The possibility of psychotherapeutic privilege in South Africa
- Authors: Gewald, Rieka Susan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Psychology -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa Psychologists -- Professional ethics -- South Africa Psychotherapists -- Professional ethics -- South Africa Confidential communications -- South Africa Privileges and immunities -- South Africa Evidence (Law) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3717 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008208
- Description: Privilege is an evidential principle which, on the grounds of public policy, excludes evidence relevant and otherwise admissible. This thesis aims to discover whether privilege should be applied to the psychotherapeutic profession in South Africa. At present, the only profession in South Africa afforded privilege is the legal profession. There are two main theoretical justifications for privilege: the utilitarian and the individual/human rights approach. This thesis considers whether the psychotherapeutic profession warrants privilege under either theory, and recommends that the law of privilege integrate both theories rather than adopt one or the other. The impact of the Constitution and the right to privacy receive particular attention. Very little literature or case law on the question of psychotherapeutic privilege was found in South Africa. Consequently, extensive comparative research into the common-law systems of England, Canada and United States of America was done. This research yielded some interesting findings. The first is that case-by-case development of the law of privilege is uncel1ain and fragmented. The next is that psychotherapeutic privilege exists in almost absolute form in the United States of America, but is littered with lacunae causing as much uncertainty as the case-by-case approach to privilege law. The most helpful method of dealing with the problem was found in Canada, where a two-stage approach to protecting personal information, including psychotherapeutic records, has been developed. In light of this research, this thesis reassesses the original viability of psychotherapeutic privilege in South Africa. Privilege, it was found, is not the best solution to protecting psychotherapeutic communications. This thesis recommends legislative adoption of an amended two-stage approach based on the Canadian model for sexual offence trials as the best method of protecting psychotherapeutic communications in both civil and criminal proceedings. The thesis ends by suggesting draft legislative provisions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Gewald, Rieka Susan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Psychology -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa Psychologists -- Professional ethics -- South Africa Psychotherapists -- Professional ethics -- South Africa Confidential communications -- South Africa Privileges and immunities -- South Africa Evidence (Law) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3717 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008208
- Description: Privilege is an evidential principle which, on the grounds of public policy, excludes evidence relevant and otherwise admissible. This thesis aims to discover whether privilege should be applied to the psychotherapeutic profession in South Africa. At present, the only profession in South Africa afforded privilege is the legal profession. There are two main theoretical justifications for privilege: the utilitarian and the individual/human rights approach. This thesis considers whether the psychotherapeutic profession warrants privilege under either theory, and recommends that the law of privilege integrate both theories rather than adopt one or the other. The impact of the Constitution and the right to privacy receive particular attention. Very little literature or case law on the question of psychotherapeutic privilege was found in South Africa. Consequently, extensive comparative research into the common-law systems of England, Canada and United States of America was done. This research yielded some interesting findings. The first is that case-by-case development of the law of privilege is uncel1ain and fragmented. The next is that psychotherapeutic privilege exists in almost absolute form in the United States of America, but is littered with lacunae causing as much uncertainty as the case-by-case approach to privilege law. The most helpful method of dealing with the problem was found in Canada, where a two-stage approach to protecting personal information, including psychotherapeutic records, has been developed. In light of this research, this thesis reassesses the original viability of psychotherapeutic privilege in South Africa. Privilege, it was found, is not the best solution to protecting psychotherapeutic communications. This thesis recommends legislative adoption of an amended two-stage approach based on the Canadian model for sexual offence trials as the best method of protecting psychotherapeutic communications in both civil and criminal proceedings. The thesis ends by suggesting draft legislative provisions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The potential of a stratified ontology for developing materials in community-based coastal marine environmental education processes
- Authors: Davies, Siân May
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Ontology Critical realism Environmental education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community-based conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Marine resources development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Marine ecology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Teaching -- Aids and devices -- South Africa Poor -- Education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1708 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003591
- Description: This study set out to explore the possibilities that the Critical Realist concept of a stratified ontology might have for environmental learning and materials development processes. This involved processes of ongoing contextual profiling; the use of picture-based resources and storytelling to support the engagement with the marine harvesting contexts of the villages of Hamburg and Ngqinisa, in the former Ciskei. At the heart of the study was the process of uncovering the empirical, the actual and the real in the context of a community of coastal marine harvesters whose lives and livelihoods are affected by poverty and a history of inequality, and more recently by issues such as HIV/AIDS. Their stories of existing practice changed as we engaged with picture-based narratives, gaining depth and focus in relation to sustainability issues. The learning processes associated with and emerging out of the research processes were enhanced through abductive use of metaphors and graphic illustrations, and through intra- and inter community exchanges, again using picture based narratives. As the study unfolded, the development of environmental education materials receded. Focus turned to how conceptual abstraction processes (of abduction (metaphor) and retroduction) and the stratified ontological framework allowed for learning across epistemological divides.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Davies, Siân May
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Ontology Critical realism Environmental education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community-based conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Marine resources development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Marine ecology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Teaching -- Aids and devices -- South Africa Poor -- Education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1708 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003591
- Description: This study set out to explore the possibilities that the Critical Realist concept of a stratified ontology might have for environmental learning and materials development processes. This involved processes of ongoing contextual profiling; the use of picture-based resources and storytelling to support the engagement with the marine harvesting contexts of the villages of Hamburg and Ngqinisa, in the former Ciskei. At the heart of the study was the process of uncovering the empirical, the actual and the real in the context of a community of coastal marine harvesters whose lives and livelihoods are affected by poverty and a history of inequality, and more recently by issues such as HIV/AIDS. Their stories of existing practice changed as we engaged with picture-based narratives, gaining depth and focus in relation to sustainability issues. The learning processes associated with and emerging out of the research processes were enhanced through abductive use of metaphors and graphic illustrations, and through intra- and inter community exchanges, again using picture based narratives. As the study unfolded, the development of environmental education materials receded. Focus turned to how conceptual abstraction processes (of abduction (metaphor) and retroduction) and the stratified ontological framework allowed for learning across epistemological divides.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The principle of inclusion-exclusion and möbius function as counting techniques in finite fuzzy subsets
- Authors: Talwanga, Matiki
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Fuzzy logic , Fuzzy sets , Fuzzy systems , Möbius function
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5413 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005227 , Fuzzy logic , Fuzzy sets , Fuzzy systems , Möbius function
- Description: The broad goal in this thesis is to enumerate elements and fuzzy subsets of a finite set enjoying some useful properties through the well-known counting technique of the principle of inclusion-exclusion. We consider the set of membership values to be finite and uniformly spaced in the real unit interval. Further we define an equivalence relation with regards to the cardinalities of fuzzy subsets providing the Möbius function and Möbius inversion in that context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Talwanga, Matiki
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Fuzzy logic , Fuzzy sets , Fuzzy systems , Möbius function
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5413 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005227 , Fuzzy logic , Fuzzy sets , Fuzzy systems , Möbius function
- Description: The broad goal in this thesis is to enumerate elements and fuzzy subsets of a finite set enjoying some useful properties through the well-known counting technique of the principle of inclusion-exclusion. We consider the set of membership values to be finite and uniformly spaced in the real unit interval. Further we define an equivalence relation with regards to the cardinalities of fuzzy subsets providing the Möbius function and Möbius inversion in that context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The protein and energy requirements of the South African abalone, Haliotis midae
- Authors: Green, Alistair John
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Haliotis midae -- South Africa Abalone culture -- South Africa Abalones -- Nutrition Abalones -- Physiology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5352 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008261
