The relationship between financial development and manufacturing sector growth: evidence from Southern African Customs Union countries
- Authors: Moshabesha, Mosili
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Economic development -- Case studies -- Africa, Southern Entrepreneurship -- Case studies -- Africa, Southern Southern African Customs Union
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:990 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002725
- Description: Extensive research has been done on the relationship between financial development (FD) and growth (with the main focus on economic growth). Theoretical models and most of the conclusions reached stipulate that the development of a financial system is one of the essential ingredients for economic growth. A developed financial system is able to provide financial services efficiently to the real sector. This study examines the relationship between FD and manufacturing sector growth of the SACU countries. The study first reviews the theoretical and empirical literature of FD and growth (economic and manufacturing sector). This gives a full understanding of the topic before attempting to empirically study it. It also helps in the selection process of the model and variables to be employed in the study. A balanced panel for four SACU countries, namely Botswana, Lesotho, RSA and Swaziland, for the period 1976 to 2008 was estimated using Zellner‟s Seemingly Unrelated Regression Estimation (SURE) method. Namibia was omitted because of limited data. The SURE model was selected because it performs better than ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation of individual equations in cases where the countries studied can be affected by similar external shocks because they are in the same economic region and also have country specific structural differences which could affect their economic growth. Two measures of FD were used: credit to the private sector provided by commercial banks (FIC) and the ratio of liquid liabilities of commercial banks to GDP (LL). Manufacturing sector growth was measured by manufacturing value added to GDP. The results of the relationship between manufacturing growth and FD were very weak across the countries. The model that used FIC performed better, there was a negative significant relationship found in RSA and Swaziland, while with the model that used LL, all the countries gave an insignificant relationship. The results for Swaziland were very consistent with the past findings of the relationship between FD and economic growth in the country (for example Aziakpono (2005a)). This may be because of the high share of the manufacturing sector in GDP. Theory suggests that a well-developed financial system will have a positive impact on growth, but this was not the case in RSA and Botswana, where in some cases FD had a negative impact on the growth of the sector. The analysis of the countries‟ manufacturing sector development shows that the sector plays an important role in the economies of the SACU countries, especially in terms of employment and exports. The coefficients of trade openness are generally positive, though not significant in some cases. The other control variables gave mixed results across the counties and across the models. Based on the findings, the countries have to develop strategies that will improve entrepreneurial skills. Also the financial development in the small SACU countries is essential in order for all the sectors in the economy to benefit from the financial sector and in turn increase economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Moshabesha, Mosili
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Economic development -- Case studies -- Africa, Southern Entrepreneurship -- Case studies -- Africa, Southern Southern African Customs Union
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:990 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002725
- Description: Extensive research has been done on the relationship between financial development (FD) and growth (with the main focus on economic growth). Theoretical models and most of the conclusions reached stipulate that the development of a financial system is one of the essential ingredients for economic growth. A developed financial system is able to provide financial services efficiently to the real sector. This study examines the relationship between FD and manufacturing sector growth of the SACU countries. The study first reviews the theoretical and empirical literature of FD and growth (economic and manufacturing sector). This gives a full understanding of the topic before attempting to empirically study it. It also helps in the selection process of the model and variables to be employed in the study. A balanced panel for four SACU countries, namely Botswana, Lesotho, RSA and Swaziland, for the period 1976 to 2008 was estimated using Zellner‟s Seemingly Unrelated Regression Estimation (SURE) method. Namibia was omitted because of limited data. The SURE model was selected because it performs better than ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation of individual equations in cases where the countries studied can be affected by similar external shocks because they are in the same economic region and also have country specific structural differences which could affect their economic growth. Two measures of FD were used: credit to the private sector provided by commercial banks (FIC) and the ratio of liquid liabilities of commercial banks to GDP (LL). Manufacturing sector growth was measured by manufacturing value added to GDP. The results of the relationship between manufacturing growth and FD were very weak across the countries. The model that used FIC performed better, there was a negative significant relationship found in RSA and Swaziland, while with the model that used LL, all the countries gave an insignificant relationship. The results for Swaziland were very consistent with the past findings of the relationship between FD and economic growth in the country (for example Aziakpono (2005a)). This may be because of the high share of the manufacturing sector in GDP. Theory suggests that a well-developed financial system will have a positive impact on growth, but this was not the case in RSA and Botswana, where in some cases FD had a negative impact on the growth of the sector. The analysis of the countries‟ manufacturing sector development shows that the sector plays an important role in the economies of the SACU countries, especially in terms of employment and exports. The coefficients of trade openness are generally positive, though not significant in some cases. The other control variables gave mixed results across the counties and across the models. Based on the findings, the countries have to develop strategies that will improve entrepreneurial skills. Also the financial development in the small SACU countries is essential in order for all the sectors in the economy to benefit from the financial sector and in turn increase economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A strategy to motivate continued instructor usage of learning management systems (LMSS) in higher learning institutions of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Siwela, Ndukuyenkosi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Web-based instruction , Computer systems Organizational learning -- Zimbabwe Internet in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47259 , vital:39837
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop a strategy to motivate continued usage of Learning Management Systems in higher learning institutions of Zimbabwe. A related goal was to identify unique challenges experienced by instructors in their use of LMSs. The use of LMSs is now global and has been fairly successful in developed countries even though past research shows that instructors tend to discontinue usage over a period of time. Whereas most LMSs research is carried in the context of the developed world, the candidate demonstrates that Vantankesh's IS Success Model and Davis' Technology Acceptance Model can be successfully replicated into the developing world on condition that local environment is taken into context. The results showed that LMSs in Zimbabwe higher learning institutions hold a promise of success even though challenges exist. The findings have wider implications on the need to invest in neccessary infrustructure and future predictions on learner interests. The study demonstrates that shared success can be achieved if the local conditions are taken into context when developing a strategy to motivate instructor continued LMS usage. The study holds the practical implication that institutions can motivate instructors to continue with usage of LMSs to deliver quality output in their daily duties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Siwela, Ndukuyenkosi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Web-based instruction , Computer systems Organizational learning -- Zimbabwe Internet in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47259 , vital:39837
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop a strategy to motivate continued usage of Learning Management Systems in higher learning institutions of Zimbabwe. A related goal was to identify unique challenges experienced by instructors in their use of LMSs. The use of LMSs is now global and has been fairly successful in developed countries even though past research shows that instructors tend to discontinue usage over a period of time. Whereas most LMSs research is carried in the context of the developed world, the candidate demonstrates that Vantankesh's IS Success Model and Davis' Technology Acceptance Model can be successfully replicated into the developing world on condition that local environment is taken into context. The results showed that LMSs in Zimbabwe higher learning institutions hold a promise of success even though challenges exist. The findings have wider implications on the need to invest in neccessary infrustructure and future predictions on learner interests. The study demonstrates that shared success can be achieved if the local conditions are taken into context when developing a strategy to motivate instructor continued LMS usage. The study holds the practical implication that institutions can motivate instructors to continue with usage of LMSs to deliver quality output in their daily duties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Exploring the role of an education non-governmental organisation's contribution towards fighting HIV/AIDS: a case study of South African partners
- Authors: Chiguvare, Admire D
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Prevention , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9219 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020870
