Core self-evaluations, racial evaluation and learning amongst Zulu students at the university of Zululand
- Authors: Dodd Nicole Marguerite
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Zulu (African people) -- Ethnic identity , Self-evaluation , Ethnicity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9879 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008398 , Zulu (African people) -- Ethnic identity , Self-evaluation , Ethnicity
- Description: Core Self-Evaluations [CSE] are a person’s estimation of his/her own worth and ability (Judge & Scott 2009). This in turn, is related to Racial Evaluation which is a person’s internal evaluation of his/her racial identity (Diller, 2010). The Employment Equity Act (55 of 1998) makes provision for the employment of equity candidates who can acquire skills in a reasonable amount of time. This requires individuals to be able to learn and then achieve in outcomes-based assessment. Core Self-Evaluations and Racial Evaluation can have an impact on how individuals perceive themselves, and how they perform in education, training and development (Hanley & Noblit, 2009). This study explored the relationship between Core Self-Evaluation, Racial Evaluation, Learning and Outcomes-Based Assessment using an experimental design. The Core Self-Evaluation scores in this study (n=230) were consistent with levels found internationally (Broucek, 2005). There was positive Racial Evaluation, with a relationship existing between Racial Evaluation and Core Self-Evaluations. This means that part of a person’s identity as an individual is related to Racial Evaluation, with that Racial Evaluation being positive amongst young Zulu students at the University of Zululand. There was a statistically significant, but small correlation between Learning and Core Self- Evaluation and a relationship was also found between CSE and Outcomes-Based Assessment results. When Core Self-Evaluation is higher, Learning tends to be more likely. The same pattern does not hold for Outcomes-Based Assessment results. Among Zulu students, lower CSE is linked to improved Outcomes-Based Assessment results. Racial Evaluation has a small relationship with CSE. However, efforts to remedy apartheid may be directed towards socio-economic development and need not focus on boosting Racial Evaluation when it comes to young Zulu adults.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Dodd Nicole Marguerite
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Zulu (African people) -- Ethnic identity , Self-evaluation , Ethnicity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9879 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008398 , Zulu (African people) -- Ethnic identity , Self-evaluation , Ethnicity
- Description: Core Self-Evaluations [CSE] are a person’s estimation of his/her own worth and ability (Judge & Scott 2009). This in turn, is related to Racial Evaluation which is a person’s internal evaluation of his/her racial identity (Diller, 2010). The Employment Equity Act (55 of 1998) makes provision for the employment of equity candidates who can acquire skills in a reasonable amount of time. This requires individuals to be able to learn and then achieve in outcomes-based assessment. Core Self-Evaluations and Racial Evaluation can have an impact on how individuals perceive themselves, and how they perform in education, training and development (Hanley & Noblit, 2009). This study explored the relationship between Core Self-Evaluation, Racial Evaluation, Learning and Outcomes-Based Assessment using an experimental design. The Core Self-Evaluation scores in this study (n=230) were consistent with levels found internationally (Broucek, 2005). There was positive Racial Evaluation, with a relationship existing between Racial Evaluation and Core Self-Evaluations. This means that part of a person’s identity as an individual is related to Racial Evaluation, with that Racial Evaluation being positive amongst young Zulu students at the University of Zululand. There was a statistically significant, but small correlation between Learning and Core Self- Evaluation and a relationship was also found between CSE and Outcomes-Based Assessment results. When Core Self-Evaluation is higher, Learning tends to be more likely. The same pattern does not hold for Outcomes-Based Assessment results. Among Zulu students, lower CSE is linked to improved Outcomes-Based Assessment results. Racial Evaluation has a small relationship with CSE. However, efforts to remedy apartheid may be directed towards socio-economic development and need not focus on boosting Racial Evaluation when it comes to young Zulu adults.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Cover crop biomass production and effects on weeds and soil fertility in a maize-based conservation agriculture system
- Authors: Muzangwa, Lindah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cover crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biomass energy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Weeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Soil fertility -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Yields -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Crop Science)
- Identifier: vital:11862 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/484 , Cover crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biomass energy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Weeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Soil fertility -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Yields -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Low cover crop biomass production is a major obstacle to the success of conservation agriculture currently promoted as panacea to the inherent problem of soil erosion and loss of soil productivity in the Eastern Cape (EC). Therefore, this study evaluated cover crop management strategies for optimizing biomass production for better soil cover, soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertility, weed control and maize yields. The strategies tested are cover crop bicultures, selection of an adapted lupin cultivar and seeding rate, and the feasibility of rain fed winter cover cropping. The cover crop experiments were carried in rotation with summer maize between the winter of 2009 and summer of 2010/2011. Biculture trial was carried out by seeding oat (Avena sativa) and vetch (Vicia dasycarpa) at three mixture ratios and as sole crops under irrigation. On a separate irrigated trial, two lupin cultivars (Lupinus angustifolius var Mandelup & Qualinock) were seeded to a range of seeding rate, 40 to 220 kg ha-1. To study the feasibility of rain fed winter cover cropping, oat, vetch, rye (Lolium multiflorum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), radish (Raphanus sativa) and triticale (Triticale secale) were relayed into a maize crop in February, March and April of 2010. The irrigated trials were followed with SC701 maize cultivar, whilst the rain fed trial was followed with DKC61-25 maize cultivar. Bicultures gave higher cover crop biomass than sole vetch, increasing with an increase in the oat component of the mixture. Increased N and P uptake was observed with bicultures compared to sole oat, however, the levels were comparable to sole vetch. Sole vetch increased soil inorganic N and P at maize planting, whilst the slow decomposition by sole oat residue resulted in mineral lock up. Bicultured cover crop residues had intermediate decomposition rates and resulted in optimum levels of inorganic N and P for prolonged periods compared to sole crops. Weed suppression by the bicultures was comparable to sole cover crops. Biculturing technology significantly (P<0.05) increased maize grain yield compared to sole oat and the yields were comparable to those from sole vetch. For lupins, 206 kg ha-1 seeding rate gave the optimum biomass yield. Weed dry weights in both cover crop and maize crop decreased with an increase in lupin biomass. Comparable soil total N and inorganic P values at maize planting, were observed from plots planted to 120, 180 and 220 kg ha-1. Maize grain yield increased with an increase in lupin seeding rate. The study on rain fed winter cover cropping had most cover crop species’ biomass decreasing with each delay in planting except for radish, which increased. Vetch produced the highest amounts of biomass from February and March planting whilst radish had the highest biomass in April planting. The two species resulted in the greatest N improvement compared to the other species. Regardless of the grazing, the grass specie residues managed to persist to the next cropping season and the residue remaining were comparable to that of radish and vetch. Late-planted cover crops had the greatest residue remaining than early-planted, as a result, April planted cover crops provided better weed suppression than March and April planted. Vetch provided the highest maize grain yield (4005 kg ha-1) whilst all other species tested had comparable grain yields. The results suggested that bicultures could be grown to give sufficient biomass for both weed suppression and soil fertility improvement. Furthermore, increasing lupin plant densities improve its function as a cover crop with respect to weed suppression, soil fertility improvement and maize yields. The study also showed that for dry land systems, February and March planted vetch and April planted radish can provide the greatest biomass and maize yield improvement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Muzangwa, Lindah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cover crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biomass energy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Weeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Soil fertility -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Yields -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Crop Science)
- Identifier: vital:11862 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/484 , Cover crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biomass energy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Weeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Soil fertility -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Yields -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Low cover crop biomass production is a major obstacle to the success of conservation agriculture currently promoted as panacea to the inherent problem of soil erosion and loss of soil productivity in the Eastern Cape (EC). Therefore, this study evaluated cover crop management strategies for optimizing biomass production for better soil cover, soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertility, weed control and maize yields. The strategies tested are cover crop bicultures, selection of an adapted lupin cultivar and seeding rate, and the feasibility of rain fed winter cover cropping. The cover crop experiments were carried in rotation with summer maize between the winter of 2009 and summer of 2010/2011. Biculture trial was carried out by seeding oat (Avena sativa) and vetch (Vicia dasycarpa) at three mixture ratios and as sole crops under irrigation. On a separate irrigated trial, two lupin cultivars (Lupinus angustifolius var Mandelup & Qualinock) were seeded to a range of seeding rate, 40 to 220 kg ha-1. To study the feasibility of rain fed winter cover cropping, oat, vetch, rye (Lolium multiflorum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), radish (Raphanus sativa) and triticale (Triticale secale) were relayed into a maize crop in February, March and April of 2010. The irrigated trials were followed with SC701 maize cultivar, whilst the rain fed trial was followed with DKC61-25 maize cultivar. Bicultures gave higher cover crop biomass than sole vetch, increasing with an increase in the oat component of the mixture. Increased N and P uptake was observed with bicultures compared to sole oat, however, the levels were comparable to sole vetch. Sole vetch increased soil inorganic N and P at maize planting, whilst the slow decomposition by sole oat residue resulted in mineral lock up. Bicultured cover crop residues had intermediate decomposition rates and resulted in optimum levels of inorganic N and P for prolonged periods compared to sole crops. Weed suppression by the bicultures was comparable to sole cover crops. Biculturing technology significantly (P<0.05) increased maize grain yield compared to sole oat and the yields were comparable to those from sole vetch. For lupins, 206 kg ha-1 seeding rate gave the optimum biomass yield. Weed dry weights in both cover crop and maize crop decreased with an increase in lupin biomass. Comparable soil total N and inorganic P values at maize planting, were observed from plots planted to 120, 180 and 220 kg ha-1. Maize grain yield increased with an increase in lupin seeding rate. The study on rain fed winter cover cropping had most cover crop species’ biomass decreasing with each delay in planting except for radish, which increased. Vetch produced the highest amounts of biomass from February and March planting whilst radish had the highest biomass in April planting. The two species resulted in the greatest N improvement compared to the other species. Regardless of the grazing, the grass specie residues managed to persist to the next cropping season and the residue remaining were comparable to that of radish and vetch. Late-planted cover crops had the greatest residue remaining than early-planted, as a result, April planted cover crops provided better weed suppression than March and April planted. Vetch provided the highest maize grain yield (4005 kg ha-1) whilst all other species tested had comparable grain yields. The results suggested that bicultures could be grown to give sufficient biomass for both weed suppression and soil fertility improvement. Furthermore, increasing lupin plant densities improve its function as a cover crop with respect to weed suppression, soil fertility improvement and maize yields. The study also showed that for dry land systems, February and March planted vetch and April planted radish can provide the greatest biomass and maize yield improvement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Crime, violence and apartheid in selected works of Richard Wright and Athol Fugard: a study
- Authors: Makombe, Rodwell