- Description: The abalone (Haliotis midae) culture industry in South Africa is becoming increasingly dependent on the use of formulated feeds, due to limitations in the supply of kelp. The bulk of the feeds that are currently available were developed based on the requirements of juvenile abalone cultured within the optimal temperature range for growth (18 - 20 °C). However, most abalone farming facilities are land-based pump ashore operations and are thus mostly exposed to temperatures outside of this range. In addition, these feeds have been found to be unsuitable for abalone cultured at elevated water temperatures (> 20°C). The aim of the study was to develop size and temperature specific diets for H midoe through optimisation of dietary protein, energy and lipid levels. Abalone were cultured under farm-like conditions in three partially recirculating temperature controlled systems at either 18, 22 or 24°C and fed formulated diets containing graded levels of protein (18,22 and 26 %) and energy (11.6, 13.5 and 16.2 MJ.kg·I ). Abalone were stocked into baskets at 5 % of available of surface area (n=36) and each diet (n=9) was fed to four baskets of abalone at each of the three temperature regimes for ten weeks. Abalone growth was temperature dependent, with growth declining from 4.33 g.month-I for abalone cultured at 18°C to 0.77 g.month-I at 24°C. Dietary protein could be reduced from 26 to 18 % provided dietary energy levels were maintained at 13.5 MJ.kg- l • A dietary energy level of 11.6 MJ.kg-1 was insufficient to meet the energetic requirements of H midae regardless of the protein content of the diet. The effects of water temperature and body size on the protein requirements of H midae were investigated by culturing abalone at temperatures within the optimal range for abalone farming (i.e. 14, 16 and 18°C). Three size classes of abalone (15, 50 and 80 mm) were fed formulated feed containing graded levels of dietary protein (20, 26, 32, 38 and 44 %) under controlled laboratory conditions for 12 weeks, and, in a separate experiment, under commercial farm conditions for 24 weeks. It was not possible to convincingly define the optimal protein levels for abalone of different sizes in this experiment because growth rates fell below average commercial growth rates obtained on farms. Growth was temperature dependent in the laboratory trial, with the rate of weight gain of the 15 mm (ANOV A: p=0.002) and 50 mm abalone (ANOV A: p=0.02) increasing significantly with an increase in temperature from 14 to 18°C. In the farm trial, dietary protein content did not affect the growth rate of the 10-15 or 80 mm abalone (ANOVA: p>0.05), however, the 50 mm abalone displayed significantly higher weight gain on the 32 % (4.72±0.20 g.month-I ) and 38 % (5.01±0.34 g.month-I ) protein diets compared to those fed the 20 % protein diet (3.75±0.13 g.month-I ) (ANOVA: p=O.OI). Although definition of optimal dietary protein levels were not possible, the effects of dietary protein content and water temperature on the growth of H midae were independent signifying that the protein requirements of abalone are temperature independent. In addition, there was no evidence to indicate that abalone of the different sizes tested here had different dietary protein requirements. The size specific dietary lipid and protein requirements of H midae were investigated by feeding two size classes of abalone (30 and 60 mm initial shell length) diets containing graded levels of dietary lipid (4, 7, 10, 13 and 16 %) and protein (34 - 39 %) for 12 weeks. The 30 and 60 mm abalone were stocked at 7 (n=200) and 9 % (n=36) of the available basket surface area respectively and each diet was fed to four baskets of abalone of each size class. The protein requirements of H. midae are influenced by the amount of available dietary energy and thus it is possible that the ability of abalone to utilise lipids as a source of energy differs in the presence of varying levels of dietary protein. High levels of dietary lipid negatively affected the growth, condition factor and soft tissue glycogen content of both size classes of abalone. This negative effect was greater in the 30 mm size class compared to the 60 mm abalone. The corresponding increase in feed consumption and feed conversion ratio in response to increasing levels of dietary protein also provides evidence that abalone are unable to utilise dietary lipids as an energy source and high levels of dietary lipid probably inhibit the uptake of carbohydrates and protein. High dietary lipid levels did however appear to promote gonad maturation. It was possible to reduce dietary protein from 34 to 20 % without negatively affecting growth through the maintenance of dietary energy levels and thus it is recommended that future experiments on the energy content of formulated feeds should focus on the improved use of carbohydrates. Reductions in the protein portion of formulated feeds for H. midae are possible provided the diet contains sufficient levels of energy supplied from carbohydrates. As the ability of abalone to utilise dietary lipid is limited, lipids are unlikely to play a significant role as an energy source in abalone feeds. Further investigations should focus on the utilisation of various carbohydrate sources in abalone feeds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Green, Alistair John
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Haliotis midae -- South Africa Abalone culture -- South Africa Abalones -- Nutrition Abalones -- Physiology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5352 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008261
- Description: The abalone (Haliotis midae) culture industry in South Africa is becoming increasingly dependent on the use of formulated feeds, due to limitations in the supply of kelp. The bulk of the feeds that are currently available were developed based on the requirements of juvenile abalone cultured within the optimal temperature range for growth (18 - 20 °C). However, most abalone farming facilities are land-based pump ashore operations and are thus mostly exposed to temperatures outside of this range. In addition, these feeds have been found to be unsuitable for abalone cultured at elevated water temperatures (> 20°C). The aim of the study was to develop size and temperature specific diets for H midoe through optimisation of dietary protein, energy and lipid levels. Abalone were cultured under farm-like conditions in three partially recirculating temperature controlled systems at either 18, 22 or 24°C and fed formulated diets containing graded levels of protein (18,22 and 26 %) and energy (11.6, 13.5 and 16.2 MJ.kg·I ). Abalone were stocked into baskets at 5 % of available of surface area (n=36) and each diet (n=9) was fed to four baskets of abalone at each of the three temperature regimes for ten weeks. Abalone growth was temperature dependent, with growth declining from 4.33 g.month-I for abalone cultured at 18°C to 0.77 g.month-I at 24°C. Dietary protein could be reduced from 26 to 18 % provided dietary energy levels were maintained at 13.5 MJ.kg- l • A dietary energy level of 11.6 MJ.kg-1 was insufficient to meet the energetic requirements of H midae regardless of the protein content of the diet. The effects of water temperature and body size on the protein requirements of H midae were investigated by culturing abalone at temperatures within the optimal range for abalone farming (i.e. 14, 16 and 18°C). Three size classes of abalone (15, 50 and 80 mm) were fed formulated feed containing graded levels of dietary protein (20, 26, 32, 38 and 44 %) under controlled laboratory conditions for 12 weeks, and, in a separate experiment, under commercial farm conditions for 24 weeks. It was not possible to convincingly define the optimal protein levels for abalone of different sizes in this experiment because growth rates fell below average commercial growth rates obtained on farms. Growth was temperature dependent in the laboratory trial, with the rate of weight gain of the 15 mm (ANOV A: p=0.002) and 50 mm abalone (ANOV A: p=0.02) increasing significantly with an increase in temperature from 14 to 18°C. In the farm trial, dietary protein content did not affect the growth rate of the 10-15 or 80 mm abalone (ANOVA: p>0.05), however, the 50 mm abalone displayed significantly higher weight gain on the 32 % (4.72±0.20 g.month-I ) and 38 % (5.01±0.34 g.month-I ) protein diets compared to those fed the 20 % protein diet (3.75±0.13 g.month-I ) (ANOVA: p=O.OI). Although definition of optimal dietary protein levels were not possible, the effects of dietary protein content and water temperature on the growth of H midae were independent signifying that the protein requirements of abalone are temperature independent. In addition, there was no evidence to indicate that abalone of the different sizes tested here had different dietary protein requirements. The size specific dietary lipid and protein requirements of H midae were investigated by feeding two size classes of abalone (30 and 60 mm initial shell length) diets containing graded levels of dietary lipid (4, 7, 10, 13 and 16 %) and protein (34 - 39 %) for 12 weeks. The 30 and 60 mm abalone were stocked at 7 (n=200) and 9 % (n=36) of the available basket surface area respectively and each diet was fed to four baskets of abalone of each size class. The protein requirements of H. midae are influenced by the amount of available dietary energy and thus it is possible that the ability of abalone to utilise lipids as a source of energy differs in the presence of varying levels of dietary protein. High levels of dietary lipid negatively affected the growth, condition factor and soft tissue glycogen content of both size classes of abalone. This negative effect was greater in the 30 mm size class compared to the 60 mm abalone. The corresponding increase in feed consumption and feed conversion ratio in response to increasing levels of dietary protein also provides evidence that abalone are unable to utilise dietary lipids as an energy source and high levels of dietary lipid probably inhibit the uptake of carbohydrates and protein. High dietary lipid levels did however appear to promote gonad maturation. It was possible to reduce dietary protein from 34 to 20 % without negatively affecting growth through the maintenance of dietary energy levels and thus it is recommended that future experiments on the energy content of formulated feeds should focus on the improved use of carbohydrates. Reductions in the protein portion of formulated feeds for H. midae are possible provided the diet contains sufficient levels of energy supplied from carbohydrates. As the ability of abalone to utilise dietary lipid is limited, lipids are unlikely to play a significant role as an energy source in abalone feeds. Further investigations should focus on the utilisation of various carbohydrate sources in abalone feeds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The reactions of osmium (VIII) in hydroxide medium
- Authors: Geswindt, Theodore Earl
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Osmium , Spectrophotometry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10395 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/960 , Osmium , Spectrophotometry
- Description: Spectrophotometric techniques were used to elucidate the discrepancies surrounding the reduction of osmium tetroxide by several primary alcohols in a hydroxide matrix. In contrast to the documented literature, this reaction was observed to occur in two consecutive reaction steps. Geometrical and computational analysis of kinetic data revealed that the reaction proceeds by the following reaction model: Os(VIII) + RCH2OH Os(VI) + RCHO Os(VIII) + Os(VI) Os2(VII) k1 k+2 k-2 The conditional rate constants and molar extinction coefficients were calculated using custom written software. A hydride transfer mechanism, coupled with the synchronous removal of the hydroxyl proton of the alcohol, was postulated. The complexation between osmium(VIII) and osmium(VI) was investigated. Mole ratio titrations and mole fraction plots show that at pH 14.3 a 1:1 complexation occurs between osmium(VIII) and osmium(VI). The equilibrium constants and molar extinction coefficients calculated by these methods were found to be consistent with the parameters obtained from the reduction of osmium tetroxide by primary alcohols at pH 14.3. The formation of a mixed oxidation state dimeric osmium complex (denoted Os2(VII)) has been proposed. Key words: Spectrophotometric techniques, osmium tetroxide, osmium(VIII), primary alcohols, osmium(VI).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Geswindt, Theodore Earl
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Osmium , Spectrophotometry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10395 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/960 , Osmium , Spectrophotometry
- Description: Spectrophotometric techniques were used to elucidate the discrepancies surrounding the reduction of osmium tetroxide by several primary alcohols in a hydroxide matrix. In contrast to the documented literature, this reaction was observed to occur in two consecutive reaction steps. Geometrical and computational analysis of kinetic data revealed that the reaction proceeds by the following reaction model: Os(VIII) + RCH2OH Os(VI) + RCHO Os(VIII) + Os(VI) Os2(VII) k1 k+2 k-2 The conditional rate constants and molar extinction coefficients were calculated using custom written software. A hydride transfer mechanism, coupled with the synchronous removal of the hydroxyl proton of the alcohol, was postulated. The complexation between osmium(VIII) and osmium(VI) was investigated. Mole ratio titrations and mole fraction plots show that at pH 14.3 a 1:1 complexation occurs between osmium(VIII) and osmium(VI). The equilibrium constants and molar extinction coefficients calculated by these methods were found to be consistent with the parameters obtained from the reduction of osmium tetroxide by primary alcohols at pH 14.3. The formation of a mixed oxidation state dimeric osmium complex (denoted Os2(VII)) has been proposed. Key words: Spectrophotometric techniques, osmium tetroxide, osmium(VIII), primary alcohols, osmium(VI).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The reactions of ruthenium (ii) polypyridyl complexes
- Authors: Zheng, Sipeng
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Ruthenium , Ruthenium compounds , Chemical reactions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10374 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1089 , Ruthenium , Ruthenium compounds , Chemical reactions