- Description: The problem this research seeks to address concerns related to the role allocated and strategies implemented by HIV and AIDS education NGOs, in mitigating the impact of HIV and AIDS in Nelson Mandela Bay. The problem is approached as a development challenge and examples are drawn from the undertakings of South African Partners (SAP), an NGO operating in the education field. The study adopted qualitative research, relative unstructured interviews, direct observation and literature review as methods of data collection. The study further identified specific roles that education NGOs play in response to HIV/AIDS and delineated the strategies that HIV and AIDS education NGOs employ in responding to HIV/AIDS. The research found that HIV/AIDS education NGOs have become important channels through which people affected and living with HIV/AIDS participate in development, share their experience and access information and resources. Further noted was that HIV/AIDS results in a diminished workforce and a higher allocation of state funds to public healthcare. The research findings showed that an education NGO in a prison context serves to mobilise the prison community and sensitise it to HIV and AIDS issues. This, through its addressing of the needs and causes of HIV infections in prison. SAP aid recipients were found to be satisfied for the most part, with the service rendered them by the education NGO. The study found that HIV prevention educational sessions were quite effective in disseminating HIV and AIDS basic information and that SAP achieves their goals through their training of facilitators who employ the STEPS curriculum. The trained facilitators facilitate group discussions, distribute condoms and lubricants through partnerships, and solicit behavioural change through the use of theatre to disseminate HIV prevention information. Key recommendations of the study are that HIV and AIDS education NGOs must integrate poverty reduction interventions in their activities and that further, they would do better to form coalitions in order to strengthen their capacity to sustain their activities and manage partnerships. Education NGOs should form partnerships that provide social protection. Ruther recommended is that education NGOs should further their curriculum in consideration for sexual preferences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Chiguvare, Admire D
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Prevention , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9219 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020870
- Description: The problem this research seeks to address concerns related to the role allocated and strategies implemented by HIV and AIDS education NGOs, in mitigating the impact of HIV and AIDS in Nelson Mandela Bay. The problem is approached as a development challenge and examples are drawn from the undertakings of South African Partners (SAP), an NGO operating in the education field. The study adopted qualitative research, relative unstructured interviews, direct observation and literature review as methods of data collection. The study further identified specific roles that education NGOs play in response to HIV/AIDS and delineated the strategies that HIV and AIDS education NGOs employ in responding to HIV/AIDS. The research found that HIV/AIDS education NGOs have become important channels through which people affected and living with HIV/AIDS participate in development, share their experience and access information and resources. Further noted was that HIV/AIDS results in a diminished workforce and a higher allocation of state funds to public healthcare. The research findings showed that an education NGO in a prison context serves to mobilise the prison community and sensitise it to HIV and AIDS issues. This, through its addressing of the needs and causes of HIV infections in prison. SAP aid recipients were found to be satisfied for the most part, with the service rendered them by the education NGO. The study found that HIV prevention educational sessions were quite effective in disseminating HIV and AIDS basic information and that SAP achieves their goals through their training of facilitators who employ the STEPS curriculum. The trained facilitators facilitate group discussions, distribute condoms and lubricants through partnerships, and solicit behavioural change through the use of theatre to disseminate HIV prevention information. Key recommendations of the study are that HIV and AIDS education NGOs must integrate poverty reduction interventions in their activities and that further, they would do better to form coalitions in order to strengthen their capacity to sustain their activities and manage partnerships. Education NGOs should form partnerships that provide social protection. Ruther recommended is that education NGOs should further their curriculum in consideration for sexual preferences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Gains derived from illegal activities :an analysis of the taxation consequences
- Mtshawulana, Lungiswa Bukeka
- Authors: Mtshawulana, Lungiswa Bukeka
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:886 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001640
- Description: Income Tax in South Africa is levied in terms of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 on taxable income, which, by definition, is arrived at by deducting from "gross income" receipts and accruals that are exempt from tax as well as deductions and allowances provided for in the Act. The Income Tax Act provides no guidance with regard to the taxation of illegal activities, except to prohibit the deduction of expenditure incurred in paying fines or in relation to corrupt activities, as defined. An analysis of the taxation of income derived from theft, fraud and prostitution and the deductibility of expenses relating to that income, is the question addressed in this thesis. In this thesis, an analysis was made of relevant case law in relation to the provisions of the Income Tax Act in an attempt to provide clarity. A brief comparison was also macie of American, United Kingdom and South African tax law. Similarities were found between the American, United Kingdom and South African tax regimes in relation to the taxation of income, but there appeared to be more certainty in America and the United Kingdom in relation to the deduction of expenses. The thesis concludes that recent case decisions have provided certainty in relation to income from illegal activities, but the tax status of the deduction of expenses remains uncertain.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mtshawulana, Lungiswa Bukeka
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:886 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001640
- Description: Income Tax in South Africa is levied in terms of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 on taxable income, which, by definition, is arrived at by deducting from "gross income" receipts and accruals that are exempt from tax as well as deductions and allowances provided for in the Act. The Income Tax Act provides no guidance with regard to the taxation of illegal activities, except to prohibit the deduction of expenditure incurred in paying fines or in relation to corrupt activities, as defined. An analysis of the taxation of income derived from theft, fraud and prostitution and the deductibility of expenses relating to that income, is the question addressed in this thesis. In this thesis, an analysis was made of relevant case law in relation to the provisions of the Income Tax Act in an attempt to provide clarity. A brief comparison was also macie of American, United Kingdom and South African tax law. Similarities were found between the American, United Kingdom and South African tax regimes in relation to the taxation of income, but there appeared to be more certainty in America and the United Kingdom in relation to the deduction of expenses. The thesis concludes that recent case decisions have provided certainty in relation to income from illegal activities, but the tax status of the deduction of expenses remains uncertain.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A structural investigation of the sulphated polysaccharides of Aeodes orbitosa and Phyllymenia cornea
- Authors: Parolis, Haralambos
- Date: 1968
- Subjects: Polysaccharides , Marine algae -- Composition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4487 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012999
- Description: A highly sulphated, methylated polysaccharide, aeodan, isolated from the red seaweed Aeodes orbitosa was shown to contain galactose, 2-̲̲O-methyl-D-galactose, 4-O̲-methyl-Lgalactose, 6-O̲-methyl-D-galactose, xylose, and glycerol. The polysaccharide was desulphated with methanolic hydrogen chloride. Periodate oxidation of aeodan and desulphated aeodan, followed by reduction and hydrolysis, revealed the presence of 1,4- and 1,3-linked galactose residues and 1,3-linked 6-O̲-methy l-D-galactose residues in aeodan. Treatment of aeodan with sodium hydroxide revealed that the majority of the ester sulphate groups were alkali stable. Methylation of desulphated aeodan revealed that the polysaccharide was composed entirely of 1,3 and 1,4 links. Methylation of aeodan revealed the presence of 1,3- and 1,4- linked units, 1,3-linked galactose-2-sulphate, and 1,3-linked galactose-2, 6-disulphate units in the polysaccharide. Partial hydrolysis of aeodan resulted in the isolation and characterisation of 3-O̲-D-galactopyranosyl-D-galactose and 4-O̲-ß-D-galactopyranosyl- D-galactose. A sulphated, methylated polysaccharide, phyllymenan, isolated from the red seaweed Phyllymenia cornea was shown to contain galactose, 2-O̲-methyl-D-galactose, 4-O̲-methyl L- galactose , 6-O̲-methyl -D-galactose, and xylose. The polysaccharide was completely desulphated with methanolic hydrogen chloride. Periodate oxidation of phyllymenan before and after desulphation revealed that removal of the sulphate ester groups had not produced any new adjacent hydroxyl groups. Alkali treatment of phyllymenan revealed that the ester sulphate groups were alkali stable. Methylation studies on phyllymenan revealed the presence of 1,3- and 1,4-linked units, 1,3-linked galactose-2-sulphate, and 1,3-linked galactose- 2,6-disulphate units in the polysaccharide. Partial hydrolysis of phyllymenan revealed the presence or 4-O-̲ß- D-Dgalactopyranosyl- D-galactosc, 4-O-̲ß-D-galactopyranosyl -2-0- methyl-D-galactose, a galactosylgalactose composed of D and L-galactose, and adjacent 6-O̲-methyl- and 2-O̲-methyl-D- galactose units in the polysaccharide.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1968
- Authors: Parolis, Haralambos
- Date: 1968
- Subjects: Polysaccharides , Marine algae -- Composition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4487 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012999
