Evaluation of model systems for the study of protein association / incorporation of Beta-Methylamino-L-Alanine (BMAA)
- Authors: Visser, Claire
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Neurotoxic agents , Nervous system -- Diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1451 , Neurotoxic agents , Nervous system -- Diseases
- Description: β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is thought to be a contributing factor of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Parkinsonism Dementia Complex (ALS/PDC). It has been shown that the levels of toxin ingestion by humans are too low to cause disease. However, it has recently been theorized that this toxin is bioaccumulated within cells. Via a process of slow release from this reservoir, the BMAA is able to bring about neurotoxicity. Mechanisms of uptake and bioaccumulation of BMAA have been proposed in several publications; however the mechanism of protein incorporation of BMAA has not yet been identified. Identifying suitable model systems would be a prerequisite in order for future studies on BMAA protein incorporation. Three specific models were therefore chosen for investigation; mammalian cell lines including C2C12 and HT29, a prokaryotic (E. coli) expression system and yeast cells. The cytotoxity of BMAA was established for the mammalian cell lines and further investigation of BMAA incorporation into cellular proteins was performed on all three above mentioned models. Samples were run on HPLC-MS in order to determine uptake of BMAA into cells or lack thereof. Results indicate negligible cytotoxicity as measured by MTT and CellTitre Blue assays, limited uptake and protein incorporation of BMAA within the prokaryotic model and insignificant uptake of BMAA by yeast cells. Although the uptake of BMAA in the prokaryotic model was not extensive, there was indeed uptake. BMAA was not only taken up into the cells but was also observed in inclusion body protein samples after hydrolysis. After further investigation and use, this model could very well provide researchers with information pertaining to the mechanism of association of BMAA with proteins. Although the other models provided negative results, this research was valuable in the sense that one can narrow down the number of possible model systems available. Also, in seeking models for studying protein association/incorporation, the use of the final target cell is not relevant or necessary as the purpose of the research was to identify a model system in which the mechanism of protein association/incorporation can, in future, be studied.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Visser, Claire
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Neurotoxic agents , Nervous system -- Diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1451 , Neurotoxic agents , Nervous system -- Diseases
- Description: β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is thought to be a contributing factor of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Parkinsonism Dementia Complex (ALS/PDC). It has been shown that the levels of toxin ingestion by humans are too low to cause disease. However, it has recently been theorized that this toxin is bioaccumulated within cells. Via a process of slow release from this reservoir, the BMAA is able to bring about neurotoxicity. Mechanisms of uptake and bioaccumulation of BMAA have been proposed in several publications; however the mechanism of protein incorporation of BMAA has not yet been identified. Identifying suitable model systems would be a prerequisite in order for future studies on BMAA protein incorporation. Three specific models were therefore chosen for investigation; mammalian cell lines including C2C12 and HT29, a prokaryotic (E. coli) expression system and yeast cells. The cytotoxity of BMAA was established for the mammalian cell lines and further investigation of BMAA incorporation into cellular proteins was performed on all three above mentioned models. Samples were run on HPLC-MS in order to determine uptake of BMAA into cells or lack thereof. Results indicate negligible cytotoxicity as measured by MTT and CellTitre Blue assays, limited uptake and protein incorporation of BMAA within the prokaryotic model and insignificant uptake of BMAA by yeast cells. Although the uptake of BMAA in the prokaryotic model was not extensive, there was indeed uptake. BMAA was not only taken up into the cells but was also observed in inclusion body protein samples after hydrolysis. After further investigation and use, this model could very well provide researchers with information pertaining to the mechanism of association of BMAA with proteins. Although the other models provided negative results, this research was valuable in the sense that one can narrow down the number of possible model systems available. Also, in seeking models for studying protein association/incorporation, the use of the final target cell is not relevant or necessary as the purpose of the research was to identify a model system in which the mechanism of protein association/incorporation can, in future, be studied.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Evaluation of the role of support groups in the lives of HIV positive people at Nontyatyambo and Empilweni Gompo Community Health Centres in East London, Eastern Cape
- Mkhencele, Nontando Precious
- Authors: Mkhencele, Nontando Precious
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons , Self-help groups -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001094 , HIV-positive persons , Self-help groups -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world. The estimated 5,7 million South Africans that are living with HIV need comprehensive and holistic care. Psychosocial support is a vital aspect of care for HIV positive people. Support groups have been identified as a basic form of psychosocial support. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of support groups in the lives of HIV positive people in East London, Eastern Cape. A qualitative study design was implemented using focus group interviews to explore the role of HIV support groups. The research questions were designed to elicit responses pertaining to the needs, expectations and experiences of HIV positive support group attendees. Activities conducted in support groups as well as the attitude of support group members towards recruiting other HIV positive people to join the group were also explored. Findings revealed that the benefits of attending a support group included emotional and psychological support, sense of belonging to a “family”, assistance with disclosure issues, gaining information about HIV and treatment as well as material benefits such as food parcels and job opportunities. The greatest need of support group attendees was assistance in obtaining a Social Support or Disability Grant. A few negative experiences were reported which included: unfulfilled promises by people outside of the group, unfair allocation of grants and food parcels, as well as negative group dynamics at times. Support group members agreed that even though there were few negative experiences, the benefits clearly outweighed the negative experiences. Most participants agreed that they would recommend the support group to other HIV positive people so that they could also enjoy the stated benefits. In summary, the study concluded that support groups are very helpful in the lives of HIV positive people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mkhencele, Nontando Precious
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons , Self-help groups -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001094 , HIV-positive persons , Self-help groups -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world. The estimated 5,7 million South Africans that are living with HIV need comprehensive and holistic care. Psychosocial support is a vital aspect of care for HIV positive people. Support groups have been identified as a basic form of psychosocial support. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of support groups in the lives of HIV positive people in East London, Eastern Cape. A qualitative study design was implemented using focus group interviews to explore the role of HIV support groups. The research questions were designed to elicit responses pertaining to the needs, expectations and experiences of HIV positive support group attendees. Activities conducted in support groups as well as the attitude of support group members towards recruiting other HIV positive people to join the group were also explored. Findings revealed that the benefits of attending a support group included emotional and psychological support, sense of belonging to a “family”, assistance with disclosure issues, gaining information about HIV and treatment as well as material benefits such as food parcels and job opportunities. The greatest need of support group attendees was assistance in obtaining a Social Support or Disability Grant. A few negative experiences were reported which included: unfulfilled promises by people outside of the group, unfair allocation of grants and food parcels, as well as negative group dynamics at times. Support group members agreed that even though there were few negative experiences, the benefits clearly outweighed the negative experiences. Most participants agreed that they would recommend the support group to other HIV positive people so that they could also enjoy the stated benefits. In summary, the study concluded that support groups are very helpful in the lives of HIV positive people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Evalution of income generating/poverty alleviation projects
- Authors: Mali, Phoziswa Portia
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Economic assistance, Domestic , Poverty -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9055 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007752 , Economic assistance, Domestic , Poverty -- South Africa
- Description: Poverty alleviation is not only a South African problem; it is a global concern as well. After 16 years of democracy, poverty and unemployment are still major issues facing South Africa. Poverty is not evenly distributed in South Africa; it is largely concentrated among black Africans. This study examines the impact of income generating projects in alleviating poverty and sustaining livelihoods in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality South Africa. The study also demonstrates the impact of income generating projects and challenges that face these projects and makes recommendations on identified challenges. The critical question is whether the income generated meets the needs of project members and their households. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used and a questionnaire was distributed in three projects. The research findings revealed that the projects are at the heart of alleviating poverty given the fact that these projects are formed by (a) marginalised community members, (b) very low income, (c) large family size, (d) widowed breadwinners and (e) ageing group. A limitation to the study is the fact that it was small scale; therefore findings cannot be generalized to the whole Eastern Cape and South Africa. Future aspects of the study include training of project members on marketing and project management skills.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mali, Phoziswa Portia
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Economic assistance, Domestic , Poverty -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9055 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007752 , Economic assistance, Domestic , Poverty -- South Africa
- Description: Poverty alleviation is not only a South African problem; it is a global concern as well. After 16 years of democracy, poverty and unemployment are still major issues facing South Africa. Poverty is not evenly distributed in South Africa; it is largely concentrated among black Africans. This study examines the impact of income generating projects in alleviating poverty and sustaining livelihoods in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality South Africa. The study also demonstrates the impact of income generating projects and challenges that face these projects and makes recommendations on identified challenges. The critical question is whether the income generated meets the needs of project members and their households. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used and a questionnaire was distributed in three projects. The research findings revealed that the projects are at the heart of alleviating poverty given the fact that these projects are formed by (a) marginalised community members, (b) very low income, (c) large family size, (d) widowed breadwinners and (e) ageing group. A limitation to the study is the fact that it was small scale; therefore findings cannot be generalized to the whole Eastern Cape and South Africa. Future aspects of the study include training of project members on marketing and project management skills.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Examining Malawi's administrative reform and its impact on service delivery