- Description: Ruthenium (II) polypyridine complexes in general have been extensively studied because of their unique redox and photochemical properties. A typical example of such complexes is tris(2,2’-bipyridyl) ruthenium (II). In this study, this complex was synthesized and then characterized using electronic spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. It was also shown that the ruthenium concentration could be accurately determined using ICP-MS. It was found that the complex is very stable in various chemical environments. It was observed from spectrophotometric investigations that persulphate and lead dioxide easily oxidize Ru(bpy)3 2+ to Ru(bpy)3 3+ in the presence of heat and H2SO4, respectively. It was also observed that the oxidation between Ru(bpy)3 2+ and cerium (IV) occurred at approximately 3:2 [Ce(IV)]/[Ru(II)] mole ratio. The resultant Ru(bpy)3 3+ solution was unstable in the presence of light and recovery of Ru(bpy)3 2+ occurred gradually. The regeneration of Ru(bpy)3 2+ from Ru(bpy)3 3+ was found to be a multistep process, which appears to involve the formation of an intermediate species. The following reaction model was found to best explain the kinetic data obtained: Ru(bpy)3 2+ + Ce(IV) → Ru(bpy)3 3+ Ru(bpy)3 3+ → Ru(bpy)3 2+ Ru(bpy)3 3+ → Ru* intermediate Ru* intermediate → Ru(bpy)3 2+ Theoretical rate constants were also calculated for the same process under the experimental conditions. The comparison between the experimental and theoretical results gave good agreement. In addition, the factors that influence the rate of the regeneration of Ru(bpy)3 2+ from Ru(bpy)3 3+ were also discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Zheng, Sipeng
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Ruthenium , Ruthenium compounds , Chemical reactions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10374 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1089 , Ruthenium , Ruthenium compounds , Chemical reactions
- Description: Ruthenium (II) polypyridine complexes in general have been extensively studied because of their unique redox and photochemical properties. A typical example of such complexes is tris(2,2’-bipyridyl) ruthenium (II). In this study, this complex was synthesized and then characterized using electronic spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. It was also shown that the ruthenium concentration could be accurately determined using ICP-MS. It was found that the complex is very stable in various chemical environments. It was observed from spectrophotometric investigations that persulphate and lead dioxide easily oxidize Ru(bpy)3 2+ to Ru(bpy)3 3+ in the presence of heat and H2SO4, respectively. It was also observed that the oxidation between Ru(bpy)3 2+ and cerium (IV) occurred at approximately 3:2 [Ce(IV)]/[Ru(II)] mole ratio. The resultant Ru(bpy)3 3+ solution was unstable in the presence of light and recovery of Ru(bpy)3 2+ occurred gradually. The regeneration of Ru(bpy)3 2+ from Ru(bpy)3 3+ was found to be a multistep process, which appears to involve the formation of an intermediate species. The following reaction model was found to best explain the kinetic data obtained: Ru(bpy)3 2+ + Ce(IV) → Ru(bpy)3 3+ Ru(bpy)3 3+ → Ru(bpy)3 2+ Ru(bpy)3 3+ → Ru* intermediate Ru* intermediate → Ru(bpy)3 2+ Theoretical rate constants were also calculated for the same process under the experimental conditions. The comparison between the experimental and theoretical results gave good agreement. In addition, the factors that influence the rate of the regeneration of Ru(bpy)3 2+ from Ru(bpy)3 3+ were also discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The relationship between accounting choices and share prices : a study of South African listed companies
- Authors: Bunting, Mark
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Financial statements -- South Africa , Accounting -- South Africa , Managerial accounting -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:989 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002724 , Financial statements -- South Africa , Accounting -- South Africa , Managerial accounting -- South Africa
- Description: It is widely assumed that the managers of companies behave in a self-interested and opportunistic manner when making the discretionary accounting choices that are applied in the preparation of published financial reports. Empirical research has found evidence for this in the United States, Britain, Spain, France and Australia, amongst other countries. There has, however, been no prior work of a similar nature in a South African context. The purpose of this study is to extend this body of work by examining the relationship between a number of potentially opportunistic (profit-increasing, income-smoothing and solvencyimproving) accounting choices made by the managers of South African listed companies, and growth rates in the share prices of those companies. Data in respect of thirty-nine medium-sized South African listed companies are analysed for evidence of the expected positive relationship between opportunistic accounting choices and share price growth. No evidence is found for this relationship. This may be due to limitations in the research design, inadequacies in the interpretation of the agency theory from which the hypotheses are developed, or a combination of both. Refinements in the research design or a re-interpretation of the theory may be successful in addressing these matters as part of future research efforts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Bunting, Mark
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Financial statements -- South Africa , Accounting -- South Africa , Managerial accounting -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:989 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002724 , Financial statements -- South Africa , Accounting -- South Africa , Managerial accounting -- South Africa
- Description: It is widely assumed that the managers of companies behave in a self-interested and opportunistic manner when making the discretionary accounting choices that are applied in the preparation of published financial reports. Empirical research has found evidence for this in the United States, Britain, Spain, France and Australia, amongst other countries. There has, however, been no prior work of a similar nature in a South African context. The purpose of this study is to extend this body of work by examining the relationship between a number of potentially opportunistic (profit-increasing, income-smoothing and solvencyimproving) accounting choices made by the managers of South African listed companies, and growth rates in the share prices of those companies. Data in respect of thirty-nine medium-sized South African listed companies are analysed for evidence of the expected positive relationship between opportunistic accounting choices and share price growth. No evidence is found for this relationship. This may be due to limitations in the research design, inadequacies in the interpretation of the agency theory from which the hypotheses are developed, or a combination of both. Refinements in the research design or a re-interpretation of the theory may be successful in addressing these matters as part of future research efforts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The relationship between an automatically unfair dismissal in terms of section 187(1)(c) of the labour relations act and a dismissal for operational reasons
- Authors: James, Ncumisa Portia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Employees -- Dismissal of -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Downsizing of organizations -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10226 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1034 , Employees -- Dismissal of -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Downsizing of organizations -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Description: Common law does recognise the concept of dismissal based on operational requirements. It recognises dismissals that are based on breach of expressed or implied terms of contract of employment. The concept of operational requirements has its roots in the Labour Relations Act 28 of 1956. This Act recognised termination of employment of a number of employees due to ability, capacity, productivity, conduct and operational requirements and needs of undertaking industry trade or occupation of the employer as legitimate. Under the 1956 LRA, employers were allowed to dismiss employees if employees refused to accept the proposed change to conditions of employment. The dismissal is called lock-out dismissal. This kind of dismissal entitled employers to dismiss employees on condition that the dismissal was temporary and the workers would be re-employed when they agree to the demands of the employer. After the contract of employment was terminated between the employer and employees, the employer was allowed to implement the changes using scab labour. The 1995 Labour Relations Act introduced section 187(1)(c) that was intended to re-enforce the abolishing of the lock-out dismissal. This section strictly forbids the dismissal of employees in order to compel them to accept demands of the employer in matters of mutual interest. Such dismissals are regarded as automatically unfair. In terms of section 64(4) of the 1995 LRA employers are not permitted to unilaterally effect changes to employees’ terms and conditions of employment. They are required to seek and obtain consent of the affected employees. If employees refuse to accept the proposed changes, the employer can use lock-out as defence. Firstly, the employer can initiate lock-out until employees accede to its demand. Secondly, the employer can lock-out employees in response to the notice of strike or strike of the employees. The employer can use scab labour during this lock-out period. Unlike the lock-out dismissal, lock-out under the 1995 LRA does not include termination of contract of employment. iv In contrast, employers are allowed to dismiss employees who refuse to agree to change to their terms and conditions of employment on the ground of operational requirements provided a fair procedure is followed. This reason for dismissal is not viewed by the courts as a dismissal to induce employees to accept the demand of the employer. The question that this study seeks to examine is the relationship between automatic unfair dismissal in terms of section 187(1)(c) of the Labour Relations Act and dismissal for operational requirements. A dispute between the employer and employees regarding change to terms and conditions of employment is a mutual interest dispute; and it therefore falls under collective bargaining. The same dispute can easily fall to rights dispute, because the reason for the proposed change to the production system and demand to the pursuit of improved efficiency and better achievement of profit objective related to operational requirement. There is obvious overlap between operational requirements and wage work bargaining. In Schoeman v Samsung Electronics, the court held that the employer is entitled to run its business in a prosperous way and this may entail affecting changes to terms and conditions of employment when the market forces demand so. In Mwasa v Independent Newspapers, the court held that change to terms and conditions of service of an employee can be proposed as a way to avoid retrenchment; dismissal of employees for refusing to accept the change is not covered by section 187(1)(c). In Fry’s Metals v Numsa, the court has rejected the notion that there is tension between section 187(1)(c) and section 188(1)(a)(ii). The court held that section 186(1) refers to dismissal or termination of workforce with the intention to end the employment contract and replacing the workforce with employees that are prepared to accept terms and conditions of employment that suit the employer’s operational requirements. The court argued further that the meaning of dismissal should be a v starting point when one wants to dispute the two sections. On the other hand, section 187(1)(c) was effected with a certain purpose, which is to prohibit the employer from dismissing employees in order to compel them to accept its demand in dispute of mutual interest. The court held that the dismissal in this case was final. The employer dismissed its employees because it did not need them anymore. This dismissal is in accordance with section 186(1). The court rejected that operational requirements is confirmed to saving business from bankruptcy. The court argued that the principle includes measures calculated to increase efficiency and profitability. The employer can dismiss and make more profit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: James, Ncumisa Portia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Employees -- Dismissal of -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Downsizing of organizations -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10226 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1034 , Employees -- Dismissal of -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Downsizing of organizations -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Description: Common law does recognise the concept of dismissal based on operational requirements. It recognises dismissals that are