- Description: A highly sulphated, methylated polysaccharide, aeodan, isolated from the red seaweed Aeodes orbitosa was shown to contain galactose, 2-̲̲O-methyl-D-galactose, 4-O̲-methyl-Lgalactose, 6-O̲-methyl-D-galactose, xylose, and glycerol. The polysaccharide was desulphated with methanolic hydrogen chloride. Periodate oxidation of aeodan and desulphated aeodan, followed by reduction and hydrolysis, revealed the presence of 1,4- and 1,3-linked galactose residues and 1,3-linked 6-O̲-methy l-D-galactose residues in aeodan. Treatment of aeodan with sodium hydroxide revealed that the majority of the ester sulphate groups were alkali stable. Methylation of desulphated aeodan revealed that the polysaccharide was composed entirely of 1,3 and 1,4 links. Methylation of aeodan revealed the presence of 1,3- and 1,4- linked units, 1,3-linked galactose-2-sulphate, and 1,3-linked galactose-2, 6-disulphate units in the polysaccharide. Partial hydrolysis of aeodan resulted in the isolation and characterisation of 3-O̲-D-galactopyranosyl-D-galactose and 4-O̲-ß-D-galactopyranosyl- D-galactose. A sulphated, methylated polysaccharide, phyllymenan, isolated from the red seaweed Phyllymenia cornea was shown to contain galactose, 2-O̲-methyl-D-galactose, 4-O̲-methyl L- galactose , 6-O̲-methyl -D-galactose, and xylose. The polysaccharide was completely desulphated with methanolic hydrogen chloride. Periodate oxidation of phyllymenan before and after desulphation revealed that removal of the sulphate ester groups had not produced any new adjacent hydroxyl groups. Alkali treatment of phyllymenan revealed that the ester sulphate groups were alkali stable. Methylation studies on phyllymenan revealed the presence of 1,3- and 1,4-linked units, 1,3-linked galactose-2-sulphate, and 1,3-linked galactose- 2,6-disulphate units in the polysaccharide. Partial hydrolysis of phyllymenan revealed the presence or 4-O-̲ß- D-Dgalactopyranosyl- D-galactosc, 4-O-̲ß-D-galactopyranosyl -2-0- methyl-D-galactose, a galactosylgalactose composed of D and L-galactose, and adjacent 6-O̲-methyl- and 2-O̲-methyl-D- galactose units in the polysaccharide.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1968
An investigation into the implementation of participative management in a rural school in the Pietermaritzburg district
- Ngubane, Weekend Sehlulamanye
- Authors: Ngubane, Weekend Sehlulamanye
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Rural schools -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal -- Case studies Rural schools -- Thailand -- Case studies Education, Rural -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal -- Case studies Black people -- Education -- South Africa School management and organization -- South Africa School principals -- South Africa Educational leadership -- South Africa Educational change -- South Africa Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1607 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003489
- Description: The primary purpose of this research was to investigate the extent to which rural schools understand and perceive the concept of participative management. The concept of participative management has been viewed as an ideal style of leadership and management for school development purposes. In South Africa’s case, it is an educational policy which is expected to reign in all school management bodies. Many theorists envisaged participative management as enhancing active involvement of relevant stakeholders and it has been advocated by many scholars who believe it is the best leadership style in implementing democratic values to education, particularly South African rural education, which is still in a transitional stage. As an interpretive orientated study, this research had an interest in understanding the research participants’ subjective experiences as well as their general perception of participative management. As case-study-driven research, it sought to investigate their understanding of the concept in their natural setting. This included various meanings they aligned with and attached to participative management, their attitudes, their interpretations and feelings towards it. The study employed a focus group data gathering technique in collecting data. The findings of this study suggest that participative management has been embraced by rural school management to a certain extent. There are potentially positive aspects that have been brought by participative management to the school, namely, shared vision, common goals, shared decision-making and general involvement of relevant stakeholders. However, the study has depicted a lack of ethical values on the side of some stakeholders and this hinders the smooth implementation of participative management. The study has also revealed that there are challenges facing rural schools in terms of parental involvement in school governance. Challenges such as lack of commitment to the school, illiteracy among adults and communication breakdown between the school and its parents are still rife in rural schools. Besides these challenges, the blood of participative management is flowing steadily in the veins of the rural school communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Ngubane, Weekend Sehlulamanye
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Rural schools -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal -- Case studies Rural schools -- Thailand -- Case studies Education, Rural -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal -- Case studies Black people -- Education -- South Africa School management and organization -- South Africa School principals -- South Africa Educational leadership -- South Africa Educational change -- South Africa Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1607 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003489
- Description: The primary purpose of this research was to investigate the extent to which rural schools understand and perceive the concept of participative management. The concept of participative management has been viewed as an ideal style of leadership and management for school development purposes. In South Africa’s case, it is an educational policy which is expected to reign in all school management bodies. Many theorists envisaged participative management as enhancing active involvement of relevant stakeholders and it has been advocated by many scholars who believe it is the best leadership style in implementing democratic values to education, particularly South African rural education, which is still in a transitional stage. As an interpretive orientated study, this research had an interest in understanding the research participants’ subjective experiences as well as their general perception of participative management. As case-study-driven research, it sought to investigate their understanding of the concept in their natural setting. This included various meanings they aligned with and attached to participative management, their attitudes, their interpretations and feelings towards it. The study employed a focus group data gathering technique in collecting data. The findings of this study suggest that participative management has been embraced by rural school management to a certain extent. There are potentially positive aspects that have been brought by participative management to the school, namely, shared vision, common goals, shared decision-making and general involvement of relevant stakeholders. However, the study has depicted a lack of ethical values on the side of some stakeholders and this hinders the smooth implementation of participative management. The study has also revealed that there are challenges facing rural schools in terms of parental involvement in school governance. Challenges such as lack of commitment to the school, illiteracy among adults and communication breakdown between the school and its parents are still rife in rural schools. Besides these challenges, the blood of participative management is flowing steadily in the veins of the rural school communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
The impact of oil price variability on the exchange rate in South Africa
- Authors: Ngonisa, Phillip
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Foreign exchange -- South Africa -- Econometric models Petroleum products -- Prices -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8261 , vital:32108
- Description: Economic theory asserts that exchange rate is a critical variable in the performance of exports and the economy at large. Equally important are variables that affect the exchange rate. In particular, economies that rely on commodity exports are vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices. Price volatility of such commodities can lead to significant fluctuations in exchange rates, a phenomenon referred to as commodity currencies. South Africa‘s currency has fluctuated significantly since 1994. Anecdotal evidence suggests that commodity prices may have a significant effect. Of interest is fluctuations in the oil prices, which in themselves have fluctuated greatly over the same period. This study uses a GARCH(1.1) model to investigate the impact of oil price variability on the South African exchange rate by employing the monthly data for a period spanning from January 1994 to December 2014. The results show that oil price variability affects both the level and volatility of the exchange rate. Informal evidence suggests that sovereign credit ratings are an important factor affecting the South African rand. This is supported by the results of this study. Accordingly, both variables carry important information for markets and policy makers at large.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ngonisa, Phillip
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Foreign exchange -- South Africa -- Econometric models Petroleum products -- Prices -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8261 , vital:32108
- Description: Economic theory asserts that exchange rate is a critical variable in the performance of exports and the economy at large. Equally important are variables that affect the exchange rate. In particular, economies that rely on commodity exports are vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices. Price volatility of such commodities can lead to significant fluctuations in exchange rates, a phenomenon referred to as commodity currencies. South Africa‘s currency has fluctuated significantly since 1994. Anecdotal evidence suggests that commodity prices may have a significant effect. Of interest is fluctuations in the oil prices, which in themselves have fluctuated greatly over the same period. This study uses a GARCH(1.1) model to investigate the impact of oil price variability on the South African exchange rate by employing the monthly data for a period spanning from January 1994 to December 2014. The results show that oil price variability affects both the level and volatility of the exchange rate. Informal evidence suggests that sovereign credit ratings are an important factor affecting the South African rand. This is supported by the results of this study. Accordingly, both variables carry important information for markets and policy makers at large.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A comparison between the South African "source rules" in relation to income tax and the "permanent establishment rules" as contained in double taxation agreements
- Authors: Fourie, Leonie
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Income tax -- South Africa , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Double taxation -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:905 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008203