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Apartheid in literature , Politics and literature -- South Africa , Race discrimination -- South Africa , Crime -- South Africa , Violence -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt et Phil (English)
- Identifier: vital:11888 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/525 , Apartheid in literature , Politics and literature -- South Africa , Race discrimination -- South Africa , Crime -- South Africa , Violence -- South Africa
- Description: Different forms of racial segregation have been practiced in different countries the world over. However, the nature of South Africa‟s apartheid system, as it was practiced from 1948 until the dawn of the democratic dispensation in 1994, has been a subject of debate in South Africa and even beyond. Apartheid was a policy that was designed by the then ruling Nationalist Party for purposes of dividing and stratifying South Africa along racial lines - whites, blacks, coloureds and Asians. It thus promoted racial segregation and/or unequal stratification of society. In South Africa‟s hierarchy of apartheid, blacks, who constituted the majority of the population, were ironically the most destitute and segregated. Some historians believe that South Africa‟s racial policy was designed against the backdrop of Jim Crow, a similar system of racial discrimination which was instituted in the American South late in the 1890s through the 20th century. Jim Crow and apartheid are, in this study, considered as sides of the same coin; hence for the sake of convenience, the word apartheid is used to subsume Jim Crow. Although South Africa‟s apartheid system was influenced by different ideologies, for example German missiology as applied by the Dutch Reformed Church, historian Hermann Giliomee (2003: 373) insists that „the segregationist practice of the American South was particularly influential.‟ Given the ideological relationship between apartheid and Jim Crow, the present study investigates the interplay of compatibility between apartheid/Jim Crow and crime and violence as reflected in selected works of Richard Wright (African American novelist) and Athol Fugard (South African playwright). The aim of the study is firstly, to examine the works in order to analyse them as responses to apartheid and by extension colonial domination and secondly to investigate crime and violence. The three criminological theories selected for this study are strain theory (by Robert Merton), subculture theory (Edwin Sutherland) and labelling theory (Howard Becker). While criminological theory provides an empirical dimension to the study, postcolonial theory situates the study within a specified space, which is the postcolonial context. The postcolonial is, however understood, not as a demarcated historical space, but as a continuum, from the dawn of colonization to the unforeseeable future. Three postcolonial theorists have been identified for the purposes of this study. These are: Frantz Fanon, Homi Bhabha and Bill Ashcroft. Fanon‟s psychoanalysis of the colonized, Homi Bhabha‟s Third Space and hybridity as well as Ashcroft‟s postcolonial transformation are key concepts in understanding the different ways in which the colonized deal with the consequences of colonization. It has been suggested particularly in Edward Said‟s Orientalism (1978) that the discourse of orientalism creates the Oriental, as if Orientals were a passive object of the colonial adventure. This study uses Bhabha‟s and Ashcroft‟s theory of colonial discourse to argue that the colonized are not only objects of the colonial enterprise but also active participants in the process of opening survival spaces for self-realization. The various criminal activities that the colonized engage in (as represented in the selected works of Richard Wright and Athol Fugard) are in this study viewed as ways of inscribing their subjectivity within an exclusive colonial system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Makombe, Rodwell
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Apartheid in literature , Politics and literature -- South Africa , Race discrimination -- South Africa , Crime -- South Africa , Violence -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt et Phil (English)
- Identifier: vital:11888 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/525 , Apartheid in literature , Politics and literature -- South Africa , Race discrimination -- South Africa , Crime -- South Africa , Violence -- South Africa
- Description: Different forms of racial segregation have been practiced in different countries the world over. However, the nature of South Africa‟s apartheid system, as it was practiced from 1948 until the dawn of the democratic dispensation in 1994, has been a subject of debate in South Africa and even beyond. Apartheid was a policy that was designed by the then ruling Nationalist Party for purposes of dividing and stratifying South Africa along racial lines - whites, blacks, coloureds and Asians. It thus promoted racial segregation and/or unequal stratification of society. In South Africa‟s hierarchy of apartheid, blacks, who constituted the majority of the population, were ironically the most destitute and segregated. Some historians believe that South Africa‟s racial policy was designed against the backdrop of Jim Crow, a similar system of racial discrimination which was instituted in the American South late in the 1890s through the 20th century. Jim Crow and apartheid are, in this study, considered as sides of the same coin; hence for the sake of convenience, the word apartheid is used to subsume Jim Crow. Although South Africa‟s apartheid system was influenced by different ideologies, for example German missiology as applied by the Dutch Reformed Church, historian Hermann Giliomee (2003: 373) insists that „the segregationist practice of the American South was particularly influential.‟ Given the ideological relationship between apartheid and Jim Crow, the present study investigates the interplay of compatibility between apartheid/Jim Crow and crime and violence as reflected in selected works of Richard Wright (African American novelist) and Athol Fugard (South African playwright). The aim of the study is firstly, to examine the works in order to analyse them as responses to apartheid and by extension colonial domination and secondly to investigate crime and violence. The three criminological theories selected for this study are strain theory (by Robert Merton), subculture theory (Edwin Sutherland) and labelling theory (Howard Becker). While criminological theory provides an empirical dimension to the study, postcolonial theory situates the study within a specified space, which is the postcolonial context. The postcolonial is, however understood, not as a demarcated historical space, but as a continuum, from the dawn of colonization to the unforeseeable future. Three postcolonial theorists have been identified for the purposes of this study. These are: Frantz Fanon, Homi Bhabha and Bill Ashcroft. Fanon‟s psychoanalysis of the colonized, Homi Bhabha‟s Third Space and hybridity as well as Ashcroft‟s postcolonial transformation are key concepts in understanding the different ways in which the colonized deal with the consequences of colonization. It has been suggested particularly in Edward Said‟s Orientalism (1978) that the discourse of orientalism creates the Oriental, as if Orientals were a passive object of the colonial adventure. This study uses Bhabha‟s and Ashcroft‟s theory of colonial discourse to argue that the colonized are not only objects of the colonial enterprise but also active participants in the process of opening survival spaces for self-realization. The various criminal activities that the colonized engage in (as represented in the selected works of Richard Wright and Athol Fugard) are in this study viewed as ways of inscribing their subjectivity within an exclusive colonial system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Cross-border tourism planning and development: the case of the Lake Gariep Initiative
- Authors: Crozier, Marguerite Nicole
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam -- Case studies , Gariep Dam (South Africa) -- Tourism -- Case studies , Central-local government relations -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam , Globalization -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9034 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1668 , Tourism -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam -- Case studies , Gariep Dam (South Africa) -- Tourism -- Case studies , Central-local government relations -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam , Globalization -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Description: The concept of cross-border tourism planning and cooperation is investigated in reference to the Lake !Gariep Initiative. The field of cross-border economic planning and integration is an area of increasing interest in regional development studies. The Lake Gariep Initiative is an initiative to promote cross-border planning and development around nature conservation, water resource management, economic development, poverty alleviation and tourism in the three municipalities that surround the Gariep Dam. The Gariep Dam, which is largest dam in South Africa, is surrounded by three provinces. The region is also economically and politically marginalised as it has a small, dispersed population and a marginal contribution to the broader regional economy. Under these circumstances the coordination of resources between municipalities to develop and promote the region has been identified as a key success factor for the region. The Lake Gariep Initiative although strongly supported locally has over ten years failed to be institutionalised. This study examines the Lake Gariep Initiative in terms of the origins of the concept and the key challenges that have been faced in establishing a cross-border, development entity. Findings are based on an assessment of documents on the formation of the LGI, interviews with stakeholders involved in the process and an assessment of critical success factors in reference to national and international case studies. This study provides a review of the key challenges, benefits and critical success factors for cross-border tourism development in relation to the Lake !Gariep Initiative.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Crozier, Marguerite Nicole
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam -- Case studies , Gariep Dam (South Africa) -- Tourism -- Case studies , Central-local government relations -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam , Globalization -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9034 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1668 , Tourism -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam -- Case studies , Gariep Dam (South Africa) -- Tourism -- Case studies , Central-local government relations -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam , Globalization -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Description: The concept of cross-border tourism planning and cooperation is investigated in reference to the Lake !Gariep Initiative. The field of cross-border economic planning and integration is an area of increasing interest in regional development studies. The Lake Gariep Initiative is an initiative to promote cross-border planning and development around nature conservation, water resource management, economic development, poverty alleviation and tourism in the three municipalities that surround the Gariep Dam. The Gariep Dam, which is largest dam in South Africa, is surrounded by three provinces. The region is also economically and politically marginalised as it has a small, dispersed population and a marginal contribution to the broader regional economy. Under these circumstances the coordination of resources between municipalities to develop and promote the region has been identified as a key success factor for the region. The Lake Gariep Initiative although strongly supported locally has over ten years failed to be institutionalised. This study examines the Lake Gariep Initiative in terms of the origins of the concept and the key challenges that have been faced in establishing a cross-border, development entity. Findings are based on an assessment of documents on the formation of the LGI, interviews with stakeholders involved in the process and an assessment of critical success factors in reference to national and international case studies. This study provides a review of the key challenges, benefits and critical success factors for cross-border tourism development in relation to the Lake !Gariep Initiative.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Cross-cultural differences: the experiences, challenges and strengths for partners in committed interacial relationships
- De Vries, Tielke Anna Eveline
- Authors: De Vries, Tielke Anna Eveline
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Interacial marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Interethnic marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Couples
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9995 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008193 , Interacial marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Interethnic marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Couples