- Authors: Mabomba, Annie Chisomo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Administrative agencies -- Malawi -- Management , Executive departments -- Malawi -- Management , Municipal services -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11640 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001249 , Administrative agencies -- Malawi -- Management , Executive departments -- Malawi -- Management , Municipal services -- Malawi
- Description: The advent of multi-party democracy in 1994 spearheaded different reforms in the Malawi public sector. One prominent reform is administrative reform. The new government that was ushered into power instituted a policy on civil service reform and institutional development. The reforms that were introduced aimed at improving performance and enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of services. Accordingly, a Public Service Act was promulgated that constituted the clarification of the role of the civil service; equal access to public employment; merit based recruitment and promotion; and increased accountability and transparency in the policies and practices of the public service. This study therefore seeks to examine administrative reforms in Malawi and assess their impact on service delivery. The research further endeavours to explore factors which block the successful implementation of reform programmes, and seeks to come up with areas of improvement which would ensure successful implementation of reform programmes in future. The scope of this research is limited to the current civil service reform programmes and is mainly based on primary and secondary sources of information. The study uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. However, findings reveal that reforms had a negative impact on service delivery since no significant change in the delivery of services was registered. The Malawi civil service continues to suffer from unprofessionalism, inefficiency, corruption and a host of other problems. The study shows the gap between rhetoric and reality of civil service reform programmes in Malawi.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mabomba, Annie Chisomo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Administrative agencies -- Malawi -- Management , Executive departments -- Malawi -- Management , Municipal services -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11640 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001249 , Administrative agencies -- Malawi -- Management , Executive departments -- Malawi -- Management , Municipal services -- Malawi
- Description: The advent of multi-party democracy in 1994 spearheaded different reforms in the Malawi public sector. One prominent reform is administrative reform. The new government that was ushered into power instituted a policy on civil service reform and institutional development. The reforms that were introduced aimed at improving performance and enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of services. Accordingly, a Public Service Act was promulgated that constituted the clarification of the role of the civil service; equal access to public employment; merit based recruitment and promotion; and increased accountability and transparency in the policies and practices of the public service. This study therefore seeks to examine administrative reforms in Malawi and assess their impact on service delivery. The research further endeavours to explore factors which block the successful implementation of reform programmes, and seeks to come up with areas of improvement which would ensure successful implementation of reform programmes in future. The scope of this research is limited to the current civil service reform programmes and is mainly based on primary and secondary sources of information. The study uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. However, findings reveal that reforms had a negative impact on service delivery since no significant change in the delivery of services was registered. The Malawi civil service continues to suffer from unprofessionalism, inefficiency, corruption and a host of other problems. The study shows the gap between rhetoric and reality of civil service reform programmes in Malawi.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Exchange rate behavior in the cases of the Zambian Kwacha and Malawian Kwacha : is there misalignment?
- Magwizi, Brenda Thandekha, Rhodes University
- Authors: Magwizi, Brenda Thandekha , Rhodes University
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- Zambia Foreign exchange rates -- Malawi International relations -- Case studies -- Zambia International relations -- Case studies -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:974 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002708
- Description: The exchange rate is the price of one currency against another currency or currencies of a group of countries. Real exchange rates are important because they show the external competitiveness of a country‟s economy. Thus, when the exchange rate of a country is misaligned, this will affect its trade, production and the welfare of people. This study analysed macroeconomic determinants of the real exchange rate and dynamic adjustment of the real exchange rate as a result of shocks to these determinants. The study also determined the extent of misalignment of the real exchange rate in Malawi and Zambia and identified variables that contributed to it. Such information is important to policy makers. Quarterly data were used for both countries from 1980:1-2008:4. The literature review identified those variables that determine the exchange rate and these include government consumption, foreign aid, net foreign assets, commodity prices, terms of trade, domestic credit, openness and the Balassa Samuelson effect (technological progress). To determine the long-run relationship between the exchange rate and its determinants, we employed the Johansen approach and the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). For robustness check on the long-run and shortrun effects of determinants on the exchange rate, variance decomposition and impulse response analyses were used. Results in the study show that in Malawi for both models, an increase in LAID, LGCON and LTOT resulted in real exchange rate depreciation and increases in LDC, NFA and LNEER resulted in an appreciation. In Zambia, increases in LAID, LGCON, LOPEN and LTOT caused the real exchange rate to depreciate while increases in LDC, NFA and LCOPPER led to an appreciation. Lagged LREER and LNEER were found to have short run effects on the equilibrium exchange rate for Malawi and lagged LCOPPER and LDC for Zambia. Periods of exchange rate misalignment were found in both countries. It was also found that the coefficient of speed of adjustment in Malawi in models 1 and 2 indicate that 11% and 27% of the variation in the real exchange rate from its equilibrium adjust each quarter respectively. The speed of adjustment for Zambia in both models was 45% and 47% respectively, higher than that of Malawi. Foreign aid has proven to be important in exchange rate misalignment in both countries, though this was not really expected in the case of Zambia. Given these results, it may be of interest to policy makers to understand which variables impact most on the exchange rate and how misalignment due to these determinants can be minimised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Magwizi, Brenda Thandekha , Rhodes University
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- Zambia Foreign exchange rates -- Malawi International relations -- Case studies -- Zambia International relations -- Case studies -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:974 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002708
- Description: The exchange rate is the price of one currency against another currency or currencies of a group of countries. Real exchange rates are important because they show the external competitiveness of a country‟s economy. Thus, when the exchange rate of a country is misaligned, this will affect its trade, production and the welfare of people. This study analysed macroeconomic determinants of the real exchange rate and dynamic adjustment of the real exchange rate as a result of shocks to these determinants. The study also determined the extent of misalignment of the real exchange rate in Malawi and Zambia and identified variables that contributed to it. Such information is important to policy makers. Quarterly data were used for both countries from 1980:1-2008:4. The literature review identified those variables that determine the exchange rate and these include government consumption, foreign aid, net foreign assets, commodity prices, terms of trade, domestic credit, openness and the Balassa Samuelson effect (technological progress). To determine the long-run relationship between the exchange rate and its determinants, we employed the Johansen approach and the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). For robustness check on the long-run and shortrun effects of determinants on the exchange rate, variance decomposition and impulse response analyses were used. Results in the study show that in Malawi for both models, an increase in LAID, LGCON and LTOT resulted in real exchange rate depreciation and increases in LDC, NFA and LNEER resulted in an appreciation. In Zambia, increases in LAID, LGCON, LOPEN and LTOT caused the real exchange rate to depreciate while increases in LDC, NFA and LCOPPER led to an appreciation. Lagged LREER and LNEER were found to have short run effects on the equilibrium exchange rate for Malawi and lagged LCOPPER and LDC for Zambia. Periods of exchange rate misalignment were found in both countries. It was also found that the coefficient of speed of adjustment in Malawi in models 1 and 2 indicate that 11% and 27% of the variation in the real exchange rate from its equilibrium adjust each quarter respectively. The speed of adjustment for Zambia in both models was 45% and 47% respectively, higher than that of Malawi. Foreign aid has proven to be important in exchange rate misalignment in both countries, though this was not really expected in the case of Zambia. Given these results, it may be of interest to policy makers to understand which variables impact most on the exchange rate and how misalignment due to these determinants can be minimised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Exchange rate pass-through to domestic prices in Kenya
- Authors: Mnjama, Gladys Susan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Kenya -- Economic conditions , Kenya -- Economic conditions -- Econometric models , Foreign exchange rates -- Kenya , Stocks -- Prices -- Kenya , Banks and banking -- Kenya , Cointegration , Econometrics , Inflation (Finance) -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:975 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002709 , Kenya -- Economic conditions , Kenya -- Economic conditions -- Econometric models , Foreign exchange rates -- Kenya , Stocks -- Prices -- Kenya , Banks and banking -- Kenya , Cointegration , Econometrics , Inflation (Finance) -- Kenya
