The interface of history and fiction in Russel Brownlee’s Garden of the plagues, Ingrid Winterbach’s To hell With Cronjé, and Etienne van Heerden’s The long silence of Mario Salviati
- Authors: Wyrill, Beth Alexandra
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Brownlee, Russel -- Criticism and interpretation , Winterbach, Ingrid -- Criticism and interpretation , Van Heerden, Etienne, 1954- -- Criticism and interpretation , South African fiction (English) -- History and criticism , South African fiction (English) -- 20th century -- History and criticism , African fiction (English) -- 21st century -- History and criticism , Brownlee, Russel -- Garden of the plagues , Winterbach, Ingrid -- Niggie -- English , Van Heerden, Etienne, 1954- -- Swye van Mario Salviati -- English , Historical fiction -- History and criticism , Magic realism (Literature)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2323 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015517
- Description: Both historiographical and literary practices have undergone revision in recent years in attempting to address the inheritance of nineteenth-century realism. Since the object of realist stylistics, employed in both the writing of fiction and history, is to render authorship authoritative or even invisible, the ideological import of these narratives is often such that the constructedness of the historical record and its absences are veiled. In developments beginning in the 1980s with the advent of ‘New Historicism’ and with the emergence of postmodern literary techniques, the interface of literature and history became of seminal importance, since both were now credited as being products of narrative and discourse, and hence, to varying degrees, of the literary imagination. This movement intersects interestingly with developments in postcolonial studies, since it is the voices of the marginalized and disempowered colonized peoples that are routinely co-opted and excised from nineteenth-century realist histories. These concerns are now being fully explored in the literature of the contemporary post-transitional South African moment, since authors in this country seemingly now feel freed up to look back to histories that precede the immediate traumas of apartheid. The concern, in relation to apartheid developments but also on a broader universal scale, is this: if history is viewed as perpetual emergences of modernities, then one of the great absences in the record is the historical determinants of any given epistemology. The attempt to recreate such an epistemological genealogy is thus simultaneously postcolonial, historiographical, and literary. Russel Brownlee’s Garden of the Plagues (2005), Ingrid Winterbach’s To Hell with Cronjé (2010), and Etienne van Heerden’s The Long Silence of Mario Salviati (2002) attempt to bridge this gap in the recorded sensibilities of any historical moment by representing a ‘lived experience’ of the past, and in the process imaginatively recreating the cultural, historical and psychological locations of the proponents of an emerging modernity. This study concerns itself with the ways in which these authors address the influence of realist historiography through the use of literary innovations that allow for the departure from realist stylistics. Most commonly, all three authors draw on forms of magic realism, but multiple refigurings and recombinations of notions of temporality, narrative, and characterization likewise work to defamiliarize the once stable discourse of history.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Wyrill, Beth Alexandra
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Brownlee, Russel -- Criticism and interpretation , Winterbach, Ingrid -- Criticism and interpretation , Van Heerden, Etienne, 1954- -- Criticism and interpretation , South African fiction (English) -- History and criticism , South African fiction (English) -- 20th century -- History and criticism , African fiction (English) -- 21st century -- History and criticism , Brownlee, Russel -- Garden of the plagues , Winterbach, Ingrid -- Niggie -- English , Van Heerden, Etienne, 1954- -- Swye van Mario Salviati -- English , Historical fiction -- History and criticism , Magic realism (Literature)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2323 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015517
- Description: Both historiographical and literary practices have undergone revision in recent years in attempting to address the inheritance of nineteenth-century realism. Since the object of realist stylistics, employed in both the writing of fiction and history, is to render authorship authoritative or even invisible, the ideological import of these narratives is often such that the constructedness of the historical record and its absences are veiled. In developments beginning in the 1980s with the advent of ‘New Historicism’ and with the emergence of postmodern literary techniques, the interface of literature and history became of seminal importance, since both were now credited as being products of narrative and discourse, and hence, to varying degrees, of the literary imagination. This movement intersects interestingly with developments in postcolonial studies, since it is the voices of the marginalized and disempowered colonized peoples that are routinely co-opted and excised from nineteenth-century realist histories. These concerns are now being fully explored in the literature of the contemporary post-transitional South African moment, since authors in this country seemingly now feel freed up to look back to histories that precede the immediate traumas of apartheid. The concern, in relation to apartheid developments but also on a broader universal scale, is this: if history is viewed as perpetual emergences of modernities, then one of the great absences in the record is the historical determinants of any given epistemology. The attempt to recreate such an epistemological genealogy is thus simultaneously postcolonial, historiographical, and literary. Russel Brownlee’s Garden of the Plagues (2005), Ingrid Winterbach’s To Hell with Cronjé (2010), and Etienne van Heerden’s The Long Silence of Mario Salviati (2002) attempt to bridge this gap in the recorded sensibilities of any historical moment by representing a ‘lived experience’ of the past, and in the process imaginatively recreating the cultural, historical and psychological locations of the proponents of an emerging modernity. This study concerns itself with the ways in which these authors address the influence of realist historiography through the use of literary innovations that allow for the departure from realist stylistics. Most commonly, all three authors draw on forms of magic realism, but multiple refigurings and recombinations of notions of temporality, narrative, and characterization likewise work to defamiliarize the once stable discourse of history.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The design of an office headquarters for SAMSUNG in the foreshore, Cape Town
- Authors: Wiese, Andre
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Office buildings -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Office layout -- South Africa -- Cape Town Office buildings -- Design and construction Office buildings -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40413 , vital:36159
- Description: This treatise developed through an interest in 21st century office buildings and most particularly, their impact on productivity, employee wellness and corporate culture. The conventional office of the mid-20th century disregarded employee health and well-being and was geared toward increasing productivity and production. The retrofitting of these buildings is very costly, and it is almost impossible to ensure compliance with modern-day environmental and efficiency standards to ultimately create a good office environment conducive to productivity and employee well-being. The nature of office has shifted to a more collaborative, socially interactive, open and flexible working environment because of the mobility technology offers the workplace. The current office building typology is concerned with the health and well-being of employees, active design, sustainability and environmental awareness. The treatise takes a qualitative research approach that is exploratory in nature and through careful analysis and interpretation, site constraints and informants are identified that inform the design of an office headquarters for Samsung. Pure research is based on the readings of Richard Sennett, Jane Jacobs, Stephen Kellert and Judith Heerwagen. An understanding is developed around factors that positively impact employee health and well-being in the workplace. Research determines that social interaction, human nature connectivity and the designed environment significantly impact the health and well-being of office user. Social interaction is scalable from the urban network to internal workspaces and is essential to create a seamless connection between the office environment and immediate urban context to stimulate serendipitous moments of interaction. The design of a Samsung Headquarters in Foreshore Cape Town uses Building Information Management (BIM) among other strategies to respond to its immediate environmental conditions and to create an environment conducive to the health and well-being of the office user and effectively increase productivity. The design is situated along a prominent pedestrian corridor that connects the CBD to the waterfront.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Wiese, Andre
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Office buildings -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Office layout -- South Africa -- Cape Town Office buildings -- Design and construction Office buildings -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40413 , vital:36159
- Description: This treatise developed through an interest in 21st century office buildings and most particularly, their impact on productivity, employee wellness and corporate culture. The conventional office of the mid-20th century disregarded employee health and well-being and was geared toward increasing productivity and production. The retrofitting of these buildings is very costly, and it is almost impossible to ensure compliance with modern-day environmental and efficiency standards to ultimately create a good office environment conducive to productivity and employee well-being. The nature of office has shifted to a more collaborative, socially interactive, open and flexible working environment because of the mobility technology offers the workplace. The current office building typology is concerned with the health and well-being of employees, active design, sustainability and environmental awareness. The treatise takes a qualitative research approach that is exploratory in nature and through careful analysis and interpretation, site constraints and informants are identified that inform the design of an office headquarters for Samsung. Pure research is based on the readings of Richard Sennett, Jane Jacobs, Stephen Kellert and Judith Heerwagen. An understanding is developed around factors that positively impact employee health and well-being in the workplace. Research determines that social interaction, human nature connectivity and the designed environment significantly impact the health and well-being of office user. Social interaction is scalable from the urban network to internal workspaces and is essential to create a seamless connection between the office environment and immediate urban context to stimulate serendipitous moments of interaction. The design of a Samsung Headquarters in Foreshore Cape Town uses Building Information Management (BIM) among other strategies to respond to its immediate environmental conditions and to create an environment conducive to the health and well-being of the office user and effectively increase productivity. The design is situated along a prominent pedestrian corridor that connects the CBD to the waterfront.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Studies on an autolysin produced by clostridium acetobutylicum
- Authors: Webster, Jocelyn Rowena
- Date: 1981
- Subjects: Clostridium acetobutylicum , Autolysis , Bacteriocins , Proteins -- Synthesis , DNA -- Synthesis , RNA -- Synthesis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3893 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003724
- Description: An extracellular bacteriocin-like substance produced by Clostridium acetobutylicum was detected during studies on an industrial fermentation process. The bacteriocin-like substance was not inducible by either ultraviolet light or mitomycin C, and its production was not associated with the induction of a protease. Studies on the mode of action of the bacteriocin-like substance indicated that it had no significant effect on DNA, RNA, or protein synthesis, and it did not cause the loss of intracellular ATP. However, the bacteriocin-like substance was able to lyse SDS-treated cells and cell walls of C. acetobutylicum and was identified as an autolysin. Some of the characteristics of this extracellular autolysin were determined, and after purification it was shown to be a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 28 000.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1981
- Authors: Webster, Jocelyn Rowena
- Date: 1981
- Subjects: Clostridium acetobutylicum , Autolysis , Bacteriocins , Proteins -- Synthesis , DNA -- Synthesis , RNA -- Synthesis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3893 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003724