based on breach of expressed or implied terms of contract of employment. The concept of operational requirements has its roots in the Labour Relations Act 28 of 1956. This Act recognised termination of employment of a number of employees due to ability, capacity, productivity, conduct and operational requirements and needs of undertaking industry trade or occupation of the employer as legitimate. Under the 1956 LRA, employers were allowed to dismiss employees if employees refused to accept the proposed change to conditions of employment. The dismissal is called lock-out dismissal. This kind of dismissal entitled employers to dismiss employees on condition that the dismissal was temporary and the workers would be re-employed when they agree to the demands of the employer. After the contract of employment was terminated between the employer and employees, the employer was allowed to implement the changes using scab labour. The 1995 Labour Relations Act introduced section 187(1)(c) that was intended to re-enforce the abolishing of the lock-out dismissal. This section strictly forbids the dismissal of employees in order to compel them to accept demands of the employer in matters of mutual interest. Such dismissals are regarded as automatically unfair. In terms of section 64(4) of the 1995 LRA employers are not permitted to unilaterally effect changes to employees’ terms and conditions of employment. They are required to seek and obtain consent of the affected employees. If employees refuse to accept the proposed changes, the employer can use lock-out as defence. Firstly, the employer can initiate lock-out until employees accede to its demand. Secondly, the employer can lock-out employees in response to the notice of strike or strike of the employees. The employer can use scab labour during this lock-out period. Unlike the lock-out dismissal, lock-out under the 1995 LRA does not include termination of contract of employment. iv In contrast, employers are allowed to dismiss employees who refuse to agree to change to their terms and conditions of employment on the ground of operational requirements provided a fair procedure is followed. This reason for dismissal is not viewed by the courts as a dismissal to induce employees to accept the demand of the employer. The question that this study seeks to examine is the relationship between automatic unfair dismissal in terms of section 187(1)(c) of the Labour Relations Act and dismissal for operational requirements. A dispute between the employer and employees regarding change to terms and conditions of employment is a mutual interest dispute; and it therefore falls under collective bargaining. The same dispute can easily fall to rights dispute, because the reason for the proposed change to the production system and demand to the pursuit of improved efficiency and better achievement of profit objective related to operational requirement. There is obvious overlap between operational requirements and wage work bargaining. In Schoeman v Samsung Electronics, the court held that the employer is entitled to run its business in a prosperous way and this may entail affecting changes to terms and conditions of employment when the market forces demand so. In Mwasa v Independent Newspapers, the court held that change to terms and conditions of service of an employee can be proposed as a way to avoid retrenchment; dismissal of employees for refusing to accept the change is not covered by section 187(1)(c). In Fry’s Metals v Numsa, the court has rejected the notion that there is tension between section 187(1)(c) and section 188(1)(a)(ii). The court held that section 186(1) refers to dismissal or termination of workforce with the intention to end the employment contract and replacing the workforce with employees that are prepared to accept terms and conditions of employment that suit the employer’s operational requirements. The court argued further that the meaning of dismissal should be a v starting point when one wants to dispute the two sections. On the other hand, section 187(1)(c) was effected with a certain purpose, which is to prohibit the employer from dismissing employees in order to compel them to accept its demand in dispute of mutual interest. The court held that the dismissal in this case was final. The employer dismissed its employees because it did not need them anymore. This dismissal is in accordance with section 186(1). The court rejected that operational requirements is confirmed to saving business from bankruptcy. The court argued that the principle includes measures calculated to increase efficiency and profitability. The employer can dismiss and make more profit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The relationship between culture, commitment and performance in a South African electricity utility
- Authors: Pittorino, Leonardo Andres
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) -- Employees South Africa. Electricity Supply Commission Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Research Management -- South Africa -- Research Organization -- South Africa -- Research Employees -- South Africa -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:757 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003878
- Description: The Electricity Distribution Industry (EDI) in South Africa is in the process of restructuring into six Regional Electricity Distributors (REDs). This would entail the merging of the national electricity utility, Eskom Distribution with municipalities to consolidate skills and to improve on efficiencies. This integration would involve the assimilation of not only physical assets but also various organisational cultures into a separate organisation responsible for supplying electricity services within its designated geographical area. A separate challenge facing Eskom is an intensive capital expansion program to increase generation capacity which will require a committed workforce to execute. Organisational culture has been regarded as leading to greater productivity and generating commitment to the values and philosophies of the organisation. The purpose of the research was to determine whether there was a significant relationship between the organisational culture, organisational commitment and employee performance in Eskom Southern Region. In order to achieve this purpose a survey was undertaken (N=83) which measured perceptions regarding the existing organisational culture, preferred organisational culture as well as organisational commitment. Performance rating scores were linked to each respondent and were obtained from the performance management process of Eskom Southern Region. The main findings of this research can be summarised as follows: • The dominant existing organisational culture in Eskom Southern Region is the power culture, while the dominant preferred organisational culture is the achievement culture. • There is a significant organisational culture gap between the existing and the preferred organisational culture in Eskom Southern Region. • The dominant organisational commitment within Eskom Southern Region is affective commitment together with normative commitment. • The findings related to the employee performance include: o A slight but significant negative relationship was measured between the existing achievement culture and employee performance. o No significant relationships were measured between the preferred cultures and employee performance. o No significant relationships were measured between the organisational commitment scales and employee performance. • The findings pertaining to the relationship between organisational culture and organisational commitment can be stated as follows: o A significant positive linear relationship between the existing achievement culture and affective commitment was measured. A strong, significant negative linear relationship between the existing power culture and the affective commitment was also measured. o No significant relationships were measured between the preferred organisational cultures and organisational commitment. o The organisational culture gap has a significant effect on the organisational commitment of employees. • The findings pertaining to the relationship between the biographical variables and the organisational culture, organisational commitment and employee performance can be stated as follows: o There exists a strong significant relationship between the years of service and the existing organisational culture scales. o No significant relationships exist between the preferred organisational culture scales and any of the biographical variables. There was a common agreement across all respondents on the preferred organisational culture. o A significant relationship was found between organisational commitment and the number of people supervised. o A slight but significant positive linear relationship between the age of respondents and employee performance ratings was measured. It can therefore be concluded that the type of organisational culture has a significant impact on the level of affective commitment of the employees within Eskom Southern Region. No significant positive relationship was found between organisational commitment and organisational performance in Eskom Southern Region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Pittorino, Leonardo Andres
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) -- Employees South Africa. Electricity Supply Commission Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Research Management -- South Africa -- Research Organization -- South Africa -- Research Employees -- South Africa -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:757 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003878
- Description: The Electricity Distribution Industry (EDI) in South Africa is in the process of restructuring into six Regional Electricity Distributors (REDs). This would entail the merging of the national electricity utility, Eskom Distribution with municipalities to consolidate skills and to improve on efficiencies. This integration would involve the assimilation of not only physical assets but also various organisational cultures into a separate organisation responsible for supplying electricity services within its designated geographical area. A separate challenge facing Eskom is an intensive capital expansion program to increase generation capacity which will require a committed workforce to execute. Organisational culture has been regarded as leading to greater productivity and generating commitment to the values and philosophies of the organisation. The purpose of the research was to determine whether there was a significant relationship between the organisational culture, organisational commitment and employee performance in Eskom Southern Region. In order to achieve this purpose a survey was undertaken (N=83) which measured perceptions regarding the existing organisational culture, preferred organisational culture as well as organisational commitment. Performance rating scores were linked to each respondent and were obtained from the performance management process of Eskom Southern Region. The main findings of this research can be summarised as follows: • The dominant existing organisational culture in Eskom Southern Region is the power culture, while the dominant preferred organisational culture is the achievement culture. • There is a significant organisational culture gap between the existing and the preferred organisational culture in Eskom Southern Region. • The dominant organisational commitment within Eskom Southern Region is affective commitment together with normative commitment. • The findings related to the employee performance include: o A slight but significant negative relationship was measured between the existing achievement culture and employee performance. o No significant relationships were measured between the preferred cultures and employee performance. o No significant relationships were measured between the organisational commitment scales and employee performance. • The findings pertaining to the relationship between organisational culture and organisational commitment can be stated as follows: o A significant positive linear relationship between the existing achievement culture and affective commitment was measured. A strong, significant negative linear relationship between the existing power culture and the affective commitment was also measured. o No significant relationships were measured between the preferred organisational cultures and organisational commitment. o The organisational culture gap has a significant effect on the organisational commitment of employees. • The findings pertaining to the relationship between the biographical variables and the organisational culture, organisational commitment and employee performance can be stated as follows: o There exists a strong significant relationship between the years of service and the existing organisational culture scales. o No significant relationships exist between the preferred organisational culture scales and any of the biographical variables. There was a common agreement across all respondents on the preferred organisational culture. o A significant relationship was found between organisational commitment and the number of people supervised. o A slight but significant positive linear relationship between the age of respondents and employee performance ratings was measured. It can therefore be concluded that the type of organisational culture has a significant impact on the level of affective commitment of the employees within Eskom Southern Region. No significant positive relationship was found between organisational commitment and organisational performance in Eskom Southern Region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The relationship between innovation and leadership in First National Bank of South Africa
