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A comparison of open source object-oriented database products

- Khayundi, Peter

Authors: Khayundi, Peter
Date: 2009
Subjects: Object-oriented databases , Relational databases , Database management , Database selection , Database searching
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
Identifier: vital:11384 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/254 , Object-oriented databases , Relational databases , Database management , Database selection , Database searching
Description: Object oriented databases have been gaining popularity over the years. Their ease of use and the advantages that they offer over relational databases have made them a popular choice amongst database administrators. Their use in previous years was restricted to business and administrative applications, but improvements in technology and the emergence of new, data-intensive applications has led to the increase in the use of object databases. This study investigates four Open Source object-oriented databases on their ability to carry out the standard database operations of storing, querying, updating and deleting database objects. Each of these databases will be timed in order to measure which is capable of performing a particular function faster than the other.
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Date Issued: 2009

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Characterization of nickel tetrahydroxy phthalocyanine complexes and the electrocatalytic oxidation of 4-chlorophenol

- Khene, Samson M, Lobb, Kevin A, Nyokong, Tebello

Authors: Khene, Samson M , Lobb, Kevin A , Nyokong, Tebello
Date: 2009
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263308 , vital:53616 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ica.2009.08.019"
Description: This work reports on the use of nickel(II) tetrahydroxy (NiPc(OH)4) and (poly-Ni(OH)Pc(OH)4) phthalocyanine complexes as films on ordinary poly graphite electrode (OPGE) for the electrochemical oxidation of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP). The NiPc(OH)4 film was electrotransformed to Ni(OH)Pc(OH)4 film in aqueous 0.1 M NaOH solution to the ‘O–Ni–O oxo’ bridge form. The result showed that the Ni(OH)Pc(OH)4 film on OPGE was more electroactive in terms of increase in current and less catalytic in terms of potential compared to the adsorbed NiPc(OH)4 on OPGE. The reactivity of the two molecules was explained by theoretical calculations. The energies of the frontier orbitals of NiPc(OH)4, Ni(OH)Pc(OH)4 and 4-chlorophenol were calculated using density functional theory (DFT) method. The inter molecular hardness (η) and donor–acceptor hardness (ηDA) of Ni(OH)Pc(OH)4, NiPc(OH)4, Ni(OH)Pc(OH)4/4-chlorophenol and NiPc(OH)4/4-chlorophenol were estimated. The Ni(OH)Pc(OH)4, showed stronger interaction with 4-chlorophenol than NiPc(OH)4. DFT method was also used to model IR and Raman spectrum of H2Pc(OH)4 and NiPc(OH)4.
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Date Issued: 2009

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The performance profile of children from a low socio-economic status on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales-Extended Revised

- Kheswa, Thembi Lucia

Authors: Kheswa, Thembi Lucia
Date: 2009
Subjects: Psychological tests for children -- South Africa , Child development -- Testing
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
Identifier: vital:9900 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1072 , Psychological tests for children -- South Africa , Child development -- Testing
Description: This study, focused on child mental development, has aimed to contribute and provide valuable information to a larger research project that is currently under way to create a set of norms for a South African population on the GMDS-ER. The primary aim of the study was to explore and describe the developmental profile of children from a low socio-economic status, aged between 3 and 8 years 4 months old, on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales- Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). The purpose of the study was to generate information on low socio-economic status and child mental development. A quantitative, exploratory-descriptive research design was employed. The participants were selected through a non-probability, purposive sampling procedure. Information was collated using clinical observations, biographical data, as well as the results of an assessment on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales Extended-Revised. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical tables[PJS1].
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Date Issued: 2009

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An investigation into the role of the school governing body in the formulation of a code of conduct for learners with specific reference to selected schools in Port Elizabeth

- Khoboka, Mzikayise Freddie

Authors: Khoboka, Mzikayise Freddie
Date: 2009
Subjects: School boards -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School discipline -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School personnel management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School management and organization -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
Identifier: vital:8204 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1170 , School boards -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School discipline -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School personnel management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School management and organization -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
Description: South African School Governing Bodies play a crucial role in the governing of schools. One of the key challenges facing the School Governing Bodies is to contribute towards the creation of an atmosphere which is conducive for effective learning and teaching. This, among other ways, could be done by formulating a code of conduct for learners. The purpose of this study was to find out the role of the School Governing Body in formulating the code of conduct for learners. The subjects of the study were the parent and teacher components of the School Governing Bodies. Data collection for this study included questionnaires which were completed by parents and teachers who are members of the School Governing Bodies. Such data has been used to analyze and interpret the role played by the School Governing Bodies in formulating the code of conduct for learners. Among others, the study found that some members of the School Governing Bodies were not aware about their respective roles in the formulation of codes of conduct for learners and the policy relating to the code of conduct for learners. However, some School Governing Bodies have adopted the Provincial guidelines on the code of conduct as the code of conduct for their schools. The study recommends that the members of the School Governing Bodies should be empowered through, among others, continuous training courses relating to their respective roles in school governance.
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Date Issued: 2009