- Description: An extracellular bacteriocin-like substance produced by Clostridium acetobutylicum was detected during studies on an industrial fermentation process. The bacteriocin-like substance was not inducible by either ultraviolet light or mitomycin C, and its production was not associated with the induction of a protease. Studies on the mode of action of the bacteriocin-like substance indicated that it had no significant effect on DNA, RNA, or protein synthesis, and it did not cause the loss of intracellular ATP. However, the bacteriocin-like substance was able to lyse SDS-treated cells and cell walls of C. acetobutylicum and was identified as an autolysin. Some of the characteristics of this extracellular autolysin were determined, and after purification it was shown to be a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 28 000.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1981
Demand driven rural agricultural development in South Africa: the case of the agricultural sustainable community investment programme
- Authors: Troosters, Wim
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa , Farms, Small -- South Africa , Farmers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10739 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021149
- Description: Food security is high on the development agenda in South Africa. A wide range of agricultural interventions exist across the country initiated by various stakeholders at different levels of society. While many interventions focus on production related constraints of food security, there are far fewer that focus on the integration of smallholder farmers in the supply chain. The research subject is the Agricultural Sustainable Community Investment Project (Agri-SCIP), operating on the south coast of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province. As a demand driven alternative market model, the focus of the project is on the integration of local smallholder farmers in the fresh produce supply chain. The main research question is whether the participation of smallholder farmers in the fresh produce supply actually has actually improved for participants of the test case. Existing barriers to entry for smallholder farmers are mitigated in the project. Through a literature review five critical factors for market participation by smallholder farmers are identified, namely transport and distance to markets, product quality, product quantity, the buyer-seller relationship and market information. A literature review and empirical data are applied to test the impact of the Agri-SCIP project on the participation of smallholder farmers in the fresh produce supply chain based on these five critical factors. The data indicate that many of the existing barriers to entry in the fresh produce supply chain for the smallholder farmers are mitigated, and have been shifted to a collectively owned co-operative. Therefore, as an alternative market model, Agri-SCIP has the potential to provide a sustainable solution for smallholder development in South Africa with a strong focus on supply chain participation. The development of a strong smallholder farmers base and the development of smallholder farmers into semi-commercial farmers are potential long term results of the Agri-SCIP alternative market model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Troosters, Wim
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa , Farms, Small -- South Africa , Farmers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10739 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021149
- Description: Food security is high on the development agenda in South Africa. A wide range of agricultural interventions exist across the country initiated by various stakeholders at different levels of society. While many interventions focus on production related constraints of food security, there are far fewer that focus on the integration of smallholder farmers in the supply chain. The research subject is the Agricultural Sustainable Community Investment Project (Agri-SCIP), operating on the south coast of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province. As a demand driven alternative market model, the focus of the project is on the integration of local smallholder farmers in the fresh produce supply chain. The main research question is whether the participation of smallholder farmers in the fresh produce supply actually has actually improved for participants of the test case. Existing barriers to entry for smallholder farmers are mitigated in the project. Through a literature review five critical factors for market participation by smallholder farmers are identified, namely transport and distance to markets, product quality, product quantity, the buyer-seller relationship and market information. A literature review and empirical data are applied to test the impact of the Agri-SCIP project on the participation of smallholder farmers in the fresh produce supply chain based on these five critical factors. The data indicate that many of the existing barriers to entry in the fresh produce supply chain for the smallholder farmers are mitigated, and have been shifted to a collectively owned co-operative. Therefore, as an alternative market model, Agri-SCIP has the potential to provide a sustainable solution for smallholder development in South Africa with a strong focus on supply chain participation. The development of a strong smallholder farmers base and the development of smallholder farmers into semi-commercial farmers are potential long term results of the Agri-SCIP alternative market model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Agricultural-based commodity chains and development: the case of the tobacco sector in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Thring, Stephen Richard
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5337 , vital:20814
- Description: This thesis examines the nature of governance in the Zimbabwean tobacco value chain and what upgrading implications this has for participants at the lower end of the value chain, with a particular focus on smallholder tobacco growers. The nature of governance and upgrading opportunities will provide further implications for broader economic development in Zimbabwe. Value chain analysis was the over-arching method, adopting a mixed methods approach of both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Data attained from the Tobacco and Industry Marketing Board (TIMB) was used to construct a Zimbabwean tobacco profile. This information was used to construct a simple Global Value Chain (GVC) framework in order to obtain an understanding of the Zimbabwean tobacco value chain. Information was gathered at the top end of the value chain via documents and data from British American Tobacco (BAT) and information was gathered at the middle and lower end of the value chain through interviews. It was found that the Zimbabwean tobacco value chain is characterised by two types of governance: modular and hierarchy. Modular governance existed where the value chain was disjointed by the leaf merchant and hierarchy governance existed where cigarette manufacturers have vertically integrated themselves backwards into the tobacco growing segment. It was found that contract lines offer smallholder tobacco growers’ financial and technical support that would otherwise be difficult to attain. This increased the likelihood for smallholder tobacco growers to produce a high quality crop that met Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and other compliancy requirements; therefore achieving product and process upgrading. However, the environmental impact of tobacco growing through deforestation and the possibility of lead cigarette manufacturers relocating their operations to a different geographical location (as is the nature of GVCs) threatens the sustainability of Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry. Despite these issues it was argued that the tobacco value chain could assist Zimbabwe’s economy in diversifying away from simple tobacco production towards valueadding tobacco sectors, such as processing, by-product processing and cigarette manufacturing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Thring, Stephen Richard
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5337 , vital:20814
- Description: This thesis examines the nature of governance in the Zimbabwean tobacco value chain and what upgrading implications this has for participants at the lower end of the value chain, with a particular focus on smallholder tobacco growers. The nature of governance and upgrading opportunities will provide further implications for broader economic development in Zimbabwe. Value chain analysis was the over-arching method, adopting a mixed methods approach of both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Data attained from the Tobacco and Industry Marketing Board (TIMB) was used to construct a Zimbabwean tobacco profile. This information was used to construct a simple Global Value Chain (GVC) framework in order to obtain an understanding of the Zimbabwean tobacco value chain. Information was gathered at the top end of the value chain via documents and data from British American Tobacco (BAT) and information was gathered at the middle and lower end of the value chain through interviews. It was found that the Zimbabwean tobacco value chain is characterised by two types of governance: modular and hierarchy. Modular governance existed where the value chain was disjointed by the leaf merchant and hierarchy governance existed where cigarette manufacturers have vertically integrated themselves backwards into the tobacco growing segment. It was found that contract lines offer smallholder tobacco growers’ financial and technical support that would otherwise be difficult to attain. This increased the likelihood for smallholder tobacco growers to produce a high quality crop that met Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and other compliancy requirements; therefore achieving product and process upgrading. However, the environmental impact of tobacco growing through deforestation and the possibility of lead cigarette manufacturers relocating their operations to a different geographical location (as is the nature of GVCs) threatens the sustainability of Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry. Despite these issues it was argued that the tobacco value chain could assist Zimbabwe’s economy in diversifying away from simple tobacco production towards valueadding tobacco sectors, such as processing, by-product processing and cigarette manufacturing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Reproductive biology of important invasive plants in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Thorne, Cara-Jayne
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3683 , vital:20535
- Description: Baker’s rule predicts species capable of uniparental reproduction are more likely to establish after long distance dispersal (or introduction in the case of invasive plants), thus the ability to undergo autonomous self-pollination should promote colonization. An investigation into the reproductive biology of eleven invasive species in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa between 2012 and 2014 showed strong support for Baker’s law. Breeding system results showed evidence of self-compatibility in eight species, ten species were capable of autonomous self-pollination, and only three species showed evidence of varying levels of self-incompatibility. These results provide evdence that autonomous self-pollination occurs more frequently among invasive species, self-compatible species more frequently become invasive compared with self-incompatible species and that autogamous species should have a larger invasive range. Co-opting suitable local pollinators may be problematic for invasive plants, especially those with highly specialized pollination systems. The species investigated appear to be largely independent of pollinators, mostly setting seed in the absence of pollinators. Despite this, all eleven invasive plant species are regularly visited by a variety of generalist pollinators including Apis mellifera, Xylocopa bees and Allodapini species. Pollinators all carried substantial pollen loads, even managing to extract pollen from more specialized plants, such as the poricidal anthers of Solanum species, and frequently came into contact with both anthers and stigmas. Considering most of theses species are capable of autonomous self-pollination, their reliance on pollinators may be low. Even the most self-incompatible species, Passiflora caerulea, appears to have successfully co-opted local pollinators (honeybees and carpenter bees), ensuring successful pollination and seed set. The ability for cross-pollination by local pollinators allows for some degree of genetic variation within invasive plant populations, especially for self-incompatible species. Inadequate pollen deposition by unreliable or inefficient pollinators, or reduced resource availability, can result in pollen limitation. Invasive plant species may be especially susceptible, with three of the plant species investiagted showing possible pollen limitation at the level of seed set, while the remaining nine invasive plant species showed no evidence of pollen limitation in South Africa. The ability to utilize uniparental reproduction (as Baker’s law predicted), and co-opt local pollinators has allowed invasive plants in the Eastern Cape to successfully establish and persist after introduction. Hence, the inclusion of reproductive traits of plants should therefore be included in risk assessments for future plant invaders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Thorne, Cara-Jayne
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3683 , vital:20535