- Authors: Ward, Philip Henry
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: First National Bank of Southern Africa Banks and banking -- South Africa Bank management -- South Africa Leadership -- South Africa Organizational change -- South Africa Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa Chief executive officers -- South Africa Technological innovations -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:795 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004306
- Description: This research investigates the relationship between innovation and leadership in First National Bank in South Africa. In an information age paradigm, innovation is a key driver of organisational success. Innovation allows an information age company to create a sustainable competitive advantage over its competitors. First National Bank (FNB) has recognised the need for innovation and measures the amount of innovation generated in each business unit on an annual basis. Leadership is a key factor influencing innovation in large, multi-segment organisations, particularly transformational leadership. Large multi-segment organisations often have multi-functional teams and transformational leadership of these teams more effectively promotes innovation. Large multi-segment organisations also often have complex decision making processes. Transformational leadership ensures optimal innovative decisions rather than adequate decisions are reached. FNB is a multi-segment organisation comprising ten business units each headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The relationship between the level of innovation being generated annually by each business unit and the leadership style of the business unit CEO formed the focus of this research. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire was used to gather information on the leadership style of each CEO's. Data on the level of innovation within each of these business units was supplied by First National Bank. Data was statistically analysed against the innovation generated by each business unit using correlation analysis. Most of the results testing the relationship between transformational and transactional leadership and innovation were found not to be significant. This contradicts the theory which suggests a positive relationship between transformational leadership and innovation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Ward, Philip Henry
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: First National Bank of Southern Africa Banks and banking -- South Africa Bank management -- South Africa Leadership -- South Africa Organizational change -- South Africa Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa Chief executive officers -- South Africa Technological innovations -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:795 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004306
- Description: This research investigates the relationship between innovation and leadership in First National Bank in South Africa. In an information age paradigm, innovation is a key driver of organisational success. Innovation allows an information age company to create a sustainable competitive advantage over its competitors. First National Bank (FNB) has recognised the need for innovation and measures the amount of innovation generated in each business unit on an annual basis. Leadership is a key factor influencing innovation in large, multi-segment organisations, particularly transformational leadership. Large multi-segment organisations often have multi-functional teams and transformational leadership of these teams more effectively promotes innovation. Large multi-segment organisations also often have complex decision making processes. Transformational leadership ensures optimal innovative decisions rather than adequate decisions are reached. FNB is a multi-segment organisation comprising ten business units each headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The relationship between the level of innovation being generated annually by each business unit and the leadership style of the business unit CEO formed the focus of this research. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire was used to gather information on the leadership style of each CEO's. Data on the level of innovation within each of these business units was supplied by First National Bank. Data was statistically analysed against the innovation generated by each business unit using correlation analysis. Most of the results testing the relationship between transformational and transactional leadership and innovation were found not to be significant. This contradicts the theory which suggests a positive relationship between transformational leadership and innovation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The relationship between job satisfaction and organisational citizenship behaviour among selected organisations in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chiboiwa, Malvern Waini
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Job satisfaction , Employees -- Attitudes , Corporate culture , Organizational behavior , Employee loyalty
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11547 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/30 , Job satisfaction , Employees -- Attitudes , Corporate culture , Organizational behavior , Employee loyalty
- Description: Contemporary human resources management suggests that organisations which have been able to make it in the business arena have done so through good people management practices. Job satisfaction, through a people centered approach, has not been spared as one of the critical forces used in achieving organisational effectiveness. Traditional thought behind job satisfaction prescribes that satisfied employees tend to be more productive, creative and committed to their jobs; all of which are imperative to ii achieving an organisation’s bottom line. There has been some controversy surrounding the nature of the relationship between job satisfaction and organisational citizenship behaviour, which is another factor that is regarded as important in achieving organisational effectiveness. Some studies have shown that organisational citizenship behavior is a result of job satisfaction. In this regard, the present study focuses on the extent to which job satisfaction influences organisational citizenship behaviour among selected organizations in Zimbabwe. The study hypothesised that job satisfaction correlates positively with organisational citizenship behaviour. Participants in the study comprise of middle level management, supervisors and lower level employees. Two questionnaires were combined to collect data for the study. The Minnesota Satisfaction questionnaire was used to collect data on job satisfaction whilst a questionnaire by Konovsky and Organ (1996:253) was used to collect data on organisational citizenship behaviour. The results show that employees in the organisations surveyed report moderate levels of job satisfaction and organizational citizenship behavior. It was established that there was a substantive correlation between job satisfaction and organisational citizenship behaviour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Chiboiwa, Malvern Waini
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Job satisfaction , Employees -- Attitudes , Corporate culture , Organizational behavior , Employee loyalty
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11547 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/30 , Job satisfaction , Employees -- Attitudes , Corporate culture , Organizational behavior , Employee loyalty
- Description: Contemporary human resources management suggests that organisations which have been able to make it in the business arena have done so through good people management practices. Job satisfaction, through a people centered approach, has not been spared as one of the critical forces used in achieving organisational effectiveness. Traditional thought behind job satisfaction prescribes that satisfied employees tend to be more productive, creative and committed to their jobs; all of which are imperative to ii achieving an organisation’s bottom line. There has been some controversy surrounding the nature of the relationship between job satisfaction and organisational citizenship behaviour, which is another factor that is regarded as important in achieving organisational effectiveness. Some studies have shown that organisational citizenship behavior is a result of job satisfaction. In this regard, the present study focuses on the extent to which job satisfaction influences organisational citizenship behaviour among selected organizations in Zimbabwe. The study hypothesised that job satisfaction correlates positively with organisational citizenship behaviour. Participants in the study comprise of middle level management, supervisors and lower level employees. Two questionnaires were combined to collect data for the study. The Minnesota Satisfaction questionnaire was used to collect data on job satisfaction whilst a questionnaire by Konovsky and Organ (1996:253) was used to collect data on organisational citizenship behaviour. The results show that employees in the organisations surveyed report moderate levels of job satisfaction and organizational citizenship behavior. It was established that there was a substantive correlation between job satisfaction and organisational citizenship behaviour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The relevance of person-environment fit amongst human resource graduates from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University within the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Authors: Matthysen, Megan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Environmental psychology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Students -- Psychological aspects , Students -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9402 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1186 , Environmental psychology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Students -- Psychological aspects , Students -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This study sought to investigate the relevance of Person-Environment (P-E) fit amongst Human Resource (HR) graduates from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) within the Nelson Mandela Metropole (NMM). A secondary objective of this study was to determine whether P-E fit was a determinant of Human Resource (HR) graduates’ migration. The study comprised a pilot study and main study (n=50). The study was qualitative in nature, but incorporated a quantitative research component to support the qualitative research findings. Results showed that HR graduates from the NMMU perceived P-E fit as important. Immense emphasis was placed on achieving P-E fit by means of finding employment related to Human Resource Management (HRM). The lack of P-E fit, amongst HR graduates, was furthermore revealed as a determinant of graduate migration. HR graduates would relocate to pursue a career in HRM. Implications of the findings are that organisations should use the theoretical knowledge of HR graduates to develop their skills and broaden their practical knowledge. This will secure competent future HR managers for the NMM and help to combat scarce skills migrations from the area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Matthysen, Megan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Environmental psychology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Students -- Psychological aspects , Students -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9402 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1186 , Environmental psychology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Students -- Psychological aspects , Students -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This study sought to investigate the relevance of Person-Environment (P-E) fit amongst Human Resource (HR) graduates from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) within the Nelson Mandela Metropole (NMM). A secondary objective of this study was to determine whether P-E fit was a determinant of Human Resource (HR) graduates’ migration. The study comprised a pilot study and main study (n=50). The study was qualitative in nature, but incorporated a quantitative research component to support the qualitative research findings. Results showed that HR graduates from the NMMU perceived P-E fit as important. Immense emphasis was placed on achieving P-E fit by means of finding employment related to Human Resource Management (HRM). The lack of P-E fit, amongst HR graduates, was furthermore revealed as a determinant of graduate migration. HR graduates would relocate to pursue a career in HRM. Implications of the findings are that organisations should use the theoretical knowledge of HR graduates to develop their skills and broaden their practical knowledge. This will secure competent future HR managers for the NMM and help to combat scarce skills migrations from the area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The remedies for unfair dismissal