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The value of measuring brand equity: the Ceres Fruit Juices case

- Khumalo, Wilson Mdala

Authors: Khumalo, Wilson Mdala
Date: 2009
Subjects: Brand name products -- Management -- Case studies , Branding (Marketing) , Customer relations -- Management
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
Identifier: vital:8707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/995 , Brand name products -- Management -- Case studies , Branding (Marketing) , Customer relations -- Management
Description: Measuring brand equity is an important brand management function but, the appropriateness of brand equity measurement methods remain a concern. This study applied levels three of brand equity measurement approach to have an understanding of consumers’ brand perception. It is hoped that this understanding could give brand managers the necessary tool to develop and deploy effective and efficient brand management strategies and tactics. At Ceres Fruit Juices (CFJ), brand equity is used to improve competitive marketing actions, gain larger margins, intermediary co-operation and management support for brand extension. This study measures CFJ Brand equity to understand consumers’ perception so that this understanding can be used to develop responsive brand management strategies and tactics. Brand equity measurement methods and model found in the literature shows that measurement success depends on the suitability of the method used. However, customers’ perception is at the centre of brand equity measurement approach – level three used in this study. With merger and acquisition taking place at Ceres Fruit Juices, brand equity measurement emerged as an important brand management function to leverage real brand value. This would inevitably lead to an improvement in customer service through adequate understanding of customers brand perception. Understanding gives brand managers the necessary tool to deploy responsive and efficient brand management strategies and tactics to lessen the severity of the negative impact merger and acquisition may have on brand equity. Thus, this study found measurement model and method to be an essential element of brand equity measurement.
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Date Issued: 2009

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Disjunctions in the Diptera (Insecta) fauna of the Mediterranean Province and southern Africa and a discussion of biogeographical considerations : ecological overview article

- Kirk-Spriggs, A H, McGregor, Gillian K

Authors: Kirk-Spriggs, A H , McGregor, Gillian K
Date: 2009
Language: English
Type: text , Article
Identifier: vital:6880 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011636
Description: This paper explores disjunctions in the Diptera fauna of the Mediterranean Province and southern Africa, drawing from eight families of Diptera, the more ancient Psychodidae and Vermileonidae, and the more recent Acroceridae, Asilidae, Bombyliidae, Dolichopodidae, Pipunculidae and Sciomyzidae. Information from recent published revisions is geo-referenced and plotted onto maps using GIS software. These distribution patterns are interpreted and probable means and routes of dispersal between the two regions are discussed. The concept of an Afrotropical sub-Saharan boundary is outlined and it is argued that although the vast, arid and virtually abiotic Sahara acts as a barrier to dispersal today, relict floral and faunal populations of Mediterranean provincial origin still occur on the Hoggar and Tibesti Mountains of the central Sahara, indicating that the aridification of the Sahara is a very recent event. The presence of extensive palaeolakes formerly covering ca 10% of the present-day Sahara is regarded as evidence in support of this hypothesis. These lakes and their associated catchments, situated in basins between the central Saharan mountains, could clearly have acted as a humid route of dispersal as recently as 4000 BP, when these lakes began to recede, and this route is here regarded as a "central high Africa corridor"; a filter-bridge between the Mediterranean Province and southern Africa. Examples of Mediterranean provincial species of Ephydridae and the muscid genus Lispe Latreille, 1796, occurring as far south as the AÏr Massif in northern Niger are cited as examples of relict montane Diptera of Mediterranean provincial origin in the southern Hoggar Mountains; these groups being associated with the margins of standing water. Balinsky's (1962) concept of an "arid corridor" is also re-examined, using examples from the larger, less mobile Diptera, and it is concluded that such a pattern may not be the result of aridity, but represent an "eastern high Africa corridor", broadly corresponding to the "African Supers well". Other perceived distribution pathways between the Holarctic and Afrotropical Regions are mapped. Anemochore dispersal is considered, and the extent of the Afrotropical Region is discussed. Mediterranean tectonic evolution on both a globe of constant size and on a smaller Jurassic globe is also considered. It is concluded that if all the transitional zones between the zoogeographical regions are to be given more-or-less equivalent treatment, we must avoid setting boundaries based on earlier faunal distributions. For this reason the current boundary between the Palaearctic and Afrotropical Regions, arbitrary as it is, should be retained, despite evidence suggesting recent continuity between sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, corresponding broadly to the African and Arabian lithospheric plates.
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Date Issued: 2009