- Description: Baker’s rule predicts species capable of uniparental reproduction are more likely to establish after long distance dispersal (or introduction in the case of invasive plants), thus the ability to undergo autonomous self-pollination should promote colonization. An investigation into the reproductive biology of eleven invasive species in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa between 2012 and 2014 showed strong support for Baker’s law. Breeding system results showed evidence of self-compatibility in eight species, ten species were capable of autonomous self-pollination, and only three species showed evidence of varying levels of self-incompatibility. These results provide evdence that autonomous self-pollination occurs more frequently among invasive species, self-compatible species more frequently become invasive compared with self-incompatible species and that autogamous species should have a larger invasive range. Co-opting suitable local pollinators may be problematic for invasive plants, especially those with highly specialized pollination systems. The species investigated appear to be largely independent of pollinators, mostly setting seed in the absence of pollinators. Despite this, all eleven invasive plant species are regularly visited by a variety of generalist pollinators including Apis mellifera, Xylocopa bees and Allodapini species. Pollinators all carried substantial pollen loads, even managing to extract pollen from more specialized plants, such as the poricidal anthers of Solanum species, and frequently came into contact with both anthers and stigmas. Considering most of theses species are capable of autonomous self-pollination, their reliance on pollinators may be low. Even the most self-incompatible species, Passiflora caerulea, appears to have successfully co-opted local pollinators (honeybees and carpenter bees), ensuring successful pollination and seed set. The ability for cross-pollination by local pollinators allows for some degree of genetic variation within invasive plant populations, especially for self-incompatible species. Inadequate pollen deposition by unreliable or inefficient pollinators, or reduced resource availability, can result in pollen limitation. Invasive plant species may be especially susceptible, with three of the plant species investiagted showing possible pollen limitation at the level of seed set, while the remaining nine invasive plant species showed no evidence of pollen limitation in South Africa. The ability to utilize uniparental reproduction (as Baker’s law predicted), and co-opt local pollinators has allowed invasive plants in the Eastern Cape to successfully establish and persist after introduction. Hence, the inclusion of reproductive traits of plants should therefore be included in risk assessments for future plant invaders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
An investigation into international transfer pricing guidelines and the anomalies arising from business restructurings by multi-national enterprises
- Authors: Stelloh, Marcus Matthias
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:879 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001633
- Description: The number of multinational enterprises has increased substantially. In part due to the integration of national economies (the European Union), improvements in communication and technology and the opportunity to reduce costs as a result of globalisation. Transfer pricing and especially business restructuring within multinationals is a fairly new concept.Professional legal and audit firms have different views on how to approach business restructurings. This research analyses important transfer pricing aspects and the anomalies that arise through business restructurings. The research method used in this research paper is primarily qualitative, comprising the analysis of various documentary sources of data. Relevant South African and international case law, tax legislation, the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and Tax Administrations, the Transfer Pricing Aspects of Business Restructurings Discussion Draft and other reports were consulted and analysed. Further the views of recognised legal and tax experts that have been published in technical journals and text books were also considered and examined. A hypothetical example of a business restructuring transaction was constructed in order to illustrate practical issues and different approaches to solving them. The research has argued that the arm’s length principle, which forms the bases of transfer pricing regulation, is not an exact science but theoretically it is the most suitable measure.It may not be able to incorporate all variables, such as the cost savings through synergies of multinational enterprises, but it promotes international trade and investment by ensuring that transactions are based on fair prices. Business restructurings create anomalies in applying the arm’s length principle but these anomalies can be dealt with within the regulatory structure. The business restructuring approach recommended is realistic and pragmatic, but more clarity may be needed in certain circumstances. The research has also discussed the avoidance of transfer pricing audits, including having appropriate transfer pricing policies and documentation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Stelloh, Marcus Matthias
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:879 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001633
- Description: The number of multinational enterprises has increased substantially. In part due to the integration of national economies (the European Union), improvements in communication and technology and the opportunity to reduce costs as a result of globalisation. Transfer pricing and especially business restructuring within multinationals is a fairly new concept.Professional legal and audit firms have different views on how to approach business restructurings. This research analyses important transfer pricing aspects and the anomalies that arise through business restructurings. The research method used in this research paper is primarily qualitative, comprising the analysis of various documentary sources of data. Relevant South African and international case law, tax legislation, the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and Tax Administrations, the Transfer Pricing Aspects of Business Restructurings Discussion Draft and other reports were consulted and analysed. Further the views of recognised legal and tax experts that have been published in technical journals and text books were also considered and examined. A hypothetical example of a business restructuring transaction was constructed in order to illustrate practical issues and different approaches to solving them. The research has argued that the arm’s length principle, which forms the bases of transfer pricing regulation, is not an exact science but theoretically it is the most suitable measure.It may not be able to incorporate all variables, such as the cost savings through synergies of multinational enterprises, but it promotes international trade and investment by ensuring that transactions are based on fair prices. Business restructurings create anomalies in applying the arm’s length principle but these anomalies can be dealt with within the regulatory structure. The business restructuring approach recommended is realistic and pragmatic, but more clarity may be needed in certain circumstances. The research has also discussed the avoidance of transfer pricing audits, including having appropriate transfer pricing policies and documentation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The dionysian in performance reclaiming the female transgressive performing body
- Authors: Solomon, Zanne
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Dionysia , Feminism and theater , Human body in literature , Performance art , Performing arts , Body image in women , Self-perception in women , Human body -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2148 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002380
- Description: In this thesis I investigate the theoretical or philosophical notion/archetype of the Dionysian in relation to the transgressive female body in performance. I do so through 1) an investigation into the theories behind the Dionysian and the transgressive; 2) an examination of the performative practice of the transgressive female body; and 3) a personal exploration of the theatrical practice. 1) In the first chapter I introduce and thoroughly explore the archetypal concept of the Dionysian, and identify its significance because of its intrinsic association with the transgressive. I associate it with its oppositional force, the Apollonian, which is similarly significant because it is through the Dionysian disruption of the Apollonian from which the very notion of the transgressive springs. Through a review of Camille Paglia's seminal text on the subject of the Dionysian¹, this chapter provides a historical, mythological and theoretical context for the schism between the two archetypal aesthetics, starting from the description of the mythology of the ancient Greek gods, Dionysus and Apollo, and unpacks the transgressive nature of the Dionysian. Drawing on concurring theories of Friedrich Nietzsche and Julia Kristeva, as well as Hans Thies-Lehmann's writings on post-dramatic theatre², Chapter One attempts to firmly establish the inherent link between the Dionysian and theatre and performance, as well as the Dionysian and the transgressive, and provide a thorough theoretical framework for the rest of the thesis. 2) The second chapter investigates the work of two female performance artists³ who (re)present⁴ their bodies as transgressive in performance, namely Marina Abramovic and Karen Finley. It critically examines specific performance works of theirs, and through this examination it explores how they (re)present their bodies as transgressive in performance, and why they do so. This chapter furthermore establishes the connection between the transgressive female performing body, as (re)presented by Abramovic and Finley, and the Dionysian. In so doing it explores how they negotiate this ancient aesthetic or practice in a contemporary performance context. I believe that these performance artists are in fact striving to celebrate and reclaim the Dionysian within their work, and I attempt to establish this within this chapter. 3) The third chapter of this thesis analyses my own practical exploration of the transgressive female body in performance in a piece entitled Bleeding Mermaid (2008). It examines this exploration in the context of the theory of the Dionysian, as well as investigating how and why I (re)presented my body as transgressive in the performance. The analysis furthermore questions how I understand my work on the (re)presentation of the transgressive female body in relation to, and within the context of, Finley and Abramovic's work on the same subject. Through this investigation, I aim to establish a link between the Dionysian and the transgressive female performing body; and investigate the motivation(s) behind the (re)presentation of the transgressive female body in performance. I hope to open up a pathway to the reclamation of the Dionysian, both in performance practice and research. ¹Paglia, Camille. Sexual Personae: Art and Decadence from Nefertiti to Emily Dickinson. England: Penguin Books, 1990. ²Lehmann, Hans-Thies. Postdramatic Theatre. Trans. and Intro. Karen Jürs-Munby. London and New York: Routledge, 2006. ³Performance Art began around the 1960s in Europe and America. It is performance with a sense of immediacy – in that it is hard to replicate as it interacts with each unique audience – it is thus effectively a fresh/new experience each time. It breaks the boundaries of traditional theatre (form, structure, venue, time etc) and is often shocking or provocative in nature. It mixed the aesthetics of theatre and art, often taking place in installation settings. Performance Art has developed and morphed throughout the years, and is also referred to as Live Art in Britain. A performance artist is someone who produces performance art. It is possible that Performance Art no longer exists/is possible because it no longer shocks or affects the audience. ⁴My use of the brackets in (re)presented/(re)present throughout this thesis is because I would like to make simultaneous reference to the words/connotations of "presentation" and "representation", without being bound to the connotations of illusion/falseness/non-reality as is associated with the word "representation" (in opposition to the concept of the "real"), and thus be left only with the one-dimensional approach/meaning of "presentation".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Solomon, Zanne
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Dionysia , Feminism and theater , Human body in literature , Performance art , Performing arts , Body image in women , Self-perception in women , Human body -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2148 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002380