- Authors: Cokile, Siyabonga
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Employees -- Dismissal of -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10227 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1033 , Employees -- Dismissal of -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Description: In terms of section 193 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, there are basically three remedies for unfair dismissal and unfair labour practice, namely reinstatement, re-employment and compensation. In disputes of unfair labour practice an arbitrator may determine a dispute on terms that the arbitrator deems reasonable, including the abovementioned three remedies. For example, in an unfair labour practice dispute relating to promotion or appointment, an arbitrator may order that the process of appointment be started afresh, if is found that the process was flawed. The right to fair labour practice is a right that is enjoyed by everyone and it is a right upon which every employee enjoys not to be unfairly dismissed is entrenched in section 23 of the Bill of Rights. The rights of every employee contained in the Labour Relations Act give content and effect to the right to fair labour practice contained in section 23 of the Bill of Rights. Every trade union, employer’s organisation and employer has a right to engage in collective bargaining, which includes but not limited to the formulation of disciplinary policies in the workplace, which should be observed by every employee. Our constitution mandates the Legislature to enact legislation that regulates collective bargaining. One of the purpose of our Labour Relations Act is to promote collective bargaining and the effective resolution of labour disputes. The remedies for unfair dismissal and unfair labour practice therefore give content and effect to the purpose of the Act, which is to promote effective resolution of labour disputes. The Legislature has given a legislative and policy framework, in terms of which the labour disputes may be resolved. In order to restrict the powers of the arbitrators and courts, section 193 of the Act provides that in ordering the reinstatement and re-employment of dismissed employee, they must exercise a discretion to order reinstatement re-employment, not earlier than the date of dismissal. The remedy of compensation is an alternative remedy, which must be ordered if the circumstances set out in section 193(2)(a) to (d) are applicable. Some arbitrators have made a mistake of treating this remedy as part of the primary remedies. However, our courts have clarified the intention of the Legislature in crafting the remedies for unfair dismissal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Cokile, Siyabonga
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Employees -- Dismissal of -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10227 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1033 , Employees -- Dismissal of -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Description: In terms of section 193 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, there are basically three remedies for unfair dismissal and unfair labour practice, namely reinstatement, re-employment and compensation. In disputes of unfair labour practice an arbitrator may determine a dispute on terms that the arbitrator deems reasonable, including the abovementioned three remedies. For example, in an unfair labour practice dispute relating to promotion or appointment, an arbitrator may order that the process of appointment be started afresh, if is found that the process was flawed. The right to fair labour practice is a right that is enjoyed by everyone and it is a right upon which every employee enjoys not to be unfairly dismissed is entrenched in section 23 of the Bill of Rights. The rights of every employee contained in the Labour Relations Act give content and effect to the right to fair labour practice contained in section 23 of the Bill of Rights. Every trade union, employer’s organisation and employer has a right to engage in collective bargaining, which includes but not limited to the formulation of disciplinary policies in the workplace, which should be observed by every employee. Our constitution mandates the Legislature to enact legislation that regulates collective bargaining. One of the purpose of our Labour Relations Act is to promote collective bargaining and the effective resolution of labour disputes. The remedies for unfair dismissal and unfair labour practice therefore give content and effect to the purpose of the Act, which is to promote effective resolution of labour disputes. The Legislature has given a legislative and policy framework, in terms of which the labour disputes may be resolved. In order to restrict the powers of the arbitrators and courts, section 193 of the Act provides that in ordering the reinstatement and re-employment of dismissed employee, they must exercise a discretion to order reinstatement re-employment, not earlier than the date of dismissal. The remedy of compensation is an alternative remedy, which must be ordered if the circumstances set out in section 193(2)(a) to (d) are applicable. Some arbitrators have made a mistake of treating this remedy as part of the primary remedies. However, our courts have clarified the intention of the Legislature in crafting the remedies for unfair dismissal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The representation of materialist consumerism in film
- Authors: Fourie, Elizabeth
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Identity (Psychology) in motion pictures , Depersonalization , Group identity , Motion pictures -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8396 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/954 , Identity (Psychology) in motion pictures , Depersonalization , Group identity , Motion pictures -- Social aspects
- Description: People are constantly bombarded with the latest technology, the latest fashion, the latest ‘must have’ item. We are encouraged to buy things that promise to change our lives and give us satisfaction or even create happiness. Interestingly we often succumb to the temptation of these material things, which is not always a negative reaction; however it does become negative when our lives are controlled by material possessions and we give up certain aspects of who we are to enable us to obtain these possessions. Further more it becomes problematic when we start to rely on material possessions to define us in terms of our identity or to help us fit into particular groups within society. With the media playing such a large role in societies at present it is almost inevitable that the phenomenon of materialist consumerism will make its way into the media. The media however holds control, to an extent, over whether or not materialist consumerism is viewed in a negative or affirmative light. An analysis of the representation of materialist consumerism in selected instances of mainstream cinema will be the aim of my proposed study. The study will look at the representation of materialist consumerism in so far as it offers viewers a place to ‘fit’ into a particular group within society. The group I am referring to can be categorised as the upper-middle class of contemporary western society. I have thus selected films that represent this group specifically. For the purpose of the treatise ‘materialist consumerism’ is understood as a way of life, or alternatively, an ideology, which assumes that the accumulation of material wealth through consumption imparts meaning to human lives. The treatise will analyse both sides of the coin, or in other words films that support or promote materialist consumerism and those that either revolt against or criticise this form of consumerism. The study will explore different aspects of consumerism in so far as these are represented in the films, with an identifiable axiological bias.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Fourie, Elizabeth
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Identity (Psychology) in motion pictures , Depersonalization , Group identity , Motion pictures -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8396 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/954 , Identity (Psychology) in motion pictures , Depersonalization , Group identity , Motion pictures -- Social aspects
- Description: People are constantly bombarded with the latest technology, the latest fashion, the latest ‘must have’ item. We are encouraged to buy things that promise to change our lives and give us satisfaction or even create happiness. Interestingly we often succumb to the temptation of these material things, which is not always a negative reaction; however it does become negative when our lives are controlled by material possessions and we give up certain aspects of who we are to enable us to obtain these possessions. Further more it becomes problematic when we start to rely on material possessions to define us in terms of our identity or to help us fit into particular groups within society. With the media playing such a large role in societies at present it is almost inevitable that the phenomenon of materialist consumerism will make its way into the media. The media however holds control, to an extent, over whether or not materialist consumerism is viewed in a negative or affirmative light. An analysis of the representation of materialist consumerism in selected instances of mainstream cinema will be the aim of my proposed study. The study will look at the representation of materialist consumerism in so far as it offers viewers a place to ‘fit’ into a particular group within society. The group I am referring to can be categorised as the upper-middle class of contemporary western society. I have thus selected films that represent this group specifically. For the purpose of the treatise ‘materialist consumerism’ is understood as a way of life, or alternatively, an ideology, which assumes that the accumulation of material wealth through consumption imparts meaning to human lives. The treatise will analyse both sides of the coin, or in other words films that support or promote materialist consumerism and those that either revolt against or criticise this form of consumerism. The study will explore different aspects of consumerism in so far as these are represented in the films, with an identifiable axiological bias.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The response of the red mangrove rhizophora mucronata lam, to changes in salinity, inundation and light : predictions for future climate change
- Hoppe-Speer, Sabine Clara Lisa
- Authors: Hoppe-Speer, Sabine Clara Lisa
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Mangrove plants , Climatic changes , Red mangrove
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10616 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1249 , Mangrove plants , Climatic changes , Red mangrove
- Description: Mangrove forests are subjected to many environmental factors which influence species distribution, zonation patterns as well as succession. Important driving factors in these forests are salinity, water level fluctuations and available light. This study investigated the response of red mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata Lam.) seedlings to these factors in controlled laboratory experiments. Increase in salinity and prolonged inundation within estuaries are predicted impacts resulting from sea level rise due to climate change. The study investigated the effect of five salinity treatments (0, 8, 18, 35 and 45 ppt) with a semi-diurnal tidal cycle on seedling growth. In a separate experiment the effect of different inundation treatments: no inundation, 3, 6, 9 hour tidal cycles and continuous inundation (24 h) were investigated. Both morphological and physiological responses of R. mucronata seedlings were measured. There was a decrease in growth (plant height, biomass and leaf production) with increasing salinity. Seedlings in the seawater, hypersaline and no inundation treatments showed symptoms of stress, having increased leaf necrosis ("burn marks"). The highest growth occurred in the low salinity (8 ppt) treatment, but the highest photosynthetic performance and stomatal conductance occurred in the freshwater treatment (0 ppt). The typical response of stem elongation with increasing inundation was observed in the 24 hr inundation treatment. In the light and salinity combination study there were ten different treatments of five different light treatments (unshaded, 20 percent, 50 percent, 80 percent and 90 percent shade) combined with two salinity concentrations (18 and 35 ppt). In this study the seedling growth: plant height, biomass, leaf surface area and leaf production were higher in the moderate salinity (18 ppt) treatments compared to the seawater (35 ppt) treatments. Biomass in the 35 ppt experiment decreased with increasing shade as well as in the unshaded treatments. Photosynthetic performance and stomatal conductance were lower for the unshaded treatment in both 18 and 35 ppt salinity compared to all other treatments with the same salinity. This suggests that R. mucronata more shade than sun tolerant, but overall it can be concluded that the species has a broad tolerance range. The results may be relevant in mangrove rehabilitation and predicting responses to climate change. This is important as mangrove ecosystems may adapt to changing sea levels and in order to restore areas it will be necessary to choose the mangrove species which will grow best. The results may also help to increase the protection of existing mangrove habitats.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Hoppe-Speer, Sabine Clara Lisa