- Description: South Africa's right to tax the income of a non-resident is determined in terms of the South African "source rules" established by court decisions in relation to the imposition of tax in terms of the Income Tax Act. Unless a non-resident's income is captured by the South African "source rules" (on the basis that hi slits income is derived from a South African source), South Africa would have no right to tax such income, even if such non-resident creates a permanent establishment in South Africa by performing business activities within South Africa which could be considered essential (but not dominant) in nature. In such scenario the activities performed by the non-resident in South Africa may utilise the natural resources and the infrastructure of South Africa, but the South African fiscus would be deprived of the right to any tax revenues attributable to the income produced partly by such activities within South Africa. The South African "source rules" refer only to the main or dominant activities giving rise to the income for the purpose of determining the source of such income (and accordingly the right to tax such income). On the other hand, the "permanent establishment rules" as set out under the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Model Tax Convention on Income and on Capital refer to all the taxpayer's essential business activities for the purpose of determining whether or not such activities create a pennanent establishment. The result of the narrow nature of the South African "source rules" is that, under certain circumstances, the South African fiscus would not necessarily be granted the right to tax all income produced partly within South Africa. The research demonstrated that incorporating the principles underlying the "pennanent establishment rules" into South African legislation would be a reasonable and logical solution to the problem of detennining the source of income. In so doing, the South African "source rules" would determine the source of income, and consequently South Africa's taxing rights, with reference to the essential business activities giving rise to such income. In such case South Africa would be afforded the right to tax the income of a non-resident in the event that it performs any of its essential business activities within South Africa, albeit not the dominant or main activities giving rise to the income.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Fourie, Leonie
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Income tax -- South Africa , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Double taxation -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:905 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008203
- Description: South Africa's right to tax the income of a non-resident is determined in terms of the South African "source rules" established by court decisions in relation to the imposition of tax in terms of the Income Tax Act. Unless a non-resident's income is captured by the South African "source rules" (on the basis that hi slits income is derived from a South African source), South Africa would have no right to tax such income, even if such non-resident creates a permanent establishment in South Africa by performing business activities within South Africa which could be considered essential (but not dominant) in nature. In such scenario the activities performed by the non-resident in South Africa may utilise the natural resources and the infrastructure of South Africa, but the South African fiscus would be deprived of the right to any tax revenues attributable to the income produced partly by such activities within South Africa. The South African "source rules" refer only to the main or dominant activities giving rise to the income for the purpose of determining the source of such income (and accordingly the right to tax such income). On the other hand, the "permanent establishment rules" as set out under the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Model Tax Convention on Income and on Capital refer to all the taxpayer's essential business activities for the purpose of determining whether or not such activities create a pennanent establishment. The result of the narrow nature of the South African "source rules" is that, under certain circumstances, the South African fiscus would not necessarily be granted the right to tax all income produced partly within South Africa. The research demonstrated that incorporating the principles underlying the "pennanent establishment rules" into South African legislation would be a reasonable and logical solution to the problem of detennining the source of income. In so doing, the South African "source rules" would determine the source of income, and consequently South Africa's taxing rights, with reference to the essential business activities giving rise to such income. In such case South Africa would be afforded the right to tax the income of a non-resident in the event that it performs any of its essential business activities within South Africa, albeit not the dominant or main activities giving rise to the income.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Appraisal of wastewater final effluents and river water as reservoirs of cholera and non-cholera causing vibrio species : case study of the Amatole and OR Tambo District Municipalities
- Authors: Nontongana, Nolonwabo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Vibrio -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vibrio cholerae Disease Reservoirs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Microbiology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9929 , vital:35146
- Description: Vibrio infections remain a serious threat to public health. In the last decade, Vibrio disease outbreaks have created a painful awareness of the personal, economic, societal, and public health costs associated with the impact of inadequately treated wastewater effluents. This study was therefore designed to assess the occurrence of cholera and non-cholera causing Vibrio species in the final effluents of wastewater treatment plants and river waters in the Amatole (BT WWTP) and OR Tambo District municipalities (MT WWTP and QN River) of the Eastern Cape Province. Samples were collected monthly from December 2016 to November 2017 from the final effluent, 500 meters upstream and downstream of the discharge points and analysed for physicochemical parameters, Vibrio pathogens prevalence and their antibiogram characteristics using both culture-based and molecular techniques. Samples were collected aseptically using sterile 1L glass bottles containing 0.5 ml of sterile sodium thiosulphate solution and transported on ice to the laboratory for analyses within 6hrs of collection. The membrane filtration method was used for enumeration of presumptive Vibrio densities on thiosulfate citrate bile salt (TCBS) agar plates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was then used to confirm the identities of the presumptive Vibrio species using the species-specific primers. The confirmed isolates were further subjected to molecular characterization to confirm their respective pathotypes. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by the standard disc diffusion method recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. The recovered Vibrio species were tested against a panel of 17 antibiotics. Physicochemical parameters measured include pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, salinity, turbidity, total dissolved solid (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chlorine (only for BT WWTP). Unacceptably high levels of the assayed parameters were observed in many cases for TDS (66 - 879 mg/l), turbidity (2.0 -722.33 NTU) and DO (2.5 – 9.7 mg/l) as well as chlorine (0.2 – 3.2 mg/L). Presumptive Vibrio densities varied from 2.91 to 3.91 log10 CFU/100 ml and 2.67 to 3.18 log CFU/100ml, for BT WWTP and MT WWTP respectively. The densities for the QN River ranged between 2.51 to 3.99 log10 CFU/100mL. Out of 720 presumptive isolates recovered, 619 (86 percent) were found to be positive for the Vibrio genus. Molecular confirmation of the presumptive Vibrio species revealed the presence of V. fluvialis (16), V. vulnificus (12), V aliginolyticus (9), V. parahaemolyticus (37) and V. cholerae (5) isolates were confirmed. The susceptibility against 17 different antibiotics by the recovered species were examined. V. cholerae was notably resistant against nalidixic acid (3) and Ampicilin (2), all the V. vulnificus isolates were resistant against ampicillin (16), V. fluvialis showed resistance against ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid, all (9) isolates for V. alginolyticus were resistant against ampicillin. V. parahaemolyticus showed resistance against cefutoxime (16), cefuxime (8) and ampicillin (13). The recovery of Vibrio in the discharged effluents throughout the sampling period even in adequately disinfected effluents is not acceptable considering that Vibrio are pathogenic bacteria. The findings of this study underline the need for constant monitoring of the physicochemical and microbiological qualities of discharged effluents and might also be suggestive for a review of the disinfection methods used at the treatment works as this might pose adverse health risk to the communities which still rely heavily on these surface waters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nontongana, Nolonwabo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Vibrio -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vibrio cholerae Disease Reservoirs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Microbiology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9929 , vital:35146
- Description: Vibrio infections remain a serious threat to public health. In the last decade, Vibrio disease outbreaks have created a painful awareness of the personal, economic, societal, and public health costs associated with the impact of inadequately treated wastewater effluents. This study was therefore designed to assess the occurrence of cholera and non-cholera causing Vibrio species in the final effluents of wastewater treatment plants and river waters in the Amatole (BT WWTP) and OR Tambo District municipalities (MT WWTP and QN River) of the Eastern Cape Province. Samples were collected monthly from December 2016 to November 2017 from the final effluent, 500 meters upstream and downstream of the discharge points and analysed for physicochemical parameters, Vibrio pathogens prevalence and their antibiogram characteristics using both culture-based and molecular techniques. Samples were collected aseptically using sterile 1L glass bottles containing 0.5 ml of sterile sodium thiosulphate solution and transported on ice to the laboratory for analyses within 6hrs of collection. The membrane filtration method was used for enumeration of presumptive Vibrio densities on thiosulfate citrate bile salt (TCBS) agar plates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was then used to confirm the identities of the presumptive Vibrio species using the species-specific primers. The confirmed isolates were further subjected to molecular characterization to confirm their respective pathotypes. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by the standard disc diffusion method recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. The recovered Vibrio species were tested against a panel of 17 antibiotics. Physicochemical parameters measured include pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, salinity, turbidity, total dissolved solid (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chlorine (only for BT WWTP). Unacceptably high levels of the assayed parameters were observed in many cases for TDS (66 - 879 mg/l), turbidity (2.0 -722.33 NTU) and DO (2.5 – 9.7 mg/l) as well as chlorine (0.2 – 3.2 mg/L). Presumptive Vibrio densities varied from 2.91 to 3.91 log10 CFU/100 ml and 2.67 to 3.18 log CFU/100ml, for BT WWTP and MT WWTP respectively. The densities for the QN River ranged between 2.51 to 3.99 log10 CFU/100mL. Out of 720 presumptive isolates recovered, 619 (86 percent) were found to be positive for the Vibrio genus. Molecular confirmation of the presumptive Vibrio species revealed the presence of V. fluvialis (16), V. vulnificus (12), V aliginolyticus (9), V. parahaemolyticus (37) and V. cholerae (5) isolates were confirmed. The susceptibility against 17 different antibiotics by the recovered species were examined. V. cholerae was notably resistant against nalidixic acid (3) and Ampicilin (2), all the V. vulnificus isolates were resistant against ampicillin (16), V. fluvialis showed resistance against ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid, all (9) isolates for V. alginolyticus were resistant against ampicillin. V. parahaemolyticus showed resistance against cefutoxime (16), cefuxime (8) and ampicillin (13). The recovery of Vibrio in the discharged effluents throughout the sampling period even in adequately disinfected effluents is not acceptable considering that Vibrio are pathogenic bacteria. The findings of this study underline the need for constant monitoring of the physicochemical and microbiological qualities of discharged effluents and might also be suggestive for a review of the disinfection methods used at the treatment works as this might pose adverse health risk to the communities which still rely heavily on these surface waters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Employees' experience of job satisfaction within a successful organisation