- Description: In this thesis I investigate the theoretical or philosophical notion/archetype of the Dionysian in relation to the transgressive female body in performance. I do so through 1) an investigation into the theories behind the Dionysian and the transgressive; 2) an examination of the performative practice of the transgressive female body; and 3) a personal exploration of the theatrical practice. 1) In the first chapter I introduce and thoroughly explore the archetypal concept of the Dionysian, and identify its significance because of its intrinsic association with the transgressive. I associate it with its oppositional force, the Apollonian, which is similarly significant because it is through the Dionysian disruption of the Apollonian from which the very notion of the transgressive springs. Through a review of Camille Paglia's seminal text on the subject of the Dionysian¹, this chapter provides a historical, mythological and theoretical context for the schism between the two archetypal aesthetics, starting from the description of the mythology of the ancient Greek gods, Dionysus and Apollo, and unpacks the transgressive nature of the Dionysian. Drawing on concurring theories of Friedrich Nietzsche and Julia Kristeva, as well as Hans Thies-Lehmann's writings on post-dramatic theatre², Chapter One attempts to firmly establish the inherent link between the Dionysian and theatre and performance, as well as the Dionysian and the transgressive, and provide a thorough theoretical framework for the rest of the thesis. 2) The second chapter investigates the work of two female performance artists³ who (re)present⁴ their bodies as transgressive in performance, namely Marina Abramovic and Karen Finley. It critically examines specific performance works of theirs, and through this examination it explores how they (re)present their bodies as transgressive in performance, and why they do so. This chapter furthermore establishes the connection between the transgressive female performing body, as (re)presented by Abramovic and Finley, and the Dionysian. In so doing it explores how they negotiate this ancient aesthetic or practice in a contemporary performance context. I believe that these performance artists are in fact striving to celebrate and reclaim the Dionysian within their work, and I attempt to establish this within this chapter. 3) The third chapter of this thesis analyses my own practical exploration of the transgressive female body in performance in a piece entitled Bleeding Mermaid (2008). It examines this exploration in the context of the theory of the Dionysian, as well as investigating how and why I (re)presented my body as transgressive in the performance. The analysis furthermore questions how I understand my work on the (re)presentation of the transgressive female body in relation to, and within the context of, Finley and Abramovic's work on the same subject. Through this investigation, I aim to establish a link between the Dionysian and the transgressive female performing body; and investigate the motivation(s) behind the (re)presentation of the transgressive female body in performance. I hope to open up a pathway to the reclamation of the Dionysian, both in performance practice and research. ¹Paglia, Camille. Sexual Personae: Art and Decadence from Nefertiti to Emily Dickinson. England: Penguin Books, 1990. ²Lehmann, Hans-Thies. Postdramatic Theatre. Trans. and Intro. Karen Jürs-Munby. London and New York: Routledge, 2006. ³Performance Art began around the 1960s in Europe and America. It is performance with a sense of immediacy – in that it is hard to replicate as it interacts with each unique audience – it is thus effectively a fresh/new experience each time. It breaks the boundaries of traditional theatre (form, structure, venue, time etc) and is often shocking or provocative in nature. It mixed the aesthetics of theatre and art, often taking place in installation settings. Performance Art has developed and morphed throughout the years, and is also referred to as Live Art in Britain. A performance artist is someone who produces performance art. It is possible that Performance Art no longer exists/is possible because it no longer shocks or affects the audience. ⁴My use of the brackets in (re)presented/(re)present throughout this thesis is because I would like to make simultaneous reference to the words/connotations of "presentation" and "representation", without being bound to the connotations of illusion/falseness/non-reality as is associated with the word "representation" (in opposition to the concept of the "real"), and thus be left only with the one-dimensional approach/meaning of "presentation".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation into the principals' leadership roles in selected schools in the Ohangwena Region in Namibia: case study
- Authors: Shitana, Silas Shituleipo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: School management and organization -- Namibia -- Ohangwena School principals -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Educational change -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Management -- Employee participation -- Namibia -- Ohangwena
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1614 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003496
- Description: School leadership in Namibia over past centuries was characterized by ‘top down’ administration and typically proceeded without participation of those involved other than the principals who were the sole decision makers. The notion of school leadership through teamwork (team leadership) in Namibia was formalized after the advent of democracy in 1990 and the subsequent reorganization of the education system. The notion of team leadership is embedded in theories that stress participation, teamwork and distributed leadership. It is against this background that this study sought to investigate the current understandings of school leadership and application of team leadership among principals in selected schools in the Ohangwena region in Namibia. The study is an interpretive case study of two secondary schools in the above‐mentioned region in Namibia. The research utilized three quantitative data gathering techniques, namely semi‐structured interviews, observation and document analysis. The research participants were two principals, two teachers and two school board members from each research school. The main findings of this study revealed that the notion of participation of all stakeholders in education is seen as a fundamental aspect of the current leadership thinking. However, the respondents’ vision of leadership is limited and quite traditional in many ways. There is emphasis on the need to control, monitor, and delegate rather than team leadership. Furthermore, where consultation is mentioned it seems the respondents think of the passing down of information – a cascade model ‐ as consultation, a view that is narrow and inaccurate in terms of contemporary leadership theories. While there was an appreciation of the benefits derived from team leadership, challenges facing such leadership pervaded responses. These included lack of understanding of government policies such as ETSIP and NSPIs, resistance to change and implementation of policy. The study recommends that leadership and management programs and teacher leadership development programs be established in Namibia. Finally, the study recommends further research to include Learner Representative Council and Heads of Department. These stakeholders in education may provide new insights into the current school leadership thinking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Shitana, Silas Shituleipo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: School management and organization -- Namibia -- Ohangwena School principals -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Educational change -- Namibia -- Ohangwena Management -- Employee participation -- Namibia -- Ohangwena
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1614 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003496
- Description: School leadership in Namibia over past centuries was characterized by ‘top down’ administration and typically proceeded without participation of those involved other than the principals who were the sole decision makers. The notion of school leadership through teamwork (team leadership) in Namibia was formalized after the advent of democracy in 1990 and the subsequent reorganization of the education system. The notion of team leadership is embedded in theories that stress participation, teamwork and distributed leadership. It is against this background that this study sought to investigate the current understandings of school leadership and application of team leadership among principals in selected schools in the Ohangwena region in Namibia. The study is an interpretive case study of two secondary schools in the above‐mentioned region in Namibia. The research utilized three quantitative data gathering techniques, namely semi‐structured interviews, observation and document analysis. The research participants were two principals, two teachers and two school board members from each research school. The main findings of this study revealed that the notion of participation of all stakeholders in education is seen as a fundamental aspect of the current leadership thinking. However, the respondents’ vision of leadership is limited and quite traditional in many ways. There is emphasis on the need to control, monitor, and delegate rather than team leadership. Furthermore, where consultation is mentioned it seems the respondents think of the passing down of information – a cascade model ‐ as consultation, a view that is narrow and inaccurate in terms of contemporary leadership theories. While there was an appreciation of the benefits derived from team leadership, challenges facing such leadership pervaded responses. These included lack of understanding of government policies such as ETSIP and NSPIs, resistance to change and implementation of policy. The study recommends that leadership and management programs and teacher leadership development programs be established in Namibia. Finally, the study recommends further research to include Learner Representative Council and Heads of Department. These stakeholders in education may provide new insights into the current school leadership thinking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The construction, implementation and evaluation of a transactional analysis stress management course for adolescents
- Authors: Ritchie, Harriet Anne
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: Transactional analysis Stress in adolescence Adolescent psychology Stress management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1461 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003342
- Description: Stress is a problem in today's world and adolescents are not exempt from suffering its ill effects. Currently no stress management courses are offered as part of the formal guidance programme in high schools or in the community. This pilot study is an attempt to construct a stress management course based on the concepts of Transactional Analysis. The course was implemented with a multi-racial, standard eight group of nine boys and girls. The course was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. The quantitative measures proved to be inappropriate to this study and did not render any useful information. The study found that the scholars expressed that they had changed in their handling of their daily stressors as a result of the course. Personal growth had also taken place. The findings of this research are discussed in terms of the important implications they have for school guidance programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
- Authors: Ritchie, Harriet Anne
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: Transactional analysis Stress in adolescence Adolescent psychology Stress management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1461 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003342
- Description: Stress is a problem in today's world and adolescents are not exempt from suffering its ill effects. Currently no stress management courses are offered as part of the formal guidance programme in high schools or in the community. This pilot study is an attempt to construct a stress management course based on the concepts of Transactional Analysis. The course was implemented with a multi-racial, standard eight group of nine boys and girls. The course was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. The quantitative measures proved to be inappropriate to this study and did not render any useful information. The study found that the scholars expressed that they had changed in their handling of their daily stressors as a result of the course. Personal growth had also taken place. The findings of this research are discussed in terms of the important implications they have for school guidance programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
An investigation into causes of success and failure in small businesses within the Department of Social Development in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Petrus, Henry George
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: South Africa -- Dept. of Social Development , South Africa -- Dept. of Trade and Industry , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Growth , Business enterprises -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job creation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:791 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003942
