Assessing the 'breaking new ground in housing' policy of South Africa in meeting the objectives of community participation
- Authors: April, Tandeka
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Housing policy -- Citizen participation , Political participation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9070 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008400 , Housing policy -- Citizen participation , Political participation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality -- Evaluation
- Description: Community participation is an important aspect of South African government policies that deal with integrated development planning and sustainable development. This report presents aspects of community participation in infrastructure delivery and in particular housing in Reeston which is part of the Duncan Village Redevelopment Initiative in East London area of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The importance of community participation is acknowledged as it enhances the ability of the community members to demonstrate and use their own views to deal with specific issues and to address the needs and problems that emerge and prevail in their societies. The two emerging paradigms of community participation suggest that the participating communities should be involved in the ‘selection, design, planning and implementation’ of projects that will have an effect on them and from which they are going to benefit ; and that continuous feedback to communities forms a fundamental part of any development activity. This report explores how the “Breaking New Ground in Housing” (BNG) policy of the South African Government meets its objectives in the context of community participation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: April, Tandeka
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Housing policy -- Citizen participation , Political participation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9070 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008400 , Housing policy -- Citizen participation , Political participation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality -- Evaluation
- Description: Community participation is an important aspect of South African government policies that deal with integrated development planning and sustainable development. This report presents aspects of community participation in infrastructure delivery and in particular housing in Reeston which is part of the Duncan Village Redevelopment Initiative in East London area of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The importance of community participation is acknowledged as it enhances the ability of the community members to demonstrate and use their own views to deal with specific issues and to address the needs and problems that emerge and prevail in their societies. The two emerging paradigms of community participation suggest that the participating communities should be involved in the ‘selection, design, planning and implementation’ of projects that will have an effect on them and from which they are going to benefit ; and that continuous feedback to communities forms a fundamental part of any development activity. This report explores how the “Breaking New Ground in Housing” (BNG) policy of the South African Government meets its objectives in the context of community participation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An assessment of the effectiveness of public consultation: the case study of selected ward committees in the Northern Bay Municipality
- Authors: Arends, Darrin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Political planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8187 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1535 , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Political planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Since 1994, the South African local government has been obligated to consult with its citizenry in respect of the processes of relating to service delivery. The South African Government has developed a wide range of legislation that ensures that communities are consulted on a continuous basis with regard to how services need to be rendered. Communities have a right to be consulted and to give input into issues affecting them. Public consultation as envisaged in the South African legislation has, however, not yielded the desired results which is evident in the spate of service delivery protests over poor or non service delivery. Therefore, this study seeks to analyse the effectiveness and efficiency of pubic consultation in the Northern Areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The researcher used qualitative research methods since it would provide the reader with more insight into how public consultation is implemented in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The communities, senior municipal officials, and councillors have been interviewed in a structured manner and a content analysis has been made of the minutes of the ward committees in the Northern Areas, the annual reports of the Municipality’s Oversight Committee and a range of other reading material. A number of findings has been made during this research project with the most pertinent being the non-compliance to certain sections of legislation by the Municipality. The communities in the Northern Areas generally felt that efficient and effective public consultation would reduce the number of service delivery protests in that part of the Municipality. A number of interventions need to be made by the political leadership with regard to public consultation and more resources need to be committed towards those processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Arends, Darrin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Political planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8187 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1535 , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Political planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Since 1994, the South African local government has been obligated to consult with its citizenry in respect of the processes of relating to service delivery. The South African Government has developed a wide range of legislation that ensures that communities are consulted on a continuous basis with regard to how services need to be rendered. Communities have a right to be consulted and to give input into issues affecting them. Public consultation as envisaged in the South African legislation has, however, not yielded the desired results which is evident in the spate of service delivery protests over poor or non service delivery. Therefore, this study seeks to analyse the effectiveness and efficiency of pubic consultation in the Northern Areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The researcher used qualitative research methods since it would provide the reader with more insight into how public consultation is implemented in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The communities, senior municipal officials, and councillors have been interviewed in a structured manner and a content analysis has been made of the minutes of the ward committees in the Northern Areas, the annual reports of the Municipality’s Oversight Committee and a range of other reading material. A number of findings has been made during this research project with the most pertinent being the non-compliance to certain sections of legislation by the Municipality. The communities in the Northern Areas generally felt that efficient and effective public consultation would reduce the number of service delivery protests in that part of the Municipality. A number of interventions need to be made by the political leadership with regard to public consultation and more resources need to be committed towards those processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An art based support programme for the amelioration of general psychological distress in marginalised children in South Africa
- Authors: Armstrong, Meredith
- Date: 2011 , 2011-06-28
- Subjects: Art therapy for children Child mental health Group psychotherapy for children Abused children -- Mental health
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3096 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003730
- Description: This study aimed to construct, and implement an in-school "art expression" based programme designed to aid in mitigation of psychological stress, behavioural difficulties, and self-negativity frequently experienced by marginalised children. It was developed for application within schools that cater for children exposed to neglect and/or abuse resulting from poverty in South Africa. This programme outline was developed and implemented through intensive exploration and review of previously effective art therapy, art expressive methods and techniques in similar contexts, together with the knowledge and experience of a qualified art therapist and educational psychologist. Data was collected through open-ended informal qualitative interviews, observations, and photographs of artworks produced during sessions. These were then analysed in conjunction, using the content analysis method, visual interpretive measures and thematic analysis. This enquiry documented the process of art creation through "art expression", and its ability to ameliorate psychological difficulties affecting marginalised children in South Africa. Following the establishment of trust between the researchers and the participants, the results found that the use of different art modalities demonstrated predominantly positive results in varying degrees. It is hoped that this study can be used to further practical interventions of this nature in comparable milieus in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Armstrong, Meredith
- Date: 2011 , 2011-06-28
- Subjects: Art therapy for children Child mental health Group psychotherapy for children Abused children -- Mental health
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3096 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003730
- Description: This study aimed to construct, and implement an in-school "art expression" based programme designed to aid in mitigation of psychological stress, behavioural difficulties, and self-negativity frequently experienced by marginalised children. It was developed for application within schools that cater for children exposed to neglect and/or abuse resulting from poverty in South Africa. This programme outline was developed and implemented through intensive exploration and review of previously effective art therapy, art expressive methods and techniques in similar contexts, together with the knowledge and experience of a qualified art therapist and educational psychologist. Data was collected through open-ended informal qualitative interviews, observations, and photographs of artworks produced during sessions. These were then analysed in conjunction, using the content analysis method, visual interpretive measures and thematic analysis. This enquiry documented the process of art creation through "art expression", and its ability to ameliorate psychological difficulties affecting marginalised children in South Africa. Following the establishment of trust between the researchers and the participants, the results found that the use of different art modalities demonstrated predominantly positive results in varying degrees. It is hoped that this study can be used to further practical interventions of this nature in comparable milieus in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of effective customer care management at Buffalo city municipality: a case study
- Authors: Asiedu, Benjamin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Customer services -- South Africa -- Management , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Civil service reform -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7947 , vital:24327
- Description: In 1994, the new democratic South African government realised the magnitude of its service delivery problem and the urgency with which it needed to solve it. Emphasis was placed on better life for all. The local government, with regard to ensuring better life all, has since adopted the Batho-Pele principles and incorporated them into customer care to deliver a better life for all. However, recent service delivery reports in the Daily Dispatch and its sister publication Go & Express as well as service delivery protests across the country (including BCM) indicate all is not well. Many hypothesises have been raised as to why municipalities continue to under-perform. However, beyond these hypothesises is customer care management, and its constituents of customer service, complaint management and call centre activities. Customer care in the public sector has long been seen as the work of front-line staff. Others believe it is irrelevant in the public service due to the non-competitive nature of public service. Batho-Pele principles, since its inception in the public sector in South Africa, have been drummed up to put people first. Weary citizens see it differently and this has not escaped Buffalo City Municipality (BCM). BCM, one of the pioneers in the South African local government to have initiated customer care, admits there is institutional inefficiency. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of customer care management at BCM. In doing so; the study has narrowed the study to: describing the practice of customer care and customer care management in the public sector ( BCM included), establishing the components that constitute an integrated customer care management programme at BCM, investigating and describing the conceptual understanding of customer care and customer care management at BCM, and exploring and describing the role vision and values statements play in rendering a successful customer care programme at local government level with BCM as the focal point.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Asiedu, Benjamin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Customer services -- South Africa -- Management , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Civil service reform -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7947 , vital:24327