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Solvent-free synthesis of bisferrocenylimines and their coordination to rhodium (I)

- Kleyi, Phumelele Eldridge

Authors: Kleyi, Phumelele Eldridge
Date: 2009
Subjects: Organic compounds -- Synthesis , Organic solvents , Solution (Chemistry) , Chemistry, Organic , Coordination compounds
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
Identifier: vital:10393 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1053 , Organic compounds -- Synthesis , Organic solvents , Solution (Chemistry) , Chemistry, Organic , Coordination compounds
Description: Solvent-free reactions possess advantages compared to the solvent route, such as shorter reaction times, less use of energy, better yields, etc. Herein, the synthesis and characterization of bisferrocenylimines and arylbisamines are described. Reduction of the above compounds with LAH resulted in the formation of bisferrocenylamines and arylbisamines, respectively. The coordination chemistry of all the above compounds to rhodium(I) is also discussed in the prepared complexes [Rh(COD)(NN)]ClO4, where NN = bisferrocenylimines, and [Rh(COD)(NN)]BF4, where NN = bisferrocenylamines and arylbisamines. X-ray crystal structures of the complexes [Rh(COD)(NN)]ClO4 ([3.2] and [3.3]) have been obtained. Complexes of the type [Rh(COD)(NN)]BF4 were characterized with IR and UV-vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and conductometry. The catalytic activity of the complexes was also investigated: [Rh(COD)(NN)]ClO4 for the polymerization of phenylacetylene and [Rh(COD)(NN)]BF4 for the hydroformylation of styrene.
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Date Issued: 2009

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An investigation into the main causes for poor OEE at the Struandale Engine Plant of Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa

- Koen, Peter-John

Authors: Koen, Peter-John
Date: 2009
Subjects: Total productive maintenance -- South Africa , Industrial equipment
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
Identifier: vital:8672 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1172 , Total productive maintenance -- South Africa , Industrial equipment
Description: The Struandale Engine Plant (SEP) was set up in 1924 and was the 16th Ford plant outside North America. The plant has since produced a variety of different components ranging from wheel hubs, to engine components such as crank shafts and cylinder blocks, to the assembly of engines. Manufacturing at this plant has predominantly been via the job-shop method, where mass production techniques were used. The RoCam programme preparation started in 1999. In 2001, SEP experienced a very steep ramp-up due to an unexpected surge in volume requirements. This forced the plant’s Human Resources team to embark on an “emergency” recruitment drive to cover the required human resources to support the programme. Due to this action being taken by the Human Resources department, the educational level of the employees was at a very basic level and had an adverse effect on productivity. The SEP operating committee made a decision in 2004 to focus on the implementation and maintenance of the Ford Production System (FPS). This initiative was important because ageing equipment needed to be maintained at predetermined intervals through continuous improvement techniques that form part of the FPS programme. If these techniques are not in place, the Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) suffers. This programme comprises a number of critical elements such as FTPM that requires a certain education and skill level in effort to completely comprehend the system. Evidently, education was an issue and an effort had to be made to upgrade the workforce skill’s level, specifically the team leaders. On the 30th January 2008, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) had announced plans to invest more than R1.5-billion to expand its operations in South Africa for the production of Ford's next-generation compact pick-up truck iv and Puma diesel engine. In an effort to secure and retain the Puma contract at SEP, the plant had to prove that it could compete globally; hence it had to improve OEE levels to the world-class standard. The Puma engine contract had been contracted to South America, Turkey, Thailand, and South Africa. This was a strategic move in order to retain flexibility within the supply chain i.e. if one supplier / plant cannot deliver, demand can be shifted to one of three alternative suppliers. The problem statement which will be addressed by this research is: What are the main causes for the poor Overall Equipment Efficiency level (OEE) at the Struandale Engine Plant of Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa? The Primary Objective of this research is to: Identify the main causes for the poor Overall Equipment Efficiency level (OEE) at the Struandale Engine Plant of Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa
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Date Issued: 2009