- Authors: Milne, Claire
- Date: 2013-06-03
- Subjects: Employee motivation Job satisfaction Employees -- Rating of Performance standards Management -- Employee participation Organizational effectiveness Organizational behavior Employees -- Psychology Wages -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3159 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007639
- Description: In the present organisational climate characterised by intense competition, the success of an organisation is increasingly dependent on its employees' expertise and knowledge (Carrel, Elbert, Hatfield, Grobler, Marx & Van der Schyf, 1997). Employees need to be motivated to contribute to the organisation's goals, for their knowledge and expertise to benefit an organisation (Lawler III, 1994). Organisations need to foster a situation in which employees have a positive attitude towards work and are able to benefit personally through directing their effort towards organisational goals. (Robbins, 2000) This study focuses on an organisation that has managed to link job satisfaction with organisational gain, and explores the link between these two subjects. A case study of a South African mining operation is reported on, and examined in-depth. The mine, a successful operation in terms of productivity, is recognised by its holding company as exemplary and is competing with the best base metal producers in the world. The research was conducted in two stages. The first stage consisted of 20 semi-structured individual interviews. Ten employees were selected from both the lower employee-levels and the higher employee-levels. The individual interviews focused on the experience of working at the mine with particular reference to interpersonal dynamics, job satisfaction, leadership style, and reward systems. During the second stage of the research, focus groups were conducted with two groups of seven employees each, one group from the lower-levels and one from the higher-levels. The focus groups aimed at obtaining a deeper understanding of the issues that emerged from the individual interviews. Grounded theory analysis was used during both the first, and second phase of the study. The results indicated that the mine's employees experience a high level fulfilment of higher-order needs, and that this experience is a reaction to the mine's performance enhancing culture. It is further shown that the same factors that create job satisfaction, when applied in excess, or in certain circumstances may lead to dissatisfaction within the same context.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Milne, Claire
- Date: 2013-06-03
- Subjects: Employee motivation Job satisfaction Employees -- Rating of Performance standards Management -- Employee participation Organizational effectiveness Organizational behavior Employees -- Psychology Wages -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3159 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007639
- Description: In the present organisational climate characterised by intense competition, the success of an organisation is increasingly dependent on its employees' expertise and knowledge (Carrel, Elbert, Hatfield, Grobler, Marx & Van der Schyf, 1997). Employees need to be motivated to contribute to the organisation's goals, for their knowledge and expertise to benefit an organisation (Lawler III, 1994). Organisations need to foster a situation in which employees have a positive attitude towards work and are able to benefit personally through directing their effort towards organisational goals. (Robbins, 2000) This study focuses on an organisation that has managed to link job satisfaction with organisational gain, and explores the link between these two subjects. A case study of a South African mining operation is reported on, and examined in-depth. The mine, a successful operation in terms of productivity, is recognised by its holding company as exemplary and is competing with the best base metal producers in the world. The research was conducted in two stages. The first stage consisted of 20 semi-structured individual interviews. Ten employees were selected from both the lower employee-levels and the higher employee-levels. The individual interviews focused on the experience of working at the mine with particular reference to interpersonal dynamics, job satisfaction, leadership style, and reward systems. During the second stage of the research, focus groups were conducted with two groups of seven employees each, one group from the lower-levels and one from the higher-levels. The focus groups aimed at obtaining a deeper understanding of the issues that emerged from the individual interviews. Grounded theory analysis was used during both the first, and second phase of the study. The results indicated that the mine's employees experience a high level fulfilment of higher-order needs, and that this experience is a reaction to the mine's performance enhancing culture. It is further shown that the same factors that create job satisfaction, when applied in excess, or in certain circumstances may lead to dissatisfaction within the same context.
- Full Text:
The right of access to information as a means to empower citizens to participate in democratic processes : a case study of Zwelitsha, King Williams Town
- Authors: Ngcuka, Simtembile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Freedom of information Freedom of information -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , (MPhil)Human Rights
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10839 , vital:35858
- Description: The Republic of South Africa is embedded from a society that has been beleaguered. Apartheid laws were used to treat people unequally, based on race, gander, ethnic group, background, colour, belief, culture and language. These laws prohibited association of people from different races and groups. The education system was also used to instil inferiority to disadvantaged people. This system promoted a culture of secrecy and unresponsive government. The new Constitution of the Republic of South Africa was adopted in 1996. This Constitution promotes democracy and equality amongst citizens of this country. It was also adopted to bridge injustices of the past. Democracy is about allowing every citizen to participate in the processes which are meant for the development of the country. The new Constitution provided that every citizen is equal; this means every citizen must enjoy equal human Rights. This includes the Right to participate in democratic processes which are taking place. Studies show that the Right of Access to Information empowers people to participate in democratic processes. This study examines the exercise in section 32 of the Republic of South Africa Constitution (1996), by Zwelitsha community as means to empower people in participating in democratic processes taking place in their community. This Right is reinforced by Promotion of Access to Information Act No. 2 of 2000 (PAIA). The research reveals that the community of Zwelitsha is not exercising this Right which often leads to violation of other Rights. The exercise of the Right of Access to Information increases awareness and knowledge of other existing Rights, and how they can be realised and defended. The recommendations in the study underscore the need to promote the Right of Access to Information as a means to empower citizens to participate in the democratic processes in their community. This study will take the community a step closer to reaching equality. It will also educate the community of the need and importance of exercising the Right of Access to Information. It will assist the community to be able to protect other Rights. An informed community is an empowered community that can also hold the state to account.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ngcuka, Simtembile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Freedom of information Freedom of information -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , (MPhil)Human Rights
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10839 , vital:35858
- Description: The Republic of South Africa is embedded from a society that has been beleaguered. Apartheid laws were used to treat people unequally, based on race, gander, ethnic group, background, colour, belief, culture and language. These laws prohibited association of people from different races and groups. The education system was also used to instil inferiority to disadvantaged people. This system promoted a culture of secrecy and unresponsive government. The new Constitution of the Republic of South Africa was adopted in 1996. This Constitution promotes democracy and equality amongst citizens of this country. It was also adopted to bridge injustices of the past. Democracy is about allowing every citizen to participate in the processes which are meant for the development of the country. The new Constitution provided that every citizen is equal; this means every citizen must enjoy equal human Rights. This includes the Right to participate in democratic processes which are taking place. Studies show that the Right of Access to Information empowers people to participate in democratic processes. This study examines the exercise in section 32 of the Republic of South Africa Constitution (1996), by Zwelitsha community as means to empower people in participating in democratic processes taking place in their community. This Right is reinforced by Promotion of Access to Information Act No. 2 of 2000 (PAIA). The research reveals that the community of Zwelitsha is not exercising this Right which often leads to violation of other Rights. The exercise of the Right of Access to Information increases awareness and knowledge of other existing Rights, and how they can be realised and defended. The recommendations in the study underscore the need to promote the Right of Access to Information as a means to empower citizens to participate in the democratic processes in their community. This study will take the community a step closer to reaching equality. It will also educate the community of the need and importance of exercising the Right of Access to Information. It will assist the community to be able to protect other Rights. An informed community is an empowered community that can also hold the state to account.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Establishing the benefits of implementing an I.T. project management office in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area