- Description: In 1994, the new democratic South African government realised the magnitude of its service delivery problem and the urgency with which it needed to solve it. Emphasis was placed on better life for all. The local government, with regard to ensuring better life all, has since adopted the Batho-Pele principles and incorporated them into customer care to deliver a better life for all. However, recent service delivery reports in the Daily Dispatch and its sister publication Go & Express as well as service delivery protests across the country (including BCM) indicate all is not well. Many hypothesises have been raised as to why municipalities continue to under-perform. However, beyond these hypothesises is customer care management, and its constituents of customer service, complaint management and call centre activities. Customer care in the public sector has long been seen as the work of front-line staff. Others believe it is irrelevant in the public service due to the non-competitive nature of public service. Batho-Pele principles, since its inception in the public sector in South Africa, have been drummed up to put people first. Weary citizens see it differently and this has not escaped Buffalo City Municipality (BCM). BCM, one of the pioneers in the South African local government to have initiated customer care, admits there is institutional inefficiency. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of customer care management at BCM. In doing so; the study has narrowed the study to: describing the practice of customer care and customer care management in the public sector ( BCM included), establishing the components that constitute an integrated customer care management programme at BCM, investigating and describing the conceptual understanding of customer care and customer care management at BCM, and exploring and describing the role vision and values statements play in rendering a successful customer care programme at local government level with BCM as the focal point.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Improving school management systems of low pass rate of high schools in the PE school district
- Authors: August, Thozama Ncediwe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School failure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Secondary -- Eastern Cape -- Port Elizabeth Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12571 , vital:27095
- Description: The DoE is structured in such a way that in all the provinces there are Districts which are formed by clusters. The performance of each province is measured according to that of the different Districts. This District performance reflects back to the schools in the clusters where they are found. Everyone is keen to know which District will be the top performer in the Grade 12 results in the Eastern Cape; because this is where performance of each school is measured. In the past years it was sad to notice that the Eastern Cape schools have had a very low pass rate. The DoE (PE) District has a challenge to change the situation in which the province finds itself. This research seeks to address the challenges encountered by the schools which are not able to improve their pass rate. It focuses on the school management systems of low pass rate schools; and how can they be modified. It is vitally important to manage the organisation or institution in a way which will optimize performance. That is the reason for discussing and debating the way school management is operated in the high pass rate schools, so that differences between the two categories of schools are noted and good strategies are utilised in low pass rate schools. For the PE District to improve; the schools in the circuits must improve in their performance. Each circuit is allocated an Educational Development Officer (EDO). It is the duty of the EDO to monitor and evaluate the schools in their circuits. These departmental officials have to ensure that schools are managed well; that is, that the school management systems are functioning properly. They need to assist the schools in any way they can, in order to improve the performance of the schools. This research study seeks to bring forward the challenges faced by the low performing schools so that every stakeholder in the schools and in the DoE is on board to improve the situation. Improvement in the circuit will help the province to enhance its overall performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: August, Thozama Ncediwe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School failure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Secondary -- Eastern Cape -- Port Elizabeth Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12571 , vital:27095
- Description: The DoE is structured in such a way that in all the provinces there are Districts which are formed by clusters. The performance of each province is measured according to that of the different Districts. This District performance reflects back to the schools in the clusters where they are found. Everyone is keen to know which District will be the top performer in the Grade 12 results in the Eastern Cape; because this is where performance of each school is measured. In the past years it was sad to notice that the Eastern Cape schools have had a very low pass rate. The DoE (PE) District has a challenge to change the situation in which the province finds itself. This research seeks to address the challenges encountered by the schools which are not able to improve their pass rate. It focuses on the school management systems of low pass rate schools; and how can they be modified. It is vitally important to manage the organisation or institution in a way which will optimize performance. That is the reason for discussing and debating the way school management is operated in the high pass rate schools, so that differences between the two categories of schools are noted and good strategies are utilised in low pass rate schools. For the PE District to improve; the schools in the circuits must improve in their performance. Each circuit is allocated an Educational Development Officer (EDO). It is the duty of the EDO to monitor and evaluate the schools in their circuits. These departmental officials have to ensure that schools are managed well; that is, that the school management systems are functioning properly. They need to assist the schools in any way they can, in order to improve the performance of the schools. This research study seeks to bring forward the challenges faced by the low performing schools so that every stakeholder in the schools and in the DoE is on board to improve the situation. Improvement in the circuit will help the province to enhance its overall performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The value of remnant habitat patches for conserving butterflies (Lepidoptera) in King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Avuletey, Richard
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Butterflies -- Research Butterflies -- Behaviour South Africa -- Transkei
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:18490 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1011285
- Description: Butterflies (Lepidoptera) have attracted more attention as indicators of terrestrial ecosystems than other invertebrates. This taxon is widely used as tools or subjects for biodiversity conservation planning in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The study determined butterfly species turnover at a-priori selected habitat patches in a protected area (Nduli Nature Reserve) and non-formally protected areas (outside Nduli Nature Reserve) of the KSD Local Municipality and their response to measured environmental variables. Using transect survey methods, 516 butterfly individuals belonging to 22 species were caught from 16 sampling units. Species dominance curves showed more butterfly species evenness outside reserve sites than inside. Hierarchical clustering using Bray-Curtis similarity matrices and Correspondence analysis (CA) grouped sampling units according to butterfly species sampled. Site habitat patches outside the reserve were richer in butterfly and overall abundance than inside the reserve. The Canonical Correspondence analysis (CCA) results revealed that certain site variables such as percentage herb cover, area of patch size, average grass height, grazing intensity, distance to the city centre and average flower density accounted for species distribution patterns at various sampling units. The conservation implications of the study suggest that patch level management of micro-habitats with sufficient flowering herbs, structural vegetation, and patch size with minimal disturbance within and outside reserve areas can encourage rare and common butterfly species richness and diversity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Avuletey, Richard
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Butterflies -- Research Butterflies -- Behaviour South Africa -- Transkei
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:18490 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1011285
- Description: Butterflies (Lepidoptera) have attracted more attention as indicators of terrestrial ecosystems than other invertebrates. This taxon is widely used as tools or subjects for biodiversity conservation planning in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The study determined butterfly species turnover at a-priori selected habitat patches in a protected area (Nduli Nature Reserve) and non-formally protected areas (outside Nduli Nature Reserve) of the KSD Local Municipality and their response to measured environmental variables. Using transect survey methods, 516 butterfly individuals belonging to 22 species were caught from 16 sampling units. Species dominance curves showed more butterfly species evenness outside reserve sites than inside. Hierarchical clustering using Bray-Curtis similarity matrices and Correspondence analysis (CA) grouped sampling units according to butterfly species sampled. Site habitat patches outside the reserve were richer in butterfly and overall abundance than inside the reserve. The Canonical Correspondence analysis (CCA) results revealed that certain site variables such as percentage herb cover, area of patch size, average grass height, grazing intensity, distance to the city centre and average flower density accounted for species distribution patterns at various sampling units. The conservation implications of the study suggest that patch level management of micro-habitats with sufficient flowering herbs, structural vegetation, and patch size with minimal disturbance within and outside reserve areas can encourage rare and common butterfly species richness and diversity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Exploring the use of mineral corridors and stranded ore deposits in order to alleviate rural poverty and effect environmental and social change through a proposed rural development corridor in South Africa
- Authors: Baartjes, Joan Charlaine
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11517 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/389 , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa has less than 1 percent of the global land surface, yet it is ranked highly in terms of remaining mineral resources. Mineral wealth has not translated into a better life for all. Poverty, however, abounds; particularly in the rural areas and this study seeks to identify a solution or partial solution to this situation. The study combines two critical areas, Mineral Based Rural Development, and Mineral Based Enterprise Development and draws from it a model for Mineraldriven Rural Economic Development viable for all parts of South Africa. This study comprised research on a national scale and thus covered a section of each of South Africa‟s nine provinces. It investigated the conditions in rural and urban centres, and geologically, it traversed examples of Archaean, Proterozoic and Phanerozoic formations. The field visits deliberately set out to look at some of the lowest value commodities; typically the only minerals available to the surrounding rural communities. This was done to see if a case could be made for even the lowest value commodities which are often found furthest from the large markets. This study indicates that for a rural area to be able to compete nationally or internationally, it is important to be competitive so that the area can participate in the economy. The creation of regional competitive areas allow for the focusing of strategies and funding for targeted rural projects. Enterprises, typically the product of entrepreneurial activity, are required to increase economic intensity and activity. xxvii The goal of poverty reduction, has been identified by government so that enterprises, as products of economic development, can be focused on the situation. Interviews conducted by the researcher indicated that part of the problem to overcome is the bureaucracy created by government which hinders enterprise development. Recommendations are made that government should exempt rural enterprises from some of the compliance hurdles. This will serve to accelerate rural development. An important aspect of urban enterprises is that they have access to labour without too many problems. Thirteen developed or developing corridors were visited of the five types of development corridors identified. It was found that those in areas of high poverty (for example the corridors of the Eastern Cape) are difficult to develop and make self-sustaining. The corridors linked to any point of Gauteng (Johannesburg or Pretoria) are more robust, although the relatively short length of the corridor is not an indicator of effectiveness. The key recommendations made include the completion of a national rural mineral-asset audit; the use of the information to demarcate rural-regions that can be developed as nationally and internationally competitive regions; the establishment of a rural Resource and Training Academy(ies) so that skills are developed close to areas where they will be deployed; provision of an easier way to launch mineral-based rural enterprises and incentivise these for accelerated development; and the development of an indigenous body of knowledge to mine small scale deposits