- Description: In 1993, Kenya liberalised its trade policy and allowed the Kenyan Shillings to freely float. This openness has left Kenya's domestic prices vulnerable to the effects of exchange rate fluctuations. One of the objectives of the Central Bank of Kenya is to maintain inflation levels at sustainable levels. Thus it has become necessary to determine the influence that exchange rate changes have on domestic prices given that one of the major determinants of inflation is exchange rate movements. For this reason, this thesis examines the magnitude and speed of exchange rate pass-through (ERPT) to domestic prices in Kenya. In addition, it takes into account the direction and size of changes in the exchange rates to determine whether the exchange rate fluctuations are symmetric or asymmetric. The thesis uses quarterly data ranging from 1993:Ql - 2008:Q4 as it takes into account the period when the process of liberalization occurred. The empirical estimation was done in two stages. The first stage was estimated using the Johansen (1991) and (1995) co integration techniques and a vector error correction model (VECM). The second stage entailed estimating the impulse response and variance decomposition functions as well as conducting block exogeneity Wald tests. In determining the asymmetric aspect of the analysis, the study followed Pollard and Coughlin (2004) and Webber (2000) frameworks in analysing asymmetry with respect to appreciation and depreciation and large and small changes in the exchange rate to import prices. The results obtained showed that ERPT to Kenya is incomplete but relatively low at about 36 percent in the long run. In terms of asymmetry, the results showed that ERPT is found to be higher in periods of appreciation than depreciation. This is in support of market share and binding quantity constraints theory. In relation to size changes, the results show that size changes have no significant impact on ERPT in Kenya.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mnjama, Gladys Susan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Kenya -- Economic conditions , Kenya -- Economic conditions -- Econometric models , Foreign exchange rates -- Kenya , Stocks -- Prices -- Kenya , Banks and banking -- Kenya , Cointegration , Econometrics , Inflation (Finance) -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:975 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002709 , Kenya -- Economic conditions , Kenya -- Economic conditions -- Econometric models , Foreign exchange rates -- Kenya , Stocks -- Prices -- Kenya , Banks and banking -- Kenya , Cointegration , Econometrics , Inflation (Finance) -- Kenya
- Description: In 1993, Kenya liberalised its trade policy and allowed the Kenyan Shillings to freely float. This openness has left Kenya's domestic prices vulnerable to the effects of exchange rate fluctuations. One of the objectives of the Central Bank of Kenya is to maintain inflation levels at sustainable levels. Thus it has become necessary to determine the influence that exchange rate changes have on domestic prices given that one of the major determinants of inflation is exchange rate movements. For this reason, this thesis examines the magnitude and speed of exchange rate pass-through (ERPT) to domestic prices in Kenya. In addition, it takes into account the direction and size of changes in the exchange rates to determine whether the exchange rate fluctuations are symmetric or asymmetric. The thesis uses quarterly data ranging from 1993:Ql - 2008:Q4 as it takes into account the period when the process of liberalization occurred. The empirical estimation was done in two stages. The first stage was estimated using the Johansen (1991) and (1995) co integration techniques and a vector error correction model (VECM). The second stage entailed estimating the impulse response and variance decomposition functions as well as conducting block exogeneity Wald tests. In determining the asymmetric aspect of the analysis, the study followed Pollard and Coughlin (2004) and Webber (2000) frameworks in analysing asymmetry with respect to appreciation and depreciation and large and small changes in the exchange rate to import prices. The results obtained showed that ERPT to Kenya is incomplete but relatively low at about 36 percent in the long run. In terms of asymmetry, the results showed that ERPT is found to be higher in periods of appreciation than depreciation. This is in support of market share and binding quantity constraints theory. In relation to size changes, the results show that size changes have no significant impact on ERPT in Kenya.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Exchange rates behaviour in Ghana and Nigeria: is there a misalignment?
- Authors: Mapenda, Rufaro
- Date: 2011 , 2011-11-09
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- Ghana , Foreign exchange rates -- Nigeria , Economic development -- Ghana , Economic development -- Nigeria , Foreign exchange administration -- Ghana , Foreign exchange administration -- Nigeria , International relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:976 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002710 , Foreign exchange rates -- Ghana , Foreign exchange rates -- Nigeria , Economic development -- Ghana , Economic development -- Nigeria , Foreign exchange administration -- Ghana , Foreign exchange administration -- Nigeria , International relations
- Description: Exchange rates are believed to be one of the major driving forces behind sustainable macroeconomic growth and it is therefore important to ensure that they are at an appropriate level. Exchange rate misalignment is a situation where the actual exchange rate differs significantly from its equilibrium value, resulting in either an overvalued or an undervalued currency. The problem with an undervalued currency is that it will increase the domestic price of tradable goods whereas an overvalued currency will cause a fall in the domestic prices of the tradable goods. Persistent exchange rate misalignment is thus expected to result in severe macroeconomic instability. The aim of this study is to estimate the equilibrium real exchange rate for both Ghana and Nigeria. After so doing, the equilibrium real exchange rate is compared to the actual real exchange rate, in order to assess the extent of real exchange rate misalignment in both countries, if any such exists. In order test the applicability of the equilibrium exchange rate models, the study draws from the simple monetary model as well as the Edwards (1989) and Montiel (1999) models. These models postulate that the variables which determine the real exchange rate are the terms of trade, trade restrictions, domestic interest rates, foreign aid inflow, income, money supply, world inflation, government consumption expenditure, world interest rates, capital controls and technological progress. Due to data limitations in Ghana and in Nigeria, not all the variables are utilised in the study. The study uses the Johansen (1995) model as well as the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to estimate the long- and the short-run relationships between the above-mentioned determinants and the real exchange rate. Thereafter the study employs the Hodrick-Prescott filter to estimate the permanent equilibrium exchange rate. The study estimates a real exchange rate model each for Ghana and Nigeria. Both the exchange rate models for Ghana and Nigeria provide evidence of exchange rate misalignment. The model for Ghana shows that from the first quarter of 1980 to the last quarter of 1983 the real exchange rate was overvalued; thereafter the exchange rate moved close to its equilibrium value and was generally undervalued with few and short-lived episodes of overvaluation. In regard to real exchange rate misalignment in Nigeria prior to the Structural Adjustment Program in 1986 there were episodes of undervaluation from the first quarter of 1980 to the first quarter of 1984 and overvaluation from the second quarter of 1984 to the third quarter of 1986; thereafter the exchange rate was generally and marginally undervalued.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mapenda, Rufaro
- Date: 2011 , 2011-11-09
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- Ghana , Foreign exchange rates -- Nigeria , Economic development -- Ghana , Economic development -- Nigeria , Foreign exchange administration -- Ghana , Foreign exchange administration -- Nigeria , International relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:976 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002710 , Foreign exchange rates -- Ghana , Foreign exchange rates -- Nigeria , Economic development -- Ghana , Economic development -- Nigeria , Foreign exchange administration -- Ghana , Foreign exchange administration -- Nigeria , International relations
- Description: Exchange rates are believed to be one of the major driving forces behind sustainable macroeconomic growth and it is therefore important to ensure that they are at an appropriate level. Exchange rate misalignment is a situation where the actual exchange rate differs significantly from its equilibrium value, resulting in either an overvalued or an undervalued currency. The problem with an undervalued currency is that it will increase the domestic price of tradable goods whereas an overvalued currency will cause a fall in the domestic prices of the tradable goods. Persistent exchange rate misalignment is thus expected to result in severe macroeconomic instability. The aim of this study is to estimate the equilibrium real exchange rate for both Ghana and Nigeria. After so doing, the equilibrium real exchange rate is compared to the actual real exchange rate, in order to assess the extent of real exchange rate misalignment in both countries, if any such exists. In order test the applicability of the equilibrium exchange rate models, the study draws from the simple monetary model as well as the Edwards (1989) and Montiel (1999) models. These models postulate that the variables which determine the real exchange rate are the terms of trade, trade restrictions, domestic interest rates, foreign aid inflow, income, money supply, world inflation, government consumption expenditure, world interest rates, capital controls and technological progress. Due to data limitations in Ghana and in Nigeria, not all the variables are utilised in the study. The study uses the Johansen (1995) model as well as the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to estimate the long- and the short-run relationships between the above-mentioned determinants and the real exchange rate. Thereafter the study employs the Hodrick-Prescott filter to estimate the permanent equilibrium exchange rate. The study estimates a real exchange rate model each for Ghana and Nigeria. Both the exchange rate models for Ghana and Nigeria provide evidence of exchange rate misalignment. The model for Ghana shows that from the first quarter of 1980 to the last quarter of 1983 the real exchange rate was overvalued; thereafter the exchange rate moved close to its equilibrium value and was generally undervalued with few and short-lived episodes of overvaluation. In regard to real exchange rate misalignment in Nigeria prior to the Structural Adjustment Program in 1986 there were episodes of undervaluation from the first quarter of 1980 to the first quarter of 1984 and overvaluation from the second quarter of 1984 to the third quarter of 1986; thereafter the exchange rate was generally and marginally undervalued.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Experiences of casualty doctors regarding their role in the management of gender-based violence victims at the intermediate hospitals, Oshakati
- Tachere, Oghoteru Richardson
- Authors: Tachere, Oghoteru Richardson
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Family violence -- Namibia , Physicians -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10029 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1309 , Family violence -- Namibia , Physicians -- Namibia
- Description: The research focused on the experiences of casualty doctors regarding their role in the management of gender-based violence victims at the Intermediate Hospital Oshakati, Namibia. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was utilized and data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. These were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the Tesch’s method of qualitative data analysis by the researcher in conjunction with an independent coder. The research findings revealed that the study participants experienced gender-based violence as a common and recurrent public health issue. Participants indicated that the majority of the victims presented with a wide range of physical injuries as well as significant emotional trauma. With further exploration, it emerged that participants identified alcohol abuse, low socioeconomic status and several relationship problems as prevalent factors associated with gender-based violence. They also recognized that the current programme managing gender-based violence provides a measure of safety for victims by making emergency services available. In addition, these services could be accessed free of charge and victims identified as ‘high-risk’ were offered sanctuary in the ward to prevent further harm. Study participants further observed that the presence of a multi-disciplinary team of care-givers also contribute positively to the management of gender-based violence victims. However, participants experienced several challenges that impair their role in the management of gender-based violence victims. Notable among these are high workload (arising from shortage of personnel and offering services to non-emergency cases in casualty), lack of collaboration among team members and a lack of proficiency in psychosocial intervention strategies. Based on the study findings, it is hereby recommended that clear guidelines for the management of gender-based violence victims should be established and a better collaboration among all cadres of professionals involved in this issue should be promoted. In addition, campaigns to sensitize the community about values that can help in the prevention of gender-based violence and dangers of alcohol abuse as well as strengthening the legislative framework vis-à-vis implementing punitive measures against culprits, should be vigorously pursued.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Tachere, Oghoteru Richardson