- Description: The topic of interpersonal relationships and the factors that enhance the longevity and strength of these have been well documented. Whilst there has been a steady increase in the occurrence of interracial relationships, it has not been matched by an increase in studies on the phenomenon and indeed very little empirical attention has been given to these relationships. Leslie and Letiecq (2004) highlight that the existing research on the phenomenon focuses primarily on the reasons individuals select partners outside of their own racial group. As interracial marriages are reportedly more vulnerable to divorce than marriages among same-race individuals, it seems important to examine the dynamics and quality of interracial relationships (Leslie & Letiecq, 2004). The goal of the study was therefore to explore the cross-cultural differences that inform the experiences, challenges, and strengths for partners in committed interracial relationships. In this qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual study, the author has explored and described the specific cross-cultural differences that the couple has encountered in their relationship and the impact that these differences have had on the quality of their relationship. Furthermore the study aimed to explore and describe the strengths the couple has drawn from these cross-cultural differences to enhance the quality of their relationship. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques has been utilised to identify interracial couples who have been in a committed monogamous relationship of at least one year. The sample consisted of eleven individuals. Semi-structured individual interviews were utilised as the data collection tool, and Tesch‟s model of data analysis (in Creswell, 1998) has been employed. This model of data analysis consists of eight steps that have been used to analyse the data. Five themes emerged from the study: (1) cultural difference factors, (2) negative factors that influence the couple‟s coping with cultural differences, (3) positive factors that influence the couple‟s coping with cultural differences, (4) factors relating to cultural differences that strengthen the relationship and (5) recommendations to other interracial couples. The findings of the study make a meaningful contribution to couple counselling interventions for interracial couples, and also add to the body of knowledge on this sparsely researched topic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: De Vries, Tielke Anna Eveline
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Interacial marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Interethnic marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Couples
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9995 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008193 , Interacial marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Interethnic marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Couples
- Description: The topic of interpersonal relationships and the factors that enhance the longevity and strength of these have been well documented. Whilst there has been a steady increase in the occurrence of interracial relationships, it has not been matched by an increase in studies on the phenomenon and indeed very little empirical attention has been given to these relationships. Leslie and Letiecq (2004) highlight that the existing research on the phenomenon focuses primarily on the reasons individuals select partners outside of their own racial group. As interracial marriages are reportedly more vulnerable to divorce than marriages among same-race individuals, it seems important to examine the dynamics and quality of interracial relationships (Leslie & Letiecq, 2004). The goal of the study was therefore to explore the cross-cultural differences that inform the experiences, challenges, and strengths for partners in committed interracial relationships. In this qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual study, the author has explored and described the specific cross-cultural differences that the couple has encountered in their relationship and the impact that these differences have had on the quality of their relationship. Furthermore the study aimed to explore and describe the strengths the couple has drawn from these cross-cultural differences to enhance the quality of their relationship. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques has been utilised to identify interracial couples who have been in a committed monogamous relationship of at least one year. The sample consisted of eleven individuals. Semi-structured individual interviews were utilised as the data collection tool, and Tesch‟s model of data analysis (in Creswell, 1998) has been employed. This model of data analysis consists of eight steps that have been used to analyse the data. Five themes emerged from the study: (1) cultural difference factors, (2) negative factors that influence the couple‟s coping with cultural differences, (3) positive factors that influence the couple‟s coping with cultural differences, (4) factors relating to cultural differences that strengthen the relationship and (5) recommendations to other interracial couples. The findings of the study make a meaningful contribution to couple counselling interventions for interracial couples, and also add to the body of knowledge on this sparsely researched topic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Curating the reviled, beloved and quotidian: a retrospective of Vladimir Tretchikoff
- Authors: Lamprecht, Andrew Paul
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Tretchikoff, Vladimir -- Criticism and interpretation Painters -- South Africa -- Criticism and interpretation Curatorship -- South Africa -- Art Kitsch
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2407 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002203
- Description: This thesis aims to contextualise my curation of 'Tretchikoff: The People's Painter' at the Iziko South African National Gallery by outlining the process by which I came to embark on this project and to examine the concepts of mass art and kitsch in relation to the painter. Mass art, in Noel Carroll's explication of the term, is art that utilises industrial processes of replication. Carroll argues that this leads to specific formal and structural tendencies in this art which have much in common with the pejorative concept of kitsch, or art that is lacking in taste or effuses excessive emotion. The latter term was and continues to be applied to Tretchikoff. Although some have attempted to 'reclaim' the word as a positive concept the negative associations that link this term to Tretchikoff are strong. Interrogating these concepts led me to decide to curate TretchikofPs retrospective by focusing on his painting and not including the prints for which he was so well known. Awareness of the complex associations and 'received knowledge' that his prints engender has influenced several curatorial decisions that I have taken. I consider the intellectual underpinnings of my curatorial strategy and argue for an 'open' exhibition which gives the viewer the opportunity to assess his work and legacy in an objective manner, free from as much curatorial mediation and didacticsm as possible. There are no answers to be offered in my curation of Tretchikxiff the People's Painter, rather I have aimed to set up dialogues, discussions, confrontations and challenges; I have offered simple relationships rather than complex juxtapositions I have aimed to position the artwork as the centre of the engagement relative to the viewer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Lamprecht, Andrew Paul
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Tretchikoff, Vladimir -- Criticism and interpretation Painters -- South Africa -- Criticism and interpretation Curatorship -- South Africa -- Art Kitsch
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2407 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002203
- Description: This thesis aims to contextualise my curation of 'Tretchikoff: The People's Painter' at the Iziko South African National Gallery by outlining the process by which I came to embark on this project and to examine the concepts of mass art and kitsch in relation to the painter. Mass art, in Noel Carroll's explication of the term, is art that utilises industrial processes of replication. Carroll argues that this leads to specific formal and structural tendencies in this art which have much in common with the pejorative concept of kitsch, or art that is lacking in taste or effuses excessive emotion. The latter term was and continues to be applied to Tretchikoff. Although some have attempted to 'reclaim' the word as a positive concept the negative associations that link this term to Tretchikoff are strong. Interrogating these concepts led me to decide to curate TretchikofPs retrospective by focusing on his painting and not including the prints for which he was so well known. Awareness of the complex associations and 'received knowledge' that his prints engender has influenced several curatorial decisions that I have taken. I consider the intellectual underpinnings of my curatorial strategy and argue for an 'open' exhibition which gives the viewer the opportunity to assess his work and legacy in an objective manner, free from as much curatorial mediation and didacticsm as possible. There are no answers to be offered in my curation of Tretchikxiff the People's Painter, rather I have aimed to set up dialogues, discussions, confrontations and challenges; I have offered simple relationships rather than complex juxtapositions I have aimed to position the artwork as the centre of the engagement relative to the viewer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Customer relationship management practiced by KOSAB
- Authors: Felix, Amoah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Customer relations , Customer services , Consumer satisfaction , Customer loyalty
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8635 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008046 , Customer relations , Customer services , Consumer satisfaction , Customer loyalty
- Description: Customer relationship management (CRM) presents a new paradigm shift to the old traditional marketing strategies that are known and practiced by many organisations in South Africa and across the globe. Competition is not an excuse for failure anymore. Organisations that do not have any concrete strategies in dealing with the customer will not survive in the market. The ultimate goal of CRM is to enable organisations to forge closer ties with the customer so that a solid bond can be created to enhance loyalty and satisfaction. The goal for this research was to identify the CRM strategies used by a single organisation and thereafter suggest improvements to enhance customer loyalty. The results of the study could assist the management of the organisation to improve the CRM strategies which will hopefully enhance retention and prevent customer attrition. A literature review was conducted to unveil various elements of CRM, and strategies that can attract and retain customers. It helped in identifying themes for the empirical study. An in-depth interview was conducted with the general manager of the organisation to gauge his perception, and CRM practices in the organisation. An interview guide was used during the interview process. Four main topics namely: implementation of CRM, customer loyalty, customer complaints and conflict, and employees training and motivation were utilised for the interview guide and followed by further probing. Based on the responses obtained, analyses were made by comparing the responses to what literature revealed so that shortcomings could easily be identified.The study revealed that there were several inconsistencies with what was practised by the organisation and what the literature study revealed. Bearing in mind the shortcomings identified in the empirical study, the researcher made the following recommendations. The CRM implementation approach needs to be carefully planned with a clear defined vision and mission statement that focus on customer centredness. The organisation needs to invest in modern and innovative channels of communication and strategic partnership to reach the right customer. The organisation has to develop effective market segmentation and targeting to know the customer well. Consistent and highly relevant customer experiences should be drawn-on to fulfill the organisation’s promise of trust and reliability. The organisation should adopt competitive pricing strategy to limit customer sensitivity on price. The organisation should invest in employees’ development and welfare. Further research can be conducted to investigate the perception of other food retailers on the CRM strategies practiced. Further research can also be conducted in the organisation to investigate the perception of employees and customers on the CRM strategies practised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Felix, Amoah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Customer relations , Customer services , Consumer satisfaction , Customer loyalty
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8635 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008046 , Customer relations , Customer services , Consumer satisfaction , Customer loyalty
- Description: Customer relationship management (CRM) presents a new paradigm shift to the old traditional marketing strategies that are known and practiced by many organisations in South Africa and across the globe. Competition is not an excuse for failure anymore. Organisations that do not have any concrete strategies in dealing with the customer will not survive in the market. The ultimate goal of CRM is to enable organisations to forge closer ties with the customer so that a solid bond can be created to enhance loyalty and satisfaction. The goal for this research was to identify the CRM strategies used by a single organisation and thereafter suggest improvements to enhance customer loyalty. The results of the study could assist the management of the organisation to improve the CRM strategies which will hopefully enhance retention and prevent customer attrition. A literature review was conducted to unveil various elements of CRM, and strategies that can attract and retain customers. It helped in identifying themes for the empirical study. An in-depth interview was conducted with the general manager of the organisation to gauge his perception, and CRM practices in the organisation. An interview guide was used during the interview process. Four main topics namely: implementation of CRM, customer loyalty, customer complaints and conflict, and employees training and motivation were utilised for the interview guide and followed by further probing. Based on the responses obtained, analyses were made by comparing the responses to what literature revealed so that shortcomings could easily be identified.The study revealed that there were several inconsistencies with what was practised by the organisation and what the literature study revealed. Bearing in mind the shortcomings identified in the empirical study, the researcher made the following recommendations. The CRM implementation approach needs to be carefully planned with a clear defined vision and mission statement that focus on customer centredness. The organisation needs to invest in modern and innovative channels of communication and strategic partnership to reach the right customer. The organisation has to develop effective market segmentation and targeting to know the customer well. Consistent and highly relevant customer experiences should be drawn-on to fulfill the organisation’s promise of trust and reliability. The organisation should adopt competitive pricing strategy to limit customer sensitivity on price. The organisation should invest in employees’ development and welfare. Further research can be conducted to investigate the perception of other food retailers on the CRM strategies practiced. Further research can also be conducted in the organisation to investigate the perception of employees and customers on the CRM strategies practised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Desegregation and socio-spatial integration in residential suburbs in East London, South Africa (1993-2008)