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Baartjes, Joan Charlaine
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11517 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/389 , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa has less than 1 percent of the global land surface, yet it is ranked highly in terms of remaining mineral resources. Mineral wealth has not translated into a better life for all. Poverty, however, abounds; particularly in the rural areas and this study seeks to identify a solution or partial solution to this situation. The study combines two critical areas, Mineral Based Rural Development, and Mineral Based Enterprise Development and draws from it a model for Mineraldriven Rural Economic Development viable for all parts of South Africa. This study comprised research on a national scale and thus covered a section of each of South Africa‟s nine provinces. It investigated the conditions in rural and urban centres, and geologically, it traversed examples of Archaean, Proterozoic and Phanerozoic formations. The field visits deliberately set out to look at some of the lowest value commodities; typically the only minerals available to the surrounding rural communities. This was done to see if a case could be made for even the lowest value commodities which are often found furthest from the large markets. This study indicates that for a rural area to be able to compete nationally or internationally, it is important to be competitive so that the area can participate in the economy. The creation of regional competitive areas allow for the focusing of strategies and funding for targeted rural projects. Enterprises, typically the product of entrepreneurial activity, are required to increase economic intensity and activity. xxvii The goal of poverty reduction, has been identified by government so that enterprises, as products of economic development, can be focused on the situation. Interviews conducted by the researcher indicated that part of the problem to overcome is the bureaucracy created by government which hinders enterprise development. Recommendations are made that government should exempt rural enterprises from some of the compliance hurdles. This will serve to accelerate rural development. An important aspect of urban enterprises is that they have access to labour without too many problems. Thirteen developed or developing corridors were visited of the five types of development corridors identified. It was found that those in areas of high poverty (for example the corridors of the Eastern Cape) are difficult to develop and make self-sustaining. The corridors linked to any point of Gauteng (Johannesburg or Pretoria) are more robust, although the relatively short length of the corridor is not an indicator of effectiveness. The key recommendations made include the completion of a national rural mineral-asset audit; the use of the information to demarcate rural-regions that can be developed as nationally and internationally competitive regions; the establishment of a rural Resource and Training Academy(ies) so that skills are developed close to areas where they will be deployed; provision of an easier way to launch mineral-based rural enterprises and incentivise these for accelerated development; and the development of an indigenous body of knowledge to mine small scale deposits
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Developing assessment criteria for a sustainable energy sector development project: shale gas exploration in the Karoo
- Authors: Badassey, Jyoti
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Economic development -- Sustainability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9072 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008405 , Sustainable development , Economic development -- Sustainability
- Description: This research project aims to assess development projects in the energy sector with its focus on the shale gas exploration in the Karoo. The assessment is based on a critical analysis of the concepts and principles of sustainability, complexity and the National Environmental Management Act, using a critical hermeneutics methodology to develop an assessment criterion. Critical hermeneutics is the science and art of interpreting texts, challenging the status quo, its influences and assumptions. Hermeneutics is the reaction to enlightenment fundamentalism, which is an over-reliance on rationality and the scientific method as a primary means of obtaining truth. Hence this research has adopted a triangulation of ideas and concepts derived from sustainability and complexity to find the truth about the sustainability of development projects (Cilliers, 1998; Deleuze & Guattari, 1994; Byrne, 1998). The Central Karoo is situated in the North Eastern part of the Western Province. It is characterised by dry, arid conditions with highly environmentally sensitive land. Central Karoo has the smallest concentration of people in the Western Cape (Van Vuuren, 2008). This research project offers an assessment that will help governments determine the feasibility of energy sector projects since it discusses the impact of exploration for shale gas in the Karoo and explains the process, recommendations and the environmental legislature required for any project to take place in South Africa. Further, it highlights the environmental damage caused by the shale gas exploration as well as the positive economic impact that it could have on the country. For this research, hermeneutics has offered a framework rather than a system; it is a research philosophy that places human experience at the forefront as it honours a variety of interpretations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Badassey, Jyoti
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Economic development -- Sustainability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9072 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008405 , Sustainable development , Economic development -- Sustainability
- Description: This research project aims to assess development projects in the energy sector with its focus on the shale gas exploration in the Karoo. The assessment is based on a critical analysis of the concepts and principles of sustainability, complexity and the National Environmental Management Act, using a critical hermeneutics methodology to develop an assessment criterion. Critical hermeneutics is the science and art of interpreting texts, challenging the status quo, its influences and assumptions. Hermeneutics is the reaction to enlightenment fundamentalism, which is an over-reliance on rationality and the scientific method as a primary means of obtaining truth. Hence this research has adopted a triangulation of ideas and concepts derived from sustainability and complexity to find the truth about the sustainability of development projects (Cilliers, 1998; Deleuze & Guattari, 1994; Byrne, 1998). The Central Karoo is situated in the North Eastern part of the Western Province. It is characterised by dry, arid conditions with highly environmentally sensitive land. Central Karoo has the smallest concentration of people in the Western Cape (Van Vuuren, 2008). This research project offers an assessment that will help governments determine the feasibility of energy sector projects since it discusses the impact of exploration for shale gas in the Karoo and explains the process, recommendations and the environmental legislature required for any project to take place in South Africa. Further, it highlights the environmental damage caused by the shale gas exploration as well as the positive economic impact that it could have on the country. For this research, hermeneutics has offered a framework rather than a system; it is a research philosophy that places human experience at the forefront as it honours a variety of interpretations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Oorsaaipraktyke en vestiging van eenjarige raaigras in lusernweiding
- Authors: Badenhorst, Daniël
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Alfalfa Alfalfa -- Irrigation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11792 , vital:26969
- Description: Die Eden- en Overbergdistrik in die Suid-Kaap vorm die mees suidelike substreke van die winterreëngebied. Dit is geleë tussen 33° 45‟ en 34° 50‟ suiderbreedte en tussen 19° 0‟ en 23° 45‟ oosterlengte. Die westelike grens van die substreek word gevorm deur die Villiersdorp-Botrivier-gebied. Aan die noordekant word die substreek begrens deur die Sonderend-, Lange- en Outeniquabergreekse. Die oostelike grens word gevorm deur die Bloukransrivier. Die Indiese Oseaankuslyn vanaf Nature‟s Valley in die ooste tot by Kleinmond in die weste vorm die suidelike grens. In die Suidkusstreek word 54.5% van die Wes-Kaapse melkproduksie en 24% van Suid-Afrika se melkproduksie deur 1900 melkprodusente geproduseer (Dowrey 2005). Ses en dertig persent van die bruto jaarlikse veeproduk is afkomstig vanaf suiwelprodukte wat hoofsaaklik vanaf aangeplante weiding geproduseer word. Aangeplante weiding beslaan 37.7% van die totale oppervlakte van die vee- en saaigebiede van die Suidkusstreek (Botha 2003). Weens beperkte, skaars besproeiingswater in groot dele van die Suid-Kaap, word heelwat weiding slegs aanvullend besproei (Protopapas 2004). Voervloeiprogramme vir melkproduksie onder aanvullende besproeiing bestaan hoofsaaklik uit kikoejoe (Pennisetum clandestinum) en lusern (Medicago sativa) (Botha 2003). Die droëmateriaalproduksie en weikapasiteit van lusern volg, soos kikoejoe, „n baie sterk seisoenale tendens met „n piek in die somer / herfs en „n laagtepunt in die winter (Durand 1993; Botha 1998; Botha 2003). Voervloeiprogramme met lusern of kikoejoe as hoofkomponente het gewoonlik voertekorte gedurende die winter tot gevolg. Hoofsaaklik om dié rede het boere uit die lusernproduserende gebiede van Heidelberg, Riversdal, Herbertsdale en Mosselbaai, deur hul onderskeie boereverenigings, „n versoek aan Outeniqua Navorsingsplaas gerig om ondersoek in te stel na moontlike oorsaaipraktyke wat die droëmateriaalproduksie van lusernstelsels gedurende die winter kan verhoog. Kikoejoeweiding word reeds die afgelope aantal jare suksesvol met Westerworldsraaigrasse oorgesaai vir beter herfs-, winter- en lenteproduksie. Anders as by kikoejoeweidings bestaan daar huidiglik geen beproefde oorsaaipraktyke wat die produksiepotensiaal van lusern in die winter en vroeë lente kan verhoog nie (Anoniem 2002).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Badenhorst, Daniël
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Alfalfa Alfalfa -- Irrigation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11792 , vital:26969
- Description: Die Eden- en Overbergdistrik in die Suid-Kaap vorm die mees suidelike substreke van die winterreëngebied. Dit is geleë tussen 33° 45‟ en 34° 50‟ suiderbreedte en tussen 19° 0‟ en 23° 45‟ oosterlengte. Die westelike grens van die substreek word gevorm deur die Villiersdorp-Botrivier-gebied. Aan die noordekant word die substreek begrens deur die Sonderend-, Lange- en Outeniquabergreekse. Die oostelike grens word gevorm deur die Bloukransrivier. Die Indiese Oseaankuslyn vanaf Nature‟s Valley in die ooste tot by Kleinmond in die weste vorm die suidelike grens. In die Suidkusstreek word 54.5% van die Wes-Kaapse melkproduksie en 24% van Suid-Afrika se melkproduksie deur 1900 melkprodusente geproduseer (Dowrey 2005). Ses en dertig persent van die bruto jaarlikse veeproduk is afkomstig vanaf suiwelprodukte wat hoofsaaklik vanaf aangeplante weiding geproduseer word. Aangeplante weiding beslaan 37.7% van die totale oppervlakte van die vee- en saaigebiede van die Suidkusstreek (Botha 2003). Weens beperkte, skaars besproeiingswater in groot dele van die Suid-Kaap, word heelwat weiding slegs aanvullend besproei (Protopapas 2004). Voervloeiprogramme vir melkproduksie onder aanvullende besproeiing bestaan hoofsaaklik uit kikoejoe (Pennisetum clandestinum) en lusern (Medicago sativa) (Botha 2003). Die droëmateriaalproduksie en weikapasiteit van lusern volg, soos kikoejoe, „n baie sterk seisoenale tendens met „n piek in die somer / herfs en „n laagtepunt in die winter (Durand 1993; Botha 1998; Botha 2003). Voervloeiprogramme met lusern of kikoejoe as hoofkomponente het gewoonlik voertekorte gedurende die winter tot gevolg. Hoofsaaklik om dié rede het boere uit die lusernproduserende gebiede van Heidelberg, Riversdal, Herbertsdale en Mosselbaai, deur hul onderskeie boereverenigings, „n versoek aan Outeniqua Navorsingsplaas gerig om ondersoek in te stel na moontlike oorsaaipraktyke wat die droëmateriaalproduksie van lusernstelsels gedurende die winter kan verhoog. Kikoejoeweiding word reeds die afgelope aantal jare suksesvol met Westerworldsraaigrasse oorgesaai vir beter herfs-, winter- en lenteproduksie. Anders as by kikoejoeweidings bestaan daar huidiglik geen beproefde oorsaaipraktyke wat die produksiepotensiaal van lusern in die winter en vroeë lente kan verhoog nie (Anoniem 2002).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The simulation of vehicle engine cooling in a climatic chamber