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Family violence -- Namibia , Physicians -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10029 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1309 , Family violence -- Namibia , Physicians -- Namibia
- Description: The research focused on the experiences of casualty doctors regarding their role in the management of gender-based violence victims at the Intermediate Hospital Oshakati, Namibia. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was utilized and data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. These were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the Tesch’s method of qualitative data analysis by the researcher in conjunction with an independent coder. The research findings revealed that the study participants experienced gender-based violence as a common and recurrent public health issue. Participants indicated that the majority of the victims presented with a wide range of physical injuries as well as significant emotional trauma. With further exploration, it emerged that participants identified alcohol abuse, low socioeconomic status and several relationship problems as prevalent factors associated with gender-based violence. They also recognized that the current programme managing gender-based violence provides a measure of safety for victims by making emergency services available. In addition, these services could be accessed free of charge and victims identified as ‘high-risk’ were offered sanctuary in the ward to prevent further harm. Study participants further observed that the presence of a multi-disciplinary team of care-givers also contribute positively to the management of gender-based violence victims. However, participants experienced several challenges that impair their role in the management of gender-based violence victims. Notable among these are high workload (arising from shortage of personnel and offering services to non-emergency cases in casualty), lack of collaboration among team members and a lack of proficiency in psychosocial intervention strategies. Based on the study findings, it is hereby recommended that clear guidelines for the management of gender-based violence victims should be established and a better collaboration among all cadres of professionals involved in this issue should be promoted. In addition, campaigns to sensitize the community about values that can help in the prevention of gender-based violence and dangers of alcohol abuse as well as strengthening the legislative framework vis-à-vis implementing punitive measures against culprits, should be vigorously pursued.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Exploratory study on attitudes of nurse managers towards quality improvement programmes in the East London hospital complex
- Authors: Dondashe-Mtise, Tobeka
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Nursing services -- South Africa -- Administration , Nurse administrators -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hospitals -- South Africa -- East London , Nursing audit -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/316 , Nursing services -- South Africa -- Administration , Nurse administrators -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hospitals -- South Africa -- East London , Nursing audit -- South Africa -- East London
- Description: This study was aimed at investigating the attitudes of nurse managers towards quality improvement programmes in the East London Hospital Complex. The research design comprised a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive approach. A purposive sample of 10 nurse managers participated in the study. The data were collected through interviews, using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were recorded using audiotape. Data were analysed manually and by using the computer software Atlas ti. Positive and negative themes were identified and ethical consideration was ensured by means of privacy, confidentiality and anonymity. The findings revealed that nurse managers in the East London Hospital Complex had overall positive attitudes towards quality improvement programmes. A few negative attitudes and their contributory factors were also identified. The limitations of the study and recommendations based on the findings of the study are presented
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Dondashe-Mtise, Tobeka
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Nursing services -- South Africa -- Administration , Nurse administrators -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hospitals -- South Africa -- East London , Nursing audit -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/316 , Nursing services -- South Africa -- Administration , Nurse administrators -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hospitals -- South Africa -- East London , Nursing audit -- South Africa -- East London
- Description: This study was aimed at investigating the attitudes of nurse managers towards quality improvement programmes in the East London Hospital Complex. The research design comprised a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive approach. A purposive sample of 10 nurse managers participated in the study. The data were collected through interviews, using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were recorded using audiotape. Data were analysed manually and by using the computer software Atlas ti. Positive and negative themes were identified and ethical consideration was ensured by means of privacy, confidentiality and anonymity. The findings revealed that nurse managers in the East London Hospital Complex had overall positive attitudes towards quality improvement programmes. A few negative attitudes and their contributory factors were also identified. The limitations of the study and recommendations based on the findings of the study are presented
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Exploring how teachers acquire content knowledge of marine and coastal issues to contextualize the natural science curriculum
- Authors: Mbuyazwe, Vuyiswa
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:21017 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6016
- Description: The transformation process in the South African curriculum has highlighted a need for teachers to change from being passive implementers of curriculum. They are required to interpret the curriculum, adapt materials and develop lesson plans that will be responsive in their own context. They are also required to use materials and mediate learning. This research explores teacher acquisition of content knowledge on marine and coastal issues and probes how teachers work with materials in the development of lesson plans to contextualize the curriculum. A participatory action research process engaged 3 teachers in a contextualizing process of curriculum development. I started to work with the teachers to adapt and re-develop coastal and marine resources to support learning in local context. The research developed in two phases. The first examined existing teacher knowledge of marine and coastal issues and probed how content was integrated into lesson planning. Teachers identified knowledge acquisition as the priority to enable them to work with the materials and curriculum in their context. The second phase set out to enhance teachers’ knowledge of marine and coastal resources through workshops and field trips to improve the adaptation and use of materials. To document these processes and outcomes in the context of this study, I employed a range of data generation strategies including questionnaires, workshops and classroom observations, field notes, focus group discussion and the review of lesson plans, learners’ work and materials used. All participants collaboratively discussed and reflected on the process, but I was responsible for the final interpretation presented here. This study showed that teachers are still entrenched in their normal practice of working with content as facts and definitions, the delivery of abstract propositions that is not aligned with the curriculum goals. The new curriculum required teachers to change their teaching practice by using materials to mediate learning in context. The data revealed a mismatch between teacher practices and what the curriculum required from them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mbuyazwe, Vuyiswa
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:21017 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6016
- Description: The transformation process in the South African curriculum has highlighted a need for teachers to change from being passive implementers of curriculum. They are required to interpret the curriculum, adapt materials and develop lesson plans that will be responsive in their own context. They are also required to use materials and mediate learning. This research explores teacher acquisition of content knowledge on marine and coastal issues and probes how teachers work with materials in the development of lesson plans to contextualize the curriculum. A participatory action research process engaged 3 teachers in a contextualizing process of curriculum development. I started to work with the teachers to adapt and re-develop coastal and marine resources to support learning in local context. The research developed in two phases. The first examined existing teacher knowledge of marine and coastal issues and probed how content was integrated into lesson planning. Teachers identified knowledge acquisition as the priority to enable them to work with the materials and curriculum in their context. The second phase set out to enhance teachers’ knowledge of marine and coastal resources through workshops and field trips to improve the adaptation and use of materials. To document these processes and outcomes in the context of this study, I employed a range of data generation strategies including questionnaires, workshops and classroom observations, field notes, focus group discussion and the review of lesson plans, learners’ work and materials used. All participants collaboratively discussed and reflected on the process, but I was responsible for the final interpretation presented here. This study showed that teachers are still entrenched in their normal practice of working with content as facts and definitions, the delivery of abstract propositions that is not aligned with the curriculum goals. The new curriculum required teachers to change their teaching practice by using materials to mediate learning in context. The data revealed a mismatch between teacher practices and what the curriculum required from them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Exploring perceptions and implementation experiences of learner-centered education among history teachers : a case study in Namibia
- Authors: Sibeya, Nestor Mutumba
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Student-centered education -- Namibia , History -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1988 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013226