- Authors: Bwalya, John
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: City planning -- South Africa -- East London , Apartheid -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Migration, Internal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Geography)
- Identifier: vital:11504 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/336 , City planning -- South Africa -- East London , Apartheid -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Migration, Internal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study used integration as the overarching conceptual framework to investigate socio-spatial integration in post-apartheid South Africa. The study adopted the embedded case study design to investigate the spatial and social aspects of integration in former white residential suburbs in East London, South Africa. Recognising that integration occurred in different registers, this study used data from the South African Property Transfer Guide (SAPTG) database to investigate spatial-temporal integration in East London‟s residential suburbs from 1993 to 2008. A total of 21,683 residential property transfers were reviewed in 46 suburbs, and transfers to Blacks were identified. The residential property transfers were mapped to identify the nature of spatial integration. To investigate social integration, in-depth personal interviews were conducted on a purposively drawn sample of residents in the three case study suburbs of Southernwood, Cambridge and Gonubie. The interviews focused on three proxy indicators of social capital at neighbourhood level. The results of the study showed that post-apartheid spatial integration in East London closely followed the class-based residential template. Contrary to predictions prior to, and following apartheid‟s demise, the study showed that spatial integration occurred without racial conflicts. The study also found that social integration in the residential suburbs reflected the neighbourhood context and personal preferences, and was highly fluid. Although feelings of racial distance were evident, there were also indications of social cohesion, which were dynamic and uneven in time and space. Based on the data and the dialectical nature of spatial and social integration, the study concluded that fragmentation and integration are likely to continue coexisting in the South African city.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Bwalya, John
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: City planning -- South Africa -- East London , Apartheid -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Migration, Internal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Geography)
- Identifier: vital:11504 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/336 , City planning -- South Africa -- East London , Apartheid -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Migration, Internal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study used integration as the overarching conceptual framework to investigate socio-spatial integration in post-apartheid South Africa. The study adopted the embedded case study design to investigate the spatial and social aspects of integration in former white residential suburbs in East London, South Africa. Recognising that integration occurred in different registers, this study used data from the South African Property Transfer Guide (SAPTG) database to investigate spatial-temporal integration in East London‟s residential suburbs from 1993 to 2008. A total of 21,683 residential property transfers were reviewed in 46 suburbs, and transfers to Blacks were identified. The residential property transfers were mapped to identify the nature of spatial integration. To investigate social integration, in-depth personal interviews were conducted on a purposively drawn sample of residents in the three case study suburbs of Southernwood, Cambridge and Gonubie. The interviews focused on three proxy indicators of social capital at neighbourhood level. The results of the study showed that post-apartheid spatial integration in East London closely followed the class-based residential template. Contrary to predictions prior to, and following apartheid‟s demise, the study showed that spatial integration occurred without racial conflicts. The study also found that social integration in the residential suburbs reflected the neighbourhood context and personal preferences, and was highly fluid. Although feelings of racial distance were evident, there were also indications of social cohesion, which were dynamic and uneven in time and space. Based on the data and the dialectical nature of spatial and social integration, the study concluded that fragmentation and integration are likely to continue coexisting in the South African city.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Destination management: critical success factors for Knysna as an international tourism destination
- Authors: Gie, Jannie Adriaan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Place marketing -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism -- Marketing -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism management -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism -- South Africa -- Knysna
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8641 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1433 , Place marketing -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism -- Marketing -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism management -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism -- South Africa -- Knysna
- Description: Tourism, as an industry, has a great impact on society and the environment. It adds to economic growth; and therefore, many governments try to enhance tourism because they realise the potential economic returns. Within each country, there are towns or cities that have great tourism potential. In South Africa, Knysna is a good example of a small town with great tourism potential. This study examines the critical success factors of tourism destination marketing for the town of Knysna. Most South Africans see Knysna as an ideal holiday destination, as it has the infrastructure and offerings to make tourists' holidays unforgettable. However, unfortunately, in recent times bad publicity has caused Knysna's image to be damaged. To improve the town's image and to add to its economic growth, tourism bodies and the community have had to work together to ensure that Knysna sustains its position in the national and international tourism markets. The best way to achieve this is through effective destination management and destination marketing. The aim of this study is to determine how effective destination management and destination marketing can lead to competitive growth and to enhancing a destination's position in the tourism industry, and also to providing a set of practical guidelines for the successful implementation of the destination marketing of the town of Knysna. A literature study was conducted to find out what the theory reveals about destination management and marketing. This was followed by an empirical survey; and this survey was conducted in Knysna in the Western Cape. The results of the survey were compared with the literature and tourism operators and managers can now use these as a point of departure to fill any gaps, thus leading to the optimal positioning of Knysna on the international tourism map.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gie, Jannie Adriaan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Place marketing -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism -- Marketing -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism management -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism -- South Africa -- Knysna
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8641 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1433 , Place marketing -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism -- Marketing -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism management -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism -- South Africa -- Knysna
- Description: Tourism, as an industry, has a great impact on society and the environment. It adds to economic growth; and therefore, many governments try to enhance tourism because they realise the potential economic returns. Within each country, there are towns or cities that have great tourism potential. In South Africa, Knysna is a good example of a small town with great tourism potential. This study examines the critical success factors of tourism destination marketing for the town of Knysna. Most South Africans see Knysna as an ideal holiday destination, as it has the infrastructure and offerings to make tourists' holidays unforgettable. However, unfortunately, in recent times bad publicity has caused Knysna's image to be damaged. To improve the town's image and to add to its economic growth, tourism bodies and the community have had to work together to ensure that Knysna sustains its position in the national and international tourism markets. The best way to achieve this is through effective destination management and destination marketing. The aim of this study is to determine how effective destination management and destination marketing can lead to competitive growth and to enhancing a destination's position in the tourism industry, and also to providing a set of practical guidelines for the successful implementation of the destination marketing of the town of Knysna. A literature study was conducted to find out what the theory reveals about destination management and marketing. This was followed by an empirical survey; and this survey was conducted in Knysna in the Western Cape. The results of the survey were compared with the literature and tourism operators and managers can now use these as a point of departure to fill any gaps, thus leading to the optimal positioning of Knysna on the international tourism map.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Detection and identification of plasmodium species causing malaria in Malawi using rapid diagnostic tests
- Authors: Tegha, Gerald Loiswayo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Malaria -- Diagnosis -- Malawi , Plasmodium
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10127 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021240
- Description: Malaria represents one of the oldest documented diseases among humans and even today organisms in the genus Plasmodium kill more people than any other infectious disease, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. The four most common species which infect humans are Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malaria. Of these four species, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax account for 95 percent of infections globally. Microscopy has been used since early days for the diagnosis of malaria because this method is simple, does not require highly equipped facilities, and in most cases enables differentiation among the species causing malaria in humans when performed by skilled microscopy readers. However, this method has been misleading in identifying parasite species, especially in the case of low level parasitemia, a mixed parasite infection, or modification by drug treatment as well as in placental malaria. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) have played a major role in malaria management; particularly in providing blood based diagnosis in remote locations where microscopy based diagnosis is unavailable. These diagnostic tests are fast and easy to perform and do not require electricity or specific equipment. As part of strengthening malaria diagnostics in Malawi, the Ministry of Health and Population strongly recommends the use of malaria RDT’s at all levels of the health care delivery system. However, malaria microscopy remains a gold standard test for malaria. All patients (regardless of age) with suspected uncomplicated malaria should have a confirmed diagnosis with malaria RDT before anti-malaria treatment is administered. Based on field performance evaluations that assessed performance, quality control and production capacities of the manufacturing companies of malaria RDT’s, the Ministry of Health and Population recommended two brands of Histidine Rich Protein 2 (HRP-2), RDT’s for use in Malawi. These are SD Bioline malaria Ag Pf and the New Paracheck malaria Ag Pf. All these RDT’s are able to detect only P. falciparum. However, other species have been reported to exist in the country and there is a need to find proper RDT’s which will be able to detect all other species including P. falciparum. The main aim of this study was to evaluate Paramax-3 Pf/Pv/Pan RDT (Zephyr Biomedicals, India), if used in Malawi, could be able to detect and identify the different species of Plasmodium causing malaria in Malawi. The study recruited a total of 250 adult and infants at Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi. Study results showed that the overall sensitivity and specificity of the Paramax-3 RDT used in the study were 100 percent and 83 percent respectively. However, it was observed that the RDT test was not able to identify the P. ovale, and in some cases, the RDT test was positive for P. falciparum when the PCR identified the species as P. ovale. No P. vivax was detected both by RDT and PCR. This study was able to detect and identify the presence of P. malaria and P. ovale in Malawi apart from the P. falciparum. There were no significant differences between microscopy results compared to both the RDT and the PCR, with 94 percent and 98 percent sensitivities of R1 and R2 compared to RDT, as well as 94 percent and 96 percent sensitivities for R1 and R2 compared to PCR respectively. Both R1 and R2 had low specificities for example, R1 had 72 percent and R2 had 80 percent compared to RDT. Comparing R1 and R2 to PCR, the sensitivities were 64.9 percent and 67.2 percent respectively. However, the readers had difficulties differentiating the different species microscopically. The history of anti-malaria treatment had no significant effect on the outcome of the results in both the RDT and PCR.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Tegha, Gerald Loiswayo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Malaria -- Diagnosis -- Malawi , Plasmodium