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A study on the knowledge and skills of police officers in handling mentally ill persons in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

- Kolwapi, Xola Xolani

Authors: Kolwapi, Xola Xolani
Date: 2009
Subjects: Mentally ill -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Police -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , People with disabilities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
Identifier: vital:11902 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/406 , Mentally ill -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Police -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , People with disabilities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
Description: The dissertation argues that police officers are not trained in handling mentally ill persons. Purpose The study explored police officers‟ knowledge of mental illness and skills necessary for handling mentally ill people. Research methods The descriptive quantitative investigation has been used as a research strategy to identify the knowledge and skills of police officers in handling mentally ill persons. Forty five police officers were randomly selected from a population of 136 police officers. A self administered questionnaire was used for collecting data. Data analysis was done manually and frequency distributions, cross-tabulations and correlations were carried out. Results The findings revealed that police officers do not have knowledge and skills to handle mentally ill people. Recommendations It is recommended that mental health care practitioners should engage the police in discussions on training in handling mentally ill people. iv Limitations Due to time and budgetary limitations, the study had to settle for a more modest investigation
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Date Issued: 2009

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Determinants of grade 9 learners' intention to select science/applied sciences as curriculum stream for grade 10: an exploratory study of selected secondary schools in Amathole district

- Komle, Lindumzi Johnson

Authors: Komle, Lindumzi Johnson
Date: 2009
Subjects: Curriculum planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Science -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
Identifier: vital:16157 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/223 , Curriculum planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Science -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
Description: In schools in the Amathole District and throughout the rest of South Africa efforts are being made to encourage learners to pursue the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream in Grades 10 to 12. The aim of this study was both to determine and to explore those factors which, according to grade 9 learners, would either attract them to or deter them from following the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream from Grade 10 onwards. The study also sought to ascertain the views of teachers regarding the issues raised by the learners. A sample comprising 346 learners and 3 teachers were involved in the study. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods within the context of a post-positivist paradigm and utilising questionnaires and interviews, the study found that, consistent with existing research, there are both intrinsic and extrinsic related factors which play a role in the intention of learners to consider pursuing the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream. The intrinsic factors include learners‟ enjoyment of practical work and love for the Science and Applied Science. Extrinsic factors include perception that jobs in the field of Science and Applied Science compensate well. However, it was the intrinsic factors that pushed the learners to have the intention to follow the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream. Sociological, economic and personal dynamics seem to account for these patterns in the results. By contrast, two key sets of factors deterred the learners from the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream. One relates to factors in their internal loci of control, and the other to factors in learners‟ external loci of control. The internal locus of control factors had a greater influence, which suggests, according to attribution theorists, that the learners were inclined to look within themselves for the reasons that deterred them from the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream. In addition, a cluster analysis was conducted to ascertain whether the demographic profiles of the learners played a role in respect of their intention to pursue the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream. This cluster analysis revealed that, in terms of gender, males were more inclined than females to follow the Science and Applied Science stream. However, it was also significant that peer influence played an important role in attracting males to the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream, whereas it was career interest factors that attracted the females. In terms of ethnic groups, Indians and blacks were more inclined than coloureds and whites to follow the Science and Applied Science stream with whites being the least attracted to this stream. Career choice dynamics provide some explanations for these outcomes. The key contribution of this study lies in the fact that the study has shown that practical work as a teaching strategy may result in greater learner participation in the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream. The study recommends that, in order to promote greater participation in the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream in schools, strategies related to teaching in terms of which both genders are taken into consideration should be implemented. Other recommendations were also made. Nevertheless, it must be borne in mind that the study is a case study and that it is, therefore, not possible to generalise the findings.
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Date Issued: 2009

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A foucaultian critique of the conception of individual subjectivity within contemporary environmental discourse