- Martin, Michael Ronald Charles
- Authors: Martin, Michael Ronald Charles
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Computer network resources , Information technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9266 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/558 , Project management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Computer network resources , Information technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management
- Description: The well-known concept of a Project Manager managing an I.T. project in relative isolation is no longer a viable option for organisations that are running numerous projects simultaneously. Due to the enormous costs and risks involved in many of these projects, there needs to be a means to ensure success. This has led to the establishment of the concept of a Project Management Office (PMO). An autonomous business unit that is responsible for managing all projects within an organisation. The need for a Project Management Office (PMO) to effectively manage multiple projects is becoming more and more accepted worldwide. The benefits of a PMO are well documented, but whether these benefits will apply to organisations within the NMM area needed to be investigated. A detailed analysis of the benefits of Project Management and in particular a PMO, have been investigated by means of a literature study. An investigation into the effectiveness of PMO’s in South Africa in general, was conducted by means of a survey targeted at a group of I.T. Project Managers located in all the major centres. A further survey was conducted among local I.T. managers to determine their current level of success and their expectations for the future. When reviewing the expectations of local I.T. management against the performance of Project Managers that are currently operating within PMOs, it is clear that organisations within the NMM area are in need of PMO’s and would certainly benefit from their establishment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Martin, Michael Ronald Charles
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Computer network resources , Information technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9266 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/558 , Project management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Computer network resources , Information technology -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management
- Description: The well-known concept of a Project Manager managing an I.T. project in relative isolation is no longer a viable option for organisations that are running numerous projects simultaneously. Due to the enormous costs and risks involved in many of these projects, there needs to be a means to ensure success. This has led to the establishment of the concept of a Project Management Office (PMO). An autonomous business unit that is responsible for managing all projects within an organisation. The need for a Project Management Office (PMO) to effectively manage multiple projects is becoming more and more accepted worldwide. The benefits of a PMO are well documented, but whether these benefits will apply to organisations within the NMM area needed to be investigated. A detailed analysis of the benefits of Project Management and in particular a PMO, have been investigated by means of a literature study. An investigation into the effectiveness of PMO’s in South Africa in general, was conducted by means of a survey targeted at a group of I.T. Project Managers located in all the major centres. A further survey was conducted among local I.T. managers to determine their current level of success and their expectations for the future. When reviewing the expectations of local I.T. management against the performance of Project Managers that are currently operating within PMOs, it is clear that organisations within the NMM area are in need of PMO’s and would certainly benefit from their establishment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An adaptive discrete cosine transform coding scheme for digital x-ray images
- Authors: Mclean, Ivan Hugh
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: X-rays -- Digitization Image processing -- Digital techniques Diagnostic imaging Computer storage devices
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4567 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002032
- Description: The ongoing development of storage devices and technologies for medical image management has led to a growth in the digital archiving of these images. The characteristics of medical x-rays are examined, and a number of digital coding methods are considered. An investigation of several fast cosine transform algorithms is carried out. An adaptive cosine transform coding technique is implemented which produces good quality images using bit rates lower than 0.38 bits per picture element
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
- Authors: Mclean, Ivan Hugh
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: X-rays -- Digitization Image processing -- Digital techniques Diagnostic imaging Computer storage devices
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4567 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002032
- Description: The ongoing development of storage devices and technologies for medical image management has led to a growth in the digital archiving of these images. The characteristics of medical x-rays are examined, and a number of digital coding methods are considered. An investigation of several fast cosine transform algorithms is carried out. An adaptive cosine transform coding technique is implemented which produces good quality images using bit rates lower than 0.38 bits per picture element
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
A critical analysis of the practical man principle in Commissioner for Inland Revenue v Lever Brothers and Unilever Ltd
- Authors: Grenville, David Paul
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Unilever (Firm) , South African Revenue Service , Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Cases , Income tax -- South Africa -- Cases , Business enterprises -- Taxation -- South Africa , Law -- South Africa -- Philosophy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:909 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013238
- Description: This research studies the practical person principle as it was introduced in the case of Commissioner for Inland Revenue v Lever Brothers and Unilever Ltd 1946 AD 441. In its time the Lever Brothers case was a seminal judgment in South Africa’s tax jurisprudence and the practical person principle was a decisive criterion for the determination of source of income. The primary goal of this research was a critical analysis the practical man principle. This involved an analysis of the extent to which this principle requires judges to adopt a criterion that is too flexible for legitimate judicial decision-making. The extent to which the practical person principle creates a clash between a philosophical approach to law and an approach that is based on common sense or practicality was also debated. Finally, it was considered whether adopting a philosophical approach to determining the source of income could overcome the problems associated with the practical approach. A doctrinal methodology was applied to the documentary data consisting of the South African and Australian Income Tax Acts, South African and other case law, historical records and the writings of scholars. From the critical analysis of the practical person principle it was concluded that the anthropomorphised form of the principle gives rise to several problems that may be overcome by looking to the underlying operation of the principle. Further analysis of this operation, however, revealed deeper problems in that the principle undermines the doctrine of judicial precedent, legal certainty and the rule of law. Accordingly a practical approach to determining the source of income is undesirable and unconstitutional. Further research was conducted into the relative merits of a philosophical approach to determining source of income and it was argued that such an approach could provide a more desirable solution to determining source of income as well as approaching legal problems more generally.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Grenville, David Paul
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Unilever (Firm) , South African Revenue Service , Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Cases , Income tax -- South Africa -- Cases , Business enterprises -- Taxation -- South Africa , Law -- South Africa -- Philosophy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:909 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013238
- Description: This research studies the practical person principle as it was introduced in the case of Commissioner for Inland Revenue v Lever Brothers and Unilever Ltd 1946 AD 441. In its time the Lever Brothers case was a seminal judgment in South Africa’s tax jurisprudence and the practical person principle was a decisive criterion for the determination of source of income. The primary goal of this research was a critical analysis the practical man principle. This involved an analysis of the extent to which this principle requires judges to adopt a criterion that is too flexible for legitimate judicial decision-making. The extent to which the practical person principle creates a clash between a philosophical approach to law and an approach that is based on common sense or practicality was also debated. Finally, it was considered whether adopting a philosophical approach to determining the source of income could overcome the problems associated with the practical approach. A doctrinal methodology was applied to the documentary data consisting of the South African and Australian Income Tax Acts, South African and other case law, historical records and the writings of scholars. From the critical analysis of the practical person principle it was concluded that the anthropomorphised form of the principle gives rise to several problems that may be overcome by looking to the underlying operation of the principle. Further analysis of this operation, however, revealed deeper problems in that the principle undermines the doctrine of judicial precedent, legal certainty and the rule of law. Accordingly a practical approach to determining the source of income is undesirable and unconstitutional. Further research was conducted into the relative merits of a philosophical approach to determining source of income and it was argued that such an approach could provide a more desirable solution to determining source of income as well as approaching legal problems more generally.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Research Projects Portfolio.
