themes uncovered in H. P. Lovecraft’s work in general, and At the Mountains of Madness in particular. This is undertaken through an investigation of primary and secondary sources whose explorations and contextualization informs and supports the researcher’s practical visual studies. A reflective and critical analysis of this studio work is performed and included in the main body of the dissertation, from which a conclusion is drawn about the effectiveness of this approach. Specifically, the research explores the relevance of the Sublime both as a critical component of contemporary fine arts and as a fundamental element of the work of H. P. Lovecraft, At the Mountains of Madness in particular. In addition, the research’s practical component consists of a visual exploration of the intersection between the two. Furthermore, it represents an evaluation of this overlap in its effective translation across modes of expression, as interpreted through the medium of the researcher’s creative process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Green building guidelines at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- Authors: Smit, Gerrit
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sustainable buildings , Sustainable architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , College campuses
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9697 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010974 , Sustainable buildings , Sustainable architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , College campuses
- Description: Although much research has been conducted on the greening of universities in the international context, not many studies focus on this topic in the South African context. A literature overview also identified that there are insufficient guidelines for green buildings at South African universities. Even though the Green Star rating tool is implemented in South Africa, no set of guidelines for green buildings exits at South African universities. The development of guidelines for green buildings at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan is a challenge which needs to be investigated. From the literature overview, it was possible to develop a framework containing seventeen green building aspects which could assist in developing green building guidelines. For this study, a two stage process was used to obtain information to evaluate green building guidelines critically at South African universities. Green building guidelines, as available at South African universities, were firstly explored by conducting a content analysis of all South African university websites. The information available on South African university websites regarding green buildings was scant and only two universities, namely the University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria, reported that they had a green building. Stage two in the research process involved the empirical investigation of guidelines for green buildings at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The results of the descriptive statistics showed that most building guidelines were perceived as important, but difficult to implement. The building guideline that was ranked the most important was the design of buildings that required low levels of maintenance or were maintenance free. The building guideline that was ranked the easiest to implement was to save energy in general. Considering the 17 suggested aspects and the five groups identified, a proposed set of green building guidelines was developed. The data gathered in this study is important as it could be utilised by the university to develop and implement the proposed green building guidelines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Smit, Gerrit
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sustainable buildings , Sustainable architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , College campuses
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9697 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010974 , Sustainable buildings , Sustainable architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , College campuses
- Description: Although much research has been conducted on the greening of universities in the international context, not many studies focus on this topic in the South African context. A literature overview also identified that there are insufficient guidelines for green buildings at South African universities. Even though the Green Star rating tool is implemented in South Africa, no set of guidelines for green buildings exits at South African universities. The development of guidelines for green buildings at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan is a challenge which needs to be investigated. From the literature overview, it was possible to develop a framework containing seventeen green building aspects which could assist in developing green building guidelines. For this study, a two stage process was used to obtain information to evaluate green building guidelines critically at South African universities. Green building guidelines, as available at South African universities, were firstly explored by conducting a content analysis of all South African university websites. The information available on South African university websites regarding green buildings was scant and only two universities, namely the University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria, reported that they had a green building. Stage two in the research process involved the empirical investigation of guidelines for green buildings at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The results of the descriptive statistics showed that most building guidelines were perceived as important, but difficult to implement. The building guideline that was ranked the most important was the design of buildings that required low levels of maintenance or were maintenance free. The building guideline that was ranked the easiest to implement was to save energy in general. Considering the 17 suggested aspects and the five groups identified, a proposed set of green building guidelines was developed. The data gathered in this study is important as it could be utilised by the university to develop and implement the proposed green building guidelines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Guidelines for the effective use of telemedicine in public healthcare in resource constrained settings
- Authors: Kativu, Kevin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Telecommunication in medicine , Medical care- technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020061
- Description: On September 8 2000, world leaders gathered at the United Nations summit and resolved to help citizens in the world's poorest countries to achieve a better life by the year 2015. This resolve was outlined in the Millennium Development Goals that were subsequently published with goals 4, 5 and 6 specific to healthcare. The integration of ICT‘s in the remote delivery of services has opened new avenues from which centralised, scarce resources can be accessed remotely for the benefit of the general population. Telemedicine has made great strides in the developed world with remote populations benefiting from the improved access to healthcare. In the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, the sub-field of teleradiology has shown promise for enabling the wider delivery of specialist services. However, in resource constrained settings such as developing countries, telemedicine has had limited success and as a result, the equitable access to healthcare for remote populations remains inconceivable. This is exacerbated by the migration of healthcare professionals both domestically and internationally. The public sector has suffered the most with acute staff shortages in the public healthcare institutions, more so in rural and remote areas. This study identifies the prevailing challenges posing as barriers to the effective use of telemedicine services in the Public health sector in resource constrained settings and provides recommendations and guidelines aimed at facilitating the adoption and effective use of telemedicine. Challenges are identified from literature and from the first person accounts of specific role-players who are directly involved with telemedicine in their respective institutions. Participants are drawn from institutions offering telemedicine services within the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Challenges identified from literature are collated with those identified from the participant interviews to provide a concise list of factors that is used as input to the recommendation and guideline development process. The results thus far point to an enthusiastic environment coupled with a semi-capable infrastructure but however hampered by staff shortages and a general lack of support structures and propulsion mechanisms to adequately encourage the wider use of telemedicine. The proposed guidelines aim to address the challenges at the different role-player levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kativu, Kevin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Telecommunication in medicine , Medical care- technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020061
- Description: On September 8 2000, world leaders gathered at the United Nations summit and resolved to help citizens in the world's poorest countries to achieve a better life by the year 2015. This resolve was outlined in the Millennium Development Goals that were subsequently published with goals 4, 5 and 6 specific to healthcare. The integration of ICT‘s in the remote delivery of services has opened new avenues from which centralised, scarce resources can be accessed remotely for the benefit of the general population. Telemedicine has made great strides in the developed world with remote populations benefiting from the improved access to healthcare. In the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, the sub-field of teleradiology has shown promise for enabling the wider delivery of specialist services. However, in resource constrained settings such as developing countries, telemedicine has had limited success and as a result, the equitable access to healthcare for remote populations remains inconceivable. This is exacerbated by the migration of healthcare professionals both domestically and internationally. The public sector has suffered the most with acute staff shortages in the public healthcare institutions, more so in rural and remote areas. This study identifies the prevailing challenges posing as barriers to the effective use of telemedicine services in the Public health sector in resource constrained settings and provides recommendations and guidelines aimed at facilitating the adoption and effective use of telemedicine. Challenges are identified from literature and from the first person accounts of specific role-players who are directly involved with telemedicine in their respective institutions. Participants are drawn from institutions offering telemedicine services within the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Challenges identified from literature are collated with those identified from the participant interviews to provide a concise list of factors that is used as input to the recommendation and guideline development process. The results thus far point to an enthusiastic environment coupled with a semi-capable infrastructure but however hampered by staff shortages and a general lack of support structures and propulsion mechanisms to adequately encourage the wider use of telemedicine. The proposed guidelines aim to address the challenges at the different role-player levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013