- Description: The failure rate of small business initiatives in South Africa is phenomenal, and much is needed to unravel the causes contributing to such failures. Yet small businesses are playing a vital part in our global economy and in particular in terms of job creation and poverty eradication. There are internal as well as external factors that play a significant role in determining the success of these small businesses. In South Africa much emphasis is placed by national, provincial and local governments on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to drive wealth creation and black economic empowerment. Therefore, an investigation into the factors contributing to the success and failure of SMEs is of vital importance. The South African government’s poverty eradication strategy, which is driven by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), allocated funds for job creation programmes as a method to combat poverty and more importantly, to develop young entrepreneurs. Among the seven departments mandated by DTI was the Department of Social Development. Since the birth of the new democracy, this department has transformed from offering a traditional remedial method of service delivery to an integrated developmental approach. This approach included extensive community work, which includes job creation and economic empowerment through the establishment of small businesses. Given the availability of funding, the inability to spend fiscal budgets as per allocation as well as the charity element of receiving involved, it is important to explore whether factors contributing to the success of these SMEs are any different to the traditional business strategies. In this study, the researcher gave special consideration to the social capital element and its contribution in the context of community support as well as the ability of SMEs to become sustainable business ventures over time. The research study aims to highlight unique factors contributing to the success and failures of SMEs established by the Department of Social Development and in doing so hopes to manifest an improved understanding of the management of these SMEs. In chapter one, the researcher gives a brief description of the activities of the Department of Social Development and its mandate to establish SMEs for job creation. A brief explanation regarding the context of the problem that was investigated is also given. Chapter two provides a detailed theoretical overview of the study, focusing in particular on factors contributing to the success and failure of small businesses. In chapter three, the research design and the various instruments used are discussed. Here, emphasis is placed on procedural issues and ethical considerations. The validity and reliability of the research is strongly motivated. In chapter four the research results are discussed. Chapter five aims to discuss the findings of the research with reference to the theoretical overview outlined in chapter two. Lastly, chapter six makes recommendations to the various stakeholders who may benefit from this research. These recommendations are the most important objectives of the research and should add value with regards to the management of SMEs in future, with special reference to the Department of Social Development in the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Petrus, Henry George
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: South Africa -- Dept. of Social Development , South Africa -- Dept. of Trade and Industry , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Growth , Business enterprises -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job creation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:791 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003942
- Description: The failure rate of small business initiatives in South Africa is phenomenal, and much is needed to unravel the causes contributing to such failures. Yet small businesses are playing a vital part in our global economy and in particular in terms of job creation and poverty eradication. There are internal as well as external factors that play a significant role in determining the success of these small businesses. In South Africa much emphasis is placed by national, provincial and local governments on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to drive wealth creation and black economic empowerment. Therefore, an investigation into the factors contributing to the success and failure of SMEs is of vital importance. The South African government’s poverty eradication strategy, which is driven by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), allocated funds for job creation programmes as a method to combat poverty and more importantly, to develop young entrepreneurs. Among the seven departments mandated by DTI was the Department of Social Development. Since the birth of the new democracy, this department has transformed from offering a traditional remedial method of service delivery to an integrated developmental approach. This approach included extensive community work, which includes job creation and economic empowerment through the establishment of small businesses. Given the availability of funding, the inability to spend fiscal budgets as per allocation as well as the charity element of receiving involved, it is important to explore whether factors contributing to the success of these SMEs are any different to the traditional business strategies. In this study, the researcher gave special consideration to the social capital element and its contribution in the context of community support as well as the ability of SMEs to become sustainable business ventures over time. The research study aims to highlight unique factors contributing to the success and failures of SMEs established by the Department of Social Development and in doing so hopes to manifest an improved understanding of the management of these SMEs. In chapter one, the researcher gives a brief description of the activities of the Department of Social Development and its mandate to establish SMEs for job creation. A brief explanation regarding the context of the problem that was investigated is also given. Chapter two provides a detailed theoretical overview of the study, focusing in particular on factors contributing to the success and failure of small businesses. In chapter three, the research design and the various instruments used are discussed. Here, emphasis is placed on procedural issues and ethical considerations. The validity and reliability of the research is strongly motivated. In chapter four the research results are discussed. Chapter five aims to discuss the findings of the research with reference to the theoretical overview outlined in chapter two. Lastly, chapter six makes recommendations to the various stakeholders who may benefit from this research. These recommendations are the most important objectives of the research and should add value with regards to the management of SMEs in future, with special reference to the Department of Social Development in the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Lecturer and student perceptions of an academic writing task
- Authors: Olivier-Shaw, Amanda
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: Education, Higher Communicative competence Thought and thinking -- Study and teaching (Higher) Academic writing -- Study and teaching Philosophy -- Study and teaching (Higher) Language and education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1665 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003548
- Description: This research considers the perceptions of an academic writing task held by a lecturer and first year students in the Philosophy department at the University of Zululand. The research takes as its starting point the following premises: that language is inextricably linked to learning; that each academic discipline has a particular discourse which students have to acquire in order to participate as accepted members of the academic community; that learning proceeds most effectively when teaching starts with what is known and moves into the unknown; and that learning takes place through experience and involvement, rather than transmission. The research suggests that many first year students bring with them to university an understanding of the nature of learning and of knowledge which makes it difficult for them to understand the implicit rules of the discourse of analytical philosophy. My investigation uncovered several of these rules in the study guide written for the course, but it appears that students were not able to discover them and, as a result, experienced great difficulty in fulfilling the assignment task in a way which promoted their understanding of the content. The research also shows that the lecturer's expectations of the task were far removed from the manner in which the students implemented the task. It is argued that the students appear to have reverted to their established writing strategies which consisted of simply repeating what the 'authority' has said. From this it is argued that unless rules of the discourse are made explicit to students, and students understand the content of the course, they will revert to copying and relying on other sources to tell them what to write. One way of making these rules explicit and encouraging students to integrate new knowledge with previous knowledge which they bring with them to university is through providing well-structured writing tasks, and where necessary, developing clearly defined assessment procedures. Writing is the principal means of mediation between the lecturer, who is trying to offer students entry into the discipline, and the student apprentice trying to make sense of the discipline and find his or her own 'voice' within that discipline.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
- Authors: Olivier-Shaw, Amanda
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: Education, Higher Communicative competence Thought and thinking -- Study and teaching (Higher) Academic writing -- Study and teaching Philosophy -- Study and teaching (Higher) Language and education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1665 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003548
- Description: This research considers the perceptions of an academic writing task held by a lecturer and first year students in the Philosophy department at the University of Zululand. The research takes as its starting point the following premises: that language is inextricably linked to learning; that each academic discipline has a particular discourse which students have to acquire in order to participate as accepted members of the academic community; that learning proceeds most effectively when teaching starts with what is known and moves into the unknown; and that learning takes place through experience and involvement, rather than transmission. The research suggests that many first year students bring with them to university an understanding of the nature of learning and of knowledge which makes it difficult for them to understand the implicit rules of the discourse of analytical philosophy. My investigation uncovered several of these rules in the study guide written for the course, but it appears that students were not able to discover them and, as a result, experienced great difficulty in fulfilling the assignment task in a way which promoted their understanding of the content. The research also shows that the lecturer's expectations of the task were far removed from the manner in which the students implemented the task. It is argued that the students appear to have reverted to their established writing strategies which consisted of simply repeating what the 'authority' has said. From this it is argued that unless rules of the discourse are made explicit to students, and students understand the content of the course, they will revert to copying and relying on other sources to tell them what to write. One way of making these rules explicit and encouraging students to integrate new knowledge with previous knowledge which they bring with them to university is through providing well-structured writing tasks, and where necessary, developing clearly defined assessment procedures. Writing is the principal means of mediation between the lecturer, who is trying to offer students entry into the discipline, and the student apprentice trying to make sense of the discipline and find his or her own 'voice' within that discipline.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
Mantle xenoliths from the Abrahamskraal kimberlite : a craton-margin geotherm
- Authors: Nowicki, Thomas Edward
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Kimberlite , Kimberlite -- Inclusions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001557