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Mangrove plants , Climatic changes , Red mangrove
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10616 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1249 , Mangrove plants , Climatic changes , Red mangrove
- Description: Mangrove forests are subjected to many environmental factors which influence species distribution, zonation patterns as well as succession. Important driving factors in these forests are salinity, water level fluctuations and available light. This study investigated the response of red mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata Lam.) seedlings to these factors in controlled laboratory experiments. Increase in salinity and prolonged inundation within estuaries are predicted impacts resulting from sea level rise due to climate change. The study investigated the effect of five salinity treatments (0, 8, 18, 35 and 45 ppt) with a semi-diurnal tidal cycle on seedling growth. In a separate experiment the effect of different inundation treatments: no inundation, 3, 6, 9 hour tidal cycles and continuous inundation (24 h) were investigated. Both morphological and physiological responses of R. mucronata seedlings were measured. There was a decrease in growth (plant height, biomass and leaf production) with increasing salinity. Seedlings in the seawater, hypersaline and no inundation treatments showed symptoms of stress, having increased leaf necrosis ("burn marks"). The highest growth occurred in the low salinity (8 ppt) treatment, but the highest photosynthetic performance and stomatal conductance occurred in the freshwater treatment (0 ppt). The typical response of stem elongation with increasing inundation was observed in the 24 hr inundation treatment. In the light and salinity combination study there were ten different treatments of five different light treatments (unshaded, 20 percent, 50 percent, 80 percent and 90 percent shade) combined with two salinity concentrations (18 and 35 ppt). In this study the seedling growth: plant height, biomass, leaf surface area and leaf production were higher in the moderate salinity (18 ppt) treatments compared to the seawater (35 ppt) treatments. Biomass in the 35 ppt experiment decreased with increasing shade as well as in the unshaded treatments. Photosynthetic performance and stomatal conductance were lower for the unshaded treatment in both 18 and 35 ppt salinity compared to all other treatments with the same salinity. This suggests that R. mucronata more shade than sun tolerant, but overall it can be concluded that the species has a broad tolerance range. The results may be relevant in mangrove rehabilitation and predicting responses to climate change. This is important as mangrove ecosystems may adapt to changing sea levels and in order to restore areas it will be necessary to choose the mangrove species which will grow best. The results may also help to increase the protection of existing mangrove habitats.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The role of belief systems in entrepreneurship : a Christian perspective
- Authors: Boshoff, Leslie Ian
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Business -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Success in business , Belief and doubt
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8664 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1271 , Business -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Success in business , Belief and doubt
- Description: The world needs entrepreneurs now more than ever; fresh thinkers, who spot opportunities and apply their talents to overcome obstacles to make their ideas happen. Entrepreneurs need to reframe the recession as an area of business opportunity for all. They must unleash their innovative ideas around the world and inspire solutions that will tackle issues ranging from poverty, unemployment and climatic change. It is the fundamental precept of the Christian faith that God calls not only ministers and other spiritual workers, but everyone to specific roles in his kingdom. Christian Entrepreneurs must realise that their calling to establish and lead business organisations that are designed to achieve results in the secular world. Christian Entrepreneur Organisations differ from secular businesses because they do business while being led by the Holy Spirit. Christian Entrepreneurship is the return of unfulfilled business leaders to the sense of "calling" enjoyed by fellow laity in the U.S.A. and Western Europe prior to the 20th Century. The goal is to develop a business that blends business excellence and entrepreneurship with Christian Biblical and theological perspectives. This exploratory study investigated the role of the Christian faith in Entrepreneurship and in Entrepreneurial businesses. The study identified some of the Christian business practices and introduced the reader to the different approaches this group of entrepreneurs have to that of the secular business equivalent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Boshoff, Leslie Ian
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Business -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Success in business , Belief and doubt
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8664 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1271 , Business -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Success in business , Belief and doubt
- Description: The world needs entrepreneurs now more than ever; fresh thinkers, who spot opportunities and apply their talents to overcome obstacles to make their ideas happen. Entrepreneurs need to reframe the recession as an area of business opportunity for all. They must unleash their innovative ideas around the world and inspire solutions that will tackle issues ranging from poverty, unemployment and climatic change. It is the fundamental precept of the Christian faith that God calls not only ministers and other spiritual workers, but everyone to specific roles in his kingdom. Christian Entrepreneurs must realise that their calling to establish and lead business organisations that are designed to achieve results in the secular world. Christian Entrepreneur Organisations differ from secular businesses because they do business while being led by the Holy Spirit. Christian Entrepreneurship is the return of unfulfilled business leaders to the sense of "calling" enjoyed by fellow laity in the U.S.A. and Western Europe prior to the 20th Century. The goal is to develop a business that blends business excellence and entrepreneurship with Christian Biblical and theological perspectives. This exploratory study investigated the role of the Christian faith in Entrepreneurship and in Entrepreneurial businesses. The study identified some of the Christian business practices and introduced the reader to the different approaches this group of entrepreneurs have to that of the secular business equivalent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The role of culture in the translation of advertisements: a comparative investigation of selected texts with German as source language and South African English as target language
- Authors: Matviyenko, Olena
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Target marketing Cross-cultural studies , Advertising -- Cross-cultural studies , Advertising -- Language , Comparative advertising -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8365 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1187 , Target marketing Cross-cultural studies , Advertising -- Cross-cultural studies , Advertising -- Language , Comparative advertising -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa Cross-cultural studies
- Description: The globalisation of economies and trade growth have made it necessary for international companies to communicate with consumers of different languages and cultures, since a major objective is to sell a standardised product to consumers with linguistic and cultural backgrounds which are different from those to which the manufacturers are accustomed. Once brought to a foreign country, the sales of a product must be promoted by way of advertising. To begin with, the method of advertising depends on the kind of product to be marketed. In addition, persuasive texts, which are characteristic of the language of advertising, not only employ particular pragmatic strategies, but are based on the values and cultural traditions of the relevant society. In different cultures different signs, symbols, names and customs will be used in different situations. In the case of the translation or localisation of advertisements, a translator must be very sensitive to the loss and gain of cultural elements. These could include objects, historical references, customs and habits that are unique to the source culture and not present in the target culture. The main focus of the research is on the culture-specific elements in advertising texts and their depiction in translation. This treatise investigates certain aspects of translation theory (such as theories of equivalence, Skopos theory and other similar theories) to form a basis for conducting this study and then adapts them to the process of translation. In addition, two main opposite techniques known as standardisation or localisation of the advertising message are discussed. The number of source texts (original) and target texts (localised) are examined closely to reveal any misrepresentations and to identify the method of translation applicable in each case.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Matviyenko, Olena
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Target marketing Cross-cultural studies , Advertising -- Cross-cultural studies , Advertising -- Language , Comparative advertising -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8365 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1187 , Target marketing Cross-cultural studies , Advertising -- Cross-cultural studies , Advertising -- Language , Comparative advertising -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa Cross-cultural studies
- Description: The globalisation of economies and trade growth have made it necessary for international companies to communicate with consumers of different languages and cultures, since a major objective is to sell a standardised product to consumers with linguistic and cultural backgrounds which are different from those to which the manufacturers are accustomed. Once brought to a foreign country, the sales of a product must be promoted by way of advertising. To begin with, the method of advertising depends on the kind of product to be marketed. In addition, persuasive texts, which are characteristic of the language of advertising, not only employ particular pragmatic strategies, but are based on the values and cultural traditions of the relevant society. In different cultures different signs, symbols, names and customs will be used in different situations. In the case of the translation or localisation of advertisements, a translator must be very sensitive to the loss and gain of cultural elements. These could include objects, historical references, customs and habits that are unique to the source culture and not present in the target culture. The main focus of the research is on the culture-specific elements in advertising texts and their depiction in translation. This treatise investigates certain aspects of translation theory (such as theories of equivalence, Skopos theory and other similar theories) to form a basis for conducting this study and then adapts them to the process of translation. In addition, two main opposite techniques known as standardisation or localisation of the advertising message are discussed. The number of source texts (original) and target texts (localised) are examined closely to reveal any misrepresentations and to identify the method of translation applicable in each case.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The role of leadership in a successful rural secondary school in Namibia: a case study