- Description: The study sought to understand how Grade 9 History teachers perceive and implement learner-centered education (LCE) in selected schools in Caprivi educational region in the Republic of Namibia. It concentrated on three teachers in two combined and junior secondary schools. The research employed a qualitative approach and three data instruments were used: interviews, class observations and document analysis. The findings of the study show that in their interview discussions of the principles, intent and recommended key features of LCE, the three participating teachers generally correctly captured some of the essential intentions of a LCE approach. At times in the interviews they seemed to strongly grasp the essence of a key strategy and its intent, but at other times their views were sketchy. Their view of different teaching strategies at times appeared integrated but not always that strongly. When it came to their classroom practice they could and did use a number of appropriate LCE teaching approaches. The level of effectiveness in their use of many of the approaches varied from effective to far from ideal and in need of quite big improvement. In the area of resources the three classrooms were extremely limited in what they displayed, had and used. There were too few textbooks and almost no posters and wall displays on history and the geography of the world and its peoples that the students were studying. An especially interesting feature was that they all seemed to be consciously engaged in an on-going teaching experiment with the LCE approaches. The LSC [sic] practices were clearly not yet strongly imbedded as solid classroom habits or dispositions, with perhaps the exception of questioning. But this experimenting made them much more self-conscious and reflective about their experiences. They all frankly identified some tensions that they felt existed between the espoused official features of a LCE class and the demands of the covering the curriculum, size of classes etc. Overall it was an encouraging picture of teachers eager to find ways to improve their teaching and experiment with new ideas. But also a picture of people not properly exposed to good or best practice in each teaching strategy and having to reinvent and rediscover on their own even the basics of reasonable practice often making very basic mistakes, for example in questioning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Sibeya, Nestor Mutumba
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Student-centered education -- Namibia , History -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1988 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013226
- Description: The study sought to understand how Grade 9 History teachers perceive and implement learner-centered education (LCE) in selected schools in Caprivi educational region in the Republic of Namibia. It concentrated on three teachers in two combined and junior secondary schools. The research employed a qualitative approach and three data instruments were used: interviews, class observations and document analysis. The findings of the study show that in their interview discussions of the principles, intent and recommended key features of LCE, the three participating teachers generally correctly captured some of the essential intentions of a LCE approach. At times in the interviews they seemed to strongly grasp the essence of a key strategy and its intent, but at other times their views were sketchy. Their view of different teaching strategies at times appeared integrated but not always that strongly. When it came to their classroom practice they could and did use a number of appropriate LCE teaching approaches. The level of effectiveness in their use of many of the approaches varied from effective to far from ideal and in need of quite big improvement. In the area of resources the three classrooms were extremely limited in what they displayed, had and used. There were too few textbooks and almost no posters and wall displays on history and the geography of the world and its peoples that the students were studying. An especially interesting feature was that they all seemed to be consciously engaged in an on-going teaching experiment with the LCE approaches. The LSC [sic] practices were clearly not yet strongly imbedded as solid classroom habits or dispositions, with perhaps the exception of questioning. But this experimenting made them much more self-conscious and reflective about their experiences. They all frankly identified some tensions that they felt existed between the espoused official features of a LCE class and the demands of the covering the curriculum, size of classes etc. Overall it was an encouraging picture of teachers eager to find ways to improve their teaching and experiment with new ideas. But also a picture of people not properly exposed to good or best practice in each teaching strategy and having to reinvent and rediscover on their own even the basics of reasonable practice often making very basic mistakes, for example in questioning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Exploring the impact of teaching music within the creative and performing arts subject in selected upper primary schools in Botswana
- Authors: Moswate, Kholisani
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Curriculum change , Music--Instruction and study
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus (Education)
- Identifier: vital:8503 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1654 , Curriculum change , Music--Instruction and study
- Description: The introduction of Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) in the school curriculum is one of the changes brought about by the educational reforms in Botswana’s education system. Fullan (2005:42) observed that “any educational change becomes a reality when it is implemented with the involvement of the key role players.” In the case of my research, the primary school teachers and school management teams are the key role-players. This research was, therefore, conducted to explore the impact of teaching music within the CAPA subject as one of the changes brought about by the educational reforms in Botswana upper primary schools. I have found the phenomenological design appropriate for my research. Babbie and Mouton (2009:28) explain this paradigm as emphasising that “human beings are engaged in the process of making sense of their lives and that they continually interpret, create and give meaning to, define, justify and rationalise their actions.” In collecting and analysing data, a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative approaches was used to explore trends regarding the teachers’ perceptions, views, emotions, feelings, experiences and preparedness for the introduction of the CAPA subject.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Moswate, Kholisani
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Curriculum change , Music--Instruction and study
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus (Education)
- Identifier: vital:8503 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1654 , Curriculum change , Music--Instruction and study
- Description: The introduction of Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) in the school curriculum is one of the changes brought about by the educational reforms in Botswana’s education system. Fullan (2005:42) observed that “any educational change becomes a reality when it is implemented with the involvement of the key role players.” In the case of my research, the primary school teachers and school management teams are the key role-players. This research was, therefore, conducted to explore the impact of teaching music within the CAPA subject as one of the changes brought about by the educational reforms in Botswana upper primary schools. I have found the phenomenological design appropriate for my research. Babbie and Mouton (2009:28) explain this paradigm as emphasising that “human beings are engaged in the process of making sense of their lives and that they continually interpret, create and give meaning to, define, justify and rationalise their actions.” In collecting and analysing data, a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative approaches was used to explore trends regarding the teachers’ perceptions, views, emotions, feelings, experiences and preparedness for the introduction of the CAPA subject.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Exploring the limited participation of SMMEs in communal business practices
- Authors: Tembo, Theophilus Tawanda
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14455 , vital:27637
- Description: Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) has evidently moved beyond the jurisdictions of academia and begun its ascension to the top of the corporate agenda. CSR is no longer considered a ‗by the way‘ but as a concept to be aligned to a company‘s strategy. The participation of businesses in CSR activities is especially vital in the developing world where the socio-economic needs of the communities are vast. Companies realise they cannot succeed in communities that fail, and CSR is seen as the most direct way to improve communities. With the immense importance of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in any economy, this study explores their limited participation in CSR, which will later be redefined as Communal Business Practices (CBP). An in-depth interview between the author and the manager/owner of a SMME was used to isolate four factors upon which the sub-problems were developed. These factors were Pressure from the Public, Resource Constraints, Scale of Activity, and Visibility. A questionnaire built on these factors was developed and distributed to various SMME managers /owners in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape provinces to explore their opinions on the participation of SMMEs in CBPs. Of the 97% of respondents who believed it was their responsibility to empower their communities, only 43% said they participated in CBPs. It was discovered that SMMEs do not feel pressure from the public to partake in CBPs like their larger counterparts. Instead resource constraints were identified as the most common barrier to SMME participation in CBPs. On the issue of visibility, most SMMEs felt they were not visible enough to benefit from improved legitimacy and reputational effects as larger companies do. On the problem of scale of activity, respondents felt it is proportional to the scale of CBP participation but not a barrier to participation The author concludes the study by putting forward some recommendations to increase the participation of SMMEs in social responsibility activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Tembo, Theophilus Tawanda
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14455 , vital:27637
- Description: Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) has evidently moved beyond the jurisdictions of academia and begun its ascension to the top of the corporate agenda. CSR is no longer considered a ‗by the way‘ but as a concept to be aligned to a company‘s strategy. The participation of businesses in CSR activities is especially vital in the developing world where the socio-economic needs of the communities are vast. Companies realise they cannot succeed in communities that fail, and CSR is seen as the most direct way to improve communities. With the immense importance of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in any economy, this study explores their limited participation in CSR, which will later be redefined as Communal Business Practices (CBP). An in-depth interview between the author and the manager/owner of a SMME was used to isolate four factors upon which the sub-problems were developed. These factors were Pressure from the Public, Resource Constraints, Scale of Activity, and Visibility. A questionnaire built on these factors was developed and distributed to various SMME managers /owners in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape provinces to explore their opinions on the participation of SMMEs in CBPs. Of the 97% of respondents who believed it was their responsibility to empower their communities, only 43% said they participated in CBPs. It was discovered that SMMEs do not feel pressure from the public to partake in CBPs like their larger counterparts. Instead resource constraints were identified as the most common barrier to SMME participation in CBPs. On the issue of visibility, most SMMEs felt they were not visible enough to benefit from improved legitimacy and reputational effects as larger companies do. On the problem of scale of activity, respondents felt it is proportional to the scale of CBP participation but not a barrier to participation The author concludes the study by putting forward some recommendations to increase the participation of SMMEs in social responsibility activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Exploring the use of mineral corridors and stranded ore deposits in order to alleviate rural poverty and effect environmental and social change through a proposed rural development corridor in South Africa