- Konik, Inge

Authors: Konik, Inge
Date: 2009
Subjects: Environmentalism , Environmental policy , Environmental management -- Social aspects
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
Identifier: vital:8422 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016201
Description: Certain prominent environmental theorists have accounted for and/or addressed our unmitigated environmentally damaging behavior in cognitive terms, related to a common (misplaced) belief that economic development and technological advancement, among other contemporary processes, will solve our environmental problems. However, I argue that they have not given due consideration to the complex (predominantly non-cognitive/non-conscious) discursive constitution of the individual, and thus seem to adhere to a Kantian notion of autonomy that overlooks such non-cognitive factors. Focusing on this non-cognitive aspect of discursive constitution, I ascribe our ecological apathy mainly to the fact that we have been discursively constituted as docile bodies and prostrate subjects. Further, I argue that, because this process of discursive constitution is primarily non-cognitive, any attempts to remedy our ecological apathy at a cognitive level alone will not be completely effective. Consequently, I propose that a more effective way of fostering pro-environmental dispositions may be for individuals to engage in an ethic/culture of the self that is not exclusively conceptual in orientation, and which is centered on the practice of a counter-discourse that does not constitute the individual as docile and prostrate nor negate the individual’s dependence on the environment. Alternatively, in order to engender pro-environmental civilizational change, it may be necessary to operate within the discursive parameters of dominant/popular institutions, in order to incrementally alter the discourses employed within, and disseminated through, these institutions, in a manner that would lead to the problematization, rather than the endorsement, of the ecologically deleterious technological, political and economic trajectories of our time.
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Date Issued: 2009

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A framework for IT governance in small businesses

- Koornhof, Herman

Authors: Koornhof, Herman
Date: 2009
Subjects: Corporate governance -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa , Organisational Management
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
Identifier: vital:9768 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/994 , Corporate governance -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa , Organisational Management
Description: The primary objective of this treatise is to develop a framework that small businesses can use to implement IT governance. This framework for IT 6 Governance in Small Businesses, called ITGovSB, will be based primarily on the CobiT framework and the ISO/IEC 27002 information security controls. In order to achieve the primary objective, it is necessary to understand the differences between IT governance in small businesses and larger organisations. Consequently, one of the secondary objectives of the paper is to derive characteristics that define IT governance in small businesses. Another secondary objective is to implement the ITGovSB framework at a small business to evaluate its effectiveness.
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Date Issued: 2009

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Assessing the impact of qualified mathematics and science teachers in the Buffalo city area

- Kopolo, Lungiswa

Authors: Kopolo, Lungiswa
Date: 2009
Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality , Employees -- Recruiting -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality , Mathematics teachers -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality , Science teachers -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality , Education -- Personnel management , School -- Personnel management -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
Identifier: vital:8573 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1173 , Employee retention -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality , Employees -- Recruiting -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality , Mathematics teachers -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality , Science teachers -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality , Education -- Personnel management , School -- Personnel management -- South Africa
Description: Mathematics and science form an integral part people’s daily lives. South African people suddenly find themselves on a technological highway, where mathematical, scientific and creative thinking as well as problem solving skills take centre stage. However many people fear these, and believe that they are unable to tackle them. Mathematics and science educators therefore have need to have knowledge and understanding regarding 6 the foundation of the teaching of these subjects in the intermediate and senior phases at schools. This should enable them to contribute positively towards changing people’s perceptions about these subjects. Based on the above information I felt it imperative for me to investigate the impact of shortages of maths and science educators with special reference to the Buffalo City Area. Purpose of the study: 1 To determine whether schools are able to attract and retain qualified maths and science educators, 2 To identify the quantity of quality maths and science learners schools are able to produce for tertiary education, 3 To investigate the rate of turnover of maths and science educators, 4 To identify the number of maths and science learners who are willing to study maths and science at tertiary level and thereafter join the teaching fraternity.
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Date Issued: 2009

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A case study of strategy implementation at a major Eastern Cape component supplier company in the automotive industry

- Koyana, Gwyneth Puseletso

Authors: Koyana, Gwyneth Puseletso
Date: 2009
Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Automobile industry workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Industrial organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
Identifier: vital:735 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003855
Description: A review of the literature on strategy implementation reveals that there is limited knowledge on how strategies should be implemented. This thesis focuses on a case study of strategy implementation at a major Eastern Cape component supplier company in the automotive industry, for purposes of establishing how the company implemented its strategies to become one of the best cost leaders in the manufacture of automotive pressed metal body components in South Africa. Data collated from the company is analysed and discussed with a resultant description of how the research participants understood the process of strategy implementation within the research company during the period January 2006 to December 2007. Interviews were undertaken within the levels of top management, middle management and the operational employees. Interpretations were made of the constructs made by the research participants in their understanding of how the research company implemented its strategy to become one of the best cost leaders in the manufacture of automotive pressed metal body components. It transpired from the findings of the research that the research company manufactured 70% of its products for one major client. During the manufacture of its products, the research company had to conform to the quality standards required by the main client. The main client was therefore offered the desired service at the best price. The strategy of the research company was to strive to be one of the best cost leaders in the manufacture of its products. It sought to do this by producing high quality products. Analysis is made of the strategic content, strategic context, operational processes and outcomes for the research company after the implementation of its strategy. It emerges in the case study that the strategy implementation factors cannot be considered separately in linear models but holistically, since one implementation factor may influence the others, resulting in a context and process based approach.
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Date Issued: 2009