- Authors: Schudel, Ingrid Joan
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Environmental education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2015 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016368
- Description: This collection of research projects tells a story of the time I have spent with members of the Albany Working for Water team; including preparations made, lessons learned and insights gained. My first project was to analyse the methodology of a research paper. I chose the paper by Arjen Wals because I intended, like him, to examine people's perceptions of environmental issues. From this paper I gained ideas for a qualitative research process and learnt the importance of theoretical and methodological consistency. My next project was to present a report on my research into the perceptions of workrelated environmental issues among the Albany Working for Water workers. From this research I gained insight into the knowledge of the workers and also some of the misconceptions that they have about social and ecological issues. I made educational recommendations based on these insights. This experience inspired me to initiate a play with a group of the workers about alien plant eradication. The process of developing this play formed the basis for a research paper that I have submitted as another research project. Concurrent with the development of the play, I conducted a fourth research project that was a situational analysis of the Albany Workingfor Water Project. I hoped that this analysis would provide useful insight into the context of the above two projects. Overall, I hope the story reflects how I have grown through the learning experiences I shared with the Albany Working for Water team. I would like to extend to my thanks to all those who assisted and shared my journey with me.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Schudel, Ingrid Joan
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Environmental education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2015 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016368
- Description: This collection of research projects tells a story of the time I have spent with members of the Albany Working for Water team; including preparations made, lessons learned and insights gained. My first project was to analyse the methodology of a research paper. I chose the paper by Arjen Wals because I intended, like him, to examine people's perceptions of environmental issues. From this paper I gained ideas for a qualitative research process and learnt the importance of theoretical and methodological consistency. My next project was to present a report on my research into the perceptions of workrelated environmental issues among the Albany Working for Water workers. From this research I gained insight into the knowledge of the workers and also some of the misconceptions that they have about social and ecological issues. I made educational recommendations based on these insights. This experience inspired me to initiate a play with a group of the workers about alien plant eradication. The process of developing this play formed the basis for a research paper that I have submitted as another research project. Concurrent with the development of the play, I conducted a fourth research project that was a situational analysis of the Albany Workingfor Water Project. I hoped that this analysis would provide useful insight into the context of the above two projects. Overall, I hope the story reflects how I have grown through the learning experiences I shared with the Albany Working for Water team. I would like to extend to my thanks to all those who assisted and shared my journey with me.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
An investigation into literacy development in Grade 4 English and isiXhosa home language textbooks : a comparative study
- Authors: Fulani, Ntombekhaya Cynthia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Progress in International Reading Literacy Study , Literacy -- South Africa , Textbooks -- South Africa -- Criticism, Textual , English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) , Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Elementary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2055 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018914
- Description: The 2006 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) painted a gloomy picture of South African literacy when South Africa came last out of 40 countries. It was from this background that my study set out to investigate two English and two isiXhosa grade 4 home language textbooks with their accompanying teachers’ guides from two publishing houses, together with the home language curriculum documents for English and Xhosa because they are an important component in literacy development. It is important to emphasise that this study examined textbooks, not how teachers mediate such textbooks in their classrooms. In other words, my focus was on the textbooks themselves, and it was primarily through textual analysis of this stable, readily available data that I have been able to compare and analyse the potential they offer learners and teachers to achieve the literacy goals prescribed by the curriculum. The study also investigated the likelihood of differential attainment for learners as a result of using these textbooks. This was done by looking at whether the textbooks were in line with the literacy outcomes for English and isiXhosa home languages. It also looked at the kind of reader/writer envisaged in the selected textbooks and the level of challenge the selected textbooks offer and how, if at all, learners are encouraged to be critical readers and writers. The findings of the study were that the English and isiXhosa textbooks of each publishing house envisaged different learners. The English textbooks envisaged a cosmopolitan learner who has greater access to academic literacy. While the isiXhosa textbooks envisaged a parochial learner who has less access to academic literacy compared to the English learner
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Fulani, Ntombekhaya Cynthia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Progress in International Reading Literacy Study , Literacy -- South Africa , Textbooks -- South Africa -- Criticism, Textual , English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) , Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Elementary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2055 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018914
- Description: The 2006 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) painted a gloomy picture of South African literacy when South Africa came last out of 40 countries. It was from this background that my study set out to investigate two English and two isiXhosa grade 4 home language textbooks with their accompanying teachers’ guides from two publishing houses, together with the home language curriculum documents for English and Xhosa because they are an important component in literacy development. It is important to emphasise that this study examined textbooks, not how teachers mediate such textbooks in their classrooms. In other words, my focus was on the textbooks themselves, and it was primarily through textual analysis of this stable, readily available data that I have been able to compare and analyse the potential they offer learners and teachers to achieve the literacy goals prescribed by the curriculum. The study also investigated the likelihood of differential attainment for learners as a result of using these textbooks. This was done by looking at whether the textbooks were in line with the literacy outcomes for English and isiXhosa home languages. It also looked at the kind of reader/writer envisaged in the selected textbooks and the level of challenge the selected textbooks offer and how, if at all, learners are encouraged to be critical readers and writers. The findings of the study were that the English and isiXhosa textbooks of each publishing house envisaged different learners. The English textbooks envisaged a cosmopolitan learner who has greater access to academic literacy. While the isiXhosa textbooks envisaged a parochial learner who has less access to academic literacy compared to the English learner
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Corporeal identification in selected works by Berni Searle
- Authors: Taggart, Emma
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Searle, Berni Lacan, Jacques, 1901-1981 -- Criticism and interpretation Merleau-Ponty, Maurice, 1908-1961 -- Criticism and interpretation Women artists -- South Africa Body art -- South Africa Self-portraits
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2434 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004576
- Description: Through a detailed analysis of a selection of works produced between 1999 and 2003 by the South African artist Berni Searle, this thesis explores the need to theorise a corporeal viewer in the process of interpreting art works. Such an approach is particularly necessary when dealing with an artist such as Searle because her work, which deals predominantly with the theme of identity, appeals not only to conceptual but also to experiential and corporeal understandings of identity. Searle incorporates the viewer into an experience of her own identity through a physical identification that the viewer feels in relation to her work. For viewers this means that they are made aware of how their own identity in the moment of interpretation is contingent on visual, mental and physical components. In order to develop this argument the work of psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan and the phenomenologist Maurice Merleau-Ponty is drawn on. These two theorists are very useful for an argument of this nature because both interpret identity as a construction involving an enfolding between the mind and, via the act of vision, the body of the subject. Through an inclusion of the corporeal element in interpretation, this thesis also offers a critique of interpretive theories that would reduce analysis to an interaction between eye and mind by analyzing how the viewer's body participates in the act of looking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Taggart, Emma
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Searle, Berni Lacan, Jacques, 1901-1981 -- Criticism and interpretation Merleau-Ponty, Maurice, 1908-1961 -- Criticism and interpretation Women artists -- South Africa Body art -- South Africa Self-portraits
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2434 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004576
- Description: Through a detailed analysis of a selection of works produced between 1999 and 2003 by the South African artist Berni Searle, this thesis explores the need to theorise a corporeal viewer in the process of interpreting art works. Such an approach is particularly necessary when dealing with an artist such as Searle because her work, which deals predominantly with the theme of identity, appeals not only to conceptual but also to experiential and corporeal understandings of identity. Searle incorporates the viewer into an experience of her own identity through a physical identification that the viewer feels in relation to her work. For viewers this means that they are made aware of how their own identity in the moment of interpretation is contingent on visual, mental and physical components. In order to develop this argument the work of psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan and the phenomenologist Maurice Merleau-Ponty is drawn on. These two theorists are very useful for an argument of this nature because both interpret identity as a construction involving an enfolding between the mind and, via the act of vision, the body of the subject. Through an inclusion of the corporeal element in interpretation, this thesis also offers a critique of interpretive theories that would reduce analysis to an interaction between eye and mind by analyzing how the viewer's body participates in the act of looking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Freedom of the press, or the infringement of the right to privacy?: media coverage of President Kgalema Motlanthe from October 2008 to April 2009 in three newspapers
- Authors: Gamlashe, Thembinkosi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Freedom of the press , Privacy, Right of , Press law , Data protection -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8402 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010118 , Freedom of the press , Privacy, Right of , Press law , Data protection -- Law and legislation