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10127 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021240
- Description: Malaria represents one of the oldest documented diseases among humans and even today organisms in the genus Plasmodium kill more people than any other infectious disease, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. The four most common species which infect humans are Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malaria. Of these four species, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax account for 95 percent of infections globally. Microscopy has been used since early days for the diagnosis of malaria because this method is simple, does not require highly equipped facilities, and in most cases enables differentiation among the species causing malaria in humans when performed by skilled microscopy readers. However, this method has been misleading in identifying parasite species, especially in the case of low level parasitemia, a mixed parasite infection, or modification by drug treatment as well as in placental malaria. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) have played a major role in malaria management; particularly in providing blood based diagnosis in remote locations where microscopy based diagnosis is unavailable. These diagnostic tests are fast and easy to perform and do not require electricity or specific equipment. As part of strengthening malaria diagnostics in Malawi, the Ministry of Health and Population strongly recommends the use of malaria RDT’s at all levels of the health care delivery system. However, malaria microscopy remains a gold standard test for malaria. All patients (regardless of age) with suspected uncomplicated malaria should have a confirmed diagnosis with malaria RDT before anti-malaria treatment is administered. Based on field performance evaluations that assessed performance, quality control and production capacities of the manufacturing companies of malaria RDT’s, the Ministry of Health and Population recommended two brands of Histidine Rich Protein 2 (HRP-2), RDT’s for use in Malawi. These are SD Bioline malaria Ag Pf and the New Paracheck malaria Ag Pf. All these RDT’s are able to detect only P. falciparum. However, other species have been reported to exist in the country and there is a need to find proper RDT’s which will be able to detect all other species including P. falciparum. The main aim of this study was to evaluate Paramax-3 Pf/Pv/Pan RDT (Zephyr Biomedicals, India), if used in Malawi, could be able to detect and identify the different species of Plasmodium causing malaria in Malawi. The study recruited a total of 250 adult and infants at Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi. Study results showed that the overall sensitivity and specificity of the Paramax-3 RDT used in the study were 100 percent and 83 percent respectively. However, it was observed that the RDT test was not able to identify the P. ovale, and in some cases, the RDT test was positive for P. falciparum when the PCR identified the species as P. ovale. No P. vivax was detected both by RDT and PCR. This study was able to detect and identify the presence of P. malaria and P. ovale in Malawi apart from the P. falciparum. There were no significant differences between microscopy results compared to both the RDT and the PCR, with 94 percent and 98 percent sensitivities of R1 and R2 compared to RDT, as well as 94 percent and 96 percent sensitivities for R1 and R2 compared to PCR respectively. Both R1 and R2 had low specificities for example, R1 had 72 percent and R2 had 80 percent compared to RDT. Comparing R1 and R2 to PCR, the sensitivities were 64.9 percent and 67.2 percent respectively. However, the readers had difficulties differentiating the different species microscopically. The history of anti-malaria treatment had no significant effect on the outcome of the results in both the RDT and PCR.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Determinants of foreign direct investments in the motor industry in South Africa
- Authors: Onceya, Siyabulela
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Motor industry -- South Africa , Industrial policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11459 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/545 , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Motor industry -- South Africa , Industrial policy -- South Africa
- Description: The recent surge in foreign capital inflows into developing countries has generated interest among researchers wanting to analyse the major determinants of Foreign Direct Investments in the motor industry (FDIsm). This dissertation investigates the determinants of FDI in the motor industry in South Africa. The underpinning theoretical literature in this study is the Micro-level theory of FDI and the Eclectic theory as well as empirical literature from several authors. The study used quarterly time series data, which covers the period 1994q1- 2008q4. FDIs are modeled as the function of economic growth, interest rates, exchange rate, education and the openness of the country. The variables in the model are tested for stationarity. Cointegration analysis was also used to test for long run relationships between the variables. The trace and the maximum eigenvalue tests suggest that there are at least two cointegration relationships, an error correction modelling technique is used to establish the determinants of foreign direct investment. The error correction model was estimated which provided both long run and short run parameter estimates. The results show that economic growth, education and the openness of the country are positively related to foreign direct investment in the motor industry. Interest rates and exchange rates negatively affect foreign direct investment in the motor industry in South Africa. The results of this study are also supported by the impulse response and variance decomposition tests. The policy recommendation that emanate from this study is that efforts should be made to boost the level of economic growth in order to enhance and attract more foreign investors. It is therefore important for the government to purse policies that will encourage economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Onceya, Siyabulela
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Motor industry -- South Africa , Industrial policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11459 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/545 , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Motor industry -- South Africa , Industrial policy -- South Africa
- Description: The recent surge in foreign capital inflows into developing countries has generated interest among researchers wanting to analyse the major determinants of Foreign Direct Investments in the motor industry (FDIsm). This dissertation investigates the determinants of FDI in the motor industry in South Africa. The underpinning theoretical literature in this study is the Micro-level theory of FDI and the Eclectic theory as well as empirical literature from several authors. The study used quarterly time series data, which covers the period 1994q1- 2008q4. FDIs are modeled as the function of economic growth, interest rates, exchange rate, education and the openness of the country. The variables in the model are tested for stationarity. Cointegration analysis was also used to test for long run relationships between the variables. The trace and the maximum eigenvalue tests suggest that there are at least two cointegration relationships, an error correction modelling technique is used to establish the determinants of foreign direct investment. The error correction model was estimated which provided both long run and short run parameter estimates. The results show that economic growth, education and the openness of the country are positively related to foreign direct investment in the motor industry. Interest rates and exchange rates negatively affect foreign direct investment in the motor industry in South Africa. The results of this study are also supported by the impulse response and variance decomposition tests. The policy recommendation that emanate from this study is that efforts should be made to boost the level of economic growth in order to enhance and attract more foreign investors. It is therefore important for the government to purse policies that will encourage economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Developing a help-desk system for a multi-purpose ICT platform in a marginalised setting
- Authors: Makombe, Farai
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Computer industry -- Customer services , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Case-based reasoning , Telecommunication -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11381 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/315 , Computer industry -- Customer services , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Case-based reasoning , Telecommunication -- Technological innovations
- Description: Attempts to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural Information and Communications Technology (ICT) users have led to the deployment of ICT platforms in remote rural areas. This puts an increased demand for skilled support in rural ICT platforms to assist users in resolving technical problems that they face on a daily basis. A web based help desk system is developed and implemented to allow knowledge sharing and collaboration amongst users and experts as a way of ensuring the technical sustainability of the Siyakhula Living Lab, a remote rural based Information and Communications Technology (ICT4D) intervention. The research describes the use of Transactional and Innovation & Creative knowledge management strategies and their associated applications such as case-based reasoning (CBR) methods and collaborative knowledge approaches to develop a help desk support system for a geographically distributed multipurpose ICT centre in Dwesa, a rural remote area in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The system implemented in this study has been validated for functional adequacy and usability within the Siyakhula Living Lab. The results of the evaluation are presented in this thesis to provide the initial validation of the effectiveness of the help desk system. Keywords: ICT4D, ICT, Case-Based Reasoning; Collaborative Knowledge, Technical Sustainability, Help Desk Systems, Siyakhula Living Lab Forums, Issue Tracking, Rural Users, South Africa
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Makombe, Farai
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Computer industry -- Customer services , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Case-based reasoning , Telecommunication -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11381 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/315 , Computer industry -- Customer services , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Case-based reasoning , Telecommunication -- Technological innovations
- Description: Attempts to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural Information and Communications Technology (ICT) users have led to the deployment of ICT platforms in remote rural areas. This puts an increased demand for skilled support in rural ICT platforms to assist users in resolving technical problems that they face on a daily basis. A web based help desk system is developed and implemented to allow knowledge sharing and collaboration amongst users and experts as a way of ensuring the technical sustainability of the Siyakhula Living Lab, a remote rural based Information and Communications Technology (ICT4D) intervention. The research describes the use of Transactional and Innovation & Creative knowledge management strategies and their associated applications such as case-based reasoning (CBR) methods and collaborative knowledge approaches to develop a help desk support system for a geographically distributed multipurpose ICT centre in Dwesa, a rural remote area in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The system implemented in this study has been validated for functional adequacy and usability within the Siyakhula Living Lab. The results of the evaluation are presented in this thesis to provide the initial validation of the effectiveness of the help desk system. Keywords: ICT4D, ICT, Case-Based Reasoning; Collaborative Knowledge, Technical Sustainability, Help Desk Systems, Siyakhula Living Lab Forums, Issue Tracking, Rural Users, South Africa
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Developing an incubation strategy for Oudtshoorn
- Authors: Petersen, Winifred
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Business incubators -- South Africa -- Oudshoorn , New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Oudshoorn
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8648 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1385 , Business incubators -- South Africa -- Oudshoorn , New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Oudshoorn