- Description: The Abrahamskraal kimberlite pipe (group I) occurs approximately 5 km to the south-west of the geophysically defined margin of the Kaapvaal craton in the central Cape Province, and contains a variety of crustal and mantle xenoliths. This study focusses on xenoliths of deep-seated origin (mantle and lower-crustal), and in particular on garnet-orthopyroxene bearing assemblages which are amenable to thermobarometric techniques. Four major types of deep-seated xenolith have been identified, i.e. peridotites, dunites , eclogites, and garnet pyroxenites. The petrographic features and mineral compositions of these xenoliths are described . Pressures and temperatures of equilibration have been calculated primarily using the garnet-orthopyroxene thermometer of Harley (1984), and the Al-in-enstatite barometer of Nickel and Green (1985). The peridotites are coarse-textured (Harte, 1977), magnesium -rich rocks, and are typical examples of the common type I peridotites which generally dominate mantle xenolith suites in kimberlites. Garnet peridotite xenoliths define a geotherm which lies along a typical theoretical conductive geothermal gradient for shield areas (Pollack and Chapman, 1977), and which extends to a maximum pressure of 41 kb (~130 km). Comparison of the Abrahamskraal geotherm with that constructed for the northern Lesotho xenolith suite (calculated using the same thermobarometer couple), suggests that the lithosphere at the Namaqua /Kaapvaal boundary is not significantly thinner or hotter than that underlying the craton. Modelling of the craton boundary under the constraints provided by the Abrahamskraal geotherm, and by the distribution of diamond-bearing kimberlites in southern Africa, indicates that the Abrahamskraal kimberlite has sampled relatively thick, cool , Namaqua lithosphere. It is suggested that, in terms of diamond distribution, the age and magmatic history of the Namaqua lithosphere is of greater significance than its thickness. Two varieties of dunite occur at Abrahamskraal. Coarse-textured dunites with Mg-rich olivine compositions similar to those of the peridotitic olivines, probably originated by similar (but perhaps more extreme) processes to those which formed the peridotites. A finer-grained and relatively Fe-rich variety of dunite may represent ultramafic cumulates formed by fractionation of basic or ultrabasic magmas within the mantle. Two varieties of eclogite have been distinguished. Coarse-grained eclogites which yield relatively high temperature estimates, are believed to have originated from depths similar to those determined for the garnet peridotites, i.e. from the lower lithosphere. A distinctly finer grained variety of eclogite, yields significantly lower temperatures which may be based on frozen-in equilibria. A maximum depth of approximately 87 km (~ 27 kb) has been estimated for these xenoliths, but they may have originated from significantly shallower (possibly lower-crustal) levels. The garnet pyroxenite xenoliths are generally orthopyroxene-rich rocks which contain varying amounts of garnet (8 to 33 %) and clinopyroxene (0 to 64 %). Textural features indicate that the garnet and possibly some of the clinopyroxene has exsolved from an originally A l -rich orthopyroxene. The rocks are significantly more Fe-rich than the peridotite xenoliths, and their constituent minerals show a wide range of Mg/Mg+Fe ratios. The pressure-temperature array defined by the garnet pyroxenites is approximately isothermal, and spans a depth range from approximately 30 to 95 km. It deviates strongly (to higher temperatures) from the ambient geothermal gradient at the time of kimberlite emplacement, as inferred from the garnet peridotite xenoliths. The pressures and temperatures calculated for the garnet pyroxenites are based on mineral equilibria which are believed to have been frozen-in during cooling from an intial hightemperature (probably molten) state. Qualitative modelling of possible cooling paths in pressure-temperature-composition space, indicates that the apparent depth range displayed by the garnet pyroxenites, approximates the true depth range over which these rocks were emplaced. However, the apparent pressures calculated from core compositions are significantly lower than the true pressures at which the original rocks formed . The garnet pyroxenite xenoliths appear to represent a major, possibly Namaqua age (~1000-1400 Ma), magmatic event involving the emplacement of large amounts of mafic magma over a significant depth range in the shallow upper mantle
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
- Authors: Nowicki, Thomas Edward
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Kimberlite , Kimberlite -- Inclusions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001557
- Description: The Abrahamskraal kimberlite pipe (group I) occurs approximately 5 km to the south-west of the geophysically defined margin of the Kaapvaal craton in the central Cape Province, and contains a variety of crustal and mantle xenoliths. This study focusses on xenoliths of deep-seated origin (mantle and lower-crustal), and in particular on garnet-orthopyroxene bearing assemblages which are amenable to thermobarometric techniques. Four major types of deep-seated xenolith have been identified, i.e. peridotites, dunites , eclogites, and garnet pyroxenites. The petrographic features and mineral compositions of these xenoliths are described . Pressures and temperatures of equilibration have been calculated primarily using the garnet-orthopyroxene thermometer of Harley (1984), and the Al-in-enstatite barometer of Nickel and Green (1985). The peridotites are coarse-textured (Harte, 1977), magnesium -rich rocks, and are typical examples of the common type I peridotites which generally dominate mantle xenolith suites in kimberlites. Garnet peridotite xenoliths define a geotherm which lies along a typical theoretical conductive geothermal gradient for shield areas (Pollack and Chapman, 1977), and which extends to a maximum pressure of 41 kb (~130 km). Comparison of the Abrahamskraal geotherm with that constructed for the northern Lesotho xenolith suite (calculated using the same thermobarometer couple), suggests that the lithosphere at the Namaqua /Kaapvaal boundary is not significantly thinner or hotter than that underlying the craton. Modelling of the craton boundary under the constraints provided by the Abrahamskraal geotherm, and by the distribution of diamond-bearing kimberlites in southern Africa, indicates that the Abrahamskraal kimberlite has sampled relatively thick, cool , Namaqua lithosphere. It is suggested that, in terms of diamond distribution, the age and magmatic history of the Namaqua lithosphere is of greater significance than its thickness. Two varieties of dunite occur at Abrahamskraal. Coarse-textured dunites with Mg-rich olivine compositions similar to those of the peridotitic olivines, probably originated by similar (but perhaps more extreme) processes to those which formed the peridotites. A finer-grained and relatively Fe-rich variety of dunite may represent ultramafic cumulates formed by fractionation of basic or ultrabasic magmas within the mantle. Two varieties of eclogite have been distinguished. Coarse-grained eclogites which yield relatively high temperature estimates, are believed to have originated from depths similar to those determined for the garnet peridotites, i.e. from the lower lithosphere. A distinctly finer grained variety of eclogite, yields significantly lower temperatures which may be based on frozen-in equilibria. A maximum depth of approximately 87 km (~ 27 kb) has been estimated for these xenoliths, but they may have originated from significantly shallower (possibly lower-crustal) levels. The garnet pyroxenite xenoliths are generally orthopyroxene-rich rocks which contain varying amounts of garnet (8 to 33 %) and clinopyroxene (0 to 64 %). Textural features indicate that the garnet and possibly some of the clinopyroxene has exsolved from an originally A l -rich orthopyroxene. The rocks are significantly more Fe-rich than the peridotite xenoliths, and their constituent minerals show a wide range of Mg/Mg+Fe ratios. The pressure-temperature array defined by the garnet pyroxenites is approximately isothermal, and spans a depth range from approximately 30 to 95 km. It deviates strongly (to higher temperatures) from the ambient geothermal gradient at the time of kimberlite emplacement, as inferred from the garnet peridotite xenoliths. The pressures and temperatures calculated for the garnet pyroxenites are based on mineral equilibria which are believed to have been frozen-in during cooling from an intial hightemperature (probably molten) state. Qualitative modelling of possible cooling paths in pressure-temperature-composition space, indicates that the apparent depth range displayed by the garnet pyroxenites, approximates the true depth range over which these rocks were emplaced. However, the apparent pressures calculated from core compositions are significantly lower than the true pressures at which the original rocks formed . The garnet pyroxenite xenoliths appear to represent a major, possibly Namaqua age (~1000-1400 Ma), magmatic event involving the emplacement of large amounts of mafic magma over a significant depth range in the shallow upper mantle
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
Meaning in life and sense of coherence in HIV-positive adults
- Authors: Nolte, Coenraad B
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9857 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1562
- Description: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is highly prevalent in South Africa and inevitably leads to an acute stage of the disease referred to as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Individual variations in the rate of HIV-disease progression are, amongst others, a function of the psychological reactions to an HIV-positive diagnosis and the prevalence of psychosocial stressors. This study was conducted in the context of the salutogenic paradigm and the existential psychological theory of Viktor Frankl. Sense of coherence is a key salutogenic concept and previous studies have suggested a positive correlation between the sense of coherence and the wellbeing of HIV-positive individuals. The objectives of this research were to explore and describe the search for meaning in life, the presence of meaning in life, the sense of coherence and the potential relationships among these concepts in HIV-positive adults. The research sample consisted of 62 participants recruited from an HIV wellness clinic in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. Key findings included the following: Levels of search for meaning in life and presence of meaning in life were not found to be elevated or suppressed in the research sample. No significant relationship was found between the levels of search for meaning in life and presence of meaning in life. The level of sense of coherence of the sample was found to be lower than the level of sense of coherence obtained in previous studies from healthy, mixed populations in South Africa. A statistically significant relationship was found between the levels of presence of meaning in life and the sense of coherence. In conclusion it was proposed that presence of meaning in life is a fortifier of the sense of coherence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Nolte, Coenraad B
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9857 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1562
- Description: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is highly prevalent in South Africa and inevitably leads to an acute stage of the disease referred to as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Individual variations in the rate of HIV-disease progression are, amongst others, a function of the psychological reactions to an HIV-positive diagnosis and the prevalence of psychosocial stressors. This study was conducted in the context of the salutogenic paradigm and the existential psychological theory of Viktor Frankl. Sense of coherence is a key salutogenic concept and previous studies have suggested a positive correlation between the sense of coherence and the wellbeing of HIV-positive individuals. The objectives of this research were to explore and describe the search for meaning in life, the presence of meaning in life, the sense of coherence and the potential relationships among these concepts in HIV-positive adults. The research sample consisted of 62 participants recruited from an HIV wellness clinic in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. Key findings included the following: Levels of search for meaning in life and presence of meaning in life were not found to be elevated or suppressed in the research sample. No significant relationship was found between the levels of search for meaning in life and presence of meaning in life. The level of sense of coherence of the sample was found to be lower than the level of sense of coherence obtained in previous studies from healthy, mixed populations in South Africa. A statistically significant relationship was found between the levels of presence of meaning in life and the sense of coherence. In conclusion it was proposed that presence of meaning in life is a fortifier of the sense of coherence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Centrality of religiosity as a moderator of the relationship between workplace spirituality and organisational citizenship behaviour among police officers in the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality
- Authors: Noko, Sibongile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Religion in the workplace Employees -- Religious life Organizational change
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12491 , vital:39268
- Description: The significant positive relationships between workplace spirituality and organisational citizenship behaviour, as well as between centrality of religiosity and oganisational citizenship behaviour among police officers, confirm the relevance of social exchange theory and affective events theory to police officers’ behaviour. This study confirms the applicability of Social Exchange Theory (SET) and Affective Events Theory (AET). The current study utilized the SET and AET to examine the correlation between workplace spirituality and centrality of religiosity as well as organisational citizenship behaviour among Police officers in the Raymond Mlaba Local Municipality of the Eastern Cape. There is limited previous research concerning the influence of workplace spirituality and centrality of religiosity on organisational citizenship behaviour among police officers in the South African Police Services (SAPS) Department. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted. The sample (N= 100) consist of Police officers from Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality Police stations. Data were collected through the questionnaire method and SPSS was used for data analysis. A correlational analysis coupled with a simple linear regression analysis was utilised to determine whether there existed any significant relationship with the study’s theoretical attributes. The results of the simple linear regression indicated that workplace spirituality is positively correlated with organisational citizenship behaviour; which is similar to the centrality of religiosity. The results from multiple linear regression showed that the centrality of religiosity does moderate the correlation between workplace spirituality and organisational citizenship behaviour. The results of Multiple linear regression also showed that Workplace spirituality and centrality of religiosity both account for an extensively higher proportion vi of variance in organisational citizenship behaviour than in any of the two variables. This study augments existing knowledge on workplace spirituality, the centrality of religiosity and organisational citizenship behaviour among Police officers in the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, which has largely been ignored by previous researchers, validates certain aspects of the SET and AET. The Station Commanders or Captains should give consideration on how to make the workplace more conducive to the centrality of religiosity and workplace spirituality; so that the Police officers can increase their organisational citizenship behaviour. Strategies need to be implemented to improve managerial and coworker support for Police officers through socialization and team building activities. However, to overcome feelings of occupational stress and their effects on well-being, employers should provide adequate information on any changes in the police service that may entail excessive work demand and dangerous working conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Noko, Sibongile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Religion in the workplace Employees -- Religious life Organizational change