- Authors: Sinvula, Leonard Masene
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Education and Training Sector Improvement Programme (Namibia) Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Case studies School management and organization -- Namibia -- Case studies Education, Secondary -- Namibia -- Case studies Rural schools -- Namibia -- Case studies Education and state -- Namibia -- Case studies Education -- Parent participation -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1872 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004925
- Description: The primary purpose of this qualitative case study research was to examine the role of leadership in a successful rural secondary school in Namibia. In Namibia, the Education and Training Sector Improvement Programme (ESTIP) was initiated to provide, amongst other things, effective leadership in education. In addition, the Ministry developed a policy on the National Standards and Performance Indicators for Schools in Namibia to complement the objectives of ETSIP. The policy emphasizes leadership practices in schools such as professional competence, commitment, ability to direct, inspire and motivate interpersonal relationships and teams. The study drew on leadership theories and findings from related studies to make sense of the role played by leadership in this particular rural school in Namibia. The study uses the interpretive orientation as the methodology for investigating the leadership's role. This is in line with my attempt to determine stakeholder's experiences and perceptions of the leadership in the school. I collected data from three sources: semi-structured interviews, observation and document analysis. The findings of this study suggest that the leadership had a significant influence on the school's success. In particular it emerged that the school leadership played an instructional role to ensure there was effective teaching and learning and that they encouraged teamwork extensively in leading the school. The leadership provided internal support structures as well as external networking to garner support for the school from the wider community. The study has also revealed that there are challenges facing this rural school's leadership in terms of poor parental involvement. Challenges such as lack of parental commitment to the school, illiteracy among adults and a communication breakdown between the school and its parents are still rife. The school leadership addresses this challenge by participating in village meetings and utilizing them as a platform to discuss school matters with parents. Further research on this topic would be useful, including such institutions as rural primary schools, private schools and colleges in the Caprivi Region, as very little research has been done on leadership roles in schools in the rural areas of Namibia.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Sinvula, Leonard Masene
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Education and Training Sector Improvement Programme (Namibia) Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Case studies School management and organization -- Namibia -- Case studies Education, Secondary -- Namibia -- Case studies Rural schools -- Namibia -- Case studies Education and state -- Namibia -- Case studies Education -- Parent participation -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1872 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004925
- Description: The primary purpose of this qualitative case study research was to examine the role of leadership in a successful rural secondary school in Namibia. In Namibia, the Education and Training Sector Improvement Programme (ESTIP) was initiated to provide, amongst other things, effective leadership in education. In addition, the Ministry developed a policy on the National Standards and Performance Indicators for Schools in Namibia to complement the objectives of ETSIP. The policy emphasizes leadership practices in schools such as professional competence, commitment, ability to direct, inspire and motivate interpersonal relationships and teams. The study drew on leadership theories and findings from related studies to make sense of the role played by leadership in this particular rural school in Namibia. The study uses the interpretive orientation as the methodology for investigating the leadership's role. This is in line with my attempt to determine stakeholder's experiences and perceptions of the leadership in the school. I collected data from three sources: semi-structured interviews, observation and document analysis. The findings of this study suggest that the leadership had a significant influence on the school's success. In particular it emerged that the school leadership played an instructional role to ensure there was effective teaching and learning and that they encouraged teamwork extensively in leading the school. The leadership provided internal support structures as well as external networking to garner support for the school from the wider community. The study has also revealed that there are challenges facing this rural school's leadership in terms of poor parental involvement. Challenges such as lack of parental commitment to the school, illiteracy among adults and a communication breakdown between the school and its parents are still rife. The school leadership addresses this challenge by participating in village meetings and utilizing them as a platform to discuss school matters with parents. Further research on this topic would be useful, including such institutions as rural primary schools, private schools and colleges in the Caprivi Region, as very little research has been done on leadership roles in schools in the rural areas of Namibia.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The role of performance management in the motivation of employees : a case study
- Authors: Zwane, Themba Lambert
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa , Performance standards -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8595 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1090 , Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa , Performance standards -- South Africa
- Description: After a review of the literature relevant to performance management systems both over time and across different types of organizations, this thesis confines its research To a case study of the Role of Performance Management in The Motivation of Employees in an organization. Important insight was gained into the relative importance of the performance management practices to promote desired employee outcomes. In view thereof that a discussion of performance in organizations is incomplete without reference to the construct of organizational culture, this study also provided propositions to prompt further research on the role of performance management in reinforcing a high performance organizational culture. Insightful conclusions were drawn from the results obtained and recommendations are made for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Zwane, Themba Lambert
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa , Performance standards -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8595 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1090 , Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa , Performance standards -- South Africa
- Description: After a review of the literature relevant to performance management systems both over time and across different types of organizations, this thesis confines its research To a case study of the Role of Performance Management in The Motivation of Employees in an organization. Important insight was gained into the relative importance of the performance management practices to promote desired employee outcomes. In view thereof that a discussion of performance in organizations is incomplete without reference to the construct of organizational culture, this study also provided propositions to prompt further research on the role of performance management in reinforcing a high performance organizational culture. Insightful conclusions were drawn from the results obtained and recommendations are made for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The role of property rights to land and water resources in smallholder development: the case of Kat River Valley
- Authors: Rantlo, Montoeli
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11189 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/386 , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Property rights are social institutions that define and delimit the range of privileges granted to individuals of specific resources, such as land and water. They are the authority to determine different forms of control over resources thus determining the use, benefits and costs resulting from resource use. That is, they clearly specify who can use the resources, who can capture the benefits from the resources, and who should incur costs of any socially harmful impact resulting from the use of a resource. In order to be efficient property rights must be clearly defined by the administering institution whether formal or informal and must be accepted, understood and respected by all the involved individuals and should be enforceable. These institutions influence the behaviour of individuals hence the impact on economic performance and development. The thesis has attempted to determine how the situation of property rights to land and water affects the development of smallholders in the Kat River Valley. Data was collected from 96 households who were selected using random sampling. To capture data, a questionnaire was administered through face-to-face interviews. Institutional analysis and ANOVA were used for descriptive analysis to describe the property rights situation, security of property rights and the impact of property rights on the development of smallholder farming. The results show that individual land rights holders have secure rights to land and water resources while communal smallholders and farmers on the invaded state land have insecure rights to land and water resources. The results from institutional analysis show that the situation of property rights negatively affects development of all smallholder farmers in the Kat River Valley. There are various institutional factors that negatively affect development of smallholder farmers in the Kat River Valley. Based on the research findings, some policy recommendations are made. These include consideration of the local context and strengthening of the protection of property rights.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Rantlo, Montoeli
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11189 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/386 , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Property rights are social institutions that define and delimit the range of privileges granted to individuals of specific resources, such as land and water. They are the authority to determine different forms of control over resources thus determining the use, benefits and costs resulting from resource use. That is, they clearly specify who can use the resources, who can capture the benefits from the resources, and who should incur costs of any socially harmful impact resulting from the use of a resource. In order to be efficient property rights must be clearly defined by the administering institution whether formal or informal and must be accepted, understood and respected by all the involved individuals and should be enforceable. These institutions influence the behaviour of individuals hence the impact on economic performance and development. The thesis has attempted to determine how the situation of property rights to land and water affects the development of smallholders in the Kat River Valley. Data was collected from 96 households who were selected using random sampling. To capture data, a questionnaire was administered through face-to-face interviews. Institutional analysis and ANOVA were used for descriptive analysis to describe the property rights situation, security of property rights and the impact of property rights on the development of smallholder farming. The results show that individual land rights holders have secure rights to land and water resources while communal smallholders and farmers on the invaded state land have insecure rights to land and water resources. The results from institutional analysis show that the situation of property rights negatively affects development of all smallholder farmers in the Kat River Valley. There are various institutional factors that negatively affect development of smallholder farmers in the Kat River Valley. Based on the research findings, some policy recommendations are made. These include consideration of the local context and strengthening of the protection of property rights.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009