- Authors: Badenhorst, Kenneth Merwin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Automobiles -- Motors -- Cooling systems , Automobiles -- Air conditioning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9615 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1454 , Automobiles -- Motors -- Cooling systems , Automobiles -- Air conditioning
- Description: The simulation of vehicle engine cooling validation in a Climatic chamber will benefit all vehicle manufacturers that are responsible for the design or the localization of parts used in a vehicle's engine cooling system. The ability to test the vehicle in-house allows testing at any time of the year; it provides repeatable and comparative data, and accelerates component level approval, which in itself reduces program timing and cost. For this dissertation road level testing was conducted in Upington using a TD1200 Superflow towing dynamometer, while the in-house testing was performed on a ROTOTEST chassis dynamometer in a Climatic chamber. All tests were conducted according to GENERAL MOTORS SOUTH AFRICA global testing standards. Statistical analyses of the test data were used to determine the relationship between parameters measured and results obtained. The major contributors to the simulation process was identified and implemented to improve measurement quality and test results. The result was an accurate simulation between road and chamber testing, hence the possibility of moving away from road testing and conduct simulated chamber testing. The presented dissertation is useful for the understanding of basic vehicle cooling testing and the methodology of simulated testing in an environmentally controlled chamber.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Badenhorst, Kenneth Merwin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Automobiles -- Motors -- Cooling systems , Automobiles -- Air conditioning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9615 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1454 , Automobiles -- Motors -- Cooling systems , Automobiles -- Air conditioning
- Description: The simulation of vehicle engine cooling validation in a Climatic chamber will benefit all vehicle manufacturers that are responsible for the design or the localization of parts used in a vehicle's engine cooling system. The ability to test the vehicle in-house allows testing at any time of the year; it provides repeatable and comparative data, and accelerates component level approval, which in itself reduces program timing and cost. For this dissertation road level testing was conducted in Upington using a TD1200 Superflow towing dynamometer, while the in-house testing was performed on a ROTOTEST chassis dynamometer in a Climatic chamber. All tests were conducted according to GENERAL MOTORS SOUTH AFRICA global testing standards. Statistical analyses of the test data were used to determine the relationship between parameters measured and results obtained. The major contributors to the simulation process was identified and implemented to improve measurement quality and test results. The result was an accurate simulation between road and chamber testing, hence the possibility of moving away from road testing and conduct simulated chamber testing. The presented dissertation is useful for the understanding of basic vehicle cooling testing and the methodology of simulated testing in an environmentally controlled chamber.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Improving the organisational perfomance of school by increasing the effectiveness of school management teams
- Authors: Balie, Isaac Ronald
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School management teams -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School boards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8584 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1612 , School management teams -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School boards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The principal together with the school management team (SMT) of a public school is responsible for ensuring that all areas in the school function effectively. Effective school-based management is no longer a choice in South Africa but, rather, a must. Seventeen years into democracy, the Grade 12 pass rates in the Eastern Cape for the past three years were 50.6% in 2008, 51.0% in 2009 and 58.3% in 2010. Although there has been an improvement over the last three years, the Eastern Cape was still number seven out of the nine provinces in 2010. Against this background the question arose as to whether the schools in the Eastern Cape were effectively managed. The primary objective of the study is therefore to improve the organisational performance of public schools in the Uitenhage education district by investigating the relationship between the perceived effective implementation of basic managerial tasks (planning, organising, leading and controlling), on the one hand, and organisational performance of schools, on the other hand. Convenience sampling was used to select 100 out of a possible 139 senior management team members from 26 public schools in the Uitenhage education district. The sample was stratified to include principals, deputy principals and heads of departments. The empirical results revealed that the management tasks, leading and controlling, were the main determinants of the organisational performance of participating schools. The empirical results showed that planning and organising do not have a significant influence on the organisational performance of these schools. The managerial implications of the results are discussed and recommendations are made on the basis of these discussions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Balie, Isaac Ronald
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School management teams -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School boards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8584 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1612 , School management teams -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School boards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The principal together with the school management team (SMT) of a public school is responsible for ensuring that all areas in the school function effectively. Effective school-based management is no longer a choice in South Africa but, rather, a must. Seventeen years into democracy, the Grade 12 pass rates in the Eastern Cape for the past three years were 50.6% in 2008, 51.0% in 2009 and 58.3% in 2010. Although there has been an improvement over the last three years, the Eastern Cape was still number seven out of the nine provinces in 2010. Against this background the question arose as to whether the schools in the Eastern Cape were effectively managed. The primary objective of the study is therefore to improve the organisational performance of public schools in the Uitenhage education district by investigating the relationship between the perceived effective implementation of basic managerial tasks (planning, organising, leading and controlling), on the one hand, and organisational performance of schools, on the other hand. Convenience sampling was used to select 100 out of a possible 139 senior management team members from 26 public schools in the Uitenhage education district. The sample was stratified to include principals, deputy principals and heads of departments. The empirical results revealed that the management tasks, leading and controlling, were the main determinants of the organisational performance of participating schools. The empirical results showed that planning and organising do not have a significant influence on the organisational performance of these schools. The managerial implications of the results are discussed and recommendations are made on the basis of these discussions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The strategic management of intellectual capital : a case study in the banking and financial services sector in Zambia
- Authors: Banda, Japhet Mathias
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Intellectual capital -- Management , Intellectual capital -- Zambia , Banks and banking -- Zambia , Financial services industry -- Management -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1178 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002795 , Intellectual capital -- Management , Intellectual capital -- Zambia , Banks and banking -- Zambia , Financial services industry -- Management -- Zambia
- Description: Fundamental changes in the global economy are changing the basis of organisational competitive advantage. The challenge in attaining a competitive advantage is characterised by factors such as increased competition, market volatility, geographically dispersed operations, customer awareness, raising workforce diversity and stringent regulatory regimes. These factors have driven, and in turn have been driven by, an increasing complexity of products, services and the processes that create value, resulting in changes in the structural and functional dimensions of the organisation. Business executives and academics recognise the shift in value creating assets from the traditional land, labour and capital to intangible assets such as knowledge and information becoming the most important resources an organisation can muster.The combination and integration of intangible assets such as human resources, structural and relational resources has been grouped under the umbrella of intellectual capital. This study comprises of a single descriptive case study analysis to ascertain how intellectual capital is managed strategically to gain a competitive advantage in an organisation in the banking and financial services sector in Zambia. Based on document review and semi-structured interviews, this thesis investigated the extent to which an organisation in the banking and financial services sector in Zambia leveraged intellectual capital to gain competitive advantage. In this study it was found that there is a low level appreciation of the intellectual capital phenomenon as a strategic management tool in the participating organisation. However, the organisation has adopted aspects of intellectual capital and has implemented them successfully accounting for the organisation‘s competitive edge in the market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Banda, Japhet Mathias
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Intellectual capital -- Management , Intellectual capital -- Zambia , Banks and banking -- Zambia , Financial services industry -- Management -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1178 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002795 , Intellectual capital -- Management , Intellectual capital -- Zambia , Banks and banking -- Zambia , Financial services industry -- Management -- Zambia
- Description: Fundamental changes in the global economy are changing the basis of organisational competitive advantage. The challenge in attaining a competitive advantage is characterised by factors such as increased competition, market volatility, geographically dispersed operations, customer awareness, raising workforce diversity and stringent regulatory regimes. These factors have driven, and in turn have been driven by, an increasing complexity of products, services and the processes that create value, resulting in changes in the structural and functional dimensions of the organisation. Business executives and academics recognise the shift in value creating assets from the traditional land, labour and capital to intangible assets such as knowledge and information becoming the most important resources an organisation can muster.The combination and integration of intangible assets such as human resources, structural and relational resources has been grouped under the umbrella of intellectual capital. This study comprises of a single descriptive case study analysis to ascertain how intellectual capital is managed strategically to gain a competitive advantage in an organisation in the banking and financial services sector in Zambia. Based on document review and semi-structured interviews, this thesis investigated the extent to which an organisation in the banking and financial services sector in Zambia leveraged intellectual capital to gain competitive advantage. In this study it was found that there is a low level appreciation of the intellectual capital phenomenon as a strategic management tool in the participating organisation. However, the organisation has adopted aspects of intellectual capital and has implemented them successfully accounting for the organisation‘s competitive edge in the market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Adjustment of commercial banks' interest rates and the effectiveness of monetary policy: evidence from Anglophone West Africa