- Authors: Baartjes, Joan Charlaine
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11517 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/389 , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa has less than 1 percent of the global land surface, yet it is ranked highly in terms of remaining mineral resources. Mineral wealth has not translated into a better life for all. Poverty, however, abounds; particularly in the rural areas and this study seeks to identify a solution or partial solution to this situation. The study combines two critical areas, Mineral Based Rural Development, and Mineral Based Enterprise Development and draws from it a model for Mineraldriven Rural Economic Development viable for all parts of South Africa. This study comprised research on a national scale and thus covered a section of each of South Africa‟s nine provinces. It investigated the conditions in rural and urban centres, and geologically, it traversed examples of Archaean, Proterozoic and Phanerozoic formations. The field visits deliberately set out to look at some of the lowest value commodities; typically the only minerals available to the surrounding rural communities. This was done to see if a case could be made for even the lowest value commodities which are often found furthest from the large markets. This study indicates that for a rural area to be able to compete nationally or internationally, it is important to be competitive so that the area can participate in the economy. The creation of regional competitive areas allow for the focusing of strategies and funding for targeted rural projects. Enterprises, typically the product of entrepreneurial activity, are required to increase economic intensity and activity. xxvii The goal of poverty reduction, has been identified by government so that enterprises, as products of economic development, can be focused on the situation. Interviews conducted by the researcher indicated that part of the problem to overcome is the bureaucracy created by government which hinders enterprise development. Recommendations are made that government should exempt rural enterprises from some of the compliance hurdles. This will serve to accelerate rural development. An important aspect of urban enterprises is that they have access to labour without too many problems. Thirteen developed or developing corridors were visited of the five types of development corridors identified. It was found that those in areas of high poverty (for example the corridors of the Eastern Cape) are difficult to develop and make self-sustaining. The corridors linked to any point of Gauteng (Johannesburg or Pretoria) are more robust, although the relatively short length of the corridor is not an indicator of effectiveness. The key recommendations made include the completion of a national rural mineral-asset audit; the use of the information to demarcate rural-regions that can be developed as nationally and internationally competitive regions; the establishment of a rural Resource and Training Academy(ies) so that skills are developed close to areas where they will be deployed; provision of an easier way to launch mineral-based rural enterprises and incentivise these for accelerated development; and the development of an indigenous body of knowledge to mine small scale deposits
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Baartjes, Joan Charlaine
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11517 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/389 , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa has less than 1 percent of the global land surface, yet it is ranked highly in terms of remaining mineral resources. Mineral wealth has not translated into a better life for all. Poverty, however, abounds; particularly in the rural areas and this study seeks to identify a solution or partial solution to this situation. The study combines two critical areas, Mineral Based Rural Development, and Mineral Based Enterprise Development and draws from it a model for Mineraldriven Rural Economic Development viable for all parts of South Africa. This study comprised research on a national scale and thus covered a section of each of South Africa‟s nine provinces. It investigated the conditions in rural and urban centres, and geologically, it traversed examples of Archaean, Proterozoic and Phanerozoic formations. The field visits deliberately set out to look at some of the lowest value commodities; typically the only minerals available to the surrounding rural communities. This was done to see if a case could be made for even the lowest value commodities which are often found furthest from the large markets. This study indicates that for a rural area to be able to compete nationally or internationally, it is important to be competitive so that the area can participate in the economy. The creation of regional competitive areas allow for the focusing of strategies and funding for targeted rural projects. Enterprises, typically the product of entrepreneurial activity, are required to increase economic intensity and activity. xxvii The goal of poverty reduction, has been identified by government so that enterprises, as products of economic development, can be focused on the situation. Interviews conducted by the researcher indicated that part of the problem to overcome is the bureaucracy created by government which hinders enterprise development. Recommendations are made that government should exempt rural enterprises from some of the compliance hurdles. This will serve to accelerate rural development. An important aspect of urban enterprises is that they have access to labour without too many problems. Thirteen developed or developing corridors were visited of the five types of development corridors identified. It was found that those in areas of high poverty (for example the corridors of the Eastern Cape) are difficult to develop and make self-sustaining. The corridors linked to any point of Gauteng (Johannesburg or Pretoria) are more robust, although the relatively short length of the corridor is not an indicator of effectiveness. The key recommendations made include the completion of a national rural mineral-asset audit; the use of the information to demarcate rural-regions that can be developed as nationally and internationally competitive regions; the establishment of a rural Resource and Training Academy(ies) so that skills are developed close to areas where they will be deployed; provision of an easier way to launch mineral-based rural enterprises and incentivise these for accelerated development; and the development of an indigenous body of knowledge to mine small scale deposits
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Exploring user-driven telephony services in an information and communication technology for development context
- Authors: Kunjuzwa, Dumani Tau
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information society -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Telecommunication -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11383 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/546 , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information society -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Telecommunication -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: There is a great difference that exists between people who have access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and those who do not. As a developing nation, South Africa is badly affected by the so-called Digital Divide. Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICTD) interventions are rapidly increasing in marginalized and rural communities in striving to bridge this digital divide. This research project is undertaken within the context of the Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL) which is an ICTD intervention at Dwesa rural community. This research investigates how audio-based services can be applied locally for communication and information sharing. This research aims to develop a user-driven telephony framework which will enable users to construct customized audio-based services. This aims to empower the Dwesa community for skill development and supports the user-driven innovation. The Internet and Telephones are the most popular technologies that are widely used in our daily life for purposes of communication and information access. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) integrates these two separate technologies (Internet and Telephones) to produce real-time multimedia communication services such as Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems. In addition, the ability of VoIP presenting information through voice plays a crucial role, more especially to those who do not have web visual access or those who are computer illiterate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Kunjuzwa, Dumani Tau
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information society -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Telecommunication -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11383 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/546 , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information society -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Telecommunication -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: There is a great difference that exists between people who have access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and those who do not. As a developing nation, South Africa is badly affected by the so-called Digital Divide. Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICTD) interventions are rapidly increasing in marginalized and rural communities in striving to bridge this digital divide. This research project is undertaken within the context of the Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL) which is an ICTD intervention at Dwesa rural community. This research investigates how audio-based services can be applied locally for communication and information sharing. This research aims to develop a user-driven telephony framework which will enable users to construct customized audio-based services. This aims to empower the Dwesa community for skill development and supports the user-driven innovation. The Internet and Telephones are the most popular technologies that are widely used in our daily life for purposes of communication and information access. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) integrates these two separate technologies (Internet and Telephones) to produce real-time multimedia communication services such as Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems. In addition, the ability of VoIP presenting information through voice plays a crucial role, more especially to those who do not have web visual access or those who are computer illiterate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Expression of heat shock proteins on the plasma membrane of cancer cells : a potential multi-chaperone complex that mediates migration
- Authors: Kenyon, Amy
- Date: 2011 , 2011-03-29
- Subjects: Heat shock proteins , Protein folding , Molecular chaperones , Cancer -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4122 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013362