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12491 , vital:39268
- Description: The significant positive relationships between workplace spirituality and organisational citizenship behaviour, as well as between centrality of religiosity and oganisational citizenship behaviour among police officers, confirm the relevance of social exchange theory and affective events theory to police officers’ behaviour. This study confirms the applicability of Social Exchange Theory (SET) and Affective Events Theory (AET). The current study utilized the SET and AET to examine the correlation between workplace spirituality and centrality of religiosity as well as organisational citizenship behaviour among Police officers in the Raymond Mlaba Local Municipality of the Eastern Cape. There is limited previous research concerning the influence of workplace spirituality and centrality of religiosity on organisational citizenship behaviour among police officers in the South African Police Services (SAPS) Department. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted. The sample (N= 100) consist of Police officers from Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality Police stations. Data were collected through the questionnaire method and SPSS was used for data analysis. A correlational analysis coupled with a simple linear regression analysis was utilised to determine whether there existed any significant relationship with the study’s theoretical attributes. The results of the simple linear regression indicated that workplace spirituality is positively correlated with organisational citizenship behaviour; which is similar to the centrality of religiosity. The results from multiple linear regression showed that the centrality of religiosity does moderate the correlation between workplace spirituality and organisational citizenship behaviour. The results of Multiple linear regression also showed that Workplace spirituality and centrality of religiosity both account for an extensively higher proportion vi of variance in organisational citizenship behaviour than in any of the two variables. This study augments existing knowledge on workplace spirituality, the centrality of religiosity and organisational citizenship behaviour among Police officers in the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, which has largely been ignored by previous researchers, validates certain aspects of the SET and AET. The Station Commanders or Captains should give consideration on how to make the workplace more conducive to the centrality of religiosity and workplace spirituality; so that the Police officers can increase their organisational citizenship behaviour. Strategies need to be implemented to improve managerial and coworker support for Police officers through socialization and team building activities. However, to overcome feelings of occupational stress and their effects on well-being, employers should provide adequate information on any changes in the police service that may entail excessive work demand and dangerous working conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A case study of a teacher's questions in an English Second Language (ESL) classroom
- Authors: Nhlapo, Malefu
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1435 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003316
- Description: This research study seeks to explore and understand the way a Form C (the third year of high school) teacher asks questions in an English second language (ESL) classroom in a high school in Lesotho. As this is a small-scale study on a teacher’s questions in a familiar setting, an ethnographic stance was adopted. The researcher adopted the role of non-participant observer, recorded three different lesson types and took observational notes. She transcribed the lessons and used the transcription to interview both the teacher and the students. The interviews were recorded and transcribed by the researcher. She then analysed the classroom and interview data and invited the teacher to respond to the analysis she had made. The interview was also recorded and transcribed. The findings indicated that the teacher asked most questions in the three lesson types. He asked mainly lower order question. However, the nature of the questions varied according to the intentions of the teacher, even when the lesson type was the same. Although it is difficult to generalize from a small-scale study like this one, it is believed that this study has been beneficial in raising awareness about the nature and role of questions in classroom interaction, and also in raising awareness of the teacher. Consciousness raising may be essential to educators and researchers. Moreover, this research may enable educators to theorize their practice. This research demonstrates the need for teacher development. It argues that knowledge should be linked with the skills. Therefore, it proposes the need for teacher education to include an explicit focus on questioning since questions are an integral part of teaching and learning. It further proposes the need for teachers to plan their questions carefully as good questioning strategies may facilitate learning. To my knowledge, existing research on teachers’ questions has not linked the cognitive, linguistic and pedagogic functions of teachers’ questions. This study draws from literature on these three areas while acknowledging the importance of taking into account contextual issues in analysing teachers’ questions. It therefore concludes that, content, curriculum, and the teacher’s intentions and his/her ideologies cannot be ignored in the study of a teacher’s questions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Nhlapo, Malefu
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1435 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003316
- Description: This research study seeks to explore and understand the way a Form C (the third year of high school) teacher asks questions in an English second language (ESL) classroom in a high school in Lesotho. As this is a small-scale study on a teacher’s questions in a familiar setting, an ethnographic stance was adopted. The researcher adopted the role of non-participant observer, recorded three different lesson types and took observational notes. She transcribed the lessons and used the transcription to interview both the teacher and the students. The interviews were recorded and transcribed by the researcher. She then analysed the classroom and interview data and invited the teacher to respond to the analysis she had made. The interview was also recorded and transcribed. The findings indicated that the teacher asked most questions in the three lesson types. He asked mainly lower order question. However, the nature of the questions varied according to the intentions of the teacher, even when the lesson type was the same. Although it is difficult to generalize from a small-scale study like this one, it is believed that this study has been beneficial in raising awareness about the nature and role of questions in classroom interaction, and also in raising awareness of the teacher. Consciousness raising may be essential to educators and researchers. Moreover, this research may enable educators to theorize their practice. This research demonstrates the need for teacher development. It argues that knowledge should be linked with the skills. Therefore, it proposes the need for teacher education to include an explicit focus on questioning since questions are an integral part of teaching and learning. It further proposes the need for teachers to plan their questions carefully as good questioning strategies may facilitate learning. To my knowledge, existing research on teachers’ questions has not linked the cognitive, linguistic and pedagogic functions of teachers’ questions. This study draws from literature on these three areas while acknowledging the importance of taking into account contextual issues in analysing teachers’ questions. It therefore concludes that, content, curriculum, and the teacher’s intentions and his/her ideologies cannot be ignored in the study of a teacher’s questions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Transkei College of Education students' perceptions of fieldwork in geographical education
- Authors: Ngquba, Tokozile
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Geography -- Fieldwork -- Study and teaching Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Transkei
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1806 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003691
- Description: The understanding of geographical concepts and the development of skills requires the use of appropriate teaching strategies. Modern school geography incorporates a wealth of techniques and embraces a wide range of strategies which are directly suited to achieve the aims which are central to current geographical education. Techniques which directly involve the learner are perceived to be the most valuable. Of the many participatory strategies suited to the teaching of geography, fieldwork is accepted as the most worthwhile. This study investigates student teachers' perceptions of fieldwork in their college studies and as a teaching strategy. Extensive literature on fieldwork in geographical education was analysed. A survey was conducted to assess the student teachers' fieldwork experiences. The results reveal that fieldwork is neglected in Transkeian schools and Colleges of Education, despite the fact that it is required by school syllabuses, and the fact that in many areas suitable sites are readily accessible. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations made for the inclusion of fieldwork in geography courses at Transkei Colleges of Education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
- Authors: Ngquba, Tokozile
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Geography -- Fieldwork -- Study and teaching Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Transkei
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1806 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003691
- Description: The understanding of geographical concepts and the development of skills requires the use of appropriate teaching strategies. Modern school geography incorporates a wealth of techniques and embraces a wide range of strategies which are directly suited to achieve the aims which are central to current geographical education. Techniques which directly involve the learner are perceived to be the most valuable. Of the many participatory strategies suited to the teaching of geography, fieldwork is accepted as the most worthwhile. This study investigates student teachers' perceptions of fieldwork in their college studies and as a teaching strategy. Extensive literature on fieldwork in geographical education was analysed. A survey was conducted to assess the student teachers' fieldwork experiences. The results reveal that fieldwork is neglected in Transkeian schools and Colleges of Education, despite the fact that it is required by school syllabuses, and the fact that in many areas suitable sites are readily accessible. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations made for the inclusion of fieldwork in geography courses at Transkei Colleges of Education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
Exploring the influence of a multiliteracies approach on Grade 11 Physical Sciences learners' sense making and dispositions towards graphs of motion
- Authors: Mwiiyale, Laina Natangwe
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/17605 , vital:22264