- Description: The researcher attempts to assess in which respect the privacy of former President Kgalema Motlanthe may have been invaded during his presidency, in view of journalistic ethics and press codes currently in effect. The study will explore media practices based on media freedom at the time of publication, and assess whether this freedom is understood to suggest the infringement of the right to privacy in the coverage of the private lives of politicians in the media. This study will therefore examine a sample of articles from the Sunday Times, City Press and Mail and Guardian, covering former President Kgalema Motlanthe’s public behaviour that related to his private life, assess which aspects of his demeanour became the subject of media coverage, and correlate such reporting trends with fluctuations in his political career. The researcher will focus on the period when Kgalema Motlanthe was at the helm as the Head of State – from October 2008 to April 2009, and consider particularly the trends in the sampled press reports regarding his private life. The study furthermore examines some of the legislative and normative changes that affected the media in South Africa after democratisation, to correlate the trends observed in the press coverage with legislation. This further serves to identify possible gray areas that arise from reporting on the freedom of the press and may lead to the invasion of privacy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Gamlashe, Thembinkosi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Freedom of the press , Privacy, Right of , Press law , Data protection -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8402 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010118 , Freedom of the press , Privacy, Right of , Press law , Data protection -- Law and legislation
- Description: The researcher attempts to assess in which respect the privacy of former President Kgalema Motlanthe may have been invaded during his presidency, in view of journalistic ethics and press codes currently in effect. The study will explore media practices based on media freedom at the time of publication, and assess whether this freedom is understood to suggest the infringement of the right to privacy in the coverage of the private lives of politicians in the media. This study will therefore examine a sample of articles from the Sunday Times, City Press and Mail and Guardian, covering former President Kgalema Motlanthe’s public behaviour that related to his private life, assess which aspects of his demeanour became the subject of media coverage, and correlate such reporting trends with fluctuations in his political career. The researcher will focus on the period when Kgalema Motlanthe was at the helm as the Head of State – from October 2008 to April 2009, and consider particularly the trends in the sampled press reports regarding his private life. The study furthermore examines some of the legislative and normative changes that affected the media in South Africa after democratisation, to correlate the trends observed in the press coverage with legislation. This further serves to identify possible gray areas that arise from reporting on the freedom of the press and may lead to the invasion of privacy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Secrets that kill : reflections on violation of cultural rights enshrined in the constitution and human rights through traditional circumcision
- Authors: Mlisa, Lily Rose Nomfundo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Human rights--South Africa Circumcision Circumcision--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11150 , vital:37176
- Description: The study was based on four research objectives: (1) to identify philosophy, psychology, cultural reasons behind the harsh and traumatic experiences of young Xhosa boys and their mothers during ukwaluka (male circumcision) as a mark for transition to manhood; (2) to review perceptions concerning the role of mothers during the male circumcision (MC) process (3) identify cultural and psycho-social construction and meaning of MC and (4) to explore recommended possible strategies on managing MC-related traumas and deaths in the Sub-Saharan region and Eastern Cape Province in particular. Desktop literature review methodology was followed. An in depth literature review was conducted on diverse website search engines using a set of inclusion criteria. Published articles from 1995 to 2015 were selected. Thematic content analysis was used to categorise and interpret emerging themes from the reviewed articles as aligned to set research objectives. Results revealed diverse philosophical and cultural perceptions around MC, its construction and meaning among different cultures whether circumcising or non-circumcising cultures. In addition, various reasons are laid out for the harsh treatment given to initiates in different settings. Results also indicated that the MC is no longer a secret due to social media profuse publications about it. The impact of education and health care benefits around medical male circumcision (MMC) has influenced women from both non-circumcising and circumcising cultures to accept it. It is recommended that MC should continue under strict observation of prescribed protocols to lessen or prevent malpractices in the process. MMC is also highly recommended. In addition, the government and traditional leaders have to continue to conduct capacity building of traditional surgeons, prospective initiates and initiates including nurses and family members about crucial protocols and health matters around MC. Finally, results recommend best practices that could be learnt from other circumcising cultures to restore the respect of MC in the Eastern Cape, as well as inclusion of women in the MC process management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mlisa, Lily Rose Nomfundo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Human rights--South Africa Circumcision Circumcision--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11150 , vital:37176
- Description: The study was based on four research objectives: (1) to identify philosophy, psychology, cultural reasons behind the harsh and traumatic experiences of young Xhosa boys and their mothers during ukwaluka (male circumcision) as a mark for transition to manhood; (2) to review perceptions concerning the role of mothers during the male circumcision (MC) process (3) identify cultural and psycho-social construction and meaning of MC and (4) to explore recommended possible strategies on managing MC-related traumas and deaths in the Sub-Saharan region and Eastern Cape Province in particular. Desktop literature review methodology was followed. An in depth literature review was conducted on diverse website search engines using a set of inclusion criteria. Published articles from 1995 to 2015 were selected. Thematic content analysis was used to categorise and interpret emerging themes from the reviewed articles as aligned to set research objectives. Results revealed diverse philosophical and cultural perceptions around MC, its construction and meaning among different cultures whether circumcising or non-circumcising cultures. In addition, various reasons are laid out for the harsh treatment given to initiates in different settings. Results also indicated that the MC is no longer a secret due to social media profuse publications about it. The impact of education and health care benefits around medical male circumcision (MMC) has influenced women from both non-circumcising and circumcising cultures to accept it. It is recommended that MC should continue under strict observation of prescribed protocols to lessen or prevent malpractices in the process. MMC is also highly recommended. In addition, the government and traditional leaders have to continue to conduct capacity building of traditional surgeons, prospective initiates and initiates including nurses and family members about crucial protocols and health matters around MC. Finally, results recommend best practices that could be learnt from other circumcising cultures to restore the respect of MC in the Eastern Cape, as well as inclusion of women in the MC process management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Cross-cultural normative indicators on the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) associate learning and visual reproduction subtests
- Authors: Fike, Lauren
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Wechsler Memory Scale -- Cross-cultural studies Memory -- Testing Memory -- Cross-cultural studies Memory Assessment Scales Short-term memory -- Testing Long-term memory -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2975 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002484
- Description: A comprehensive battery of commonly used neuropsychological tests, including the WMS Associate Learning and Visual Reproduction subtests, forming the focus of this study, were administered to a southern African sample (n = 33, age range 18-40). This sample composed of black South African, IsiXhosa speakers with an educational level of Grade 11 and 12, derived through DET and former DET schooling. The gender demographics were as follows; females n = 21 and males n = 12. This sample was purposefully selected based on current cross-cultural research which suggests that individuals matching these above-mentioned demographics are significantly disadvantaged when compared to available neuropsychological norms. This is due to the fact that current norms have been created in contexts with socio-cultural influences; including culture, language and quantity and quality of education distinctly dissimilar to individuals like that composed in the sample. Hence the purpose of this study was fourfold namely; 1) Describe and consider socio-cultural factors and the influence on test performance 2) Provide descriptive and preliminary normative data on this neuropsychologically underrepresented population 3) Compare test performance between age and gender through stratification of the sample and finally to 4) Evaluate the current norms of the two WMS subtests and assess their validity for black South Africans with DET and former DET schooling with comparisons to the results found in the study. Information derived from the statistical analyses indicated that a higher performance in favour of the younger group over the older age range was consistently found for both WMS subtests. With regards to gender, some higher means were evident for the male population in the sample than was produced by the female group. Lastly, due to the fact that most scores derived from the sample were considerably lower when compared to the available norms, it is felt that socio-cultural factors prevalent to this population are a significant cause of lower test performance and thus warrant the development of appropriate normative indicators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Fike, Lauren
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Wechsler Memory Scale -- Cross-cultural studies Memory -- Testing Memory -- Cross-cultural studies Memory Assessment Scales Short-term memory -- Testing Long-term memory -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2975 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002484
- Description: A comprehensive battery of commonly used neuropsychological tests, including the WMS Associate Learning and Visual Reproduction subtests, forming the focus of this study, were administered to a southern African sample (n = 33, age range 18-40). This sample composed of black South African, IsiXhosa speakers with an educational level of Grade 11 and 12, derived through DET and former DET schooling. The gender demographics were as follows; females n = 21 and males n = 12. This sample was purposefully selected based on current cross-cultural research which suggests that individuals matching these above-mentioned demographics are significantly disadvantaged when compared to available neuropsychological norms. This is due to the fact that current norms have been created in contexts with socio-cultural influences; including culture, language and quantity and quality of education distinctly dissimilar to individuals like that composed in the sample. Hence the purpose of this study was fourfold namely; 1) Describe and consider socio-cultural factors and the influence on test performance 2) Provide descriptive and preliminary normative data on this neuropsychologically underrepresented population 3) Compare test performance between age and gender through stratification of the sample and finally to 4) Evaluate the current norms of the two WMS subtests and assess their validity for black South Africans with DET and former DET schooling with comparisons to the results found in the study. Information derived from the statistical analyses indicated that a higher performance in favour of the younger group over the older age range was consistently found for both WMS subtests. With regards to gender, some higher means were evident for the male population in the sample than was produced by the female group. Lastly, due to the fact that most scores derived from the sample were considerably lower when compared to the available norms, it is felt that socio-cultural factors prevalent to this population are a significant cause of lower test performance and thus warrant the development of appropriate normative indicators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008