- Description: Current dogma suggests that the Heat Shock Protein (Hsp) molecular chaperones and associated co-chaperones function primarily within the cell, although growing evidence suggests a role for these proteins on the plasma membrane of cancer cells. Hsp90 does not function independently in vivo, but instead functions with a variety of partner chaperones and co-chaperones, that include Hsp70 and Hsp90/Hsp70 organising protein (Hop), which are thought to regulate ATP hydrolysis and the binding of Hsp90 to its client proteins. Hsp90 on the plasma membrane appears to have distinct roles in pathways leading to cell motility, invasion and metastasis. We hypothesised that Hsp90 on the plasma membrane is present as part of a multi-chaperone complex that participates in the chaperone-assisted folding of client membrane proteins in a manner analogous to the intracellular chaperone complex. This study characterised the membrane expression of Hsp90, Hsp70 and Hop in different cell models of different adhesive and migratory capacity, namely MDA-MB-231 (metastatic adherent breast cancer cell line), MCF-7 (non-metastatic adherent breast cancer cell line), U937 and THP1 (monocytic leukemia suspension cell lines). Membrane expression of the Hsps was analysed using a combination of subcellular fractionation, biotin-streptavidin affinity purification and immunofluorescence. This study provided evidence to suggest that Hsp90, Hsp70 and Hop are membrane associated in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Hsp90, Hsp70 and Hop associated with the plasma membrane such that at least part of the protein is located extracellularly. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that Hsp90, Hsp70 and Hop at the leading edge may localize to membrane ruffles in MDA-MB-231 cells, in accordance with the published role of Hsp90 in migration. An increase in this response was seen in cells stimulated to migrate with SDF-1. By immunoprecipitation, we isolated a putative extracellular membrane associated complex containing Hsp90, Hsp70 and Hop. Using soluble Hsp90 and antibodies against membrane associated Hsp90, we suggested roles for soluble extracellular Hsp90 in mediating migration by wound healing assays and inducing actin reorganisation and vinculin-based focal adhesion formation. The effects of extracellular Hsp90 are mediated by signalling through an ERK1/2 dependent pathway. An anti-Hsp90 antibody against an N-terminal epitope in Hsp90 appeared to be able to overcome the death inducing effects of a combination of SDF-1 and AMD3100, while soluble Hsp90 could not overcome this effect. We propose that this study provides preliminary evidence that extracellular Hsp90 functions as part of a multi-chaperone complex that includes Hsp70 and Hop. The extracellular Hsp90 chaperone complex may mediate cell processes such as migration by modulating the conformation of cell surface receptors, leading to downstream signalling.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Kenyon, Amy
- Date: 2011 , 2011-03-29
- Subjects: Heat shock proteins , Protein folding , Molecular chaperones , Cancer -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4122 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013362
- Description: Current dogma suggests that the Heat Shock Protein (Hsp) molecular chaperones and associated co-chaperones function primarily within the cell, although growing evidence suggests a role for these proteins on the plasma membrane of cancer cells. Hsp90 does not function independently in vivo, but instead functions with a variety of partner chaperones and co-chaperones, that include Hsp70 and Hsp90/Hsp70 organising protein (Hop), which are thought to regulate ATP hydrolysis and the binding of Hsp90 to its client proteins. Hsp90 on the plasma membrane appears to have distinct roles in pathways leading to cell motility, invasion and metastasis. We hypothesised that Hsp90 on the plasma membrane is present as part of a multi-chaperone complex that participates in the chaperone-assisted folding of client membrane proteins in a manner analogous to the intracellular chaperone complex. This study characterised the membrane expression of Hsp90, Hsp70 and Hop in different cell models of different adhesive and migratory capacity, namely MDA-MB-231 (metastatic adherent breast cancer cell line), MCF-7 (non-metastatic adherent breast cancer cell line), U937 and THP1 (monocytic leukemia suspension cell lines). Membrane expression of the Hsps was analysed using a combination of subcellular fractionation, biotin-streptavidin affinity purification and immunofluorescence. This study provided evidence to suggest that Hsp90, Hsp70 and Hop are membrane associated in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Hsp90, Hsp70 and Hop associated with the plasma membrane such that at least part of the protein is located extracellularly. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that Hsp90, Hsp70 and Hop at the leading edge may localize to membrane ruffles in MDA-MB-231 cells, in accordance with the published role of Hsp90 in migration. An increase in this response was seen in cells stimulated to migrate with SDF-1. By immunoprecipitation, we isolated a putative extracellular membrane associated complex containing Hsp90, Hsp70 and Hop. Using soluble Hsp90 and antibodies against membrane associated Hsp90, we suggested roles for soluble extracellular Hsp90 in mediating migration by wound healing assays and inducing actin reorganisation and vinculin-based focal adhesion formation. The effects of extracellular Hsp90 are mediated by signalling through an ERK1/2 dependent pathway. An anti-Hsp90 antibody against an N-terminal epitope in Hsp90 appeared to be able to overcome the death inducing effects of a combination of SDF-1 and AMD3100, while soluble Hsp90 could not overcome this effect. We propose that this study provides preliminary evidence that extracellular Hsp90 functions as part of a multi-chaperone complex that includes Hsp70 and Hop. The extracellular Hsp90 chaperone complex may mediate cell processes such as migration by modulating the conformation of cell surface receptors, leading to downstream signalling.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Extending legal professional privilege to non-legal tax practitioners in South Africa: a comparative and constitutional perspective
- Authors: Jani, Pride
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:882 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001636
- Description: This study explains the differing rights of taxpayers, based on the nature of the profession of the tax adviser they consult. Those who utilize the services of tax attorneys can rely on the protection afforded by legal professional privilege whereas those who obtain their advice from non-legal advisers, such as accountants and other tax advisers, cannot claim the same protection. Legal professional privilege is a substantive right which should be extended to cover clients of non-legal tax advisers. The continued denial of the privilege to clients of nonlegal tax practitioners while it is availed to those who approach legal practitioners infringes the rights to privacy and equality contained in the South African Constitution. The object of this research is to show that the common law concept of legal professional privilege is amenable to extension so as to cover the clients of non-legal tax advisers. A qualitative approach was adopted which involved an in-depth analysis of the origins, rationale as well as the requirements for the operation of the doctrine. This also involved a constitutional as well as a comparative dimension. The constitutional dimension sought to show that the current distinction is untenable under the South African Constitution by virtue of the infringement of the rights to privacy and equality. The comparative dimension presented an analysis of the various jurisdictions that have extended the doctrine as well as those that are still to do so or have adamantly rejected the idea. The differential treatment of taxpayers based on the professional they engage contravenes the privacy and equality provisions and is thus unconstitutional. The study demonstrates that legal professional privilege is amenable to extension and there is need for legislative intervention as the courts are limited in the extent to which they may intervene in light of the separation of powers and judicial deference. Legal professional privilege should therefore be extended to protect the clients of non-legal tax advisers as opposed to partial protection which subsists at the moment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Jani, Pride
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:882 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001636
- Description: This study explains the differing rights of taxpayers, based on the nature of the profession of the tax adviser they consult. Those who utilize the services of tax attorneys can rely on the protection afforded by legal professional privilege whereas those who obtain their advice from non-legal advisers, such as accountants and other tax advisers, cannot claim the same protection. Legal professional privilege is a substantive right which should be extended to cover clients of non-legal tax advisers. The continued denial of the privilege to clients of nonlegal tax practitioners while it is availed to those who approach legal practitioners infringes the rights to privacy and equality contained in the South African Constitution. The object of this research is to show that the common law concept of legal professional privilege is amenable to extension so as to cover the clients of non-legal tax advisers. A qualitative approach was adopted which involved an in-depth analysis of the origins, rationale as well as the requirements for the operation of the doctrine. This also involved a constitutional as well as a comparative dimension. The constitutional dimension sought to show that the current distinction is untenable under the South African Constitution by virtue of the infringement of the rights to privacy and equality. The comparative dimension presented an analysis of the various jurisdictions that have extended the doctrine as well as those that are still to do so or have adamantly rejected the idea. The differential treatment of taxpayers based on the professional they engage contravenes the privacy and equality provisions and is thus unconstitutional. The study demonstrates that legal professional privilege is amenable to extension and there is need for legislative intervention as the courts are limited in the extent to which they may intervene in light of the separation of powers and judicial deference. Legal professional privilege should therefore be extended to protect the clients of non-legal tax advisers as opposed to partial protection which subsists at the moment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Factors affecting people with disabilities in the employment sector
- Authors: Caga, Tabisa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Blind -- Employment , People with visual disabilities -- Employment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9992 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1549 , Blind -- Employment , People with visual disabilities -- Employment
- Description: Since 1994, the South African Government has formulated various policies in an attempt to redress the previous political, economic and social imbalances within the country. The majority of the policies have focused on empowering previously disadvantaged groups including people with disabilities. Despite the interventions, literature reviewed reflects that there is very little progress made with regard to empowerment of people with disabilities in the employment sector. The study seeks to explore and identify factors that affect people with visual disabilities in the employment sector. The researcher used a qualitative approach to investigate the perceptions of people with visual disabilities through conducting focus groups interviews with participants that were recruited using a purposive sampling approach. A total of four groups from Pretoria have been used to draw findings for the research study. During the focus group discussions, a semi structured interview guide was used to generate more in‐depth interpretations from the participants and data was analysed using Tesch’s (1990) framework that is described in Creswell (2003). The findings of the research revealed that people with visual disabilities still have problems in accessing and retaining employment despite the South African favourable legislation. Dominating among the factors that are viewed by the participants to hinder their employability are societal negatives attitudes which include unequal treatment, discrimination when they seek employment, belittling and disregard by employers, coworkers and the society at large. There are also a number of factors that were perceived as barriers to job seekers with visual disabilities which include inaccessible advertising media for vacancies, inaccessible transports systems, inaccessible education and training and lack of funded positions suited for people with visual disabilities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Caga, Tabisa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Blind -- Employment , People with visual disabilities -- Employment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9992 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1549 , Blind -- Employment , People with visual disabilities -- Employment