- Authors: Bangura, Lamin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Africa, West , Banks and banking -- Africa, West , Interest rates -- Africa, West
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:951 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002685 , Monetary policy -- Africa, West , Banks and banking -- Africa, West , Interest rates -- Africa, West
- Description: Most central banks use short-term interest rates as their main instrument of monetary policy. It is assumed that a change in policy rate will influence interest rates set by commercial banks, but this is not usually the case. Commercial banks adjust their interest rates in response to changes in policy rate with lags, which make their interest rates sticky. Stickiness in commercial banks interest rates have been seen as an obstacle to the smooth transmission of monetary policy decisions. Despite the importance of the transmission process, little attention has been given to a systematic measurement of the degree of response of commercial banks‟ interest rates to changes in monetary policy stance in the Anglophone West African countries, specifically within the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) economies. Against this backdrop, this study explores the interest rate adjustment dynamics using monthly interest rate series on discount rate, treasury bill rate, commercial banks‟ deposit and lending rates from 1989 to 2009 (for Gambia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone) and from 2000 to 2009 (for Ghana). Specifically, the study set out to examine how lending and deposit rates respond to changes in the official rates and to see whether there is a convergence among the rates over time. Also, to examine the relative adjustment of commercial bank lending rates to changes in the official rate when there is disequilibrium. The analyses were twofold: a full sample period and a rolling window analysis. Following Cottarelli and Kourelis (1994), the study employed cointegration technique and an asymmetric error correction model to obtain the short-run and long-run parameters from which the error correction coefficients, mean adjustment lags and asymmetric mean adjustment lags were estimated. The results for the entire sample period revealed that the long-run pass-through in Nigeria was 81% and 67% for lending rates and deposit rates respectively. In Ghana, it was 66% and 69% for lending and deposit rates respectively. While in Sierra Leone, long-run pass-through was 62% and 72% for lending and deposit rates respectively. In Gambia, it was 50% and 40% for lending and deposit rates respectively. On the other hand, the short-run pass-through was found to be lower compared to the long-run pass-through: in Nigeria it was 66% and 47%; in Gambia, 26% and 29%; in Sierra Leone, 30% and 13%; and in Ghana, -6% and 35% for lending and deposit rates respectively in each country. The pass-through estimates for the rolling windows were mixed for short-run and long-run pass-through. The mean adjustment lags suggest that the speed of adjustment of Lending rates for full sample period were two, two, seven and twelve months in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Gambia respectively. While for deposit rates they were five, six, seven and eighteen for Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia and Sierra Leone respectively. The average speeds of adjustment for the rolling windows were four and five months for lending and deposit rates respectively. Weak evidence of convergence was found in lending and deposit rates in the short-run and long-run pass-through among the countries. However, the results suggest that the magnitude and speed of the pass-through amongst the countries on average were high compared to emerging Asian countries. Significant asymmetric adjustments were found in the lending rates for Gambia and Sierra Leone, while in Gambia and Nigeria there were asymmetries in deposit rates. Based on the evidence provided, interest rate pass-through is high in Nigeria and Ghana compared to Gambia and Sierra Leone and this calls for the harmonization of financial policies on the part of the financial authorities in the WAMZ. Viewed solely from an interest rate pass-through, the lack of convergence among the countries suggests that WAMZ is far from ready for a monetary union. The relatively low pass-through in some of the countries suggests rigidity in the banking system which may be due to underdevelopment of the system. Thus efforts geared toward strengthening the banking system and the financial system as whole would further enhance the prospect of a monetary union among them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Bangura, Lamin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Africa, West , Banks and banking -- Africa, West , Interest rates -- Africa, West
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:951 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002685 , Monetary policy -- Africa, West , Banks and banking -- Africa, West , Interest rates -- Africa, West
- Description: Most central banks use short-term interest rates as their main instrument of monetary policy. It is assumed that a change in policy rate will influence interest rates set by commercial banks, but this is not usually the case. Commercial banks adjust their interest rates in response to changes in policy rate with lags, which make their interest rates sticky. Stickiness in commercial banks interest rates have been seen as an obstacle to the smooth transmission of monetary policy decisions. Despite the importance of the transmission process, little attention has been given to a systematic measurement of the degree of response of commercial banks‟ interest rates to changes in monetary policy stance in the Anglophone West African countries, specifically within the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) economies. Against this backdrop, this study explores the interest rate adjustment dynamics using monthly interest rate series on discount rate, treasury bill rate, commercial banks‟ deposit and lending rates from 1989 to 2009 (for Gambia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone) and from 2000 to 2009 (for Ghana). Specifically, the study set out to examine how lending and deposit rates respond to changes in the official rates and to see whether there is a convergence among the rates over time. Also, to examine the relative adjustment of commercial bank lending rates to changes in the official rate when there is disequilibrium. The analyses were twofold: a full sample period and a rolling window analysis. Following Cottarelli and Kourelis (1994), the study employed cointegration technique and an asymmetric error correction model to obtain the short-run and long-run parameters from which the error correction coefficients, mean adjustment lags and asymmetric mean adjustment lags were estimated. The results for the entire sample period revealed that the long-run pass-through in Nigeria was 81% and 67% for lending rates and deposit rates respectively. In Ghana, it was 66% and 69% for lending and deposit rates respectively. While in Sierra Leone, long-run pass-through was 62% and 72% for lending and deposit rates respectively. In Gambia, it was 50% and 40% for lending and deposit rates respectively. On the other hand, the short-run pass-through was found to be lower compared to the long-run pass-through: in Nigeria it was 66% and 47%; in Gambia, 26% and 29%; in Sierra Leone, 30% and 13%; and in Ghana, -6% and 35% for lending and deposit rates respectively in each country. The pass-through estimates for the rolling windows were mixed for short-run and long-run pass-through. The mean adjustment lags suggest that the speed of adjustment of Lending rates for full sample period were two, two, seven and twelve months in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Gambia respectively. While for deposit rates they were five, six, seven and eighteen for Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia and Sierra Leone respectively. The average speeds of adjustment for the rolling windows were four and five months for lending and deposit rates respectively. Weak evidence of convergence was found in lending and deposit rates in the short-run and long-run pass-through among the countries. However, the results suggest that the magnitude and speed of the pass-through amongst the countries on average were high compared to emerging Asian countries. Significant asymmetric adjustments were found in the lending rates for Gambia and Sierra Leone, while in Gambia and Nigeria there were asymmetries in deposit rates. Based on the evidence provided, interest rate pass-through is high in Nigeria and Ghana compared to Gambia and Sierra Leone and this calls for the harmonization of financial policies on the part of the financial authorities in the WAMZ. Viewed solely from an interest rate pass-through, the lack of convergence among the countries suggests that WAMZ is far from ready for a monetary union. The relatively low pass-through in some of the countries suggests rigidity in the banking system which may be due to underdevelopment of the system. Thus efforts geared toward strengthening the banking system and the financial system as whole would further enhance the prospect of a monetary union among them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The use of lean tools to increase productivity and improve efficiency in Port Elizabeth Enforcement Audit
- Authors: Bantom, Phumeza Patience
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Quality control -- Auditing , Waste minimization , Auditing, Internal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8645 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008159 , Lean manufacturing , Quality control -- Auditing , Waste minimization , Auditing, Internal
- Description: Lean philosophy is based on the continuous quest to improve the organisation‟s processes by creating a culture and operating principles which eliminate all non value adding activities within organisation„s processes. Manufacturing firms consider the adoption of the Lean tools as basic requirements for achieving World Class operational excellence or Best Practice. For some time, lean has been used by the manufacturing organizations. Most organizations understand that lean will help them survive global competition and stay in business. The objective of this study is to investigate how lean manufacturing tools can be used to improve efficiency and enhance the embedding of a continuous improvement culture in the South African Revenue Service Enforcement Audit Port Elizabeth. The activities that took place in Enforcement Audit Port Elizabeth from September 2010 until 31 October 2011 were observed. During the study, an introductory presentation by the researcher was made to Regional Enforcement Management and staff in general, the presentation was to introduce the study highlighting different Lean tools. Thereafter the Port Elizabeth audit staff members were engaged formally, using surveys to assess their underlying mindset and behaviour as well as informally, using unstructured interviews to solicit more information on activities taking place and the reasoning behind certain actions. The results of the survey and observations are analysed and interpreted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Bantom, Phumeza Patience
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Quality control -- Auditing , Waste minimization , Auditing, Internal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8645 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008159 , Lean manufacturing , Quality control -- Auditing , Waste minimization , Auditing, Internal
- Description: Lean philosophy is based on the continuous quest to improve the organisation‟s processes by creating a culture and operating principles which eliminate all non value adding activities within organisation„s processes. Manufacturing firms consider the adoption of the Lean tools as basic requirements for achieving World Class operational excellence or Best Practice. For some time, lean has been used by the manufacturing organizations. Most organizations understand that lean will help them survive global competition and stay in business. The objective of this study is to investigate how lean manufacturing tools can be used to improve efficiency and enhance the embedding of a continuous improvement culture in the South African Revenue Service Enforcement Audit Port Elizabeth. The activities that took place in Enforcement Audit Port Elizabeth from September 2010 until 31 October 2011 were observed. During the study, an introductory presentation by the researcher was made to Regional Enforcement Management and staff in general, the presentation was to introduce the study highlighting different Lean tools. Thereafter the Port Elizabeth audit staff members were engaged formally, using surveys to assess their underlying mindset and behaviour as well as informally, using unstructured interviews to solicit more information on activities taking place and the reasoning behind certain actions. The results of the survey and observations are analysed and interpreted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Systematics, morphology, phylogeny and historical biogeography of the Mayfly family Prosopistomatidae (Ephemeroptera: Insecta) of the world
- Barber-James, Helen Margaret
- Authors: Barber-James, Helen Margaret
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mayflies Mayflies -- Classification Mayflies -- Morphology Mayflies -- Phylogeny Mayflies -- Geographical distribution Ephemeridae
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5785 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005473