- Description: Business incubators, as recognised in their contemporary form, have a history dating back to the 1970s in the United Kingdom and the USA. South Africa is no stranger to this concept of business incubation either: Since the 1980s the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) operated business “hives” as clusters of small enterprises. Business incubators are support facilities that empower and stimulate small-entrepreneurial businesses – from the financially vulnerable start-up period, until the time that the fledgling company is ready to operate more autonomously. Business incubators provide, as part of their services, affordable space, financial-management services, sound business advice and other development services. Incubation stimulates the development of small-entrepreneurial businesses and, to this end, helps stimulate the economy. Thus, for South Africa to invest in the development of small growing businesses, is to invest directly in its larger economy and to address its own development challenges like employment-creation, income-generation and the alleviation of poverty. It is in this context that this study discusses the development challenges of one of the rural areas in South Africa, Oudtshoorn, and aims to provide a viable strategy of business incubation for this area, in anticipation that in future lessons can be drawn from this and applied to other rural areas. Oudtshoorn is a town in the Klein Karoo, in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The strongest sectors in Oudtshoorn’s economy are agriculture and tourism. These two sectors should provide the basis for an empowering business incubator to strengthen and enhance smaller businesses in the town. The study focuses on the development challenges of South Africa and, in particular, a rural town such as Oudtshoorn, the importance of investing in small entrepreneurial businesses so as to strengthen the country’s economy. the nature an significance of a business-incubation strategy for the Oudtshoorn area. Background literature on South Africa’s development challenges was collated as well as information gathered on small-business support and incubation in particular. Literature was retrieved from local institutions as well as national and international sources. Case studies of incubators in South Africa and in other countries were included to enhance the understanding of the importance of business incubation. In addition, the researcher’s close networks with the Oudtshoorn municipality, the local Red Door office and the different role-players in the small-business support sphere allowed for an in-depth assessment of support for such an incubation project and the critical obstacles it may encounter en route.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Petersen, Winifred
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Business incubators -- South Africa -- Oudshoorn , New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Oudshoorn
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8648 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1385 , Business incubators -- South Africa -- Oudshoorn , New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Oudshoorn
- Description: Business incubators, as recognised in their contemporary form, have a history dating back to the 1970s in the United Kingdom and the USA. South Africa is no stranger to this concept of business incubation either: Since the 1980s the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) operated business “hives” as clusters of small enterprises. Business incubators are support facilities that empower and stimulate small-entrepreneurial businesses – from the financially vulnerable start-up period, until the time that the fledgling company is ready to operate more autonomously. Business incubators provide, as part of their services, affordable space, financial-management services, sound business advice and other development services. Incubation stimulates the development of small-entrepreneurial businesses and, to this end, helps stimulate the economy. Thus, for South Africa to invest in the development of small growing businesses, is to invest directly in its larger economy and to address its own development challenges like employment-creation, income-generation and the alleviation of poverty. It is in this context that this study discusses the development challenges of one of the rural areas in South Africa, Oudtshoorn, and aims to provide a viable strategy of business incubation for this area, in anticipation that in future lessons can be drawn from this and applied to other rural areas. Oudtshoorn is a town in the Klein Karoo, in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The strongest sectors in Oudtshoorn’s economy are agriculture and tourism. These two sectors should provide the basis for an empowering business incubator to strengthen and enhance smaller businesses in the town. The study focuses on the development challenges of South Africa and, in particular, a rural town such as Oudtshoorn, the importance of investing in small entrepreneurial businesses so as to strengthen the country’s economy. the nature an significance of a business-incubation strategy for the Oudtshoorn area. Background literature on South Africa’s development challenges was collated as well as information gathered on small-business support and incubation in particular. Literature was retrieved from local institutions as well as national and international sources. Case studies of incubators in South Africa and in other countries were included to enhance the understanding of the importance of business incubation. In addition, the researcher’s close networks with the Oudtshoorn municipality, the local Red Door office and the different role-players in the small-business support sphere allowed for an in-depth assessment of support for such an incubation project and the critical obstacles it may encounter en route.
- 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
Developing assessment criteria for successful poverty alleviation with special reference to the Nomzamo Special Care Centre
- Authors: Gidi, Banele Anthony
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child care services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9050 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1601 , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child care services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: While this study is partly theoretical it includes an exploratory case study in which theoretical insights are applied. In the theoretical part of this study, criteria for a successful poverty alleviation project were developed, guided by sustainability theory and complexity theory. It was proposed that researchers could assess existing projects according to these criteria to show where they were successful and where they could improve. The second part of this research consists of a case study, where an actual poverty alleviation project (The Nomzamo Special Care Centre, Peddie, Eastern Cape) was assessed according to the criteria developed in the first part. For this exploratory case study a non-random sample of 9 participants was drawn from the Nomzamo Special Care Centre and other stakeholders in the Ngqushwa Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Data was collected using questionnaires, observation and interviews. The results obtained from analysis indicate that project members particularly experience challenges pertaining to financial resources, infrastructure and maintenance. It is recommended that project members receive assistance from the government departments in order for the project to remain sustainable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gidi, Banele Anthony
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child care services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9050 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1601 , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child care services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: While this study is partly theoretical it includes an exploratory case study in which theoretical insights are applied. In the theoretical part of this study, criteria for a successful poverty alleviation project were developed, guided by sustainability theory and complexity theory. It was proposed that researchers could assess existing projects according to these criteria to show where they were successful and where they could improve. The second part of this research consists of a case study, where an actual poverty alleviation project (The Nomzamo Special Care Centre, Peddie, Eastern Cape) was assessed according to the criteria developed in the first part. For this exploratory case study a non-random sample of 9 participants was drawn from the Nomzamo Special Care Centre and other stakeholders in the Ngqushwa Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Data was collected using questionnaires, observation and interviews. The results obtained from analysis indicate that project members particularly experience challenges pertaining to financial resources, infrastructure and maintenance. It is recommended that project members receive assistance from the government departments in order for the project to remain sustainable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Development and testing of liposome encapsulated cyclic dipeptides
- Authors: Kilian, Gareth
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Peptide antibiotics , Peptide drugs -- Therapeutic use , Peptides -- Synthesis , Antibacterial agents -- Therapeutic use -- Testing , Cyclic peptides , Liposomes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10136 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1397 , Peptide antibiotics , Peptide drugs -- Therapeutic use , Peptides -- Synthesis , Antibacterial agents -- Therapeutic use -- Testing , Cyclic peptides , Liposomes
- Description: Cyclic dipeptides have been well characterized for their multitude of biological activities, including antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Cyclo(His-Gly) and cyclo(His-Ala) have also recently been shown to possess significant anticancer activity against a range of cell lines, despite the limitations of these two molecules with respect to their physicochemical properties. Low Log P results in poor cell permeability which can often be problematic for drugs with intracellular mechanisms of action. It can also results in poor biodistribution, and theoretical Log P values for cyclo(His-Gly) and cyclo(His-Ala) were extremely low making them ideal candidates for inclusion into a nanoparticulate drug delivery system. The aim of this study was therefore to formulate and evaluate liposome-encapsulated cyclic dipeptides that increase the tumour-suppressive actions of the cyclic dipeptides, while showing a high degree of specificity for tumour cells. While liposomes are relatively simple to prepare, inter batch variation, low encapsulation and poor stability are often problematic in their production and this has lead to very few liposomal products on the market. This study aimed at using a comprehensive statistical methodology in optimizing liposome formulations encapsulating cyclo(His-Gly) and cyclo(His-Ala). Initial screening of potential factors was conducted using a 25-1 fractional factorial design. This design made use of two levels for each of the five factors and abbreviated the design to minimize runs. Although not much information is provided by these types of designs, the design was sufficient in identifying two critical factors that would be studies further in a more robust design. The two factors selected, based on the screening study, were cholesterol and stearylamine content. These two factors were then used in designing a response surface methodology (RSM) design making use of a central composite rotatable vii design (CCRD) at five levels (-1.5, -1, 0, 1, 1.5) for each factor in order to better understand the design space. Various factors influenced the measured responses of encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential, polydispersity index, cellular uptake and leakage, but most notable were the adverse effects of increasing stearylamine levels on encapsulations efficiency and cholesterol levels on leakage for both cyclo(His-Gly) and cyclo(His-Ala) liposomes. Optimized formulations were derived from the data and prepared. Fair correlation between the predicted and measured responses was obtained. The cytotoxic activity of the encapsulated cyclic dipeptides were assessed against HeLa and MCF-7 cells and found to have limited improvement in activity. However, modification of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) grafted to the liposome surface in order to target folate receptors showed good benefit in significantly decreasing the IC50 values recorded in all cells lines tested, particularly low folate HeLa cells with the lowest IC50 being recorded as 0.0962 mM for folate targeted cyclo(His-Ala). The results therefore indicate that hydrophilic cyclic dipeptides are ideal candidates for inclusion into targeted drug delivery systems such as liposomes. Key words: Liposomes, cyclo(His-Gly), cyclo(His-Ala), cyclic dipeptides, HeLa, MCF-7, folate receptors, factorial design, response surface methodology (RSM), central composite rotatable design (CCRD).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Kilian, Gareth
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Peptide antibiotics , Peptide drugs -- Therapeutic use , Peptides -- Synthesis , Antibacterial agents -- Therapeutic use -- Testing , Cyclic peptides , Liposomes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10136 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1397 , Peptide antibiotics , Peptide drugs -- Therapeutic use , Peptides -- Synthesis , Antibacterial agents -- Therapeutic use -- Testing , Cyclic peptides , Liposomes