- Description: Since 1994, the South African Government has formulated various policies in an attempt to redress the previous political, economic and social imbalances within the country. The majority of the policies have focused on empowering previously disadvantaged groups including people with disabilities. Despite the interventions, literature reviewed reflects that there is very little progress made with regard to empowerment of people with disabilities in the employment sector. The study seeks to explore and identify factors that affect people with visual disabilities in the employment sector. The researcher used a qualitative approach to investigate the perceptions of people with visual disabilities through conducting focus groups interviews with participants that were recruited using a purposive sampling approach. A total of four groups from Pretoria have been used to draw findings for the research study. During the focus group discussions, a semi structured interview guide was used to generate more in‐depth interpretations from the participants and data was analysed using Tesch’s (1990) framework that is described in Creswell (2003). The findings of the research revealed that people with visual disabilities still have problems in accessing and retaining employment despite the South African favourable legislation. Dominating among the factors that are viewed by the participants to hinder their employability are societal negatives attitudes which include unequal treatment, discrimination when they seek employment, belittling and disregard by employers, coworkers and the society at large. There are also a number of factors that were perceived as barriers to job seekers with visual disabilities which include inaccessible advertising media for vacancies, inaccessible transports systems, inaccessible education and training and lack of funded positions suited for people with visual disabilities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Factors affecting the effectiveness of parental involvement in children's education: the case of the junior secondary schools in Ngqeleni District of Eastern Cape
- Authors: Maqoqa, Thabisa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Education -- Parental involvement , Parents -- Education (Junior) -- Schools
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:18413 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1006506 , Education -- Parental involvement
- Description: This study is about factors affecting the effectiveness of parental involvement in their children’s education. This chapter focuses on the background to the study, statement of the problem, research questions, delimitation and limitations of the study and definitions of terms used in the context of the study. The education system during the apartheid era did not encourage effective involvement of stakeholders in schools. The achievement of democracy in South Africa has consigned to history the past system of Education which was based on racial inequality and segregation whereas this country requires a new national system for schools which will redress past injustices in educational provision, provide an education of progressively high quality for all learners (South African Schools Act (SASA) 84 of 1996). One of the factors which influence the success of a school system is the involvement of its stakeholders (SASA 84 of 1996). The school stakeholders are parents, educators, the learners, the community and the department of education officials. This means that these stakeholders should work together. According to SASA, a parent is the person legally entitled to the custody of a learner or a person who undertakes to fulfill the obligations of a person towards the learner’s education at school. Parental involvement is described as the willingness and active participation of parents in a wide range of school and home-based activities related to their children’s education. Literally, parental involvement is a dynamic process whereby teachers and parents work together for the ultimate benefit of the child. The SASA emphasizes that the role of parents in the education of their children is a vital support source of learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Maqoqa, Thabisa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Education -- Parental involvement , Parents -- Education (Junior) -- Schools
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:18413 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1006506 , Education -- Parental involvement
- Description: This study is about factors affecting the effectiveness of parental involvement in their children’s education. This chapter focuses on the background to the study, statement of the problem, research questions, delimitation and limitations of the study and definitions of terms used in the context of the study. The education system during the apartheid era did not encourage effective involvement of stakeholders in schools. The achievement of democracy in South Africa has consigned to history the past system of Education which was based on racial inequality and segregation whereas this country requires a new national system for schools which will redress past injustices in educational provision, provide an education of progressively high quality for all learners (South African Schools Act (SASA) 84 of 1996). One of the factors which influence the success of a school system is the involvement of its stakeholders (SASA 84 of 1996). The school stakeholders are parents, educators, the learners, the community and the department of education officials. This means that these stakeholders should work together. According to SASA, a parent is the person legally entitled to the custody of a learner or a person who undertakes to fulfill the obligations of a person towards the learner’s education at school. Parental involvement is described as the willingness and active participation of parents in a wide range of school and home-based activities related to their children’s education. Literally, parental involvement is a dynamic process whereby teachers and parents work together for the ultimate benefit of the child. The SASA emphasizes that the role of parents in the education of their children is a vital support source of learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Factors associated with successful talent development in South African soccer players
- Authors: Mudege, Solomon Mufudzi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Soccer -- Training -- South Africa , Ability , Soccer -- Coaching -- South Africa , Professionalism in sports -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10103 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015713
- Description: In recent times, the performances of the South African senior national team (“Bafana Bafana”) have not matched the impressive off-field advancements in South African professional soccer. At the historic 2010 FIFA World CupTM held in South Africa, Bafana Bafana became the first host nation to be eliminated in the first round of the competition. Such disappointments have compelled stakeholders in South African soccer to call for a re-assessment of all structures and programmes which have an impact on the playing abilities of South African players. Of prime importance is the need to obtain a better understanding of talent development in South African soccer. The aim of this research study was to determine the relevance of selected factors associated with successful talent development in South African male professional soccer players competing in the 2008-2009 ABSA PSL season. In order to accomplish the research aims, the literature relating to talent development concepts and models was examined. The literature review identified seven factors which are relevant to talent development in soccer. The empirical study was exploratory, and it utilized a descriptive, non-experimental approach. Data were collected via a 53-item questionnaire, which was designed to evaluate the identified seven factors. The questionnaire was administered to a sample of 56 South African professional soccer players who played for clubs participating in the 2008-2009 season of the ABSA Premier Soccer League. The results obtained from the sample were analysed in terms of their descriptive statistics and confirmatory factor analysis was performed. The following six factors were statistically confirmed as being associated with the successful talent development of the sample: Training Environment, Motivation and Ambitions, Personal Development, Family Support, Cultural Factors and Coaching. These six factors accounted for 58 percent of the overall variance. The questionnaire had a reliability of 0.84, as measured by the Cronbach alpha coefficient. The study concludes that talent development in South African soccer is a multifactorial and complex process. Although the sample size was not suitable for discriminant analysis, theories such as the relative age effect and the „10-year rule‟ may be applicable to South African soccer. This study also adds to the limited body of knowledge on South African soccer, by identifying and scientifically analysing those factors which are associated with successful talent development. As success on the international stage becomes a priority in South African soccer, the identified factors serve as a sound scientific basis in the formulation of improved structures and strategies for perfecting the abilities of young soccer players, and increasing the competitiveness of Bafana Bafana.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mudege, Solomon Mufudzi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Soccer -- Training -- South Africa , Ability , Soccer -- Coaching -- South Africa , Professionalism in sports -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10103 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015713
- Description: In recent times, the performances of the South African senior national team (“Bafana Bafana”) have not matched the impressive off-field advancements in South African professional soccer. At the historic 2010 FIFA World CupTM held in South Africa, Bafana Bafana became the first host nation to be eliminated in the first round of the competition. Such disappointments have compelled stakeholders in South African soccer to call for a re-assessment of all structures and programmes which have an impact on the playing abilities of South African players. Of prime importance is the need to obtain a better understanding of talent development in South African soccer. The aim of this research study was to determine the relevance of selected factors associated with successful talent development in South African male professional soccer players competing in the 2008-2009 ABSA PSL season. In order to accomplish the research aims, the literature relating to talent development concepts and models was examined. The literature review identified seven factors which are relevant to talent development in soccer. The empirical study was exploratory, and it utilized a descriptive, non-experimental approach. Data were collected via a 53-item questionnaire, which was designed to evaluate the identified seven factors. The questionnaire was administered to a sample of 56 South African professional soccer players who played for clubs participating in the 2008-2009 season of the ABSA Premier Soccer League. The results obtained from the sample were analysed in terms of their descriptive statistics and confirmatory factor analysis was performed. The following six factors were statistically confirmed as being associated with the successful talent development of the sample: Training Environment, Motivation and Ambitions, Personal Development, Family Support, Cultural Factors and Coaching. These six factors accounted for 58 percent of the overall variance. The questionnaire had a reliability of 0.84, as measured by the Cronbach alpha coefficient. The study concludes that talent development in South African soccer is a multifactorial and complex process. Although the sample size was not suitable for discriminant analysis, theories such as the relative age effect and the „10-year rule‟ may be applicable to South African soccer. This study also adds to the limited body of knowledge on South African soccer, by identifying and scientifically analysing those factors which are associated with successful talent development. As success on the international stage becomes a priority in South African soccer, the identified factors serve as a sound scientific basis in the formulation of improved structures and strategies for perfecting the abilities of young soccer players, and increasing the competitiveness of Bafana Bafana.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011