- Description: The diversity, classification and historical biogeography of the mayfly family Prosopistomatidae are explored. First, the higher classification of the Ephemeroptera is reviewed, focussing on the phylogenetic placement of the Prosopistomatidae relative to other mayfly families. All relevant literature from 1762 to 2010 is synthesized. Baetiscidae are established as the probable sister lineage of Prosopistomatidae, the two constituting the superfamily Baetiscoidea. Next, qualitative morphological variation within the Prosopistomatidae is reviewed and revised, emphasizing nymphs because imaginal specimens are few. The labium and associated structures and the hypopharynx of nymphs, and the highly-derived wing venation of the imaginal stages, are re-interpreted. The structure of the male tarsal claws changes considerably between subimago and imago, which, together with deeply scalloped ridges on male imaginal forelegs and unusual pits on the female thorax, are interpreted as providing an unusual mating mechanism. These structures provide morphological characters for species definition and phylogenetic analyses. Two approaches to species delimitation are explored. First, morphometric variation is analysed using Principal Component Analysis, revealing groupings that can be interpreted as species, although there is some overlap between them. Discriminant Function Analysis shows that head width and carapace shape have the most value in identifying nymphs of different species. The carapace of Prosopistoma nymphs is shown to grow allometrically and gradually, in contrast with that of Baetisca, indicating a difference in early ontogeny. Second, an Artificial Neural Network algorithm applied to nymphal morphological characters accurately identified species. This computer-driven artificial intelligence method has power to provide future easy-to-use electronic identification aids. Phylogenetic analysis of nymphal morphology using the parsimony method shows two clades of Prosopistomatidae, one sharing characters with the type species, Prosopistoma variegatum and the other predominating in Africa, although also occurring in Asia; these clades are named the “P. variegatum” and “African” clades, respectively. Parsimony analysis of adult morphology supports these two clades, but supertree analysis obscures the relationships, nesting the “P. variegatum” lineage within the other clade. Preliminary molecular phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA, (mitochondrial) 18S rRNA and Histone-3 genes using Bayesian Inference methods does not support the two clades shown by morphology. Instead, there is a strong relationship between the European species and one African species, with the single Asian representative being most distantly related. These results are limited by lack of fresh material, patchy taxon sampling, and problems with finding suitable primers. A molecular clock program, BEAST, calibrated using fossils, suggests divergence times for the oldest crown-group Prosopistoma clade, represented by the Asian P. wouterae, of about 131 Ma, with the youngest species, the African P. crassi, of 1.21 Ma. Stem-group relationships are analysed using parsimony analysis, focussing on wing characters of the Baetiscoidea, other extant mayfly lineages, and extinct stem-group lineages. This suggests that the Baetiscoidea diverged from main-line Ephemeroptera earlier than any other extant mayfly lineage. This approach expands upon ideas hinted at by earlier scientists. Finally, historical biogeographical analysis of the distribution of known Baetiscoidea s.s. stem-group fossils implies a once Pangean distribution of the lineage. Changing palaeo-climate, catastrophic extinction events and plate tectonic movements in relation to the distribution of crown-group species are reviewed. Other approaches to historical biogeography that build on both morphological and molecular phylogenies are used to interpret disperalist and vacarianist arguments. Distribution patterns of eight unrelated freshwater organisms which share a similar distribution pattern are compared, assuming that shared patterns indicate similar historic biogeographic processes. The distribution of recent Prosopistoma species is seen to be the product of evolution resulting from both vicariance and dispersal. In conclusion, this thesis encompasses a variety of disciplines. It successfully recognises new characters and distinguishes previously unknown species. It uses new approaches to delimiting species and known methods to determine phylogeny from several angles. The analysis of stem-group relationships offers an insight into possible early lineage splitting within Ephemeroptera. Interpretation of historical biogeography allows for both a Gondwanan origin of Prosopistomatidae, with rafting of species on the Deccan plate to Asia, and for subsequent dispersal from Asia down to Australia and across to Europe, and possibly back to Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Barber-James, Helen Margaret
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mayflies Mayflies -- Classification Mayflies -- Morphology Mayflies -- Phylogeny Mayflies -- Geographical distribution Ephemeridae
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5785 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005473
- Description: The diversity, classification and historical biogeography of the mayfly family Prosopistomatidae are explored. First, the higher classification of the Ephemeroptera is reviewed, focussing on the phylogenetic placement of the Prosopistomatidae relative to other mayfly families. All relevant literature from 1762 to 2010 is synthesized. Baetiscidae are established as the probable sister lineage of Prosopistomatidae, the two constituting the superfamily Baetiscoidea. Next, qualitative morphological variation within the Prosopistomatidae is reviewed and revised, emphasizing nymphs because imaginal specimens are few. The labium and associated structures and the hypopharynx of nymphs, and the highly-derived wing venation of the imaginal stages, are re-interpreted. The structure of the male tarsal claws changes considerably between subimago and imago, which, together with deeply scalloped ridges on male imaginal forelegs and unusual pits on the female thorax, are interpreted as providing an unusual mating mechanism. These structures provide morphological characters for species definition and phylogenetic analyses. Two approaches to species delimitation are explored. First, morphometric variation is analysed using Principal Component Analysis, revealing groupings that can be interpreted as species, although there is some overlap between them. Discriminant Function Analysis shows that head width and carapace shape have the most value in identifying nymphs of different species. The carapace of Prosopistoma nymphs is shown to grow allometrically and gradually, in contrast with that of Baetisca, indicating a difference in early ontogeny. Second, an Artificial Neural Network algorithm applied to nymphal morphological characters accurately identified species. This computer-driven artificial intelligence method has power to provide future easy-to-use electronic identification aids. Phylogenetic analysis of nymphal morphology using the parsimony method shows two clades of Prosopistomatidae, one sharing characters with the type species, Prosopistoma variegatum and the other predominating in Africa, although also occurring in Asia; these clades are named the “P. variegatum” and “African” clades, respectively. Parsimony analysis of adult morphology supports these two clades, but supertree analysis obscures the relationships, nesting the “P. variegatum” lineage within the other clade. Preliminary molecular phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA, (mitochondrial) 18S rRNA and Histone-3 genes using Bayesian Inference methods does not support the two clades shown by morphology. Instead, there is a strong relationship between the European species and one African species, with the single Asian representative being most distantly related. These results are limited by lack of fresh material, patchy taxon sampling, and problems with finding suitable primers. A molecular clock program, BEAST, calibrated using fossils, suggests divergence times for the oldest crown-group Prosopistoma clade, represented by the Asian P. wouterae, of about 131 Ma, with the youngest species, the African P. crassi, of 1.21 Ma. Stem-group relationships are analysed using parsimony analysis, focussing on wing characters of the Baetiscoidea, other extant mayfly lineages, and extinct stem-group lineages. This suggests that the Baetiscoidea diverged from main-line Ephemeroptera earlier than any other extant mayfly lineage. This approach expands upon ideas hinted at by earlier scientists. Finally, historical biogeographical analysis of the distribution of known Baetiscoidea s.s. stem-group fossils implies a once Pangean distribution of the lineage. Changing palaeo-climate, catastrophic extinction events and plate tectonic movements in relation to the distribution of crown-group species are reviewed. Other approaches to historical biogeography that build on both morphological and molecular phylogenies are used to interpret disperalist and vacarianist arguments. Distribution patterns of eight unrelated freshwater organisms which share a similar distribution pattern are compared, assuming that shared patterns indicate similar historic biogeographic processes. The distribution of recent Prosopistoma species is seen to be the product of evolution resulting from both vicariance and dispersal. In conclusion, this thesis encompasses a variety of disciplines. It successfully recognises new characters and distinguishes previously unknown species. It uses new approaches to delimiting species and known methods to determine phylogeny from several angles. The analysis of stem-group relationships offers an insight into possible early lineage splitting within Ephemeroptera. Interpretation of historical biogeography allows for both a Gondwanan origin of Prosopistomatidae, with rafting of species on the Deccan plate to Asia, and for subsequent dispersal from Asia down to Australia and across to Europe, and possibly back to Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An investigation into Grade R teachers' experiences of implementing numeracy in Grade R
- Authors: Barnard, Elna
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Teachers -- South Africa -- Attitudes Numeracy -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa Mathematics teachers -- In-service training -- South Africa Early childhood education -- South Africa -- History Early childhood education -- South Africa -- Political aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1855 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004529
- Description: This research study investigates how selected Grade R teachers implement numeracy in their classrooms, based on their experiences, personal beliefs and perceptions. This study adopts the view that a teacher's practice is not only informed on what she believes about her learners, but also on how she organises her classroom environment and her own teaching practice. However, the teacher cannot be divorced from the political and historical background of Early Childhood Development (ECD), as these factors have an impact on her numeracy implementation. Integrated in this research study is thus not only a comprehensive historical analysis of the historical and political background of ECD, but also an in-depth look at the complex curriculum road the Grade R teacher had to travel over the past twelve years. The aim of this case study is to understand and describe what is happening in Grade R classrooms when numeracy is implemented, as well as identifying possible barriers which Grade R teachers may experience in implementing numeracy. The author utilized an adapted Interactive Qualitative Analysis Framework to explore Grade R teachers' views and experiences. Open-ended focus group interviews were used to develop a framework for individual interviews. This interview framework guided the data collection of nine audio-video tapes of classroom activities and nine semi-structured individual interviews. Analysis of the individual interviews revealed each teacher's understanding as well as her perceptions and needs regarding the implementation of numeracy in her classroom. The transcriptions of the individual interviews were compared to the audio-video tapes of what happened in each classroom. This was done in order to determine whether the teachers' practices were consistent with what they said in the interviews. Paradoxes and inconsistencies were documented. The historical and political analysis of ECD illustrates the complex development of ECD in South Africa over the last few decades. It therefore also highlights and brings to the fore the complex journey that Grade R teachers had to navigate in adapting their practice to ever changing curriculum requirements. The empirical results show that there are inconsistencies between what selected teachers know and believe, and what they are implementing. However, "silent themes" which did not come to the fore in the focus group or individual interviews, were identified in the audiovideo tapes of classroom activities. Also, many "silent themes" indicate that there are numerous concerns, such as lack of proficiency in bridging the gap between theory and practice, regarding the implementation of numeracy in Grade R. It was found that many of the selected Grade R teachers struggle to implement numeracy in their classrooms, as they lack the skills and support to teach numeracy in a Grade R context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Barnard, Elna