- Description: Cyclic dipeptides have been well characterized for their multitude of biological activities, including antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Cyclo(His-Gly) and cyclo(His-Ala) have also recently been shown to possess significant anticancer activity against a range of cell lines, despite the limitations of these two molecules with respect to their physicochemical properties. Low Log P results in poor cell permeability which can often be problematic for drugs with intracellular mechanisms of action. It can also results in poor biodistribution, and theoretical Log P values for cyclo(His-Gly) and cyclo(His-Ala) were extremely low making them ideal candidates for inclusion into a nanoparticulate drug delivery system. The aim of this study was therefore to formulate and evaluate liposome-encapsulated cyclic dipeptides that increase the tumour-suppressive actions of the cyclic dipeptides, while showing a high degree of specificity for tumour cells. While liposomes are relatively simple to prepare, inter batch variation, low encapsulation and poor stability are often problematic in their production and this has lead to very few liposomal products on the market. This study aimed at using a comprehensive statistical methodology in optimizing liposome formulations encapsulating cyclo(His-Gly) and cyclo(His-Ala). Initial screening of potential factors was conducted using a 25-1 fractional factorial design. This design made use of two levels for each of the five factors and abbreviated the design to minimize runs. Although not much information is provided by these types of designs, the design was sufficient in identifying two critical factors that would be studies further in a more robust design. The two factors selected, based on the screening study, were cholesterol and stearylamine content. These two factors were then used in designing a response surface methodology (RSM) design making use of a central composite rotatable vii design (CCRD) at five levels (-1.5, -1, 0, 1, 1.5) for each factor in order to better understand the design space. Various factors influenced the measured responses of encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential, polydispersity index, cellular uptake and leakage, but most notable were the adverse effects of increasing stearylamine levels on encapsulations efficiency and cholesterol levels on leakage for both cyclo(His-Gly) and cyclo(His-Ala) liposomes. Optimized formulations were derived from the data and prepared. Fair correlation between the predicted and measured responses was obtained. The cytotoxic activity of the encapsulated cyclic dipeptides were assessed against HeLa and MCF-7 cells and found to have limited improvement in activity. However, modification of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) grafted to the liposome surface in order to target folate receptors showed good benefit in significantly decreasing the IC50 values recorded in all cells lines tested, particularly low folate HeLa cells with the lowest IC50 being recorded as 0.0962 mM for folate targeted cyclo(His-Ala). The results therefore indicate that hydrophilic cyclic dipeptides are ideal candidates for inclusion into targeted drug delivery systems such as liposomes. Key words: Liposomes, cyclo(His-Gly), cyclo(His-Ala), cyclic dipeptides, HeLa, MCF-7, folate receptors, factorial design, response surface methodology (RSM), central composite rotatable design (CCRD).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Development of an M-Payment system prototype for a marginalized region (Dwesa case study)
- Authors: Mpofu, Handsome C
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home banking services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11387 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/458 , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home banking services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Wireless technologies, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), are making it easier to provide the much needed telecommunications infrastructure in marginalized areas worldwide. These technologies enable the rapid deployment of network services as well as their redistribution throughout these marginalized areas. The ability to bring Internet connectivity to previously underserviced and marginalized areas has the potential to leap-frog socio-economic development and improve participation in the global knowledge economy. This study investigated how wireless access technologies, such as WiMAX and WiFi, can be integrated and used to deliver ubiquitous distributed Internet connectivity with increased capillarity in rural areas. The research was undertaken within an ICT for Development (ICT4D) intervention called Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL) which is based in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The research further eliminated the accessibility constraints associated with long distances and remoteness from the Digital Access Nodes (DANs) and provided increased penetration in the network in contrast to the traditional Telecentre model which has been used extensively in ICT4D interventions. This was achieved by deploying WiFi hotspots around the DANs and extending the existing SLL WiMAX backbone to increase the network footprint to neighboring communities. The technical result of the research has been the provision of increased capillarity on the network and service redistribution throughout the entire Dwesa community. Consequently, this has given local community members an opportunity to access network services easily and ubiquitously. Finally, the research investigated and presented the benefits of such wireless network deployment configurations on ICT4D activities in marginalized areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mpofu, Handsome C
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home banking services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11387 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/458 , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home banking services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Wireless technologies, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), are making it easier to provide the much needed telecommunications infrastructure in marginalized areas worldwide. These technologies enable the rapid deployment of network services as well as their redistribution throughout these marginalized areas. The ability to bring Internet connectivity to previously underserviced and marginalized areas has the potential to leap-frog socio-economic development and improve participation in the global knowledge economy. This study investigated how wireless access technologies, such as WiMAX and WiFi, can be integrated and used to deliver ubiquitous distributed Internet connectivity with increased capillarity in rural areas. The research was undertaken within an ICT for Development (ICT4D) intervention called Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL) which is based in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The research further eliminated the accessibility constraints associated with long distances and remoteness from the Digital Access Nodes (DANs) and provided increased penetration in the network in contrast to the traditional Telecentre model which has been used extensively in ICT4D interventions. This was achieved by deploying WiFi hotspots around the DANs and extending the existing SLL WiMAX backbone to increase the network footprint to neighboring communities. The technical result of the research has been the provision of increased capillarity on the network and service redistribution throughout the entire Dwesa community. Consequently, this has given local community members an opportunity to access network services easily and ubiquitously. Finally, the research investigated and presented the benefits of such wireless network deployment configurations on ICT4D activities in marginalized areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Development of isiXhosa text-to-speech modules to support e-Services in marginalized rural areas
- Authors: Mhlana, Siphe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Xhosa language -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Text processing (Computer science) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Literacy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transmission of texts -- Data processing , Electronic publishing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11388 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/495 , Xhosa language -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Text processing (Computer science) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Literacy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transmission of texts -- Data processing , Electronic publishing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects are being initiated and deployed in marginalized areas to help improve the standard of living for community members. This has lead to a new field, which is responsible for information processing and knowledge development in rural areas, called Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D). An ICT4D projects has been implemented in a marginalized area called Dwesa; this is a rural area situated in the wild coast of the former homelandof Transkei, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In this rural community there are e-Service projects which have been developed and deployed to support the already existent ICT infrastructure. Some of these projects include the e-Commerce platform, e-Judiciary service, e-Health and e-Government portal. Although these projects are deployed in this area, community members face a language and literacy barrier because these services are typically accessed through English textual interfaces. This becomes a challenge because their language of communication is isiXhosa and some of the community members are illiterate. Most of the rural areas consist of illiterate people who cannot read and write isiXhosa but can only speak the language. This problem of illiteracy in rural areas affects both the youth and the elderly. This research seeks to design, develop and implement software modules that can be used to convert isiXhosa text into natural sounding isiXhosa speech. Such an application is called a Text-to-Speech (TTS) system. The main objective of this research is to improve ICT4D eServices’ usability through the development of an isiXhosa Text-to-Speech system. This research is undertaken within the context of Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL), an ICT4D intervention towards improving the lives of rural communities of South Africa in an attempt to bridge the digital divide. Thedeveloped TTS modules were subsequently tested to determine their applicability to improve eServices usability. The results show acceptable levels of usability as having produced audio utterances for the isiXhosa Text-To-Speech system for marginalized areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mhlana, Siphe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Xhosa language -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Text processing (Computer science) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Literacy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transmission of texts -- Data processing , Electronic publishing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11388 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/495 , Xhosa language -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Text processing (Computer science) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Literacy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transmission of texts -- Data processing , Electronic publishing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects are being initiated and deployed in marginalized areas to help improve the standard of living for community members. This has lead to a new field, which is responsible for information processing and knowledge development in rural areas, called Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D). An ICT4D projects has been implemented in a marginalized area called Dwesa; this is a rural area situated in the wild coast of the former homelandof Transkei, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In this rural community there are e-Service projects which have been developed and deployed to support the already existent ICT infrastructure. Some of these projects include the e-Commerce platform, e-Judiciary service, e-Health and e-Government portal. Although these projects are deployed in this area, community members face a language and literacy barrier because these services are typically accessed through English textual interfaces. This becomes a challenge because their language of communication is isiXhosa and some of the community members are illiterate. Most of the rural areas consist of illiterate people who cannot read and write isiXhosa but can only speak the language. This problem of illiteracy in rural areas affects both the youth and the elderly. This research seeks to design, develop and implement software modules that can be used to convert isiXhosa text into natural sounding isiXhosa speech. Such an application is called a Text-to-Speech (TTS) system. The main objective of this research is to improve ICT4D eServices’ usability through the development of an isiXhosa Text-to-Speech system. This research is undertaken within the context of Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL), an ICT4D intervention towards improving the lives of rural communities of South Africa in an attempt to bridge the digital divide. Thedeveloped TTS modules were subsequently tested to determine their applicability to improve eServices usability. The results show acceptable levels of usability as having produced audio utterances for the isiXhosa Text-To-Speech system for marginalized areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Development of MgZnO-grown MOCVD for UV Photonic applications
- Authors: Talla, Kharouna
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Photoluminescence , Photonics , Zinc oxide
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10537 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012585 , Photoluminescence , Photonics , Zinc oxide