- Description: Namibian students perform poorly in Physical Sciences and the Physics component in particular (DNEA, 2013). The Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) Examiner's report (DNEA, 2014) also reveals that many Physical Science learners have difficulties demonstrating an understanding of basic physics required for working with kinematic graphs (graphical representation of motion). Kinematics is an important tool in understanding the motion of objects - whether translational, oscillatory or circular. In kinematics, the relationships between distance, displacement, speed, velocity or acceleration and time are represented in graphs of motion. In teaching the topic, using graphs can be an alternative to the use of abstract formulas, or formulas can be used along with graphical representations to facilitate student understanding (Behzak, 2006). This study explored the influence of the multiliteracies approach on grade 11 Physical Science learners' dispositions and sense making towards graphs of motion. The intervention being investigated is informed by the Pedagogy of Multiliteracies (PoM) framework by Cazden et al., (1996) with the focus on overt instruction, situated practice, critical framing and transformed practice using semiotic patterns of meaning, in conjunction with Vygotsky's (1978) social constructivism theory - particularly, its notion of mediation. This action research study employed the interpretive paradigm. Data were collected using a pre-test, stimulated recall interviews, lesson observations, a post-test and learners' reflections. Data were coded and the codes then categorized into different themes in order to answer the research questions. The findings of this study were that learners are better able to make sense of graphs of motions when a PoM approach is employed. Their dispositions towards graphs of motion also improved as a result of the PoM intervention, due to it enabling a better understanding of kinematics concepts. This study also contributed to the professional development of the researcher, particularly in terms of it contributing to a broader understanding of the research and possible usefulness of semiotic mediation in science education. Implications of the study include the possibility of including the PoM approach in science teacher education and training programme curricula.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mwiiyale, Laina Natangwe
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/17605 , vital:22264
- Description: Namibian students perform poorly in Physical Sciences and the Physics component in particular (DNEA, 2013). The Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) Examiner's report (DNEA, 2014) also reveals that many Physical Science learners have difficulties demonstrating an understanding of basic physics required for working with kinematic graphs (graphical representation of motion). Kinematics is an important tool in understanding the motion of objects - whether translational, oscillatory or circular. In kinematics, the relationships between distance, displacement, speed, velocity or acceleration and time are represented in graphs of motion. In teaching the topic, using graphs can be an alternative to the use of abstract formulas, or formulas can be used along with graphical representations to facilitate student understanding (Behzak, 2006). This study explored the influence of the multiliteracies approach on grade 11 Physical Science learners' dispositions and sense making towards graphs of motion. The intervention being investigated is informed by the Pedagogy of Multiliteracies (PoM) framework by Cazden et al., (1996) with the focus on overt instruction, situated practice, critical framing and transformed practice using semiotic patterns of meaning, in conjunction with Vygotsky's (1978) social constructivism theory - particularly, its notion of mediation. This action research study employed the interpretive paradigm. Data were collected using a pre-test, stimulated recall interviews, lesson observations, a post-test and learners' reflections. Data were coded and the codes then categorized into different themes in order to answer the research questions. The findings of this study were that learners are better able to make sense of graphs of motions when a PoM approach is employed. Their dispositions towards graphs of motion also improved as a result of the PoM intervention, due to it enabling a better understanding of kinematics concepts. This study also contributed to the professional development of the researcher, particularly in terms of it contributing to a broader understanding of the research and possible usefulness of semiotic mediation in science education. Implications of the study include the possibility of including the PoM approach in science teacher education and training programme curricula.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Teaching reading in grade 4 Namibian classrooms : a case study
- Authors: Mutenda, Josephine
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Literacy -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Namibia English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Namibia Reading (Elementary) -- Namibia Second language acquisition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1797 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003682
- Description: Literacy is currently a topic of great concern in Namibia. Learners in this country have difficulty in reading and writing, and are often functionally illiterate. This study focuses on the beliefs, experiences and practices of teachers of reading in English to second language learners in Grade 4. Grade 4 is the transitional grade from mother tongue to English as the medium of instruction. The switch to English makes teaching reading in that language especially challenging. The study is structured according to the case study mode of enquiry, with the target respondents comprising Grade 4 teachers. Classroom observation, interviews and document analysis were used as means of collecting data. The main findings revealed that beliefs and experience had an impact on the way in which reading was taught in this study. It emerged that the teachers’ childhood experiences of literacy and learning to read are perpetuated in their beliefs, their attitudes, their basic conceptualization of reading and their current practices, all of which directly affect the children in their classes. Although the teachers’ professional training also had some influence on their teaching methods, neither of the two teachers interviewed had received much in-service support on how to teach reading, and they depended to a large extent on their recall of how they had learned to read themselves. Both teachers were taught in a traditional, teacher-centered way, involving phonics, rote-learning and drilling. Because they see themselves as competent readers, they believe that these approaches were effective and worth sustaining. Tentative recommendations arising from analysis of the data indicate possible areas for improvement in the teaching of reading, and offer guidelines to help teachers cope with the challenge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Mutenda, Josephine
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Literacy -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Namibia English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Namibia Reading (Elementary) -- Namibia Second language acquisition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1797 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003682
- Description: Literacy is currently a topic of great concern in Namibia. Learners in this country have difficulty in reading and writing, and are often functionally illiterate. This study focuses on the beliefs, experiences and practices of teachers of reading in English to second language learners in Grade 4. Grade 4 is the transitional grade from mother tongue to English as the medium of instruction. The switch to English makes teaching reading in that language especially challenging. The study is structured according to the case study mode of enquiry, with the target respondents comprising Grade 4 teachers. Classroom observation, interviews and document analysis were used as means of collecting data. The main findings revealed that beliefs and experience had an impact on the way in which reading was taught in this study. It emerged that the teachers’ childhood experiences of literacy and learning to read are perpetuated in their beliefs, their attitudes, their basic conceptualization of reading and their current practices, all of which directly affect the children in their classes. Although the teachers’ professional training also had some influence on their teaching methods, neither of the two teachers interviewed had received much in-service support on how to teach reading, and they depended to a large extent on their recall of how they had learned to read themselves. Both teachers were taught in a traditional, teacher-centered way, involving phonics, rote-learning and drilling. Because they see themselves as competent readers, they believe that these approaches were effective and worth sustaining. Tentative recommendations arising from analysis of the data indicate possible areas for improvement in the teaching of reading, and offer guidelines to help teachers cope with the challenge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Research portfolio
- Authors: Mungongi, Fillemon
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Education, Elementary -- Namibia Teaching -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1937 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007716
- Description: 1. The contextual analysis and curriculum evaluation. This paper ... aims to investigate the Upper Primary Education Curriculum with specific emphasis on the subject syllabus for English Grades 5- 7. The paper shall attempt to look at the rationale, goals and aims as well as the learning content located in this subject curriculum. It will further investigate the sociohistoric and economic context in which this curriculum has been designed; the learners for whom the curriculum is designed and the learning environment in which the curriculum is presented. 2. The epistemological foundation of the reform process. This paper attempts to explore the theory of knowledge that underpins the practices of behaviourism and constructivism. 3. The literature review. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the effect of methodology in teaching English as a second language in primary schools. It is to find out the ways of teaching English that can produce good results. It is also to find the styles of teaching English as a second language that make some teachers less effective so that such teaching styles can be discouraged. When English was introduced as the medium of instruction in Namibian schools, primary school teachers were retrained and upgraded. 4. The research proposal. The aim of the proposed study is to explore a selection of learners' perceptions of ESL classroom teaching and learning activities. Through this it is hoped to cause greater illumination on the nature of learning and teaching English. 5. The empirical study (research paper). This interpretative case study hoped to find out from learners themselves about their perceptions of ESL classroom teaching and learning activities. A variety of research tools were used, including questionnaires, interviews, observations, interactive workshops and focus group discussions, all of which provided a rich source of data for interpretation. The research findings of this study clearly indicated that there is a mismatch between the teachers and learners' perceptions about the language skills and tasks encountered in the classrooms. From what was gained from the participants in this research, tentative suggestions are made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Mungongi, Fillemon
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Education, Elementary -- Namibia Teaching -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1937 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007716
- Description: 1. The contextual analysis and curriculum evaluation. This paper ... aims to investigate the Upper Primary Education Curriculum with specific emphasis on the subject syllabus for English Grades 5- 7. The paper shall attempt to look at the rationale, goals and aims as well as the learning content located in this subject curriculum. It will further investigate the sociohistoric and economic context in which this curriculum has been designed; the learners for whom the curriculum is designed and the learning environment in which the curriculum is presented. 2. The epistemological foundation of the reform process. This paper attempts to explore the theory of knowledge that underpins the practices of behaviourism and constructivism. 3. The literature review. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the effect of methodology in teaching English as a second language in primary schools. It is to find out the ways of teaching English that can produce good results. It is also to find the styles of teaching English as a second language that make some teachers less effective so that such teaching styles can be discouraged. When English was introduced as the medium of instruction in Namibian schools, primary school teachers were retrained and upgraded. 4. The research proposal. The aim of the proposed study is to explore a selection of learners' perceptions of ESL classroom teaching and learning activities. Through this it is hoped to cause greater illumination on the nature of learning and teaching English. 5. The empirical study (research paper). This interpretative case study hoped to find out from learners themselves about their perceptions of ESL classroom teaching and learning activities. A variety of research tools were used, including questionnaires, interviews, observations, interactive workshops and focus group discussions, all of which provided a rich source of data for interpretation. The research findings of this study clearly indicated that there is a mismatch between the teachers and learners' perceptions about the language skills and tasks encountered in the classrooms. From what was gained from the participants in this research, tentative suggestions are made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004