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Purification and partial characterisation of cathepsin D from ostrich skeletal muscle, and its activity during meat maturation

- Krause, Jason

Authors: Krause, Jason
Date: 2009
Subjects: Proteolytic enzymes , Ostrich products industry
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
Identifier: vital:10313 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1461 , Proteolytic enzymes , Ostrich products industry
Description: Cathepsin D, a muscle proteinase, participates in lysosomally mediated protein degradation in vivo. This enzyme has been proposed to play a significant role in the postmortem proteolysis process apparently associated with tenderisation. The lack of data on the postmortem characteristics of ostrich meat, especially on the ageing process and its influence on meat tenderness, called for an investigation into this process. There is no data available for purified ostrich cathepsin D, and the aim of this study was, therefore, to isolate, purify and characterise cathepsin D from ostrich skeletal muscle and subsequently investigate the possible role that it may have in the tenderisation process of meat. Cathepsin D was successfully isolated and purified from ostrich skeletal muscle using pepstatin A-agarose chromatography. The purified enzyme was composed of two subunits (14 and 29kDa). The amino acid composition as well as the N-terminal amino acid sequence of both subunits were determined. Kinetic parameters (Km and Vm), thermodynamic parameters (Ea, ∆H, ∆S and ∆G) and functional characteristics (effect of pH, temperature and various inhibitors on cathepsin D activity) were determined and are reported in this study. Ostrich muscle cathepsin D showed a pH optimum of 4 and a temperature optimum of 45°C. The activity of cathepsin D was strongly inhibited by pepstatin A and DTT. Purified ostrich cathepsin D displayed kinetic and functional properties similar to previously reported values from various species. The effect of storage on the activity of cathepsin D was investigated over a 30 day period. It was established that substantial postmortem cathepsin D activity remained throughout the storage period, to implicate cathepsin D, fulfilling a possible role in meat maturation.
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Date Issued: 2009

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Facilitating banking finance access for BBBEE firms in the Southern Cape area

- Kroukamp, Thelma

Authors: Kroukamp, Thelma
Date: 2009
Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Finance , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
Identifier: vital:8706 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/996 , Small business -- South Africa -- Finance , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
Description: Studies have shown that BBBEE parties are unsuccessful in raising banking finance due to a number of reasons. The objective of the enactment of the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act is primarily to promote the participation of black people in the economy. The measurement of BBBEE is determined by the codes of good practice for Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSE), which consists of seven elements namely: ownership, management control, employment equity, skills development, preferential procurement, enterprise development and socio-economic development. Enterprises with annual turnover ranging from R5 million and R35 million qualify as QSE. These elements measure the level of BBBEE status. The enactment of the National Credit Act replaced the Usury Act, 1968 and the Credit Agreements Act, 1980. The objective of the act is to promote accessibility to the credit market and to prevent the over-indebtedness of consumers. The Act is applicable to natural persons with contractual capacity and juristic persons with monetary assets or annual turnover of less than R1 million. This study aims to establish the facilitation of access to banking finance for BBBEE SME’S within the George and Mossel Bay area as these towns form part of the Garden Route Business Banking Division of Nedbank. The effect of the BBBEE and NCA on the accessing of banking finance was studied and analysed. Credit applications are subject to stringent credit scoring systems to rate applicants, monitor performance and manage accounts. The Basel rating which measures the minimum level of capital a bank should hold to protect investors determines the interest rate charged for loans. These ratings affect the accessibility of banking finance. A framework for bank and SME relationship building shows the relationships between: • The accounts manager’s role in relationship management; • Branch staff role in relationship management; • Corporate policies as part of relationship management. A survey was conducted in the form of a questionnaire in order to obtain primary information from two sample groups, banking officials and BBBEE clients to establish the relationship between the two sample groups. Quantitative techniques were used and the data obtained from the two sample groups were analysed. The study revealed that the by establishment of relationships between BBBEE clients and banking officials would facilitate access to banking.
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Date Issued: 2009

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