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Teachers -- South Africa -- Attitudes Numeracy -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa Mathematics teachers -- In-service training -- South Africa Early childhood education -- South Africa -- History Early childhood education -- South Africa -- Political aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1855 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004529
- Description: This research study investigates how selected Grade R teachers implement numeracy in their classrooms, based on their experiences, personal beliefs and perceptions. This study adopts the view that a teacher's practice is not only informed on what she believes about her learners, but also on how she organises her classroom environment and her own teaching practice. However, the teacher cannot be divorced from the political and historical background of Early Childhood Development (ECD), as these factors have an impact on her numeracy implementation. Integrated in this research study is thus not only a comprehensive historical analysis of the historical and political background of ECD, but also an in-depth look at the complex curriculum road the Grade R teacher had to travel over the past twelve years. The aim of this case study is to understand and describe what is happening in Grade R classrooms when numeracy is implemented, as well as identifying possible barriers which Grade R teachers may experience in implementing numeracy. The author utilized an adapted Interactive Qualitative Analysis Framework to explore Grade R teachers' views and experiences. Open-ended focus group interviews were used to develop a framework for individual interviews. This interview framework guided the data collection of nine audio-video tapes of classroom activities and nine semi-structured individual interviews. Analysis of the individual interviews revealed each teacher's understanding as well as her perceptions and needs regarding the implementation of numeracy in her classroom. The transcriptions of the individual interviews were compared to the audio-video tapes of what happened in each classroom. This was done in order to determine whether the teachers' practices were consistent with what they said in the interviews. Paradoxes and inconsistencies were documented. The historical and political analysis of ECD illustrates the complex development of ECD in South Africa over the last few decades. It therefore also highlights and brings to the fore the complex journey that Grade R teachers had to navigate in adapting their practice to ever changing curriculum requirements. The empirical results show that there are inconsistencies between what selected teachers know and believe, and what they are implementing. However, "silent themes" which did not come to the fore in the focus group or individual interviews, were identified in the audiovideo tapes of classroom activities. Also, many "silent themes" indicate that there are numerous concerns, such as lack of proficiency in bridging the gap between theory and practice, regarding the implementation of numeracy in Grade R. It was found that many of the selected Grade R teachers struggle to implement numeracy in their classrooms, as they lack the skills and support to teach numeracy in a Grade R context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Seductive Manoeuvres: an analysis of the use of feminist performance strategies as a means of staging alternative sexualities in two dance theatre works
- Authors: Barnard, Joni
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76823 , vital:30627
- Description: Located within the discipline of Performance Studies, this thesis seeks to validate performance and theatre, specifically dance theatre, as legitimate fields of research and enquiry that can enrich the polemics surrounding discourse, representation, the body and identity. Within this thesis I explore and analyse the creative processes and performance strategies used in two dance theatres works: Acty Tang’s Chaste (2007) and my own work entitled Displayed and Framed (2008) and how these strategies support the staging of alternative sexualities. I argue that the staging of alternative sexualities calls for an alternative approach to the performance strategies utilised in the production of space, the representations of the body and the use of text in both works. Each work offers a particular exploration of gender and sexuality in the attempt to represent alternative identities, alternative bodies and alternative sexualities. In this thesis I identify the endeavour to stage ‘otherness’ as a feminist endeavour and thus identify the performance strategies utilised in each work as feminist performance strategies. Through my analysis I wish to highlight the ways in which a feminist approach can contribute to and enrich both the staging of and understanding of alternative sexualities. In both Chaste (2007) and Displayed and Framed (2008), the choreographers of each work are also performers in their own work in an endeavour to explore and represent their own identity. The analysis of my own work requires that I play the multiple roles of choreographer, performer and researcher. In this analysis I provide accounts of my own experiences, processes and struggles of creating Displayed and Framed (2008) which are analysed in conjunction with my readings of Chaste (2007) and Tang’s personal experiences in creating the work. Thus this thesis explores the value of reflection and self reflectivity in the processes of creating performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Barnard, Joni
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76823 , vital:30627
- Description: Located within the discipline of Performance Studies, this thesis seeks to validate performance and theatre, specifically dance theatre, as legitimate fields of research and enquiry that can enrich the polemics surrounding discourse, representation, the body and identity. Within this thesis I explore and analyse the creative processes and performance strategies used in two dance theatres works: Acty Tang’s Chaste (2007) and my own work entitled Displayed and Framed (2008) and how these strategies support the staging of alternative sexualities. I argue that the staging of alternative sexualities calls for an alternative approach to the performance strategies utilised in the production of space, the representations of the body and the use of text in both works. Each work offers a particular exploration of gender and sexuality in the attempt to represent alternative identities, alternative bodies and alternative sexualities. In this thesis I identify the endeavour to stage ‘otherness’ as a feminist endeavour and thus identify the performance strategies utilised in each work as feminist performance strategies. Through my analysis I wish to highlight the ways in which a feminist approach can contribute to and enrich both the staging of and understanding of alternative sexualities. In both Chaste (2007) and Displayed and Framed (2008), the choreographers of each work are also performers in their own work in an endeavour to explore and represent their own identity. The analysis of my own work requires that I play the multiple roles of choreographer, performer and researcher. In this analysis I provide accounts of my own experiences, processes and struggles of creating Displayed and Framed (2008) which are analysed in conjunction with my readings of Chaste (2007) and Tang’s personal experiences in creating the work. Thus this thesis explores the value of reflection and self reflectivity in the processes of creating performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A comprehensive evaluation framework for system modernization : a case study using data services
- Authors: Barnes, Meredith Anne
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Computer architecture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10460 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1499 , Computer architecture
- Description: Modernization is a solution to migrate cumbersome existing systems to a new architecture for improved longevity of business processes. Three modernization approaches exist. White-box and black-box modernization are distinct from one another. Grey-box modernization is a hybrid of the white-box and black-box approaches. Modernization can be utilised to create data services for a Service Oriented Architecture. Since it is unclear which modernization approach is more suitable for the development of data services, a comprehensive evaluation framework is proposed to evaluate which of the white- or black-box approaches is more suitable. The comprehensive framework consists of three evaluation components. Firstly, developer effort to modernize existing code is measured by acknowledged software metrics. Secondly, the quality of the data services is measured against identified Quality of Service criteria for data services in particular. Thirdly, the effectiveness of the modernized data services is measured through usability evaluations. By inspection of the combination of application of each of the evaluation components, a recommended approach is identified for the modernization of data services. The comprehensive framework was successfully employed to compare the white-box and black-box modernization approaches applied to a case study. Results indicated that had only a single evaluation component been used, inconclusive results of the more suitable approach may have been obtained. The findings of this research contribute a comprehensive evaluation framework which can be applied to compare modernization approaches and measure modernization success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Barnes, Meredith Anne
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Computer architecture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10460 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1499 , Computer architecture
- Description: Modernization is a solution to migrate cumbersome existing systems to a new architecture for improved longevity of business processes. Three modernization approaches exist. White-box and black-box modernization are distinct from one another. Grey-box modernization is a hybrid of the white-box and black-box approaches. Modernization can be utilised to create data services for a Service Oriented Architecture. Since it is unclear which modernization approach is more suitable for the development of data services, a comprehensive evaluation framework is proposed to evaluate which of the white- or black-box approaches is more suitable. The comprehensive framework consists of three evaluation components. Firstly, developer effort to modernize existing code is measured by acknowledged software metrics. Secondly, the quality of the data services is measured against identified Quality of Service criteria for data services in particular. Thirdly, the effectiveness of the modernized data services is measured through usability evaluations. By inspection of the combination of application of each of the evaluation components, a recommended approach is identified for the modernization of data services. The comprehensive framework was successfully employed to compare the white-box and black-box modernization approaches applied to a case study. Results indicated that had only a single evaluation component been used, inconclusive results of the more suitable approach may have been obtained. The findings of this research contribute a comprehensive evaluation framework which can be applied to compare modernization approaches and measure modernization success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The role of teacher cognition in the integration of technology into English teaching: a case study
- Authors: Baron, Elizabeth Mary
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: English teachers -- Effect of technological innovations on English teachers -- Psychology English teachers -- Attitudes Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Computer-assisted instruction Educational technology Computer-assisted instruction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1753 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003637
- Description: Technology, in one or more of its various forms, is now a part of everyday life for most South African citizens. Many schools are equipped with various forms of technology, at great cost to sponsors, schools, parents or the government. However, this technology is not always exploited and full use is not made of it. As access is not the issue, other factors needed to be considered: in this case, teachers’ beliefs, attitudes and knowledge. This thesis explores the cognitive factors which affect the acceptance and use of technology. Teacher cognition and the factors which influence teacher cognition were examined. Following Borg, teacher cognition is defined as “the unobservable cognitive dimension of teaching – what teachers know, believe and think” (Borg, 2003, p. 81). Teacher cognition determines whether or not a teacher will use technology, if the external barrier of access is removed. In order to study the various aspect of teacher cognition, a case study was performed, which studied 6 teachers at 4 schools. All the schools in this study had some level of access to technology. Following Borg, initial experiences with the educational system (i.e. the teacher’s experience as a learner), teacher training, the context the teacher worked in (as well as social factors and private use) and classroom experience were all examined in order to discover the factors which most affect technology acceptance in teaching. The findings show that having easy access to well-maintained and functioning technology cannot be underestimated. In the study, support from other teachers, particularly those in leadership roles, led to an increase in technology use. This support needed to be explicit; general support did not seem to be effective. These findings suggest that technology integration needs to happen at a ‘whole school’ level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Baron, Elizabeth Mary