- Description: MgxZn1-xO has emerged as a material of great technological importance. Having a direct energy band gap that is tunable throughout much of the ultraviolet (UV) region of the spectrum from the near-UV (~370 nm) to the deep-UV (~176 nm), this compound is of interest for a variety of optoelectronic devices operating in this part of the electromagnetic spectrum. MgxZn1-xO offers advantages over the more mature compound semiconductor AlGaN which stem mainly from the unusually high exciton binding energy (60 meV in ZnO). In this study the growth of ZnO and MgxZn1-xO thin films using metal organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) is systematically investigated. The films are mainly grown on c-Al2O3 and Si (100) and characterized using various techniques, such as photoluminescence (PL), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and auger electron spectroscopy (AES). The optical and the structural properties are essentially inspected in order to improve their quality. In this thesis the optimisation of ZnO grown using oxygen gas as a new oxidant in our reactor is investigated. The growth temperature and VI/II ratio are varied in order to find optimum parameters giving high quality layers. The effects of Si (100), Si (111), c- and r-sapphire, glass, GaAs and ZnO substrates on the optical, structural and morphological properties of ZnO thin films grown with tert-butanol (TBOH) is examined. Similar morphologies are observed for all substrates, with the films comprising hexagonal columns having cone shaped ends. The photoluminescence spectra are similar, but the various transitions have different relative intensities. It is clear that the different substrates influence neither the orientation of the films, nor the surface morphology, significantly. The photoluminescence hints at larger stacking fault densities in films grown on silicon and glass, however, as evidenced by stronger basal plane stacking fault-related luminescence at ~3.319 eV in the relevant low temperature photoluminescence spectra. The morphology changes with Mg incorporation, from hexagonal columnar structures to cubic faceted columns. From PL, the full with at half maximum is found to gradually increase with Mg content due to alloy broadening. The deep level emission (DLE) is observed to shift with Mg content. By changing the Mg content, the band gap of MgxZn1-xO film is tuned by ~450 meV, which provides an excellent opportunity for band gap engineering for optoelectronic applications. The c-lattice constant of ZnO (5.205 Å) decreases by only 0.6% when the Mg content reaches x=0.39. The introduction of Mg into ZnO is shown to increase the relative PL intensity of stacking fault-related transitions (at 3.314 eV for ZnO). This becomes the dominant near band edge emission. Using TEM a thin Mg rich layer is observed at the interface between the film and the Si or Al2O3. Temperature dependent PL measurements on layers with low Mg concentration (x=0.05 and 0.1) show that the main bound exciton peak exhibits an “s-shaped” temperature dependence, characteristic of localization in a disordered alloy. The origin of the PL line broadening of MgxZn1-xO (x≤0.04) is also analyzed with respect to alloy broadening, taking into account a random cation distribution and alloy clustering. The influence of various MOCVD growth parameters such as growth temperature and VI/II ratio is studied. Varying the temperature from 280 ˚C to 580 ˚C reveals strong morphological changes and optical degradation of the films. Low (<280 ˚C) and high (>580 ˚C) growth temperatures reduce the Mg incorporation. High VI/II ratios also decrease the Mg incorporation, as evidenced by the red-shift of the donor bound exciton (D°X) line. This is ascribed to a stronger premature reaction between (MeCp)2Mg and the oxidant or a preferential heterogeneous interaction between the Mg and oxygen species on the growth front. For both oxidizing agents (O2 and TBOH), the growth at 420 ˚C and a VI-II ratio of 60 on c-Al2O3 gave optimal quality layers in terms of their optical and structural quality. A comparison of films grown using TBOH and O2 gas as oxidizing agent shows no major difference in terms of Mg incorporation. The effect of annealing, the inclusion of a buffer layer and the influence of growth rate on the properties MgxZn1-xO thin films are also reported.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Talla, Kharouna
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Photoluminescence , Photonics , Zinc oxide
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10537 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012585 , Photoluminescence , Photonics , Zinc oxide
- Description: MgxZn1-xO has emerged as a material of great technological importance. Having a direct energy band gap that is tunable throughout much of the ultraviolet (UV) region of the spectrum from the near-UV (~370 nm) to the deep-UV (~176 nm), this compound is of interest for a variety of optoelectronic devices operating in this part of the electromagnetic spectrum. MgxZn1-xO offers advantages over the more mature compound semiconductor AlGaN which stem mainly from the unusually high exciton binding energy (60 meV in ZnO). In this study the growth of ZnO and MgxZn1-xO thin films using metal organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) is systematically investigated. The films are mainly grown on c-Al2O3 and Si (100) and characterized using various techniques, such as photoluminescence (PL), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and auger electron spectroscopy (AES). The optical and the structural properties are essentially inspected in order to improve their quality. In this thesis the optimisation of ZnO grown using oxygen gas as a new oxidant in our reactor is investigated. The growth temperature and VI/II ratio are varied in order to find optimum parameters giving high quality layers. The effects of Si (100), Si (111), c- and r-sapphire, glass, GaAs and ZnO substrates on the optical, structural and morphological properties of ZnO thin films grown with tert-butanol (TBOH) is examined. Similar morphologies are observed for all substrates, with the films comprising hexagonal columns having cone shaped ends. The photoluminescence spectra are similar, but the various transitions have different relative intensities. It is clear that the different substrates influence neither the orientation of the films, nor the surface morphology, significantly. The photoluminescence hints at larger stacking fault densities in films grown on silicon and glass, however, as evidenced by stronger basal plane stacking fault-related luminescence at ~3.319 eV in the relevant low temperature photoluminescence spectra. The morphology changes with Mg incorporation, from hexagonal columnar structures to cubic faceted columns. From PL, the full with at half maximum is found to gradually increase with Mg content due to alloy broadening. The deep level emission (DLE) is observed to shift with Mg content. By changing the Mg content, the band gap of MgxZn1-xO film is tuned by ~450 meV, which provides an excellent opportunity for band gap engineering for optoelectronic applications. The c-lattice constant of ZnO (5.205 Å) decreases by only 0.6% when the Mg content reaches x=0.39. The introduction of Mg into ZnO is shown to increase the relative PL intensity of stacking fault-related transitions (at 3.314 eV for ZnO). This becomes the dominant near band edge emission. Using TEM a thin Mg rich layer is observed at the interface between the film and the Si or Al2O3. Temperature dependent PL measurements on layers with low Mg concentration (x=0.05 and 0.1) show that the main bound exciton peak exhibits an “s-shaped” temperature dependence, characteristic of localization in a disordered alloy. The origin of the PL line broadening of MgxZn1-xO (x≤0.04) is also analyzed with respect to alloy broadening, taking into account a random cation distribution and alloy clustering. The influence of various MOCVD growth parameters such as growth temperature and VI/II ratio is studied. Varying the temperature from 280 ˚C to 580 ˚C reveals strong morphological changes and optical degradation of the films. Low (<280 ˚C) and high (>580 ˚C) growth temperatures reduce the Mg incorporation. High VI/II ratios also decrease the Mg incorporation, as evidenced by the red-shift of the donor bound exciton (D°X) line. This is ascribed to a stronger premature reaction between (MeCp)2Mg and the oxidant or a preferential heterogeneous interaction between the Mg and oxygen species on the growth front. For both oxidizing agents (O2 and TBOH), the growth at 420 ˚C and a VI-II ratio of 60 on c-Al2O3 gave optimal quality layers in terms of their optical and structural quality. A comparison of films grown using TBOH and O2 gas as oxidizing agent shows no major difference in terms of Mg incorporation. The effect of annealing, the inclusion of a buffer layer and the influence of growth rate on the properties MgxZn1-xO thin films are also reported.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Development of techniques for the isolation of a granulovirus from potato tuber moth, phthorimaea operculella (Zeller)
- Authors: King, Shirley Anne
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Potato tuberworm -- Larvae , Agricultural pests -- Biological control , Potato tuberworm , Baculoviruses
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5910 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015202
- Description: Phthorimaea operculella, commonly known as the Potato Tuber Moth, is an economically important agricultural pest worldwide. The baculovirus, Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus (PhoGV) has been considered as a means of control alternative to chemical control because of its host specificity and harmless impact on other organisms and ecosystems. An isolate of PhoGV obtained from a South African PTM population would be beneficial in the production of a biopesticide, which is not yet available. An efficient and cost-effective rearing method would be advantageous for potential commercial production. Commercial table and seed potato plantations and storage facilities located in Patensie, Bathurst, Howick and Ivanhoe were surveyed for PTM infestations. Patensie was the only site where milky discoloured larvae were found, a potential symptom of PhoGV infection. TEM analysis revealed no virus in these samples. Since no virus was found in the field-collected samples, PTM insects were collected to initiate rearing in the laboratory. PTM was raised by three different methods in the laboratory. A cost/benefit analysis, survival rate, fertility and sex ratio were recorded for each rearing method. Rearing method one was deemed unsuccessful for efficient commercial rearing, as survival percentage and fertility were low. Rearing methods two and three had high survival rates and high fertility, and were efficient and less labour intensive than rearing method one. Rearing method three was the most productive technique, but for commercial production rearing method two was considered the most manageable and efficient. The sex ratio was 1:1 for all three cultures. The cost analysis revealed that rearing methods two and three were less expensive than rearing method one because less labour was required to monitor insects. The success of rearing PTM for 19 months will enable these cultures to be up-scaled to a large production facility for mass rearing. Virus was not found in the field surveys or in laboratory cultures, therefore chemical, temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide stressors were used in an attempt to initiate a baculoviral infection. Symptoms were exhibited in larvae subjected to chemical, temperature and humidity treatments, but these were confirmed by TEM analysis not to be a result of PhoGV infection. The success of rearing PTM in the laboratory suggests that the method could be used in the commercial rearing of the insects in a large mass-rearing facility. The data obtained from induction protocols have allowed for better understanding for future induction for PhoGV and other baculoviruses in other insect species. The failure to isolate a South African PhoGV strain for developing a biopesticide against PTM has motivated further studies in obtaining a baculovirus in order for South Africa to develop a commercial product against this pest.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: King, Shirley Anne
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Potato tuberworm -- Larvae , Agricultural pests -- Biological control , Potato tuberworm , Baculoviruses
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5910 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015202
- Description: Phthorimaea operculella, commonly known as the Potato Tuber Moth, is an economically important agricultural pest worldwide. The baculovirus, Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus (PhoGV) has been considered as a means of control alternative to chemical control because of its host specificity and harmless impact on other organisms and ecosystems. An isolate of PhoGV obtained from a South African PTM population would be beneficial in the production of a biopesticide, which is not yet available. An efficient and cost-effective rearing method would be advantageous for potential commercial production. Commercial table and seed potato plantations and storage facilities located in Patensie, Bathurst, Howick and Ivanhoe were surveyed for PTM infestations. Patensie was the only site where milky discoloured larvae were found, a potential symptom of PhoGV infection. TEM analysis revealed no virus in these samples. Since no virus was found in the field-collected samples, PTM insects were collected to initiate rearing in the laboratory. PTM was raised by three different methods in the laboratory. A cost/benefit analysis, survival rate, fertility and sex ratio were recorded for each rearing method. Rearing method one was deemed unsuccessful for efficient commercial rearing, as survival percentage and fertility were low. Rearing methods two and three had high survival rates and high fertility, and were efficient and less labour intensive than rearing method one. Rearing method three was the most productive technique, but for commercial production rearing method two was considered the most manageable and efficient. The sex ratio was 1:1 for all three cultures. The cost analysis revealed that rearing methods two and three were less expensive than rearing method one because less labour was required to monitor insects. The success of rearing PTM for 19 months will enable these cultures to be up-scaled to a large production facility for mass rearing. Virus was not found in the field surveys or in laboratory cultures, therefore chemical, temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide stressors were used in an attempt to initiate a baculoviral infection. Symptoms were exhibited in larvae subjected to chemical, temperature and humidity treatments, but these were confirmed by TEM analysis not to be a result of PhoGV infection. The success of rearing PTM in the laboratory suggests that the method could be used in the commercial rearing of the insects in a large mass-rearing facility. The data obtained from induction protocols have allowed for better understanding for future induction for PhoGV and other baculoviruses in other insect species. The failure to isolate a South African PhoGV strain for developing a biopesticide against PTM has motivated further studies in obtaining a baculovirus in order for South Africa to develop a commercial product against this pest.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011