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: English teachers -- Effect of technological innovations on English teachers -- Psychology English teachers -- Attitudes Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Computer-assisted instruction Educational technology Computer-assisted instruction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1753 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003637
- Description: Technology, in one or more of its various forms, is now a part of everyday life for most South African citizens. Many schools are equipped with various forms of technology, at great cost to sponsors, schools, parents or the government. However, this technology is not always exploited and full use is not made of it. As access is not the issue, other factors needed to be considered: in this case, teachers’ beliefs, attitudes and knowledge. This thesis explores the cognitive factors which affect the acceptance and use of technology. Teacher cognition and the factors which influence teacher cognition were examined. Following Borg, teacher cognition is defined as “the unobservable cognitive dimension of teaching – what teachers know, believe and think” (Borg, 2003, p. 81). Teacher cognition determines whether or not a teacher will use technology, if the external barrier of access is removed. In order to study the various aspect of teacher cognition, a case study was performed, which studied 6 teachers at 4 schools. All the schools in this study had some level of access to technology. Following Borg, initial experiences with the educational system (i.e. the teacher’s experience as a learner), teacher training, the context the teacher worked in (as well as social factors and private use) and classroom experience were all examined in order to discover the factors which most affect technology acceptance in teaching. The findings show that having easy access to well-maintained and functioning technology cannot be underestimated. In the study, support from other teachers, particularly those in leadership roles, led to an increase in technology use. This support needed to be explicit; general support did not seem to be effective. These findings suggest that technology integration needs to happen at a ‘whole school’ level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Constitutional damages for the infringement of a social assistance right in South Africa are monetary damages in the form of interest a just and equitable remedy for breach of a social assistance right
- Authors: Batchelor, Bronwyn Le Ann
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: South Africa -- Constitution -- Bill of Rights , Constitutional law -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Constitutional history -- South Africa , Social security -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Civil rights -- South Africa , Common law -- South Africa , Compensation (Law) , Damages
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:11117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/388 , South Africa -- Constitution -- Bill of Rights , Constitutional law -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Constitutional history -- South Africa , Social security -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Civil rights -- South Africa , Common law -- South Africa , Compensation (Law) , Damages
- Description: This dissertation will explore the revolutionary progression in the provision of monetary damages and the availability thereof due to the change in South Africa’s legal system from Parliamentary sovereignty to Constitutional supremacy after the enactment of the final Constitution in 19961. The Constitution of South Africa brought with it the concepts of justification and accountability as the Bill of Rights enshrines fundamental rights and the remedies for the infringement of same. The available remedies for the infringement of a fundamental right flow from two sources, being either from the development of the common law remedies in line with the Bill of Rights or alternatively from Section 38 of the Constitution, which provides for a remedy which provides ‘appropriate’ relief. The question that will be raised in this dissertation is, ‘does appropriate relief include an award of delictual damages?’ or a question related thereto ‘is an award of monetary damages an appropriate remedy?’ The motivation for this dissertation arises from the plethora of case law, especially in the Eastern Cape, that has come to the fore in the last sixteen years, highlighting the injustice of cancellations of social assistance grants and the non-payment of such in South Africa’s social security system, as well as the precedent that was set by our Constitutional Court and Supreme Court in remedying that injustice. The central case to this dissertation is that of Kate v Member of Executive Council for Department of Welfare, Eastern Cape 2005 1 SA 141 SECLD; Member of Executive Council, Department of Welfare, Eastern Cape v Kate 2006 (4) SA 478 (SCA), which is generally regarded as having paved the way for the granting of monetary damages for the infringement of an individual’s constitutional right as same require legal protection. Firstly the past approach to damages will be explored in relation to South Africa’s common law, being the Roman-Dutch law. The common law Aquilian action is the focal point of this dissertation in relation to the common law in that the granting of damages for the infringement of an individual’s social assistance right (being a specific constitutional right framed within the 1996 Constitution) results in pure patrimonial loss which in our common law system was remedied by the actio legis Aquilae. In delict, an award of damages is the primary remedy, aimed at affording compensation in respect of the legal right or interest infringed. After the common law system of damages has been explored, this dissertation will then examine the changes that have developed therefrom, and largely shaped by the current state of disorganization in the National Department of Welfare coupled with the all encompassing power of the final Constitution. The final Constitution provides the power, in section 38 of the 1996 Constitution, for the court to award a monetary remedy for the breach of a constitutional right. The question, however, is “does the award of monetary damages not merely throw money at the problem, whereas the purpose of a constitutional remedy is to vindicate guaranteed rights and prevent or deter future violations?” The battle for domination between the common law approach and the constitutional approach to damages is witnessed as the two systems eventually amalgamate to form an essentially new remedy, unique to South Africa. South Africa’s new system is aligned with the Constitution as the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and underpins the awarding of all damages and, especially, the awarding of constitutional damages. For the sake of completeness, alternatives to monetary damages will also be canvassed in this dissertation. It is hoped that the reader will, in the end, realize that the final Constitution is the supreme law of the land and as such dictates the manner and form in which damages are provided. If such provision is not in alignment with the Constitution, it will be declared invalid. The flexibility of our common law is put to the test, yet it is found to be adaptable to the ever-developing boni mores of society exemplified in the embracing constitutional principles and the production of this new remedy. The courts develop the common law under section 39(2) of the Constitution in order to keep the common law in step with the evolution of our society and the ever changing nature of bonos mores. , National Research Foundation
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Batchelor, Bronwyn Le Ann
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: South Africa -- Constitution -- Bill of Rights , Constitutional law -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Constitutional history -- South Africa , Social security -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Civil rights -- South Africa , Common law -- South Africa , Compensation (Law) , Damages
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:11117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/388 , South Africa -- Constitution -- Bill of Rights , Constitutional law -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa , Constitutional history -- South Africa , Social security -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Civil rights -- South Africa , Common law -- South Africa , Compensation (Law) , Damages
- Description: This dissertation will explore the revolutionary progression in the provision of monetary damages and the availability thereof due to the change in South Africa’s legal system from Parliamentary sovereignty to Constitutional supremacy after the enactment of the final Constitution in 19961. The Constitution of South Africa brought with it the concepts of justification and accountability as the Bill of Rights enshrines fundamental rights and the remedies for the infringement of same. The available remedies for the infringement of a fundamental right flow from two sources, being either from the development of the common law remedies in line with the Bill of Rights or alternatively from Section 38 of the Constitution, which provides for a remedy which provides ‘appropriate’ relief. The question that will be raised in this dissertation is, ‘does appropriate relief include an award of delictual damages?’ or a question related thereto ‘is an award of monetary damages an appropriate remedy?’ The motivation for this dissertation arises from the plethora of case law, especially in the Eastern Cape, that has come to the fore in the last sixteen years, highlighting the injustice of cancellations of social assistance grants and the non-payment of such in South Africa’s social security system, as well as the precedent that was set by our Constitutional Court and Supreme Court in remedying that injustice. The central case to this dissertation is that of Kate v Member of Executive Council for Department of Welfare, Eastern Cape 2005 1 SA 141 SECLD; Member of Executive Council, Department of Welfare, Eastern Cape v Kate 2006 (4) SA 478 (SCA), which is generally regarded as having paved the way for the granting of monetary damages for the infringement of an individual’s constitutional right as same require legal protection. Firstly the past approach to damages will be explored in relation to South Africa’s common law, being the Roman-Dutch law. The common law Aquilian action is the focal point of this dissertation in relation to the common law in that the granting of damages for the infringement of an individual’s social assistance right (being a specific constitutional right framed within the 1996 Constitution) results in pure patrimonial loss which in our common law system was remedied by the actio legis Aquilae. In delict, an award of damages is the primary remedy, aimed at affording compensation in respect of the legal right or interest infringed. After the common law system of damages has been explored, this dissertation will then examine the changes that have developed therefrom, and largely shaped by the current state of disorganization in the National Department of Welfare coupled with the all encompassing power of the final Constitution. The final Constitution provides the power, in section 38 of the 1996 Constitution, for the court to award a monetary remedy for the breach of a constitutional right. The question, however, is “does the award of monetary damages not merely throw money at the problem, whereas the purpose of a constitutional remedy is to vindicate guaranteed rights and prevent or deter future violations?” The battle for domination between the common law approach and the constitutional approach to damages is witnessed as the two systems eventually amalgamate to form an essentially new remedy, unique to South Africa. South Africa’s new system is aligned with the Constitution as the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and underpins the awarding of all damages and, especially, the awarding of constitutional damages. For the sake of completeness, alternatives to monetary damages will also be canvassed in this dissertation. It is hoped that the reader will, in the end, realize that the final Constitution is the supreme law of the land and as such dictates the manner and form in which damages are provided. If such provision is not in alignment with the Constitution, it will be declared invalid. The flexibility of our common law is put to the test, yet it is found to be adaptable to the ever-developing boni mores of society exemplified in the embracing constitutional principles and the production of this new remedy. The courts develop the common law under section 39(2) of the Constitution in order to keep the common law in step with the evolution of our society and the ever changing nature of bonos mores. , National Research Foundation
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011